CHAPTER FOURTEEN
During the next week, Chloe distanced herself from Clark more than she had in high school. She was always grading papers or running errands or just locked away in her room. The only times that he saw her was at the dinner table when his parents forced her to eat something or when she was outside playing with Lee.
It was so tiring being at a place with a woman that he had become attracted to when she didn't even want to acknowledge his presence. So, exactly one week after the reunion when he had let his feelings be known to her, Clark decided to see the one person in the entire world that she would confide to. Pete.
Clark took his father's truck and drove to Pete's house. He parked behind Pete's car and walked up to the front door. Before he could raise his closed fist to knock, Pete opened the door.
"Clark, to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?" Pete greeted.
"I think I said something to Chloe to make her mad at me," Clark said.
"Come in and tell me all about it. I'll call Lana and tell her that I'm going to be an hour late for lunch," Pete said, opening the door a little wider. Pete went upstairs to make his phone call while Clark looked around.
It was a small house, two maybe three bedrooms, but it was cozy. Off to the right side of the entryway was the living room and off to the left side were the stairs, a coat closet and a bathroom. Straight ahead was the kitchen and dining room and in the back was a screened in area that held the washing machine and dryer.
Clark stepped into the living room and surveyed his surroundings. On the back wall was a fireplace. Off to one side were a couch and a beanbag chair beside it and on the other side were two recliners that had a coffee table situated between them. On the mantel stood six framed pictures. There was the one from high school of himself, Lana and Pete. There was one of just Pete and Lana from high school graduation. There were two pictures of Chloe, each one of her in a different cap and gown. There was one of Pete, Lana, his parents, and Chloe holding Lee. And the last one in the middle was of Lee as a baby, her eyes half closed and a small tuft of auburn hair on her head.
It was the one with all of them in the same photo that captured his attention the most. He could tell they were in the hospital because Chloe was sitting on one of the beds with pillows holding her up. She was wearing a pink robe and Lee was in her arms. His mother and Lana sat on the bed on either side of her with Pete and his father behind them. All of them were smiling at the camera, but Clark could tell that Chloe was a bit weak.
"She was beautiful that day, wasn't she," Pete stated from behind him, "and the courage that she showed really astounded us. She handled the whole ordeal without one complaint. Even though it was so hard on her, without Jay to be there to support her those nine months and through the delivery, she never once protested. The day that she had Lee, I was the one in the delivery room. I could tell in her eyes that she wished I was Jay, but she never once voiced what she was feeling. I'd never been more proud of my best friend then I was that day."
Clark turned around to look at him and said softly, "I should have been there."
Pete nodded. "Yes, you should have. But it's not like you knew that Chloe was giving birth. We all asked her if she wanted us to call you but she shook her head and told us that you had your own life to worry about," Pete said.
"I would've come. No matter what was going on that day, I would have come here. She's part of my life," Clark said.
"Clark, what were you doing on December 13? You were twenty-two, just got out of college five months earlier, just got the job at the Daily Planet and you were..." Pete trailed off.
"I was getting my big break as a reporter."
"And when Chloe heard that one of her good friends was about to become a star reporter, she decided that it was best if you didn't know."
"I would have wanted to know."
"I know but it's too late to look into the past. What's done is done," Pete said. "Now why don't you tell me what happened at the reunion when you ran after her."
Clark collapsed onto the couch and Pete sat down across from him on one of the recliners. "I asked her why she ran out of the Torch office and she admitted that it was because she missed Jay and you guys reminded her of their engagement. Chloe went on to say that a piece of her heart had died along with him and I told her that I felt the same way when I lost Lois. Then, I just had to imply that I was ready to open up my heart again. To Chloe," Clark explained.
Pete looked at him incredulously and it was a long time before he opened his mouth to speak once again. "I think that it may be time for you to go back to Metropolis. It's been about a month since you first came here and that was to escape whatever was happening to you in Metropolis. Clark, I hate to be the one to tell you this, but I think that you're still thinking about Lois and now that Chloe's here, you want to push your feelings for Lois off on her. I'm pretty sure that Chloe feels the same way. You need to leave, Clark, just until the wedding. If any of the attraction towards Chloe is still there, then you'll know for sure that it's not just because you're still thinking about Lois. Chloe will know it too," Pete said.
