My Antonia
By Sarah
Disclaimer:Yes, I own them. Hell has frozen over, the devil bought ice skates, and pigs can fly. That is why I am writing fanfiction and have no money. In other words- no, I don't own them. I do own Antonia, Melissa, and anyone you don't recognize. I owe the title to the Willa CAther book by the same name.
Summary: If you thought one Sullivan girl was bad, try having two, in the same small town...
****************** Chapter One
"Chloe, we need to talk," Gabe Sullivan began. He and his daughter were enjoying a half-veggie, half-meatlovers pizza in their kitchen for breakfast.
Chloe looked up her father, her mouth full of veggie pizza, and raised an eyebrow in response.
"Do you remember your cousin, Antonia? She's my sister's daughter," he took a small sip of coffee while waiting for her response.
Chloe chewed, swallowed, and answered, "Yeah, I think so. Isn't she the one that's a couple of years older, dark hair, eyes, and lives in Italy now?"
"Yes, well, your aunt thinks it might be good for Antonia to spend a little more time in the states. It seems she's bored with college and could use a little change," Gabe paused to finish off his coffee.
"You mean she's gonna stay with us?" Chloe's eyes lit up just a bit. At the last family reunion Antonia had been her closest friend, not treating her any different because her mom had just died. "Her mom is Aunt Margaret, right? She and Uncle Anthony own a truckload of European businesses, and Antonia is the sole heir to inherit once they pass on." Chloe was positive she could get an interview, not that anyone in this backwards town would have any idea who Antonia was, or her parents for that matter.
"Yes, on all accounts. Your aunt called me last night and said Antonia was coming tomorrow," Gabe rose and placed his mug and plate in the dishwasher. "I was wondering if you could do a little cleaning up after school today. I thought that since it was the first day there wouldn't be much homework, and I made some of my famous chocolate-chocolate chip cookies, so you could guilt Pete, Clark, and Lana into helping you." Gabe gave his daughter a kiss on her forehead, "Love you, Chloe." He picked up his briefcase from its spot next to the door and left their house.
Chloe put her dishes in the dishwasher as well. She ran back upstairs to give herself the final look over. "Clark Kent, eat your heart out, 'cause 'I love myself today, not like yesterday, I'm cool, I'm calm, I'm gonna be okay.'" She sang the little jingle that had been on that car commercial for the last three months. She and Clark had worked out their problems, but they hadn't really talked a lot since she got back from Metropolis and her internship. He had realized he just wanted Lana as a friend, but he hadn't said anything to Chloe about trying their relationship again. But, if Chloe was completely honest with herself, she realized she was glad he hadn't mentioned it yet. ***********
Clark Kent was leaning against the wall of the school, talking to Pete, when Chloe drove up. His gaze was immediately drawn to her, and he couldn't help but smile as she climbed out of her car, kicked it, and grabbed her backpack from the passenger's side.
Pete rolled his eyes, "Dude, you are on your own with this. I'm not gonna stand here and watch you two make goo-goo eyes at each, while pretending to hate each other. Plus, gotta go check on the new girls. Might have to show an underclasswoman around." He excused himself, yelling a 'Hi' to Chloe, and went off to meet the poor Freshmen girls.
"I hate that beast of an automobile," Chloe grumbled to Clark. She looked up at him and smiled, "But at least the thing runs."
Clark laughed softly, "Oh, the most pessimistic-optimist I know." He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and guided her inside.
Chloe huffed in return, "I prefer optimistic-pessimist if you mind."
"Fine, whatever you say your Highness," Clark smiled even bigger as Chloe leaned into him.
"I hope so," she stopped at her locker. "Guess what."
"I'm not good at that game," Clark reminded her, leaning against the locker next to hers.
"Well, then, my cousin, Antonia, from Italy is coming to visit, so you, Pete, and Lana get to help me clean, in return for cookies of course. And before you start, my father made them," Chloe rolled her eyes at Clark's grimace and shock her head.
"Well, for Mr. Gabe Sullivan's Death-By-Chocolate Cookies, I'd do almost anything," Clark leaned next to Chloe's face, "even clean."
"Phew, now I just have to convince Lana..."
"Convince me of what?" Lana's chipper voice came from somewhere Chloe couldn't see.
"My cousin's coming into town, I need help cleaning, my dad's chocolate chip cookies are involved," Chloe rushed out.
"Only for the cookies," Lana smiled, jokingly.
"Why does everyone say that?"
"Say what?" Pete asked, disappointment on his face.
"That we'll clean for Chloe's dad's chocolate-chocolate-chip cookies," Clark supplied.
"I'm in," Pete said. Chloe groaned and slammed her locker closed. Clark and Lana just laughed. Pete smiled and shook his head.
"Great, four o'clock, my house, be ready to work..." ************
At six o'clock, after everything in the Sullivan house had been scrubbed from top to bottom, Chloe, Lana, Pete, and Clark were sitting in the den eating cookies and chips and dip.
"Well, that was the most exhausting two hours of my life," Clark said from his place on the floor, a glass of milk on one side and a plate full of junk food on the other.
"I couldn't agree more," Lana responded from the overstuffed chair she was reclined in. Her plate had two cookies, a few chips, and no dip on it. Her glass was filled with water.
