Life In Smallville & Metropolis {10}

Chapter 6: Harvest

Liana and Clark are the road on a little road trip. Liana says, "I can't believe we're doing a story in the boonies." Clark says, "It's lucky that Tess sent us out here to cover the Cherry Festival." Liana looks to see Clark's hiding something and says, "What did you do, Clark?" Clark says, "I don't want you in the middle of tonight's antihero protest." Liana says, "Clark, that should have been my story. Why did you chop-block me?" Clark says, "Liana, we both know that your articles in support of The Blur puts you in the eye of the antihero storm." Liana says, "So, what? We're driving away from a big story to do what? Nothing?" Clark says, "Liana, I just want to make sure that you're safe." Liana smiles and says, "I know that, and I appreciate that, but Clark I could have handled the protest." Clark then runs over something and pulls the car on the side of the road. They get out of the car and Clark says, "I didn't even see what we hit." Liana checks the tires and says, "Two flats and only one spare." Clark then changes one of the tires and a young girl runs over and says, "Oh, praise the Lord! You're okay!" Clark says, "It's okay. There's nothing a mechanic can't fix. Do you know where there's one nearby?" The girl says, "Um... up the road a but, in Meeker Springs." Clark says, "Thanks. Alright, Liana, well, if we leave now, we'll be back in a flash." Liana says, "Oh, but, Clark... I'm such a delicate flower. I think I'll just stay with, um..." The girl says, "Charlotte, ma'am. I got some fresh, squeezed lemonade if you like." Liana smiles and says, "Perfect. So, we will have a big glass as we damsels in distress wait for Clark to... come rescue us." Charlotte walks away and Clark says, "Liana, is there a problem?" Liana says, "Okay. First, it's not safe in the Asphalt jungle and now I'm at risk in Green Acres?" Clark says, "Liana, we're in the middle of nowhere." Liana says, "You think Charlotte is gonna hurt me? What is she gonna do, dimple me to death?" Charlotte walks over with a glass of lemonade and says, "Here you go!" Liana grabs the glass and says, "Thank you, Charlotte." Charlotte says, "Uh-hm." Liana says, "Now, why don't we watch while my knight in shining armor... saves the day? It's gonna be a long walk, Lancelot but we will be right here waiting for you triumphant return." Clark starts walking away with the busted tire and Liana drinks the lemonade. Later, Liana's on Charlotte's horse and buggy and Liana says, "Look at you drive that horse. Lucky for me, you were around. So, how much longer before our carbon free hayride gets us to the train station?" Charlotte says, "Uh... Not much. But I'm not allowed to go into town. My father will give you the ride from here." Liana says, "As long as I can make the express back to cover the rally, I'm happy. I am not gonna miss out on a front-page story." They arrive into town and Liana says, "So, your town is quaint. How many people live out here?" Charlotte says, "Our whole congregation. We're Believers. Father bought this land before I was born and moved his flock here from Idaho so we could all live together." Charlotte stops the horse, and they get off the buggy and Liana says, "Looks like you're having some sort of shindig." Charlotte says, "It's the Harvest Festival. Whole town comes out to celebrate." A woman says, "Bless us, child. How could you bring a guest to our home unannounced when we're unprepared to welcome them? I'm Ruth. Ruth Cavanagh." Ruth holds her hand out and Liana shakes it and says, "Hi, I'm Liana Lane." Charlotte says, "Miss Lane just needs father to give her a ride to the train station so she can get back to the city." Liana says, "I don't mean to impose. Charlotte just offered." Ruth says, "Oh, never an imposition to help those in need. But my husband likes his supper promptly at sundown. He'd take you right after we eat." Liana says, "You know, if you point the way I'm sure I could just hoof it from here." Ruth says, "Oh, don't be foolish. If you're not familiar with these parts you could get lost in those woods. Stay. And break bread with us." Charlotte says, "Mother always makes more than enough." Liana checks her watch and says, "Rally's not for another couple hours. And I could really use a home-cooked meal." Ruth smiles and says, "Good. Go fetch your father, Charlotte. Tell him the ham needs carving. This way." Liana follows Ruth inside her home. Later, Liana's at the table eating and she can feel the family's eyes on her, and she feels little uncomfortable. Liana clears her throat and says, "Do you think maybe it's time we hit the road?" Joseph says, "Our teachings say when people come together to eat you make time for your fellow man. You should finish your dinner." Ruth says, "It would be bad luck for a guest to leave our table early on the night of the harvest celebration." Liana says, "As long as we hit the road as soon as we're finished. I would love to stay and see the festivities one day. Bet that's a lot of fun." Joseph says, "Fun has nothing to do with it. We glorify the day we were shown the Lord's sign." Liana says, "What exactly... was the sign?" Joseph sighs and says, "A fire came from the heavens... to tear down our village." Liana thinks the meteor shower and Ruth says, "And our daughter, Ester, was taken from us. She was... ringin' the town bell... to warn everyone of the danger. She was struck down where she stood." Liana softly says, "Oh, I am so sorry. That's awful." Joseph says, "Before that we suffered a terrible drought and years of bad crops. People were hungry and sick. But our daughter gave her life so that we could all prosper." Charlotte says, "Ever since our crops have been bountiful and our people never get sick." Joseph sighs and says, "Amen." Liana says, "And you think this happened because your daughter died. I'm pretty sure that didn't make it into the... good book I read." Joseph says, "I don't expect you to understand. You're not a Believer. But every year since her death, we have offered... our Lord a sacrifice. And he has rewarded us." Ruth looks at Liana and says, "If you're done, I'll clear your plate." Liana says, "Thank you. This dinner was very good." Ruth and Joseph take the plates away and Liana looks at Charlotte and whispers, "Charlotte. I'm a little squeamish when it comes to the slaughtering of the calf. So, just tell your parents "Thank you," okay? I-I'm gonna go." As Liana stands up, Charlotte says, "We'll never let you leave." Liana stops and turns around and says, "What?" Charlotte says, "You've been chosen. Just like my sister. This was your last supper." Liana widens her eyes and when she opens the door, there are people outside with fire torches and they grab her. Joseph says, "Rejoice, my people! We have our sacrifice!" The people say, "Praise the Lord!" Liana tries to break free and says, "What is wrong with you people?"