Chapter 2- Day One
"Good morning sunshine," Pete said, throwing open the curtains in Chloe's room. The room was immediately filled with bright sunlight.
"Pete, what is your problem? It's the middle of the night," Chloe whined. She quickly pulled the covers over her head.
Pete laughed. "If it's the middle of the night why is the sun out? You have to get up. It's almost time for lunch and Lex insists that we don't start cooking until he's sure that you'll like whatever he decides to fix."
"He tries too hard. What is he, the energizer bunny?" Chloe mumbled under the covers.
Pete sat down next to her. "Chloe, be nice. He just wants to please you."
Chloe peeked one eye out from under the covers. "No, he wants Clark's friends to be his friends. It's all about Clark."
Pete grinned. "Same with you, my friend."
Chloe reached out long enough to punch Pete's arm.
"Are you getting up or do I have to carry you into the living room?" Pete asked, standing up.
"Make sure you don't drop my covers," Chloe told him, snuggling into the blanket.
Pete reached down and threw Chloe over his shoulder like a potato sack.
"Hey, be gentle. I'm fragile," Chloe whined.
"You're the one who wanted to be carried. You didn't specify how," Pete pointed out as he walked down the hallway. He walked into the living room and dumped Chloe unceremoniously on the couch next to Clark.
"Good morning Clark," Chloe said with a grin. She quickly ran her fingers through her short blond hair before wrapping the blanket more securely around herself.
Clark laughed. "Good afternoon, Chloe."
"Give me a break. It can't be that late," Chloe said rolling her eyes.
"It's eleven fifty-three," Lana read off of her watch.
"That's still early. Pete, back to bed," Chloe commanded with a nod of her head.
Pete ruffled Chloe's hair. "I have a better idea. Come on you guys," Pete said picking Chloe up again.
Chloe shrieked as Pete walked out of the cabin. "Anyone want to help?"
Lex raised his eyebrows as the teenagers passed him.
"Hello, Mr. Luthor. Care to help me out?" Chloe asked, propping herself up by leaning an elbow on Pete's back. "Anyone? Clark? Lana? Pete.where are you taking me? Pete!"
"I hate to say it, Chloe, but we're headed to the lake," Lana said grimacing.
Chloe held her arms out to Clark. "I thought I was your best friend. I thought you loved me?" With that she stuck out her bottom lip and put on her most pitiful puppy dog face.
Clark reached over and plucked Chloe out of Pete's arms, and Chloe circled her arms around Clark's neck. "How can I say no to that?" Clark asked with a smile.
"You can't," Chloe announced happily.
"Hey, that wasn't very fair," Pete complained, reaching for Chloe.
Clark turned quickly and began to jog back to the cabin.
Back inside Clark put Chloe on the couch, then sat beside her. When Pete came stomping in Chloe wedged herself behind Clark's shoulder. At Pete's smug look Chloe sat up and pushed the blanket off of her shoulders. She stood to look Pete in the eye.
"You knew he would do that, didn't you? Little sneak," Chloe said, her mouth in a shocked 'o' as Lana and Lex walked in the door.
Pete leaned in close to whisper in Chloe's ear. "Just trying to help you out."
Chloe's eyes got wide. "Pete!" Chloe said loudly. She quickly lowered her voice to a whisper. "I don't need your help."
"That's why you're dating Clark, right?" Pete said, stepping back to stare into Chloe's eyes.
Chloe glared at Pete before turning on her heel, grabbing her blanket and stomping to her room.
Pete laughed and plopped onto the couch between Lana and Clark.
"What is with you two?" Lex asked.
"Who?" Pete asked innocently.
"You know who. You and Chloe. I mean, Miss Sullivan," Lex corrected himself, standing off to the side of the couch.
"We're best friends," Pete said as if it was obvious.
Lex shook his head in amusement. "Well, does your best friend like steak?"
"Yes, very VERY well done. Unless you want to hear her 'save the animals' rant, and believe me you don't," Pete said with a smile.
"I'll try to remember that," Lex said, walking to the kitchen
"Do you like Chloe?" Lana asked Pete.
Pete sputtered. "What? Why would you think that?"
Clark's eyes widened. "Are you serious, Pete?"
"Clark, Lana doesn't know what she's talking about," Pete said, trying to shrug off the comment. "Chloe's my best friend. We come here and you're. I can't even tell you. I'll talk to you guys later."
Pete got up and walked out of the cabin, heading to the lake.
"Touchy subject?" Lana asked hesitantly.
"Pete and Chloe stick together. They're close and can come off as a bit jealous," Clark said, his face dropping.
"What is it, Clark?" Lana asked, turning to face Clark.
Clark quickly regained his composure. "Nothing, Lana. It just used to be all three of us."
"What happened?" Lana asked, unknowingly.
Clark stood. "Nothing," he said, walking from the room.
"That didn't go over well," Lana muttered to herself.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Ugh," Chloe moaned, poking her steak with her fork. "I think mine's still alive."
Lex whipped around to face Chloe, looking down at her plate. "That's because you have Clark's rare, and he has your well done," he said, switching the plates. "Better?"
"Much. Thank you," Chloe said, cutting up her steak.
"You're welcome, Miss Sullivan," Lex said, sitting next to Clark.
"Call me Chloe," Chloe told him, reaching across to swipe the A-1 sauce from beside Clark.
"As you wish," Lex said, trying to hide a smile.
"What are we doing today?" Clark asked around a mouth full of potato salad.
"You like structure to your days, don't you Clark?" Lex asked.
"Yes, I do. That and food," Clark teased.
"You're quiet, Lana. Something wrong?" Chloe asked, watching Lana stare at Lex.
Lana blushed. "Nothing's wrong. So, Lex. What ARE we going to do today?"
Chloe smirked and elbowed Pete, and Pete looked at Chloe and nodded.
"I didn't have any definite plans," Lex admitted. "I thought that rest and relaxation would be our keywords this week."
"I have an idea. Lana, care to join me inside?" Chloe asked.
Lana narrowed her eyes.
"I'm not going to hurt you. Come on," Chloe said standing up.
Lana shrugged and followed Chloe inside.
"I came fully stocked," Chloe said, walking back to her room with Lana following close behind.
