Chapter 8 Pt. 2
-
Lana's POV
I looked at the clock. It read 1:50 a.m. I don't know how I made it this long. The thought of Clark possibly telling me what he's kept from me for so long is such a thrilling prospect! I've agonized for so long about this. It's successfully consumed my thoughts night after night without prevailing. The secret has been driving me mad as well as a wedge between my relationship with Clark. He can be so secretive at times and other times so open with me, but I have never known the secret. I assume it's to protect me somehow, because I know Clark would never keep it from me for any other reason. That's just the kind of guy he is. He is everything to me but sometimes I almost hate him for keeping whatever it is he's keeping from me. However, to know that this all may end tonight, it's so incredible words can't describe. I'm not tired in the least.
I rolled over and looked at my clock. It read 1:52 a.m. I believe its trying to torment me.
Lex sat alone in his large Victorian room. He sat behind a large oak desk on an elevated plat form. He sat in a chair that was claimed to belong to King Henry IV. The room had library shelves full of books filled from wall to wall. He had a large illuminated picture hanging behind him. The picture was of the Kryptonian symbols that represented the word "Hope". Along the room were illuminated pictures and drawings that he had collected. A few filling cabinets with a familiar name or two scribbled on them were scatted along the room. Next to the desk of were a few files piled up that Lex kept with him at all times. A small cot was positioned across the room. Lex doubted he would sleep much for the trip so the small bed didn't bother him. His laptop was carefully positioned on his desk. His Luthor Corp. account was what illuminated the plasma screen. A small black box lay at the corner of his desk. The room was dimly lit.
Lex held up a black and white photo of Clark and Lana kissing at the lodge. Lex rubbed his tired eyes and sighed. He turned his attention to the computer monitor. He clicked a tab that read 'Project Classified'. A screen appeared with 3 links. The links all read 'Classified'. Lex pulled the mouse down to the second link. He clicked it. A screen appeared asking for a username and password. Lex typed in his security codes. A picture of the cabin he sat in appeared on the screen with pictures of all the guests including the cleaning and cooking staff appeared as well on the screen. He clicked a link that read camera's. Lex blinked. Maybe he was just tired. Maybe not.
"I'm impressed, guys." Lex stated.
All the cameras with sound bits where showing on the screen. The odd part was that the kitchen, Lois' room, and Clark's room had snow on the screens.
"Well played." Lex said as he leaned back in his chair to think.
I slowly opened Clark's door. He was listening to his CD player. I turned around and slowly closed the door. I blinked and took a deep breathe. I smiled at him and walked over to a chair near the bed and sat. He smiled back at me and sat up. He took his headphones off. He looked directly at me in all seriousness.
"Listening to anything good?" I asked. Way to avoid the subject right?
"Less Than Jake."
"They are pretty good." I replied.
"Look Lana," he began ignoring my comment. "I invited you over to tell you something that I should have told you a long time ago." He said trying to keep it together.
I looked at his shaking hands. I grabbed one and held it.
"There are some things about me that I never really told you." He said.
I only nodded and smiled encouragingly.
"Tonight, I want you to know what those things are." He began.
"I can handle it." I promised.
He weakly smiled. "I'm an alien."
Silence usually creeps in rooms. Silence broke the door down and held a machine gun to our temples while screaming at us. I didn't say a word. I didn't even blink. I kept his hand in mine though.
He sighed. "Lana, I am an alien."
I sighed. "Really?" Humor didn't really seem appropriate so sarcasm seemed like the next best thing.
"I'm from another galaxy. My parents sent me away when I was so young that I can't remember. They sent me away in a space ship. The ship came to Earth the day of the meteor shower." He said very slowly.
This wasn't processing through my mind. I blinked once.
"My real parents found me. They had Lionel help with the adoption."
"Ok." I said like an idiot.
"Do you want to know more?" He asked.
"No." I replied while staring at him straight in the eyes. Did I just say no?
He whimpered. Clark Kent, man of steel just whimpered.