"Me either," Pete was streched on the couch, his plate of food on his stomache and his glass of soda on the coffee table.
"Oh, come on, it wasn't that bad," Chloe stated, settling down next to Clark. Her plate consisted of cookies only, and her cup was filled with steaming hot coffee. The other three teenagers only looked at her in disgust. "Once you've filled the copymachine with toner six times in one day, not to mention how many times you've had to replace the paper, taken inventory in the stockroom, taken lunch orders from everyone in the newsroom, written twenty eulogies, and made coffee more times than you can count, and that's just before lunch, nothing seems exhausting anymore."
Just as the others were about to respond, the phone rang. Pete picked up the cordless and tossed it to Chloe. Smiling her thanks, she answered, "Sullivan residence."
"Yes, I was hoping to speak to Señorita Chloe Sullivan. Could you tell her I decided to come a day early and need directions to her house to give my driver," a smooth, eloquent, slightly accented voice came over the telephone.
"Hey, Antonia, just tell the driver to go to-" Chloe cut herself off and pursed her lips. "How come I have the feeling you're outside and just waiting for me to start peeking out the curtains?"
"Oh, all right, I'll admit it. The driver just pulled up to your driveway," Antonia's voice was dark; it just seemed European.
"I'll be right out, a few of my friends are over, you get to meet them," Chloe placed her coffee and plate on a table and stood up. "Bye," she hung up the phone. "Come on, you all can meet my cousin, Antonia."
The four teenagers trampled outside just in time to see a stunning, dark-haired woman step out of a long, sleek, black limo. The woman was about 5'5" and simply gorgeous. Her eyes were dark, luminous, and deep. Her hair was long, dark, loosely waved, with red tints through out, her face an expressive oval, and her body was neither long nor lean, but curvy and fit (think J-Lo or Angelina Jolie). She stunned the four friends.
The driver opened the trunk and set several suitcases onto the driveway as another car pulled up. This one was a nice, expensive, new Ferrari, black. The driver of that car stepped out, handed the keys to Antonia, and climbed into the passenger seat of the limo as the first driver climbed in as well.
Antonia handed a rather large tip to both men before the car drove off, then she turned to look at the four star-struck teens. She looked stunning in her outfit, and she knew it. Her thick dark hair was layered around her face and fell to her upper back. Her perfectly shaped and sculpted face was made-up with minimal make-up. Her body was covered in a burgandy shirt and a black skirt and blazer, with shoes that gave her a full four inches in height.
She looked like she had just stepped out of some magazine, and everyone was flabbergasted. Antonia smiled and hugged Chloe. She then turned to the others as Chloe made introductions. She kissed each person on his or her cheek and was the epitome of politeness and manner school. Antonia then spoke for to Clark and Pete, "Would you two mind helping me take my suitcases inside?"
Without a word, Pete and Clark picked up all the suitcases and rushed them inside. Lana followed with the last bag. Antonia grabbed Chloe's arm and smiled, "It's so good to see you again, I have a good feeling about this."
"Me too," Chloe said, smiling back. ***********
Two hours later, Gabe was home, reading in the living room, and Chloe and Antonia were in the kitchen, playing the challenging game of Go-Fish. Chloe was sipping coffee, de-caf, and Antonia had a mug of hot chocolate.
"Do you have any sevens?" Chloe asked, frowning at her cards. The total was 2-2, and neither showed any action of losing this round.
"Go fish," Antonia said calmly, taking a sip from her mug and studying her cards. She was about to open her mouth when her cell phone rang. "I'm sorry, Chloe. I must take this." The elegant woman put down her cards, picked up her cell phone, and walked into the dining room. "Sí," she answered.
"I was wondering how your trip was," a female's voice came over the line. The statement seemed friendly, but underneath one could hear the practiced tone the voice had.
"It was fine, I made it here with no complaints, except I would have preferred the Ferrari to the limo," Antonia's voice was just as practiced.
"Good to know. Let me speak to Gabe, dear," Margaret's voice was tired. She must have woken up not long ago. "Please don't forget you have to go to that convention in Metropolis on Saturday. It is very important one of us shows."
"I have it under control," Antonia handed the cell phone to her uncle, mouthing who was on the other end of the line, and sauntered back into the kitchen. Chloe was loading up the dishwasher and humming to herself. Antonia reconized the song and started humming as well as she got two cartons of ice cream, both coffee-toffee, and pulled two spoons out of a drawer. She set them down on the counter next to Chloe and hopped onto the counter as well. She popped off both tops and started eating out of one, "Do you have any homework you need to do?"
"You sound like my dad," Chloe jumped onto the counter beside her cousin, "but yes, I do, and I'm gonna do it as soon as I finish this carton of ice cream. Why?"
"Because I wanted to go for a drive, but I didn't know if you would want to, or if you could," Antonia's voice came out soft.
"Go for a drive, if you get lost, call, or ask someone," Chloe suggested, then she hopped off the counter, grabbed her bag, and turned to go up the stairs. "Just don't do anything I wouldn't do. Night, Tony."
