Chapter 2- From The Eyes Of Lex

I can't help but feel saddened and let down by my most recent encounter with my father. He has a way of getting to me like no one can. All I want to do is get a cup of coffee and sit in a booth to sulk. It's not like me, but that's how I feel right now. It's how I've been feeling all of the time lately. I can't shake the feeling that I can't overcome the low expectations of my father and everyone else.

Here comes Lana. I really don't want to deal with her sugary sweetness right now. I am not in the mood for small talk. Maybe if I give her my order she will go away. I open my mouth, but before I can say a word she is putting her arms around me. What is she doing? Is she hugging me? Why would Lana be hugging me? All I can do is stand here and let her squeeze my shoulders so gently. When she steps back I don't know what to say. I'm not used to this physical contact with people. Lana has guts.

"Lana…" I try. Yeah, start with her name. What do you say to the friend of a friend? I'm not close to Lana, and don't know what to expect from her. Thankfully she puts me out of my misery.

"You-I mean-You looked like you needed a hug," she says hesitantly. I looked like I needed a hug? Really when I think about it I guess that I did. Her concern triggers something within me. Lana hugged me because she thought I needed it, not because she had ulterior motives. Lana cares about my well-being.

"I did," I answer. If dad were here I'd get his 'show no sign of weakness' spiel. Clark keeps telling me that I'm not my father. That is so true at this moment. What is that look on her face? She looks like she's in shock. I have to stop a laugh. Didn't expect me to be quite so honest, did you Lana?

"What?" she asks. You're not really going to make me repeat myself are you? Maybe you are.

"I did need a hug," I repeat.

I wonder what she'll think of my openness. My answer comes in the form of another hug. When her small arms wrap themselves around my shoulders I force myself to respond. I reciprocate the gesture by putting my arms around her waist. This actually feels pretty nice. I haven't been hugged in years. I forgot how soothing it could be. Maybe I did need a hug.

When she tightens her arms around me I can't stop the sigh from escaping my lips. I'm glad I came here. I don't think I give Lana enough credit. This hug won't effect what's bothering me, but it did help me to forget my troubles for a fraction of a second. For that, I am grateful.