As Emmeline helped Lana move into Chloe's place, she was having mixed emotions. Sure Lana had been nice enough to her and they were growing closer each day, but she was also taking Clark's affections from her and Chloe, and now she felt like she was taking Chloe from her.

As usual, she chose to keep those feelings hidden from everyone else.

Clark handed Chloe's dad a box from his truck which they had used to move Lana's stuff from Point A to Point B.

"Thanks again for letting me live with you guys, Mr. Sullivan," Lana said appreciatively. "It really, really means a lot."

"You're welcome," Gabe smiled. "And in honor of the day, I'm gonna make dinner."

"Oh, hey, don't put yourself out."

"Mi casa, es su casserole.

Clark handed Emmeline another box and headed in with it. She met Chloe at the top of the stairs.

"Look, Em," Chloe said after she had put the box down. "I know this is a bit weird for you, but I promise that you're still my best friend. Lana moving in isn't going to change that."

"I know. It's nice that you're doing this for her, so how can I really be upset about it?"

The two girls went back outside, and Chloe paused for a second when she saw Clark and Lana interacting. Emmeline let out a small sigh, knowing that things were going to get a little complicated in the future when it came to Clark and his feelings for Lana and Chloe and maybe even Emmeline.

"So, that looks like it's, uh, everything, if you need to get your truck back," Chloe said, breaking up Clark and Lana's conversation.

"You know, I lucked out," Clark said. "My mom called and said she was gonna take off early. Help finish up the chores. So you want to celebrate?"

"I wish I could, but I've got to get changed and take a shift at the Talon," Lana told him.

"Yeah, and Em and I only have like a second to grab a bite before we need to run over to the Torch. Sorry," Chloe added.

"Oh," Clark said, his face falling a little. "When you three are scheduled to take a breath, give me a call."

"Will do."

"Hey, Clark," Emmeline said before he left. "Can you actually give me a ride home? I need to pick up some things before I go to the Torch."

"Sure!" Clark smiled.

"Thanks, Clark," Lana said, taking the last box into the house.

"Yeah."

"I'll see you in a bit, Em!" Chloe called. The two girls went back inside Chloe's house to get ready for their next chore.

Emmeline hopped into the passenger side of Clark's truck and he began making the drive to her house.

"So, I know you're probably tired of getting asked this, but how's your mom doing?" Clark asked.

Emmeline smiled a little. "She's doing really well considering the circumstances. She's started her treatments, and we're making sure that she gets a bit of exercise everyday and eats well. Her appetite isn't what it used to be, and we all know it's just a matter of time before she starts losing her hair. But so far, we're all coping."

"I'm glad she's doing well. I know you've been going through a lot lately."

"If you're talking about Lana and Chloe, don't worry about me. I'm fine."

"You know you're a really bad liar?"

"…Mom says that to me every time I try."

"Are Lana and Chloe going to get closer? Yes. But that won't change anything between the two of you. You've been friends for longer and share a bond that no one can break."

They drove a little longer before they arrived at her house. "Thanks for the ride, Clark."

"It was no trouble."

She smiled and headed inside. She was barely home for five minutes before she went back out the door and drove to Smallville High to meet up with Chloe.

The two of them entered the room to find another boy already in.

"Oh, sorry, the, uh, door was open. I'm Ian."

"Uh, Randall," Chloe finished as he shook hers and Emmeline's hands. "Yeah, I know. You practically own the library table near the math and science shelves."

"Yeah, and you've, uh, staked out carrel 17—current events. Guess we're both candidates for the overachievers anonymous club."

"Yeah. So, um, what brings you to my stressed out part of the world?"

"Well, uh, actually I had heard that most of the library's reference books had migrated over to this side of the building." He looked at a huge shelf covered with books Chloe and Emmeline had been using.

"Uh, right. I've been meaning to return these…"

"But just couldn't find the time."

"Exactly. Days like this, I could really use two of me." She looked at the book Ian picked up, titles 'Student's Guide to Colleges and Universities'. "Um, are you getting started early as well?"

"Uh, no, actually, I'm planning on graduating at the end of this school year."

"But you're only a sophomore."

"Well, yeah, but I've been piling on night classes, extra credit work. If I can land the Luthor Scholarship, I'll be going Ivy League next year."

"Color me journalistically intrigued. Um, how about an interview?"

"Okay. All right."

"But take it easy on me. Your reputation precedes you."

"I have a feeling I'll be able to leave my hard hitting reporter hat at home this time, so don't worry."

Ian left the room and Emmeline smiled at Chloe, pointing a finger at her. "You like him."

"Did you not see him? He's really hot. And apparently extremely smart."

"Good luck with that interview. I can't wait to dissect it," Emmeline told her teasingly.

A couple hours later, Chloe came back to the Torch office all smiles.

"Hey," Emmeline greeted. That's when Ian followed her into the room. "I, uh, I take it the interview went well."

"It went great!" Chloe laughed. "So, Em, why don't you take the night off and go spend some time with your mom? Ian's going to take over proofreading for you."

Emmeline lost a bit of her smile. "Uh, sure. I'll see you tomorrow then."

