Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters in the WBs TV show
'Smallville' (I just wish I did). I am simply borrowing them for a bit for
my own entertainment. No profit will be made from this story. So please
don't sue me.
Chapter Two
***
As she buried her face further into her pillow, Chloe Sullivan heard the phone ring. But it sounded so distant, so faint, so invisible... She was too wrapped up in her own troubles to think about it. So she continued to let it ring. She couldn't deal with the world right now. She just wanted to retreat away from everything, never to return to real life again. Chloe heard the muffed sound of her dad's voice, talking to the person at the other end of the line. The soft thud of his footsteps got loud as he approached her door. There was a light, polite knock.
"Honey. It's Clark on the phone. But I can tell him you're not feeling well if you want." called her dad through the thick oak door.
Upon hearing the name "Clark", Chloe bolted off of her bed as if on a spring. She wiped her eyes with the back of her arm and grabbed a tissue to blow her nose.
"No. I'll talk to him," she called out, trying not to sound too eager.
She blew her nose on the tissue and cleared her throat several times as she stared at her white cordless phone.
'This is it Sullivan. The ultimate test. You've gotta convince Clark that nothing's wrong. He can't suspect anything.' She told herself. She was convinced that she could totally pull this off without Clark finding out anything if she played her cards right, and if everything went according to plan, which hopefully it would.
Chloe looked at the phone for a few more seconds, mentally preparing herself. She reached out a shaky hand and picked up the phone.
"Hi Clark!" she said, trying to sound as normal as she could, but she knew her voice sounded muffled and shakey.
"Hi Chloe, are you all right?" he asked softly, "Your dad said you might not want to talk to me... Have I done something I should know about?"
It was an obvious dig for information as to what was wrong with her, and Chloe smiled through her tears. He was learning from her alright. She couldn't blame him for trying to get information this way. She'd have tried that ploy too.
She forced a chuckle, "Clark Kent you have a wild imagination. Why would I be mad at you?" It was her turn to dig for information. "So is this a social call Mr. Kent or is it business?" She avoided the subject of her wellbeing completely and hoped Clark would take that as a hint that she did not want him to question her any further.
"I... Well I was wondering if you were up for a night at the multiplex, two towns over tonight. But you don't sound as though you're up for it." He explained. "It's ok though, another time."
'On a date?' She wanted to ask quizzically, when he'd asked about the multiplex. The daredevil inside her urged her to say it. But she'd managed to restrain herself, and now Clark was about to cancel the one thing that could probably take her mind off of her problems.
"No, I'm ok. Out in Brunswick, yes? I thought you said you had chores." commented Chloe, a little coldly.
"Well... I... I...er... I finished them a few minutes ago. Look Chloe, are you *sure* you're ok?" Chloe almost sighed down the phone. She could just picture him looking puzzled with that cute little pucker in his forehead as his eyebrows knitted together. It was enough to melt a girl's heart. He was making her feel better just by talking to her. "You really don't sound..." Clark paused, while he tried to think of a way of phrasing his concerns, without it looking as if he *was* concerned, she would never open up to that. "You don't sound quite like your normal, optimistic self."
Chloe gulped. She couldn't even hide her emotions over the phone! How was she going to manage it in person? But on the other hand if she *didn't* go that would look even more suspicious. Besides, a movie with Clark and Pete would be fun. It always was. She really needed a bit of cheering up right at that moment. She took the plunge.
"Like I told you Clark, I'm fine." She said sharply, "But thanks for your concern." She continued more softly. "I'm a big girl now, remember? I can take care of myself."
"Okay..." Said Clark, a little worried by her tone, but continuing none-the- less. "...so what about that movie?"
"Sounds great." she said, her voice warm and appreciative. "Who's driving?"
"Pete's dad said he could have the car again. So we'll be at your place around at 7?" Clark inquired, awaiting her approval on the time.
"I'll be ready and waiting." Chloe replied, chirpily. 'As always.' she thought miserably.
"Great! I'll see you later!" replied Clark, his enthusiasm bursting though her misery like a ray of sunshine.
"Bye Clark." She smiled, replacing the reciever. It was amazing. That Kent charm got her everytime. Even over the phone.