"What do you mean?" Lana asked.
Chloe grabbed a bag off of her floor and emptied the contents onto her bed. She laughed when Lana's mouth dropped open.
"Water bombs, guns, and balloons. Along with an assortment of other necessities," Chloe said, picking up each item in turn.
Lana broke into a grin. "I'll go get into my suit."
"Meet me in the hall?" Chloe asked, putting the toys back in her bag.
"Yeah, give me five minutes. And Chloe?" Lana asked, turning from the doorway.
"Yeah, Lana?" Chloe asked.
"Thanks," Lana said, leaving before Chloe could answer.
Chloe shook her head and pulled her suit out of the dresser drawer. Ten minutes later she was waiting for Lana in the hallway.
"Sorry, Chloe," Lana apologized, slinking out of her room. She was wearing a red bikini with a blue towel wrapped around her waist.
Chloe adjusted her towel over her modest purple one-piece and hoisted her bag onto her shoulder with a frown.
"Where are the guys?" Lana asked, following Chloe onto the porch.
"I heard Lex say he was going to the beach. Pete said he was going to find some cookies, and Clark couldn't decide between the two," Chloe explained. "There was a bucket under the bathroom sink. Let's go ahead and fill up the balloons in the bathroom."
"Alright," Lana agreed.
When the bucket was full, Lana picked it up. "This is heavy."
"You got it?" Chloe asked.
"Yeah. Get your bag and let's go," Lana said, walking from the bathroom.
When they got to the beach all three guys were sitting on the sand. Chloe held a finger to her mouth and motioned for Lana to put down the balloons. Lana obeyed and she and Chloe picked up three water balloons each.
"One, two, three," Chloe mouthed.
Lana and Chloe rushed forward, each showering each guy with a balloon.
"Look at Lex's face," Chloe laughed, dodging Pete and Clark. "The balloons!!"
Lana raced for the balloons, grabbed them, and ran into the water. "It's cold!"
Chloe ran for her bag and followed Lana into the water. She stuck her tongue out at the guys. "You'll have to go put on your suits first, boys."
"Boys?" Lex asked. "We're men."
Pete and Clark gave each other a high five.
"I take that back. I'm a man. I don't know what these two are," Lex said with a smile, before heading toward the cabin.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Let's play chicken fight," Lana said excitedly.
"Chicken fight?" Chloe asked skeptically. "And who exactly will we be using?"
Lana's cheeks flushed crimson. "I don't know."
Chloe laughed. "Yes you do. Spill it, Lana."
"Lex and Clark?" Lana asked.
Chloe frowned.
"Lex, you up for it?" Lana asked, walking through the water toward him.
"I'm not sure that I know this game," Lex said, narrowing his eyes.
"Girls get on guys' shoulders and try to knock each other off," Chloe explained.
"I'm up for it," Clark said happily, starting over to Lana.
Chloe's frown deepened.
"And who exactly would I be holding up?" Lex asked, raising an eyebrow.
Lana's blush deepened. "Me?"
Chloe bit her lip as Clark's face dropped. After a second Chloe's brightened.
"That makes you mine, Clark," Chloe said, jumping at him.
Clark smiled and ducked out of the way.
"Pete, help me?" Lana asked.
Pete walked to Lana and put his hands on her waist. "Duck down, Lex." When Lex moved down Pete lifted Lana onto his shoulders.
"Thank you, Pete," Lana said with a smile.
"My turn," Chloe said with a huge grin. "Although you'll have to lift me about three feet higher."
Clark grabbed Chloe and dunked her under the water.
"I get your point," Chloe said, coming back up. When she was situated on Clark's broad shoulders Lex and Clark moved toward each other.
"You're going down, Lang," Chloe said, trying to keep her balance.
"Compared to you I am down," Lana said laughing.
"You know what I mean," Chloe said, wobbling on Clark's shoulders.
"Stay still, Chloe," Clark complained, holding onto her knees.
"Have you ever tried to balance on a skyscraper?" Chloe asked, reaching for Lana.
Lana shrieked as she swayed backwards.
"Lana, be careful," Lex warned.
"That's not the point, Lex. Try and have fun," Lana said, pushing into Chloe.
Lex laughed. "I have an idea, Clark. Give me your arms." Lex reached out and held onto Clark's forearms, Clark reciprocated the action.
"That's cheating," Pete pointed out.
"Lana, what's that?" Chloe asked, pointing behind Lana.
As Chloe pushed Lana, Lex shouted, "Don't look Lana!"
Lex had barely finished his sentence when he and Lana fell back into the water.
"Yay! We win," Chloe yelled.
"Chloe.stop.wiggling," Clark said before losing his balance and falling into the water.
"That was too easy," Chloe said, splashing Lana and Lex. She jumped behind Pete when Lex and Lana splashed her back. That led to an all out war between the five friends.
Chloe swam up behind Lana and whispered in her ear. "Ready to take them down?"
Lana turned her head. "Oh yeah. Which one first?"
Chloe's mouth curled into an evil grin. "Our own Mr. Luthor."
"Oh yeah," Lana said. "Watch how I play this. When I wink, make your move."
"Got it," Chloe said, moving toward the guys, while trying to fend off the water.
"Ow, my eye. Hold on you guys," Lana whined, her hand flying to her eye. "That hurts. Stop splashing."
All three guys immediately stopped. While their focus was on Lana, Chloe moved behind Lex. When Lex was within two feet of Lana she looked at Chloe and winked.
Both girls flung themselves on Lex. He was rock hard and wouldn't budge so Chloe ducked under the water and pushed his knees, causing them to buckle. Chloe quickly resurfaced and she and Lana pushed Lex under the crystal water.
"Yes!" Lana and Chloe shouted, giving each other a high five.
Lana screamed when Lex came up from under her and flipped her over his head.
"I'm out of here," Chloe said, trying to swim away.
Pete flung himself at Chloe and grabbed her ankle. He hoisted her up and threw her into the water a few feet away.
"Pete's been working out," Lana said as she recovered.
Pete held up his arm and flexed his muscle.
Chloe pointed at Pete's arm. "I think I see the muscle there. Wait, no. That's just some sand."
