Hours after Chloe had underwent surgery to repair her skull, she awoke in
the hospital. She had a hard time remembering what had happened--then it
hit her. She vaguely remembered the car crash. Her eyes watered. *This is
all Clark's fault!* she screamed inside her head. *If he hadn't left to
profess his undying love for Lana, I wouldn't be here!*
She glanced around the room and saw her roommate was none other than Lex Luthor. He, himself, had just come out of surgery. He looked worse than Chloe. She wondered what had happened. Lex had oxygen running into his nostrils and an IV in his left arm. He was still wearing a pair of bloody and dusty khakis and his shirt was off revealing many deep cuts and one just recently stapled shut would that spanned most of the right side of his chest. Lex's eyes were closed, but his breathing was so deep it was obvious he was awake, but in great pain. The IV seemed to be morphene, but from Lex's facial expressions, it didnt seem to be working.
"Lex?" Chole asked as she rolled on her side and pulled her bed closer to Lex's. For a moment, it seemed as if Lex didnt hear Chloe, but then his hand rose slightly in a sort of outreached gesture towards Chloe. Chloe sat up and reached for Lex's hand. He seemed to need something to hold. Lex had still yet to open his eyes.
"Mom...I'm so glad your here...I thought i was dead for sure...Dad...he." Lex's voice was distant and quivering, it was obvious he was out of it and in a lot of emotional and pysichal distress.
"Lex...it's me.Chloe...LEX!" Chloe rubbed Lex's hand quickly to try and get him to realize that she wasnt his mother.
"Ch...Chloe? What...What are you doing here?" Lex's eyes opened as he gave Chloe a very confused look.
"It appears we're roomates." Chloe said with a smile. Lex seemed to be coming out of his haze and adjusting to his surroundings. Lex sat up a bit and then realzied he was injuried and flinched in pain. He held his chest and lay back down on the pillows.
"For a second there I forgot about the storm...forgot about what happened. Too bad that second didn't last very long." He paused, remembering his mother. "So Chloe.what happened to you? Are you alright?" Lex seemed sincerly concerned with Chloe, but she didnt want to tell him that what was really hurting her was Clark.and Lex and Clark were so close, she didnt think it was right.
"It dosent seem like my injuries are all that bad compared to yours! I'm getting better, just a little head trauma, the doctors say I should have some dizzyness for a while but other than that I'm ok. Now...what happened to you?" Chloe explained with a forced smile on her face, but inside Clark's decision was still wrecking her emotions.
Lex looked into Chole's eyes for a moment...he saw something he knew was sadness, and being the social sleuth he was, he assumed it has something to do with Clark. It was obvious to him and everyone else how Chole felt about Clark, except Clark, himself. Lex remembered Clark telling him he was taking Chloe to the big Spring Formal. "Where's Clark, Chloe? Wasn't he your date?" Lex asked.
Chloe's eyes shifted to the floor. She tried to fight back tears once again. "He...uh...ditched me..." Chloe felt awful. Not just because of the skull fracture on the outside, but because of the emotional torment she suffered inside. Sure, she had crushes before, but Clark was different. She thought it was real love. But now she doubted that more than ever.
She continued. "We were at the dance when they announced the presence of the tornadoes on the other side of town. Clark was worried about Lana. I guess that's normal...I'd have been worried, too, but having Clark think of her right when..." She thought of the kiss they almost had. "...Well, anyways...having Clark think of her made me jealous. I said I'd go phone her. I turned for just a split second and...he was gone." She couldn't believe she was professing her problems to someone she hardly knew and barely liked.
Lex listened as Chloe opened up to him, he couldnt help but feel a little honored that she would feel comfortable enough with him. When it came to friends, Chloe and Lex were...not. However that didn't mean they couldn't be. They were only aquantances through Clark, and they barely saw each other. But Clark did talk to Lex a lot about Chloe...and about Lana. It confused Lex, because he really didnt know what Clark wanted...until he listened to Chloe.
"Clark looks out for all his friends. He has gone out of his way to make sure you were safe on numerous occasions, and he would do the same for Lana. You wouldnt want Lana to die, would you Chloe?" Lex asked, trying to sit up but once again feeling pain. "Clark...he has this quality that no one can really seem to fathom, its like this...hero gene, he feels like he has to stop everything bad from happening. Like he has to.right every wrong, save the damsel in distress, protect the innocent. I admire that in him, but I cant say I share the same trait. I've always thought its best to fend for yourself, when you rely on others you tend to get let down, or find out that its best not to trust others. Clark's heroism is amazing, and yet for those he cares about it's really a blessing. Clark loves you Chole, just as he loves me, and as he loves Lana. He loves all people. It's strange...but he does. I only know of one instanse where he showed anger and a violent side, and he had every reason too...It was his family, in danger. They're the ones that probably mean the most to him, and with every good reason. The Kents raised him since he was a little boy, they know everything about him, and the love him. Even if they aren't his real parents, they're good parents. It seems at times he forgets that he is adopted."
