New Perspective: Bruised and Broken

By Saint 2 Cynic

Lex continued smiling, "Long enough to see that while I was away you two sorted things out."

"Yeah," Clark sad happily causing Lana to smile goofily as well.

"Well finally. You two have been torturing yourselves for months about what was and what could have been. It's good to see both of you smile again."

"Thanks Lex," they said in unison then gave each other awkward looks.

"Judging from the lack of business I'm guessing we're closed," he said looking around.

"I can explain that.." Lana moved toward him ready to go through the details.

"No need. The police informed me. It was just the kind of news one wants when getting off of their helicopter. Interesting night you guys had here?"

"Yeah, you could say that," Clark said trying to add something to the conversation.

"So while I was gone did one of you start driving a motorcycle?" He said sarcastically.

"No, that's Mack's," Lana said.

"Mack's?" Lex was at a loss. So much went on while he was gone. Lana and Clark were together, there was a shooting at the Talon and now a new resident.

"Mackenzie," Clark spoke up walking up behind Lana and nodded to the apartment upstairs, "Mackenzie Small, she's in there right now."

"Wait.. Mackenzie Small as in.."

Finishing his sentence for him, "my half-sister yeah."

"Well that too," he made his way for the steps excited, "but the Mackenzie Small that went to school in Metropolis, that one?" He said with excitement looking up the staircase.

Both Clark and Lana were taken back by Lex's excitement. He was usually quite stoic.

Awkwardly Lana answered, "Yeah she got here about two weeks ago, why?"

"I can't believe it," Lex shook his head in disbelief. Calling up the apartment, "Mack!"

Clark and Lana exchanged a look out of the corner of their eyes that said "what-the-hell?"

Mack angrily opened the door, "It's called walking up and knoc.." When her eyes fell on Lex she abruptly stopped her sentence. "Lex?!?!" she practically ran down the stairs and jumped on him giving him a big hug. Hitting him playfully, "What the hell?"

"What the hell? Your asking me what the hell? Mack I've been here for close to three years. So I think you deserve the 'What the hell?" Laughing and putting her down.

"Long story dude, long long story. But it's good to see you!" She punched him on his shoulder.

"You too, kiddo. I mean look at you," her stepped back to get a good look, "your still gorgeous if not more so."

"And your still bald," she pulled down his head and turned it so she could see all the angles, "if not more so."

"Yeah Yeah whatever," laughing, he lightly shoved her aside. As she moved Lex caught the highly confused stares of Lana and Clark. "Oh Lana, Clark as you can tell I know Mackenzie, quite well."

Humorously, "yeah but strike the 'quite well' they way you say it, it sounds like we did it or something."

"Well," Lex said insinuating something.

Lana looked on quite amused while Clark was still utterly confused.

"Well nothing! As I remember you tried to pick me up at a club and your security stop you before you committed a felony, my friend," crossing her arms toward him.

"I would have risked it," he said it with a tone of seriousness.

Feeling uncomfortable by his comment, Mack opted to change subjects, "I see you still have your ego, if not more of it."

They both laughed while Clark and Lana tried to take in the sight of Lex showing a bit of his softer side. Lana smiled slightly at the sight of Mack laughing. If this was her pretending everything is ok Mack should teach a class in it.

::Ring::Ring:: Lex's cell phone went off. Picking it up, he held up his finger to Mack, "One minute."

Mack nodded as Lex went to doors to talk to whomever was on the other line. She smiled as she watched him. She hadn't seen him in so long it was nice to see a familiar face.

"I didn't know you knew Lex Luthor," Lana said breaking the silence.

Mack had zoned out but Lana's voice snapped her out of it, "Yeah, I think so much was going on since I got here I forgot that he lived here."

"You two seem close," Clark said with a hint of naivety. One of the things Lana loved so much.

"Were close. Past tense Clark," she wanted to retreat back into her room. The happiness of seeing Lex was superficial and temporary. She felt herself begin to hollow out again.

"Were?"

"Well he came to Smallville, I got involved with Morgan Edge. We just sorta," she stood there searching for the proper word choice.

Lex walked up having her heard her, "drifted apart."

Looking up at him in agreement, "Yeah."

Lex walked over and lightly nudged her to speak off to the side. Mack went along with it and went where his hand moved her to go. Once they were off to the side so that Lana and Clark could barely hear them, Lex placed both his hands on her shoulders, and whispered, "I have to go take care of something. But I would like get together and catch up."