Pete grabbed Chloe around her waist to throw her again, but she latched onto his shoulders. She held on as tight as she could as Pete continued to try and dislodge her.
"I will not.let.go," Chloe said, laughing hard.
"Let me have her," Clark said, reaching for Chloe.
"Hey, Clark," Chloe said with her trademark smile as she was thrown into his arms.
"Hey, Chloe. Bye, Chloe," Clark said, throwing her at Lana.
Lana ducked as Chloe flew over her head. "Okay, I'm through." Lana started trudging through the water to the shore.
"Wait for me," Chloe shouted. She grabbed her bag off of the sand as Lana took hold of the bucket.
"Girls," Pete whined.
Chloe and Lana turned at the same time. "We're women," they said together.
Pete turned to Lex and Clark. "Is anybody as scared as I am?"
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Lana, do you want to talk a walk on the beach?" Clark asked. Lana was sitting on the couch, her legs propped up on the arm.
"Sure, Clark. Who else is going?" Lana asked, standing up.
"Just you and me," Clark said, his eyes falling to the floor.
"Oh.okay. Let me get my shoes," Lana said going to her room.
"Hey, Clark. What's up?" Chloe asked, walking up behind Clark.
Clark broke into a grin. "Lana is going with me on a walk on the beach."
"Good for you," Chloe muttered, turning to leave.
Clark took a step toward her. "Chloe, where are you going?"
"To find a friend," Chloe said, emphasizing the last word.
"Chloe, what's the problem? I thought you'd be happy for me," Clark said, searching Chloe's eyes with his own.
"Then you'd be wrong," Chloe said sternly.
"I don't understand," Clark said.
"I didn't expect you to," Chloe said walking out of the room.
"I'm ready Clark. Was that Chloe?" Lana asked, coming into the room.
"Yeah. Let's go," Clark said as he walked to the door.
Lana smiled sweetly at Clark. ""Let's go."
When they were on the beach Lana said, "What was that all about? Chloe looked angry."
"Let's not talk about Chloe," Clark said, not making eye contact.
"Alright. What would you like to talk about?" Lana asked, folding her arms across her body.
"Whitney," Clark said shyly.
Lana stopped and turned to Clark. "What about Whitney?"
"Have you decided if you're going to wait for him?" Clark asked, making himself look at Lana.
Lana started walking again. "Why do you ask?"
"I was just wondering," Clark said, following close behind Lana.
Lana hugged herself tighter. "Let's change the subject again, Clark."
"Why?" Clark asked.
Lana turned to Clark. "Clark, I am asking you to drop it."
Clark put up his hands in surrender.
* * *
"Chloe, what's the matter? Are you okay?" Lex asked as Chloe stormed past him.
Chloe stopped mid step and spun to face Lex. "No, I am not okay. I wish that you and Lana would stay the hell away from Clark."
Lex quickly wiped the shock from his face. "What are you talking about?"
"You know what.shove it, Lex!" Chloe said walking away.
Lex shook his head in confusion and turned to Pete. "Is she always like this?"
"Lex." Pete started, standing up. "Shove it." With that Pete followed Chloe, leaving Lex behind. When he caught up with Chloe her eyes were red.
"Pete, not now," Chloe said, taking a deep breath.
"Chloe, what is it?" Pete asked, sitting beside Chloe.
"Pete, leave me alone," Chloe said harshly.
"Fine, I was just trying to help," Pete replied, standing up.
"Well don't," Chloe sneered.
"You know what Chloe? You say that Clark is dense. I have news for you. You're the dense one. Get over yourself, Chloe, and you might learn something new," Pete said, turning on his heel and leaving the room as Chloe's mouth dropped open.
"Pete," Chloe whispered. She got up and jogged from the room. "Pete, wait."
"What, Chloe?" Pete asked disinterestedly.
"I'm sorry. Please don't be mad," Chloe said hurriedly.
"Why not? You are. Chloe you sulk around feeling sorry for yourself because you're not with Clark, but you refuse to do anything about it. This crush has become such a fixation for you that you can't see what's right in front of your face. It breaks my heart, but it also pisses me off in the worst way," Pete said, pausing to gauge Chloe's reaction.
"I don't understand, Pete," Chloe said, searching his eyes.
"And you won't until you stop looking at everything through Clark- tinted glasses," Pete said calmly.
Chloe nodded once and walked past Pete down the hallway.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Hey, everybody! Bonfire on the beach," Clark called. As an afterthought he added, "Attendance is required."
When everyone was assembled on the beach Clark and Lex piled up logs and sprayed them with lighter fluid. The fire roared when a match was thrown on it. Clark handed everyone skewers while Lana passed out hotdogs.
"Let the roasting begin," Clark announced, eyeing Chloe. He sat next to her and held his hotdog over the fire. "Still mad at me?"
Chloe elicited a small smile. "Never, Clark. I could never hold a grudge with you."
Clark grinned. "Good. I don't like it when we fight."
Chloe laughed. "It's more like I yell and you take it, but I agree."
"What's up with Lex and Pete?" Clark asked, noticing the tension between the three.
"Let's just say that strong words were exchanged. Lex, like you, took it. But Pete yelled back," she said, her voice softening for the last sentence.
"He'll forgive you. He always does," Clark pointed out.
"I don't want him to," Chloe admitted, her eyes locked on Pete.
"Why not?" Clark asked, following Chloe's gaze.
"It doesn't matter, Clark," Chloe said, standing and walking to Pete. Clark watched fondly as Chloe and Pete talked, ending with a hug.
"Let's play a game," Lana said happily.
"What game do you propose?" Lex asked.
"Let's play Nobody Knows This About Me," Lana said, her eyes reflecting the fire.
"I don't like the sound of that," Lex said warily.
"Come on. It will be fun," Lana urged. "What you do is admit something about yourself."
"I don't know," Clark said cautiously.
"I have a better idea," Chloe said. "Let's play Truth, Dare, Kiss, or Promise."
"Now I like the sound of that better," Pete said, eyeing Chloe. "And I think I know why you do, too."
Chloe shot Pete a dirty look, earning herself an equally dirty look.
"How do you play?" Lana asked with a smile.