"I'm sorry, I have to…" I started and dropped his hand. I looked around the room. The walls were closing in! They were literally moving towards me. I lost my balance for a minute. The room was going in circles right in front of my eyes and the walls kept coming towards me. I lost my balance again and managed to get stable again. I swallowed.
"Lana!" I head a voice ask.
I tried to suck in as much oxygen as I could. Did he just say not human? The room was spinning faster. I lost my balance again this time I fell I face forward. Someone caught me and screamed my name. They sounded worried. Alien. He said Alien. I believe he said spaceship too. I don't think he was joking. The person screamed my name. It was the alien! He was holding me screaming my name. The room was fading with his voice.
"Clark?" I whispered before witnessing the world turn black.
Lex broke into Clark's room with wide eyes. Clark stood with tears in his eyes holding Lana in his arms. Lois followed soon after. They stared at Clark.
"What happened?" Lex asked obviously concerned.
"She uh," Clark tried but his voice cracked. "Had a panic attack." He whispered.
Lois ran up to Clark and felt Lana's forehead. She looked at Clark with eyes full of wonder. She quickly turned back to Lex.
"We need to get her to a hospital!" She screamed.
"They don't have any for miles!" Lex shouted back.
I opened my eyes briefly. The world was spinning counter clockwise now. I saw two people in the room with the alien. I smiled at him. He whispered my name with tears in his eyes. I smiled as I watched the world return to its dark state.
Lois ran her fingers through her hair. She was panicked.
Lex looked at Clark and Lois. "Look just lay her in her room and she should wake up in a few hours, she just passed out."
"Lex! She needs medical attention!" Lois shouted back.
"There is no way we can get a physician remotely near her until morning! Six a.m. at best. And if Clark was right and it was just a panic attack she'll wake up and she won't need medical attention!" He screamed as loud as he could. By some miracle nobody else heard him and they continued to lay in a deep slumber.
Clark stood pale holding Lana.
"Get some ice and a washcloth!" Lois ordered Lex. Lex obliged.
Lois walked up and put the back of her hand on Lana's forehead. She then checked her pulse. Then Lois looked straight at Clark.
"You told her didn't you?" Lois asked.
"Told her what?" Clark said with what was left of his voice.
Lois checked her pulse again. She then looked up. "The truth." Lois then looked down to Lana with concerned eyes.
Clark took a deep breathe and tried to remain collected. Or whatever he was at this point.
Chapter 9 -
Clark's
POV
Last night I believe could have well been the worst night of my life. I told Lana the truth about myself and she had a panic attack. How often does a person have a panic attack? Apparently, not often. Last night I stayed up all night sitting next to Lana's bed. Lex had come in and talked to me a bit. At first we just talked about how Lana was and how I was doing and the trip. Then he started getting funny with me. He started telling me the odds of Lana having a panic attack. He told me that he knew that I must have said something almost profound to Lana. He gave some facts about the nature of Lana's fall. What was he getting at? Was it my secret? Is that what this whole trip is about, my secret? I know I sound like a paranoid delusional, but I think that it may be so. Maybe not and I'm totally overreacting. But that seems to be under everybody's ulterior motive lately. Lana is O.K., at least I know that. She woke up around 7 this morning. I was so releaved when I found out that she was O.K. I told Chloe that I spilled the beans to Lana and I asked her to talk to her about it today at the Spa. Lana didn't say anything about what we talked about today in the cabin. Will she keep the secret? I'm pretty confident she will. Will I ever be able to cultivate a relationship with her past the cloak of friendship? That's a different story entirely. All this is enough to make a person drink, which brings me to where I am.
Apparently, Pete's grand plan for a guys day out was to go to a bar. Yes, a bar. He's very creative. Pete gave me a fake I.D. he made for me. Clark Kent also known as Sherman Temple. Apparently that's the best alias Pete could thing up. Thinking obviously isn't Pete's strong suit. This actually could be just what I need to calm down, a nice cold drink. Of course, the nice cold drink would contain alcohol. Which is the best part. Unfortunately, I can't get drunk. Can't win 'em all right?