Clark had a pained expression on his face but very slowly he nodded his head in agreement. He stood up and walked silently out of the house. It was time to pack.
()+()+()+()+()
Meanwhile, Chloe was off on a questioning of her own. She had left Lee at home with Martha because she had to do this alone. She saw him standing there despondent as she parked her black SUV. She got out and crept up behind him, putting a hand on his black suit jacket covered shoulder. He turned and looked at her with a startled gaze.
"Ms. Sullivan, I didn't think you would show," he said.
"Well, I did call you Lex."
"Yes, you did. But for what, may I ask?"
"I want to know what you know."
"Pardon?"
"Don't you dare take that haughty tone with me! You told me to ask him who he really is. Well, I can't ask him because I don't want to hear another lie come from his mouth. So since you know so much, you're going to be the one to tell me what you meant. Got it?" Chloe said sternly.
"No, I don't have to tell you a thing."
"You listen to me Luthor, I'm the last one in your life from the old days who's still talking to you and I'm also the last one who will actually tell you the truth and not just what you want to hear. So, you either tell me what you know or I will turn my back on you like everyone else. Is that clear?" Chloe threatened.
Lex took a deep breath in and sighed. "Crystal. Clark Kent isn't like you and me," he started and then stopped.
"Oh, so he's not a snake in the grass or a single mother?"
"Let me finish. Clark Kent isn't human. He's an alien. He came in the meteor shower in a spaceship," Lex said.
"And here I thought aliens were little and green."
"Chloe, you're not listening to me! Clark is Superman. Superman is Clark."
"Oh."
"Listen, I wanted you to know since you two are becoming close once again. I didn't want you to be in danger. Like you said before, you are the last one in my life from the old days and I don't want to mess that up," Lex said.
Chloe turned to him abruptly. "Wait a second, were you truly worried or were you just looking for a person to spy on him?"
"I was worried. Knowing Clark is a dangerous thing, especially when you're the only one who doesn't know what his life is really like."
"What do you mean? Lex, does everyone know but me?" Chloe questioned, her eyes blazing into his. Lex forced himself to look away and swallowed hard. "Lex Luthor, answer me this instant."
Lex nodded slightly and whispered, "I'm sorry Chloe."
"What about that deal? Did that have to deal with his powers and you wanting to use it to your own advantage?"
"Yes, at the time I thought that I could use Clark to get everything my way. I guess I turned out to be my father no matter how much I tried to fight it," Lex said.
"Lex, you may be partly evil but you aren't as evil as your father was when he was still alive. You've been looking after Lee and me; I know it. So, you can't be all bad. But, I can't let you do it anymore and I don't think that I want to see you anymore. Not because of what you told me, but because you didn't tell me before and I don't know whether I can trust you or not. I hope you understand where I'm coming from," Chloe explicated.
"I do, Chloe, I do. Have a good life and take care of that little girl. She's going to be special one of these days; I just know it. Good-bye."
Chloe kissed him softly on the cheek. As she pulled away, Lex slipped something into her hand. She looked down to see a piece of white paper. Clark's address. She trudged back to the SUV, got in and buckled her seatbelt before driving away.
It was time to confront Superman.
()+()+()+()+()
She parked in front of the house and got out. Angrily slamming her door, she stomped into the house. Martha came out of the kitchen and gaped at her.
"Where's Clark?" Chloe demanded, her tone steady and filled with disdain.
"I'm sorry, Chloe, he just left to go back to Metropolis," Martha answered.
"Mommy, what's going on?" Lee asked, coming in the front door.
"Lee, get your overnight bag and get in the car. We're going on a little road trip to visit Clark."
Lee looked confused but complied anyway. She glanced at the adults one more time and then ran up the stairs to her room. Jonathan came from the kitchen and joined the two women.