"Good night, Chlo," Antonia finished her ice cream, then went to find her uncle. He was glaring at the newspaper as if it had bitten him. Antonia's cell phone lay beside him, forgotten. "I think it's dead, Uncle Gabe."
"What?! Oh, the newspaper, no, it's just this article," he handed her the paper. "Did Chloe go to finish her homework?"
"Yes," she muttered in response, settling herself on the edge of the table. She scanned the article. It read:
Lex Luthor Files For Separation of LexCorp. from LuthorCorp. by Perry White
It seems the mysterious Lex Luthor has decided to no longer stand in his father's shadow and to separate from LuthorCorp. He plans to take his shares in the company and several of the smaller plants with him....
"It does not look too bad," Antonia said after reading the business garble most people couldn't understand.
"Except Smallville is one of those plants he decided to take with him, and that could cause problems at the plant," Gabe explained.
"I see," Antonia nodded. "Would it be at all possible to gain permission from you to go drive around town; it'd be nice to get to know the place."
"Not a problem, just be back by one o'clock," Gabe kissed her on the cheek, then went to go check on Chloe before going to bed. He had an early shift tomorrow morning.
"Good night," Antonia called after him. She ran upstairs to change out of her suit and into something a bit more casual. She decided on hip- riding, dark jeans and a black tank top turtleneck. She finished the look with black boots, she looked ready to go on a hike, not drive around a small town. She went back downstairs where her cell phone, lying on the table, caught her attention. She was forced to make a decision. Did she want to make that call, or could she avoid it until Friday? "I'll think about it tomorrow," she confirmed, then she grabbed her small handbag, took her keys and American license, and left the house.
Hopping into the Ferrari, she zoomed down the highway with her music turned up and her windows down. Listening to Alica Keys singing soulful ballads was the perfect way to relax. After a couple of hours of just driving around, Antonia was back at the Sullivans with an almost full tank of gas and a peaceful mindset. She climbed up to the guest room and fell asleep. *************
Since it was Fall Break for Smallville High, it was only a half week, consisting of Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. It was also the beginning of Octoboer, so the air was still warm during the day. Chloe trotted downstairs the next morning after having already gone on her morning walk, showered, and dressed, she just needed that cup of coffee to get going. When she got to the kitchen she heard the radio turned up loud enough to wake the dead, at least the dead in the kitchen. Cracking the door open, she saw Antonia sitting there, dressed in a pearl colored silk robe and matching tank top and bottom set, reading the morning edition of the Smallville Ledger and sipping coffee.
Chloe grabbed a cup of coffee and a bagel and joined her cousin. Antonia silently slipped a section of the paper to Chloe, not that she could have said anything if she had wanted. Instead, the two cousins enjoyed their early Thurday morning coffees and a bagel for Chloe. After about fifteen minutes, Antonia turned off the music and faced Chloe.
"I hate to do this to you, but I have to go to a charity event tomorrow night, and I was going to stay in Metropolis overnight," Antonia stared into her coffee.
"Okay, as long as you're gonna be home this weekend; I know you're gonna be here for a while, but I still wanna see you," Chloe didn't let it bother her, she knew it was gonna be like this. "Tonight, you owe me an interview." Chloe then blew her a good-bye kiss, grabbed her backpack, and ran out the door.
Antonia picked up the keys to Chloe's car and stood next to the door. She handed them to Chloe a second later and went upstairs to bathe. She took a quick shower and dressed in the same pants she wore last night, a crisp white blouse, a black belt, and black stilettos. She put her wallet, keys, sunglasses, and lipstick in a larger purse than her small handbag, and exited the house, locking it behind her. She climbed into her car and drove to the Beanery, the Talon was closed because there weren't enough workers for that and Nell's flowershop during the day.
She entered the coffee shop and walked to the counter. After ordering a chocolate chip muffin and a mocha-coconut ice coffee, she settled into a large armchair in the corner, pulled a book out of her bag, and began reading.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't Miss Antonia Tribiani, and what's this she's reading? Mastering the Mind: A Guide to Forensic Psychology, facinating," a female's voice rang.
"It's lovely to see you again, Miss Potter. Or is it Mrs. Somebody, now? I have to say I haven't heard anything," Antonia looked up at this woman through her long eyelashes.
"Might I ask why you, of all people, are in town?" Nell settled herself in across from Antonia.
"I am visiting a cousin, now, if you'll excuse me. I have a research paper on this subject due next week, I'd like to finish the book first," Antonia lowered her eyes and tuned out the rest of the world. She heard Nell get up and leave. The next thing she knew, people were coming in for lunch, and her stomache was growling. Closing her book, she grabbed some money out of her purse, ordered a soup/salad combo, and sat back down.
"Now, one might ask his- or herself what Italy's most valuble heir is doing in Smallville, but I prefer, why isn't she in my house?" a male voice resonated next to her ear.
"Sorry, Uncle Gabe," Antonia put her book down, "I came for coffee and reading, and got stuck until, well, now, I suspect."
"No need to apologize, Chloe just called me to tell me her car stopped in the middle of the high school parking lot. She needs a ride home, and I can't do it." Gabe lifted his briefcase as a way of explanation.
"I have got it covered," Antonia said, glancing at her watch. She would just finish her book in time and still get some more coffee for herself and Chloe. "Have a good rest of day at work," she smiled at her uncle. Kissing her on the forehead, he left.
