Chapter 18 [Next Afternoon]

Thursday dragged by for everyone. Two Surprise Quizzes ambushed the teens that day. Mr. Bartleby announced Paper Assignment for English Class to accompany Doyle. Lectures dried out. Meaning seemed to fall away from Lectures' Words and Sentences. Dinner and Following Discussion competed with Day's Affairs. Anticipation dominated Lana's and Chloe's minds. Meantime, Lex and Miranda kept their own respective routines going without Extraordinary Ripples in the Water or drawing further attention to themselves.

Minutes ticked by akin to Hours. The Hours went like Days….

[Torch]

Chloe's Fingers danced across Keyboard's Buttons. Interest and Curiosity made little impact on Clark and Pete in regards to the Main Event. Her eyes narrowed. Frown dominated her face. Impatience pushed her onward. Consequently, Attention poured itself into Latest Expose on Smallville's Need for Downtown Pedestrian Lights. Cough escaped her lips.

Lex would appreciate that piece. She was sure of that….

Sorry but Safety has to be a consideration too, Lex. Coffee's draught passed her lips. Proofreading ascertained Facts' and Stats' veracity. That'll work for the next issue. Eyebrow quirked. Lana contributed a piece on local art exhibits. Pete actually brought a piece on Coach Walsteen and the Cross Country Team. Clark, besides the lunch schedules, managed Irony's piece on Dress Codes. I'm sure that must have been some interview with Mr. Gibbons. She mused over Clark's Facets. Farm Boy presented himself in Tradition's manner most of the time. Intrigue, however, perked up over the Leather Clad Bad Boy on his motorcycle. Clark Kent, Man of Mystery! What will he come up with next? Her eyes rolled. I had to ask that? Great! Remind myself that are three hours left until the Big Summit?

"Hey, Chloe! Some day huh?" Clark led Lana into Chloe's sanctum. Dread ate at him for the entire day. "Hope that article helped." He could see Intrigue across Chloe's face. "I still can't believe Mr. Gibbons gave me the interview."

"You wanted to know more after what happened the other day. It's something current. You want to know more. We get more too." Assurance guided Lana to rub Clark's arm. "I'm sure you did great." She grinned at him.

"Thanks, Lana. I really appreciate that." He relaxed ever so slightly. He knew that Revelations would help matters further between Lana and himself. I just hope Mom and Dad give enough so that she'll be good.

Chloe frowned. Guess Clark's out of the doghouse again! She suppressed Snark and stuck to Straight Forward. "I was impressed, Clark. Your writing's better. I liked how you talked with Mr. Gibbons and some students. It shows perspective and different sides of the issue. Very nice!"

"Thanks, Chloe. I debated for a while about that. Guess it worked out for the best. We're getting ready to take off for the Talon. Did you want to come with us?" he offered.

"I'm sure you could use some before tonight?" Lana shrugged.

"I'll pass but thanks for thinking of me. Any news on what your Mom has for the table, Clark?" Chloe cleared her throat. Hope wanted to press for a slip on his part.

"Everything Mom makes is a masterpiece, Chloe. She didn't even tell me about that. It's all a complete surprise!" He shook his head. Shoulders offered Exaggerated Shrug.

"Guess we'll just have to wait. Now, won't we?" Lana glanced at him. "For the record, I'm with you. It's kind of a drag waiting until the bitter end." Of course, I know about his strength and floating. I wonder what else Clark can do? She checked Watch once again. "Two hours and fifty minutes now."

"Thanks, Lana." Chloe managed a smile. "I'll see you two at the farm. It's a great afternoon. Maybe you can take a walk or do something?" Depression sunk Mood. Jealousy burned her heart.

"You sure? We'd love the company, Chloe," Lana invited.

"Kind of have to get this edition to bed before our dinner. I want to have my mind on that. It's okay. Really." Shooing Motion came from Chloe's hands. "Go on, you Two! It's a great day."

"Okay, Chloe. If you want something, just text and we'll drop it by." He and Lana left for the Talon and what lay beyond.

Chloe shook her head. This is killing me. Why can't everything just present itself? I hate waiting! She started formatting pages on her screen.

Anything to distract herself….