Chapter 111 [Torch]

Chloe typed away on a Torch article. She determined to get a couple of contributions into the student paper. Never thought I'd think of myself as a slacker! Irony elicited an eye roll. Thankfully Clark is able to help out. She shook her head. With her time at the Bugle over, she determined to write occasionally for the Daily Planet and keep her time at the Torch.

After all, one needed priorities.

Ms. Travers said I could do an internship this summer at the Planet. I just hope it's better than the one they put me through summer before last. Well, I showed that I can put an article on the front page. Maybe they'll let me do something besides gopher duty. Chloe frowned. With Pete in Wichita on weekends, she decided to find a couple of reporters. That could also be a reporter and a photographer.

Lana told her about the morning's events at the Kent Farm. I hope that creep is finally ash, dust or whatever he disintegrated into! The Child brings Spider-Man into it again. Wish I could get the airline miles from his cross-country poof acts! I just hope Clark's okay. A magical sword gash across the arm? She shuddered from the picture on Lana's phone earlier that morning.

I just hope nothing happens at the wedding tomorrow. As if Mr. Parker and Miss Stacy need anything else? She gulped down a mouthful of coffee from her trusty tankard. Her fingers typed away for a couple of minutes. She skimmed the latest article. "Guess this will get at the need for research methods." She hit 'save'.

Lana bombed into the room. "Chloe! You've got to hear this!" She huffed and puffed. Tears streaked down her cheeks. She smiled.

"Uh okay. Everything all right with Clark?" Chloe stopped her typing. She turned in her chair.

"His Mom texted me. Dr. Dubois said his arm's almost as good as new! He's going to be in a sling tomorrow and Sunday. Hopefully he'll be back by Monday or Tuesday. Then there was a text from Miri!" Lana shook her head. "I can't believe it! This is so great!"

"What was?" Chloe studied Lana's face.

"Jasmine and she talked a couple of hours ago." Lana handed her the phone. "Read her text."

Chloe took the phone. She read the message. A big grin spread across her face. "Wow! Jasmine asked her! FINALLY! Those two have only been mooning over each other for the last year or so! What a weekend!"

"Yeah. I can't wait for tomorrow. Sam's going to be playing at the reception. Hopefully she can hang out with us. Pete's really into her." Lana took the phone back. "Thank you. I wanted you to know."

"I'm glad you did. Sure you shouldn't be checking on Clark? Maybe you can help with chores?" Chloe suggested.

Hey, Lana? Clark called to her.

Clark? Lana somehow kept her concentration. Everything all right? I heard about your arm. Isn't what happened with Miri great?

Yeah it sure is. You got a minute? I could use your help here. Maybe you can help Mom with the wedding cake? I wish I could but you know how she is. Clark rolled his eyes.

Yeah I do. I'll be right there. Lana cleared her throat. "I think I'll do exactly that. Thanks, Chloe."

"You're welcome I think." Chloe raised an eyebrow. "What did I suggest?"

"I did promise to help with chores. Even with his stuff, his arm isn't quite ready for that." Lana smiled. "Thanks. Hey maybe we can catch up later at the Talon? I'll text you."

"You bet. I'd like to catch up with our esteemed visitors. They're not bad people. Some of them were cool at the Bugle. It's their moronic publisher that I want to shove nails under his fingernails." Chloe gulped from her tankard on that note. "Just shoot me a text."

"Okay! See you later!" Lana rushed out the door.

Sure thing. Hope everything's okay. I thought the secrets were done. So what is it now? Chloe shook her head….