***
Pete led the way out of the movie theatre, jangling his keys as he walked. He had a big grin plastered on his face and beamed at them both as he spoke.
"Man, Cameron Diaz is fi-i-ine!" he said to them both.
"Yeah she's ok," agreed Clark.
Chloe rolled her eyes at the thought of another guy talk about "chicks". 'Hello? Chloe Sullivan. A girl here!' she just wanted to scream sometimes. Being best friends with two guys like Clark and Pete gave her a disturbing insight into the male psyche. One she wasn't sure she wanted to know about.
"You're forgetting Clark is partial to brunettes," She reminded Pete cynically, popping the last few pieces of popcorn into her mouth and placing the packaging in a nearby trash can. 'Well, if I'm going to join in this conversation I might as well get my two cents.' she thought.
"Hey! Just because I like Lana, doesn't mean that I'm not capable of liking blonde girls too, ok?" retorted Clark, "Geesh! You like someone and you're branded for life." He flailled his arms in the air dramatically.
Chloe giggled. "And the Ocsar goes to..."
"Name a blonde girl you like then? And I mean *like, like* not just *like*." challenged Pete, as he sipped on the remainder of his soda.
"All right then," accepted Clark. He spoke quietly, in barely a whisper, but in the silence of the parking lot they both heard the name. "I like Chloe."
Pete choked and sprayed his cola all over Clark, while Chloe blushed and looked on flabbergasted.
"You *LIKE* Chloe?" Pete asked, unable to believe his ears. Clark had always ignored her before. Although Pete knew she'd probably never feel that way about him, he'd never even thought that Clark might feel even an inkling of the same feelings for Chloe. As far as Pete had known, it was Lana all the way. Well... not quite "all the way" he wasn't that sort of guy...
"Well, yeah. I guess. But you don't go dating one of your best friends. Do you?" He said, his face matching Chloe's shade of crimson. He dug his hands into his pockets and hunched his shoulders. Suddenly becoming very interested in a discarded Dr Pepper can on the ground.
"Of course not," Chloe muttered, uncomfortably, not meeting Clark or Pete's eyes. She was understandably disappointed. There was Clark saying something she'd been waiting for him to say for a long time, but yet it sounded so forced. She wanted to wait until she was sure he truly felt the same way about her, as she did about him. They'd get there... If they were ever meant to be together.
There was an awkward silence between the three, as Clark took off his plaid shirt and used it to wipe the soda of his face. "So, Chloe. Have you heard from the Daily Planet yet?" asked Clark, in attempt to break the silence he'd created.
"Not yet. I expect I'll hear from them in the next few days." She told him flatly. The fact she'd heard no news from them was obviously getting to her.
"Don't worry. I'm sure you'll get the summer internship. After all, who has more enthusiasm for journalism than you? No one that I know, that's for sure!" He grinned. Pete nodded in agreement.
"Well, no one in Kansas." He added.
"Thanks, guys." She said smiling brightly.
"And plus in all the years I've known you, you've never missed an issue." Clark added.
"An edition." She muttered quietly under her breath, so that Clark and Pete didn't hear.
Pete dropped his soda into the trash can Chloe had used. "Well, Chloe has her internship, so she'll be staying with her Mom in Metropolis. Having a great time, I've no doubt..."
'I wish!' Chloe thought. Then a wave of panic hit her. If she got the internship how was she going to be able to accept it if her Mom was here? Maybe she could stay at Grandma and Grandpa's, but she didn't want to impose on them.
"...And of course Clark has his plans for the summer..." continued Pete.
"Yeah. Helping my dad on the farm. There's a lot to do at the moment." Clark replied, trying to sound enthusiatic about it, but failing miserably.
"I'm sorry, man. I know you're not that keen about working on the farm all summer." Pete said, patting him on the back.
"It's ok. My dad needs me. I can't let him down, the farm is our income. We need to take care of it. What about you Pete? Any plans?" Clark asked, changing the subject.
"I'm doing a bit of work down at the mayors office. I kinda got a taste for politics now and of course, chilling out. Like usual." he laughed, "But if I'm not doing anything... You know, and you and your dad need a willing volunteer to help out, you can always call on me. You should have last year, you know. I'm sure I could have done *something*."
