Chapter 4
Lana and Chloe were standing at Lana's locker after school on Friday.
"Time to put step number one into action, Chlo," Lana said with a wink as Clark walked up.
"Hey Clark," Lana said elbowing Chloe in the ribs.
"Yeah, hi," Chloe said.
"Am I missing something?" Clark asked after Lana had elbowed Chloe a second time.
"Actually we were just talking about you," Chloe said eyeing Lana and taking a step away to avoid anymore jabs. "Lana and I are going to the pool hall tonight. We would love for you to join us.
"That would be great," Clark said, his eyes never leaving Lana. "Do you want me to drive?"
"Sure," Lana said, "I'll be at Chloe's, so why don't you pick us up there at six thirty?"
"See you girls then," Clark said, grinning at Lana as he walked out of sight.
"Gag me!" Chloe exclaimed, "he never even looked at me. Don't tell me you didn't notice Miss Pom-Pom."
"Yes, in fact I did. Don't worry Chloe, I don't like Clark. So, as of now you have absolutely no competition," Lana reassured her friend.
"As of now?" Chloe teased.
"Oh, Chloe! Come on! We have to find you something to wear," Lana said grabbing Chloe by the hand and dragging her behind her.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
At Chloe's house all Chloe could do was stare as Lana ravaged her closet and dresser for the perfect outfit.
"Why have you been hiding all these sexy outfits?" Lana asked amazed.
Chloe just shook her head. I can't believe I'm letting Lana Lang pick out my clothes, she thought.
"I've got it!" Lana cried.
"What? It only took you an hour? I'm surprised," Chloe teased her friend.
Ha Ha! You're so very funny," Lana said rolling her eyes. "Clark will just drool when he sees you in this!"
"You expect me to wear that?"
"Yes, is there a problem?" Lana asked innocently.
"It's just the…and the…and then there's the…and what's with the…" Chloe was at a loss for words.
"Chlo, do you trust me?" Lana asked
"Yes, I don't know why, but yes," Chloe responded.
"Then you'll wear this," Lana stated triumphantly.
"And what exactly will Clark's telescope girl be wearing?" Chloe asked.
"What I have on," Lana replied.
Chloe surveyed Lana's athletic shoes, jeans, and old t-shirt. "And you're making me wear this?" Chloe was appalled!
"Well, I can't go looking prettier than you, not that it's possible," Lana said grinning.
"Trust me, it's not," Chloe said glad she had the last laugh.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Lana gave a little shriek when the doorbell rang at six thirty. She ran downstairs leaving Chloe behind. Lana insisted that Chloe make an entrance.
"Come in," she said opening the door to Clark. "Chlo, Clark's here," Lana yelled, as if Chloe didn't know exactly who was downstairs!
Lana stood close to Clark at the bottom of the stairs so she could watch his reaction to Chloe. Not too close, she thought to herself, I don't want Clark to focus on me! As Chloe came into view Lana swore she heard Clark's breath catch. She watched as his gaze traveled from Chloe's knee-high black boots, up her legs to her black leather mini-skirt, then on to her red silk low-cut blouse. Lana had carefully French braided Chloe's hair, leaving out wisps to frame her face. Clark's eyes never strayed from Chloe as she came down the stairs. I'm good, Lana thought to herself.
Clark opened the door and escorted the girls to the car. "Who's in front?" he asked opening the door.
"Chloe is," Lana said pushing Chloe forward.
Clark smiled helping Chloe into the car. After he made sure Chloe was safely in the car he opened the back door for Lana. As he walked around to the driver's side Chloe said, "Lana…?"
"He can't keep his eyes off you, Chlo," Lana said squeezing Chloe's shoulder.
"I'm so nervous," Chloe whispered, "I mean, this is Clark Kent, man of my dreams!"
"Don't worry, Chloe. You're doing great!"
Clark barely said a word to Lana on the way to the pool hall. Guys! Ana thought happy with herself. Lana caught him stealing more than one glance at Chloe's legs.
At the pool hall Clark ran around the car to help the girls out. Lana was already climbing out, so he opened the door for Chloe. She smiled warmly at him when he offered his hand to help her out of the car. As she took his hand, her heart skipped a beat. Clark Kent is paying attention to me, Chloe Sullivan, she thought.