"What's going on?" he asked them.
"Why did you keep it all from me?" Chloe asked.
"What, honey?" Martha asked.
"Everything! Who Clark really is, where he's really from! You told everyone but Lee and me. And we've been living here for over a year. Don't you two think that we had a right to know?" Chloe demanded.
Martha and Jonathan looked at each other. Finally, Jonathan answered, "Yes, I know, it wasn't fair to you or Lee. But how did you find out anyway?"
"Lex told me."
"You've been associating with Lex Luthor?" Jonathan asked in astonishment.
"Yes, I have."
"For how long?" Martha asked.
"Since my father died. Did you really think that selling that house would cover all his debts? I was able to pay off sixty-five percent of them but Lex covered the rest."
"Why?" they both asked.
"Because, Lex has no other friends and no family. He need my companionship and I needed help."
"You could've come to us," Jonathan said.
"I could've but you have already done so much for Lee and me. I didn't want to put you in debt too. Not to worry, though. I put an end to our friendship today," Chloe said.
"Chloe, why did he tell you?" Martha inquired.
"He was worried for my well-being. He wanted me to know what I would be getting myself into if I got involved with him."
"Mommy, I'm ready."
Chloe nodded and followed Lee out to the car. She got in the driver seat and Lee got into the back seat with her overnight case and a book.
()+()+()+()+()
When Chloe finally reached the city limits, it was already ten at night. Lee was curled up in the back, her auburn tendrils falling against her china doll face. Chloe glanced at the paper lying on the passenger seat. She turned down a few streets until she saw Clark's place of residence. She parked beside the curb across the street and turned off the ignition.
Chloe got out and opened the back door. Carefully, Chloe unbuckled her seat belt and scooped up her daughter into her arms. She pocketed the car keys, locked the doors and headed for his darkened apartment.
Clark awoke to banging on his front door. Throwing on a t-shirt over his boxers, he stumbled tiredly to answer the door.
"Chloe?" Clark answered in surprise. He ushered her in and shut the door behind her. "Chloe, what are you doing here?"
"First, where do I put Lee before we even begin?"
"Guest bedroom. First door down the hall."
Moments later, Chloe returned without Lee. Clark offered her a seat beside him on the sofa but she refused by just standing there.
"It's time we get a few things straight Clark. I want to know how long you've had your powers, where you're from and why you never told me."
"I don't have powers."
"Cut the crap Clark. I've spoken to both your parents and Lex."
"Lex?"
"Get over it. Now answer my questions."
Clark sighed. "I've had them since I was a child. I'm from a planet called Krypton and I never told you because I was worried that you would put me on your wall."
"A valid worry in high school but not now. Why, Clark?"
"I didn't want you to think I was a freak and have any chance that I have with you be ruined!" Clark yelled.
"Really? Well, goodness gracious Clark. Since I found out about you from everyone but you, you have every chance in the world with me," Chloe said in a fake high tone, clasping her hands together.
"I knew you'd act like this," Clark said, standing up.
"And how exactly am I supposed to act?"
"Any way but the way you're acting now!"
"Well, I'm sorry, Clark, but that's not how I work. You don't just hide something from a girl for fifteen years and then act like everything is somehow going to be magically all right. It doesn't work like that!" Chloe shouted.
"And here I thought the girl that I am in love with would respond just a little better than this!"
"Oh, I'm sorry, Clark. Did you expect for me to respond gracefully like dear Lois? I'm sorry, but I can't. You told her after what, a year? And not only did I have to wait fifteen years but I had to hear it from your enemy! Do you know how that makes a person feel?"
"Like someone punched you in the gut! Or how about when you find out that your best friend had a baby without you there? Do you know how that makes a person feel?"
"I had my reasons, Clark!"
"So did I!"
They stood there, staring at each other, both breathing heavily. Neither one wanted to back down from their stance. Chloe was the first to look down.
"I'm going to lay down with Lee. Don't worry, we'll be out of here before you wake up."
As he watched her retreating form, Clark knew that he had put another wedge in their gap of a friendship.
