Chapter 3

I love you, I hate you,

I can't get around you.

I breathe you, I taste you,

I can't live without you.

I just can't take anymore,

This life of solitude.

I guess that I'm out the door,

And now I'm done with you.

"Lana?" Chloe asked, walking up behind the petite girl. When Lana didn't answer Chloe put her hand on Lana's shoulder.

Lana shrieked, whirling around to see how who behind her.

"Whoa, Lana. Calm down. It's just me," Chloe said, jumping at Lana's outburst.

Lana's breathing returned to normal as she clutched her books to her chest. "Hey, Chloe. Sorry about that."

"You're a little jumpy. You act as if someone's been following you," Chloe teased.

Lana looked from side to side down the hallway with a nervous laugh. "Why would you think that?" she asked, turning back to Chloe with a weak smile.

Chloe followed Lana's eyes. "Because you're jumpy, and looking over your shoulder," Chloe answered with a short laugh as Lana glanced over her shoulder once again. "What's up?"

Lana shrugged, her brown eyes wide. "Not much."

"I haven't seen the infamous Lex Luthor around lately. Please tell me you finally broke up with him before he went completely evil and hurt you," Chloe said, walking with Lana.

"Chloe, can we talk?" Lana asked, stopping and turning to Chloe.

"Uh, sure, Lana," Chloe said in confusion. "We can go sit in the Torch."

Lana nodded gratefully, following Chloe to the Torch office. Lana set her books on a desk, then walked slowly over to the small red couch. Chloe swung her bag onto her desk chair, then flipped on her computer before walking to Lana.

"What's wrong, Lana? I was just kidding about Lex," Chloe said with a long pause. "Okay, I wasn't, but I didn't mean to upset you."

"He's having me followed," Lana said simply, sitting on the arm of the couch.

"Come again?" Chloe asked, her eyebrows furrowing.

Lana took a deep breath. "I broke up with him-"

"Good for you!" Chloe exclaimed, breaking into a smile.

Lana held up a hand to make Chloe stop talking. "Let me finish. I broke up with him, and he started yelling about making me regret it. He's been having one of his drones follow me, Chloe. I know it," Lana said, pure fear in her eyes.

"Where's Clark when you need him?" Chloe asked under her breath before locking eyes with Lana. "Are you sure?"

Lana nodded. "That's why I jumped when you touched me. I'm so scared, Chloe," Lana said, her voice catching. "He's dangerous. I know how his mind works. I watched him change. Lex would want to hurt me for breaking up with him. He could have me killed in a heartbeat and it wouldn't phase him."

Chloe began to get flustered. She wrung her hands, ran a hand through her hair, then turned around. "We have to find Clark," she said, twirling to face Lana.

Lana stood quickly. "No, we can't! Don't tell Clark. It will be okay. I'm probably just overreacting."

"Lana, I saw the papers in your car. I know what he's capable of, but you're wrong about one thing," Chloe said, looking into the brunette's eyes.

"What?" Lana asked, stepping forward.

"In his own twisted way he loves you, Lana. He could never hurt you physically. If he really wanted to hurt you…" Chloe trailed off.

"Oh God, Chloe," Lana said, her eyes watering. "He's going to go after you, Clark, and Pete, isn't he? No. No, no, no."

Chloe put on a fake-reassuring smile. "I thought I'd seen someone following me, but I was probably just imagining it. You know all the freaks in Smallville."

Both girls screamed when the office door swung open. Chloe spun on her heel, her shoulder colliding with Lana's.

"Did you girls have another horror movie night last night?" Pete asked, strolling into the room with a grin.

"We better get home," Lana said, moving to the door. "Pete, be safe."

Chloe walked to Pete's side. "Watch your back, okay? We're serious."

Pete gave Chloe a quizzical look. "Whatever you say, Chloe."

"Will you see Clark?" Lana asked.

"Yeah, he's meeting me here," Pete answered, confusion still written over his face.

"Tell him to be careful, okay?" Chloe asked, following Lana out of the door.

"Uh, okay," Pete answered, staring after his friends.