I had a black v-neck sweater on with my red jacket on top. I had khaki pants on. Before I left Lois kidnapped me and forced me to buy clothes at the mall. I found out a few hours after my shopping spree she had burned all my plaid shirts. Thanks, Lois. The bar was dimly lit. I saw a few bikers around the place, very cliché. Bikers in bars. I saw a few hunters, fishermen, women, it was hard to keep track of everybody in such a big bar. There were so many people. I sat on a stool pressed against the actual bar in the pub. The place was called "O' Riley's Tavern" or something along the Irish named tavern lines. The bartender said I looked rough. He said he knew what would fix me up pretty quick. He mixed me something with a purple tint. I had about 3 shots of it so far. Pete was sitting next to me on his 4th beer. He looked over to me and smiled. He was drunk. He patted me on the back.
"Told you this would be the bomb Clark!" He practically yelled.
I smiled back and patted him on the back. "Names Sherman!" I replied.
He laughed appreciatively. "Right Sherm!" He
almost fell off the stool. I caught him just in time.
"Another
beer sparky!" He shouted.
The guy looked at him like there was something wrong with him. I took another shot of the bartender's mystery concoction.
I pointed at him. "He was at the same party with me last night. His girlfriend cheated on him with his brother." I said to the guy.
He nodded understandingly and fixed Pete another beer.
I sighed and looked around. Life sucks.
"Clark?" A heard a voice ask.
I looked around and tried to find where the voice came from. And why did it sound familiar?
"Well, Clark Kent this is about the last place I expected to find you. What brings you to Greenland?"
I smiled and swung my seat around. "Bart Allen. It's been too long." I stood up and did our secret hand shake he taught me. Apparently super powered studs had to have a secret handshake.
"Clakers?" Pete asked falling on the floor. I turned my attention back to Bart.
"He with you?" Bart asked.
"I know I can do better but at my age can I wait?" I joked.
"Hahaha, you sound different Clark, is everything O.K.?" Bart asked.
"Not exactly, but I'm glad to see you! And it isn't Clark, it's Sherman Temple." I held out my I.D.
"Clever. Yeah, its been too long dude." Bart said.
"Claaaaaaark!" Pete shouted.
He sped around me at the speed of light. He took my shot of, well I'm not sure what it was. He coughed a few times. I smiled. I had a darker sense of humor today, partly because I was tired and the other part had to do with Lana, but I think you know that already.
"Taste
good?" I asked.
"What is this stuff?"
"Auctually I'm not entirely sure. The bartender mixed it for me."
"Awesome, look I was on my way to Australia, this is just a pit stop. The thing is, I haven't hung with you for a while. So, I don't mean to invite myself or anything but can I crash with you for however long you are staying?" He asked.
I thought about it for a few seconds. "Yeah, I think it should be alright. I'm staying with Lex. The rest of my friends are here too. There is an extra room, I'm sure Lex would be fine with it."
"Sweet!" He said and punched me in the stomach playfully. "By the way is Chloe with you."
I started to pick Pete up. "Yup." I said as I dropped some cash on the bar.
The bartender picked it up and thanked me. He told me to stay away from wicked parties for a few days. I smiled and nodded.
"We should get out of here before they figure out we aren't supposed to be here." I said.
Bart smiled. "Good thinking C.K." He said.
"C.K.?" I asked.
Pete moaned and screamed something about spiders attacking him. "C.K.?" I asked.
He looked to me as we pushed past the double doors. "Yeah, it has a nice ring to it." He replied.
"Where to now?" I asked.
"I have an idea. First, we drop sleepy beauty off at your digs." He said.
"O.K. then where to?"
"Somewhere, a lot more interesting than the tavern."
