Hey folks, thanks for the nice reviews. Hope I didn't keep you waiting but I really wanted to carefully craft this chapter. Hopefully, it's to your liking...
The Other Side
Chapter 4
"And all the roads we have to walk are winding
And all the lights that lead the way are blinding
There are many things that I would like to say to you
But I don't know how…
I said maybe
You're gonna be the one that saves me."
- Oasis, Wonderwall
The indifference and bravado he had kept steady in front of the angry attorney had slowly faded. Minutes had crawled away leaving him with a familiar emptiness. It was that feeling he had felt long ago when the one thing he valued had released his grasp. Lex Luthor was alone… and that fact had confronted him once again.
Her face flashed before him. She was laughing, bantering, driving past his car, standing on the sidewalk… leaning on his shoulder.
It was clear. This time he wouldn't let loneliness defeat him. Nor, would he let an inflated, crooked attorney walk away with victory. He didn't deserve her, especially not the Lana he knew lived within the aloof and reclusive woman. She needed him… and he needed—yes, he was finally able to admit— he needed her.
There was no time to waste. Lana had to know they still had a chance. At what? The answers accumulated in his head, waiting for his choice. But, all he knew is that he had to see her. He picked up the phone, "Jacob, have my car prepared immediately. I'll be down in 5."
~*~
Crying, incessant crying filled the great space of her room. Lana hadn't stopped since she had received the note with the distressing news. Andrew remained by her side, attempting to comfort her as she lay on her bed. Kneeling on the floor as he faced her, he caressed her hair silently. He couldn't say much. There were no words for a vulnerable, tearful spirit that was lost in her own world. But, he tried, "Lana, things are going to be alright. You'll see. Do you want something to drink? Water, maybe?"
No response. Trapped in her melancholy state of mind, she simply stared into the wall behind Andrew, continuing to cry. She was completely oblivious to her surroundings including the knock that stirred her fiancé. The attorney looked to the door and heard the knock again. This time he stood up, taking swift strides to open it.
"Mr. Phillips, I am Dr. Fergson, Ms. Alexander's doctor," the middle-aged professional introduced himself.
"Yes, of course," Andrew stepped back, allowing the visitor entry. "Please come in, doctor. She's not quite herself; in fact, she hasn't stopped crying or muttering words for some time now."
He nodded as he headed towards Lana. "This is a normal reaction," he assured Andrew. "Rest is the only thing I can prescribe. Some sedatives will do the trick."
While Dr. Fergson prepared the syringe, another guest was making his way up to the penthouse. Once the elevator doors opened, he caught his anxiety mid-way and calmed his steps. Pacing himself, he knocked on the door and waited for an answer.
Seconds passed before the butler's recognizable face appeared at the half-opening of the door. "Mr. Luthor," he whispered in surprise.
"Henry, I have to speak to her," he declared as he attempted to make his way in.
The butler quickly blocked his path, firmly opposing any further movement. "I'm afraid Ms. Alexander is indisposed at this moment," he contended. "I will tell her you came by, of course. Good night, Mr. Luthor."
Lex frowned, gradually understanding that there was something not right. Following his instincts, he stopped the door from closing. "What's going on," he questioned firmly. "I expect an honest answer, Henry."
Shifting his eyes from side to side to make sure no one was there to overhear, he cleared his throat, "It seems, sir, there has been a death in the family. I believe her aunt has passed away." He shook his head slowly, lamenting the situation. "Unfortunately, Ms. Alexander is not coping well."
Lex's mouth fell slightly ajar; he wasn't expecting such news. Of course, she wasn't "coping well." Aside from her biological father who played the absent card often, Nell was her last trace to her parents and the family unity she was once had. Now she was in that place… where that utter feeling of solitude suffocates all the senses. He wasn't going to allow her to drown. "Henry, let me in," he demanded.
"I'm sorry, sir, but that's out of the question," the butler fearfully urged one of the most powerful men in Metropolis. "I was given strict orders not to allow anyone except the physician who has already arrived to care for Ms. Alexander."
