Chapter Four: Tears

My hair fell into my eyes and shut me away from the world. I couldn't let this get to me -- I just couldn't. *It's fine,* I told myself again and again. I sniffed quietly, but it didn't stop the tears from coming. I felt a green tinged tear roll down my cheek and hid my face in my hands.

When Chloe had begun screaming about friendship, dishonesty, and, of course, Clark, it was all too much. I couldn't take it anymore, so I ran. I just had to get out of there and so I left Chloe in the Torch office and took off. I somehow got to the Talon, which was closed, and let myself in. It was then that the tears began to fall.

"I'm sorry Lana; you didn't have to run away." Chloe had slipped into the Talon and was staring down at me with obvious regret etched into her features.

"Chloe, I really need to be alone right now." I furtively wiped at my eyes to stop the tears, but had little success.

"Normally I'd let you wallow in anger and frustration, but I think we should talk. We agreed not to let boys come between our friendship and I went back on it." Chloe eased herself onto the bench and opened her arms, a sunny smile replacing the hard line of her mouth. "Can I at least give you a hug?"

I gave into the temptation and gave her a hug that smelled of paper and vanilla.

"You know, sometimes I wish Clark wasn't around, complicating things with hormones and flannel," Chloe said lightly.

I tensed, and immediately pulled away, horrified.

"Are you okay Lana? I was just joking you know," Chloe said, puzzled.

I avoided Chloe's gaze. I tried to give her a reassuring smile as I got up to leave. *Maybe it won't work this time. Maybe my powers are gone.* But deep down I knew it wasn't true; the damage had been done.