Chloe nodded at Lex's words. He was right. She would have felt horrible if Lana *did* suffer some tragic death by wind. She hated being wrong. Most 21 year olds would be out clubbing or getting drunk, but Lex was different. He was wise beyond his years.
But how would Clark have known she was in trouble? He didn't even wait for Chloe to call and be sure. What if Lana was at home, safe and snug sitting by the warm glow of a fire...with Clark. She tried not to think that. ~Lana's in trouble,~ she kept telling herself, over and over again. ~Otherwise Clark would be with you.~
"Dont worry about him," Lex said. "Running off to Lana doesn't mean he doesn't feel for you the same way you feel for him."
"What do you mean the way I feel for him?" Chloe's embarrassment shone right through her question.
"Oh come on Chloe, you dont think I see it just as everyone else does. When Clark enters the room, a childish-- but cute--grin comes across your face. Your eyes look at him with such...determination and frustration mixed with happiness and bliss. You love..."
There was a knock at the door, it was Lionel Luthor, wheelchair in all.
"Hello, Lex...how are you feeling?" Lionel asked, ignoring the fact that Lex had been in the middle of a conversation with Chloe.
"Hello Mr. Luthor...I guess, I'll leave you two alone for a minute. I should go get something from the cafeteria anyways. I have had Jell-O once too many times this year alone." Chloe stood and walked out of the hospital room, but she waited just outside the door. She was intrested in the relationship Lex and Lionel had with each other, and if she heard anything intresting she could always turn it into a good story.
"Lex.about what you said back at the mansion.I know I haven't been a great father to you, but I had a busniess to run. I'm sure you understand. I..." Lionel spoke to Lex, but Lex just stared right through Lionel. "Are you alright, Lex?"
"Oh I'm fine," Lex said harshly. "I just got impaled, got a few broken ribs, a dislocated verterbre in my back and a hell of a headache because I was trying to save your life. But with what you just did to Chloe, I'm not sure if it was worth it. I was having a nice conversation with my friend and you come barging in, acting like she dosen't exsist. Just like you've done to me my whole life! All you ever do is push me away and I still try and make you proud! I still try and be better than you! But I just realized something father, I already am a better person than you! Because I at least have concern for others! You don't care about anyone but yourself! Now get the hell out of my room, and if you see Chloe...you'd better apologise!"
Lionel stood, not saying anything, and exited the room. He passed by Chloe, who had heard Lionel getting up and taken a seat in a chair across the hall and pulled up a magazine to cover her face. Lionel walked by her, muttering to himself. When he had passed by, Chloe walked back into the room to see Lex sitting up in his bed and putting his clean clothes on. Chloe was confused. Lex's injuries would surely require he stay at the hospital more than one night.
"I'm sorry to rush out on you, Chloe, but my house has been destroyed. I need to get back to Metropolis and finish up some work, and I have a reporter at the Daily Planet I need to talk to." He paused. "Say, aren't you supposed to start an internship at the Daily Planet this summer? If you are, I can surely get you an apartment in Metropolis, making travel less of a hassel. But, if youd rather stay here and be around Clark and Lana...I understand."
Chloe sighed and sat down on her bed, facing Lex. "I don't think I have much of a choice," she said. "Since your dad closed the plant, my dad wants to move back to Metropolis." She loved it here in Smallville. Everything was so simple. She complained about how rural and "low-tech" everything seemed to be, but she really did love it here. She shuddered at the thought of having to return to the social higher archy that urban school was like.
Her whole world seemed to be falling apart as of late. First her best friend--and near lover--develops these wierd powers and goes on a killing spree--she being one who came close to his victim, then that stupid cop kidnaps her and tortures her, Clark having completely ignored her feeling for the past year now, and having to relocate back to public transportation and gang riots. It was driving her over the edge of sanity.
Pete entered. Chloe didn't recognize him as her mortal savior. She had been unconscious the entire time.
"Well, seeing as the two of you are here," Lex said, "I might as well say this to both of you, since you both need to hear it. My mansion is ruined, my plant is closed, there isnt much left for me here in Smallville, so I'm moving back to Metropolis, most likely permanently. Chloe, you heard what I said before. I know your father wants you to move back to Metropolis, and with my connections I can get you a very nice home. Now, I dont know if I'll be able to immediatly get your father another job, but it will be one of my top priorities. As far as I go...I'm leaving Luthor Corp...