Chapter 9 Part 2 -
Bart Allen is somebody I consider a friend. Granted, I haven't known him for that long, he's proven himself to me. My philosophy is that everybody has some good in them. That knowledge helps me to continue to do what I do. It's why I save people from death, its why I care or bother with people. Bart has shown me that he cares somewhere in his heart and that's enough for me. I remember when Lex told me that the page had been returned on his desk when he got home from the hospital. I felt so proud of Bart! Although he left Smallville, he has always managed to stay in my thoughts. The knowledge that there is somebody like me that had a gift is comforting. It helps too that the meteor shower had nothing to do with his powers. I always feel guilty about everybody who had mutant like abilities that resulted from the meteor shower. I feel like it's my responsibility to make sure they don't do any harm. And when they do cause damage I feel like it was me that did it, not them. Bart is refreshing to me though, because he is proud of his abilities, and he treats them as a gift not a curse. I hope someday I can do the same. I know though that with Bart around, it will get easier.
We dropped Pete off at the mansion. He is sleeping off the alcohol right now, I feel bad for him. I also asked Lex if Bart could stay at the mansion when I went to drop Pete off. Lex seemed surprised I think. He said it was fine with him however. I guess I should just take him at his word.
Right now Bart is a few feet in front of me. I am running as fast as I can, the world around me is a huge blur. I can see Bart, he is wearing his yellow khakis and his red hoody. He of course had his backpack with a lightning bolt on the back. I ran my hand through my hair.
all
that noise, all that sound
all those places that i have found
and birds go flying at the speed of sound
to show how it all
began
birds came flying from the underground
if you could see
it then you'd understand
"You gonna tell me where we are headed!" I asked.
I saw Bart turn around with a smile on his face. We were still running. "Not a chance!" He said with a laugh.
A few more minutes passed. I saw Bart look around a
bit. Suddenly, he stopped. So I stopped too. I looked down to see a
large ice cliff. We were right on the edge. That's when I looked up
and out to see the view. It was breathe taking! I looked I could see
ice and snow for miles. The way sun shown made the ground sparkle and
glisten. I looked out past the snow to see water the ice cold water.
The water was a deep blue. A few icebergs were in the water. The view
was so clear and crisp. This place was totally secluded, no signs of
life at all.
"Wow." I whispered.
Bart smiled not taking his eyes off of the view. "It's amazing isn't it?" He asked.
all those signs I knew what they meant
something
you can't invent
Some get made, and some get sent
ooh
words
go flying at the speed of sound
to show how it all began
birds
came flying from the underground
if you could see it then you'd
understand
oh, when you see it then you'll understand
"Sometimes I just like to come here to Greenland, just for this spot. It helps me clear my thoughts." He said.
"This is just, wow!" I said dumbfounded.
I looked over to Bart. "I didn't take you as a person who would enjoy this sort of thing." I said staring at him.
He kept his eyes on the view. "You don't know me THAT well. There a lot of things you wouldn't expect to come from me." He said.
"I guess so." I said looking back out.
"There are others you know." He blurted out.
I bit. "Others?"
He shoved his hands in his pockets. "Like us."
I looked over to him again.
Lois had successfully debugged the entire bottom floor without any trouble. She had enough bugs to fill a ziplock bag to the max. She stood holding the last bug from the bottom floor and threw it into her backpack to where the rest of them were. She dropped her bag. Lois sat on a leather chair and watched the fire burn. She had a lot on her mind. Foremost was why was Lex watching them? Could it be he was interesting in finding out the flannel wearing farm boy's secret? It seemed like everybody was. Why couldn't they just leave Clark alone? He's never done anything mean or done anything to harm anyone on purpose. Lois messaged her temples. Another thing that was on her mind was Lana. Well Clark and Lana. She felt bad for Clark because she figured it must have taken a lot for him to tell Lana the truth. It must have been a lot to handle because she freaked out like that. It may not be any of her business but she was still anxious to know what the deal was. Lois sighed.