Lex was reaching that point of frustration he often eluded. "Who's orders? Lana's? I think she'd make another exception. Now, let me in… I want to see her." He waited almost impatiently as he intensely stared at Henry, ordering him to do as he said.
The butler was torn, knowing well that the visitor would not go until he had his way. "I'm sorry, sir, but-"
Suddenly, he was interrupted by the jerk of the door, which was opened widely. Andrew had appeared, standing with a solemn, ominous expression created mostly by the dark lighting of the room. "They were my orders," he asserted simply and forcefully. "They still stand."
"Let me see her," Lex demanded again with equal force.
Andrew signaled for Henry's leave. The butler wasted no time exiting the tense scene. "Mr. Luthor, I'll be honest with you. I don't like you… never had and probably never will," he admitted deliberately. "With that said, even if she wasn't under sedatives, I wouldn't let you come in or see her. Just stay away… she has her FIANCE who could comfort her. Your services have been rendered." He shut the door without allowing Lex to counter.
~*~
Few days later…
A silence bathed the atmosphere of mourners. It hovered over priest's words and mounted over Lana's own internal quietude. Inside, she was gradually withering as her depressing contemplations made her seem as if she were under a spell. Returning to Smallville did not even provide that same old comfort which followed her rare arrivals. Nothing got to her. Her surroundings, the familiar faces, and the consoling words could not reach Lana. She had merely nodded at the consolations, and now sat in chair facing the decorated coffin, barely listening to the priest.
Lex stood from afar, gazing at the assembly of black dresses and suits that shed their tears for Nell. All the faces showed their grief, except for one. The girl who could inspire with a smile was veiled by a blasé expression. He hated that he couldn't speak to her, soothe her pain… just hold her. Making it even more difficult was Andrew who had blocked any form of contact in the last few days. Had Lana not been in such a state, the attorney would have suffered some consequences. But, alas he knew someone had to be there for her, even if that meant he couldn't be the one.
Soon, Lex noticed that the mourners began to disperse. Andrew shook hands on behalf of Lana who remained seated. He left her side to formally bid the guest farewell, leaving her alone in her thoughts. Lex took this as an opportunity. He made his way to her, hoping she would respond to his presence. Kneeling down beside the petite woman, he whispered into her ear, "I see her in her haven."
The words were distant, but she still heard them. She slowly turned to Lex, her face blank, unreadable… until unexpectedly, tears escaped her eyes. Yet, her expression was still deadpan even as she finally spoke, "Lex."
He met her gaze, urging her to utter more than his name. "Lana, I'm here for you…."
"Get away from her," Andrew stepped from behind, disrupting their moment. "I told you, Luthor, I didn't want you near her."
Lex turned around with a deadly-wrathful look in his eyes. He had had enough. As vehement words were about to escape his lips, Lana stood up and directed her gaze upon Andrew. "Leave us," she demanded emotionlessly. "Wait in the car for me… I'll be there in a few minutes."
Her shocked fiancé just stood motionless, frowning slightly as she walked away with Lex immediately after she had spoken. He didn't know what was more surprising, the fact that she had finally spoken or her orders. It didn't even matter… she had left him no choice but to do as she had said.
All the while Lana and Lex had reached the shadow of an oak tree nearby. Facing each other, there were no words exchanged. They stared at each other for extended seconds, one attempting to understand the silence and the other still far and letting go slowly… it was she that finally unveiled her intentions, "You have to accept this. You have to understand this is the way it has to be." Her eyes were brimming with endless trail of tears, yet her emotions were still hid. Lana just didn't appear or sound herself. "I need you… I need you to walk away from me. I need you to just keep away."
Lex couldn't believe what he was hearing. He felt his heart constrict though he tried to maintain composure. This wasn't going to happen. "Lana, I'm not going to leave you," he replied firmly. "I ne-"
"You have to," she cut him off, insisting that he just agree to her requests.