Looking at him, "Ok you know where to find me. Do you still have the same cell #?"

"Yeah," here Lex did something even more unusual. He hugged her and said in her ear, "It was great to see you."

As he pulled away Mack tried to sound just as happy, "Yeah you too,"

"Ok later on then," walking by Clark and Lana, "Bye guys. I'm happy to see you two together."

"Thanks," they said again in unison and exchanged looks, "Bye Lex!" They said yet again in unison.

Mack stepped up on the first step and rolled her eyes, "Your sickening, cute but sickening." With that she ran up to her room and closed the door.

Lana slowly slipped her hands in Clarks jacket and looked up at him, "I could get used to be sickening."

Smiling down at her, "Me too." With that they kissed.

::Kent Farm: Monday Morning::

::Knock::Knock::

Martha Kent answered the door and smiled wide at the sight of the visitor. "Lana come on in."

"Hi Mrs. Kent," stepping in through the door way and into the house, "Clark ready?"

"Should be hold on," she turned to go to the bottom of the stairs but then turned back and whispered to Lana, "I'm so happy you two are back together."

With a big smile she whispered back, "Me too."

"I also know that you know the truth about Clark…"

Lana just nodded.

"And if you need to talk about anything let me know, ok? It would be nice to talk to another woman about it. So come by even if Clark isn't here ok honey?"

Lana had to fight back giving Mrs. Kent a big hug. She had never felt so loved as she did right now. "Ok, Mrs. Kent."

Clark sped down the stairs using his super speed, grabbed his backpack from the living room. Swooped by the kitchen counter grabbed an orange and stopped at the doorway. Lana her eyes still on the stairs was startled by Clark standing at the door way with a stupid grin on his face.

He couldn't contain his happiness that not only were he and Lana together but there were no lies, no hidden secrets between them. "Ready?"

Still trying to wrap her head around what she just saw. She thought to herself 'This is going to take some more getting use to.' Looking over her shoulder at Clark, "Yeah, let's go," then turning her attention to Mrs. Kent's, "Bye and Thank you it means a lot to me."

"Your welcome.." Lana and Clark went out the door. She yelled after them just as they reached the door, "Have a good day."

They both waved in response and got in the car.

As they strapped themselves in. Clark looked curiously at Lana, "What was that all about with my mom?"

Starting the car, "Just girl stuff."

::Smallville High: morning: Biology Class::

Both Lana and Clark sat next to each other while Chloe sat off in the corner. Watching those to smile at each other and a giggle with happiness, brought feelings of spite in Chloe. So she figured she should get as far away from it as she could.

Clark took a look around as the bell rung, "Wait a minute where's Mack?"

Lana looked to double check his observation, "Good question."

Just then Mack appeared into the doorway having obviously run in an effort to make it on time.

Mr. Smith pushed up his glasses and looked at her, "Ms. Small."

Nodding to him, "Mr. Taber."

"Well I'm waiting," he crossed his arms and the whole class turned around to look at her.

"For what?" Mack wasn't in the mood to play games. She looked at everyone. Some were amused others annoyed. Chloe looked on with satisfaction. Lana looked on with pity.

"For an excuse. By now," looking at his watch, "I'm sure you've thought up a brilliant one."

If he was pushing her buttons, it was working, "Your right I would have but I've come to the grand conclusion that I should save my brilliant excuses for the classes that matter." Her tone was cold and bitchy.

A few jerks in the class let out a, "OoOoOoo." While others kept quiet and looked to Mr. Taber to see what he was going to do.

Sternly, "Take a seat and try not to interrupt my class in this manner again," He turned this back to her and began to write on the board.

Walking with her head down to her seat she mumbled, "kiss my ass." Lana having heard it loud and clear shot her a look. Clark laughed a little to which he received a kick from Lana.

Mr. Taber had heard it too and turned around quickly, chalk still in hand, "What was that?"

Sitting down fumbling with her bag trying to look for a pen, "I said "I love this class."

Mr. Taber squinted his eyes at her then continued with his lesson. The girl next to Mack was hysterical laughing. While Mack sat with a face that said aren't-I-clever?

Needless to say Lana wasn't amused. If Mack didn't change her attitude she was going to get in trouble, and more trouble wasn't something she needed.

Chloe who was sitting right behind Mack leaned over her desk and whispered in her ear, "Nice one."