"What?!" Pete and Chloe shouted.
Chloe stared blankly at Lex. She knew he hated his father--who didn't know? But she never thought he'd leave. She always imagined him either waiting patiently to inherit the corporation or becoming successful enough to take over or buy out his father. Chloe was almost speechless at first, which gave away her shock. She was always full of questions. As an intrepid reporter, interrogation came naturally.
However, after exchanging a few glances between everyone present, Chloe began asking away. "I don't understand...Your house can be rebuilt. You have the money. The plant's a lost cause, but to leave LuthorCorp completely... It's your name. " Chloe shook her head in confusion. " Okay-- I know you don't like being a Luthor, but...You're the only one who can end your father's reign of terror...How are you going to do that by pulling a reverse Cinderella; a riches to rags?"
"I don't intend to go to rags, Chloe. Despite what you may think, Ii do have money stored away that my father isn't in control of. As for Luthor Corp, its industrial reign of terror here in Smallville is over, this town is going to go back to being a smalltown, without the corprate giant watching over it. My father was on the verge of taking over this town, but I couldn't let that happen. The people of this town deserve better than to be driven out of their homes against their will. My father, and the company he built, both mean nothing to me right now. I'm going to Metropolis, where I happen to be co-owner of a prestige night club...The Green Room. And I still have some authority with the Talon here, which will bring in a good amount of funds to me. My basic plan is to save up enough money and then when I have enough I'm going to...going to..."
"Going to do what, Lex?" Pete asked, happy Lex was leaving.
Lex looked out the hospital room window. He smiled for a moment, then put on his black sports coat and walked to the doorway. He stood in the doorway for a moment, then turned to face Chloe and Pete, who were both still in shock.
"Il futuro comincia stasera, il mio amore, la mia vita, la mia lotta" Lex said with a smile on his face, then he slowly walked down the hall and exited the hospital.
"What did he just say?" Chloe asked, baffled by Lex's Italian.
Pete shrugged.
"Take me to Metropolis" Lex said to the driver of the taxi cab he entered.
"Sure thing, Mr. Luthor" The driver replied.
"Thanks...actually.on second thought.could you take me to the Kent Farm first?" Lex asked, chaging his focus from Metropolis to the Kents
"Whatever you want Mr. Luthor."
She glanced around the room and saw her roommate was none other than Lex Luthor. He, himself, had just come out of surgery. He looked worse than Chloe. She wondered what had happened. Lex had oxygen running into his nostrils and an IV in his left arm. He was still wearing a pair of bloody and dusty khakis and his shirt was off revealing many deep cuts and one just recently stapled shut would that spanned most of the right side of his chest. Lex's eyes were closed, but his breathing was so deep it was obvious he was awake, but in great pain. The IV seemed to be morphene, but from Lex's facial expressions, it didnt seem to be working.
"Lex?" Chole asked as she rolled on her side and pulled her bed closer to Lex's. For a moment, it seemed as if Lex didnt hear Chloe, but then his hand rose slightly in a sort of outreached gesture towards Chloe. Chloe sat up and reached for Lex's hand. He seemed to need something to hold. Lex had still yet to open his eyes.
"Mom...I'm so glad your here...I thought i was dead for sure...Dad...he." Lex's voice was distant and quivering, it was obvious he was out of it and in a lot of emotional and pysichal distress.
"Lex...it's me.Chloe...LEX!" Chloe rubbed Lex's hand quickly to try and get him to realize that she wasnt his mother.
"Ch...Chloe? What...What are you doing here?" Lex's eyes opened as he gave Chloe a very confused look.
"It appears we're roomates." Chloe said with a smile. Lex seemed to be coming out of his haze and adjusting to his surroundings. Lex sat up a bit and then realzied he was injuried and flinched in pain. He held his chest and lay back down on the pillows.
"For a second there I forgot about the storm...forgot about what happened. Too bad that second didn't last very long." He paused, remembering his mother. "So Chloe.what happened to you? Are you alright?" Lex seemed sincerly concerned with Chloe, but she didnt want to tell him that what was really hurting her was Clark.and Lex and Clark were so close, she didnt think it was right.
"It dosent seem like my injuries are all that bad compared to yours! I'm getting better, just a little head trauma, the doctors say I should have some dizzyness for a while but other than that I'm ok. Now...what happened to you?" Chloe explained with a forced smile on her face, but inside Clark's decision was still wrecking her emotions.