"Lana, listen to me," he reasserted as he gently grabbed her shoulders. "I lost you once and I promised myself that would be the last time…"
Lana shook her head, "Lex, you have to accept-"
"I need you!" His desperation finally seeped through his inner fortress. It triggered within her mind-set. Lana felt herself release a flood of emotions through her uncontrollable sobs. He made it so difficult, but she couldn't… she couldn't let him in. Still, he wasn't about to give up. Lifting her head gingerly, he urged her to face him. "I need you in my life just as much as you need me. I can save you from the solitude," he brought her closer to him. "You are not alone, Lana… I'm here now and eternally."
Lex closed whatever proximity was left and embraced her as she wrapped her arms around his neck. She found an ease, a calmness in his arms that exuded with adoration. Lex felt what was right and more so when she found his lips. The tension faded, the troubles disappeared along with their frustrations and anxieties… all that was left was the tender, soft kiss lasting beyond the normal seconds of a clock. She returned, however, to the common sphere of time and pulled away slowly, inching towards the side of his face.
On the tips of her toes with her hands now grasping the side of his arms, she whispered in his ear, "I don't need you."
~*~
Three days later…
The nights had turned into days as fast as the cars and pedestrians heading to work in Metropolis. Everything moved in the usual speed including Lex's focus in work. He had delved into it without looking back. In fact, he didn't want to look back… he didn't want to remember how she had walked away from his arms, leaving him with those disheartening words that had left him speechless, motionless, lost. He drank the memory away, and now all that was left was the paperwork in front of him and the persistent suits coming in and out of his office. That was enough for him.
But all would change with a call.
His assistant interrupted his concentration, "Mr. Luthor, you have a call in line 1 from Mr. Andrew Phillips. He says it's urgent."
Lex stirred in slight surprise, finding it strange that he would hear from the attorney after all their confrontations. A flash of Lana's face suddenly alerted his senses; he picked up the phone, "What is it, Phillips?"
"She's gone," he replied with an urgency and concern in his voice.
"She picks up and goes very well, doesn't she," he sarcastically asked. It was quite evident that the hurt had turned into bitter indifference.
"Luthor, this isn't what you think," Andrew reassured seriously. "She hasn't been herself since the funeral. She locked herself in her office for days. I thought she needed time alone, but later I found out she wouldn't eat or see anyone. She had sent away the help and wouldn't answer any of my phone calls. I just found out she took off."
Lex was little more than concerned now. Lana was in trouble, and he needed to get to her before she could hurt herself more. "Where is she, Phillips?"
"Look, I have court appointment that I have to go… and honestly, Luthor, I can't reach her, mentally or physically," he admitted with disappointment.
"Where is she?" His voice emanated in exigency.
Phillips sighed, struggling to do the right thing although it meant letting go of his fiancé. "I had her followed… she's at her beach house in-"
~*~
The waves made no sound in the depth of her sorrow. She didn't even feel the strong wind playing through the strands of her hair. She felt nothing, but knew exactly what her dying spirit was asking for… an escape. After being stirred by the distant rings of the phone in her beach house, she had directed her gaze from the sky to the ocean. Staring for hours, Lana finally stood and opened the door of her small picket fence that surrounded her home. Slowly, she had walked towards the ocean, knowing that she would allow the waves overcome the last of her strength.
Lex had called her continuously from his private jet, but even he knew that she would not pick up. Once he had landed, he slipped into his already awaiting car and drove rapidly to Lana's secluded house. As he drove towards it, he could already see a ghostly figure in a white, simple dress stepping upon the shore. He accelerated, knowing that time was elapsing… knowing that if she continued her steps, she would never return. That was her intent.
He wouldn't let it happen. Lex put the car in park as soon he reached the destination and ran with all his determination to Lana. She was already being overpowered by the waves. Lex dove into the frigid waters and quickly grabbed her from her waist. She didn't struggle as he carried her to shore and placed her on the sand.
Lex dropped beside her, breathing heavily while he held onto her. "Lana, Lana… are you… are you alright," he questioned between breaths.
She said nothing, her eyes said nothing. She simply looked at him without any emotions expressed.
Lex didn't know what was going on her mind, but for now, he didn't care. Just knowing that she was still alive was good enough. He tightened his embrace. "I'm here… don't let go."