"We go around in a circle. The first person has to ask someone a truth. Then that person has to pick someone to dare. Then that person issues a kiss. And then a promise. Promise is making someone promise to do something. It doesn't matter what," Chloe explained.
"Let's play that," Lana agreed, settling herself on the sand.
"Everyone?" Chloe asked.
Lex, Clark, and Pete nodded their agreement.
"Lana, you start. Truth," Chloe said.
"Pete. What is your deepest desire?" Lana asked.
Pete looked down at his hands. "To find true love."
"What?" Lana asked, her eyes wide in amazement.
Pete looked at Lana. "I'm tired of going from girl to girl. I want a more permanent relationship. My turn. Lex, I dare you to fix us all a drink."
"Like a coke?" Lex asked.
"Like a shot of something," Pete clarified with a smirk.
"ONE shot. I'll be right back," Lex said, climbing toward the cabin.
"That was pitiful, Pete," Chloe said with a laugh.
"You had a better idea?" Pete asked.
"I'm sure I could have come up with one," Chloe said, earning a punch on her arm.
The friends waited until Lex finally came back. He was holding a tray with four drinks. He handed one to each person.
"What is it?" Chloe asked.
"Sidecar. One third lemon juice, one third Cointreau, and one third brandy," Lex explained. "I think that it's my turn and we are on Kiss. Clark, you have to kiss Lana."
Chloe groaned as Lana and Clark blushed. Pete shot her a dirty look and she quickly quit her moaning.
Clark and Lana stood and walked toward each other. Each's eyes were locked on the ground. When they were less than a foot apart Lana looked up at Clark. She quickly stood and pressed her lips to his before returning to her seat. Instead of being happy, Clark looked almost depressed.
"My turn," Clark said. "Chloe, you have to promise to not have any coffee tomorrow morning."
Chloe's mouth fell open. "That's nothing I can't handle. Stop looking at me like that.I CAN do it! Miss Lang. Truth. Are you going to wait for Whitney?"
Lana grimaced. "No, Chloe. I'm not."
"Care to elaborate?" Chloe asked with a sarcastic, yet sad tone.
"No, I don't," Lana said simply. "Clark, I dare you to take off your shirt."
Clark blushed, but was obedient. His sculpted muscles shine in the firelight. "Chloe, you have to kiss Pete."
Chloe stood and brushed the dirt from the seat of her shorts as Pete walked towards her. Chloe seemed unsure, but Pete didn't hesitate. He places his hands on the sides of her face and kissed her soundly, leaving her in shock. As Pete walked back to his seat Chloe plopped back down into the sand.
"Damn," Chloe muttered to herself. "Lex, you have to promise to order pizza tomorrow for lunch or dinner."
Lex grimaced and nodded reluctantly. "As you wish. Lana, truth. If you had to pick one guy out of us three to date, who would you pick and why?"
Lana's blush is barely visible in the fire's glow as she looked down at the ground. "You, because you don't care what other people think of you. You work to rise above other's expectations and your father's hold over you. You do whatever is in your power to help out a friend, no matter what. Pete, dare. I dare you to take off your shirt."
"You already dared Clark to do that," Pete pointed out.
Lana grinned mischievously. "I just want to make sure that I made the right choice for my 'truth' earlier."
Pete shook his head with a smile and removed his shirt. His build was almost identical to that of Clark's. Pete glanced at Clark to see him looking longingly at Lana. Clark was still hurt by Lana's answer to Lex's question. Chloe gasped almost inaudibly, forcing her eyes away from Pete's muscular chest as he slipped his shirt back on.
"Lana, you have to kiss Lex," Pete said smugly.
Lana blushed again, but Lex didn't so much as blink. He stood and walked to Lana, hooking his finger under her chin to raise her head. He kissed her gently before returning to his seat.
Lana couldn't help but grin like an idiot. She quickly sobered at Clark's pained expression. "Clark, you have to promise to sing I'm A Little Teapot every night before you go to bed for a week."
Clark shook his head in disbelief. "Chloe, truth. Who do you have a crush on?"
"Uh-uh, no way," Chloe said, shaking her head adamantly.
"You have to answer, Chloe," Clark pressed.
"Fine. I used to have a crush on you, but I'm not so sure anymore," Chloe said, looking Clark in the eye.
Clark's face brightened for a split second before the true meaning of Chloe's words sunk in. 'Not sure anymore.'
"So who now?" Lana asked.
"Nope, it's not your turn," Chloe said. "Lex, I dare you to take off your shirt. You're the only one who hasn't shown all."
"If you don't remember, we all did when we went swimming," Lex said, pulling his shirt off.
"True, but still," Chloe said, glancing at Lex as he put his shirt back on.
Lex took one look at Clark and quickly issued his Kiss. "Chloe, you have to kiss Clark."
Clark almost smiled, but Chloe grimaced. She wasn't ready to be kissing Clark. This wasn't the time, nor the place. Clark stood a little too quickly, earning a curious look from Pete. He slowly walked to Chloe and put his hands awkwardly on her shoulders. Chloe met Clark halfway by standing on her toes. When their lips touched neither moved for a moment. Chloe finally pulled back after a few seconds. When she sat she glanced at Pete. His expression broke her heart.
"Lana, you have to promise not to wear a sweater set on the first day of school," Chloe said proudly.
"I can handle that. Chloe, truth. Who do you have a crush on now?" Lana asked. "And let's make this the last round. I'm exhausted."
"I really don't like you, Lana," Chloe muttered. "I still have somewhat of a crush on Clark, but it's not as strong as it used to be. I don't have a full-blown crush on anyone at the moment, so the answer to your question is: no one. Since you're so ready to go to bed, Lana I dare you to put out the fire."
Lana quickly doused the flames. "Lex, you have to kiss Chloe."
This time Chloe stood up. She took the initiative and walked to Lex, kissing him before he had a chance to respond. Lex was dumbfounded.
"Clark, you have to promise to make breakfast in the morning," Lex said with a yawn.
"I can do that," Clark announced. "Now let's go to bed."
The five friends trudged up to the cabin. Each one was thinking about what had happened that day. They thought about the new things they had learned during their game, and the mysteries that had deepened even more. There was definitely going to be more games if they had anything to do with it. And they would.
