A/N - Sorry for the time it has taken me to update, hope you like the new chapter, if you have anything to say, Please Review!!

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Chapter 8 - Getting closer.

Lex really has gone to quite a lot of trouble over this pool party' Eaisland thought as she sipped her fruit cocktail and rearranged herself on the lounger as she waited for Lex. Not that I am going to go in the pool with everyone, well, probably not. Well maybe after lunch, maybe, oh god why am I doing this again?'just as she was about to get up and go inside she saw Lex step out into the sunlight and walk casually towards her. To late, there hear.' Lex tilted his head questioningly as he crouched down beside her.

You wouldn't by any chance be thinking of doing an impression of road runner would you? taking her hand in his he smiled warmly and chuckled as he saw her look away, a slight blush crossing her freckled nose.

Ehh, hmmm, well maybe for a second or to there, but you just caught me in time. Looking back at Lex, Eaisland squeezed his and put on a brave face.

I always have had impeccable timing, and speaking of which, the others are here, are you ready? Lex saw her face turn pensive despite her trying to keep her game face on.

Ok, lets do this thang! Before my courage deserts me and I run screaming from the pool side and go hide in one of the many closets. Just stay beside me, will you? She followed Lex to a standing position and they walked a few paces to stand by the side of the glassy expanse of Crystal blue water.

Clark, Lana, Chloe, Pete, you can come through now. Lex pitched his voice so that it would carry to those waiting inside for his call. Clark walked out to the pool side, followed closely by the others. Lex sensed Eaisland tense beside him at the sight of Clark, but she didn't try to pull away. As the group neared he put his arm around her and rested his hand at the small of her back in a protective gesture.

Chloe and Lana were the first to come forwards and greet Eaisland as Clark had hung back so as not to scare her again, and Pete stayed with him to cover his friends hesitation.

Eaisland, may I introduce Miss Chloe Sullivan and Miss Lana Lang Lex Held out his hand to motion them forwards and the to girls stepped forwards slowly. Chloe, Lana, my friend and ward Miss Eaisland McQueen. As he finished the first round of introductions Eaisland smiled nervously and tentatively held out her hand so that Lana and Chloe could shake hands with her.

Chloe smiled warmly and gently took the outstretched hand. Hello, it's lovely to meet you Eaisland, and thanks for suggesting a pool party, in this weather, it's just what we needed! as Eaisland just nodded she stepped back Lana shook Eaisland's hand and filled the gap. Lex rubbed slow circles on her back to comfort her and take the edge of the awkwardness of the meeting.

Hi Eaisland, yes it really great of you to have us here Lex, thank you so much. As Lana stepped back, Eaisland found her voice, now calmed somewhat.

Hi, and thank you for coming over, I'm sorry if I'm not very, ah, well I'm sure Lex has said that I'm not a people person at the moment, but I really would like to try and make some friends, apart from Lex, I don't actually know anyone. Eaisland was relaxing a little but she knew that she still had yet to meet Clark and Pete.

Lana, Chloe why don't you go ahead and get comfortable, Matthew will be here shortly with some refreshments. Lex turned slightly to indicate the group of loungers that he and Eaisland had come over from earlier, Lana and Chloe ginned and went to sit down. Clark, Pete, may I present Eaisland McQueen, and Eaisland, this is my best friend Clark Kent and the other gentleman is Mr Pete Ross. Lex was glad that Pete wasn't showing any of his animosity today, his friends must have got him to promise best behaviour.

Uh, hi again Eaisland, I am really really sorry about last time, I so didn't mean to scare you or anything, I just hope that we can start fresh this time and hopefully be friends. Clark stepped forwards very slowly and tried to make himself as non-scary as he possibly could. I hope she doesn't get scared again' he thought as he held out his hand.
Eaisland swallowed, took a deep breath and then grasped Clarks hand in her own and was pleasantly surprise by the soft warmth but something still nagged at her. A small smile curled onto her lips It's all right Clark, It wasn't your fault. It was mearly a misunderstanding, it's going to take me a while to conquer my fear, so I apologise now for any more rounds of freaking out that I know will be on there way at some point. As Eaisland let his hand go she felt more relaxed and she saw Lex smiling out the corner of her eye and his hand squeezed her hip, Well that wasn't so bad, but I'm glad Lex is still here.'

Pete then held out his hand and as soon as Eaisland took it she felt the friendship radiate him. His smile was open and she couldn't help widening her smile in response. Hi Eaisland, Clark will grow on you, don't worry, he's a bit like fungi in that respect! Pete chuckled at this and Clark was about to hit pete playfully on the arm at the friendly insult, but quickly stopped himself remembering that lex had stressed no quick movements when around Eaisland and instead opted for a Gimmy a break' look, a sarcastic smile and a long suffering sigh.

Lex was pleased to hear Eaisland's small bubble of laughter at his friends expense, he had to hand it to Pete, he had struck just the right note with Eaisland, and it looked like she the boy might become good friends. That could be a problem though, if Mr Ross doesn't lose his enmity towards me.' Lex's train of thought was broken as he heard Eaisland speak again.

I'll keep that in mind Pete, and now that the introductions are over, why don't we sit down, I don't know about you guys, but I burn easily and I have yet to put sun tan cream on, even though with what I'm wearing I don't strictly need it. Referring to her loose sable coloured linen trousers and equally loose white linen long sleeve chinese style shirt that hid her bathing suit.

Well, I'm sure that we will temp you into swimming before the day is out, but for now, I see Matthew has arrived with the drinks, shall we. Lex winked at Eaisland and she hit him on the chest with the back of her hand as they all walked towards Chloe, Lana and the sun loungers.

TBC...

A/N - That's all for now, more to come soon.