Disclaimer: see Chapter 1.

A/N: Thanks to all my faithful readers for embracing this unusual fic. I don't want to repeat myself, but everything'll end up well for Chlexers and Lexana fans alike, so don't fret !

Here are two new chapters for your enjoyment. Don't forget to review once you're done.

CHAPTER 4: Escape Plan

Chloe was working on a new research, but this time it had nothing to do with meteor freaks or Luthorcorp. She was planning on preparing a series of short articles about the early pioneers in Smallville. She borrowed material from the local library and consulted town and church records. According to the information she managed to gather, the first settlers in Smallville were not the Smalls but the Lyttons, so she decided to focus her investigation on that family. Chloe undertook her research with a zest that surprised even Gabe, who was used to his daughter's investigative exploits.

"Chloe, honey, aren't you exaggerating? These are supposed to be vacations. You're doing more work now than during the first semester at MetU. "

"How do you know, dad? You aren't in my dorm room when I'm studying. Besides, I'm not on holiday. This is work for The Planet. "

Chloe tried to justify herself in front of her father, but the truth was she needed this to divert her attention from what was really eating her. Her editor would have accepted any of the pieces she had already stored on her computer, but she had to do this research to keep her sanity.

"Chlo, telephone for you. "

"Who is it? "

"Clark. "

"Clark? Oh, damn it! What does he want now? " she mumbled, walking to the phone. " Hey, Clark. What's up? "

"Hi, Chlo! I need to speak with you. "

"Now? Does it have to be now, Clark? I'm in the middle of a research. "

"I really need to talk to you, Chlo. Please. I promise I'll help you with your research. "

"OK, OK. I can be there in an hour, Clark. "

"Fine. I'll be at the barn. See you, Chlo. "

"Bye, Clark. "

Chloe didn't relish the idea of meeting Clark to talk about Lana, because she knew what the conversation would be like, just as she didn't particularly like the idea of having to visit Lex to find an important piece of the puzzle he got concerning the Lyttons, a discovery she had made a few minutes before Clark's call.

This instalment isn't over yet. Go to chapter 5.