Chapter 5 -
When Clark finally sees how much Lana means to him, he discovers that Lex's friendship with Lana is something more. More than he ever could imagine.
Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters....blah, blah, blah...=)
------------------
{ Lex writing in his journal:
She made me lunch so I won't get hungry on the way to the city. Has she always been this caring and I was just foolish not to notice it? God, I still smell the perfume she left on my jacket when she embraced me goodbye. I am so hypnotized by her eyes, her smile, and God her sweet soft lips. Why does she have this affect on me? Not that I mind really. I've been dreaming of this ever since I helped her with that freak boy Adam. Man how I wish she came along with me to Metropolis. I can show her so much. How am I going to stand being away from her for a week when I just left her four hours ago and I'm already going mad? Get a hold of yourself Lex; she's only a girl. You've been with different women all over the world, why would this one be any different? But then again, she is Lana Lang. She will always be the lovely angel in my eyes. She deserves every bit of my attention. } ---
As Lex closes his journal he suddenly stares out his window. He is riding his limo on his way to Luthorcorp headquarter. It has been raining non-stop for two days in Metropolis. "What a perfect time to be here", Lex sarcastically huffed under his breath. He used to love going into the city. He used to admire all beautiful structured buildings and cultures it has to offer. Now coming back to it after being absent for months, it just looks ordinary to him. Now he would rather look at endless fields and cow farms back in Smallville. Plus the greatest sight of all is there too and he cannot wait to see her again.
Lex's smile seems to follow him as he rides the elevator up to the top suite. But as soon as it stops however, he starts to look serious. He walks into the suite looking strait and serious. While everyone he passes welcomes him, Lex just simply nods and steadily walks towards his office. As he passes by his secretary he orders her to dial his father's number and have it transferred to him immediately.
Maria: Um, he's actually in your office Mr. Luthor.
Lex suddenly stops walking and looks back at his secretary.
Lex: How long has he been in there?
Maria: I'm not sure Mr, Luthor. He was already there when I came in this morning.
Lex: (looks very suspicious) Alright Maria. Hold all my calls. (proceeds to walk into his office)
When Lex walks inside, he finds Lionel sitting on Lex' chair on the phone. Lex throws his briefcase on his leather couch and just angrily looks at his father.
Lionel: (talking on the phone) Yes, that's right. I knew I could always rely on you David. Goodbye. (hangs up the phone and smiles at Lex)
Lex: What the hell do you think you're doing?
Lionel: (takes out a cigar and begins to light it) I'm just fixing what should have been fixed long ago. I mean I can't have an incompetent person sit on the director's chair now would I?
Lex: You know very well that I have been working my ass off these past months. I've been on the phone with clients almost twenty-four hours a day. I signed on two clients in just one month alone!
Lionel: Look Lex, I just can't have you do your work back in Smallville. (gets up and gathers some folders on Lex's desk) I'm signing away all of your clients. I've spoken with David and he's taking over your position. (smiling) You will be answering to him from now on.
Lex: (smirking walks close to Lionel) And you think that this would upset me? Well think again father because this just gives me the more reason to quit. Something I should have done long ago as well. (starts to walk towards the door)
Lionel: Oh, one more thing before you go Lex. (Lex turns back to Lionel) I took the liberty of pulling out that little coffee shop off the list. As of this Friday, the Talon will be closed for good.
Lex starts to walk towards Lionel who is just continuing to grin at him. Lex is heated with so much anger, but still tries to keep his calm.
Lex: If you read the contract, Nell Porter is still a partner. You don' t have the power to close it down.
Lionel: (handing him a folder and Lex just stares at it) Ah but if your read more clearly, Luthorcorp is still the main proprietor. I can do what ever I want to it.
Lex looks at Lionel strait in the eyes and sighs. He then looks away and proceeds towards the bar. He thinks for a moment and then proceeds to pour a drink for himself. Lex then turns and finds Lionel sitting on the couch just puffing his cigar.
Lex: (takes a sip from his glass and looks away) Okay you win. What it is that you want from me?
Lionel: (looking a bit puzzled) Tell me son, is it the shop you're trying to protect or Ms. Porter's sweet niece? I've never seen you give up so easily.
Lex: You son of a....
Lionel: (cuts Lex off) Alright Lex, I'll tell you what. End this ridiculous fairy tale with Ms. Lang and I'll consider giving the Talon back to you. I may even give you your position back. It's your choice. I think that seems fair don't you?
Lex: You are really an evil man you know that.
