Nothing's Left
Author's note: This story takes place right after Lex's shock therapy.
Clark was crushed. The only girl that he had ever fallen completely in love with, didn't even want to look at him. He had thought that the powers of time would heal the problems between them, but obviously from the way she looked at him at the Talon, nothing could heal their relationship and they could never be in love again let alone be friends. A lot of the reasons why they weren't boyfriend and girlfriend were caused by Clark. Finally, when he was ready to be there for her, she hated him and for good reason. Clark had to go somewhere safe and think his options over. He went into a quiet field on the Kent farm so he wouldn't be bothered. It seemed that Smallville could no longer be the happy or safe place it once was. He would have to watch where he went so he would not mistakenly run into Lana, Chloe and him never really went back to being friends like they once were after Lana and him tried to have a relationship, and he was constantly running into kryptonite or kryptonite infected people. He needed to leave. This time it wouldn't be like last time, when he left for Metropolis. He would do it right this time and as far as he could see he wouldn't be taking red kryptonite with him.
One thing he knew is that he didn't want to hurt his parents or real friends and he didn't want to hide once he got to Metropolis or wherever his destination would be. He was going to plan to go school in Metropolis at least to finish high school, live on his own, and start a new life away from constant drama and kryptonite. He had some money to get a place with and he figured that he could find a good job because he was strong if he didn't have to save people all the time he could be more responsible and concentrate on fixing himself. He decided that he would spend the next week hanging out with Pete and Chloe and get their old connection back so when he leaves they could visit him all the time. Then, he'd research living arrangements and schools in Metropolis, so he'd could leave and pick up his life there. Suddenly, he heard someone coming down the Kents driveway so he sped off to see who it was.
"Oh hey Clark," Chloe said surprisingly. She hadn't seen Clark sneak up on her.
"Do you want to take a drive with me?" Clark asked her.
"Sure . . . you want to take the truck?" she asked. Clark nodded and they headed for the red pickup. They hopped in the truck and didn't do much talking. Chloe suspected something was up because he was acting strange. He called her out of the blue and hour before and said that he needed to discuss something with her. Clark wouldn't tell her their destination, but the whole way there Chloe swayed and hummed along to The First Cut Is The Deepest by Sheryl Crow and Clark couldn't help but grin at Chloe's nonexistent singing talent. The sun was about to set and they reached a beautiful green field that seemed to go on forever. Clark parked the truck and took a blanket out of the back. Chloe was standing amazed at how beautiful the sunset was, when she spotted Clark setting out a blanket.
" Ooh this is very nice Clark. So this spot is perfect, but I'm just wondering why the ever mysterious Clark Kent has brought us to this beautiful spot on this occasion out of the blue."
"Well, Chloe, I've really .. missed you. I know we have been civil to each other after the summer, but I miss our friendship that we used to have. The time when you, Pete, and I fit together so well. There was no problems or bad blood between us." Clark was starting to get upset, but was going to continue when Chloe interrupted, " Clark, I forgave you for all that went on before or during the summer. That's in the past." Chloe reached over and took his hand. " I know but I wish that never happened and I want to tell how grateful I am that you stuck by me in Metropolis when I was not myself. Chloe I want to tell you something that I've been thinking about for a while that I don't want to tell other people yet." Clark stared into Chloe's eyes. " You can tell me anything Clark." he took a deep breath and turned his whole body toward her. " Chloe I'm going to leave Smallville. . . .But hold on don't freak out. This time I'm going to let you, Pete, and my parents know where I'm going and I'm not going to be a different person. I'm going to go there and start over. There are a lot of things I know you don't understand but I need you on my side again." Chloe didn't know what to say. Should she let her friend go or encourage him to stay? This dumb obsession about running away from his misery was starting to become pathetic to her. She would never really believe he needed to leave no matter how bad things got. She knew he was in pain over everything that happened with Lana and Lex and that as long as he wasn't the scary Clark from the summer, then maybe this is what he needed even though she didn't want him to go, but she still didn't believe that he should be living by himself.
"Who have you told this new idea?" Chloe asked." No one" he responded, " Clark wouldn't it hurt your parents to have you in Metropolis or a certain brunette who you and I both love?"
"My parents will be able to visit me and it may be hard, but I can't stay here. They know it too. I can help financially once I get a job up there. As for that brunette she can't even stand the sight of me let alone have feelings whether I'm here or not! I've screwed up my life here in Smallville. I should have never taken you or Pete for granted over Lana. Especially, because I've hurt you and you still forgive me. Something happened to her that I assisted in, but couldn't help and she hates me. I've affected her life for the worse for a long time and she can't be normal until I leave. I'm apologizing once again for all the pain I caused you and for not realizing how much you really mean to me!" Chloe stared at Clark and grabbed him for a hug. By now the sun had set and it was dark and the stars out. They finally separated and laid side by side and looked at the stars overhead. Clark realized that it was getting to be midnight and he should take Chloe home. Clark picked up the blanket and they drove back to the Kent farm. Chloe picked her car up and Clark escorted her to the Sullivan house.
They both got out of their vehicles once they reached Chloe's house. Chloe walked straight up to Clark and gave him a long hug. When they separated they just stared at each other. " I know that whatever I say, you will have to leave if you need to. I do know that your hurting, but I hope that if you leave this time you'll just give me the address instead of me having to be a reporter and track you down," she was smirking at her best friend who finally returned. He smiled at her and pulled her in for one last hug.
"Chloe I will definately be giving you my address just to save you all that trouble that you would go through to find me. Plus, think about it when you get that job at the Daily Planet or you just feel like visiting, you'll always have somewhere to stay." Chloe finally went into her house smiling even though she was terrified that the 'King of Flannel' could be leaving Smallville once again.