During the next week, Chloe distanced herself from Clark more than she had in high school. She was always grading papers or running errands or just locked away in her room. The only times that he saw her was at the dinner table when his parents forced her to eat something or when she was outside playing with Lee.
It was so tiring being at a place with a woman that he had become attracted to when she didn't even want to acknowledge his presence. So, exactly one week after the reunion when he had let his feelings be known to her, Clark decided to see the one person in the entire world that she would confide to. Pete.
Clark took his father's truck and drove to Pete's house. He parked behind Pete's car and walked up to the front door. Before he could raise his closed fist to knock, Pete opened the door.
"Clark, to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?" Pete greeted.
"I think I said something to Chloe to make her mad at me," Clark said.
"Come in and tell me all about it. I'll call Lana and tell her that I'm going to be an hour late for lunch," Pete said, opening the door a little wider. Pete went upstairs to make his phone call while Clark looked around.
It was a small house, two maybe three bedrooms, but it was cozy. Off to the right side of the entryway was the living room and off to the left side were the stairs, a coat closet and a bathroom. Straight ahead was the kitchen and dining room and in the back was a screened in area that held the washing machine and dryer.
Clark stepped into the living room and surveyed his surroundings. On the back wall was a fireplace. Off to one side were a couch and a beanbag chair beside it and on the other side were two recliners that had a coffee table situated between them. On the mantel stood six framed pictures. There was the one from high school of himself, Lana and Pete. There was one of just Pete and Lana from high school graduation. There were two pictures of Chloe, each one of her in a different cap and gown. There was one of Pete, Lana, his parents, and Chloe holding Lee. And the last one in the middle was of Lee as a baby, her eyes half closed and a small tuft of auburn hair on her head.
It was the one with all of them in the same photo that captured his attention the most. He could tell they were in the hospital because Chloe was sitting on one of the beds with pillows holding her up. She was wearing a pink robe and Lee was in her arms. His mother and Lana sat on the bed on either side of her with Pete and his father behind them. All of them were smiling at the camera, but Clark could tell that Chloe was a bit weak.
"She was beautiful that day, wasn't she," Pete stated from behind him, "and the courage that she showed really astounded us. She handled the whole ordeal without one complaint. Even though it was so hard on her, without Jay to be there to support her those nine months and through the delivery, she never once protested. The day that she had Lee, I was the one in the delivery room. I could tell in her eyes that she wished I was Jay, but she never once voiced what she was feeling. I'd never been more proud of my best friend then I was that day."
Clark turned around to look at him and said softly, "I should have been there."
Pete nodded. "Yes, you should have. But it's not like you knew that Chloe was giving birth. We all asked her if she wanted us to call you but she shook her head and told us that you had your own life to worry about," Pete said.
"I would've come. No matter what was going on that day, I would have come here. She's part of my life," Clark said.
"Clark, what were you doing on December 13? You were twenty-two, just got out of college five months earlier, just got the job at the Daily Planet and you were..." Pete trailed off.
"I was getting my big break as a reporter."
"And when Chloe heard that one of her good friends was about to become a star reporter, she decided that it was best if you didn't know."
"I would have wanted to know."
"I know but it's too late to look into the past. What's done is done," Pete said. "Now why don't you tell me what happened at the reunion when you ran after her."
Clark collapsed onto the couch and Pete sat down across from him on one of the recliners. "I asked her why she ran out of the Torch office and she admitted that it was because she missed Jay and you guys reminded her of their engagement. Chloe went on to say that a piece of her heart had died along with him and I told her that I felt the same way when I lost Lois. Then, I just had to imply that I was ready to open up my heart again. To Chloe," Clark explained.
Pete looked at him incredulously and it was a long time before he opened his mouth to speak once again. "I think that it may be time for you to go back to Metropolis. It's been about a month since you first came here and that was to escape whatever was happening to you in Metropolis. Clark, I hate to be the one to tell you this, but I think that you're still thinking about Lois and now that Chloe's here, you want to push your feelings for Lois off on her. I'm pretty sure that Chloe feels the same way. You need to leave, Clark, just until the wedding. If any of the attraction towards Chloe is still there, then you'll know for sure that it's not just because you're still thinking about Lois. Chloe will know it too," Pete said.