Lionel: (gets up and smiles) You can think all you want about me Lex, but sooner or later you'll realize that I'm doing this for your own good.
Lex: Just get out of here!
Lionel laughs at Lex and then gathers his briefcase and leaves the office. Lex is left just standing in his place looking blankly around his office. He then takes his crystal glass and looks at it for a moment. As soon as he drinks the last drop he takes it and quickly throws it across the room crashing it against the wall. He knows how much the Talon means to Lana and Nell. He also knows that it would truly break Lana's heart if her aunt loses it and he does not want that. But he knows that it'll break his heart if he lets her go. He knows what he must do and it kills him to know what it is.
-----------------
Back at the Talon, Lana is wiping down a table when Chloe walks in. As soon as she sees Lana, she quickly walks towards her.
Chloe: Okay, what seems to be so important that you couldn't tell me on the phone?
Lana: (turns to Shelly who is behind the counter) Hey Shelly, I'm going in the office. Just call me if you need me okay.
Lana then looks at Chloe who is becoming more anxious on what Lana wants to talk about with her. She then follows Lana into the back office and watches her quickly locking the door.
Chloe: Okay Lana, you are really starting to freak me out. What's wrong?
Lana: (sighs for a moment) What I am about to tell you will not leave this room.
Chloe: Okay, are you and Clark having an affair? (teasingly says with a smile)
Lana: Chloe, of course not! I think Clark would have a heart attack he finds out what I'm about to tell you.
Chloe: Find out about what?
Lana: (looking down on the floor) About Lex and me. (slowly look up at Chloe)
Chloe doesn't say anything. She is taken by such surprise that she can't find the right words to say. Chloe walks over to the couch and sits on it while smiling.
Lana: Okay, why are you smiling?
Chloe: (laughs a little) For a minute there I thought I was in a twilight zone episode.
Lana: Chloe! This is serious!
Chloe: (still smiling) Well what do you want me to say Lana? We are talking about you and Lex. It's like mixing oil and water. How long has it been going on?
Lana: About two days and...
Chloe: (cutting off Lana) Oh my god, and Clark doesn't know about this?
Lana: That's my problem. I really don't know how to tell him. He should be fine about it right? Oh whom am I kidding he'll blow up. (sits next to Chloe on the couch)
Chloe: Lana, this Clark Kent we're talking about. Of course he'll blow his top!
Lana suddenly lays her head on Chloe's shoulder. Chloe then puts her arm around Lana for comfort.
Chloe: Don't worry, we'll figure something out.
Lana: Thanks Chloe. I knew I could count on you.
Chloe: (smiles) Wow, you and Lex Luthor. What a scandal!
Lana suddenly laughs out loud and tickles Chloe's side.
------------------
During closing, Lana is the only one left at the Talon. She has the radio on loud as she finish sweeping the floor. She is obviously happy because she is dancing around the room. Lana is so occupied with the music that she doesn't realize that Clark is standing behind her. As she sings the verse to Britney's Baby One More Time song, she does a spin and finally sees Clark standing by the door. He surprises her at first, but that quickly changes into embarrassment. Her face becomes red as she runs over to the turn off the radio. She turns to look at Clark who is just silently laughing back at her.
Lana: Okay, how long have you been standing there?
Clark: (smiling) Long enough. Didn't know you could sing so well. Did you win the lottery?
Lana: What?
Clark: Dancing and singing. I've never seen you this happy. You must have an inspiration.
Lana: (starts to look nervous) Well, I guess you can call it that. Listen Clark, I have to tell you something.....
Clark: I know.
Lana: Know what?
Clark: About you and Lex. I already know.
Lana: You do? How....how, did he tell you?
Clark: That's not really important now. How long has it been?
Lana: (sits on a chair) Two days. I wanted to tell you sooner, but I just didn't have the nerve. Are you mad at me?
Clark: Why would I be mad? Lana you are entitled to be happy. Lex is a good guy. I'm glad it's him that can finally make you happy.
Lana: (smiles happily at Clark) Oh what a relief. I pictured this scene so much worse. Thank you for understanding Clark.
Lana gets up and runs over to happily embrace Clark. Clark embraces Lana tightly and slowly closes his eyes. Suddenly a small drop of tear falls from his eyes. What he does not want Lana to know is that this news has devastated him ever since he saw her and Lex kiss. Like Lana, he has been trying to find a way to confront the situation. He finally decided that instead of losing two of his best friends, he just needed to swallow his pride and be there for Lana. After all, that's what he promised her, so that's what he'll do.