"Ladies," Clark said offering them both an arm as they walked into the pool hall. Chloe looked timidly at Lana. Lana winked at her and the girls laughed.
What am I doing? Clark thought, This is Chloe, my best friend! I never realized how beautiful she was! I'm here with Lana and all I can think about is Chloe? What is wrong with me?
Both Lana and Chloe sensed Clark's change in demeanor. He tensed up slightly and focused on Lana.
"Let's order a pizza," Chloe said trying to get Clark's attention.
"Sounds good to me," Lana said trying to save her friend embarrassment," "I'll go order it. Pepperoni, good?"
"Whatever you want, Lana," Clark said not even acknowledging Chloe. He stared at Lana's retreating form.
"Clark? Clark!" Chloe said trying to snap him out of his 'Lana- trance' that he was so good at.
"Yeah, Chlo?" Clark asked trying to make his eyes stay on her face.
"What are you thinking right at this very moment?" Chloe asked.
"How lucky I am to spending my Friday night with the two most beautiful girls in Smallville," Clark answered.
"Only the most beautiful in Smallville?" Chloe teased coaxing a smile out of Clark. "Well, I am lucky to be spending my Friday night with the most handsome guy in all of Smallville High School," Chloe teased, moving a little closer to Clark. Where is Lana, already? She thought, I am not good at this flirty-bat your eyelashes stuff!
"Alright, you guys, pizza will be here in a minute," Lana said returning to the table. The DJ put on Hero by Enrique Iglesias. "Lana," Clark said taking her hand," Dance with me?"
Lana gave Chloe a helpless look.
"Go on, Lana," Chloe said defeatedly. Lana gave Chloe's hand a squeeze as she let Clark lead her onto the dance floor.
"What were you and Chloe talking about while I was gone?" Lana asked smiling as Clark twirled her.
"Not much," Clark replied liking the feeling of dancing with Lana.
"You and her are really good friends, aren't you?" Lana asked.
"The best! Chloe's great," Clark said glancing at his best friend. Chloe saw him looking and waved.
"She talks about you all the time. She really cherishes your friendship," Lana said.
"I do too, Lana," Clark answered getting a bit tired of talking about Chloe.
"I'm glad you invited me to come with you tonight," Clark said.
"It was all Chloe's idea. She likes hanging out with you outside of school," Lana explained.
"Every other word that comes out of your mouth is about Chloe. You and her are becoming good friends aren't you?" Clark asked grinning. My best friend and my crush are friends, Clark thought, it doesn't get any better than this!
"I didn't realize how wonderful she was, Clark. She is truly amazing," Lana replied.
"The song is over, so let's not keep this wonderful, amazing person waiting," Clark said taking Lana's hand and leading her off the dance floor.
"I need to freshen up," Chloe said when they reached the table, "Lana would you join me?"
"Of course, freshening up is a good idea," Lana replied, linking arms with Chloe as they walked to the bathroom.
"This is working," Chloe said sarcastically.
"Don't worry, I have other ideas," Lana said reassuringly.
"What happened? As soon as we walked into the building he practically ignored me," Chloe said reapplying powder to her nose.
"I don't know, Chlo," Lana said trying to an unruly strand of Chloe's blond hair back into place. "He acted like I didn't exist on the ride here, but something changed.
"Yeah, he went back to 'Oh, Lana. Love of my life, Lana. Be mine, Lana," Chloe said dramatically, deepening her voice.
Lana laughed. "Chloe, what if it's because he's scared?" Lana said becoming serious.
Chloe turned around to face her friend, "What does he have to be scared about?"
"What if he looked at you in that outfit and something clicked? I saw the way he looked at you when you came down the stairs. What if he suddenly realized that you were no longer his best friend but also a sexy young woman?"
"He never noticed that I was a girl," Chloe asked confused.
"Not exactly. Maybe he never thought of you as being sexy. Maybe before you were just cute-girl next door-Chloe and now you're gorgeous Chloe with a mini-skirt and great figure," Lana tried to explain., "Do I make sense?"
"I guess that would scare him," Chloe said. Both girls busted out laughing.
"When we get back to the table, ask me to play pool. I'll beg off and insist Clark play. You take it from there," Lana said.
"Let's go win this scared little kid over," Chloe said linking arms with Lana and grinning.
"Long time, no see girls," Clark said when they had returned to the table.