"Good morning sunshine," Pete said, throwing open the curtains in Chloe's room. The room was immediately filled with bright sunlight.
"Pete, what is your problem? It's the middle of the night," Chloe whined. She quickly pulled the covers over her head.
Pete laughed. "If it's the middle of the night why is the sun out? You have to get up. It's almost time for lunch and Lex insists that we don't start cooking until he's sure that you'll like whatever he decides to fix."
"He tries too hard. What is he, the energizer bunny?" Chloe mumbled under the covers.
Pete sat down next to her. "Chloe, be nice. He just wants to please you."
Chloe peeked one eye out from under the covers. "No, he wants Clark's friends to be his friends. It's all about Clark."
Pete grinned. "Same with you, my friend."
Chloe reached out long enough to punch Pete's arm.
"Are you getting up or do I have to carry you into the living room?" Pete asked, standing up.
"Make sure you don't drop my covers," Chloe told him, snuggling into the blanket.
Pete reached down and threw Chloe over his shoulder like a potato sack.
"Hey, be gentle. I'm fragile," Chloe whined.
"You're the one who wanted to be carried. You didn't specify how," Pete pointed out as he walked down the hallway. He walked into the living room and dumped Chloe unceremoniously on the couch next to Clark.
"Good morning Clark," Chloe said with a grin. She quickly ran her fingers through her short blond hair before wrapping the blanket more securely around herself.
Clark laughed. "Good afternoon, Chloe."
"Give me a break. It can't be that late," Chloe said rolling her eyes.
"It's eleven fifty-three," Lana read off of her watch.
"That's still early. Pete, back to bed," Chloe commanded with a nod of her head.
Pete ruffled Chloe's hair. "I have a better idea. Come on you guys," Pete said picking Chloe up again.
Chloe shrieked as Pete walked out of the cabin. "Anyone want to help?"
Lex raised his eyebrows as the teenagers passed him.
"Hello, Mr. Luthor. Care to help me out?" Chloe asked, propping herself up by leaning an elbow on Pete's back. "Anyone? Clark? Lana? Pete.where are you taking me? Pete!"
"I hate to say it, Chloe, but we're headed to the lake," Lana said grimacing.
Chloe held her arms out to Clark. "I thought I was your best friend. I thought you loved me?" With that she stuck out her bottom lip and put on her most pitiful puppy dog face.
Clark reached over and plucked Chloe out of Pete's arms, and Chloe circled her arms around Clark's neck. "How can I say no to that?" Clark asked with a smile.
"You can't," Chloe announced happily.
"Hey, that wasn't very fair," Pete complained, reaching for Chloe.
Clark turned quickly and began to jog back to the cabin.
Back inside Clark put Chloe on the couch, then sat beside her. When Pete came stomping in Chloe wedged herself behind Clark's shoulder. At Pete's smug look Chloe sat up and pushed the blanket off of her shoulders. She stood to look Pete in the eye.
"You knew he would do that, didn't you? Little sneak," Chloe said, her mouth in a shocked 'o' as Lana and Lex walked in the door.
Pete leaned in close to whisper in Chloe's ear. "Just trying to help you out."
Chloe's eyes got wide. "Pete!" Chloe said loudly. She quickly lowered her voice to a whisper. "I don't need your help."
"That's why you're dating Clark, right?" Pete said, stepping back to stare into Chloe's eyes.
Chloe glared at Pete before turning on her heel, grabbing her blanket and stomping to her room.
Pete laughed and plopped onto the couch between Lana and Clark.
"What is with you two?" Lex asked.
"Who?" Pete asked innocently.
"You know who. You and Chloe. I mean, Miss Sullivan," Lex corrected himself, standing off to the side of the couch.
"We're best friends," Pete said as if it was obvious.
Lex shook his head in amusement. "Well, does your best friend like steak?"
"Yes, very VERY well done. Unless you want to hear her 'save the animals' rant, and believe me you don't," Pete said with a smile.
"I'll try to remember that," Lex said, walking to the kitchen
"Do you like Chloe?" Lana asked Pete.
Pete sputtered. "What? Why would you think that?"
Clark's eyes widened. "Are you serious, Pete?"
"Clark, Lana doesn't know what she's talking about," Pete said, trying to shrug off the comment. "Chloe's my best friend. We come here and you're. I can't even tell you. I'll talk to you guys later."
Pete got up and walked out of the cabin, heading to the lake.
"Touchy subject?" Lana asked hesitantly.
"Pete and Chloe stick together. They're close and can come off as a bit jealous," Clark said, his face dropping.
"What is it, Clark?" Lana asked, turning to face Clark.
Clark quickly regained his composure. "Nothing, Lana. It just used to be all three of us."
"What happened?" Lana asked, unknowingly.
Clark stood. "Nothing," he said, walking from the room.
"That didn't go over well," Lana muttered to herself.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Ugh," Chloe moaned, poking her steak with her fork. "I think mine's still alive."
Lex whipped around to face Chloe, looking down at her plate. "That's because you have Clark's rare, and he has your well done," he said, switching the plates. "Better?"
"Much. Thank you," Chloe said, cutting up her steak.
"You're welcome, Miss Sullivan," Lex said, sitting next to Clark.
"Call me Chloe," Chloe told him, reaching across to swipe the A-1 sauce from beside Clark.
"As you wish," Lex said, trying to hide a smile.
"What are we doing today?" Clark asked around a mouth full of potato salad.
"You like structure to your days, don't you Clark?" Lex asked.
"Yes, I do. That and food," Clark teased.
"You're quiet, Lana. Something wrong?" Chloe asked, watching Lana stare at Lex.
Lana blushed. "Nothing's wrong. So, Lex. What ARE we going to do today?"
Chloe smirked and elbowed Pete, and Pete looked at Chloe and nodded.
"I didn't have any definite plans," Lex admitted. "I thought that rest and relaxation would be our keywords this week."
"I have an idea. Lana, care to join me inside?" Chloe asked.
Lana narrowed her eyes.
"I'm not going to hurt you. Come on," Chloe said standing up.
Lana shrugged and followed Chloe inside.
"I came fully stocked," Chloe said, walking back to her room with Lana following close behind.