"Bye!"

As Emmeline left the office, she could hear Chloe and Ian talking and laughing. First Lana, now Ian. Why did it feel like she couldn't catch a break?


"Hey, guys, what's going on?" Emmeline asked with a smile as she caught up with Clark and Pete in the hallway.

"We're scoping out Lana's new study buddy," Pete laughed, looking over at Ian and Lana.

"Yeah, he did an interview with Chloe yesterday. I think she has a thing for him."

"Well, it looks like he's got a thing for Lana."

"Yeah," Clark said shortly.

"Do I detect a hint of the 'J' word?"

"No, Lana and I are just friends."

"Right."

Pete and Emmeline started heading to study hall, leaving Clark to jealously watch the couple.

"How have you been, Em?" Pete asked.

"I don't know. Between Lana, and Ian, and everything going on with Mom, I could really use a break."

"Well, how about you come over tonight? Trust me, it'll give you a great break. We'll do some homework, and then we'll make some popcorn and watch some old Disney films."

"That would be amazing. I'll be there around 4:00, okay?"

"See you then!"

Emmeline looked after him, and bit her lip. What was she getting herself into?


Chloe and Emmeline were both working on the next issue of the Torch when Clark knocked on the door. "Chloe?"

"Yeah?" Chloe said.

"Hey, you got a second?"

"Sure."

Clark went over to her computer and read the first sentence to her new story…the one Emmeline hadn't gotten to proofread. "'Primed to graduate two years early, Ian Randall is a true academic superstar.' Well, so much for journalistic detachment."

"Believe it or not, not every story has to be Wall of Weird material. Why am I defending myself?"

"Do you like him?" Clark suddenly said bluntly.

"I don't not like him. What is this about, Clark?"

"Nothing. I just want you to be careful."

"Why?"

"Look, I probably shouldn't say anything, but I saw him and Lana in the hallway and they seem pretty…close."

"Oh, I get it," Chloe said, her smile disappearing. "You just want to make sure that poor little Chloe doesn't get burned…again.

"No, Chloe—"

"You know what, Clark? Not that it really matters, but Ian already told me that Lana was kind of into him, but he'd rather be with me. He asked me to keep it a secret because he doesn't want to hurt her feelings."

"And you believe that?"

Chloe looked at him stone-faced. "You really can't imagine that someone would choose me over Lana, can you Clark?"

She stormed out of the office and slammed the door.

"Chloe, wait!" Clark called.

Emmeline turned to look at him. "I don't know about you, but I'm really starting not to trust Ian."

"I didn't mean to hurt her feelings."

"I know. I'll go talk to her." Emmeline left the office and found Chloe stewing not too far from it. "Hey."

"If you're coming here to tell me to go back and talk to Clark, forget it."

"I wasn't going to say that. Just…watch your back with Ian, okay? I also saw him with Lana, and they did look a bit more than friendly. I'm not saying he's choosing her over you, I'm just saying I think you and Lana should talk about it a bit more."

"I don't want to hurt Lana's feelings."

"But don't you think you're hurting her even more by not telling her?"


That evening, after Emmeline and Pete had finished their homework, Pete began making some popcorn, then went to his collection of movies.

"Which one do you prefer, madam?" he asked

"Um…do you have The Little Mermaid?"

"As it happens, I do."

"I love that one. Prince Eric has always been my favorite Disney prince. I'm a sucker for guys and dogs."

Pete grabbed the popcorn and crashed on the couch. Halfway through the movie, Pete laughed. "Oh my goodness, Em, you are so tense!"

"Sorry! I've been stressed out lately!"

"Turn around."

Before Emmeline knew what was happening, Pete began massaging her shoulders as they watched the film. It felt amazing and she felt a lot of the stress from the last couple of weeks slowly begin to leave her.

Right as the film ended, Pete's phone rang. He left the room to take the call and when he came back, he had a regretful look on his face. "Em, I'm so sorry, but Clark has an emergency that he needs helps with."

"Oh! That's fine. I mean, we finished the movie and all, so it's cool."

"I had a great time with you."

"I did too. I'll, uh, see you tomorrow."

Emmeline walked out of his house and towards her car, trying to ignore the butterflies in her stomach.


The next day, Emmeline was at the Talon grabbing a couple coffees when Clark waltzed in.

"Hey, Clark!" she smiled. "Uh, Pete said you needed help with something last night. Is everything okay?"

"That's what I'm about to find out." He headed over to Lana. "Lana, have you seen Chloe?"

"She's at the sheriff's station giving her statement," Lana answered shortly as she got up from her table.

"Well, I don't remember ordering a side of hostility."

"I can't believe you accused Ian of murdering Mr. Frankel."

"Lana, you have to believe me. I don't know how he did it, but he's lying to everyone."

"A boy with secrets. I'm surprised you guys aren't fast friends."

Emmeline tried to resist rolling her eyes. Sure Clark had secrets, but didn't everyone? She really needed to stop getting so worked up about it.

"Don't try and turn this around on me," Clark said gently. "He's seeing you and Chloe at the same time. He was at her house. She's his alibi."

