Title: When I Close my Eyes, I See You
Chapter Completed: October 17, 2003
Lucas, as usual, had made himself comfortable in Lex's penthouse apartment – under the glaring eyes of Mercy. His one time suggestion that she get herself laid hadn't warmed their relationship at all. But he couldn't resist giving her a flashy smile as he dropped himself on the imported leather couch; feet propped up on the glass and marble table.
He flicked on the television, landing undesirably on the Metropolis News.
"Hey Lex, don't you own this bank?" he called out to his brother as the news sport told of a robbery attempt made on Metropolis First National Bank.
Lex popped his head out from dressing, just catching the news in passing, until he caught the footage. An interview with 'hostages'; one being unmistakably Chloe, the other…Anna. "Turn it up," he told his brother.
Lucas' curiosity at his brother's interest was quenched when he saw the girl, prominently featured. Anna Clarkson read across the screen. Held at gunpoint, in italics under the name.
The news clip showed Anna beside Chloe, who was detailing the attempted robbery, and more animatedly about Superman's rescue.
Lex couldn't help but be in awe at her projected image. So much like the girl that crossed his threshold in Smallville, but changed. A change he was sure he had a hand in. The sick twists of fate.
"Anna," he spoke her name, barely above a whisper. His throat forced the long stuck word from his heart.
Lucas turned to his older brother, "You know her?" he asked with a mischievous twinkle in his eye.
The billionaire shot a warning glare to the younger Luthor.
"I'll take that as a yes," he muttered to himself.
"I'm going out," Lex grabbed his coat on the way to the door.
"What about Mindy?" the brother reminded, since that was what he was getting ready for in the first place, before the news.
He turned sharply at the door, clearly annoyed for the distraction, "I'll cancel."
Lucas perked up, "I'll take her out." He raised his eyebrow. After all he had nothing better to do that night, why not her? "It's the least I can do for you cancelling," he tried expressing innocence, but was impossible for a man with his history.
"Riight," the billionaire narrowed his eyes at him, before turning on his heel – continuing the path he began.
X x x X x x X
"What is it with you and danger?" Jimmy Olsen greeted Chloe was she walked into the Daily Planet news office.
"You know me Jimmy," she smiled, patting him fondly on the shoulder in passing.
"Next time take me with you!" the budding photographer pleaded.
"Maybe, if you're good," the journalist laughed good-heartedly, making sure to have Anna follow her.
"You're just lucky Superman showed up," Lois Lane appeared, crossing her arms over her chest, and sounding stern.
"Don't I know it!" Chloe's eyes grew wide at the thought of the spandex clad body; and both women laughed.
"Seriously Chloe," Lois wrapped her arm around the other girl's shoulders, "You need to be careful."
She smiled and shook her head, "Anna, I want you to meet my cousin Lois."
"Ah, Anna," Lois approached her, "I've heard about you…" She eyed her up like she was prey, or worse a competition.
The suspicious-questioning eyes of the raven-haired woman were making the blonde nervous – just like all questioning always made her nervous. "Oh," She raised her eyebrow.
"You're Chloe's best friend," Lois greeted her warmly, "Welcoming to Metropolis…but I hear Superman already took care of that greeting." The reporter had an odd way about her; friendly but snide.
"Don't worry Lois, I'm sure there's enough of the man in tights to go around," Clark came in, adjusting his glasses.
"Ah Smallville, nice of you to join us," Lois said in her usual manner.
"Clark?" Anna peeked out from behind the other women. She was surprised with the changes in him. He was still tall and handsome, but no longer a farm boy.
"Anna…" a slow smile spread on his face, "It's good to see you."
They embraced in a slow and cautious hug. Neither really sure if such a greeting was acceptable – all things considered.
"You look great," he told her, as if addressing her for the first time.
She shook her head dismissing the compliment.
"No, really," he insisted, "You look like you're doing…great."
It was then that she caught his meaning. The last time she had seen him was in Smallville General, that unfortunate incident with her father. And it was possible he had heard of her dramatic exit from the Kansas town. She smiled halfway for emphasis, "And I never thanked you….for at Lex's…" implying her fall down the grand staircase.
"I didn't do anything, not enough."
Anna took his reply as a form of self-berating, but filed it away none the less.
"Come on Clark, you were a regular superhero back in Smallville," Chloe slapped his back, her tone laced with bitterness. It seemed not all the water had passed under the bridge.
"Wait-ago C.K., Smallville's Superman," Jimmy mimicked the headline, drawing his hand out in front of himself.
Under a nervous laugh, Clark excused the well-meaning comment. "Keep trying Jimmy," patting the boy on the back.
"Chloe!" a loud voice boomed from another office, "Get in here!"
"Sounds like dad wants to see you," Lois quipped, making Chloe laugh as she trotted off to Perry White's office.
The newsroom absorbed into its usual chaos, and Anna took a seat at Chloe's desk. It was littered with pages, notes and files, next to a much-needed computer. But it was a picture frame at the right side corner that caught her attention.
The small silver frame housed a picture of herself and Chloe, hugging.
It must have been taken at the ill-fated surprise party, before the fates had turned. A smile lit the thirty year-old's face – they looked so happy and so young. And Lex. His formed outlined behind them. He must have been in the background when Pete snapped the photo. Gingerly, she ran her finger down the image of his strong face. He was smiling. It was the night he gave her the necklace and asked her to stay. The night their lives changed, but not how they figured. Or even wanted them to.
On its own accord, her hand travelled up to touch the chain, not remembering it was now broken, lying in her pocket. The smile slipped from her face and her hand from her neck. But for one shinning moment she felt happy without the comfort of the chain.
"Can I get you a coffee?" she looked up to find a bright smiling face, "Jimmy Olsen," he offered, extending a hand to her.
"Ah…yes, thank you Jimmy," Anna carefully replaced the photograph, gently shaking the kid's hand, "Anna Clarkson."
"I'll be sure to remember that," Jimmy smiled, slightly goofy and bashful, before springing off to fetch her coffee.
She laughed to her herself. It seemed adorable, high-school boys were found everywhere. It was really an Anna Karenina moment, she just hoped her life wouldn't end up the same. Or like any Russian novel for that matter.
