Hi! Sorry about that cliffhanger (I know I'm evil! Mwah ha ha ha ha!) Please let me know what you think! I'd like to hear from a live person! Enjoy this chapter! Laters!

Chapter 11

Eleanora doesn't stop running, until she reaches a bridge. She feels rain pouring down on her, and she completely breaks down. She sits down, still sobbing. The rain mingles with her tears. I should have known better than to fall for those stupid baby blue eyes of his! I can't believe I was so naïve! She thinks bitterly to herself.

She hears footsteps approaching her. She opens her eyes, her sobs starting to become more controllable.

"Hey, you okay?" She feels relieved. The familiar guy standing in front of her underneath a yellow umbrella is wearing a blue poncho and black rain boots. He has a red rain hat on over his light brown hair.

"Hey, Jackson!"

"What's with the Minnesotan accent?"

"Alias."

"Oh! I'm so out of the loop. Kinda sucks living in Wichita for all my life. What's your new name?"

"Eleanora Brown, now."

"EB sound like a good nickname?"

"Sure. EB will do."

"Then you're Jackson Brown."

"Shout my name out to the universe, why don't you!"

"Yep, you're definitely my 16 year old cousin, Jackson!"

"Who whooped your butt in paintball!"

"Only because I wasn't paying attention!"

"You weren't paying attention to the game, but the guys…"

"Shut up! That wasn't as bad as my 10th birthday party! Remember? At Lex's house?"

"Don't say it!" He picks her up and tickles her. She laughs, and then they're both in the headlights of a red truck. They scream and leap out of the way. Jackson's umbrella gets ran over by the truck.

"Crap! Now I don't have an umbrella for you!"

"Damn that stupid truck, big cos!"

He laughs at her, "Let's go before we catch pneumonia!"

As they walk to Jackson's house, they tell each other about what they've been up to. Well, more of a summary than an actual story (on Eleanora's part). Jackson's new job is at The King of Diamonds Club in the Metropolis area. The owner of The King of Diamonds Club also owns The Ace of Clubs. Jackson warns Eleanora that The King of Diamonds is an entertainment club.

"What exactly do you mean by 'entertainment'?"

"There's the usual singing and dancing thing everyday, and then it's kind of a… Oh, what was it called? Ah, damn. I forgot what it was called at night. I'll tell you when I remember."

"Is it a gentlemen's club?"

"No, but only those that are rich can get in."

"So, I couldn't join, right?"

"Unless you've got a job there, or you're with a rich guy or girl. Otherwise, you can't go in."

"Not even if you're visiting someone?"

"You have to be invited. I can't tell you how many people have been thrown out because they didn't have an invitation!"

"Must be pretty tight security!"

"Yeah, it is. I keep having to show them my I.D. card even though I started working 2 months ago."

"Can employees invite people?"

"Only the singers and dancers can. The main ones, that is."

"So you can't?"

"No. I can."

"You sing?"

He blushes, "Not very well, but they were nice enough to let me audition. Apparently, I was good enough for them. I got the most amount of applause."

"I heard that they're really rude to anyone that's not in their club."

"That's just a rumor. The people that get thrown out are the rude ones. Everyone there is really courteous and friendly."

"To newcomers or just in general?"

"Everyone's like that in general. Even the owner. Actually, especially the owner. He's the one that makes sure everyone's treating each other right. Anyone who steps out of line (even the biggest star) is banned from the club and shunned by society."

"You know someone-"

"No! I witnessed it. And it scared me a bit. You tend to get used to it." Jackson opens the door.

"Here we are! Home, sweet home!"

"Whoa!" It looks like The Beanery, except there's a big winding silver staircase and the tall ceiling is covered in glittery lights.

"That's beautiful!" Eleanora says, pointing up at the big green crystal chandelier hanging down from the middle of the ceiling. It's almost directly in the center of the winding staircase.