"Did you miss us?" Chloe teased placing her hand on his arm.
"Always," Clark replied smiling shyly at Chloe.
"Lana, let's say we play some pool?" Chloe said.
"Yeah, Lana. Let's play," Clark said looking hopefully at Lana.
"You and Clark go play a game without me. I'm famished, so I'm gonna eat a few slices of pizza first. I'll be over in a sec," Lana replied.
"Come on, Clark. Tear yourself away from Lana for just one game?" Chloe begged, "Pleeaasse?"
"Alright, alright," Clark replied stifling laughter at Chloe's sad puppy dog face. He took Chloe's hand and placed it in the crook of his arm. As they walked towards the pool tables Chloe looked back at Lana. When they both winked they broke into laughter simultaneously.
"What's with you and Lana, today?" Clark asked.
"Why?" Chloe asked trying to stop laughing.
"I have my girls so happy together. You used to shoot looks of cold steel in her direction," Clark replied.
"First of all, your girls? And second I never realized how sweet Lana is…" Chloe said abruptly cutting herself off. Talking about how great Lana is will not help my case, Chloe thought.
"I am going to take you down Clark Kent," Chloe said grabbing a pool cue.
"Think again," Clark replied smiling.
"So, Clark, what is the one thing you want more than anything else?"
"Well, I'd have to say love," Clark replied.
"You mean Lana, don't you?" Chloe asked. I have to find exactly what kind of obstacle I'm up against, she thought.
"I used to think so, but now I'm not so sure."
"Why not?" Chloe asked intrigued.
"Let's see, what were your exact words? 'There are other girls that don't require you to walk through emotional minefield, so you can either stay up in your loft and play with your telescope or move on.' Does that sound about right?" Clark asked.
"Still, what does that have to do with anything?" Chloe asked puzzled.
"I just thought about what you said and realized that you weren't too far from wrong," Clark explained.
"And who, might I ask, is the girl you are planning to move on with?" Chloe said teasingly.
"Wouldn't you like to know," Clark replied grabbing Chloe and tickling her.
Lana watched as her two friends chased each other around the pool table laughing. They look so happy, she thought, my plan just may work!
Lana and Chloe were standing at Lana's locker after school on Friday.
"Time to put step number one into action, Chlo," Lana said with a wink as Clark walked up.
"Hey Clark," Lana said elbowing Chloe in the ribs.
"Yeah, hi," Chloe said.
"Am I missing something?" Clark asked after Lana had elbowed Chloe a second time.
"Actually we were just talking about you," Chloe said eyeing Lana and taking a step away to avoid anymore jabs. "Lana and I are going to the pool hall tonight. We would love for you to join us.
"That would be great," Clark said, his eyes never leaving Lana. "Do you want me to drive?"
"Sure," Lana said, "I'll be at Chloe's, so why don't you pick us up there at six thirty?"
"See you girls then," Clark said, grinning at Lana as he walked out of sight.
"Gag me!" Chloe exclaimed, "he never even looked at me. Don't tell me you didn't notice Miss Pom-Pom."
"Yes, in fact I did. Don't worry Chloe, I don't like Clark. So, as of now you have absolutely no competition," Lana reassured her friend.
"As of now?" Chloe teased.
"Oh, Chloe! Come on! We have to find you something to wear," Lana said grabbing Chloe by the hand and dragging her behind her.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
At Chloe's house all Chloe could do was stare as Lana ravaged her closet and dresser for the perfect outfit.
"Why have you been hiding all these sexy outfits?" Lana asked amazed.
Chloe just shook her head. I can't believe I'm letting Lana Lang pick out my clothes, she thought.
"I've got it!" Lana cried.
"What? It only took you an hour? I'm surprised," Chloe teased her friend.
Ha Ha! You're so very funny," Lana said rolling her eyes. "Clark will just drool when he sees you in this!"
"You expect me to wear that?"
"Yes, is there a problem?" Lana asked innocently.
"It's just the…and the…and then there's the…and what's with the…" Chloe was at a loss for words.
"Chlo, do you trust me?" Lana asked
"Yes, I don't know why, but yes," Chloe responded.
"Then you'll wear this," Lana stated triumphantly.
"And what exactly will Clark's telescope girl be wearing?" Chloe asked.
"What I have on," Lana replied.