Peter Ross slowly opened his eyes. He grunted. He had a massive hangover. Maybe going to that tavern wasn't such a good idea after all! He put his hand on his head. It was pounding like a middle aged worker building a railroad. He carefully got out of bed and looked in the mirror. He didn't look as good as he had hoped. It was obvious that he had a hangover. He made his way over to the door and opened it. He walked towards the stairs. He grabbed the railing with all of his strength. He managed to get down the stairs in one piece. He looked up to see Lois Lane sitting on a chair in the living room watching the fire. He walked slowly over to the couch drawing Lois' attention. He laid down on the sofa. He closed his eyes again.
"Hangover?" Lois quizzed.
Pete sighed. "Is it that obvious?" He whispered.
"Yup." At least she was honest.
Lois sat watching the fire for a moment deep in thought and then returned her attention to Pete.
"Pete, there is something that we need to talk about. I know you have a hangover, but this is important. Clark is going to help me but we are going to need one more person's help. I think you are the only one that we can trust enough to handle this and not be stupid about it." Lois stated.
Pete slowly sat up and opened his eyes. "What?" He whispered.
Lois reached into her bag and pulled out a miniature camera she found in the dining room that was hidden in a vase. She tossed it to Pete.
"What is it?" He asked.
"A camera." Lois replied.
Bart and I were sitting on the ice cliff with our feet dangling over the edge. It really was an amazing view. I can't help but thing back to Lana. I'm so torn over her. I didn't want to tell her my secret but I felt like I had to. Did I make the wrong choice? I certainly hope not, but there was no of knowing. I wonder what she is doing right now? Will Chloe be able to make everything better? All of these thoughts and questions plagued my mind. I now wished more than ever that I could be carefree like Bart. I cleared my mind and enjoyed the view.
As I was watching the waves hit the shore I suddenly got the chills. The problem is I never get cold unless there is Kryptonite around. I didn't feel weak though. I started to shiver. What was wrong with me! I feel like I have what my parents call the flu. I can't get sick though! I looked down to my hands. The were turning a light shade of blue. I looked up totally freaking out. I looked back down to my hands feeling a sneeze coming on. I took a deep breathe, closed my eyes then I sneezed. I slowly opened my eyes to see my hand that I sneezed on had ice all over it! I looked up to find Bart staring wide eyed at my hand. What was happening to me!
Chapter 9 Part 3 -
Lana's POV
Last night had been an interesting night to say the least. I feel horrible about freaking Clark out. I know it must have been a lot for him to tell me that he was an alien. Obviously, I wasn't expect his deep dark secret to be that far out. I thought at the very worst he had powers due to the meteor rocks. I want expecting to hear that he came to Earth with the meteor rocks. The fact that Clark is alien doesn't bother me at all, I can accept that he's an alien. I suppose in way I don't except it for what it means. I know that my parents died in the meteor shower, but I know Clark must be thinking that's what I'm worried about. It's not though. I know that he had no control over his planet's destruction just as much as he had no control that he was sent to Earth rather than some distant galaxy. There is only one thing that bothers me that freaked me out so much that I had a panic attack. Everything else I can accept. I need to know everything though. Although, I'm sure he's less inclined to tell me after last night's little incident.
Right now I am at a beauty salon. I'm sitting in a large therapeutic message chair. I'm wearing nothing but a white bathrobe. A light green towel is wrapped around my head, drying my hair. I was getting a facial. I have little cucumbers in my eyes. What do the cucumbers really do though? I've always wondered. I guess I can live on the edge and not question it. Chloe is next to me in the same state as me. Some soft, calming music is playing in the background. It sounds very comforting. I sighed. Chloe and I are alone in the room.
"Lana, I've been meaning to ask you something all day. This may be rude, but I going to ask anyway. What did Clark tell you last night?" Chloe quizzed.
"You already know what Clark told me." I replied.
There was a long drawn out silence. Then finally she spoke. "Yeah, I know what he said. Why did you react the way you did?" She sounded concerned.