Antonia finished the book, ordered two mocha cappachinos to-go, and jumped in her car just as it started to rain. She drove to the high school where Chloe was standing under an overhang with Clark Kent. They were holding hands and smiling at each other, but the other students' amazement was focused at another Ferrari in town, with a female driver. Clark and Chloe ran to the car, where Clark jumped in and pulled Chloe into his lap.
"Can you take Clark home?" Chloe asked, feeling dumb about not making sure it was okay first.
"I don't know, can I?" Antonia laughed at Chloe's frown and smiled at Clark. "I apologize for no backseat. It's the downside to this car, the only one," she laughed again as Clark blushed. "Chloe, just tell me where to go, and we'll be there in no time." After she was positive where Clark's house was, she zoomed off into that direction.
"You drive like Lex Luthor," Clark muttered, not aware how close they actually were.
Antonia's face showed a slight change at the mention of his name, "How would you know how Lex Luthor drives?"
"They're best friends," Chloe jumped in, she had to know what that expression meant.
"You know Lex Luthor," Antonia was shocked.
"Clark saved him from drowning in a car accident," Chloe explained, rolling her eyes.
"I see," was all Antonia said, then silence entered the car. Finally, Antonia turned on the radio, "Either of you touches this, you die." She started singing along with the loud music.
"How do you know the words to American songs?" Chloe asked, confused.
"I may be from Italy, but I'm not dead, Chloe," the dark-haired woman laughed. The three companions lapsed into silence yet again. Finally, they pulled into Clark's driveway, where it looked like the rain had let up for a bit. Sitting next to the door was a silver Porche, brand new, with the licence plate *LEX CORP2*.
"You both wanna come in for a while," Clark asked. "I mean to meet Lex, and you could stay for dinner..."
"I have studying to do, but, Chloe, feel free to stay, just call my cell when you want me to pick you up," Antonia said, off-handedly. Her eyes were glued to the car as she handed Chloe a card with her number on it.
"See you later, Tony," Chloe ran from the car to the proch in record time. After tossing his good-byes at Antonia, Clark ran to join her and hit the rain in perfect timing. He and Chloe were laughing when he arrived at the porch, soaking wet. Clark swooped Chloe into his arms and pulled her into the rain with him. They continued to laugh until Clark lightly kissed Chloe on the cheek. Antonia honked lightly on her horn, then backed out of the driveway.
She wondered why Lex was driving a Porche and not a Ferrari. He definitely had enough money, so that wasn't it. If it was his second car, then she could see that, but, still, this was Lex. She shrugged and just listened to her radio as she returned home. She dashed inside and into the kitchen. She opened the drawers in the table under the phone until she found what she was looking for.
"Perfect," she mumbled as she found the list of emergency phone numbers. She scanned the numbers until she found Gabe's work number. Dialing the number on her cell, Antonia perched herself on the counter.
"Hello, LuthorCorp. This is Mr. Luthor's line. How may I help you?" a secretary's tired voice came over the line.
"Yes, I'm looking for Mr. Luthor. He sent me these financial reports to review, but he forgot several. Do you think you could give me his modem number so I could get them?" Antonia asked, her accent was more American now, just a hint of Southern Belle-in-distress in it.
"No problem, Ms..." the secretary had the computer up to double-check this woman's credibility.
"You know, if you could just get me Mr. Luthor's business line, that would be fantastic. I should probably just talk to him," Antonia easily passed into the next lie, though technically that wasn't a lie.
"Well, ma'am, I'm sorry, but..." the secretary knew Mr. Luthor would want her to give his number to this woman, but, she wasn't positive this woman was okay.
"Is he there?...He isn't going to be happy you are postponing this."
"If you could just give me your name, I'll tell him you called," the tired woman offered.
"He doesn't check his messages unless you tell him to," Tony yawned and rolled her eyes at her growling stomache.
"I'll get you his number right away," the secretary knew this woman knew Mr. Luthor if she said that. "It's 555-7980, and his cell phone is 555-5395."
"Thank you," Antonia promptly hung up. She then grabbed a couple of chocolate chip cookies out of the cookie jar and got the milk out of the refridgerator. Pouring herself a glass, she sat down. After finishing her cookies and milk it took her another ten minutes to realize she was staring at her cellphone. "Oh, what the hell," she said, her dark voice was soft.
"Speak," the person who answered said.
"Now, is that anyway to talk to an old friend," Antonia pouted.
"Tony?" the voice asked.
"This conversation is already at the height of intellectual challenges, I see. It's good to hear your voice, I just wanted to let you know I was in Smallville, at my cousin Chloe Sullivan's house. It seems my dear father finally got tired of having to pay for damages," her voice was filled with amusement.
"Somehow, I find that hard to believe," the other person said.
"You'd be right: I've left my wild child days behind me in Paris, London, and Venice; however, I could be up to a good match of wit and integrity."
"I'll pick you up," the voice said before ending the conversation. Antonia laughed out loud, then she ran upstairs to change.