Clark had a pained expression on his face but very slowly he nodded his head in agreement. He stood up and walked silently out of the house. It was time to pack.
()+()+()+()+()
Meanwhile, Chloe was off on a questioning of her own. She had left Lee at home with Martha because she had to do this alone. She saw him standing there despondent as she parked her black SUV. She got out and crept up behind him, putting a hand on his black suit jacket covered shoulder. He turned and looked at her with a startled gaze.
"Ms. Sullivan, I didn't think you would show," he said.
"Well, I did call you Lex."
"Yes, you did. But for what, may I ask?"
"I want to know what you know."
"Pardon?"
"Don't you dare take that haughty tone with me! You told me to ask him who he really is. Well, I can't ask him because I don't want to hear another lie come from his mouth. So since you know so much, you're going to be the one to tell me what you meant. Got it?" Chloe said sternly.
"No, I don't have to tell you a thing."
"You listen to me Luthor, I'm the last one in your life from the old days who's still talking to you and I'm also the last one who will actually tell you the truth and not just what you want to hear. So, you either tell me what you know or I will turn my back on you like everyone else. Is that clear?" Chloe threatened.
Lex took a deep breath in and sighed. "Crystal. Clark Kent isn't like you and me," he started and then stopped.
"Oh, so he's not a snake in the grass or a single mother?"
"Let me finish. Clark Kent isn't human. He's an alien. He came in the meteor shower in a spaceship," Lex said.
"And here I thought aliens were little and green."
"Chloe, you're not listening to me! Clark is Superman. Superman is Clark."
"Oh."
"Listen, I wanted you to know since you two are becoming close once again. I didn't want you to be in danger. Like you said before, you are the last one in my life from the old days and I don't want to mess that up," Lex said.
Chloe turned to him abruptly. "Wait a second, were you truly worried or were you just looking for a person to spy on him?"
"I was worried. Knowing Clark is a dangerous thing, especially when you're the only one who doesn't know what his life is really like."
"What do you mean? Lex, does everyone know but me?" Chloe questioned, her eyes blazing into his. Lex forced himself to look away and swallowed hard. "Lex Luthor, answer me this instant."
Lex nodded slightly and whispered, "I'm sorry Chloe."
"What about that deal? Did that have to deal with his powers and you wanting to use it to your own advantage?"
"Yes, at the time I thought that I could use Clark to get everything my way. I guess I turned out to be my father no matter how much I tried to fight it," Lex said.
"Lex, you may be partly evil but you aren't as evil as your father was when he was still alive. You've been looking after Lee and me; I know it. So, you can't be all bad. But, I can't let you do it anymore and I don't think that I want to see you anymore. Not because of what you told me, but because you didn't tell me before and I don't know whether I can trust you or not. I hope you understand where I'm coming from," Chloe explicated.
"I do, Chloe, I do. Have a good life and take care of that little girl. She's going to be special one of these days; I just know it. Good-bye."
Chloe kissed him softly on the cheek. As she pulled away, Lex slipped something into her hand. She looked down to see a piece of white paper. Clark's address. She trudged back to the SUV, got in and buckled her seatbelt before driving away.
It was time to confront Superman.
()+()+()+()+()
She parked in front of the house and got out. Angrily slamming her door, she stomped into the house. Martha came out of the kitchen and gaped at her.
"Where's Clark?" Chloe demanded, her tone steady and filled with disdain.
"I'm sorry, Chloe, he just left to go back to Metropolis," Martha answered.
"Mommy, what's going on?" Lee asked, coming in the front door.
"Lee, get your overnight bag and get in the car. We're going on a little road trip to visit Clark."
Lee looked confused but complied anyway. She glanced at the adults one more time and then ran up the stairs to her room. Jonathan came from the kitchen and joined the two women.