"What do you mean?" Lana asked.
Chloe grabbed a bag off of her floor and emptied the contents onto her bed. She laughed when Lana's mouth dropped open.
"Water bombs, guns, and balloons. Along with an assortment of other necessities," Chloe said, picking up each item in turn.
Lana broke into a grin. "I'll go get into my suit."
"Meet me in the hall?" Chloe asked, putting the toys back in her bag.
"Yeah, give me five minutes. And Chloe?" Lana asked, turning from the doorway.
"Yeah, Lana?" Chloe asked.
"Thanks," Lana said, leaving before Chloe could answer.
Chloe shook her head and pulled her suit out of the dresser drawer. Ten minutes later she was waiting for Lana in the hallway.
"Sorry, Chloe," Lana apologized, slinking out of her room. She was wearing a red bikini with a blue towel wrapped around her waist.
Chloe adjusted her towel over her modest purple one-piece and hoisted her bag onto her shoulder with a frown.
"Where are the guys?" Lana asked, following Chloe onto the porch.
"I heard Lex say he was going to the beach. Pete said he was going to find some cookies, and Clark couldn't decide between the two," Chloe explained. "There was a bucket under the bathroom sink. Let's go ahead and fill up the balloons in the bathroom."
"Alright," Lana agreed.
When the bucket was full, Lana picked it up. "This is heavy."
"You got it?" Chloe asked.
"Yeah. Get your bag and let's go," Lana said, walking from the bathroom.
When they got to the beach all three guys were sitting on the sand. Chloe held a finger to her mouth and motioned for Lana to put down the balloons. Lana obeyed and she and Chloe picked up three water balloons each.
"One, two, three," Chloe mouthed.
Lana and Chloe rushed forward, each showering each guy with a balloon.
"Look at Lex's face," Chloe laughed, dodging Pete and Clark. "The balloons!!"
Lana raced for the balloons, grabbed them, and ran into the water. "It's cold!"
Chloe ran for her bag and followed Lana into the water. She stuck her tongue out at the guys. "You'll have to go put on your suits first, boys."
"Boys?" Lex asked. "We're men."
Pete and Clark gave each other a high five.
"I take that back. I'm a man. I don't know what these two are," Lex said with a smile, before heading toward the cabin.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Let's play chicken fight," Lana said excitedly.
"Chicken fight?" Chloe asked skeptically. "And who exactly will we be using?"
Lana's cheeks flushed crimson. "I don't know."
Chloe laughed. "Yes you do. Spill it, Lana."
"Lex and Clark?" Lana asked.
Chloe frowned.
"Lex, you up for it?" Lana asked, walking through the water toward him.
"I'm not sure that I know this game," Lex said, narrowing his eyes.
"Girls get on guys' shoulders and try to knock each other off," Chloe explained.
"I'm up for it," Clark said happily, starting over to Lana.
Chloe's frown deepened.
"And who exactly would I be holding up?" Lex asked, raising an eyebrow.
Lana's blush deepened. "Me?"
Chloe bit her lip as Clark's face dropped. After a second Chloe's brightened.
"That makes you mine, Clark," Chloe said, jumping at him.
Clark smiled and ducked out of the way.
"Pete, help me?" Lana asked.
Pete walked to Lana and put his hands on her waist. "Duck down, Lex." When Lex moved down Pete lifted Lana onto his shoulders.
"Thank you, Pete," Lana said with a smile.
"My turn," Chloe said with a huge grin. "Although you'll have to lift me about three feet higher."
Clark grabbed Chloe and dunked her under the water.
"I get your point," Chloe said, coming back up. When she was situated on Clark's broad shoulders Lex and Clark moved toward each other.
"You're going down, Lang," Chloe said, trying to keep her balance.
"Compared to you I am down," Lana said laughing.
"You know what I mean," Chloe said, wobbling on Clark's shoulders.
"Stay still, Chloe," Clark complained, holding onto her knees.
"Have you ever tried to balance on a skyscraper?" Chloe asked, reaching for Lana.
Lana shrieked as she swayed backwards.
"Lana, be careful," Lex warned.
"That's not the point, Lex. Try and have fun," Lana said, pushing into Chloe.
Lex laughed. "I have an idea, Clark. Give me your arms." Lex reached out and held onto Clark's forearms, Clark reciprocated the action.
"That's cheating," Pete pointed out.
"Lana, what's that?" Chloe asked, pointing behind Lana.
As Chloe pushed Lana, Lex shouted, "Don't look Lana!"
Lex had barely finished his sentence when he and Lana fell back into the water.
"Yay! We win," Chloe yelled.
"Chloe.stop.wiggling," Clark said before losing his balance and falling into the water.
"That was too easy," Chloe said, splashing Lana and Lex. She jumped behind Pete when Lex and Lana splashed her back. That led to an all out war between the five friends.
Chloe swam up behind Lana and whispered in her ear. "Ready to take them down?"
Lana turned her head. "Oh yeah. Which one first?"
Chloe's mouth curled into an evil grin. "Our own Mr. Luthor."
"Oh yeah," Lana said. "Watch how I play this. When I wink, make your move."
"Got it," Chloe said, moving toward the guys, while trying to fend off the water.
"Ow, my eye. Hold on you guys," Lana whined, her hand flying to her eye. "That hurts. Stop splashing."
All three guys immediately stopped. While their focus was on Lana, Chloe moved behind Lex. When Lex was within two feet of Lana she looked at Chloe and winked.
Both girls flung themselves on Lex. He was rock hard and wouldn't budge so Chloe ducked under the water and pushed his knees, causing them to buckle. Chloe quickly resurfaced and she and Lana pushed Lex under the crystal water.
"Yes!" Lana and Chloe shouted, giving each other a high five.
Lana screamed when Lex came up from under her and flipped her over his head.
"I'm out of here," Chloe said, trying to swim away.
Pete flung himself at Chloe and grabbed her ankle. He hoisted her up and threw her into the water a few feet away.
"Pete's been working out," Lana said as she recovered.
Pete held up his arm and flexed his muscle.
Chloe pointed at Pete's arm. "I think I see the muscle there. Wait, no. That's just some sand."