TBC... **************
A/N: Thank you for reading, I appreciate it, and I would like you to review. NO PRESSURE!!! **Peace to all in this time of need**
By Sarah
Disclaimer:Yes, I own them. Hell has frozen over, the devil bought ice skates, and pigs can fly. That is why I am writing fanfiction and have no money. In other words- no, I don't own them. I do own Antonia, Melissa, and anyone you don't recognize. I owe the title to the Willa CAther book by the same name.
Summary: If you thought one Sullivan girl was bad, try having two, in the same small town...
****************** Chapter One
"Chloe, we need to talk," Gabe Sullivan began. He and his daughter were enjoying a half-veggie, half-meatlovers pizza in their kitchen for breakfast.
Chloe looked up her father, her mouth full of veggie pizza, and raised an eyebrow in response.
"Do you remember your cousin, Antonia? She's my sister's daughter," he took a small sip of coffee while waiting for her response.
Chloe chewed, swallowed, and answered, "Yeah, I think so. Isn't she the one that's a couple of years older, dark hair, eyes, and lives in Italy now?"
"Yes, well, your aunt thinks it might be good for Antonia to spend a little more time in the states. It seems she's bored with college and could use a little change," Gabe paused to finish off his coffee.
"You mean she's gonna stay with us?" Chloe's eyes lit up just a bit. At the last family reunion Antonia had been her closest friend, not treating her any different because her mom had just died. "Her mom is Aunt Margaret, right? She and Uncle Anthony own a truckload of European businesses, and Antonia is the sole heir to inherit once they pass on." Chloe was positive she could get an interview, not that anyone in this backwards town would have any idea who Antonia was, or her parents for that matter.
"Yes, on all accounts. Your aunt called me last night and said Antonia was coming tomorrow," Gabe rose and placed his mug and plate in the dishwasher. "I was wondering if you could do a little cleaning up after school today. I thought that since it was the first day there wouldn't be much homework, and I made some of my famous chocolate-chocolate chip cookies, so you could guilt Pete, Clark, and Lana into helping you." Gabe gave his daughter a kiss on her forehead, "Love you, Chloe." He picked up his briefcase from its spot next to the door and left their house.
Chloe put her dishes in the dishwasher as well. She ran back upstairs to give herself the final look over. "Clark Kent, eat your heart out, 'cause 'I love myself today, not like yesterday, I'm cool, I'm calm, I'm gonna be okay.'" She sang the little jingle that had been on that car commercial for the last three months. She and Clark had worked out their problems, but they hadn't really talked a lot since she got back from Metropolis and her internship. He had realized he just wanted Lana as a friend, but he hadn't said anything to Chloe about trying their relationship again. But, if Chloe was completely honest with herself, she realized she was glad he hadn't mentioned it yet. ***********
Clark Kent was leaning against the wall of the school, talking to Pete, when Chloe drove up. His gaze was immediately drawn to her, and he couldn't help but smile as she climbed out of her car, kicked it, and grabbed her backpack from the passenger's side.
Pete rolled his eyes, "Dude, you are on your own with this. I'm not gonna stand here and watch you two make goo-goo eyes at each, while pretending to hate each other. Plus, gotta go check on the new girls. Might have to show an underclasswoman around." He excused himself, yelling a 'Hi' to Chloe, and went off to meet the poor Freshmen girls.
"I hate that beast of an automobile," Chloe grumbled to Clark. She looked up at him and smiled, "But at least the thing runs."
Clark laughed softly, "Oh, the most pessimistic-optimist I know." He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and guided her inside.
Chloe huffed in return, "I prefer optimistic-pessimist if you mind."
"Fine, whatever you say your Highness," Clark smiled even bigger as Chloe leaned into him.
"I hope so," she stopped at her locker. "Guess what."
"I'm not good at that game," Clark reminded her, leaning against the locker next to hers.
"Well, then, my cousin, Antonia, from Italy is coming to visit, so you, Pete, and Lana get to help me clean, in return for cookies of course. And before you start, my father made them," Chloe rolled her eyes at Clark's grimace and shock her head.
"Well, for Mr. Gabe Sullivan's Death-By-Chocolate Cookies, I'd do almost anything," Clark leaned next to Chloe's face, "even clean."
"Phew, now I just have to convince Lana..."
"Convince me of what?" Lana's chipper voice came from somewhere Chloe couldn't see.
"My cousin's coming into town, I need help cleaning, my dad's chocolate chip cookies are involved," Chloe rushed out.
"Only for the cookies," Lana smiled, jokingly.
"Why does everyone say that?"
"Say what?" Pete asked, disappointment on his face.
"That we'll clean for Chloe's dad's chocolate-chocolate-chip cookies," Clark supplied.
"I'm in," Pete said. Chloe groaned and slammed her locker closed. Clark and Lana just laughed. Pete smiled and shook his head.
"Great, four o'clock, my house, be ready to work..." ************
At six o'clock, after everything in the Sullivan house had been scrubbed from top to bottom, Chloe, Lana, Pete, and Clark were sitting in the den eating cookies and chips and dip.
"Well, that was the most exhausting two hours of my life," Clark said from his place on the floor, a glass of milk on one side and a plate full of junk food on the other.
"I couldn't agree more," Lana responded from the overstuffed chair she was reclined in. Her plate had two cookies, a few chips, and no dip on it. Her glass was filled with water.
