Chapter 28- The Party
"Punch anyone?" Chloe asked. Chloe, Lana, Clark, Pete, and Whitney were in Clark's loft. Martha had set up a table in one corner with food and drinks.
"Ooh, dry ice," Pete said settling onto the couch. "Very cool."
"Speaking of dry ice," Lana said. "Have you talked to Lex?"
"Not since Tuesday," Chloe said looking at Whitney's confused expression. "Lex and I are trying to define our relationship or lack thereof."
"That can be difficult," Whitney said with a smile.
Chloe laughed and sat next to Pete. "So true."
"I'm glad you're happy, Chlo," Pete said throwing an arm around Chloe's shoulders.
"I'm trying not to let it bother me," Chloe said shifting so she was leaning on Pete. "I'm going to let him come to me."
Clark laughed and Chloe shot him a dirty look. "Ouch, Chlo, if looks could kill. Sorry, it's just that Lex is waiting for you to come to him."
"Why?" Chloe asked indignantly. "He's the one who needs to decide how he feels. I know how I feel!"
"And how is that?" Whitney asked.
Chloe looked at him for a moment before answering. "That I love him, and want it to work out. But I am not going to be pushed aside whenever the relationship is not convenient for him!"
"Go, Chloe!" Lana said with a smile.
"Thank you," Chloe said with her trademark smile.
"Chlo?" Pete asked when Chloe became quiet. "You look sad."
"I didn't even get a chance to tell Lex about the party," Chloe said sadly.
Lana smiled brightly. "He knows."
"Will he be here?" Chloe asked hopefully.
"I wouldn't miss it," Lex said walking up the stairs.
"Lex!" Chloe said happily. She jumped off the couch and threw herself at Lex.
"Whoa," Lex said catching her waist as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders.
Everyone, including Lex, laughed. Pete moved next to Whitney on the far end of the couch to make room for Lex and Chloe.
"Not yet," Lex said holding a hand up. "Clark, let's do presents now."
"Sounds good. You got them?" Clark asked standing up.
"In the car," Lex replied. "Guys, will you help us please?"
"Sure," Whitney said following Lex, Clark, and Pete down the stairs.
"His present takes three guys to get it up here?" Chloe asked Lana.
Lana laughed. "We all chipped in to buy you some stuff, so there's a lot of it. Clark, Pete, Whitney, and I all gave money to Lex and he and Clark picked out things they knew you'd like."
"I'm intrigued," Chloe said. A moment later the guys returned.
"I told Chloe we all chipped in," Lana said.
"We figured you'd need this stuff this summer at your internship," Pete said setting down a box.
"You'll like it," Clark said happily.
"I'm sure I'll love it!" Chloe said.
"This first," Lex said handing Chloe a small box.
Chloe grinned and tore open the wrapping. She gasped when she saw what it was. "Oh, you guys! This is amazing!" It was a digital camera and video camera in one.
"That one was my idea," Lana said. "I saw it when I was in Metropolis for a riding competition."
"It's wonderful," Chloe exclaimed.
"Hold on, Chlo. There's still more," Pete said laughing.
Clark handed Chloe a large, heavy box. She opened it and pulled out a messenger bag. "Is this…?" Chloe asked in amazement. "How did you ever afford it?" Chloe took the laptop out of the bag and ran her fingers over the clear blue top.
"We chipped in as much as we could, and Lex took up the rest," Whitney said.
"And I have to tell you, that wasn't much," Lex replied.
"This is too much. Oh, wow!" Chloe said at a loss for words.
Lana beamed. "This one is actually pretty much just from Lex," Lana said handing Chloe a small box.
Chloe opened it to reveal a key ring with two keys. "What are these for?" Chloe asked Lex.
"I have an apartment in Metropolis. You can use it over the summer. It has four bedrooms so everyone can come visit you. The silver key is for the apartment," Lex explained.
"And the gold?" Chloe asked.
"You can have free use of any of my sports cars that you want while in Metropolis. That's actually a key to the Ferrari F355, that one seemed to be your favorite," Lex said.
