Through Lana's Eyes
Part 2 Chapter 11
Visage
Author's Note: Here's chapter 11. I've decided that I'm taking a break for a while so don't expect weekly updates for a while. Happygirl0278
That night she was cleaning the bathroom when she discovered that a pipe was leaking. She got out the phone book and called every plumber in the book. No one she called could come that night, but each place promised service first thing in the morning. Finally she gave up and called Clark. When he got there she lead him into the bathroom and opened the cabinet under the sink to reveal the pipe dripping water into the bucket.
"Twenty-four hour plumbing is a myth. I called every plumber in Smallville. The earliest anyone can be here is tomorrow morning." she said.
"By that time you'll need a snorkel. Let me see what I can do." Clark twisted the pipe, but more water leaked out.
"Oh, wrong way." He twisted the other way, but that didn't do much either. The water sprayed out hitting them in the face.
"The threads are history. I need a wrench!" Clark told her. She got up went into the back to get the wrench. When she got back the water had stopped. 'I thought it'd never stop. What'd he do?'
"How did you do that?"
"I just kept twisting and turning and it stopped." 'Wow. He's lucky.' She looked at him seeing his tee-shirt was drenched and clinging to his chest.
"Maybe one day I'll figure out how Clark Kent does the things he does." She handed him the towel.
"You know the people who moved into your house?" 'Vaguely; I never really met them.' "They have this orange cat that comes by the loft sometimes. I try to talk to him, but he isn't half the conversationist you are." She laughed.
"I have to admit I do miss those sunsets."
"Yeah. The sky's not really the same when you see it alone."
"It's getting late."
"Yeah."
"I should go put this back." She held up the wrench. She walked back out to the front and put the wrench into the drawer. As she was about to close it Whitney's picture caught her eye. She picked it up.
"Any news from the military?" Clark asked her.
"I'm really worried. Whitney's been missing for over a month. The military even sent back his personal effects to his mom. She gave me my necklace back." She opened the box and looked at it.
"You gonna start wearing that again?"
"Doesn't feel right. I have to know he's safe first."
"If anyone can get through it, Whitney can."
"Thank you. I appreciate you saying that."
"Well, it's the truth." 'I guess so.'
"I'd better close up."
"Okay, I'll see you tomorrow." She went back into the bathroom to clean up before she left. When she got home Chloe wasn't there. 'She's probably working late at the Torch.' The next day at school she saw Chloe, Clark, and Pete coming down the stairs. Chloe was ranting about Betsy Ross.
"I haven't been this disillusioned since I found out that Betsy Ross didn't design the American flag. I mean, she was my role model."
"Betsy Ross was your role model?"
"Yeah. In first grade. I mean, one day she was a pioneer for women, and then the next she's a glorified seamstress." Chloe said as she followed Pete down the hall. "One by one, our heroes are being defrocked." She and Clark turned and walked down the opposite hall.
"You know, Lana, there's a winter festival in Grandville this weekend. My mom's gonna have a booth there for her produce. I was thinking maybe we could go and hang out." 'That sounds like fun, but I've got stuff to do.'
"I'm not sure. I have to take a couple of extra shifts at the Talon."
"I know you're worried about Whitney, but working yourself to the bone won't bring him back any faster. It's okay to have a little fun." 'Why can't I see it like that?'
"You're right."
"So you'll go?" 'Sure. It sounds like fun."
"Yeah. Yeah, count me in." They looked down the hall and saw the people parting. She looked and saw Whitney walking down the hall. She felt her books fall out of her hands, as she walked down the hall to meet him. 'He's alright!' She gave him a hug. "Whitney."
"I missed you so much."
"I can't believe you're here. I can't believe you're back. Are you okay?"
"I am now that I'm back here with you." 'Thank God he's alright.' "Come with me. I need to talk to you." She followed him out to his truck and he drove them back to his house. They went inside and sat down at the table.
"It's so nice to have things back to normal." Whitney's mom said as she brought over a plate of cookies. "My son and the prettiest girl in school together."
"I bet you thought you'd never see me again."
"I never gave up hope."
"When I was out there, lost the thought of seeing you again was the only thing that kept me going." He leaned in to kiss her, but she turned away. 'It doesn't feel right.' "What is it? What's wrong?"
"Whitney, you know the video letter I sent you?"