Chloe surveyed Lana's athletic shoes, jeans, and old t-shirt. "And you're making me wear this?" Chloe was appalled!
"Well, I can't go looking prettier than you, not that it's possible," Lana said grinning.
"Trust me, it's not," Chloe said glad she had the last laugh.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Lana gave a little shriek when the doorbell rang at six thirty. She ran downstairs leaving Chloe behind. Lana insisted that Chloe make an entrance.
"Come in," she said opening the door to Clark. "Chlo, Clark's here," Lana yelled, as if Chloe didn't know exactly who was downstairs!
Lana stood close to Clark at the bottom of the stairs so she could watch his reaction to Chloe. Not too close, she thought to herself, I don't want Clark to focus on me! As Chloe came into view Lana swore she heard Clark's breath catch. She watched as his gaze traveled from Chloe's knee-high black boots, up her legs to her black leather mini-skirt, then on to her red silk low-cut blouse. Lana had carefully French braided Chloe's hair, leaving out wisps to frame her face. Clark's eyes never strayed from Chloe as she came down the stairs. I'm good, Lana thought to herself.
Clark opened the door and escorted the girls to the car. "Who's in front?" he asked opening the door.
"Chloe is," Lana said pushing Chloe forward.
Clark smiled helping Chloe into the car. After he made sure Chloe was safely in the car he opened the back door for Lana. As he walked around to the driver's side Chloe said, "Lana…?"
"He can't keep his eyes off you, Chlo," Lana said squeezing Chloe's shoulder.
"I'm so nervous," Chloe whispered, "I mean, this is Clark Kent, man of my dreams!"
"Don't worry, Chloe. You're doing great!"
Clark barely said a word to Lana on the way to the pool hall. Guys! Ana thought happy with herself. Lana caught him stealing more than one glance at Chloe's legs.
At the pool hall Clark ran around the car to help the girls out. Lana was already climbing out, so he opened the door for Chloe. She smiled warmly at him when he offered his hand to help her out of the car. As she took his hand, her heart skipped a beat. Clark Kent is paying attention to me, Chloe Sullivan, she thought.
"Ladies," Clark said offering them both an arm as they walked into the pool hall. Chloe looked timidly at Lana. Lana winked at her and the girls laughed.
What am I doing? Clark thought, This is Chloe, my best friend! I never realized how beautiful she was! I'm here with Lana and all I can think about is Chloe? What is wrong with me?
Both Lana and Chloe sensed Clark's change in demeanor. He tensed up slightly and focused on Lana.
"Let's order a pizza," Chloe said trying to get Clark's attention.
"Sounds good to me," Lana said trying to save her friend embarrassment," "I'll go order it. Pepperoni, good?"
"Whatever you want, Lana," Clark said not even acknowledging Chloe. He stared at Lana's retreating form.
"Clark? Clark!" Chloe said trying to snap him out of his 'Lana- trance' that he was so good at.
"Yeah, Chlo?" Clark asked trying to make his eyes stay on her face.
"What are you thinking right at this very moment?" Chloe asked.
"How lucky I am to spending my Friday night with the two most beautiful girls in Smallville," Clark answered.
"Only the most beautiful in Smallville?" Chloe teased coaxing a smile out of Clark. "Well, I am lucky to be spending my Friday night with the most handsome guy in all of Smallville High School," Chloe teased, moving a little closer to Clark. Where is Lana, already? She thought, I am not good at this flirty-bat your eyelashes stuff!
"Alright, you guys, pizza will be here in a minute," Lana said returning to the table. The DJ put on Hero by Enrique Iglesias. "Lana," Clark said taking her hand," Dance with me?"
Lana gave Chloe a helpless look.
"Go on, Lana," Chloe said defeatedly. Lana gave Chloe's hand a squeeze as she let Clark lead her onto the dance floor.
"What were you and Chloe talking about while I was gone?" Lana asked smiling as Clark twirled her.
"Not much," Clark replied liking the feeling of dancing with Lana.
"You and her are really good friends, aren't you?" Lana asked.
"The best! Chloe's great," Clark said glancing at his best friend. Chloe saw him looking and waved.
"She talks about you all the time. She really cherishes your friendship," Lana said.
"I do too, Lana," Clark answered getting a bit tired of talking about Chloe.