When Clark finally sees how much Lana means to him, he discovers that Lex's friendship with Lana is something more. More than he ever could imagine.
Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters....blah, blah, blah...=)
------------------
{ Lex writing in his journal:
She made me lunch so I won't get hungry on the way to the city. Has she always been this caring and I was just foolish not to notice it? God, I still smell the perfume she left on my jacket when she embraced me goodbye. I am so hypnotized by her eyes, her smile, and God her sweet soft lips. Why does she have this affect on me? Not that I mind really. I've been dreaming of this ever since I helped her with that freak boy Adam. Man how I wish she came along with me to Metropolis. I can show her so much. How am I going to stand being away from her for a week when I just left her four hours ago and I'm already going mad? Get a hold of yourself Lex; she's only a girl. You've been with different women all over the world, why would this one be any different? But then again, she is Lana Lang. She will always be the lovely angel in my eyes. She deserves every bit of my attention. } ---
As Lex closes his journal he suddenly stares out his window. He is riding his limo on his way to Luthorcorp headquarter. It has been raining non-stop for two days in Metropolis. "What a perfect time to be here", Lex sarcastically huffed under his breath. He used to love going into the city. He used to admire all beautiful structured buildings and cultures it has to offer. Now coming back to it after being absent for months, it just looks ordinary to him. Now he would rather look at endless fields and cow farms back in Smallville. Plus the greatest sight of all is there too and he cannot wait to see her again.
Lex's smile seems to follow him as he rides the elevator up to the top suite. But as soon as it stops however, he starts to look serious. He walks into the suite looking strait and serious. While everyone he passes welcomes him, Lex just simply nods and steadily walks towards his office. As he passes by his secretary he orders her to dial his father's number and have it transferred to him immediately.
Maria: Um, he's actually in your office Mr. Luthor.
Lex suddenly stops walking and looks back at his secretary.
Lex: How long has he been in there?
Maria: I'm not sure Mr, Luthor. He was already there when I came in this morning.
Lex: (looks very suspicious) Alright Maria. Hold all my calls. (proceeds to walk into his office)
When Lex walks inside, he finds Lionel sitting on Lex' chair on the phone. Lex throws his briefcase on his leather couch and just angrily looks at his father.
Lionel: (talking on the phone) Yes, that's right. I knew I could always rely on you David. Goodbye. (hangs up the phone and smiles at Lex)
Lex: What the hell do you think you're doing?
Lionel: (takes out a cigar and begins to light it) I'm just fixing what should have been fixed long ago. I mean I can't have an incompetent person sit on the director's chair now would I?
Lex: You know very well that I have been working my ass off these past months. I've been on the phone with clients almost twenty-four hours a day. I signed on two clients in just one month alone!
Lionel: Look Lex, I just can't have you do your work back in Smallville. (gets up and gathers some folders on Lex's desk) I'm signing away all of your clients. I've spoken with David and he's taking over your position. (smiling) You will be answering to him from now on.
Lex: (smirking walks close to Lionel) And you think that this would upset me? Well think again father because this just gives me the more reason to quit. Something I should have done long ago as well. (starts to walk towards the door)
Lionel: Oh, one more thing before you go Lex. (Lex turns back to Lionel) I took the liberty of pulling out that little coffee shop off the list. As of this Friday, the Talon will be closed for good.
Lex starts to walk towards Lionel who is just continuing to grin at him. Lex is heated with so much anger, but still tries to keep his calm.
Lex: If you read the contract, Nell Porter is still a partner. You don' t have the power to close it down.
Lionel: (handing him a folder and Lex just stares at it) Ah but if your read more clearly, Luthorcorp is still the main proprietor. I can do what ever I want to it.
Lex looks at Lionel strait in the eyes and sighs. He then looks away and proceeds towards the bar. He thinks for a moment and then proceeds to pour a drink for himself. Lex then turns and finds Lionel sitting on the couch just puffing his cigar.
Lex: (takes a sip from his glass and looks away) Okay you win. What it is that you want from me?
Lionel: (looking a bit puzzled) Tell me son, is it the shop you're trying to protect or Ms. Porter's sweet niece? I've never seen you give up so easily.
Lex: You son of a....
Lionel: (cuts Lex off) Alright Lex, I'll tell you what. End this ridiculous fairy tale with Ms. Lang and I'll consider giving the Talon back to you. I may even give you your position back. It's your choice. I think that seems fair don't you?
Lex: You are really an evil man you know that.