Pete grabbed Chloe around her waist to throw her again, but she latched onto his shoulders. She held on as tight as she could as Pete continued to try and dislodge her.
"I will not.let.go," Chloe said, laughing hard.
"Let me have her," Clark said, reaching for Chloe.
"Hey, Clark," Chloe said with her trademark smile as she was thrown into his arms.
"Hey, Chloe. Bye, Chloe," Clark said, throwing her at Lana.
Lana ducked as Chloe flew over her head. "Okay, I'm through." Lana started trudging through the water to the shore.
"Wait for me," Chloe shouted. She grabbed her bag off of the sand as Lana took hold of the bucket.
"Girls," Pete whined.
Chloe and Lana turned at the same time. "We're women," they said together.
Pete turned to Lex and Clark. "Is anybody as scared as I am?"
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Lana, do you want to talk a walk on the beach?" Clark asked. Lana was sitting on the couch, her legs propped up on the arm.
"Sure, Clark. Who else is going?" Lana asked, standing up.
"Just you and me," Clark said, his eyes falling to the floor.
"Oh.okay. Let me get my shoes," Lana said going to her room.
"Hey, Clark. What's up?" Chloe asked, walking up behind Clark.
Clark broke into a grin. "Lana is going with me on a walk on the beach."
"Good for you," Chloe muttered, turning to leave.
Clark took a step toward her. "Chloe, where are you going?"
"To find a friend," Chloe said, emphasizing the last word.
"Chloe, what's the problem? I thought you'd be happy for me," Clark said, searching Chloe's eyes with his own.
"Then you'd be wrong," Chloe said sternly.
"I don't understand," Clark said.
"I didn't expect you to," Chloe said walking out of the room.
"I'm ready Clark. Was that Chloe?" Lana asked, coming into the room.
"Yeah. Let's go," Clark said as he walked to the door.
Lana smiled sweetly at Clark. ""Let's go."
When they were on the beach Lana said, "What was that all about? Chloe looked angry."
"Let's not talk about Chloe," Clark said, not making eye contact.
"Alright. What would you like to talk about?" Lana asked, folding her arms across her body.
"Whitney," Clark said shyly.
Lana stopped and turned to Clark. "What about Whitney?"
"Have you decided if you're going to wait for him?" Clark asked, making himself look at Lana.
Lana started walking again. "Why do you ask?"
"I was just wondering," Clark said, following close behind Lana.
Lana hugged herself tighter. "Let's change the subject again, Clark."
"Why?" Clark asked.
Lana turned to Clark. "Clark, I am asking you to drop it."
Clark put up his hands in surrender.
* * *
"Chloe, what's the matter? Are you okay?" Lex asked as Chloe stormed past him.
Chloe stopped mid step and spun to face Lex. "No, I am not okay. I wish that you and Lana would stay the hell away from Clark."
Lex quickly wiped the shock from his face. "What are you talking about?"
"You know what.shove it, Lex!" Chloe said walking away.
Lex shook his head in confusion and turned to Pete. "Is she always like this?"
"Lex." Pete started, standing up. "Shove it." With that Pete followed Chloe, leaving Lex behind. When he caught up with Chloe her eyes were red.
"Pete, not now," Chloe said, taking a deep breath.
"Chloe, what is it?" Pete asked, sitting beside Chloe.
"Pete, leave me alone," Chloe said harshly.
"Fine, I was just trying to help," Pete replied, standing up.
"Well don't," Chloe sneered.
"You know what Chloe? You say that Clark is dense. I have news for you. You're the dense one. Get over yourself, Chloe, and you might learn something new," Pete said, turning on his heel and leaving the room as Chloe's mouth dropped open.
"Pete," Chloe whispered. She got up and jogged from the room. "Pete, wait."
"What, Chloe?" Pete asked disinterestedly.
"I'm sorry. Please don't be mad," Chloe said hurriedly.
"Why not? You are. Chloe you sulk around feeling sorry for yourself because you're not with Clark, but you refuse to do anything about it. This crush has become such a fixation for you that you can't see what's right in front of your face. It breaks my heart, but it also pisses me off in the worst way," Pete said, pausing to gauge Chloe's reaction.
"I don't understand, Pete," Chloe said, searching his eyes.
"And you won't until you stop looking at everything through Clark- tinted glasses," Pete said calmly.
Chloe nodded once and walked past Pete down the hallway.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Hey, everybody! Bonfire on the beach," Clark called. As an afterthought he added, "Attendance is required."
When everyone was assembled on the beach Clark and Lex piled up logs and sprayed them with lighter fluid. The fire roared when a match was thrown on it. Clark handed everyone skewers while Lana passed out hotdogs.
"Let the roasting begin," Clark announced, eyeing Chloe. He sat next to her and held his hotdog over the fire. "Still mad at me?"
Chloe elicited a small smile. "Never, Clark. I could never hold a grudge with you."
Clark grinned. "Good. I don't like it when we fight."
Chloe laughed. "It's more like I yell and you take it, but I agree."
"What's up with Lex and Pete?" Clark asked, noticing the tension between the three.
"Let's just say that strong words were exchanged. Lex, like you, took it. But Pete yelled back," she said, her voice softening for the last sentence.
"He'll forgive you. He always does," Clark pointed out.
"I don't want him to," Chloe admitted, her eyes locked on Pete.
"Why not?" Clark asked, following Chloe's gaze.
"It doesn't matter, Clark," Chloe said, standing and walking to Pete. Clark watched fondly as Chloe and Pete talked, ending with a hug.
"Let's play a game," Lana said happily.
"What game do you propose?" Lex asked.
"Let's play Nobody Knows This About Me," Lana said, her eyes reflecting the fire.
"I don't like the sound of that," Lex said warily.
"Come on. It will be fun," Lana urged. "What you do is admit something about yourself."
"I don't know," Clark said cautiously.
"I have a better idea," Chloe said. "Let's play Truth, Dare, Kiss, or Promise."
"Now I like the sound of that better," Pete said, eyeing Chloe. "And I think I know why you do, too."
Chloe shot Pete a dirty look, earning herself an equally dirty look.
"How do you play?" Lana asked with a smile.
