INT. SEDAN/BACK SEAT — TWILIGHT
As they drive to Helen’s, Clark peers out his window, apprehensive. For her part, Luma faces forward, expression neutral, though she keeps angling her eyes at Clark.
EXT. HELEN’S HOME/FRONT YARD — TWILIGHT
Jonathan stands at the door, wife, son, and Luma behind him. He isn’t any more eagre than Clark to be there.
MARTHA
Well?
Jonathan hesitant, Martha takes initiative, stepping past her husband to knock at the door. Several seconds pass with no response. Jonathan knocks. Still no one comes to the door.
MARTHA
What could be keeping her?
CLARK’S P.O.V. — ENTRANCE HALL
Clark activates his x-ray vision. His parents and front door disappear, allowing him to peer into the entrance hall. Helen stands on the other side of the door in an incredibly form-fitting bold red dress. Hands on hips, a wry half-smile on her cherry red lips, she takes a casual glance at her watch.
EXT. HELEN’S HOME/FRONT YARD — TWILIGHT
Jonathan knocks again. Again no response.
JONATHAN
(frowns) We’re leaving.
Just as Jonathan turns from the door, it opens. Helen steps out, feigned expression of apology on her face.
HELEN
I was entertaining Sarah and Lewis in the parlour. I mustn’t have heard you.
Jonathan reflexively eyes Helen’s figure under the tight dress. She grins, pleased. Collecting himself, he stiffens, adjusting the front of his buttoned coat.
HELEN
(sights Luma) This must be your niece.
Luma approaches their hostess. She takes a quick sniff of the air about the older woman.
HELEN
I am Helen Potter; all my friends call me Hel. Doubtless Clark’s mentioned me.
LUMA
(cocks eyebrow) I know everything worth knowing about you.
HELEN
Beware of unguarded talk. (chuckles) I don’t know your name.
LUMA
Luma-Lyn. Luma to my friends.
HELEN
It’s a joy to meet you, Luma.
LUMA
(firm) Luma-Lyn.
Helen’s smile of self-satisfaction briefly falters. The hostility radiating from Luma is subtle but palpable.
HELEN
Come in from the cold, won’t you? (tugs dress hem) It’s positively frigid.
INT. HELEN’S HOME/PARLOUR — TWILIGHT
Helen guides the Kents and Luma into her parlour, where the Langs are relaxing.
HELEN
Luma-Lyn, this would be my sister, Sarah. Her husband, Lewis.
Lana’s parents and the blonde exchange greetings.
Stepping behind Lana, Helen rests her hands on her niece’s shoulders.
HELEN
And this is Lana, my niece.
LUMA
Hello.
LANA
(eyes Luma) Quite the tall one, ain’tcha?
SARAH LANG
(frowns) Lana!
HELEN
(smiles) Lana can be quite the cheeky she-devil.
Helen pinches Lana’s cheek hard enough to make the redhead flinch.
LUMA
I take no offense, Lana.
HELEN
Dinner’s waiting to be served. Won’t everyone make their way to the dining room?
The Kents, Langs, and Luma head out of the parlour.
HELEN
Oh, Clark?
Clark turns to Helen.
HELEN
(cont’d) Help me in the kitchen?