"Thanks Pete," said Clark, with a grin. He knew he'd never take Pete up on his offer. In the past few years he'd been getting faster and stronger than he'd ever thought possible. Not that he hadn't been strong before... It was just that now he was stronger than *everything* around him. This made him scared. More scared than he thought possible. He just didn't know the limits of some of his powers anymore. Clark was beginning to realise that his dad was right. He *COULD* hurt someone... albeit by accident. Yet life went on... He'd just had to be as careful as he could.
"Hey you two! Quit going space-age on me!" called Pete, stopping halfway across the parking lot, realising they were both standing still in their own worlds.
"Wha..?" said Chloe, not even realising she'd spaced out.
"You ok Chloe? You're not usually the one to go off into dreamland." Both Pete and Clark smirked at Chloe, who pulled a sarcastic face back at them.
"Yeah, you've been usually quiet tonight Chloe," said Clark, also voicing his concerns.
They both studied her anxiously, as she replied. She laughed at their earnest faces.
"I'm fine. I don't know what you two are on about. So are we going to get home any time soon? Because if we don't get moving, it's going to be time for school before we know it."
Chloe walked off ahead of them. Clark and Pete looked at each other in confusion. It was plain to see that neither of them believed her. Despite her trademark sarcasm. What was up with her? It had to be something big to ruffle Chloe's feathers. She'd even had hatemail sent to her in the past and she'd hardly bat an eyelid. In fact, she'd enjoyed it. She had also brushed them off to quickly. Chloe wasn't acting at all like herself. Every word was forced, and every action fake. Something was very obviously wrong with their friend.
As she walked away, Chloe wiped the tears from her eyes. She hated crying. Especially in front of her friends. Why couldn't she have kept this for the privacy of her room? Why did this always get to her so much? She wasn't going to get Clark and Pete involved in it. It didn't involve them. It was her problem, and her problem alone. They deserved better than to be dragged into it. She was also afraid. Afraid of what they might think, afraid of how they would react. She was their best friend, yet she hadn't actually told them *everything* about her life. She'd hidden a big part of herself away from them. In reality they actually knew very little about the real her. If they knew, then they'd have to change their definition of her. Chloe's biggest fear was that it would be for the worse.
She waited by Pete's car as an upset sigh escaped her lips. So much for not arousing suspicion. That sigh had "there's something up" written all over it.
"Chloe, what's wrong? Please tell us," pleaded Clark. "We hate to see you like this. We only want to help you out." Chloe turned her head away to hide her tears from them.
"I really don't want to talk about it. Can we just go home?" She didn't deny there was something wrong this time. What was the point? They *knew* something was up. It was a waste of time and effort to say otherwise.
"Ok," agreed Pete, seeing that she genuine in her desire not to tell them about it. He walked around to the driver's side of the car and opened the passenger side door. For once, Chloe let him, without a comment or a frown. He studied her as she slid into the car, tears were shining on her face in the faint glow of moonlight. He smiled warmly at her, trying to let her know he was there if she needed him. His heart aching seeing her so upset. He just wanted to take her in his arms and hold her. Even if it was just for a second, and even if it would only make her feel slightly happier. He would do anything for her, all she had to do was ask. He would always try his best to come through for her when she needed him. He just wanted to share her pain.
'But she won't let anyone in,' he thought sadly. 'Not even Clark.'
Chloe stared out of her window for the entire car journey. They were all silent. Usually after a movie they would have the fun and laughter of dissecting it. Talking about what they had liked, and what they hadn't liked. Whether the special effects had been realistic... But today there was nothing, zero, zilch. The silence wasn't even comfortable for Clark. He kept looking into the rear-view mirror to check on Chloe. She was staring fixedly out of the window. The was no clear, readable expression on her face. It was like looking at Lex, with his infamous Luthor-emotionless mask. He couldn't tell what she was thinking. He'd have given anything to have Ryan's gift at that moment. His own gifts allowed him to help people where others couldn't. But Clark couldn't help Chloe. With all his gifts, all he could do was sit back and watch her torment herself over her problems.