~*~
Whoa! That took some precision... hopefully, I accomplished a good chapter that kept you interested. I'll update as soon as I can, folks. In the meantime, feel free to review, critcize, compliment... anything your heart desires;)
The Other Side
Chapter 4
"And all the roads we have to walk are winding
And all the lights that lead the way are blinding
There are many things that I would like to say to you
But I don't know how…
I said maybe
You're gonna be the one that saves me."
- Oasis, Wonderwall
The indifference and bravado he had kept steady in front of the angry attorney had slowly faded. Minutes had crawled away leaving him with a familiar emptiness. It was that feeling he had felt long ago when the one thing he valued had released his grasp. Lex Luthor was alone… and that fact had confronted him once again.
Her face flashed before him. She was laughing, bantering, driving past his car, standing on the sidewalk… leaning on his shoulder.
It was clear. This time he wouldn't let loneliness defeat him. Nor, would he let an inflated, crooked attorney walk away with victory. He didn't deserve her, especially not the Lana he knew lived within the aloof and reclusive woman. She needed him… and he needed—yes, he was finally able to admit— he needed her.
There was no time to waste. Lana had to know they still had a chance. At what? The answers accumulated in his head, waiting for his choice. But, all he knew is that he had to see her. He picked up the phone, "Jacob, have my car prepared immediately. I'll be down in 5."
~*~
Crying, incessant crying filled the great space of her room. Lana hadn't stopped since she had received the note with the distressing news. Andrew remained by her side, attempting to comfort her as she lay on her bed. Kneeling on the floor as he faced her, he caressed her hair silently. He couldn't say much. There were no words for a vulnerable, tearful spirit that was lost in her own world. But, he tried, "Lana, things are going to be alright. You'll see. Do you want something to drink? Water, maybe?"
No response. Trapped in her melancholy state of mind, she simply stared into the wall behind Andrew, continuing to cry. She was completely oblivious to her surroundings including the knock that stirred her fiancé. The attorney looked to the door and heard the knock again. This time he stood up, taking swift strides to open it.
"Mr. Phillips, I am Dr. Fergson, Ms. Alexander's doctor," the middle-aged professional introduced himself.
"Yes, of course," Andrew stepped back, allowing the visitor entry. "Please come in, doctor. She's not quite herself; in fact, she hasn't stopped crying or muttering words for some time now."
He nodded as he headed towards Lana. "This is a normal reaction," he assured Andrew. "Rest is the only thing I can prescribe. Some sedatives will do the trick."
While Dr. Fergson prepared the syringe, another guest was making his way up to the penthouse. Once the elevator doors opened, he caught his anxiety mid-way and calmed his steps. Pacing himself, he knocked on the door and waited for an answer.
Seconds passed before the butler's recognizable face appeared at the half-opening of the door. "Mr. Luthor," he whispered in surprise.
"Henry, I have to speak to her," he declared as he attempted to make his way in.
The butler quickly blocked his path, firmly opposing any further movement. "I'm afraid Ms. Alexander is indisposed at this moment," he contended. "I will tell her you came by, of course. Good night, Mr. Luthor."
Lex frowned, gradually understanding that there was something not right. Following his instincts, he stopped the door from closing. "What's going on," he questioned firmly. "I expect an honest answer, Henry."
Shifting his eyes from side to side to make sure no one was there to overhear, he cleared his throat, "It seems, sir, there has been a death in the family. I believe her aunt has passed away." He shook his head slowly, lamenting the situation. "Unfortunately, Ms. Alexander is not coping well."
Lex's mouth fell slightly ajar; he wasn't expecting such news. Of course, she wasn't "coping well." Aside from her biological father who played the absent card often, Nell was her last trace to her parents and the family unity she was once had. Now she was in that place… where that utter feeling of solitude suffocates all the senses. He wasn't going to allow her to drown. "Henry, let me in," he demanded.
"I'm sorry, sir, but that's out of the question," the butler fearfully urged one of the most powerful men in Metropolis. "I was given strict orders not to allow anyone except the physician who has already arrived to care for Ms. Alexander."
Lex was reaching that point of frustration he often eluded. "Who's orders? Lana's? I think she'd make another exception. Now, let me in… I want to see her." He waited almost impatiently as he intensely stared at Henry, ordering him to do as he said.