"Video letter? What did it say?" 'He doesn't remember?'
"Lana, there's something you need to know about me. When my platoon was ambushed I was caught in an explosion and when I woke up, some of my memory was wiped out and the doctors don't know if I'll ever get it back."
"Whitney, it's okay."
"The one thing that I'll never forget is how much I care for you. I just want things to be like they used to be." He hugged her. 'Maybe I shouldn't tell him about the video.'
"Whitney, I'd better go home. I need to get ready for the party."
"Alright. I'll see you then." He gave her a kiss on the cheek before walking her to the door.
"I'll see you later."
"Bye." She went home and took a shower. While she was deciding what to wear Chloe came in.
"Unless the bathrobe passes for haute couture these days I'm guessing someone's not ready for the party."
"I don't know how this day slipped by so fast. I was over at Whitney's."
"How's he doing?"
"You know, surprisingly well, considering everything he's been through."
"Did he mention your award-winning Dear John video?" 'No, I did. The sad part is that he can't remember it.'
"He doesn't remember ever seeing it. He thinks we're still a couple."
"Well, that's got to be awkward."
"I can't turn my back on him now. He needs me more than ever."
"Could Lana Lang be falling for the man in uniform?"
"Why would you say that?"
"I don't know. I just sense that this may no be just a Florence Nightingale nursing a wounded soldier."
"I mean, I don't' know how to feel, you know? It's happening so fast. But seeing him again a lot of those feelings came back, feelings I though were long gone."
"Hence the 45-minute wardrobe crisis."
"The thing with Whitney is that what you see is what you get. There are no mysteries. No deep, dark secrets."
"Unlike someone we know." 'Clark's a nice person and everything, but the secrets get annoying.' Chloe smiled and left the room. She finally decided on a pink sweater and jeans. When she got downstairs Chloe was waiting for her. They got into Chloe's car and drove to the Talon. She and Chloe found Whitney talking to Pete. She went to get drinks for them. When she got back Pete and Whitney were talking about football. 'Oh, great. All the football talk kind of gets to me.'
"Did you catch any tape-delayed Sharks games? They're burring the entire league."
"I'm not that interested in football these days. I'd rather focus on the more important things in life." 'Well, that's a change.'
"You know, Whitney, if you're up for it, I'd love to set up an exclusive interview with you for the Torch." Chloe said.
"I actually don't remember that much and what I do remember I'd rather not talk about. Now that I'm back home, I'd rather focus on the more important things in life." He said, looking right at her.
"Great." Chloe said. Chloe and Pete walked off towards the drinks. After they were gone Clark came over.
"Hey, Clark." Whitney said as they shook hands.
"Whitney, good to have you back."
"Hey, Fordman!" Some guys from the football team came over and dragged Whitney away.
"Listen, Clark, about Saturday."
"No, it's okay. I understand."
"What's going on this Saturday?" Whitney asked as he came back.
"Nothing." she said.
"I take it you two saw a lot of each other while I was gone."
"No, not especially." Clark told Whitney.
"Clark and I are just friends, Whitney." She reminded him.
"I'm gonna get some punch." Whitney walked off. 'That didn't go so well.'
"Clark, I really am sorry about Saturday, but Whitney wants to make up for the time he was away."
"Lana. I don't mind, really. It's okay."
"Thanks, Clark. You're a good friend." He smiled at her before he walked off in the direction of the bathrooms. She walked over to an empty table and sat down. A few minutes later Whitney came over to her looking worried. "Whitney, what is it?"
"Lana, I went into the bathroom and I saw Clark in there."
"So?" 'Doesn't he have the right go to the bathroom?'
"A stall door was on the floor and he was splashing water all over the floor." 'That doesn't sound like Clark at all.' "And, when he saw me he told me to stay a way from you; that he wanted you all for himself."
"Thanks for telling me, Whitney. I'll talk to him about it." She got up and walked around looking for Clark, but she couldn't find him. Then next day at school he came over to her at her locker.
"Lana, we need to talk." 'You got that right.'
"About what happened last night at the Talon? You could have apologized over the phone."
"What are you talking about?"
"Whitney told me he walked in on you tearing apart the bathroom. He said you were in some kind of jealous rage."
"Whitney was the one tearing apart the bathroom."
"He said you told him to stay away from me, Clark."
"What? He's lying."