"Ms. Sullivan, detention!" Mr. Taber yelled out still writing on the board.

Sitting back in a huff, "You've got to be kidding me."

Mack just looked ahead quite pleased with herself.

::30 minutes later::

When the bell rang Mack couldn't get out of there fast enough. Lana got up and went after her. As they got outside the classroom Lana reached out grabbed Mack's arm causing her to spin around and face her.

"What?" Mack said annoyed looking at Lana's hand wrapped around her arm.

"What? Mack what was that in there? You practically told off Mr. Taber then told him to kiss your ass!" letting go and looking at her sternly.

::Everyone walking the hallway slowed down as Lana and Mack raised their voices. It was like traffic on a busy highway slowing down to see a car crash::

"Get off my back Lana. You're my HALF-sister not my mother," with that she disappeared into the sea of teen bodies.

Lana watched her go, wishing she could do something. Both Clark and Chloe came up behind having watched them.

"Lana, Mack's going to do what she wants. Just back off a little," Chloe advised.

Lana turned to Chloe and said in her usual you don't know anything tone, "That what she wants me to do back off, give up on her. But Chloe she doesn't have anyone to look at for her. That's all I'm trying to do."

"Well, like she said you're her sister not her mother. Look out for her, don't scold her," Chloe decided it was probably best if she left the conversation, "I'm off to the Torch. Talk to you later."

Lana gave her the death look as she passed and went down the hallway. Then turned to Clark, "You feel the same way?"

Putting his hands up and defense, "I rather not get into this."

"No, Clark I value your opinion. Do you?"

"Yeah I guess I do. Mack needs a friend right now," as he said it Lana looked off to the side obviously not pleased. But he continued, "Think of it this way Lana, Mack's never had anyone to as you said look out for her. So she's gotten used to not having to answer to anyone."

Grabbing his hand and turning to walk down the hall, "How did I get so lucky?"

Walking beside her his eyebrows furrowed with coonfussion as to whether he said the right thing, "Lucky?"

"Yeah to have such a smart and sensitive boyfriend."

"Keep it down we don't want the whole hallway knowing I'm sensitive," he said in a whisper as they came to a stop in front of Lana's next class.

She went on her tippy toes and gave him a kiss, "Your secrets save with me. I mean if everyone knew I'd have a bit of competition."

As her heals returned the floor Clark leaned down and kissed her again, "No one could compete with you."

"Good answer," she let go of his hand and went into class.

Clark just stood there unable to wipe the smile of complete bliss off his face. His bliss was soon interrupted by Pete walking by and bitterly saying, "Put that thing away, your making the cynics sick."

Clark followed him, "From your tone it sounds like your one of them. What's up?"

Pete stopped at his locker and started to put in the combination, "Well it's hard to stay optimistic when you spill your guts out to a girl and she gives you the more complicated, riddled version of 'its not you it's me."

"Ouch…Mack huh?" he said talking to the locker door that Pete's head had disappeared into.

Pete popped back up, "Ding, Ding, Ding. He is correct, " changing his voice to that of an annoucer , "Johnny tell him what he's won."

Just has he said it Mack appear at the end of the hall way. Her head down, eyes staring at her feet. Pete just stared. Clark turned around to see what he was staring at. As Mack got closer to his locker her head came up and saw him. She stopped short unsure about how to proceed. She knew she hurt him, but she didn't know how much.

Pete slammed his locker, mumbled to Clark, "See ya lata man." With that he retreated down the hallway.

Calling after him, "Later Pete." When Clark turned to look at Mack she was gone.

::After School::

Chloe had asked Lana, Pete and Clark to meet her in the Torch to talk about something. Chloe had left Mack out of this meeting for good reason. Yet, Lana, Pete and Clark just figured she couldn't make it because of soccer practice.

"OK, thanks for coming everyone," Chloe said in a grand fashion.

In response Lana and Clark nodded while Pete who wasn't in good mood to begin with spoke up, "What's the point of this Chloe?"

"Jeese, someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed," she said to Pete playfully. Instead of a smile she got a glare. So she decided to get right to it, "I figured since it doesn't look like we're going to get any answers from Mack herself. I took the liberty of doing my own investigation."

::Meanwhile:: Mack was walking past the room on her way to soccer practice. She slowed down at the sound of Chloe's voice then stopped short and leaned against the wall at mention of her name. Her eyes narrowed as she listened intently.