The butler was torn, knowing well that the visitor would not go until he had his way. "I'm sorry, sir, but-"
Suddenly, he was interrupted by the jerk of the door, which was opened widely. Andrew had appeared, standing with a solemn, ominous expression created mostly by the dark lighting of the room. "They were my orders," he asserted simply and forcefully. "They still stand."
"Let me see her," Lex demanded again with equal force.
Andrew signaled for Henry's leave. The butler wasted no time exiting the tense scene. "Mr. Luthor, I'll be honest with you. I don't like you… never had and probably never will," he admitted deliberately. "With that said, even if she wasn't under sedatives, I wouldn't let you come in or see her. Just stay away… she has her FIANCE who could comfort her. Your services have been rendered." He shut the door without allowing Lex to counter.
~*~
Few days later…
A silence bathed the atmosphere of mourners. It hovered over priest's words and mounted over Lana's own internal quietude. Inside, she was gradually withering as her depressing contemplations made her seem as if she were under a spell. Returning to Smallville did not even provide that same old comfort which followed her rare arrivals. Nothing got to her. Her surroundings, the familiar faces, and the consoling words could not reach Lana. She had merely nodded at the consolations, and now sat in chair facing the decorated coffin, barely listening to the priest.
Lex stood from afar, gazing at the assembly of black dresses and suits that shed their tears for Nell. All the faces showed their grief, except for one. The girl who could inspire with a smile was veiled by a blasé expression. He hated that he couldn't speak to her, soothe her pain… just hold her. Making it even more difficult was Andrew who had blocked any form of contact in the last few days. Had Lana not been in such a state, the attorney would have suffered some consequences. But, alas he knew someone had to be there for her, even if that meant he couldn't be the one.
Soon, Lex noticed that the mourners began to disperse. Andrew shook hands on behalf of Lana who remained seated. He left her side to formally bid the guest farewell, leaving her alone in her thoughts. Lex took this as an opportunity. He made his way to her, hoping she would respond to his presence. Kneeling down beside the petite woman, he whispered into her ear, "I see her in her haven."
The words were distant, but she still heard them. She slowly turned to Lex, her face blank, unreadable… until unexpectedly, tears escaped her eyes. Yet, her expression was still deadpan even as she finally spoke, "Lex."
He met her gaze, urging her to utter more than his name. "Lana, I'm here for you…."
"Get away from her," Andrew stepped from behind, disrupting their moment. "I told you, Luthor, I didn't want you near her."
Lex turned around with a deadly-wrathful look in his eyes. He had had enough. As vehement words were about to escape his lips, Lana stood up and directed her gaze upon Andrew. "Leave us," she demanded emotionlessly. "Wait in the car for me… I'll be there in a few minutes."
Her shocked fiancé just stood motionless, frowning slightly as she walked away with Lex immediately after she had spoken. He didn't know what was more surprising, the fact that she had finally spoken or her orders. It didn't even matter… she had left him no choice but to do as she had said.
All the while Lana and Lex had reached the shadow of an oak tree nearby. Facing each other, there were no words exchanged. They stared at each other for extended seconds, one attempting to understand the silence and the other still far and letting go slowly… it was she that finally unveiled her intentions, "You have to accept this. You have to understand this is the way it has to be." Her eyes were brimming with endless trail of tears, yet her emotions were still hid. Lana just didn't appear or sound herself. "I need you… I need you to walk away from me. I need you to just keep away."
Lex couldn't believe what he was hearing. He felt his heart constrict though he tried to maintain composure. This wasn't going to happen. "Lana, I'm not going to leave you," he replied firmly. "I ne-"
"You have to," she cut him off, insisting that he just agree to her requests.
"Lana, listen to me," he reasserted as he gently grabbed her shoulders. "I lost you once and I promised myself that would be the last time…"
Lana shook her head, "Lex, you have to accept-"
"I need you!" His desperation finally seeped through his inner fortress. It triggered within her mind-set. Lana felt herself release a flood of emotions through her uncontrollable sobs. He made it so difficult, but she couldn't… she couldn't let him in. Still, he wasn't about to give up. Lifting her head gingerly, he urged her to face him. "I need you in my life just as much as you need me. I can save you from the solitude," he brought her closer to him. "You are not alone, Lana… I'm here now and eternally."