Chloe was startled when she checked her watch and realised she'd been thinking of nothing for the past 10 minutes. How was that even possible? Normally she thought a mile a minute. She was vibrant, lively, energetic and full of quick witted answers for every occasion. Tonight Clark and Pete were getting to see a whole new Chloe that they'd never known existed. A Chloe drained off all life, almost soulless and vacant. She looked ahead of her, and her eyes met Clark's as he watched her in the mirror. She quickly looked away as his gaze started to bore into her. She dived into her own thoughts again. It was so difficult for her to come to terms with what was happening. Her life could come crashing down in a matter of seconds. She had worked so hard at her life here. She'd got her own circle of friends, she was doing well at school (with a little help from Clark), and she had the Torch. She HAD to try her best to dissuade her Mom from coming to Smallville. She had call her tonight, and sort it out before her mother started to get ready to visit.
As they got closer to Clark's house, with much effort, she pulled herself out of her thoughts. It was Pete who made eye contact with her this time. His look was one of sympathy and understanding. She bit her lip as the guilt started to overwhelm her. She should tell them. She should share her problems. She didn't like this secrecy. But it wasn't like Clark and Pete hadn't told her *their* problems before. She knew they both had their own secrets. She wasn't sure what they were but she knew they were there.
'How can they be so understanding over this?' she thought. She wanted them to demand that she tell them, yell if need be. But they wouldn't. They'd just carry on being sympathetic towards her. Even thought they had no idea *why* they were being sympathetic.
Pete pulled up outside Clark's house.
"I'll see you guys tomorrow. Are you sure you don't want to talk about anything Chloe?" Clark asked again.
She rolled her eyes at him, "Yes. For the last time I am FINE!" she snapped suddenly, totally losing control of her temper.
Clark's eyes widened in shock. He was startled by this sudden outburst. She instantly regretted what she had said, and how she'd said it. But there was no way to take it back. The damage had already been done. Tears stung her eyes again as he turned away. Her tone had cut him more deeply than any knife. Yet, she let him walk off, as she fell into a dumb silence. She couldn't say anything. If she opened her mouth now, everything would slip out, and it wasn't their problem. It was hers, as she kept telling herself. She'd deal with it in her own way. But, the truth was, as much as she denied it and told herself it wasn't happening, it was. Chloe was confronted by her problem every morning when she woke up and every evening when she went to bed. She was stuck with it. It was a part of her.
***
- TBC -
Chapter Two
***
As she buried her face further into her pillow, Chloe Sullivan heard the phone ring. But it sounded so distant, so faint, so invisible... She was too wrapped up in her own troubles to think about it. So she continued to let it ring. She couldn't deal with the world right now. She just wanted to retreat away from everything, never to return to real life again. Chloe heard the muffed sound of her dad's voice, talking to the person at the other end of the line. The soft thud of his footsteps got loud as he approached her door. There was a light, polite knock.
"Honey. It's Clark on the phone. But I can tell him you're not feeling well if you want." called her dad through the thick oak door.
Upon hearing the name "Clark", Chloe bolted off of her bed as if on a spring. She wiped her eyes with the back of her arm and grabbed a tissue to blow her nose.
"No. I'll talk to him," she called out, trying not to sound too eager.
She blew her nose on the tissue and cleared her throat several times as she stared at her white cordless phone.
'This is it Sullivan. The ultimate test. You've gotta convince Clark that nothing's wrong. He can't suspect anything.' She told herself. She was convinced that she could totally pull this off without Clark finding out anything if she played her cards right, and if everything went according to plan, which hopefully it would.
Chloe looked at the phone for a few more seconds, mentally preparing herself. She reached out a shaky hand and picked up the phone.
"Hi Clark!" she said, trying to sound as normal as she could, but she knew her voice sounded muffled and shakey.
"Hi Chloe, are you all right?" he asked softly, "Your dad said you might not want to talk to me... Have I done something I should know about?"
It was an obvious dig for information as to what was wrong with her, and Chloe smiled through her tears. He was learning from her alright. She couldn't blame him for trying to get information this way. She'd have tried that ploy too.
She forced a chuckle, "Clark Kent you have a wild imagination. Why would I be mad at you?" It was her turn to dig for information. "So is this a social call Mr. Kent or is it business?" She avoided the subject of her wellbeing completely and hoped Clark would take that as a hint that she did not want him to question her any further.