Lana immediately got defensive, "I can't believe you Chloe. Mackenzie is our friend not a freak of the week!"

Clark spoke up in agreement, "Yeah Chloe come on.."

Pete stayed silent, he could have cared less either way.

Chloe taken back by their united front, "Not a freak of the week? Lana you saw what she did with that knife."

Getting up, "I'm not going to listen to this."

Desperatly trying to get her to listen, "Well who are you going to listen to Lana? She's not talking."

Standing up for her sister, "it's her business."

Pete argued for Chloe's side, "Her business? Lana her business almost got us killed!"

Clark decided to help out Lana, "That's not fair Pete. She also saved us. If it weren't for her," making sure her looked at Chloe when he delieved this line, "and her freakiness none of would be here right now."

"Please Clark she wouldn't have to save us if it weren't for her dealing with Morgan Edge in the first place," Chloe was in full reporter mode now. She wasn't about to back down, "Just listen to what I found out."

Lana stood there not knowing which course of action to take. One part of her wanted to know everything because she knew she wasn't going to find out from Mack. The other part of her wanted to be loyal and honest to Mackenzie. Lana still had faith she come around eventually.

Before anyone could say anything Mack walked into the room. At the sight of her everyone looks of guilt and shook spread across their faces.

Mack stood there her eye's surveying the room. Putting down her soccer bag, "I would have took the time to listen to the rest of this little meeting but I have practice."

Chloe suddenly felt really bad, "Mack.."

"Nah, save it Chloe. I can't blame you for being curious. Your right if it weren't from me none of you would have been at risk," picking up a paper weight from the desk and tossing it from hand to hand, "Your absolutely justified in looking into my past," putting the paper weight down she took a look around again then focused her attension on Chloe once more, "It would just be nice if you showed a little balls and didn't do it behind my back."

With that Mack picked up her soccer bag and threw the strap over her head and onto her shoulder, "I have to go but please continue." As she left she put her down so as to avoid Pete's glare.

Everyone stood their in silence after she felt. All filled with the feelings of both embrassment and guilt.

Lana was even more pissed now, "You should be real proud of yourself Chloe." With that she left as well.

Clark looked at Chloe with pity, "I'll see ya later Chloe."

As he left Chloe said, "Clark is this how it's going to be from now on?"

Clark just turned and looked at her like he hadn't a clue as to what she meant.

"You always taking Lana side?" She crossed her arms.

Pete's head moved with his eye's looking back and forth from Chloe to Clark.

Clark smiled meakly, "It's not about sides Chloe. This time your wrong." He turned and left to meet Lana at her car.

Turning to Pete, "and you?"

Pete just shrugged his shoulders, "Whatever." He grabbed he backpack and left.

Leaving Chloe all alone in the Torch staring at the doorway. Chloe takes a deep breath, her shoulders shrink as she exhales. Thinking to herself 'As usual all you have is the Torch and a distant memory of the way things were before Lana Lang and now Mackenzie Small came into your life.'

::Late Afternoon: Smallville Soccer Fields::

Mack threw her cleats into her bag along with her shin guards, grabbed her keys and headed for the parking lot. With her head down she didn't see Lex leaning there against her bike. Her head shot up at the sound of his voice.

"Mackenzie, you really work the sweaty, tired look," he said actually meaning it.

Walking towards him with one eyebrow up, "Thank you. You really work the Daddy Warbucks look."

"Good one," he pushed himself off the bike.

"Thank you," bowing to him, "So to what do I owe the pleasure of your company?"

As she went to get on the bike Lex walked to the front of it, "I am here to invite you to dinner tonight,"

"I would love to Lex but, I'm not that hungry," she said this knowing full well it was that she wasn't hungry. She hadn't be able to eat since the night with Morgan Edge.

Because Luthors always have a back up plan, "Ok fair enough, no dinner then," putting his hand on the handle bars, "Come to the mansion we'll catch up. "

Mack smiled, "I have yet to see this mansion."

Lex stood up straight and started walking toward his car, "See you at 7 then."

Calling after him amused, "I DIDN"T SAY I WOULD!"

With his back still towards her, he waved,"You didn't say you wouldn't see you then."

Mack shook her head in amusment, put on her helmet and headed for the Talon.

**Next Part coming soon. I just figured I'd publish this much to give everyone something to read**

**Reviews are much appreciated, Thank you**