L'ANNIVERSAIRE
by NiteLite
Lana decided she could let her birthday go by without fanfare for a change. Attending art school in Paris was ample gift enough. It was a little scary but exhilarating to live in another country, away from all familiar landmarks. She needed this break from home.
Home only reminded her of heartaches and unfulfilled longings. Longings she hadn't been quite able to articulate. Until Lex. He was smart and worldly and had taken her under his wing like a sister. Granted, he could be somewhat overbearing, but he'd pushed her to think and to take action. Even learn to defend herself. If nothing else, his presence reminded her there was life beyond the confines of a small town.
It'd been hard, leaving friends and the Talon behind, but it was time she let go of her past and moved forward toward a future. One that she'd been previously content to leave vague and open-ended, like most of the girls she knew. Chloe had been the exception, certain down to her bones which path she wanted to follow.
While few would consider Lex a role model, his drive and fearlessness had opened Lana's eyes. If she truly wanted to grow, she needed to take risks. To try living an ocean away, with only herself to depend on. So far, that had gone better than she imagined.
If only she could find a boyfriend that really wanted to be with her. She'd purposefully not let herself think about Clark very much. He, too, was in the past. She'd always be grateful to him for the countless times he'd saved her life, but she'd had more than enough of his evasions. She was tired of waiting for his trust.
All she wanted was someone not afraid to expose himself to her, warts and all. Someone truthful, caring and thoughtful. Someone who could make her laugh.
Maybe someone like Jason.Noticing the rain had finally stopped, she got up to open the window in her apartment. Below, she could hear her landlady sweeping leaves off the walkway. A freshly washed breeze brushed against her face, carrying unfamiliar yet pleasing scents, and the promise of interesting things to come.
She didn't need presents or a party for her birthday this year. She had herself, a new life and possibilities. That was enough.
The End