Title: Surprise, Surprise.
Author: Lucy Mars
Disclaimer: They're not mine. I'll return them when I'm done.
Chapter #14: Fragments.
"It is so good to be home," Chloe sighed, sinking into her favorite chair.
Smirking, Lex sat down on the arm rest and ran his fingers idly through Chloe's
blonde tresses. "You've missed the noise, glass towers and disgruntled
population?"
"Like you wouldn't believe,"
Laughing, Lex pulled Chloe close for a quick kiss before being rudely
interrupted.
"I'd heard that you were coming home, but I wanted to see for sure."
Raising her head to look over Lex's shoulder, Chloe smiled brightly at their
sudden visitor. "Mr. Luthor,"
"Ms. Sullivan, it's good to see you again." Lionel greeted as he watched his
son straighten and face him, "Lex."
"Dad," Lex replied, eyeing his father's smile warily.
"You're back," Lionel pointed out needlessly.
"I am."
"How long do you intend on staying?" Lionel questioned, his eyes flickering
over to Chloe as she rose to stand beside Lex.
Tangling his fingers with Chloe, Lex answered honestly. "Permanently,"
"Good," Lionel replied, his smile morphing into a smirk, "That's a beautiful
ring you're wearing Ms. Sullivan. Or should I call you Chloe under the
circumstances?"
"Chloe would be nice," Chloe said looking up at Lex.
Giving Chloe a reassuring smile, Lex told his father plainly, "I've asked Chloe
to marry me and she's accepted."
His lips quirking up, Lionel gently took Chloe's hand and inspected the ring
nestled on her calloused fingers.
Putting on a brave face as Lionel cast his eyes over her quickly, Chloe
swallowed the ridiculous urge to tell Lionel that she loved, truly loved his
son. Deep down, Chloe expected Lionel to protest and point out her unworthiness
of the Luthor name.
Letting go of her hand, Lionel gave Chloe a sincere smile. "Welcome to the
family," he told her.
Reminding her self not to sputter, Chloe nodded swiftly. "Thank you,"
"Congratulations," Lionel told his son, before turning on his heel and making a
prompt exit.
Too stunned to speak, Lex merely nodded at his father's retreating back.
"What just happened?" Chloe asked softly.
Immediately sweeping Chloe up into his arms, Lex told her seriously, "You've
just become part of the family." Laughing, Lex kissed his fiancée and held her
close. His fiancée. That almost sounded as good as
wife.
***
"He's happy, Lily. You should see the way his face lights up everything he sees
her, someone mentions her name or when he thinks about her. She loves him as
much as he loves her. I don't need to worry about this one. His name, his
money, his power…she doesn't give a damn about any of it. He could be dirt poor
and she'd still love him. There's this fire inside of her, Lily. This light,
she has this light. She's going to guide him, just like you guided me. She
reminds me of you. It's the way she just ploughs right over me. There's no fear
in her eyes, just respect and a demand of it in return. She commands attention;
her very presence is enough notice. The two of them together, I have no doubts
that they'll do great things. They're going to do it all, Lily."
Encompassed by the cover of the night, Lionel laid a single orchid on his
wife's headstone. "You'd like her," he whispered for only his dead wife to
hear, "I know I do."
***
Saturday,
May 24th 2002.
Metropolis (Shift Magazine: Molly Reid)
(Stacy Rogers/Wire Image)
PALLING AROUND: Lately, Lex Luthor and his mystery lady have been spotted
spending plenty of time together in and around Metropolis's finest
establishments and sunniest parks. Has our reformed prince of carousing come
home to stay? His hoards of adorning teenage and overage fans sure hope so.
Tuesday,
June 11th 2002.
Metropolis (US Magazine: Rachel Elfson)
(Kevin Walters/Image Direct)
Can it be? Has every single woman on this side of the ocean's worst nightmare
come true? Is that a rock we see Lex Luthor's mystery
lady sporting around town as the two flaunt their young love at all the bitter
single men and women of Metropolis?