"I don't know what to say! This is overwhelming!" Chloe exclaimed hugging each person in turn.
"Don't say anything yet, there's more," Clark said standing up. "Let's go."
"Are you serious? This is amazing!" Chloe said and everyone laughed.
When they got into the house they found a group of people. Martha and Jonathan Kent, Gabe Sullivan, and Nell Potter were in the Kent's living room.
"What's everyone doing here?" Chloe asked becoming ecstatic.
"You opened your gifts from your friends?" Gabe asked.
"Yes. Their astonishing!" Chloe said.
Martha laughed. "The kids chipped in for those presents. The adults chipped in for another."
"These presents are for your internship, as you can tell by now. This one is too," Nell explained.
"What is it?" Chloe asked trying not to jump up and down.
Jonathan laughed and handed Chloe an envelope. Chloe opened it to reveal a large amount of cash.
"What?" Chloe asked.
"Spending money for whatever you may need," Gabe explained.
"But there's-" Chloe said quickly counting the cash.
"Almost seven hundred dollars. You can use it for business clothes, souvenirs, or anything else you may need," Martha explained.
"I can't believe it! It's more than I could have ever hoped for! I could cry," Chloe said hugging everyone in the group.
"Now, for the birthday cake," Martha said going into the kitchen. When she came back she had a large cake with sixteen candles.
"Happy birthday to you," everyone sang. "Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday, dear Chloe. Happy birthday to you."
When Chloe blew out the candles everyone clapped. Martha returned to the kitchen to cut the cake.
"This is the best birthday I've ever had. Thank you all so much," Chloe said eating the cake Martha handed to her.
When they had eaten the cake, Nell and Gabe got ready to leave.
"Happy birthday Chloe. Good luck this summer," Nell said.
"Thank you, Ms. Potter," Chloe answered.
"Good bye, sweetheart," Gabe said kissing Chloe's forehead. "Stay out as late as you like, this is your day."
"Thanks, Dad. Bye," Chloe said hugging her father.
"Okay, kids," Jonathan said when Gabe and Nell had left. "We will leave you alone."
"I put blankets, sleeping bags, and extra pillows in the hall closet. If it gets too late you all are welcome to stay," Martha said. "All of your parents, save for Lex's, have given their permission. Girls, I have set out some old clothes for you two to use as pajamas, although Lana we're close enough for you to go get some if you need it. Guys, Clark has tons of old clothes for you all to use. If you all need anything at all just ask. Happy birthday, Chloe."
"Thank you so much!" Chloe said as the Kents left the room. "Back to the loft?" Chloe asked the group. When they all nodded Chloe led the way.
Clark walked straight to the stereo and turned it on. Jump Jive An' Wail came over the speakers.
"Ooh, Clark! Swing," Chloe said with a squeal.
Clark grinned and held out his hand for her. The others watched in awe and Chloe twisted and twirled.
"Wow!" Lana said as Clark lifted Chloe into the air.
"What Lana said," Whitney agreed.
When the song was over Chloe collapsed against Lex in exhaustion. "We haven't done that in the longest time," Chloe said between heavy breaths.
"Almost a year," Clark said collapsing on the couch next to Lana.
"That was amazing," Lana told Clark, sitting next to him.
"You don't look so surprised, Pete," Whitney pointed out.
"I knew they could do that, I just haven't seen it in a while," Pete explained.
"Well done," Lex said sitting on the couch by Clark. He took Chloe's hand and gently pulled her down beside himself.
"We try," Chloe said totally content.
"Good party?" Lana asked.
"The best! Can I ask you all a favor?" Chloe asked.
"Of course," Clark said.
"Will you all stay here tonight? I know we may not have to, but I'd really like to," Chloe said.
"Well, I live here," Clark said with a laugh. "So I'm a given."
"Lana?" Chloe asked happily.
"Why not?" Lana said laughing.
"Pete?" Chloe asked.
"And get a chance to dance with the birthday girl? I'm in," Pete said.
"Do I really have to ask everyone?" Chloe asked raising her eyebrows.
"Sure, if it's okay with everyone," Whitney said hesitantly.
"We'd love to have you," Lana said sincerely.