Lionel: (gets up and smiles) You can think all you want about me Lex, but sooner or later you'll realize that I'm doing this for your own good.
Lex: Just get out of here!
Lionel laughs at Lex and then gathers his briefcase and leaves the office. Lex is left just standing in his place looking blankly around his office. He then takes his crystal glass and looks at it for a moment. As soon as he drinks the last drop he takes it and quickly throws it across the room crashing it against the wall. He knows how much the Talon means to Lana and Nell. He also knows that it would truly break Lana's heart if her aunt loses it and he does not want that. But he knows that it'll break his heart if he lets her go. He knows what he must do and it kills him to know what it is.
-----------------
Back at the Talon, Lana is wiping down a table when Chloe walks in. As soon as she sees Lana, she quickly walks towards her.
Chloe: Okay, what seems to be so important that you couldn't tell me on the phone?
Lana: (turns to Shelly who is behind the counter) Hey Shelly, I'm going in the office. Just call me if you need me okay.
Lana then looks at Chloe who is becoming more anxious on what Lana wants to talk about with her. She then follows Lana into the back office and watches her quickly locking the door.
Chloe: Okay Lana, you are really starting to freak me out. What's wrong?
Lana: (sighs for a moment) What I am about to tell you will not leave this room.
Chloe: Okay, are you and Clark having an affair? (teasingly says with a smile)
Lana: Chloe, of course not! I think Clark would have a heart attack he finds out what I'm about to tell you.
Chloe: Find out about what?
Lana: (looking down on the floor) About Lex and me. (slowly look up at Chloe)
Chloe doesn't say anything. She is taken by such surprise that she can't find the right words to say. Chloe walks over to the couch and sits on it while smiling.
Lana: Okay, why are you smiling?
Chloe: (laughs a little) For a minute there I thought I was in a twilight zone episode.
Lana: Chloe! This is serious!
Chloe: (still smiling) Well what do you want me to say Lana? We are talking about you and Lex. It's like mixing oil and water. How long has it been going on?
Lana: About two days and...
Chloe: (cutting off Lana) Oh my god, and Clark doesn't know about this?
Lana: That's my problem. I really don't know how to tell him. He should be fine about it right? Oh whom am I kidding he'll blow up. (sits next to Chloe on the couch)
Chloe: Lana, this Clark Kent we're talking about. Of course he'll blow his top!
Lana suddenly lays her head on Chloe's shoulder. Chloe then puts her arm around Lana for comfort.
Chloe: Don't worry, we'll figure something out.
Lana: Thanks Chloe. I knew I could count on you.
Chloe: (smiles) Wow, you and Lex Luthor. What a scandal!
Lana suddenly laughs out loud and tickles Chloe's side.
------------------
During closing, Lana is the only one left at the Talon. She has the radio on loud as she finish sweeping the floor. She is obviously happy because she is dancing around the room. Lana is so occupied with the music that she doesn't realize that Clark is standing behind her. As she sings the verse to Britney's Baby One More Time song, she does a spin and finally sees Clark standing by the door. He surprises her at first, but that quickly changes into embarrassment. Her face becomes red as she runs over to the turn off the radio. She turns to look at Clark who is just silently laughing back at her.
Lana: Okay, how long have you been standing there?
Clark: (smiling) Long enough. Didn't know you could sing so well. Did you win the lottery?
Lana: What?
Clark: Dancing and singing. I've never seen you this happy. You must have an inspiration.
Lana: (starts to look nervous) Well, I guess you can call it that. Listen Clark, I have to tell you something.....
Clark: I know.
Lana: Know what?
Clark: About you and Lex. I already know.
Lana: You do? How....how, did he tell you?
Clark: That's not really important now. How long has it been?
Lana: (sits on a chair) Two days. I wanted to tell you sooner, but I just didn't have the nerve. Are you mad at me?
Clark: Why would I be mad? Lana you are entitled to be happy. Lex is a good guy. I'm glad it's him that can finally make you happy.
Lana: (smiles happily at Clark) Oh what a relief. I pictured this scene so much worse. Thank you for understanding Clark.
Lana gets up and runs over to happily embrace Clark. Clark embraces Lana tightly and slowly closes his eyes. Suddenly a small drop of tear falls from his eyes. What he does not want Lana to know is that this news has devastated him ever since he saw her and Lex kiss. Like Lana, he has been trying to find a way to confront the situation. He finally decided that instead of losing two of his best friends, he just needed to swallow his pride and be there for Lana. After all, that's what he promised her, so that's what he'll do.