"We go around in a circle. The first person has to ask someone a truth. Then that person has to pick someone to dare. Then that person issues a kiss. And then a promise. Promise is making someone promise to do something. It doesn't matter what," Chloe explained.
"Let's play that," Lana agreed, settling herself on the sand.
"Everyone?" Chloe asked.
Lex, Clark, and Pete nodded their agreement.
"Lana, you start. Truth," Chloe said.
"Pete. What is your deepest desire?" Lana asked.
Pete looked down at his hands. "To find true love."
"What?" Lana asked, her eyes wide in amazement.
Pete looked at Lana. "I'm tired of going from girl to girl. I want a more permanent relationship. My turn. Lex, I dare you to fix us all a drink."
"Like a coke?" Lex asked.
"Like a shot of something," Pete clarified with a smirk.
"ONE shot. I'll be right back," Lex said, climbing toward the cabin.
"That was pitiful, Pete," Chloe said with a laugh.
"You had a better idea?" Pete asked.
"I'm sure I could have come up with one," Chloe said, earning a punch on her arm.
The friends waited until Lex finally came back. He was holding a tray with four drinks. He handed one to each person.
"What is it?" Chloe asked.
"Sidecar. One third lemon juice, one third Cointreau, and one third brandy," Lex explained. "I think that it's my turn and we are on Kiss. Clark, you have to kiss Lana."
Chloe groaned as Lana and Clark blushed. Pete shot her a dirty look and she quickly quit her moaning.
Clark and Lana stood and walked toward each other. Each's eyes were locked on the ground. When they were less than a foot apart Lana looked up at Clark. She quickly stood and pressed her lips to his before returning to her seat. Instead of being happy, Clark looked almost depressed.
"My turn," Clark said. "Chloe, you have to promise to not have any coffee tomorrow morning."
Chloe's mouth fell open. "That's nothing I can't handle. Stop looking at me like that.I CAN do it! Miss Lang. Truth. Are you going to wait for Whitney?"
Lana grimaced. "No, Chloe. I'm not."
"Care to elaborate?" Chloe asked with a sarcastic, yet sad tone.
"No, I don't," Lana said simply. "Clark, I dare you to take off your shirt."
Clark blushed, but was obedient. His sculpted muscles shine in the firelight. "Chloe, you have to kiss Pete."
Chloe stood and brushed the dirt from the seat of her shorts as Pete walked towards her. Chloe seemed unsure, but Pete didn't hesitate. He places his hands on the sides of her face and kissed her soundly, leaving her in shock. As Pete walked back to his seat Chloe plopped back down into the sand.
"Damn," Chloe muttered to herself. "Lex, you have to promise to order pizza tomorrow for lunch or dinner."
Lex grimaced and nodded reluctantly. "As you wish. Lana, truth. If you had to pick one guy out of us three to date, who would you pick and why?"
Lana's blush is barely visible in the fire's glow as she looked down at the ground. "You, because you don't care what other people think of you. You work to rise above other's expectations and your father's hold over you. You do whatever is in your power to help out a friend, no matter what. Pete, dare. I dare you to take off your shirt."
"You already dared Clark to do that," Pete pointed out.
Lana grinned mischievously. "I just want to make sure that I made the right choice for my 'truth' earlier."
Pete shook his head with a smile and removed his shirt. His build was almost identical to that of Clark's. Pete glanced at Clark to see him looking longingly at Lana. Clark was still hurt by Lana's answer to Lex's question. Chloe gasped almost inaudibly, forcing her eyes away from Pete's muscular chest as he slipped his shirt back on.
"Lana, you have to kiss Lex," Pete said smugly.
Lana blushed again, but Lex didn't so much as blink. He stood and walked to Lana, hooking his finger under her chin to raise her head. He kissed her gently before returning to his seat.
Lana couldn't help but grin like an idiot. She quickly sobered at Clark's pained expression. "Clark, you have to promise to sing I'm A Little Teapot every night before you go to bed for a week."
Clark shook his head in disbelief. "Chloe, truth. Who do you have a crush on?"
"Uh-uh, no way," Chloe said, shaking her head adamantly.
"You have to answer, Chloe," Clark pressed.
"Fine. I used to have a crush on you, but I'm not so sure anymore," Chloe said, looking Clark in the eye.
Clark's face brightened for a split second before the true meaning of Chloe's words sunk in. 'Not sure anymore.'
"So who now?" Lana asked.
"Nope, it's not your turn," Chloe said. "Lex, I dare you to take off your shirt. You're the only one who hasn't shown all."
"If you don't remember, we all did when we went swimming," Lex said, pulling his shirt off.
"True, but still," Chloe said, glancing at Lex as he put his shirt back on.
Lex took one look at Clark and quickly issued his Kiss. "Chloe, you have to kiss Clark."
Clark almost smiled, but Chloe grimaced. She wasn't ready to be kissing Clark. This wasn't the time, nor the place. Clark stood a little too quickly, earning a curious look from Pete. He slowly walked to Chloe and put his hands awkwardly on her shoulders. Chloe met Clark halfway by standing on her toes. When their lips touched neither moved for a moment. Chloe finally pulled back after a few seconds. When she sat she glanced at Pete. His expression broke her heart.
"Lana, you have to promise not to wear a sweater set on the first day of school," Chloe said proudly.
"I can handle that. Chloe, truth. Who do you have a crush on now?" Lana asked. "And let's make this the last round. I'm exhausted."
"I really don't like you, Lana," Chloe muttered. "I still have somewhat of a crush on Clark, but it's not as strong as it used to be. I don't have a full-blown crush on anyone at the moment, so the answer to your question is: no one. Since you're so ready to go to bed, Lana I dare you to put out the fire."
Lana quickly doused the flames. "Lex, you have to kiss Chloe."
This time Chloe stood up. She took the initiative and walked to Lex, kissing him before he had a chance to respond. Lex was dumbfounded.
"Clark, you have to promise to make breakfast in the morning," Lex said with a yawn.
"I can do that," Clark announced. "Now let's go to bed."
The five friends trudged up to the cabin. Each one was thinking about what had happened that day. They thought about the new things they had learned during their game, and the mysteries that had deepened even more. There was definitely going to be more games if they had anything to do with it. And they would.