"What's going on?" he asked them.
"Why did you keep it all from me?" Chloe asked.
"What, honey?" Martha asked.
"Everything! Who Clark really is, where he's really from! You told everyone but Lee and me. And we've been living here for over a year. Don't you two think that we had a right to know?" Chloe demanded.
Martha and Jonathan looked at each other. Finally, Jonathan answered, "Yes, I know, it wasn't fair to you or Lee. But how did you find out anyway?"
"Lex told me."
"You've been associating with Lex Luthor?" Jonathan asked in astonishment.
"Yes, I have."
"For how long?" Martha asked.
"Since my father died. Did you really think that selling that house would cover all his debts? I was able to pay off sixty-five percent of them but Lex covered the rest."
"Why?" they both asked.
"Because, Lex has no other friends and no family. He need my companionship and I needed help."
"You could've come to us," Jonathan said.
"I could've but you have already done so much for Lee and me. I didn't want to put you in debt too. Not to worry, though. I put an end to our friendship today," Chloe said.
"Chloe, why did he tell you?" Martha inquired.
"He was worried for my well-being. He wanted me to know what I would be getting myself into if I got involved with him."
"Mommy, I'm ready."
Chloe nodded and followed Lee out to the car. She got in the driver seat and Lee got into the back seat with her overnight case and a book.
()+()+()+()+()
When Chloe finally reached the city limits, it was already ten at night. Lee was curled up in the back, her auburn tendrils falling against her china doll face. Chloe glanced at the paper lying on the passenger seat. She turned down a few streets until she saw Clark's place of residence. She parked beside the curb across the street and turned off the ignition.
Chloe got out and opened the back door. Carefully, Chloe unbuckled her seat belt and scooped up her daughter into her arms. She pocketed the car keys, locked the doors and headed for his darkened apartment.
Clark awoke to banging on his front door. Throwing on a t-shirt over his boxers, he stumbled tiredly to answer the door.
"Chloe?" Clark answered in surprise. He ushered her in and shut the door behind her. "Chloe, what are you doing here?"
"First, where do I put Lee before we even begin?"
"Guest bedroom. First door down the hall."
Moments later, Chloe returned without Lee. Clark offered her a seat beside him on the sofa but she refused by just standing there.
"It's time we get a few things straight Clark. I want to know how long you've had your powers, where you're from and why you never told me."
"I don't have powers."
"Cut the crap Clark. I've spoken to both your parents and Lex."
"Lex?"
"Get over it. Now answer my questions."
Clark sighed. "I've had them since I was a child. I'm from a planet called Krypton and I never told you because I was worried that you would put me on your wall."
"A valid worry in high school but not now. Why, Clark?"
"I didn't want you to think I was a freak and have any chance that I have with you be ruined!" Clark yelled.
"Really? Well, goodness gracious Clark. Since I found out about you from everyone but you, you have every chance in the world with me," Chloe said in a fake high tone, clasping her hands together.
"I knew you'd act like this," Clark said, standing up.
"And how exactly am I supposed to act?"
"Any way but the way you're acting now!"
"Well, I'm sorry, Clark, but that's not how I work. You don't just hide something from a girl for fifteen years and then act like everything is somehow going to be magically all right. It doesn't work like that!" Chloe shouted.
"And here I thought the girl that I am in love with would respond just a little better than this!"
"Oh, I'm sorry, Clark. Did you expect for me to respond gracefully like dear Lois? I'm sorry, but I can't. You told her after what, a year? And not only did I have to wait fifteen years but I had to hear it from your enemy! Do you know how that makes a person feel?"
"Like someone punched you in the gut! Or how about when you find out that your best friend had a baby without you there? Do you know how that makes a person feel?"
"I had my reasons, Clark!"
"So did I!"
They stood there, staring at each other, both breathing heavily. Neither one wanted to back down from their stance. Chloe was the first to look down.
"I'm going to lay down with Lee. Don't worry, we'll be out of here before you wake up."
As he watched her retreating form, Clark knew that he had put another wedge in their gap of a friendship.