"You have to stay," Clark agreed.
"Please?" Chloe asked.
Whitney laughed. "How can I say no to that?"
"That leaves you, Lex," Chloe said looking to Lex.
"Well…" Lex began.
"I know you're probably not the sleep-over type, but it's my birthday. It would mean a lot," Chloe begged.
"Okay, but I'll have to make a trip home," Lex said smiling.
"I'll go with you," Chloe said.
"No, stay here. I'll be okay," Lex replied.
"Let me come with you," Clark said standing up.
"Alright," Lex said walking to the stairs.
"How rude," Chloe teased.
"You stay here and enjoy your party," Lex said walking back over to Chloe and kissing her hair.
"If I have to," Chloe complained.
"You do," Clark said following Lex down the stairs.
"What do these sleep-overs entail?" Lex asked Clark as Lex peeled his Porsche out of the Kents driveway.
"Fun," Clark said simply.
"Care to elaborate?" Lex asked amusedly.
"Well, lots of talking. Mainly talking. I can guarantee more dancing. We might be able to coerce Chloe into singing for us," Clark listed.
"That alone is worth it," Lex said with a laugh. "Although last time I regretted asking her to sing."
"That was funny! Anyway, it will be great fun," Clark said. "I'm glad you are going to stay."
"I'm new to this, but I never refuse a challenge," Lex replied pulling into the mansion's driveway.
Clark laughed. "It shouldn't be that much of a challenge!"
Lex walked directly to his room and pulled a designer garment bag and duffel bag out of his closet. He put his pajamas and a fresh suit into the garment bag, then walked to the bathroom to fill his duffel bag.
"Ready?" he asked walking back to his bedroom.
Clark looked highly amused. "Yes."
"Do I humor you that much?" Lex asked walking back to his car.
"You have got to loosen up. This is a sleep-over, not a business trip," Clark said gently.
Lex looked at him with a perplexed look.
Clark laughed. "Nevermind. Just remember, have fun. Don't worry so much about the small things."
"Point taken," Lex said speeding back to the farm.
"Punch anyone?" Chloe asked. Chloe, Lana, Clark, Pete, and Whitney were in Clark's loft. Martha had set up a table in one corner with food and drinks.
"Ooh, dry ice," Pete said settling onto the couch. "Very cool."
"Speaking of dry ice," Lana said. "Have you talked to Lex?"
"Not since Tuesday," Chloe said looking at Whitney's confused expression. "Lex and I are trying to define our relationship or lack thereof."
"That can be difficult," Whitney said with a smile.
Chloe laughed and sat next to Pete. "So true."
"I'm glad you're happy, Chlo," Pete said throwing an arm around Chloe's shoulders.
"I'm trying not to let it bother me," Chloe said shifting so she was leaning on Pete. "I'm going to let him come to me."
Clark laughed and Chloe shot him a dirty look. "Ouch, Chlo, if looks could kill. Sorry, it's just that Lex is waiting for you to come to him."
"Why?" Chloe asked indignantly. "He's the one who needs to decide how he feels. I know how I feel!"
"And how is that?" Whitney asked.
Chloe looked at him for a moment before answering. "That I love him, and want it to work out. But I am not going to be pushed aside whenever the relationship is not convenient for him!"
"Go, Chloe!" Lana said with a smile.
"Thank you," Chloe said with her trademark smile.
"Chlo?" Pete asked when Chloe became quiet. "You look sad."
"I didn't even get a chance to tell Lex about the party," Chloe said sadly.
Lana smiled brightly. "He knows."
"Will he be here?" Chloe asked hopefully.
"I wouldn't miss it," Lex said walking up the stairs.
"Lex!" Chloe said happily. She jumped off the couch and threw herself at Lex.
"Whoa," Lex said catching her waist as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders.
Everyone, including Lex, laughed. Pete moved next to Whitney on the far end of the couch to make room for Lex and Chloe.
"Not yet," Lex said holding a hand up. "Clark, let's do presents now."
"Sounds good. You got them?" Clark asked standing up.
"In the car," Lex replied. "Guys, will you help us please?"
