Chapter Eight-Signals
Chloe Sullivan…
Not the girl of my dreams…the girl of my reality.
Chloe had always said that everyday we get signs to help us decide on what to do. She said whether it's God who sends it or some other power we should always watch for them. Well, here I am, Chloe…taking your advice.
Clark could remember that day vividly. The sign that came to him smacking him in the head, trying to tell him that Chloe was the girl.
They had gotten into a major argument. It was strange because Chloe could get annoyed with him, he knew, and sometimes even found it fun getting on her nerves, but they never went so far as to argue. She even yelled that she didn't want to talk to him anymore. Clark figured she was just angry and that she'd get over it and they'd be friends again.
He couldn't even remember what the fight was about. But, it was big enough for her to actually stop talking to him for three months and it would have been longer had he not done something about it.
Through the course of their friendship separation is when his relationship with Lana began. It was the end of senior year and everyone was getting ready to graduate. Chloe had decided not to waste any time, so she was leaving for Metropolis the day after graduation. That also happened to be the day when Lana and himself had made plans to leave on a big summer trip.
Clark wanted to talk to Chloe, to make everything better. Though Lana was sympathizing with him she didn't think it was worth putting the vacation back a day. You could call her later, Lana would tell him. But, to Clark it was important. Lana got angry and questioned their relationship. That was when Clark realized that if Lana never talked to him again he would still survive, he'd get over it. But, he wouldn't be able to get over Chloe not talking to him again.
So, the dream relationship with Lana ended and Clark ran to heal things with Chloe. That was the moment he realized that things had definitely changed. The signs came back to him. He finally noticed that there had been many signs before and he was just to blind to see them. He didn't know if God had sent him this big sign that finally put him in check, but he was thankful nonetheless.
The exception letter to transfer to Metropolis University he had gotten a few months ago was another sign and he was ceasing it. Here he was now standing in the middle of a bank, searching the office windows for Chloe.
Chloe felt restless and she hated it. She wanted a cigarette so bad. She knew a few co-workers who could give her one, but the disappointed look on Lex's face was something she didn't want to see.
So instead, she chewed gum like no other. She was even chewing flavors she didn't like! She felt cold but she could feel the film of sweat on her face. "Damn those cigarette's for making me lose control."
She knew that once this withdraw was over, provided she got through it, she would never take anything that would make her lose control again. Her life was too important to her for her to lose control.
She stretched her neck when she caught a glimpse. "Clark," she breathed when she saw him standing outside her office looking lost. I spoke to soon, she thought. She knew that if anything or anyone could make her lose control it was Clark. Of course, the recent developments said Lex might be able to do the same.
She walked out of her office towards him. As if sensing her he turned around and smiled. "Chloe," was all he said.
Chloe knew her eyes were sparkling at the sight of him. She also knew that that affect was something only Clark gave her. "Clark, it's you…again." She wondered if Clark ever noticed the sparkle.
"Yeah…" Clark suddenly felt nervous and was unsure of what to say.
That was it. Chloe couldn't control herself. She jumped and wrapped her arms tightly around him. "Clark," she said, desperately trying not to cry.
"Hey, hey didn't we just see each other a few days ago?" Clark asked, though he also felt as if he'd cry.
"Yeah, I know…" Chloe buried her head in his neck. She loved how he smelt like home. There was none of that big city smell on him, just the good home-cooking country smell.
They stayed quiet a few moments and just savored each other's hug. Then Clark held her small face in his hands and looked into her sparkling tearful eyes. "I'm staying," he whispered.
Chloe eyes darted from side to side then stayed in focus in his eyes. "What?"
"I'm here to stay, Chloe. All my stuff is in the car. I'm moving to Metropolis," he told her softly.
A tear fell from Chloe's eyes. Her reply was just to hug him again and stay that way for a long time.
Lex knew Chloe wouldn't be home, but he figured leaving a message was better than trying to get her away from Clark for a moment.
"Chloe here…er…actually I'm not here. So, just leave me a message and when I'm home be assured I'll try my best to get back at yah."
Her message made him smile. He loved her genuine sweetness. Lex rubbed his head nervously. It had only been a few days and she was already making him crazy.
Beep!
"Chloe, its Lex. Listen, Kirby industries is throwing a ball New Years Eve Night and I was wondering if you'd be so kind as to accompany me. I have to call them by 7 P.M. for the RSVP so give me call once you get home. My number is 723-9876."
Lex disconnected and closed his cell phone. He realized that he hadn't been breathing throughout the phone call. He took in a deep breath.
He was nervous and for the first time in his life, he felt insecure. But, all there was to do now was wait.
"Are you sure you have enough room?" Clark asked, as him and Chloe piled into her small apartment carrying his things.
"Of course! You can stay here till you get a place," Chloe said, setting some of the things down.
Clark smiled at her. "Thanks," he said.
Chloe looked at him. "What?"
"What?" Clark shrugged.
"You know what. You have that look," Chloe said.
"What look?" Clark asked, trying to act oblivious.
"You have that mischievous look on your face. You have an idea or something. I know you Clark," Chloe playfully poked at him.
Clark sighed. "I was just thinking…"
"Yeah?"
"It'd be nice to be roommates," Clark said.
Chloe was quiet as she thought about this.
"We could afford a bigger place together and just be roommates," Clark continued.
She was still quiet.
"Chloe?"
A big smile grew on Chloe's face. "Clark!" She raised her hands. "That is a great idea!"
Clark smiled. "Well, you know I always have the great ideas."
"I've got a newspaper there. Get it and we can start looking," Chloe said.
Clark quickly went to pick up the paper. He glanced over at her phone, which had a flashing light. "Hey, Chloe I think you have a message."
Chloe glanced at the phone. She shrugged. "I'll check it later."
They both looked through the newspaper. "So, what do you want to do tonight?" Clark asked.
"I don't know," Chloe said as she read some apartment descriptions. She looked over at Clark who had been staring at her. "I have an idea of what we can do."
They smiled at each other and in unison said, "Movies."
Chloe flipped through the paper to the Metropolis lifestyle section. "Oh!"
"What?" Clark asked.
"The new Josh Hartnett movie!" Chloe exclaimed.
Clark laughed. "What time?"
Chloe looked at her watch then at the newspaper. "It's 6:15 now. If we leave now we have time to get tickets, food, and seats for the 7 o'clock showing."
"Let's go then."