"Me either," Pete was streched on the couch, his plate of food on his stomache and his glass of soda on the coffee table.
"Oh, come on, it wasn't that bad," Chloe stated, settling down next to Clark. Her plate consisted of cookies only, and her cup was filled with steaming hot coffee. The other three teenagers only looked at her in disgust. "Once you've filled the copymachine with toner six times in one day, not to mention how many times you've had to replace the paper, taken inventory in the stockroom, taken lunch orders from everyone in the newsroom, written twenty eulogies, and made coffee more times than you can count, and that's just before lunch, nothing seems exhausting anymore."
Just as the others were about to respond, the phone rang. Pete picked up the cordless and tossed it to Chloe. Smiling her thanks, she answered, "Sullivan residence."
"Yes, I was hoping to speak to Señorita Chloe Sullivan. Could you tell her I decided to come a day early and need directions to her house to give my driver," a smooth, eloquent, slightly accented voice came over the telephone.
"Hey, Antonia, just tell the driver to go to-" Chloe cut herself off and pursed her lips. "How come I have the feeling you're outside and just waiting for me to start peeking out the curtains?"
"Oh, all right, I'll admit it. The driver just pulled up to your driveway," Antonia's voice was dark; it just seemed European.
"I'll be right out, a few of my friends are over, you get to meet them," Chloe placed her coffee and plate on a table and stood up. "Bye," she hung up the phone. "Come on, you all can meet my cousin, Antonia."
The four teenagers trampled outside just in time to see a stunning, dark-haired woman step out of a long, sleek, black limo. The woman was about 5'5" and simply gorgeous. Her eyes were dark, luminous, and deep. Her hair was long, dark, loosely waved, with red tints through out, her face an expressive oval, and her body was neither long nor lean, but curvy and fit (think J-Lo or Angelina Jolie). She stunned the four friends.
The driver opened the trunk and set several suitcases onto the driveway as another car pulled up. This one was a nice, expensive, new Ferrari, black. The driver of that car stepped out, handed the keys to Antonia, and climbed into the passenger seat of the limo as the first driver climbed in as well.
Antonia handed a rather large tip to both men before the car drove off, then she turned to look at the four star-struck teens. She looked stunning in her outfit, and she knew it. Her thick dark hair was layered around her face and fell to her upper back. Her perfectly shaped and sculpted face was made-up with minimal make-up. Her body was covered in a burgandy shirt and a black skirt and blazer, with shoes that gave her a full four inches in height.
She looked like she had just stepped out of some magazine, and everyone was flabbergasted. Antonia smiled and hugged Chloe. She then turned to the others as Chloe made introductions. She kissed each person on his or her cheek and was the epitome of politeness and manner school. Antonia then spoke for to Clark and Pete, "Would you two mind helping me take my suitcases inside?"
Without a word, Pete and Clark picked up all the suitcases and rushed them inside. Lana followed with the last bag. Antonia grabbed Chloe's arm and smiled, "It's so good to see you again, I have a good feeling about this."
"Me too," Chloe said, smiling back. ***********
Two hours later, Gabe was home, reading in the living room, and Chloe and Antonia were in the kitchen, playing the challenging game of Go-Fish. Chloe was sipping coffee, de-caf, and Antonia had a mug of hot chocolate.
"Do you have any sevens?" Chloe asked, frowning at her cards. The total was 2-2, and neither showed any action of losing this round.
"Go fish," Antonia said calmly, taking a sip from her mug and studying her cards. She was about to open her mouth when her cell phone rang. "I'm sorry, Chloe. I must take this." The elegant woman put down her cards, picked up her cell phone, and walked into the dining room. "Sí," she answered.
"I was wondering how your trip was," a female's voice came over the line. The statement seemed friendly, but underneath one could hear the practiced tone the voice had.
"It was fine, I made it here with no complaints, except I would have preferred the Ferrari to the limo," Antonia's voice was just as practiced.
"Good to know. Let me speak to Gabe, dear," Margaret's voice was tired. She must have woken up not long ago. "Please don't forget you have to go to that convention in Metropolis on Saturday. It is very important one of us shows."
"I have it under control," Antonia handed the cell phone to her uncle, mouthing who was on the other end of the line, and sauntered back into the kitchen. Chloe was loading up the dishwasher and humming to herself. Antonia reconized the song and started humming as well as she got two cartons of ice cream, both coffee-toffee, and pulled two spoons out of a drawer. She set them down on the counter next to Chloe and hopped onto the counter as well. She popped off both tops and started eating out of one, "Do you have any homework you need to do?"
"You sound like my dad," Chloe jumped onto the counter beside her cousin, "but yes, I do, and I'm gonna do it as soon as I finish this carton of ice cream. Why?"
"Because I wanted to go for a drive, but I didn't know if you would want to, or if you could," Antonia's voice came out soft.
"Go for a drive, if you get lost, call, or ask someone," Chloe suggested, then she hopped off the counter, grabbed her bag, and turned to go up the stairs. "Just don't do anything I wouldn't do. Night, Tony."
"Good night, Chlo," Antonia finished her ice cream, then went to find her uncle. He was glaring at the newspaper as if it had bitten him. Antonia's cell phone lay beside him, forgotten. "I think it's dead, Uncle Gabe."