"I... Well I was wondering if you were up for a night at the multiplex, two towns over tonight. But you don't sound as though you're up for it." He explained. "It's ok though, another time."
'On a date?' She wanted to ask quizzically, when he'd asked about the multiplex. The daredevil inside her urged her to say it. But she'd managed to restrain herself, and now Clark was about to cancel the one thing that could probably take her mind off of her problems.
"No, I'm ok. Out in Brunswick, yes? I thought you said you had chores." commented Chloe, a little coldly.
"Well... I... I...er... I finished them a few minutes ago. Look Chloe, are you *sure* you're ok?" Chloe almost sighed down the phone. She could just picture him looking puzzled with that cute little pucker in his forehead as his eyebrows knitted together. It was enough to melt a girl's heart. He was making her feel better just by talking to her. "You really don't sound..." Clark paused, while he tried to think of a way of phrasing his concerns, without it looking as if he *was* concerned, she would never open up to that. "You don't sound quite like your normal, optimistic self."
Chloe gulped. She couldn't even hide her emotions over the phone! How was she going to manage it in person? But on the other hand if she *didn't* go that would look even more suspicious. Besides, a movie with Clark and Pete would be fun. It always was. She really needed a bit of cheering up right at that moment. She took the plunge.
"Like I told you Clark, I'm fine." She said sharply, "But thanks for your concern." She continued more softly. "I'm a big girl now, remember? I can take care of myself."
"Okay..." Said Clark, a little worried by her tone, but continuing none-the- less. "...so what about that movie?"
"Sounds great." she said, her voice warm and appreciative. "Who's driving?"
"Pete's dad said he could have the car again. So we'll be at your place around at 7?" Clark inquired, awaiting her approval on the time.
"I'll be ready and waiting." Chloe replied, chirpily. 'As always.' she thought miserably.
"Great! I'll see you later!" replied Clark, his enthusiasm bursting though her misery like a ray of sunshine.
"Bye Clark." She smiled, replacing the reciever. It was amazing. That Kent charm got her everytime. Even over the phone.
***
Pete led the way out of the movie theatre, jangling his keys as he walked. He had a big grin plastered on his face and beamed at them both as he spoke.
"Man, Cameron Diaz is fi-i-ine!" he said to them both.
"Yeah she's ok," agreed Clark.
Chloe rolled her eyes at the thought of another guy talk about "chicks". 'Hello? Chloe Sullivan. A girl here!' she just wanted to scream sometimes. Being best friends with two guys like Clark and Pete gave her a disturbing insight into the male psyche. One she wasn't sure she wanted to know about.
"You're forgetting Clark is partial to brunettes," She reminded Pete cynically, popping the last few pieces of popcorn into her mouth and placing the packaging in a nearby trash can. 'Well, if I'm going to join in this conversation I might as well get my two cents.' she thought.
"Hey! Just because I like Lana, doesn't mean that I'm not capable of liking blonde girls too, ok?" retorted Clark, "Geesh! You like someone and you're branded for life." He flailled his arms in the air dramatically.
Chloe giggled. "And the Ocsar goes to..."
"Name a blonde girl you like then? And I mean *like, like* not just *like*." challenged Pete, as he sipped on the remainder of his soda.
"All right then," accepted Clark. He spoke quietly, in barely a whisper, but in the silence of the parking lot they both heard the name. "I like Chloe."
Pete choked and sprayed his cola all over Clark, while Chloe blushed and looked on flabbergasted.
"You *LIKE* Chloe?" Pete asked, unable to believe his ears. Clark had always ignored her before. Although Pete knew she'd probably never feel that way about him, he'd never even thought that Clark might feel even an inkling of the same feelings for Chloe. As far as Pete had known, it was Lana all the way. Well... not quite "all the way" he wasn't that sort of guy...
"Well, yeah. I guess. But you don't go dating one of your best friends. Do you?" He said, his face matching Chloe's shade of crimson. He dug his hands into his pockets and hunched his shoulders. Suddenly becoming very interested in a discarded Dr Pepper can on the ground.
"Of course not," Chloe muttered, uncomfortably, not meeting Clark or Pete's eyes. She was understandably disappointed. There was Clark saying something she'd been waiting for him to say for a long time, but yet it sounded so forced. She wanted to wait until she was sure he truly felt the same way about her, as she did about him. They'd get there... If they were ever meant to be together.