Who are we kidding? That's no rock. That's a shiny baseball that they're trying
to pass off as a diamond, a diamond that's conveniently sitting on a very
inconvenient finger for the rest of us. Me? Jealous?
No! Never! Excuse me while I go and drown my sorrows in the two men in my life,
Ben and Jerry to be exact.
Are wedding bells in the near future for our home grown business mogul and his
Metropolis beauty? When I was finally able to corner and question the two at a
recent charity event thrown by Louis Harman, a close friend for the couple, the
possible bride-to-be smiled coyly and posed beautifully for the camera she knew
was lurking in the corner.
I suppose I should thank her. Even if she didn't give me an answer, she did
give me a beautiful picture of her and her smirking maybe-fiancé to give my
editor to print. Poor girl probably didn't think that she'd be offering to be pose for the cover though.
And yes, in case you were wondering as you looked at the cover photo, they
really do look that happy all the time.
Friday,
June 29th 2002.
New York (New York Times: Harold Nicholson)
(Steve Andrews Photo/New York Newswire)
CITY GIRL: Ladies and gentleman, she has a name. Chloe Sullivan is who Lex
Luthor seems enamoured with these days. No matter
where she is, or who she's with, Chloe Sullivan always looks right at home.
Even in New York City, a city
nothing like her own, she's fitting right in. Though neither Ms. Sullivan nor
Mr. Luthor have admitted to or denied their engagement, it's pretty safe to
assume that the ring she's sporting isn't just for fun. It's for real.
Saturday,
July 12th 2002.
Metropolis (Daily Planet: Lois Lane)
(Elizabeth Johnson/Associated Press)
the event: Lionel Luthor threw the party of a lifetime in the heart of
Metropolis, celebrating his son's engagement to Chloe Sullivan. Photographers
from around the world, and mourners alike, gathered on the front steps of L'Ermitage Hotel hoping to get a glance at the happy couple
and their famous friends.
the attendees: There are too many to list. Suffice it
to say that anyone who was anyone was at this party; heads of State, senators,
stars, business moguls and a few lucky members of the press were part of the
crowd.
the dress code: Designer gowns (from Versace to Chanel) for the lovely ladies and equally stylish suits for
their male counterparts.
the setting: More than 500 people gathered together to
wine, dine and celebrate at the prestigious L'Ermitage
Hotel. Elegance was the word of the night, as patrons laughed, danced and
chatted amicably. Even our infamously stolid Mayor seemed to be having a good
time whilst in the company of the future Mrs. Luthor-to-be.
the highlight: When the glowing bride-to-be took
Republican Senator Robert Loke to town and let him
know exactly what she thought of his position on the work for welfare program
he wants to implement in Kansas.
It took both Luthor men to convince her not to do anything drastic, at least
not when there were witnesses.
the photo op: When Lionel Luthor was caught with a
real smile on his face. It happened more than once, as he watched his son and
his future daughter-in-law work the room and charm
everyone possible. Perry, you owe me ten bucks. His face didn't crack.
Wednesday,
August 26th 2002.
Gotham
City (InStyle
Magazine: Peter Lowery)
(Photo Credit : Larsen Collinge, Intl.)
It has seemed that over the last month Lex Luthor and Chloe Sullivan have
disappeared from the face of the earth. Far from it.
They've just been spending some quality time together before the new school
year starts for her, and she becomes immersed in her art, and he in his work.
They've been soaking up the sites and sounds of Europe
before finally settling in 'round hill.'
the scoop: Round Hill resort in Jamaica,
a compound of 27 privately owned villas and a 36-room hotel on 98 manicured
acres.
tell me more... It's an exclusive resort, built in
1953 as the "perfect hideaway" for socialites and celebrities.
who goes? In its early years, Clark Gable, Grace Kelly
and even honeymooners Jacqueline and John F. Kennedy, whose visits are
documented in photos that hang in the bar.
what to do: Explore the rain forests, beaches, rivers
and magnificent plantation houses of what is arguably the Caribbean's
most beautiful island.
what to bring: Nice clothes—men have been known to
wear jackets and ties (though it's not required) for dinner. Women dress
especially well at night, when Ralph Lauren (who owns the adjacent estate)
might be dining at the next table.
gossip: Rumor has it that Lex Luthor is something of a
romantic. Upon their arrival, it's not entirely too far fetched to guess that
Chloe Sullivan found their villa decorated with every color orchid imaginable.