"After everything he's been through, now you're calling him a liar? I can't believe you." She turned and walked down the hall to class. When she got home Whitney called and told her that he was going to the barn, and he wanted to know if she wanted to come. She told him that she'd love to. When they got there he gave her some carrots, and they went over to Heisman's stall.
"I haven't seen Heisman in so long." She told Whitney as she fed Heisman the carrots.
"You know what I miss the most? Times like this when it's just the two of us. Hey, you're wearing your necklace. Whenever I pictured you in my mind you always had it on." 'I guess for a while the meteor shower did define me, and who I was.'
"Well, I haven't worn it since they sent it back. I wanted to know that you were safe first."
"Sent back?"
"Oh, I gave it to you when you left for basic training. They sent it back to your mom when you were listed as missing."
"Why can't I remember?" he asked.
"I know how hard this must be for you. But isn't the important thing that you're alive? You know, that you're back with people that care about you?"
"Lana, I've been thinking. Now that Nell's gone, maybe ... Maybe we should move in together." 'What? I'm still in High School. Plus I haven't really figured out how I feel about him.'
"Whitney, we ... We can't move in together."
"This is about Clark, isn't it?" 'No, why is he jumping to conclusions like that.'
"Whitney, I told you, Clark and I are just friends."
"He's got secrets, Lana." 'What's he talking about?'
"What kind of secrets?"
"You should be careful. Because he's not what he seems."
"How do you know?" 'You barely seemed to like him, and since he wouldn't even tell me his secrets, they'd have to be pretty close.'
"Can we just not talk about Clark?" 'You're the one who brought it up.' He walked away, but then he stopped. "Lana, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to freak you out with that whole moving-in thing. I just want to be with you all the time."
"It's okay."
"Lana, I know I told you I wanted to spend time with you, but I gotta go. I promised my mom I'd help her with something."
"Alright. I'd like to stay here for a little longer before I got to work."
"Bye." He kissed her on the cheek before walking out of the barn. She stayed there for a while before calling Chloe's dad and asking him for a ride. He said he was going into town anyways and it wasn't a problem. After she had been there for about five minutes, Whitney came in.
"Lana, we have to talk." He steered her over to an empty table.
"Could you give me a second? It's kind of..."
"It can't wait. Sit down."
"Lana," He pulled a small box out of his pocket. "Will you marry me?" 'How can he be asking me this? I told him I couldn't move in with him. What makes him think that I'd want to get married.' "I understood why you didn't want to move in together. Now it'll be legal, and we can elope and get out of Smallville."
"Whitney, this is crazy. You know I'm still in high school."
"My mom was only 16 when she married my dad. This is her ring." 'I can't do this.'
"I'm sorry. I can't accept it." She got up and walked back to work, holding back tears.
"Why not?"
"Whitney, that video letter I send you. There were some things that I said that I can't keep from you anymore."
"Like what?"
"I said that I ... I told you I thought we should go our separate ways. I didn't want to say when you said you couldn't remember. You've just been through so much and I didn't want to hurt you like that. I will always care about you, Whitney."
"But you care more about Clark." 'Would you stop bringing Clark into this!'
"This has nothing to do with Clark."
"Don't lie to me. Look me in the eye and tell me you don't have feelings for him."
"I have to get back to work." She turned and walked back around the counter.
"It's okay." 'Why does he keep doing that? He'll practically yell and me then the next minute he'll be apologizing.' "The thing that combat taught me is deal with loss and move on."
"I'm sorry." 'I really am. I didn't want to hurt you like this.'
"Can I just ask you for one thing?"
"Of course."
"Your necklace... Do you think I could have it? It's just something to remember you by. I know it means a lot to you."
"It does. That's why I want you to have it." She undid the clasp and handed it to him.
"Thanks, Lana." He turned and walked towards the door. She told Karen she need to take a break and went home to take a shower. When she went into her room Chloe was looking through her sock drawer.
"Hey."
"Sorry. I hope you don't mind. I'm sock-deprived. All my clothes are stuck on spin." 'What else are roommates supposed to do? It's practically a law that they can borrow your clothes.'
"Well, go ahead. I've gotta go to the Talon and close out." She went over to her closet.
"I bumped into Whitney. He told me what happened."
"Is he okay?"
"Well, he said you're not an easy girl to get over but he knows you'll be happy with Clark."