Lex closed whatever proximity was left and embraced her as she wrapped her arms around his neck. She found an ease, a calmness in his arms that exuded with adoration. Lex felt what was right and more so when she found his lips. The tension faded, the troubles disappeared along with their frustrations and anxieties… all that was left was the tender, soft kiss lasting beyond the normal seconds of a clock. She returned, however, to the common sphere of time and pulled away slowly, inching towards the side of his face.
On the tips of her toes with her hands now grasping the side of his arms, she whispered in his ear, "I don't need you."
~*~
Three days later…
The nights had turned into days as fast as the cars and pedestrians heading to work in Metropolis. Everything moved in the usual speed including Lex's focus in work. He had delved into it without looking back. In fact, he didn't want to look back… he didn't want to remember how she had walked away from his arms, leaving him with those disheartening words that had left him speechless, motionless, lost. He drank the memory away, and now all that was left was the paperwork in front of him and the persistent suits coming in and out of his office. That was enough for him.
But all would change with a call.
His assistant interrupted his concentration, "Mr. Luthor, you have a call in line 1 from Mr. Andrew Phillips. He says it's urgent."
Lex stirred in slight surprise, finding it strange that he would hear from the attorney after all their confrontations. A flash of Lana's face suddenly alerted his senses; he picked up the phone, "What is it, Phillips?"
"She's gone," he replied with an urgency and concern in his voice.
"She picks up and goes very well, doesn't she," he sarcastically asked. It was quite evident that the hurt had turned into bitter indifference.
"Luthor, this isn't what you think," Andrew reassured seriously. "She hasn't been herself since the funeral. She locked herself in her office for days. I thought she needed time alone, but later I found out she wouldn't eat or see anyone. She had sent away the help and wouldn't answer any of my phone calls. I just found out she took off."
Lex was little more than concerned now. Lana was in trouble, and he needed to get to her before she could hurt herself more. "Where is she, Phillips?"
"Look, I have court appointment that I have to go… and honestly, Luthor, I can't reach her, mentally or physically," he admitted with disappointment.
"Where is she?" His voice emanated in exigency.
Phillips sighed, struggling to do the right thing although it meant letting go of his fiancé. "I had her followed… she's at her beach house in-"
~*~
The waves made no sound in the depth of her sorrow. She didn't even feel the strong wind playing through the strands of her hair. She felt nothing, but knew exactly what her dying spirit was asking for… an escape. After being stirred by the distant rings of the phone in her beach house, she had directed her gaze from the sky to the ocean. Staring for hours, Lana finally stood and opened the door of her small picket fence that surrounded her home. Slowly, she had walked towards the ocean, knowing that she would allow the waves overcome the last of her strength.
Lex had called her continuously from his private jet, but even he knew that she would not pick up. Once he had landed, he slipped into his already awaiting car and drove rapidly to Lana's secluded house. As he drove towards it, he could already see a ghostly figure in a white, simple dress stepping upon the shore. He accelerated, knowing that time was elapsing… knowing that if she continued her steps, she would never return. That was her intent.
He wouldn't let it happen. Lex put the car in park as soon he reached the destination and ran with all his determination to Lana. She was already being overpowered by the waves. Lex dove into the frigid waters and quickly grabbed her from her waist. She didn't struggle as he carried her to shore and placed her on the sand.
Lex dropped beside her, breathing heavily while he held onto her. "Lana, Lana… are you… are you alright," he questioned between breaths.
She said nothing, her eyes said nothing. She simply looked at him without any emotions expressed.
Lex didn't know what was going on her mind, but for now, he didn't care. Just knowing that she was still alive was good enough. He tightened his embrace. "I'm here… don't let go."
~*~
Whoa! That took some precision... hopefully, I accomplished a good chapter that kept you interested. I'll update as soon as I can, folks. In the meantime, feel free to review, critcize, compliment... anything your heart desires;)
