Chapter 2- Back Off

"Pete, back off already," Chloe said, walking away from him.

Pete followed her down the hall. "You automatically assume that he's talking about Lana. Why can't you see that it very well may be you?"

"Because I'm not one to set myself up for failure, Pete," Chloe said, picking up speed.

Pete jogged to block Chloe's path. "Look, you're always giving him anything he asks for; information, forgiveness. We both know he takes advantage of you. He said it's taken a while to get his feelings worked out and that he's almost lost you on more than one occasion. It's you, Chloe. I know it is. Isn't this what you've been waiting for?"

"Don't you think I thought about that?!" Chloe asked angrily. Her anger quickly gave way and her eyes started to burn. "But what happens when I get there, walk out onto the stage, and he turns to Lana. Then, I'm standing there like a complete idiot."

Pete put his hands on Chloe's shoulders. "Don't cry. Look, I just want you to be happy."

Chloe smiled. "I know, but he wasn't talking about me," she insisted.

Pete sighed. "Fine, whatever. At least do this: go to the dance with me. You can be my date like homecoming last year. If it is you, then that's great. If not, you don't have to be embarrassed because I'll be there as back up.

"Alright, but don't make plans for another date, because you'll be stuck with me all night," Chloe said as Pete put an arm around her shoulders.

"We'll just have to wait and see," Pete said, leading Chloe down the hallway.

* * *

Lana walked down the hall with a skip in her step. Her eyes sparkled with her smile.

"Hey, Lana," Alicia greeted.

Lana smiled at the girl, then walked out the front door.

There was no mistaking it. There wasn't a doubt in Lana's mind. That message was meant for her. Clark had finally come to his senses. He decided to put the past behind him, forget about all the secrets, and start over with a clean slate.

Lana walked to the bus stop. She had to get a dress for the dance tomorrow. As she boarded the bus Chloe crossed her mind. Maybe Clark was talking about Chloe? Lana didn't want to be rude, but she doubted it could be Chloe. Everyone knew how much Clark had been head over heels for Lana for as long as they could remember. Chloe nagged at the back of her mind, but she didn't let it bother her. Just as Clark had realized his true feelings, so had Lana. She wasn't going to lose him this time!