The New Transfer

   The new transfer is coming in today.  The one from Kansas.  Ugh; do they even teach journalism out there? What the hell would they report on, exactly?  The rising price of fertilizer?
Not that we don't need more help, but this is Metropolis. How could anything in the hick town of--what was it called again? Ugh; whatever--how could anything in a hick town like wherever-he's-from compare to Metropolis?

   The young editor looked up from her desk.  She was in charge of the school paper at Metropolis High, which, despite the fact that it was a public school, had one of the best high school journalism programs in the country.  The paper, The Daily Star, reported on more than just the school goings-on.  The Star was, essentially, a local professional newspaper written for the youth of Metropolis.  The very best student reporters from the Star were often immediately hired at The Daily Planet upon their graduation. This particular student had made it her life goal to get into the Planet at all costs, and most everyone expected her to do just that.  After all, she was effectively running the paper, and its success reflected extremely well upon her.  It was immensely frustrating to her, therefore, that the one transfer student that Metropolis High accepted into the journalism program this year was a farmboy hick who likely knew nothing about writing and could jeopardize her entire career.
   She heard a knock on the office's door.  Looking up, she saw a boy that looked as out-of-place as anyone could possibly be in this city.  He stood up straight--which was a rare sight in this school full of slackers--and wore a red plaid shirt that screamed "I LIVE ON A FARM."
   Nervously, he spoke.
   "Hi, um... I'm Clark Kent.  From Smallville."
   Lois Lane couldn't help but smile a little at that name.  It couldn't have been more stereotypically midwestern if it tried.
   Clark Kent.  From Smallville.  That is just perfect.
   A few seconds later, Lois still had a grin on her face.  She stared at Clark almost like a predator—he was a heaven-sent target for mocking.  Lois was known for her sharp tongue and relentless verbal abuse.  The dozens of different derogatory nicknames she could use for him almost made her dizzy with joy.
   Clark just looked awkwardly back at her, perplexed by the look he was getting.  It had been nearly ten seconds now, and he had no idea why she was staring at him.  They were alone in the Daily Star office, and it was getting more uncomfortable by the second.
   Lois's thoughts were a blur of excitement.
   What should his nickname be?  "Kansas Kid?" Ick.  That sounds stupid; come on, Lois, you're a better writer than that.  He seems kinda nerdy; I wonder if he wears sweater-vests? "Sweater Vest" would be GREAT.  He'd hate me for that.   No, wait a second... what was the name of his town?  Smallville.  Wait a second.  Do I know that name?  Smallville... nope.  Don't know it.  But it's perfect...
   He's looking at me funny. Why is he doing that? ...Oh my god; I forgot to actually RESPOND when he made his little introduction!... ... ...Why am I still not saying anything?!
   Clark broke eye contact and looked bashfully at his feet.  Lois suddenly realized why she had frozen earlier.
   Oh god; I think I was stuck looking in his eyes.
   She quickly shook herself free of her mesmerized state and cursed the color blue under her breath before abruptly and cheerfully returning Clark's introduction.
   "Hi, I'm Lois Lane. You're the new transfer?"
   Clark brightened up and flashed a big smile.
   "Yeah! That's me."
   Great. He has an amazing smile, too?
   Lois quickly rolled her eyes when she next blinked, getting annoyed at Clark's farmboy earnestness (and its accompanying attractiveness). Switching back into her usual abrasive persona, she set Clark in his place.
   "Well then, Smallville, you work for me now. Grab a desk; I've got work for you."