"What?! Oh, the newspaper, no, it's just this article," he handed her the paper. "Did Chloe go to finish her homework?"
"Yes," she muttered in response, settling herself on the edge of the table. She scanned the article. It read:
Lex Luthor Files For Separation of LexCorp. from LuthorCorp. by Perry White
It seems the mysterious Lex Luthor has decided to no longer stand in his father's shadow and to separate from LuthorCorp. He plans to take his shares in the company and several of the smaller plants with him....
"It does not look too bad," Antonia said after reading the business garble most people couldn't understand.
"Except Smallville is one of those plants he decided to take with him, and that could cause problems at the plant," Gabe explained.
"I see," Antonia nodded. "Would it be at all possible to gain permission from you to go drive around town; it'd be nice to get to know the place."
"Not a problem, just be back by one o'clock," Gabe kissed her on the cheek, then went to go check on Chloe before going to bed. He had an early shift tomorrow morning.
"Good night," Antonia called after him. She ran upstairs to change out of her suit and into something a bit more casual. She decided on hip- riding, dark jeans and a black tank top turtleneck. She finished the look with black boots, she looked ready to go on a hike, not drive around a small town. She went back downstairs where her cell phone, lying on the table, caught her attention. She was forced to make a decision. Did she want to make that call, or could she avoid it until Friday? "I'll think about it tomorrow," she confirmed, then she grabbed her small handbag, took her keys and American license, and left the house.
Hopping into the Ferrari, she zoomed down the highway with her music turned up and her windows down. Listening to Alica Keys singing soulful ballads was the perfect way to relax. After a couple of hours of just driving around, Antonia was back at the Sullivans with an almost full tank of gas and a peaceful mindset. She climbed up to the guest room and fell asleep. *************
Since it was Fall Break for Smallville High, it was only a half week, consisting of Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. It was also the beginning of Octoboer, so the air was still warm during the day. Chloe trotted downstairs the next morning after having already gone on her morning walk, showered, and dressed, she just needed that cup of coffee to get going. When she got to the kitchen she heard the radio turned up loud enough to wake the dead, at least the dead in the kitchen. Cracking the door open, she saw Antonia sitting there, dressed in a pearl colored silk robe and matching tank top and bottom set, reading the morning edition of the Smallville Ledger and sipping coffee.
Chloe grabbed a cup of coffee and a bagel and joined her cousin. Antonia silently slipped a section of the paper to Chloe, not that she could have said anything if she had wanted. Instead, the two cousins enjoyed their early Thurday morning coffees and a bagel for Chloe. After about fifteen minutes, Antonia turned off the music and faced Chloe.
"I hate to do this to you, but I have to go to a charity event tomorrow night, and I was going to stay in Metropolis overnight," Antonia stared into her coffee.
"Okay, as long as you're gonna be home this weekend; I know you're gonna be here for a while, but I still wanna see you," Chloe didn't let it bother her, she knew it was gonna be like this. "Tonight, you owe me an interview." Chloe then blew her a good-bye kiss, grabbed her backpack, and ran out the door.
Antonia picked up the keys to Chloe's car and stood next to the door. She handed them to Chloe a second later and went upstairs to bathe. She took a quick shower and dressed in the same pants she wore last night, a crisp white blouse, a black belt, and black stilettos. She put her wallet, keys, sunglasses, and lipstick in a larger purse than her small handbag, and exited the house, locking it behind her. She climbed into her car and drove to the Beanery, the Talon was closed because there weren't enough workers for that and Nell's flowershop during the day.
She entered the coffee shop and walked to the counter. After ordering a chocolate chip muffin and a mocha-coconut ice coffee, she settled into a large armchair in the corner, pulled a book out of her bag, and began reading.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't Miss Antonia Tribiani, and what's this she's reading? Mastering the Mind: A Guide to Forensic Psychology, facinating," a female's voice rang.
"It's lovely to see you again, Miss Potter. Or is it Mrs. Somebody, now? I have to say I haven't heard anything," Antonia looked up at this woman through her long eyelashes.
"Might I ask why you, of all people, are in town?" Nell settled herself in across from Antonia.
"I am visiting a cousin, now, if you'll excuse me. I have a research paper on this subject due next week, I'd like to finish the book first," Antonia lowered her eyes and tuned out the rest of the world. She heard Nell get up and leave. The next thing she knew, people were coming in for lunch, and her stomache was growling. Closing her book, she grabbed some money out of her purse, ordered a soup/salad combo, and sat back down.
"Now, one might ask his- or herself what Italy's most valuble heir is doing in Smallville, but I prefer, why isn't she in my house?" a male voice resonated next to her ear.
"Sorry, Uncle Gabe," Antonia put her book down, "I came for coffee and reading, and got stuck until, well, now, I suspect."
"No need to apologize, Chloe just called me to tell me her car stopped in the middle of the high school parking lot. She needs a ride home, and I can't do it." Gabe lifted his briefcase as a way of explanation.
"I have got it covered," Antonia said, glancing at her watch. She would just finish her book in time and still get some more coffee for herself and Chloe. "Have a good rest of day at work," she smiled at her uncle. Kissing her on the forehead, he left.