"Sure," Whitney said following Lex, Clark, and Pete down the stairs.
"His present takes three guys to get it up here?" Chloe asked Lana.
Lana laughed. "We all chipped in to buy you some stuff, so there's a lot of it. Clark, Pete, Whitney, and I all gave money to Lex and he and Clark picked out things they knew you'd like."
"I'm intrigued," Chloe said. A moment later the guys returned.
"I told Chloe we all chipped in," Lana said.
"We figured you'd need this stuff this summer at your internship," Pete said setting down a box.
"You'll like it," Clark said happily.
"I'm sure I'll love it!" Chloe said.
"This first," Lex said handing Chloe a small box.
Chloe grinned and tore open the wrapping. She gasped when she saw what it was. "Oh, you guys! This is amazing!" It was a digital camera and video camera in one.
"That one was my idea," Lana said. "I saw it when I was in Metropolis for a riding competition."
"It's wonderful," Chloe exclaimed.
"Hold on, Chlo. There's still more," Pete said laughing.
Clark handed Chloe a large, heavy box. She opened it and pulled out a messenger bag. "Is this…?" Chloe asked in amazement. "How did you ever afford it?" Chloe took the laptop out of the bag and ran her fingers over the clear blue top.
"We chipped in as much as we could, and Lex took up the rest," Whitney said.
"And I have to tell you, that wasn't much," Lex replied.
"This is too much. Oh, wow!" Chloe said at a loss for words.
Lana beamed. "This one is actually pretty much just from Lex," Lana said handing Chloe a small box.
Chloe opened it to reveal a key ring with two keys. "What are these for?" Chloe asked Lex.
"I have an apartment in Metropolis. You can use it over the summer. It has four bedrooms so everyone can come visit you. The silver key is for the apartment," Lex explained.
"And the gold?" Chloe asked.
"You can have free use of any of my sports cars that you want while in Metropolis. That's actually a key to the Ferrari F355, that one seemed to be your favorite," Lex said.
"I don't know what to say! This is overwhelming!" Chloe exclaimed hugging each person in turn.
"Don't say anything yet, there's more," Clark said standing up. "Let's go."
"Are you serious? This is amazing!" Chloe said and everyone laughed.
When they got into the house they found a group of people. Martha and Jonathan Kent, Gabe Sullivan, and Nell Potter were in the Kent's living room.
"What's everyone doing here?" Chloe asked becoming ecstatic.
"You opened your gifts from your friends?" Gabe asked.
"Yes. Their astonishing!" Chloe said.
Martha laughed. "The kids chipped in for those presents. The adults chipped in for another."
"These presents are for your internship, as you can tell by now. This one is too," Nell explained.
"What is it?" Chloe asked trying not to jump up and down.
Jonathan laughed and handed Chloe an envelope. Chloe opened it to reveal a large amount of cash.
"What?" Chloe asked.
"Spending money for whatever you may need," Gabe explained.
"But there's-" Chloe said quickly counting the cash.
"Almost seven hundred dollars. You can use it for business clothes, souvenirs, or anything else you may need," Martha explained.
"I can't believe it! It's more than I could have ever hoped for! I could cry," Chloe said hugging everyone in the group.
"Now, for the birthday cake," Martha said going into the kitchen. When she came back she had a large cake with sixteen candles.
"Happy birthday to you," everyone sang. "Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday, dear Chloe. Happy birthday to you."
When Chloe blew out the candles everyone clapped. Martha returned to the kitchen to cut the cake.
"This is the best birthday I've ever had. Thank you all so much," Chloe said eating the cake Martha handed to her.
When they had eaten the cake, Nell and Gabe got ready to leave.
"Happy birthday Chloe. Good luck this summer," Nell said.
"Thank you, Ms. Potter," Chloe answered.
"Good bye, sweetheart," Gabe said kissing Chloe's forehead. "Stay out as late as you like, this is your day."
"Thanks, Dad. Bye," Chloe said hugging her father.
"Okay, kids," Jonathan said when Gabe and Nell had left. "We will leave you alone."
