Chapter 5

(It is the next day.  Clark and Pete are walking down the hall in Smallville High.)

Pete: "So how's your dad doing?"

Clark: "He seems great, but the doctor has no idea."

Pete: "You think it has to do with-, well, you know?"

Clark (They reach Pete's locker and Pete begins to open it): "Probably."

Chloe (Walking up behind them): "How are my two caped crusaders doing today?"

Clark (Turning to face her and leaning up against the locker): "Chloe, hey.  How are you?"

Chloe: "Well, considering my best friend is comatose in the hospital, my other best friend's Dad is recovering from a major heart attack, and the Torch is no where near ready to be published tomorrow..."

Clark: "Do you need any help?"

Pete: "Wait, what do you mean your best friend is 'comatose in the hospital'?"

Chloe (Looking at Clark): "You didn't tell him?"

Pete: "Tell me what?"

(Clark looks out across the hall, not at anyone or anything in particular.)

Chloe (Looking back at Pete): "Lana's in the hospital.  She's in a coma."

Pete: "What?  How?!"

Chloe (Looking at Clark accusingly): "I think Clark would the more viable candidate for that question."

Clark (Speaking quietly): "I don't want to talk about it right now.  I'll talk to you guys later..."

(Clark turns and begins walking away.  Pete shakes his head and starts walking the opposite direction.  Chloe looks after Clark and after hesitating a moment rushes to catch up with him.)

Chloe: "Clark, I'm sorry.  I'm just really freaked out right now."

Clark (Stopping and turning around, still speaking quietly): "You think I did this to Lana."

Chloe: "Clark, no, I don't!  I just... don't think you're telling me everything."

Clark (Looking deep into her eyes, straight through her): "It's hard when you think someone you've known since the fifth grade isn't being truthful with you."

Chloe (Stammering): "Clark!  I, I already told you, I'm not-"

Clark (Speaking sadly): "Then what's that note in your backpack?"

(Chloe's mouth opens, but she doesn't say anything.  Clark continues to look deep into her eyes for several more moments.  He shakes his head, breaking the trance, and walks past her.  Tears gather behind Chloe's eyes as she turns to watch him go.  When he disappears into a door down the hall, she turns and walks to the Torch.  She enters and walks across the room to her purse and begins digging through it.  There is a young boy sitting in front of a computer, typing away furiously, working on the Torch.  He looks up as she enters.)

Young boy: "Miss Sullivan?  Is something the matter?"

Chloe (Pulling several tissues out of her purse): "No, nothing.  Please, just 'Chloe'.  You make me feel old when you say Miss Sullivan."

Young boy (Watching her sit down in front of her computer): "Of course."

Chloe (Wiping away a tear and getting herself back under control): "So, how's it coming?"

Young boy (Looking back at his computer): "Great.  We just need a couple more pages worth of content and it should be good to go."

Chloe: "Thanks, Amandil."

(The young boy, Amandil, simply smiles and begins typing again.)

Chloe: "Uh... I know this is kind of soon, but could you close up when you're done?  I want to get out for awhile."

Amandil: "Of course."

Chloe (Standing up): "Thanks."

(She picks up her purse and walks over to Amandil.)

Chloe (Handing him the key): "Here's the key.  I'll see you tomorrow."

Amandil (Looking up at her): "Have a nice day, Miss Sullivan."

(Chloe shakes her head at his saying 'Miss Sullivan' and walks out the door.  Pete is waiting just outside for her.  She sees him, smiles, and continues walking.  Pete matches her pace.)

Pete: "Chloe, what's going on?"

Chloe: "Nothing, Pete."

Pete: "Come on, I'm not stupid.  What's going on?"

Chloe (Stopping and turning to Pete, tears are once again noticeable at the corner of her eyes): "Pete, I can't tell you."

Pete (Seeing how close she is to breaking): "It's alright, Chloe."

Chloe: "Yeah...  I better go; I'm going to be late."

(She begins to walk away.)

Pete: "Chloe?"

(She stops and turns around.)

Pete: "Clark's not really mad at you, trust me on that."

(Chloe smiles painfully, and begins walking away again.  Pete watches her go for several seconds then turns and slowly walks to his next class.)