"Yeah, my boss gave it to me. He said he didn't want it anymore. I can sorta see why, since it was made out of meteor rock."

"I like it!"

"I can't do anything with it. Boss says it looks good where it is now."

"Is that coffee?"

"Yep. The best there is! Want some?"

"Yes please!" She sits down on the black leather couch. The plasma screen T.V. is about the same size as the blue wall it's mounted on.

"Oliver Queen helped me decorate this place."

Eleanora nearly drops her crystal mug. "You know Oliver Queen?"

"Yeah, he's one of my closest friends. Partially because he owes me his life. I saved him from a falling sound system. He told the press it was a natural disaster, but he knew that I had a special gift."

"Did you tell him about it?"

"Of course I did… Later. You see; it's not easy to cover up the fact that I happened to be floating in mid-air while I was asleep. He asked me where I came from. I told him I was raised here in Kansas. He looked doubtful, so I said I honestly didn't know where I was born. He asked if I'd gotten my powers from the meteor shower, and I told him I'd always had them. I also told him I was an alien from a planet called Merin. Then I made some weird space joke, that I thought was really lame after I'd said it."

"That tends to happen a lot, but they are amusing!"

"Thanks, EB! Anyway, he was quiet for a while, so I assumed I was going to be sent away. Then he started to chuckle really softly. This surprised me. I asked him what was so funny. He said that I was, and he liked funny people. I said, 'So you don't care that I'm an alien?' He said, 'As long as you don't care that I'm rich!' I said I didn't, and we settled that matter." Jackson takes a sip of water before continuing.

"He asked me if I'd like to live in Metropolis permanently. I told him I wouldn't mind that. So, I packed my bags and moved here. He has an eye for style, and helped me pick out a new wardrobe and decorate this place. It sorta looks like his place."

"I wouldn't know."

"Tell you what. Come to The KOD Club sometime and sing. Just for me and no one else!"

"No. Way."

"Please? It would mean a lot to me!"

Jackson pouts at her. She looks at him with a raised eyebrow. Then she rolls her eyes and sighs, "Fine, I'll do it! But it's only because you won't stop asking until I do!"

"Yay!" He hugs her tightly.

"Okay, calm down!"

"Hey, as long as you're here, do you want to stay for a while?"

"Maybe just for tonight. I don't want to worry anybody back in Smallville."

"Sounds reasonable. The guest rooms are upstairs to your right. That's the closest one."

"But I don't have any other clothes than what I'm wearing!"

"You can borrow some of mine!"

"Won't they be too big?"

"True… How fast can you sew?"

"Not fast enough to make an outfit in an hour!"

"Than I guess you'll have to stay!"

"Or I can wear this again!"

"Fine… But you will stay sometime soon?"

"When I can't find any reason to stay in Smallville, then yes. I will stay here with you."

"Promise?"

"I promise!"

"Scout's honor?"

She holds up three fingers, "Scout's honor."

"Cross your heart?"

She crosses it, "Cross my heart."

"Okay then! Night!"

"Night, Jackson!" She goes up the stairs and walks into the guest room.

She nearly faints. The walls are deep red with sparkling gold loopy curlicues interlocking with the others. The ceiling is the same as the walls, minus the curlicues. There's a silver nightstand with an alarm clock on it along with a phone and notebook. The bed is a queen sized one, with silky golden sheets and at least ten different sized pillows, alternating deep red, red, and gold.

The comforter is deep red and is soft and plushy. There's a walk-in closet that has nothing but a bunch of hangers and shelves above the clothes rack. The oak dresser is painted deep red with gold handles for the drawers, and the armoire matches it. The cherry desk has a built in bookshelf and the newest computer near the back of it.

The built in bookshelf is filled with classic books and new books. There's enough extra space on the surface of the desk (and on top of it) for twenty more of the same computers to sit side by side, in perfect rows. Everything is twice the size of anything she's seen before.