Friday,
October 21st 2002.
Metropolis (Zap2it.com)
It's not Halloween yet, but that didn't stop Lex Luthor and Chloe Sullivan from
taking a break from their usual designer suits and gowns as the wandered
through the city aimlessly in casual student wear. You've got to be really rich
to look that much like a starving student. When asked about wedding plans, Lex
smiled politely and pulled his fiancée close as he gave a vague PR answer. They
have a few ideas, but no set dates just yet.
Monday,
December 2nd 2002.
Metropolis (People Magazine: Jeffery Fargold)
(Photo Credit: Anita Robbins)
With Thanksgiving over and Christmas looming on the horizon, it's time to find
out what people are planning to do for the holidays. Lucky for me, I just
happened to bump into Chloe Sullivan at a local art show and managed to corner
her for a few minutes and find out what the Luthor's
are doing for Christmas.
JF: Have you thought about what you're going to be doing for Christmas?
CS: Lex and I have decided to stay in Metropolis for Christmas and just relax.
JF: No big plans? No parties? Nothing I can give my readers to be jealous
about?
CS: [laughs] Well, Lionel is throwing a big party and Lex and I will probably
go.
JF: Don't sound too excited now.
CS: Parties are fun and all, but I'd rather curl up on the sofa with Lex and
watch the snow fall.
JF: That's so romantic. Lex is a lucky guy to have a girl like you.
CS: [laughs] Flattery Jeff, will get you everywhere.
JF: It's my job.
CS: One you're very good at.
JF: So, it's Christmas and that means presents. What are you going to get for
the two Luthor men? I promise I won't tell. *ahem*
CS: Don't even get me started on Christmas shopping. What do you buy for the
two men who have everything?
JF: Is that a rhetorical question?
CS: No. Seriously, I need some ideas here.
JF: I'm stumped.
CS: So am I.
JF: How about an easier question? What do you want for Christmas?
CS: Besides some kind of out of the world sign that will tell me what to get
the two Luthor men?
JF: Yeah.
CS: I don't know, I hadn't really thought about it. [pause
as she looks thoughtful] I don't know. I've got everything I want. There's
nothing else I need.
JF: Liar!
CS: [laughs] I'm serious. I can't really think of anything that I want. Well, there
might be one thing.
JF: [eagerly] What? Jewels beyond my
wildest imaginations? Another car? A trip to the most exotic location? What?
CS: Projecting much Jeff?
JF: Don't tease. Tell me what it is that Chloe Sullivan wants for Christmas.
CS: To be left alone by the press, for just one day.
And that ladies and gentlemen was my cue to leave. Merry Christmas, Chloe.
Saturday,
January 4th 2003.
Daily Planet: Society Pages
Metropolis's Newest Matriarch
By Andrea Ferguson
Her protection detail rivals those of kings. Her guards are deadly and
discreet, melting into the background with frightening ease. Her face graces
the covers of the most prestigious magazines and the lowliest of supermarket
rags with equal radiance. Every move she makes is documents by one person or
another and every fluster photographed for publication. All this sudden
attention is being paid towards, what may seem like another one of the hundreds
of Metropolis of U art students that are littered throughout our fine city. Don't
be fooled by her youthful smile or unpretentious behavior, which is rare with
the socialites that I've been covering for years, she's a feisty one. This one,
she's special and two very special men seem to think so too. There is a reason
she's the media's newest darling, you know.
This is a tale of the princess among the commoners getting her prince and
rising with grace and composure to rule the concrete kingdom we live in with a
tender hand.
She lives in a world and with a family that are as unconventional as they are loving. Loving is not usually a word I would equate with
the Luthor men with such ease, seeing how I've been watching my co-workers
cover the numerous LuthorCorp business deals for
years now, but this time there seems to be an exception. Her family consists of
two rich, powerful, influential, handsome and very, very, very protective men.