There was an awkward silence between the three, as Clark took off his plaid shirt and used it to wipe the soda of his face. "So, Chloe. Have you heard from the Daily Planet yet?" asked Clark, in attempt to break the silence he'd created.
"Not yet. I expect I'll hear from them in the next few days." She told him flatly. The fact she'd heard no news from them was obviously getting to her.
"Don't worry. I'm sure you'll get the summer internship. After all, who has more enthusiasm for journalism than you? No one that I know, that's for sure!" He grinned. Pete nodded in agreement.
"Well, no one in Kansas." He added.
"Thanks, guys." She said smiling brightly.
"And plus in all the years I've known you, you've never missed an issue." Clark added.
"An edition." She muttered quietly under her breath, so that Clark and Pete didn't hear.
Pete dropped his soda into the trash can Chloe had used. "Well, Chloe has her internship, so she'll be staying with her Mom in Metropolis. Having a great time, I've no doubt..."
'I wish!' Chloe thought. Then a wave of panic hit her. If she got the internship how was she going to be able to accept it if her Mom was here? Maybe she could stay at Grandma and Grandpa's, but she didn't want to impose on them.
"...And of course Clark has his plans for the summer..." continued Pete.
"Yeah. Helping my dad on the farm. There's a lot to do at the moment." Clark replied, trying to sound enthusiatic about it, but failing miserably.
"I'm sorry, man. I know you're not that keen about working on the farm all summer." Pete said, patting him on the back.
"It's ok. My dad needs me. I can't let him down, the farm is our income. We need to take care of it. What about you Pete? Any plans?" Clark asked, changing the subject.
"I'm doing a bit of work down at the mayors office. I kinda got a taste for politics now and of course, chilling out. Like usual." he laughed, "But if I'm not doing anything... You know, and you and your dad need a willing volunteer to help out, you can always call on me. You should have last year, you know. I'm sure I could have done *something*."
"Thanks Pete," said Clark, with a grin. He knew he'd never take Pete up on his offer. In the past few years he'd been getting faster and stronger than he'd ever thought possible. Not that he hadn't been strong before... It was just that now he was stronger than *everything* around him. This made him scared. More scared than he thought possible. He just didn't know the limits of some of his powers anymore. Clark was beginning to realise that his dad was right. He *COULD* hurt someone... albeit by accident. Yet life went on... He'd just had to be as careful as he could.
"Hey you two! Quit going space-age on me!" called Pete, stopping halfway across the parking lot, realising they were both standing still in their own worlds.
"Wha..?" said Chloe, not even realising she'd spaced out.
"You ok Chloe? You're not usually the one to go off into dreamland." Both Pete and Clark smirked at Chloe, who pulled a sarcastic face back at them.
"Yeah, you've been usually quiet tonight Chloe," said Clark, also voicing his concerns.
They both studied her anxiously, as she replied. She laughed at their earnest faces.
"I'm fine. I don't know what you two are on about. So are we going to get home any time soon? Because if we don't get moving, it's going to be time for school before we know it."
Chloe walked off ahead of them. Clark and Pete looked at each other in confusion. It was plain to see that neither of them believed her. Despite her trademark sarcasm. What was up with her? It had to be something big to ruffle Chloe's feathers. She'd even had hatemail sent to her in the past and she'd hardly bat an eyelid. In fact, she'd enjoyed it. She had also brushed them off to quickly. Chloe wasn't acting at all like herself. Every word was forced, and every action fake. Something was very obviously wrong with their friend.
As she walked away, Chloe wiped the tears from her eyes. She hated crying. Especially in front of her friends. Why couldn't she have kept this for the privacy of her room? Why did this always get to her so much? She wasn't going to get Clark and Pete involved in it. It didn't involve them. It was her problem, and her problem alone. They deserved better than to be dragged into it. She was also afraid. Afraid of what they might think, afraid of how they would react. She was their best friend, yet she hadn't actually told them *everything* about her life. She'd hidden a big part of herself away from them. In reality they actually knew very little about the real her. If they knew, then they'd have to change their definition of her. Chloe's biggest fear was that it would be for the worse.