"I put blankets, sleeping bags, and extra pillows in the hall closet. If it gets too late you all are welcome to stay," Martha said. "All of your parents, save for Lex's, have given their permission. Girls, I have set out some old clothes for you two to use as pajamas, although Lana we're close enough for you to go get some if you need it. Guys, Clark has tons of old clothes for you all to use. If you all need anything at all just ask. Happy birthday, Chloe."
"Thank you so much!" Chloe said as the Kents left the room. "Back to the loft?" Chloe asked the group. When they all nodded Chloe led the way.
Clark walked straight to the stereo and turned it on. Jump Jive An' Wail came over the speakers.
"Ooh, Clark! Swing," Chloe said with a squeal.
Clark grinned and held out his hand for her. The others watched in awe and Chloe twisted and twirled.
"Wow!" Lana said as Clark lifted Chloe into the air.
"What Lana said," Whitney agreed.
When the song was over Chloe collapsed against Lex in exhaustion. "We haven't done that in the longest time," Chloe said between heavy breaths.
"Almost a year," Clark said collapsing on the couch next to Lana.
"That was amazing," Lana told Clark, sitting next to him.
"You don't look so surprised, Pete," Whitney pointed out.
"I knew they could do that, I just haven't seen it in a while," Pete explained.
"Well done," Lex said sitting on the couch by Clark. He took Chloe's hand and gently pulled her down beside himself.
"We try," Chloe said totally content.
"Good party?" Lana asked.
"The best! Can I ask you all a favor?" Chloe asked.
"Of course," Clark said.
"Will you all stay here tonight? I know we may not have to, but I'd really like to," Chloe said.
"Well, I live here," Clark said with a laugh. "So I'm a given."
"Lana?" Chloe asked happily.
"Why not?" Lana said laughing.
"Pete?" Chloe asked.
"And get a chance to dance with the birthday girl? I'm in," Pete said.
"Do I really have to ask everyone?" Chloe asked raising her eyebrows.
"Sure, if it's okay with everyone," Whitney said hesitantly.
"We'd love to have you," Lana said sincerely.
"You have to stay," Clark agreed.
"Please?" Chloe asked.
Whitney laughed. "How can I say no to that?"
"That leaves you, Lex," Chloe said looking to Lex.
"Well…" Lex began.
"I know you're probably not the sleep-over type, but it's my birthday. It would mean a lot," Chloe begged.
"Okay, but I'll have to make a trip home," Lex said smiling.
"I'll go with you," Chloe said.
"No, stay here. I'll be okay," Lex replied.
"Let me come with you," Clark said standing up.
"Alright," Lex said walking to the stairs.
"How rude," Chloe teased.
"You stay here and enjoy your party," Lex said walking back over to Chloe and kissing her hair.
"If I have to," Chloe complained.
"You do," Clark said following Lex down the stairs.
"What do these sleep-overs entail?" Lex asked Clark as Lex peeled his Porsche out of the Kents driveway.
"Fun," Clark said simply.
"Care to elaborate?" Lex asked amusedly.
"Well, lots of talking. Mainly talking. I can guarantee more dancing. We might be able to coerce Chloe into singing for us," Clark listed.
"That alone is worth it," Lex said with a laugh. "Although last time I regretted asking her to sing."
"That was funny! Anyway, it will be great fun," Clark said. "I'm glad you are going to stay."
"I'm new to this, but I never refuse a challenge," Lex replied pulling into the mansion's driveway.
Clark laughed. "It shouldn't be that much of a challenge!"
Lex walked directly to his room and pulled a designer garment bag and duffel bag out of his closet. He put his pajamas and a fresh suit into the garment bag, then walked to the bathroom to fill his duffel bag.
"Ready?" he asked walking back to his bedroom.
Clark looked highly amused. "Yes."
"Do I humor you that much?" Lex asked walking back to his car.
"You have got to loosen up. This is a sleep-over, not a business trip," Clark said gently.
Lex looked at him with a perplexed look.
Clark laughed. "Nevermind. Just remember, have fun. Don't worry so much about the small things."
"Point taken," Lex said speeding back to the farm.