"Clark, they were finishing up an interview!"

"Does Chloe always finish up her interviews by making out with her subjects?"

Emmeline looked over at him. That was news to her!

"Ian told me that Chloe had a little crush on him, but it wasn't serious," Lana said.

"And he told you not to say anything to Chloe about it, didn't he? Lana, he said the same thing to Chloe about you."

"If this is all because I enjoy spending time with Ian, then you are way overreacting. If I didn't know you better, I'd say you were jealous."

Emmeline sighed. "Lana, he's telling the truth. Chloe told us that Ian told her the exact same thing."

"Lana, I'm trying to be your friend," Clark continued. "Look, you've got to ask yourself, what kind of person asks the two people he cares about to lie for him?"


The next day, Clark recruited Emmeline and Pete for his mission to expose Ian.

"Clark, I got your 911," Pete said, coming through the door to Clark's house. "I brought Em. I assume we're back on the Ian trail?"

Clark handed them some papers. "I got Ian's scholarship information from Lex. It turns out he was taking classes at Smallville Community College at the exact same time that he was taking classes at Smallville High."

"Any idea how an only child can make like the Olsen twins?"

"It wouldn't be the strangest thing to happen in Smallville," Emmeline put in.

"How isn't important," Clark said. "I just want to make sure we're right before we start throwing around charges."

"Because last time certainly didn't go very well."

"Yeah, I wouldn't look for much help in the Lana and Chloe department," Pete said.

A look of realization crossed Clark's face. "Maybe I can. Doesn't Ian carry a pager?"

Clark sent a page to Ian, one from Lana and one from Chloe, both saying they wanted to meet with him at 5:30.

At exactly 5:30, Clark drove to watch Chloe's house, while Pete and Emmeline went to go to the Talon.

Right on schedule, Ian stepped out. "Hey guys, have you seen Lana?" he asked them.

Emmeline played along and looked confused. "Um, not for a while," Pete answered. "Why?"

"Well, she paged me, said she wanted to get together at 5:30."

"What can I say? Something must have come up." The two of them walked away and Pete called up Clark. "Clark, Mr. Punctual made his appearance at exactly 5:30, which means we're definitely seeing double."

The three of them raced down to the Torch office.

"Chloe! Lana!" all three of them called urgently.

"Guys, check this out!" Pete said, looking at Chloe's computer. "'We've both been deceiving ourselves over Ian. Now the pain's too much. We've gone to the dam to end our suffering.' Sounds like a suicide note."

"Ian wanted me to see that. He's going to kill them to get to me."

"Oh my gosh," Emmeline said quietly, tears pooling in her eyes at the thought of losing her best friend.

Clark raced out of the room and Pete grabbed onto her. "They're going to be okay. I promise."


Later that night, Emmeline got a message from Chloe to meet with her and Lana at the Talon. She ended up seeing Clark right outside.

"You too?" he asked.

"I guess so."

The second Emmeline walked in and saw the two girls unharmed, she immediately ran up to them and hugged them tightly. "I'm so glad you're both okay."

"We got your message," Clark said, coming up behind her. "Is everything all right?"

"We've been up all night talking," Chloe started.

"You were the number one topic of discussion," Lana added.

"This can't be good," Clark mumbled.

"Actually," Chloe said, "we wanted to apologize to you for the way we've been treating you. Both of you. Even though you did technically use us as bait."

"I didn't count on it getting out of control," Clark said sheepishly.

"Em, I know you've felt a little uncomfortable about me moving in with Chloe, but I assure you that I'm not trying to take your place," Lana assured her. Emmeline took note that that was the first time Lana had ever called her 'Em'.

"Yeah, and I shouldn't have let Ian do your job for you. Especially since he didn't do half as good a job as you do."

"The point is, you both warned us about Ian, and we didn't listen."

"Yeah, you thought I was jealous," Clark said.

"There's a lot of water under the bridge between us, Clark," Chloe told him.

"I know that you each have your issues with me, but you have to understand that I would never let anyone hurt you."

"We know that, Clark," Lana said gently.

"I just find it interesting that you guys would give Ian all the latitude in the world, and I would just be immediately dismissed."

"After all the times you've been less than honest with us, can you really blame us for having some doubts?" Chloe pointed out.

"You want honesty. The truth is that, I expected more from both of you."

"And we expected more from you," Lana said. "We made a mistake. But it was ours to make."

"So, what do we do now?" Chloe asked.

"Well, first we can stop treating me like the jealous boyfriend, since none of us have actually dated. You wanna be friends, let's be friends."

"Is that what you really want?" Lana asked.

"Yeah. It is."

No, it isn't, Emmeline thought. These guys were going to drive her up the wall if SOMEONE didn't start admitting that they liked someone else.

"Good night." Clark left the Talon, and Emmeline began to follow suit.

"Wait, Em!" Chloe called, hopping up from her seat. "Look, I know I've been a bit distant lately with everything with Ian and Lana, so how about we set aside some time tomorrow night, just the two of us to hang out?"

"I'd like that."