Lex looked into Chole's eyes for a moment...he saw something he knew was sadness, and being the social sleuth he was, he assumed it has something to do with Clark. It was obvious to him and everyone else how Chole felt about Clark, except Clark, himself. Lex remembered Clark telling him he was taking Chloe to the big Spring Formal. "Where's Clark, Chloe? Wasn't he your date?" Lex asked.
Chloe's eyes shifted to the floor. She tried to fight back tears once again. "He...uh...ditched me..." Chloe felt awful. Not just because of the skull fracture on the outside, but because of the emotional torment she suffered inside. Sure, she had crushes before, but Clark was different. She thought it was real love. But now she doubted that more than ever.
She continued. "We were at the dance when they announced the presence of the tornadoes on the other side of town. Clark was worried about Lana. I guess that's normal...I'd have been worried, too, but having Clark think of her right when..." She thought of the kiss they almost had. "...Well, anyways...having Clark think of her made me jealous. I said I'd go phone her. I turned for just a split second and...he was gone." She couldn't believe she was professing her problems to someone she hardly knew and barely liked.
Lex listened as Chloe opened up to him, he couldnt help but feel a little honored that she would feel comfortable enough with him. When it came to friends, Chloe and Lex were...not. However that didn't mean they couldn't be. They were only aquantances through Clark, and they barely saw each other. But Clark did talk to Lex a lot about Chloe...and about Lana. It confused Lex, because he really didnt know what Clark wanted...until he listened to Chloe.
"Clark looks out for all his friends. He has gone out of his way to make sure you were safe on numerous occasions, and he would do the same for Lana. You wouldnt want Lana to die, would you Chloe?" Lex asked, trying to sit up but once again feeling pain. "Clark...he has this quality that no one can really seem to fathom, its like this...hero gene, he feels like he has to stop everything bad from happening. Like he has to.right every wrong, save the damsel in distress, protect the innocent. I admire that in him, but I cant say I share the same trait. I've always thought its best to fend for yourself, when you rely on others you tend to get let down, or find out that its best not to trust others. Clark's heroism is amazing, and yet for those he cares about it's really a blessing. Clark loves you Chole, just as he loves me, and as he loves Lana. He loves all people. It's strange...but he does. I only know of one instanse where he showed anger and a violent side, and he had every reason too...It was his family, in danger. They're the ones that probably mean the most to him, and with every good reason. The Kents raised him since he was a little boy, they know everything about him, and the love him. Even if they aren't his real parents, they're good parents. It seems at times he forgets that he is adopted."
Chloe nodded at Lex's words. He was right. She would have felt horrible if Lana *did* suffer some tragic death by wind. She hated being wrong. Most 21 year olds would be out clubbing or getting drunk, but Lex was different. He was wise beyond his years.
But how would Clark have known she was in trouble? He didn't even wait for Chloe to call and be sure. What if Lana was at home, safe and snug sitting by the warm glow of a fire...with Clark. She tried not to think that. ~Lana's in trouble,~ she kept telling herself, over and over again. ~Otherwise Clark would be with you.~
"Dont worry about him," Lex said. "Running off to Lana doesn't mean he doesn't feel for you the same way you feel for him."
"What do you mean the way I feel for him?" Chloe's embarrassment shone right through her question.
"Oh come on Chloe, you dont think I see it just as everyone else does. When Clark enters the room, a childish-- but cute--grin comes across your face. Your eyes look at him with such...determination and frustration mixed with happiness and bliss. You love..."
There was a knock at the door, it was Lionel Luthor, wheelchair in all.
"Hello, Lex...how are you feeling?" Lionel asked, ignoring the fact that Lex had been in the middle of a conversation with Chloe.
"Hello Mr. Luthor...I guess, I'll leave you two alone for a minute. I should go get something from the cafeteria anyways. I have had Jell-O once too many times this year alone." Chloe stood and walked out of the hospital room, but she waited just outside the door. She was intrested in the relationship Lex and Lionel had with each other, and if she heard anything intresting she could always turn it into a good story.
"Lex.about what you said back at the mansion.I know I haven't been a great father to you, but I had a busniess to run. I'm sure you understand. I..." Lionel spoke to Lex, but Lex just stared right through Lionel. "Are you alright, Lex?"
"Oh I'm fine," Lex said harshly. "I just got impaled, got a few broken ribs, a dislocated verterbre in my back and a hell of a headache because I was trying to save your life. But with what you just did to Chloe, I'm not sure if it was worth it. I was having a nice conversation with my friend and you come barging in, acting like she dosen't exsist. Just like you've done to me my whole life! All you ever do is push me away and I still try and make you proud! I still try and be better than you! But I just realized something father, I already am a better person than you! Because I at least have concern for others! You don't care about anyone but yourself! Now get the hell out of my room, and if you see Chloe...you'd better apologise!"