She opens the doors of the armoire and a plasma screen T.V. (not as large as the one in the living room) is inside. The drawers below it are filled with all kinds of DVDs. On top of the dresser is a remote. She presses the "on" button. There's a soft rumble and the top of the wall over the dresser opens like a pair of doors, and reveals a second T.V. (like the one in the armoire) along with the newest sound system.

"Whoa!" Eleanora says, in a weird squeak.

She falls asleep watching the news channel. While she's asleep, Jackson comes into her room and turns the T.V. off. He closes the top of the wall, cursing how much noise it's making. Then he gently shuts the armoire doors and tucks the comforter under Eleanora's chin. She smiles slightly at something in her dream.

There's a knock on the door. He backs out of her room, softly closing the door. He goes down the stairs, opens the stained glass door, and sees a rain soaked girl in a poncho standing on his doorstep.

"Oh my gosh! You'd better come in before you get hypothermia," he says, showing her in.

Her teeth chatter, and her eyes widen as she takes in the whole place.

"The fireplace is right there, and I think I've got some warm drinks in the kitchen. I'm Jackson Brown by the way! Who are you?" He says this all quickly, but she seems to catch it all.

"L-Lana L-Lang." She manages to say through slightly numb lips.

"Pleased to meet you, Lana Lang. Go ahead and take a seat over there." She nods, too cold and wet to say anything. She sits down feeling the warmth of the fire wash over her. Sometime later, thunder rumbles overhead and the lights flicker. "Sorry, guess you have to stay until the storm blows over. There's a guest room upstairs second to the right. The first one is being used by another guest."

"Okay," She shivers slightly.

"Each room is slightly different. By the way, yours has a fireplace. Just remember to hit the power button to turn it on, and don't leave it on if you leave the room!"

"Thanks for the warning, and the roof over my head."

"No problem! Just yell if you need me. I'm right across the hall, next to the master bathroom."

"Thanks again. Goodnight, Jackson!"

"Night, Lana." She goes upstairs, and has the same reaction as Eleanora. She eventually calms down enough to sleep. She tucks herself in, pulling the dark purple comforter over her shoulders. She smiles, putting her head down on a purple plush pillow, and promptly falls asleep.

Lana wakes up to the sun shining through her window seat. (Three rooms out of the six have window seats, as they both later learn.) She stretches and rubs the sleep out of her eyes. She takes in the deep purple walls with light lavender stripes crossing over each other, and the deep purple ceiling with a sparkling chandelier.

She looks at the large closet (not a walk-in) painted violet with sparkling curlicues on the doors, and the golden nightstand with a matching alarm clock, and finally notices the purple armoire with golden handles and the matching dresser. Everything is the same size as Eleanora's furniture. A soft knock startles her. She forgot another person lived here.

"Come in!" The lavender door opens, and a maid comes in carrying a tray of food.

"Whoa! Did I turn up on the doorstep of a millionaire?"

"A billionaire, actually Miss Lang. Would you care for some coffee?"

"Oh, sure."

"There's some cream here and a bowl of sugar. Enjoy, miss!" The brunette smiles at her and turns to leave.

"Um, excuse me?"

"Yes, miss?" The small maid turns around.

"What's your name?"

"Grace Ryan."

"Thank you, Grace Ryan. Do you want me to sit somewhere else?"

"Oh, no, Miss Lang. Guests are allowed to eat wherever they choose. Master Jackson insists on it."

"What other guest is here?"

"She left earlier this morning. At 9:30 a.m. It's now 10:00. I'm sorry you missed her. She was so nice to me. She treated me like Master Jackson does, and I felt more comfortable after a while."

"Who was this girl?"

"Master Jackson's baby cousin. I didn't catch her first name. She might have told me in passing…"

"It's alright if you don't remember."

"Thank you, Miss Lang. Ring the bell if you need me." She nods and Grace leaves. She eats her breakfast of eggs, toast, fruit salad, and Belgian waffles. A little later, she decides to leave.

