Chapter 10 [Talon—During Martha's Argument with Nell]
Chloe hustled into the café. To Trained Reporter's Eye, everything seemed normal. Customers talked and laughed at tables all around. Lana and Miranda burned off the short line at the counter. Still, another look discerned Clark and Lex at different tables. Customers, despite laughing and conversations, kept an eye on the Plaid Farm Boy by the stairs. This again? Really? She winced at the Town Wide Ice Age being administered to Clark. She headed up to the counter. "Hi, Lana, Miranda? What's going on?"
Lana exhaled a deep breath. "Chloe, it was Clark's idea not mine." She saw Miranda head toward the table in question with the coffee carafe. "I appreciate him giving me space. I just wish…." She glanced about the area searching for a line or some customer need to get her away from her classmate. She poured Coffee into a mug and set it in front of Chloe.
"Lana, really? Why doesn't Miranda just unlock the store room? Maybe the balcony?" Exasperation shook Chloe's head. She understood that Clark had acted like a complete jerk. Still, Contrition and Apology remained clearly stamped on his face. She paid for the mug. "Thanks." She headed for Lex's table. "Hi, Lex. Some atmosphere we've got here. Huh?"
Lex raised an eyebrow. "Miss Sullivan." He kicked out a seat. "Take a load off. Don't look at me. I offered that seat to Clark. Lana's avoiding Clark isn't helping matters either. I just wish we could find the trigger to Clark's behavior. I'd love to know whatever it was…just for scientific curiosity of course."
"Of course." Chloe didn't buy the last bit. "And do we know what it was? I mean Clark hit his father hard. Then, there were those two bouncers from the Wild Coyote. I mean who throws two 300 pound guys around like that?" Could the ring have done it? A scoff came from her mouth. The ring didn't do anything to anyone else. How could it affect Clark? That ridiculous!
Lex nodded. "That is a point." He took a mouthful from his mug. Not to mention shoving that pool table into the wall. I'll have to see that footage when it arrives. His mind went back to Bridge and Desiree's Burn. Too many coincidences! It couldn't have been just a sudden sickness. He watched Miranda walk the carafe toward Clark. "Yeah, this is serious."
"Lana's pushing the point." Chloe rolled her eyes at Situation's growing ridiculousness. "I'd never thought I'd see this day." She took out her laptop. "I'm going to take notes. This may end up on the Wall of Weird."
That's one way to put it. Lex shook his head at Lana. There's no need to embarrass him.
Clark flipped Book's Page. Inconspicuousness' Attempts remained ineffective. I'm in the corner. I'm not bothering anyone. Maybe someone can let me eat on the balcony? He glanced at Mug's bottom. Great! Grimace crossed his face. He stole a look toward the counter to see Lana and Skye with customers. I don't want to make it any harder for her. Maybe I should leave? I…
"Have to hand it to you, Captain Plaid. You're really letting Lana have her space. Thanks for that at least." Miranda set a Warmed Cinnamon Roll on its plate on the table. "Slide your mug over. I'll refill it."
"Uh…I didn't order the roll. I appreciate it but…." Surprise raised an eyebrow. He put the mug at Table's Edge. "Thanks?" He looked around. He spied Lex and Chloe talking at the former's table. They're sitting together? What the? Suspicion danced through his mind. He tried to figure out Conversation's topic.
"Chloe came in about fifteen minutes ago. She gave Lana a hard time about you." Miranda looked back over at the counter. "The muffin's on the house. Look, Clark…."
"Miranda, I tried to apologize. Lana didn't accept it. I don't know what else to do." He shook his head. "I guess I can just be considerate." He watched her refill the mug. "Thanks."
"You're welcome. Words are cheap. Actions speak louder." Miranda nodded. "You're being considerate without being asked. That's a real improvement." Helpful Smile spread across her face. Then, she returned toward the counter. I still don't think you're the one for her. At least, Clark, you're trying to work with her. Maybe there's hope for you yet. She headed back for the counter.
"Real improvement?" Despite Miranda's intention, Clark frowned. "Everyone's a critic." He went back to his book.
Hopes' Life Raft took on water….