She waited by Pete's car as an upset sigh escaped her lips. So much for not arousing suspicion. That sigh had "there's something up" written all over it.
"Chloe, what's wrong? Please tell us," pleaded Clark. "We hate to see you like this. We only want to help you out." Chloe turned her head away to hide her tears from them.
"I really don't want to talk about it. Can we just go home?" She didn't deny there was something wrong this time. What was the point? They *knew* something was up. It was a waste of time and effort to say otherwise.
"Ok," agreed Pete, seeing that she genuine in her desire not to tell them about it. He walked around to the driver's side of the car and opened the passenger side door. For once, Chloe let him, without a comment or a frown. He studied her as she slid into the car, tears were shining on her face in the faint glow of moonlight. He smiled warmly at her, trying to let her know he was there if she needed him. His heart aching seeing her so upset. He just wanted to take her in his arms and hold her. Even if it was just for a second, and even if it would only make her feel slightly happier. He would do anything for her, all she had to do was ask. He would always try his best to come through for her when she needed him. He just wanted to share her pain.
'But she won't let anyone in,' he thought sadly. 'Not even Clark.'
Chloe stared out of her window for the entire car journey. They were all silent. Usually after a movie they would have the fun and laughter of dissecting it. Talking about what they had liked, and what they hadn't liked. Whether the special effects had been realistic... But today there was nothing, zero, zilch. The silence wasn't even comfortable for Clark. He kept looking into the rear-view mirror to check on Chloe. She was staring fixedly out of the window. The was no clear, readable expression on her face. It was like looking at Lex, with his infamous Luthor-emotionless mask. He couldn't tell what she was thinking. He'd have given anything to have Ryan's gift at that moment. His own gifts allowed him to help people where others couldn't. But Clark couldn't help Chloe. With all his gifts, all he could do was sit back and watch her torment herself over her problems.
Chloe was startled when she checked her watch and realised she'd been thinking of nothing for the past 10 minutes. How was that even possible? Normally she thought a mile a minute. She was vibrant, lively, energetic and full of quick witted answers for every occasion. Tonight Clark and Pete were getting to see a whole new Chloe that they'd never known existed. A Chloe drained off all life, almost soulless and vacant. She looked ahead of her, and her eyes met Clark's as he watched her in the mirror. She quickly looked away as his gaze started to bore into her. She dived into her own thoughts again. It was so difficult for her to come to terms with what was happening. Her life could come crashing down in a matter of seconds. She had worked so hard at her life here. She'd got her own circle of friends, she was doing well at school (with a little help from Clark), and she had the Torch. She HAD to try her best to dissuade her Mom from coming to Smallville. She had call her tonight, and sort it out before her mother started to get ready to visit.
As they got closer to Clark's house, with much effort, she pulled herself out of her thoughts. It was Pete who made eye contact with her this time. His look was one of sympathy and understanding. She bit her lip as the guilt started to overwhelm her. She should tell them. She should share her problems. She didn't like this secrecy. But it wasn't like Clark and Pete hadn't told her *their* problems before. She knew they both had their own secrets. She wasn't sure what they were but she knew they were there.
'How can they be so understanding over this?' she thought. She wanted them to demand that she tell them, yell if need be. But they wouldn't. They'd just carry on being sympathetic towards her. Even thought they had no idea *why* they were being sympathetic.
Pete pulled up outside Clark's house.
"I'll see you guys tomorrow. Are you sure you don't want to talk about anything Chloe?" Clark asked again.
She rolled her eyes at him, "Yes. For the last time I am FINE!" she snapped suddenly, totally losing control of her temper.
Clark's eyes widened in shock. He was startled by this sudden outburst. She instantly regretted what she had said, and how she'd said it. But there was no way to take it back. The damage had already been done. Tears stung her eyes again as he turned away. Her tone had cut him more deeply than any knife. Yet, she let him walk off, as she fell into a dumb silence. She couldn't say anything. If she opened her mouth now, everything would slip out, and it wasn't their problem. It was hers, as she kept telling herself. She'd deal with it in her own way. But, the truth was, as much as she denied it and told herself it wasn't happening, it was. Chloe was confronted by her problem every morning when she woke up and every evening when she went to bed. She was stuck with it. It was a part of her.
***
- TBC -