"That's none of your business." I replied sternly. Yeah, maybe that was harsh but it's not her business.
Chloe was fuming. "How dare you? How dare you put Clark through this? For as long as you've known him you've begged Clark to tell you the truth about himself you've put him through hell to know the truth. You crossed the line now Lana! He finally told you and react like that? Why?"
I sighed. "It's none of your business. Leave it alone." I replied in a softer tone.
"I don't even know you anymore! Clark is more human than you'll ever be." Chloe said.
Yes, I feel guilty. Maybe I should tell her the truth. She deserves it after all. So does Clark for that matter. She's right too, about everything. I'll tell her.
Pete looked at the miniature camera. He was stunned. This is state of the art equipment. Whoever bought this stuff is serious about finding some sort of information out. They also would have to have a serious bank account. The worst part was he already knew who the camera belonged too.
"Why is Lex spying on us?" Pete asked.
Lois raised her eyebrows. She wasn't surprised Pete knew it was Lex. "I don't know yet. Your room is probably bugged. This floor isn't, because I got them all. Back to the reason though. I have no idea why. I guess it could be number of reasons." She began while looking at camera exactly like the one Pete had. Of course the camera's were turned off. "My best guess is he wants to know Kent's secret." She said looking to Pete.
Pete looked surprised. "Secret?"
Lois only smiled. "We all know Clark has a secret. Rest easy I don't know what it is. I'm betting you do though. That's not important though. What is important is Lex wants it and he's not going to stop until he gets it. What he does with the information is to be determined. All I know is this is just the beginning of one large can of worms."
Pete knew exactly what Lex would do with the information. All that's for sure is Lex cannot have it. "Assuming I know what your talking about, what are we going to do about it?" Pete asked.
Lois smiled. "Investigate some more. We shouldn't jump to conclusions just yet. I think we need more information before we continue."
Pete looked at Lois with a solemn face. "We need to keep Clark in the dark as much as possible for now. We can't get him tangled in this or worried about it until we have more stuff to go on. If you promise to help me keep him in the dark and tell no one about this, I'll help you." Pete said.
"I promise." Lois replied.
"Good."
I kept my eyes shut. Mainly because it was difficult to open them with cucumbers on top. The second reason was so that I could concentrate on what I was about to say to Chloe.
"The truth is I accept Clark being an alien." I began.
"So what is it that you have a problem with?" Chloe asked, with many emotions evident in that little sentence.
"The first thing that entered my mind when he told me the truth was 'How can I be with him now?' I mean I can't date an alien. I love him more than anything, but this now shows me we simply cant be together. The thing is, being with him is the only thing I've ever wanted." Lana said carefully.
"Why cant you be with him?" Chloe asked baffled.
"I don't even know if it's physically possible. It's like a dog and a cat getting together. It can't happen because they have to stay within their breed."
Chloe laughed. Why was she laughing! "That's an interesting way to put it! I guess I never thought of it that way. Is that all?"
I was shocked. "Is that all? I'd say it's a big deal not being able to be with the person I love more than anything in the world."
Chloe sighed. "Lana the truth is that cats and dogs can't be together because," She started and then she laughed again. "Cats and Dogs? Whatever happened to the birds and the bees?"
"Chloe!"
"Right, the thing is they have no will, cats and dogs do what instinct tells them to. You and Clark fell in love and you can't help what you are. Go for what you have! I mean if I were you I wouldn't give it another thought before hooking up with Clark." She explained.
"But I mean can we even… Could I die? Or at least be affected somehow?" I asked, curious.
"Lana, I have no idea! All the advice I can give you is to go for it, you cant stop and question everything you just have to let go at some point." She explained.
"I guess your right. It's just I had that panic attack because I thought it wasn't possible to be with him and that's everything I was living for. I know that sounds naive or childish, but its true. It guess I remind myself of Juliet, how she didn't care about anything but Romeo and how he was all she had to live for." I said.