Jackson says goodbye to her, with a warm hug. "Anytime you need a place to stay, Lana…" He gives her his house card. "Just call me, and I promise I'll be there!"

"Thanks so much, Jackson! I had a wonderful time here!" With that, she flags down a taxi and leaves, holding his card in her hand.

She walks home after paying the driver, and sees Eleanora outside on the porch, in a baggy sweater and sweatpants. Her hair is in a messy ponytail and her eyes are puffy and red. Lana's heart goes out to her.

"Hey, Ella. Sleep well?"

She sniffs, "I slept at my cousin's house last night. I explained it to Nell this morning. I might be moving out." Lana joins her on the porch. They sit down side by side on the porch swing.

"So, is Jackson Brown your brother?"

"No, I don't know actually know who my brother is. I've never gotten the chance to meet him."

"Oh. Who is Jackson to you, then?"

"He's my older cousin. Although he's one of my closest friends, too."

"I stayed with him last night. I mean, I slept in one of his guest rooms and he slept in his room," Lana says, flustered.

She can't help but blush at the thought of Jackson. He was so handsome and honest. Perfect combination, she thinks, smiling a bit.

"I know what you meant," Eleanora says, bringing Lana back down to Earth.

"I didn't come out here to tell you that."

"Then what brings you here?"

"I came here so I could apologize, on Clark's behalf."

"You shouldn't have to apologize for his behavior. Nice slap by the way. It sounded more like you shot him!"

"That's the first time I've hit Clark. And it felt kinda good!" They laugh for a bit, then lapse into silence.

The birds chirp happily, and the wind rustles through the trees and cornfields.

"Do you mind if I ask you a personal question?"

"Of course not Lana. Go ahead!" She thinks for a moment, and then turns to Eleanora.

"Where did you come from?"

"What do you mean by that?"

"I mean, you told me you didn't come from Earth! What planet did you come from, and why?" Eleanora looks at the horizon, silent.

Chapter 12

"I come from the brother planet of the one that fell out of the sky."

"The meteor shower was pieces of a planet?"

"Yes. At least, I think so. I don't know, but a red sun destroyed the planet. It's like a black hole. Are you following me?"

"No!"

"Good. Then I can tell you this: I was born on a different planet. Someplace called… Oh, what was it? Um… Hold on… Merin!"

"What's Merin like?"

"It's a nature planet, I think. That's why I have powers like I do. I was born this way!"

"What do you mean, 'born this way'?"

"I mean one of my parents (probably my dad) was a Merinian! And the other was a human like you! They must have met somewhere and fallen in love! At least, that's one theory I have."

"So you are from another planet!"

"Yes."

"Weird! And cool, but mostly just weird!"

"A lot to take in, right?"

"Yeah… a lot to take in!"

"Hey, Chloe!" Eleanora smiles and waves at her blonde haired friend.

"Hey, guys, happy Sunday!"

"Is it really a happy one?"

"Don't dis Sundays! They can be happy, too!"

"Fine, Chloe!"

"Ellie, since Lana and I made nicknames for you… I was wondering if you had any for us?"

"Well, for starters… There's Jerk Boy A.K.A. Farm Boy across the street, Alexander is Lex to you and Xander for me (sometimes), Lana is… Hmm," Eleanora looks at her, pensively. "Lan or L."

"I prefer 'L'."

"What if someone nicknames me 'Elle'? As in E-L-L-E?"

"Well, we could say 'Other L'?"

"Maybe. I'll think about it. And Chloe should be 'Chlo'."

"That's what everyone calls me."

"Either that or 'C.S.' Wait, no. That's sounds stupid. Like you're trying to say 'see us'. Never mind. I could call you 'Sullivan'?"

"'Sullivan' sounds weird… How about 'Sully'?" Lana suggests.

"Works for me, how 'bout you… 'Sully'?"

"Eh, good enough for now."