First, there is Lionel Luthor cast into the role of father figure. Now we've
all seen him with his own son for years, and how the two have a close relationship,
but watching him with her is a whole other experience. The role of teacher that
he dons for his son is lost when the great Lionel Luthor is dealing with his
son's fiancée. The witty banter that they share and the peace that settles
around him as he laughs and smiles indulgently at her commentary of the people
around them almost makes me look at the elder Luthor as just being another man
at the party. Did you notice how I used the word almost there? That's because
it's impossible to forget who Lionel Luthor is and what he could and would do
to you if you hurt the newest branch being added to his family tree. The
protective gleam in his eyes isn't lost on reporters who step to close to
crossing the line that he's drawn in the sand. However, she never seems to be
fazed by the darkness that looms within the grey eyes of her future
father-in-law. In my experience, when she catches the snippets of intimidation
meant for those inching as close to the line as they can, she just laughs it
off and smiles for the camera. A sincere smile that makes even the most
ruthless reporter smile back.
Next, there's the Luthor prince cast into the title role of playing a young man
head over heels in love.
We've all watched Alexander Luthor grow up before our very eyes. The press has
been present throughout his entire life and it's not hard to tell that
sometimes all the young Luthor prince wanted, and still wants, is to be left
alone. Too bad that's never going to happen. I suppose that's the price you pay
for not only belonging, but being the heir to what is closest to a royal family
that Metropolis will ever have. Alexander, better known as Lex, has had his
share of bad press over the years.
Although academically brilliant since preschool, Lex was social misfit who
caused more than a few memorable scandals during his rebellious youth. Not that
we didn't all have our less than stellar moments while young and supposedly
invincible, Lex's just happened to be documented. However, the days of girls,
parties and endless frivolity seem to be over. Now, there's just one girl for
him and a steady job to boot. Can it be? Has our resident poster boy for a good
time grown up? It seems so. From what I can see, the restlessness that used to
follow our Metropolis prince looks to have been replaced by a harmony that was
bestowed to him by his very own fairy princess. I wonder if I could bottle her
magic charm and sell it. I'd make a fortune. Well bottling her charm would
include getting within two feet of her, and we all know that's not going to
happen. The Luthor men take over protectiveness to a whole new level, but she
seems to be taking it all in stride, laughing, smiling and conquering the
pessimistic masses along the way.
There was once a time when Lex Luthor was notorious for giving editors
countless stories and opportunities to photograph him in the most unflattering
light, but his self-destructive phase is long over. Nowadays, while flipping
through newspapers and magazines, instead of seeing a photo of Lex Luthor
celebrating with the occasionally lost and boisterous elite during the predawn
hours of the day, you'll find a quick snapshot of him just being a guy in love
with a girl who just may love him as much as he loves her. That's a lot of love
people. We're talking record setting amounts here.
Even in the blurry photos that you pretend not to glance at while in line at
the supermarket, you can see the love that just cackles in the air between the
two. It's even more evident in person. Her eyes drink in his every movement and
smile, and his eyes follow her with a tenderness I've never seen before. I'd
hate to make my readers cry, or my sister really, who's been infatuated with
Lex Luthor since the 7th grade, but this doesn't look like a fleeting
relationship that's going to end anytime soon. This is as close to happily ever
after as any two people are going to get. Knock on wood, knock on it hard.
Of all her qualities and traits, I think that what the Luthor men are so
attracted to is simply her simplicity. There's nothing over the top,
ostentatious, or grating about this one. She's smart, witty and blunt to the
point of offence, but never offensive. There's something about her delivery and
smile and make it impossible to hate her. Trust me, my sister's tried and she
still can't do it.
But do you want to know what I love the most about our fair princess? Even when
she reads this article and all the other ones like it, she'll just laugh and
call us all crazy. Cause according to her, she's nobody special. She's just
Chloe Sullivan, a girl who fell in love and found a family on the way.
THE END.