"I can understand why you did what you did now. I think I understand where you are coming from. Just remember that you can be with him. What your saying about living for Clark to me, doesn't sound childish it sounds romantic. I just hope someday I'll meet somebody that's right for me, just like Clark is right for you." Chloe said sadly.
"You will Chloe, and thank you for everything. I'll talk to Clark again tonight, this time I think I can handle it." I said laughing. I then let the music drown over me and I quickly dozed off.
"Cats and Dogs!" Chloe said laughing again before going to sleep.
Clark looked at his hand in awe. Bart looked at Clark completely puzzled. Clark was just as baffled. Clark slowly felt warm and well again after he sneezed. He slowly moved his hand as the ice slowly fell off his skin. Clark felt totally fine now. He sneezed on his hand trying to replicate the displace of frost on his hand. It didn't work. He tried slowly breathing on his hand. Nothing. Clark looked back out to the view.
"What was that man?" Bart asked.
"Honestly I don't know." Clark said.
"You sneezed and covered your hand ice." Bart said plainly.
"If I had to guess." Clark started.
"Yeah?" Bart asked, urging Clark on.
"I think I'm developing a new ability." Clark stated.
Bart blinked and thought for a moment. "Like a freeze breathe or something?" Bart asked.
Clark smiled. "Precisely. I just have to figure out how to use it."
"Let's get to work then!" Bart said standing up.
Ramble stared at the TV in front of him. This was great stuff! He couldn't believe his luck! Lex was going to give him a serious bonus in this months paycheck for this video. Ramble grabbed his cell phone. He hit the number one button, to reach Lex by using speed dial.
"Hello?" Lex asked.
"Lex your going to love this!" Ramble said.
"Love what?" Lex asked.
"Lana and Chloe. I have a video of them talking about Clark and his secret." Ramble said.
Silence
lingered in the air for a moment. "I'm impressed Ramble. This is
good! Bring it to me now and I'll have your cash ready for you."
Lex said.
Ramble smiled. He shut his phone off and put in his
pocket. He ejected the security tape and labeled it, The Tragedy of
Romeo and Juliet. He was proud of his creative title. He grabbed his
jacket on the way out.
Chapter 10 –
Clark's
POV
Lex Luthor stood in a large white room. The tiling was clear enough that with an illuminated light placed under the tiles it would show through. That was exactly what was done with the flooring. The ceiling had several large white lights carefully spaced out so that the illumination would be spread equally. The walls were painted white. The east wall had a large mirror on it. The "mirror" was actually a window tinted to appear like a mirror on one side. This was the same type of window used for police interrogations. There was a large stainless steel metal table in the middle of the room. Two stainless steel chairs were placed on opposite sides of the table. Lex sat on the table looking through a standard folder with a large amount of paper held in it. Lex smiled as he closed the folder and placed it on the table. A knock was heard.
"It's open!" Lex shouted.
A small part of the west wall opened. It appeared to be a secret door. Ramble walked in with the tape. The door shut behind him.
"Here's the tape." Ramble said handing the tape to Lex. Ramble had on a pair of dark blue jeans and a white Polo shirt. He also wore a light brown jacket. Ramble was in his early forties. He had black hair neatly combed in a popular style for men his age.
Ramble went to Princeton for six years
specializing in electronic surveillance equipment. He graduated at
the head of his class. Three years after graduating, he got a
lucrative job at one of the top surveillance companies in the world.
He was married, had three kids and made a 250,000 dollar a year
salary. It wasn't bad for a 29 year old. His life was a dream life
until a year later his youngest child Gene got cancer. After that,
his life went down the tubes. He spent all his money and time into
getting Gene well again. Soon Ramble's job, money, and hope were
gone. He thought that his son was as good as gone. Then Lex Luthor
came into his life. Lex offered him enough cash to save his son, the
world's most renowned doctors and a job. Within a few months, his son
was saved! Ever since then Ramble worked
for Lex.