Lionel stood, not saying anything, and exited the room. He passed by Chloe, who had heard Lionel getting up and taken a seat in a chair across the hall and pulled up a magazine to cover her face. Lionel walked by her, muttering to himself. When he had passed by, Chloe walked back into the room to see Lex sitting up in his bed and putting his clean clothes on. Chloe was confused. Lex's injuries would surely require he stay at the hospital more than one night.
"I'm sorry to rush out on you, Chloe, but my house has been destroyed. I need to get back to Metropolis and finish up some work, and I have a reporter at the Daily Planet I need to talk to." He paused. "Say, aren't you supposed to start an internship at the Daily Planet this summer? If you are, I can surely get you an apartment in Metropolis, making travel less of a hassel. But, if youd rather stay here and be around Clark and Lana...I understand."
Chloe sighed and sat down on her bed, facing Lex. "I don't think I have much of a choice," she said. "Since your dad closed the plant, my dad wants to move back to Metropolis." She loved it here in Smallville. Everything was so simple. She complained about how rural and "low-tech" everything seemed to be, but she really did love it here. She shuddered at the thought of having to return to the social higher archy that urban school was like.
Her whole world seemed to be falling apart as of late. First her best friend--and near lover--develops these wierd powers and goes on a killing spree--she being one who came close to his victim, then that stupid cop kidnaps her and tortures her, Clark having completely ignored her feeling for the past year now, and having to relocate back to public transportation and gang riots. It was driving her over the edge of sanity.
Pete entered. Chloe didn't recognize him as her mortal savior. She had been unconscious the entire time.
"Well, seeing as the two of you are here," Lex said, "I might as well say this to both of you, since you both need to hear it. My mansion is ruined, my plant is closed, there isnt much left for me here in Smallville, so I'm moving back to Metropolis, most likely permanently. Chloe, you heard what I said before. I know your father wants you to move back to Metropolis, and with my connections I can get you a very nice home. Now, I dont know if I'll be able to immediatly get your father another job, but it will be one of my top priorities. As far as I go...I'm leaving Luthor Corp...
"What?!" Pete and Chloe shouted.
Chloe stared blankly at Lex. She knew he hated his father--who didn't know? But she never thought he'd leave. She always imagined him either waiting patiently to inherit the corporation or becoming successful enough to take over or buy out his father. Chloe was almost speechless at first, which gave away her shock. She was always full of questions. As an intrepid reporter, interrogation came naturally.
However, after exchanging a few glances between everyone present, Chloe began asking away. "I don't understand...Your house can be rebuilt. You have the money. The plant's a lost cause, but to leave LuthorCorp completely... It's your name. " Chloe shook her head in confusion. " Okay-- I know you don't like being a Luthor, but...You're the only one who can end your father's reign of terror...How are you going to do that by pulling a reverse Cinderella; a riches to rags?"
"I don't intend to go to rags, Chloe. Despite what you may think, Ii do have money stored away that my father isn't in control of. As for Luthor Corp, its industrial reign of terror here in Smallville is over, this town is going to go back to being a smalltown, without the corprate giant watching over it. My father was on the verge of taking over this town, but I couldn't let that happen. The people of this town deserve better than to be driven out of their homes against their will. My father, and the company he built, both mean nothing to me right now. I'm going to Metropolis, where I happen to be co-owner of a prestige night club...The Green Room. And I still have some authority with the Talon here, which will bring in a good amount of funds to me. My basic plan is to save up enough money and then when I have enough I'm going to...going to..."
"Going to do what, Lex?" Pete asked, happy Lex was leaving.
Lex looked out the hospital room window. He smiled for a moment, then put on his black sports coat and walked to the doorway. He stood in the doorway for a moment, then turned to face Chloe and Pete, who were both still in shock.
"Il futuro comincia stasera, il mio amore, la mia vita, la mia lotta" Lex said with a smile on his face, then he slowly walked down the hall and exited the hospital.
"What did he just say?" Chloe asked, baffled by Lex's Italian.
Pete shrugged.
"Take me to Metropolis" Lex said to the driver of the taxi cab he entered.
"Sure thing, Mr. Luthor" The driver replied.
"Thanks...actually.on second thought.could you take me to the Kent Farm first?" Lex asked, chaging his focus from Metropolis to the Kents
"Whatever you want Mr. Luthor."