Chapter 3
Though it's not what we wanted before
Even the saints had to crawl from the floor
--Perfect Memory--by Remy Zero
"He's stable for now. He's been here for two days since he woke up. I can release him, but I'd rather keep him a few more days for observation," a doctor explained.
Clark shook his head. "He won't stay. We've all tried to convince him."
The doctor nodded. "I understand that, but I don't think he should be alone."
"Is he going to slip into a coma again?" Martha asked, gripping Jonathan's hand worriedly.
"He shouldn't, but if he were to get dizzy and fall the results could be very dangerous."
"Then someone has to stay with him at the mansion," Chloe said, lost in thought.
"I'm going to let you all work it out. I need to talk to whomever decides to stay with him; discuss meds, and care." With that the doctor left.
"Why doesn't he just go home with you, Clark?" Pete asked.
"He won't stay with us," Jonathan said, looking to Pete.
"Dad," Clark warned.
"Lex is a very proud man, Clark. Truthfully, I'd rather have him at the farm where Martha can keep an eye on him, but he'll refuse," Jonathan continued.
"I'll do it," Chloe cut in. "I'll stay at the mansion."
"Chloe," Pete said in a warning tone.
"Pe-ete," Chloe mocked. "Think about it. I'm the best person to stay. School and the Torch will keep me away enough for him not to feel crowded. Dad's gone for the next two weeks. It's either Lana's, one of your houses, or the mansion."
"What about a paid nurse?" Pete put in, moving a little closer to Chloe.
"Do you really think that a paid nurse can force Lex Luthor to take pain medication? She'd run away with her tail between her legs within ten minutes," Chloe said, looking at Pete.
"She does have a point," Jonathan replied.
"Jonathan." "Mr. Kent." "Dad." The other three complained.
"She's a very mature, responsible, capable young woman," Jonathan assured them.
"Emphasis on young," Martha cut in.
"Mrs. Kent. You know I'm fully able. If the thought of helping Lex Luthor doesn't scare me, then it shouldn't scare you. Besides, you'll be there almost every day helping Lionel," Chloe explained.
Martha seemed to think for a moment. "I will be there."
"Chloe, why do you want to do this?" Pete asked incredulously.
"We take care of our own, Pete, and Lex has-"
"Become one of us," Clark finished in understanding.
"Exactly," Chloe replied.