"Great!"

"Shall we go to the Beanery?" Lana asks.

"Sure!" The other two say in unison. And so they go. Two hours later, they arrive at the Beanery.

"I can't believe you got so side tracked by that boy on the highway, Nell!"

"I couldn't help it! He looked sad."

"So does Ella, but she's not complaining."

"Much," Chloe mutters, earning her a poke in her ribs from her Royal friend.

"I think I'm finally getting used to this place!" Eleanora says, grinning.

"Ellie, are you okay?"

"I guess so, why?"

"Is it Clark-" Chloe breaks off as Eleanora bursts into tears at the mention of his name.

"Oh." They sit down together, Eleanora crying into Chloe's tan jacket.

"I'll get her latté," Lana says, almost running to the front of the line. Nell goes with her.

"There, there Ellie! Everything's gonna be okay! You'll see." Chloe soothes her. Someone comes into the Beanery then.

"Eleanora?"

"Go away, Clark! She doesn't want to talk to you." Chloe says to her friend in plaid. "I'll explain later." She adds as an after thought.

"Whatever I did, I-"

"Clark!" Lesley grabs him by the front of his collar, "I'll say this once and only once! If you're the reason she's upset, I promise you I'll make you wish you'd never been born! Get it, Kent?" Lesley snarls, pinning him against the wall.

"Got it," Clark replies, in a strained voice.

"Good. Now, leave!" Lesley releases him.

Clark closes the door behind him, rubbing his neck. Eleanora raises her head, wiping her face off.

"Here's your coffee, Ella!"

"Vanilla latté?"

"With 4 sugars and an extra two shots of vanilla!"

"You're the best, L!"

Lana gives a little laugh, "Well I try!"

"Why don't we all see a movie later?" Chloe suggests, trying to get Eleanora to laugh a little.

"I will if you're going," She answers in a monotone.

"Uh-oh. We've gone from the 'sobbing my eyes out' to the 'whatever you want, mother' way of thinking too fast."

"Drink up, Ella!"

"Mmm-hmm, whatever you want Lana."

"Okay enough!" Lana says, causing Eleanora to spit out her latté. "I've seen another girl with boy blues before and I have the perfect cure."

"Really?" Eleanora wipes her mouth.

"Yeah. Come on!" Lana tells Chloe and Lesley that she'll take good care of her Royal friend. "I'm gonna get Clark back for what he did to you!"

"Well, you did slap him!"

"True… and I think that Lesley scared him off!"

"I don't know what he said, but I'd hate to get on the wrong side of Lesley!"

Lana laughs, as they walk down the avenue to a beauty store called Markus. (A/N: And I did not mean for that to be a pun!)

"So what I did is I took her to Markus, that's here… And Amanda Carlton gave her a beautiful makeover. The next thing I know, her ex is begging for her forgiveness!"

"Whose forgiveness? Amanda's or the girl's?"

"The girl's of course!"

"Do you think it'll work for me?"

"Maybe, but look like you're having the time of your life, too! That's what my friend did."

"Okay… Should I do that before or after the makeover?"

"After, for sure!" They go inside.

The inside looks like a high-end salon. The crystal chandelier looks almost exactly like the one in Jackson's mansion. The chairs are red leather and are as comfortable as overstuffed armchairs, and even the sinks are shiny as though they're brand new.

There are tons of different kinds of shampoos and conditioners, along with all kinds of hair products. The nail polish is arranged in all the colors of the rainbow, and the make up is displayed along the marble walls. Each chair has a mirror in front of it, and the radio is playing in the background.

"Wow! It's beautiful in here!"

"Glad you like it, miss!" A perky blonde girl smiles at Eleanora.

"Thanks, Amanda!" Amanda looks confused for a moment then realizes she's wearing a nametag.

"Right, nametag! Forgot I was wearing one!" She laughs a little. "Anyway, what can I help you two with?"

