Chapter 4

School was finally over. Just a few loose ends to tie up at the Torch and Clark would be on his way home, trying out his new theory, and freed from the microscope he felt like his friends were putting him under. He just had to last until then.

"I'm thinking about going up to see Lex tonight to see how he is. I haven't seen him in a couple of days, " Chloe stated as they walked into the Torch room. She looked right at Clark, "Anyone like to join me?"

"Not really," Clark answered.

"What's up with you and Lex anyway?" Lana asked. "You seem to be avoiding him lately."

"That's because I am." Clark revealed.

Chloe and Lana just stared at him for a moment, waiting for him to explain. He didn't. Finally Chloe ventured, "Is there a reason?"

Clark sat back, trying to choose his words carefully. He couldn't tell them everything, at least not yet. Not here. "He just isn't who I thought he was."

Lana smiled at the thought. "Who is, Clark?"

Clark was a little stunned by that statement. "What do you mean?"

"No one really knows everything about a person. You of all people should know that."

"But it's just that…" he paused again. Nothing could be explained without arousing more questions, and today wasn't a good day for that. He was fighting the urge not to tell them even while he was speaking. He finally finished his sentence. "It's a long story."

Chloe gave him a questioning look. "Yeah, since we have so much to do right now—you can't take up our precious time."

Lana joined in, "Yeah, I would have to call off dinner with the governor and his wife."

Clark stood up, suddenly feeling claustrophobic, and headed towards the door, "Look, I just don't want to talk about it right now."

Chloe replied, "Okay, you don't have to freak, Clark."

Clark relaxed. "I am a bit tense," he thought.

"Just remember that while the rest of the world might be waiting for Clark Kent to mess up and reveal something extraordinary, we are your friends. We just want to see you be okay."

Clark felt guilty for snapping at them. He turned to face them and pleaded, "Can you finish up around here for me? I have to get home as soon as I can."

Chloe paused. She knew something was wrong. "Sure."

"Thanks. See you tomorrow. DON'T tell Lex hi for me," he added, then left, leaving the two teenaged girls in the room alone.