Chapter 13-Where is my mind?
Lex put a protective arm around Chloe's waist and pulled her close as they walked towards her apartment building at 12:14 A.M. Chloe didn't notice Lex's eyes darting around to make sure everything was safe.
"Look," she pointed to Metropolis Bank. "There's work."
"You live so close," Lex commented.
Chloe nodded. "Yup, that's why I just walk to work."
"Do you have a car?" Lex asked.
She pointed towards a red Jeep Wrangler. "That's my Jeep."
"I never pictured you driving a Jeep," Lex said.
Chloe took her keys out and opened the Apartment Building door. "Really? I love that Jeep."
"You just seem like a…well, if you drove an SUV I would have guessed you driving a Tracker or something," Lex said. He followed her inside the building.
They started walking up the stairs. "Well, I bought the Jeep used. I figured I'd need a car if I was going out on my own."
"So, what's your dream car?" Lex asked, as he followed her up the stairs.
"A black Jeep Liberty," Chloe said, without hesitation.
"I see you've thought about this," Lex said with a chuckle.
"Are you kidding?" Chloe asked with wide eyes. "I've been drooling over those Liberties since they came out in 2002."
"You could have bought that one used," Lex offered.
Chloe shook her head. "When I'm a famous reporter I'll buy a brand spanking new one."
They got to her doorstep. Chloe unlocked the door and began walking in. She turned to look at Lex. "Maybe I shouldn't," Lex said.
Chloe looked down at her feet then back up at Lex. "Yeah…you shouldn't."
Lex wanted to go inside so badly. But, he knew he shouldn't. Though if Chloe decided on insisting he'd be in there in a heartbeat. "Chloe, I had a really great time. In fact, it was the best time I ever had since…well, it's the best time I've ever had in my whole life."
Chloe gave him a small smile. "It was the same for me. I'm glad you insisted on going ice skating."
They just stared at each other for a few moments.
"Does your cheek still hurt?" Chloe asked, breaking the silence.
"Oh…um…no, it's OK now," Lex said to her.
"OK good, put some ice on it anyway when you get home," she advised.
"Yes, ma'am." Lex gave her a reassuring smile.
Chloe stood silent, staring at her hand, which Lex was holding and rubbing the fingertips of. Suddenly she felt herself get pulled forward. When she looked up Lex's lips landed on hers. The kiss began gentle and sweet but soon they embraced each other as they kissed passionately. After a few minutes, they broke apart gasping for air.
"I'll…um…see you…tonight," Lex said, taking in deep breaths.
Chloe nodded, trying to give herself a few moments to breathe before saying, "Bye." She watched Lex turn around and start walking away before she herself retreated into her apartment.
She closed the door behind her and clutched at her chest as she desperately tried to catch her breath. She finally began breathing normally and glanced around the apartment for Clark. She closed her eyes in relief. She didn't know what she'd do if Clark saw her like this. She was a wreck though it was for all the right reasons.
She then realized she had been leaning against the door. It made sense to her because she knew she probably would have collapsed. She used her arm to push herself off the door and started walking towards her room.
**
Lex sat in his BMW staring at Chloe's apartment building. They had kissed quite a few times in the last couple of days but that last kiss was nothing short of magical. He was still trying to catch his breath. Everything about it was amazing. The feel of her skin, the taste of her lips, her intoxicating scent, the ticklish feeling her hair gave when brushing on his face, everything mixed together was incredible.
He was falling in love with this girl fast and hard. He could tell, he knew that falling in love with Chloe meant no going back. A few days ago this might have scared him into distancing himself from her, but now he knew her more than he had ever known her. He felt like he had really known her for years yet there were still so many mysteries about her that he could happily spend the rest of his life finding out. He was nervous and scared, but for some reason he trusted Chloe. He trusted her with his life and before this there had never been anyone, except his mother, that he felt that way about.
Lex sighed. He really wondered what his mother would think of Chloe. Well, actually he knew that Chloe and his mother would have had an eccentric relationship. Both being stubborn, they would have butted heads on occasion, but would admire each other none the less. He knew his mother would have valued Chloe's opinion. Surely, they'd be the types that would have lunch together, talking, debating, agreeing and disagreeing for hours. His mother would look forward to reading articles and stories written by Chloe while Chloe would love the constructive criticism his mother was sure to give.
Lex was startled when there was a sudden knock at his car window. He turned his head to the left only to look in the face of Clark Kent. He stared at him for a moment before finally rolling the window down. "Clark."
Clark was silent. He just looked at Lex with an icy glare.
Lex sighed. "Are you here to make a point or just stare?"
"What do you want with her?" Clark asked, in a very firm tone.
"I assume you're talking about Chloe," Lex said.
Clark didn't answer, just waited.