"Actually, it's just this one," Lana says, nudging Eleanora.

"Hmm, let's see here… I've got it!" Amanda disappears into the back for a while then emerges with a hairbrush, a make up belt, and a handful of make up. "Okay, sit here, and I'll give you the best makeover ever!"

Eleanora sits in one of the red chairs, sinking down a bit. After a few minutes, Amanda works her magic on Eleanora's depressed self.

15 minutes later she says, "Open your eyes!" Lana gasps, and Eleanora feels confused.

"Do I look that bad?"

"No! You- you're-" Lana's eyes are wide.

"Just look in the mirror," Amanda says, smiling. Eleanora takes a deep breath and turns around.

The girl in the reflection has silky light brown hair, beautiful accented eyes, plump pink lips, rosy cheeks, and looks sun kissed.

"So? What do you think?" Amanda asks.

"I love it! Thank you so much!" Eleanora hugs her.

"How much?"

"Oh Lana! You know I always give free makeovers!"

"True, but the makeup isn't free."

"You're right… But it is on sale!"

"Then we'll take everything you put on her!"

"Great! I'll ring you up!" They go to the front of the store.

Eleanora smiles at her reflection, and feels tons happier.

"Hey, you coming?"

"Yeah, Lana!"

They leave, thanking Amanda.

"Are you okay?"

"I feel tons better, Lana. Honest!"

"That's something you-know-who hasn't been to me lately."

"I'm feeling the same way, too."

"Why-" Lana is interrupted by Lex.

"Eleanora?" She turns around, her hair fluttering in the wind. He hugs her tightly.

"Hi there, Lex!"

He releases her, "Are you okay?"

"As okay as a girl who was recently poisoned by a cyanide dart can be."

"Did you get the flowers?"

"Yes I did, and I loved them! It was so sweet of you to think of me. Scarlett would be so proud of you!"

"I'm glad you liked them!"

Eleanora smiles at him.

"It's late, we should go. It was nice to see you again, Lex!" Lana guides her away. Eleanora looks back at him, and gives him her, I'm-sorry-Lex-I-promise-I'll-make-it-up-to-you-later, look. He waves at her.

She turns back again. Lana steers her into the Beanery, 10 minutes later. Nell is there, wearing a red sweater and jeans.

"What's going on here, Nell?" Eleanora asks, confused. A bunch of people are moving the furniture out of the Beanery.

"We're closing The Beanery."

"What?" Lana exclaims.

"Why?" Eleanora inquires.

"Four words: Lex Luthor said so."

Eleanora feels her blood pressure rise in anger, "Why can't we keep it? It means a lot to everyone!"

"Tell him that!" Nell says, bitterly.

"Ugh!" Eleanora exclaims, before turning on her heel and leaving. She runs down the street. Lex stops her with his arm on her waist. "How could you do this, Lex?"

"Do what?"

"You closed The Beanery?"

He lets her go, "Oh. That."

"Lex, that place means a lot to me! And almost everyone in Smallville, including Clark!" He brings her to his Porsche, and they get in. He drives her to his mansion. On the way there, they don't talk for a while.

"Eleanora, I had to close it."

"What for?"

"I wanted to open a new one!"

"Why?"

"This way, it'll be more modern!"

"What was wrong with the other one?"

"This will be better for the town!" He skids around a corner.

"Will the closing of the old movie theater also be 'better for the town'?"

"I think it will."

"Lex, that place means everything to Lana! It's where her parents first met! And it's the last thing she has from them!"

"And where you first saw a movie?"

"What-"

Lex stops the car, turns it off, opens his door and then Eleanora's. He pulls her out of her seat and slams the door shut. He turns around, his face inches from hers. "You lied to me and everyone you call 'friend'!"

"I don't-"

He grabs her wrist and yanks her inside the mansion. He doesn't let go until they reach the fireplace. Then he turns around, letting her wrist go. She massages it, as his eyes flash.