Ch 5

The door to the apartment was not locked and Spiderman eased Clark inside.

"Whooooo." Peter whistled to himself when he saw the inside of Clark's apartment. "How does this guy afford this nice of a place?" Well, you did just check him robbing some ATMs.

Clark spoke breaking Peter from his thoughts. "I'll be O.K." Clark said as he attempted to walk over to the bed. He made about two steps before starting to crumple to the floor.

"Yeah, you really seem alright." Peter said as he caught Clark before he completely fell to the ground. He then helped him over to the bed.

"Really, I'm fine", Clark said as his eyelid demanded sleep and he fell backwards onto the bed. Peter left quietly as the not to disturb the now resting young man. Clark fell into a restless asleep with a myriad of images floating around on the edge of his consciousness but none stayed long enough for him to get a grasp on them.

Spiderman swung back to his apartment unsure of what had just transpired. It still just didn't make any sense to him. How could someone move that quickly or have two cement blocks smash against their heads and the only damage it to the blocks. No, not only were the blocks damaged they were instantly pulverized. Then suddenly he went from a raging madman to being unable to even stand up on his own. No, this definitely didn't make sense. He wasn't even sure why he helped him. Then he knew why it was the look in his eyes when he asked for help. The one thing he did know was there was more to this story and he wanted to know what it was.

Lex drove down the city streets his black Porsche blending in perfectly with the night sky. He still couldn't believe what had happened to him recently. He had loved Helen, really loved her. She was the first woman that had truly been able to make it through the armor that he had built up around his heart over the years.

He pictured it clearly in his mind. The church was set up beautifully and everyone was there, including the Kents although Clark was running late as usual. He was wearing the best suit that money could buy. When Lana showed up without Clark, the Kents left in a hurry but Lex didn't think to much about it. He just concentrated on the fact that this was his wedding day and the feeling that goes along with that.

Then one of Helen's bridesmaids approached Lex and told him that they could not find Helen. She was not in the bridal room. Lex then politely excused himself and rushed over to the bridal room. He knocked on the door gently hoping that the attendant had been wrong. Hearing no response, he opened the door revealing his worst fear. There was indeed no one inside. Lex ventured into the room and saw a note laying on the dresser with his name written on the outside in Helen's neat handwriting.

Lex's hand shook as he reached for the envelope. He wasn't sure if he wanted to read the note or not. He opened it up and read the enclosed letter.

Dear Lex,

I am sorry to do this to you, especially on this day of all days. I know I am taking the coward's way out by leaving you this note, but I just couldn't face you when I broke your heart.

I have decided to take the research position after all. I knew it would never work out between us between because of your father. Believe me, Lex, when I say that this is the hardest thing I have ever had to do. I did and still do truly love you.

Love Always,

Helen

Lex stared at the note in disbelief. He had to read the note again to make sure he read it correctly. Then the pastor approached the door and gently knocked on it.

"Lex, is everything alright?"

"No, reverend" Lex replied. "Will you please tell everyone that there will be no wedding today."

"Certainly." The pastor responded as he slowly closed the door behind him.

Lex couldn't believe that he been stoop up on his wedding day. He wanted to wallow in self-pity, but he was a Luthor and Luthors don't do that. Luthors bury themselves in their work. That was why he was driving around aimlessly in New York City. He was to meet a new business prospect, Oscorp Corporation, or Harry Osborne to be precise.

He had never met Harry but he had heard of him and his father. He had heard about the strength formula Norman had worked on. He also knew about Harry taking over the company and his recent work with Dr. Otto Octavius. However, that plan had literally blown up in his face. Lex knew how working with scientists could be. Despite the recent setbacks he thought OsCorp could make a good business partner. He was sure LutherCorp could help their business.

Lex was brought out of his daydream when some movement above him caught his eye. It was Spiderman swinging through the air. So he is actually real. Lex thought to himself.

His romantic troubles temporarily forgotten, his curiosity kicked in. I wonder what is going on that has brought Spiderman out. Lex slowed down and looked to where Spiderman had landed. Someone was breaking into some ATMs. The person had their back turned but he thought that the person seemed to be Clark Kent. But there was now way that was possible. First of all, why would Clark be in New York City? He knew for a fact that Clark would never, ever steal any money.

Spiderman's advisory turned around himself. Lex's eyes nearly popped out of his head, he could not believe what he was seeing. His first instinct had been correct. He now had to know what was going on.

Lex pulled his car into a nearby parking garage, turned on the alarm silently and exited his vehicle. He walked back to the entrance of the garage, but stayed to the shadows as not to attract any attention. He looked over at the ATMs, however no one was there. Then he looked across the street and saw Spiderman standing under a spotlight.

At first he couldn't find Clark, then his eyes became transfixed on the sight before him as a unfathomable scene played out in front of him. He saw Clark break Spiderman's web then advance on his opponent with inhuman speed. Lex saw Spiderman pull two cement blocks toward Clark's head and he wanted to cry out or otherwise warn his friend of the danger. Lex just stood there stock-still and didn't say a word. He almost closed his eyes not to see his friend hurt, however he could not tear his eyes away.