Antonia finished the book, ordered two mocha cappachinos to-go, and jumped in her car just as it started to rain. She drove to the high school where Chloe was standing under an overhang with Clark Kent. They were holding hands and smiling at each other, but the other students' amazement was focused at another Ferrari in town, with a female driver. Clark and Chloe ran to the car, where Clark jumped in and pulled Chloe into his lap.
"Can you take Clark home?" Chloe asked, feeling dumb about not making sure it was okay first.
"I don't know, can I?" Antonia laughed at Chloe's frown and smiled at Clark. "I apologize for no backseat. It's the downside to this car, the only one," she laughed again as Clark blushed. "Chloe, just tell me where to go, and we'll be there in no time." After she was positive where Clark's house was, she zoomed off into that direction.
"You drive like Lex Luthor," Clark muttered, not aware how close they actually were.
Antonia's face showed a slight change at the mention of his name, "How would you know how Lex Luthor drives?"
"They're best friends," Chloe jumped in, she had to know what that expression meant.
"You know Lex Luthor," Antonia was shocked.
"Clark saved him from drowning in a car accident," Chloe explained, rolling her eyes.
"I see," was all Antonia said, then silence entered the car. Finally, Antonia turned on the radio, "Either of you touches this, you die." She started singing along with the loud music.
"How do you know the words to American songs?" Chloe asked, confused.
"I may be from Italy, but I'm not dead, Chloe," the dark-haired woman laughed. The three companions lapsed into silence yet again. Finally, they pulled into Clark's driveway, where it looked like the rain had let up for a bit. Sitting next to the door was a silver Porche, brand new, with the licence plate *LEX CORP2*.
"You both wanna come in for a while," Clark asked. "I mean to meet Lex, and you could stay for dinner..."
"I have studying to do, but, Chloe, feel free to stay, just call my cell when you want me to pick you up," Antonia said, off-handedly. Her eyes were glued to the car as she handed Chloe a card with her number on it.
"See you later, Tony," Chloe ran from the car to the proch in record time. After tossing his good-byes at Antonia, Clark ran to join her and hit the rain in perfect timing. He and Chloe were laughing when he arrived at the porch, soaking wet. Clark swooped Chloe into his arms and pulled her into the rain with him. They continued to laugh until Clark lightly kissed Chloe on the cheek. Antonia honked lightly on her horn, then backed out of the driveway.
She wondered why Lex was driving a Porche and not a Ferrari. He definitely had enough money, so that wasn't it. If it was his second car, then she could see that, but, still, this was Lex. She shrugged and just listened to her radio as she returned home. She dashed inside and into the kitchen. She opened the drawers in the table under the phone until she found what she was looking for.
"Perfect," she mumbled as she found the list of emergency phone numbers. She scanned the numbers until she found Gabe's work number. Dialing the number on her cell, Antonia perched herself on the counter.
"Hello, LuthorCorp. This is Mr. Luthor's line. How may I help you?" a secretary's tired voice came over the line.
"Yes, I'm looking for Mr. Luthor. He sent me these financial reports to review, but he forgot several. Do you think you could give me his modem number so I could get them?" Antonia asked, her accent was more American now, just a hint of Southern Belle-in-distress in it.
"No problem, Ms..." the secretary had the computer up to double-check this woman's credibility.
"You know, if you could just get me Mr. Luthor's business line, that would be fantastic. I should probably just talk to him," Antonia easily passed into the next lie, though technically that wasn't a lie.
"Well, ma'am, I'm sorry, but..." the secretary knew Mr. Luthor would want her to give his number to this woman, but, she wasn't positive this woman was okay.
"Is he there?...He isn't going to be happy you are postponing this."
"If you could just give me your name, I'll tell him you called," the tired woman offered.
"He doesn't check his messages unless you tell him to," Tony yawned and rolled her eyes at her growling stomache.
"I'll get you his number right away," the secretary knew this woman knew Mr. Luthor if she said that. "It's 555-7980, and his cell phone is 555-5395."
"Thank you," Antonia promptly hung up. She then grabbed a couple of chocolate chip cookies out of the cookie jar and got the milk out of the refridgerator. Pouring herself a glass, she sat down. After finishing her cookies and milk it took her another ten minutes to realize she was staring at her cellphone. "Oh, what the hell," she said, her dark voice was soft.
"Speak," the person who answered said.
"Now, is that anyway to talk to an old friend," Antonia pouted.
"Tony?" the voice asked.
"This conversation is already at the height of intellectual challenges, I see. It's good to hear your voice, I just wanted to let you know I was in Smallville, at my cousin Chloe Sullivan's house. It seems my dear father finally got tired of having to pay for damages," her voice was filled with amusement.
"Somehow, I find that hard to believe," the other person said.
"You'd be right: I've left my wild child days behind me in Paris, London, and Venice; however, I could be up to a good match of wit and integrity."
"I'll pick you up," the voice said before ending the conversation. Antonia laughed out loud, then she ran upstairs to change.
TBC... **************
A/N: Thank you for reading, I appreciate it, and I would like you to review. NO PRESSURE!!! **Peace to all in this time of need**