"I'm glad you invited me to come with you tonight," Clark said.
"It was all Chloe's idea. She likes hanging out with you outside of school," Lana explained.
"Every other word that comes out of your mouth is about Chloe. You and her are becoming good friends aren't you?" Clark asked grinning. My best friend and my crush are friends, Clark thought, it doesn't get any better than this!
"I didn't realize how wonderful she was, Clark. She is truly amazing," Lana replied.
"The song is over, so let's not keep this wonderful, amazing person waiting," Clark said taking Lana's hand and leading her off the dance floor.
"I need to freshen up," Chloe said when they reached the table, "Lana would you join me?"
"Of course, freshening up is a good idea," Lana replied, linking arms with Chloe as they walked to the bathroom.
"This is working," Chloe said sarcastically.
"Don't worry, I have other ideas," Lana said reassuringly.
"What happened? As soon as we walked into the building he practically ignored me," Chloe said reapplying powder to her nose.
"I don't know, Chlo," Lana said trying to an unruly strand of Chloe's blond hair back into place. "He acted like I didn't exist on the ride here, but something changed.
"Yeah, he went back to 'Oh, Lana. Love of my life, Lana. Be mine, Lana," Chloe said dramatically, deepening her voice.
Lana laughed. "Chloe, what if it's because he's scared?" Lana said becoming serious.
Chloe turned around to face her friend, "What does he have to be scared about?"
"What if he looked at you in that outfit and something clicked? I saw the way he looked at you when you came down the stairs. What if he suddenly realized that you were no longer his best friend but also a sexy young woman?"
"He never noticed that I was a girl," Chloe asked confused.
"Not exactly. Maybe he never thought of you as being sexy. Maybe before you were just cute-girl next door-Chloe and now you're gorgeous Chloe with a mini-skirt and great figure," Lana tried to explain., "Do I make sense?"
"I guess that would scare him," Chloe said. Both girls busted out laughing.
"When we get back to the table, ask me to play pool. I'll beg off and insist Clark play. You take it from there," Lana said.
"Let's go win this scared little kid over," Chloe said linking arms with Lana and grinning.
"Long time, no see girls," Clark said when they had returned to the table.
"Did you miss us?" Chloe teased placing her hand on his arm.
"Always," Clark replied smiling shyly at Chloe.
"Lana, let's say we play some pool?" Chloe said.
"Yeah, Lana. Let's play," Clark said looking hopefully at Lana.
"You and Clark go play a game without me. I'm famished, so I'm gonna eat a few slices of pizza first. I'll be over in a sec," Lana replied.
"Come on, Clark. Tear yourself away from Lana for just one game?" Chloe begged, "Pleeaasse?"
"Alright, alright," Clark replied stifling laughter at Chloe's sad puppy dog face. He took Chloe's hand and placed it in the crook of his arm. As they walked towards the pool tables Chloe looked back at Lana. When they both winked they broke into laughter simultaneously.
"What's with you and Lana, today?" Clark asked.
"Why?" Chloe asked trying to stop laughing.
"I have my girls so happy together. You used to shoot looks of cold steel in her direction," Clark replied.
"First of all, your girls? And second I never realized how sweet Lana is…" Chloe said abruptly cutting herself off. Talking about how great Lana is will not help my case, Chloe thought.
"I am going to take you down Clark Kent," Chloe said grabbing a pool cue.
"Think again," Clark replied smiling.
"So, Clark, what is the one thing you want more than anything else?"
"Well, I'd have to say love," Clark replied.
"You mean Lana, don't you?" Chloe asked. I have to find exactly what kind of obstacle I'm up against, she thought.
"I used to think so, but now I'm not so sure."
"Why not?" Chloe asked intrigued.
"Let's see, what were your exact words? 'There are other girls that don't require you to walk through emotional minefield, so you can either stay up in your loft and play with your telescope or move on.' Does that sound about right?" Clark asked.
"Still, what does that have to do with anything?" Chloe asked puzzled.
"I just thought about what you said and realized that you weren't too far from wrong," Clark explained.
"And who, might I ask, is the girl you are planning to move on with?" Chloe said teasingly.
"Wouldn't you like to know," Clark replied grabbing Chloe and tickling her.
Lana watched as her two friends chased each other around the pool table laughing. They look so happy, she thought, my plan just may work!