"What is it with you Clark? Years ago if I'd have a chit chat with Chloe you didn't get bothered by it," Lex said. He stepped out of the car to be face to face with Clark.
"You're just going to hurt her," Clark said.
Lex sighed. "I know she's your best friend. But, I don't have any cruel intentions. I like being around her."
"Stay away from her," Clark said.
"Oh, so you're making the decisions now? Did you happen to notice that I'm not putting a gun to her head and forcing her to be around me?" Lex said, he was losing his temper fast.
"I'm warning you-"
"You're warning me? Let me tell you something Clark Kent, my relationship with Chloe is none of your damn business. I know it's hard for you to get used to her not being 15 and following you around anymore. But, face it; the bus got tired of waiting and left without you," Lex said, pointing at Clark.
"You don't care about her. All you want is money and power. Chloe's just another girl to you…a toy. You got bored and found her as a new challenge," Clark said.
Lex was boiling inside.
"You don't love her," Clark said.
Lex couldn't control himself. He balled up his fist and hit Clark in the face as hard as he possibly be could. "GODDAMNIT!" Lex yelled, clutching his fist and doubling over in pain. Clark hadn't even budged. Lex looked up at Clark, who was still in the same position as before he hit him. Lex couldn't understand it. Clark should have at least had a bloody nose. Lex examined his hand, it was slightly black and blue and hurt like hell. He wondered if anything was broken.
Clark closed the distance between them. He grabbed Lex firmly by the shoulder and whispered, "You hurt her and I'll kill you. I'll take you and your car and throw you off a bridge so you can die like you should have that day." With that he pushed Lex against his car and walked off.
Clark knew his words and his actions could have given Lex hints on his secret. But, this was about Chloe and he wanted to protect her. Though something deep inside him knew he was being too possessive. Something told him that Lex had been right. All those years Chloe waited patiently for Clark. But, he took too long so she stopped waiting and went on with her life. He shook those thoughts from his mind and convinced himself that Lex was no good for Chloe.
Lex stood straight up and watched angrily as Clark walked away. Clark was being irrational. Lex couldn't blame him; Clark was also in love with Chloe. Love could make people do crazy things as well as jealousy. Clark didn't realize he was being possessive and jealous. Lex knew that Clark truly made himself believe that Lex was out to hurt Chloe. But, what Clark didn't realize was that all his actions, in attempt to protect Chloe, would only hurt her in the end. And if Clark hurt Chloe in anyway, directly or indirectly, Lex would stop at nothing to hurt him.
**
Chloe tapped furiously at her computer keys when there was a soft knock at her door. She turned half way around and yelled, "Come in."
The door opened slowly and in came Clark Kent with a small smile. "Hey, I just wanted to let you know I was home."
"Oh OK. Where were you anyway?" Chloe asked, though she wasn't that curious.
"First day at work," Clark told her.
Chloe nodded.
"You look tired. Did…did you have a good time?" Clark asked, he really didn't want to know.
Clark's heart fell when a dreamy smile appeared on Chloe's face. "Oh yes. It was amazing. We had a lot of fun."
Clark looked down, for a second feeling ashamed about his confrontation with Lex, then quickly recovering. She may be happy now, but Clark knew he'd have to help her wipe away tears when the inevitable happens; Lex would break her heart.
Chloe sighed. "Clark, I don't want to fight with you anymore. Just please understand that I like Lex. I like being around him."
"He's just going to hurt you," Clark said quietly.
"People date and breakup everyday. It's a part of life. If that happens I'll get over it," Chloe told him. "I don't need you to protect me."
Clark just nodded.
"So, is everything cool now?" Chloe asked.
Clark was quiet for a few seconds before finally saying, "Yeah, everything's cool."
Chloe smiled.
"Well, I guess I'll go to bed. You look tired. You should get some sleep," Clark told her.
"I will," Chloe said, though she doubted she'd be able to sleep tonight.
"Goodnight, Chloe."
"'Night Clark," she said.
Clark left the room.
Chloe turned to face her laptop and began typing again.
December 31, 2005 12:57 A.M.
Tonight was…well…indescribable. Lex took me ice-skating. It was so cold outside, but I didn't even notice. Being around Lex makes it hard to notice the negatives around you.
A few days ago, it was hard to think of him as anything, but the baldheaded mysterious rich guy I used to know in Smallville. But, then I got to know him. I'm actually dating Lex Luthor and that is something that I never thought would happen.
There is a small voice in the back of my mind that I'm trying to ignore, but I can't. It's telling me I may be falling in love with Lex. I guess I'm afraid, but every time he looks at me, kisses me, or holds my hand that fear diminishes. It's like I'm sending a signal and I feel that connection that maybe he's sending a signal too.
Maybe he is falling in love with me too.
Chloe Sullivan
To be continued