"I told him this has nothing to do with Clark."
"Come on, Lana, it's obvious you two belong together." 'What's going on with her?'
"Okay, now you're starting to act strange."
"Why?"
"Well, given your past history with Clark I'm surprised you're so eager to play matchmaker." She turned and began looking through her clothes trying to find something to wear.
"Don't think it's easy for me, Lana. I just don't want to stand in the way of what's meant to be." Chloe touched her shoulder and she spun around. 'What's the matter with everybody today.
"Sorry." Chloe turned and walked out of the room. Lana got dressed and went back the Talon. She was clearing tables and when she turned around Clark was right behind her.
"Hey."
"Sorry. Did I scare you?"
"No, I just ... I wasn't expecting to see anyone this late."
"Hey, Lana, there's something I should tell you. When I saw you with Whitney, I realized that if I didn't act on my true feelings I could loose you forever." 'Now he's acting strange. First Whitney, then Chloe and now him. There's definitely something strange going on.'
"Did someone put something in the Smallville water supply, cause everyone's acting really stranger today."
"I'm acting the way I should have acted the first time I met you. Lana, I love you." 'Is he serious?' Before she had time to do anything he started kissing her.
"Clark," she said pushing him away. Just then the door opened and another Clark came in. She started from Clark to Clark.
"Get away from her!" the Clark by the door yelled.
"What's going on?" she asked.
"I'll explain everything once I get you away from Tina." the other Clark said.
"Tina?" 'She's back again?'
"No, Lana. That's Tina." the Clark by the door said. "Lana, it's me, Clark."
"Don't listen to him. He's lying."
"The guy who fixed the leaky drain pipe." Clark said. 'Wait, so that's Clark, and this is Tina.' She tried to get away, but Tina wouldn't let go.
"No, we're supposed to be together." Tina said.
"Stay away from me, you freak!"
"No," Tina pushed her away and she slammed into a pole. The next thing she knew she blacked out. When she woke up she was in the hospital. She tried sitting up, but her head was throbbing. She laid back down and went back to sleep. When she woke up Chloe was sitting in the chair beside the bed.
"Hey."
"Hi."
"How are you feeling?" Chloe asked.
"Other than a horrible headache; I'm fine."
"Lana, there's something that Mrs. Fordman asked me to tell you. It's about Whitney. Should I wait until you're feeling better, or do you want me to tell you now." 'Whatever it is I'd like to know now.'
"I'll be okay. You can tell me."
"Alright." Chloe got up and sat on the edge of her bed. "A couple days ago an officer came to the Fordman's house. Before he could say anything; Tina killed him." 'Oh, my gosh. That's horrible.'
"What was he supposed to tell Whitney's mom?"
"He was coming to tell her that, um, they found Whitney's body." 'What?' "I'm so sorry, Lana. Whitney died fighting for his country." She buried her face in her hands and cried.
The next few days were all a blur. She went home, and stayed in her room. At some point Chloe came in and asked if she wanted to see anybody. She told her not yet. Later Chloe's dad brought up some soup for her, and offered his condolences. One afternoon she looked through photo albums. Another she just laid in bed. Finally she decided to get out of the house, she decided to talk to Clark. When she called, Mrs. Kent said Clark was down in the caves. She went down to the caves. When she got into the main chamber she found Clark looking at the drawings.
"Lana,"
"I called your house. Your mom said you were down here."
"I'm so sorry."
"I never should have sent that video."
"Don't do that to yourself."
"He was missing in action fighting for his life, thinking that I wasn't there, that I didn't care."
"It's not your fault." 'How come it feels that way?'
"Seems like every person I've ever gotten close to just leaves."
"That's not true."
"Yeah, it is. My parents, Nell, now Whitney. I know I haven't been a good friend."
"You've been a great friend."
"No, I have doubted you accused you of things and still you're here, protecting me. It don't care if you have secrets, Clark. You are the one good, constant thing in my life, and I don't want to lose you too." He wrapped his arms around her and she leaned against him
"I'm not going anywhere."
"Thanks for that, Clark."
"Come on, I'll walk you home." he said. They walked out of the caves together. When they got to her house, they said goodbye and she went inside. When she went into the kitchen she was Chloe and her dad having dinner. She decided to join them for the first time since she had come home from the hospital. As she sat there she though: 'Maybe life will feel normal again sometime soon.'