Lex took the video from his hands. "The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet," Lex said and laughed. "Clever." Lex picked up his briefcase and slipped the tape in it. "Well, I guess that concludes our business Ramble. It was nice working with you." Lex said as he walked away.
"What?" Ramble asked.
Lex turned around. "Ramble our deal from the start was no police. In that folder on the table right there, I have evidence of you spilling your guts to them with your whole sob story. Do you know how long it took to get Metropolis PD off my case?" Lex said staring at Ramble.
Silence filled the air. Lex smiled "I'd like you to meet Bruno and Bruce Taylor."
Two large muscular bothers walked into the room with handguns.
"Goodbye Ramble." Lex stated.
I sat in the dining room of the mansion along with my companions. I sat at the end of the table. The other end was empty. I knew the other end belonged to none other than Lex. It was about 8:04 p.m. Everybody was starving. Lana sat to my left she was staring at the plate with a scowl. Low blood sugar is a curse we could all do without. To my right was Bart. This afternoon we had worked on developing my 'freeze breathe' as Bart calls it. I couldn't get it to work after the initial sneeze. I guess patience really is a virtue. Lois was sitting between Lana and Pete. Lois was carefully watching Lana scowl at her empty plate. I think she wanted to keep her distance but was fascinated at how Lana could make a complete 180 in her personality caused by the simple loss of a meal. Bart was sitting next to Chloe who was sitting across from Pete.
Ever since I got back to the mansion with Bart, he and Pete have had this territorial issue, or so it seems, with Chloe. They both have the hots for her! Here she thought I was the only one for her! These young bachelors would certainly disagree. I had my attention completely fixated on them for the moment.
"It's been a while, huh Chlo?" Bart asked her.
"It's Chloe. And, yeah I guess it has." Chloe said looking at her nails. She was playing it cool. I knew the truth was that she loved every minute of this. Who wouldn't? I would!
Bart began to yawn. Is he going to do the yawn trick? There goes the arm! He's getting it behind Chloe. I guess it was a good try until he fell backwards in his chair.
"Are you alright?" Chloe asked looking down at him.
"Not if I had it my way." Pete mumbled as he played with his fork. Super hearing is really a blessing.
"Yup, fine." Bart said obviously holding back some pain.
That's
when I heard the sound of the door open and close. I looked behind my
seat to see Lex in a hurry. He was definitely upset, by something. He
dropped his suitcase and trench coat by the door. He ran into the
dining room and gave us all a quick forced smile.
His suit was
slightly damp. The blizzard outside was really starting to get
intense. I guess Lex was clobbered by the storm.
"Sorry I'm late guys!" Lex said pulling a seat from the table out.
"It's fine, Lex." I said grabbing my napkin.
The chef peaked through the door. I would presume he was looking for Lex. He caught Lex's eye. Lex nodded and the chef disappeared into the kitchen. Lex breathed in slowly and out slowly. His eyes were shut. He slowly opened them.
"Everything O.K. Lex?" Lois asked.
He looked up surprised by the question. At least he wanted us to think he was.
"Just a bad day. First a uh, business deal went sour. Then I lost some important files. I was late, because of the files, I'm so sorry guys." Lex said as if he rehearsed it on the ride home.
"Just bring the food." Lana said staring mindlessly at Lex.
I hope Lana still isn't upset with me. She said she wanted to talk again tonight. I don't know what it's about. Honestly, I've never been more afraid in my life. I looked at my hands and rubbed my sweaty palms on my jeans. I then looked back out to Lex.
Lex laughed casually, feeling more at ease. "Somebody is hungry." He commented.
Lana held the fork in the air. She held a stern face. "Somebody is going to DIE if I don't get fed soon!" She said as she shook the fork. What a kidder that Lana! O.K. the truth is she was probably serious. Meaning we better get fed soon…
The chef brushed through the door. Lex turned to face us. "Hope you like duck!" He offered.
"Duck! What kind of a place…" Bart began. I stomped on his foot as hard as I could to get him to shut up.
"Sounds great!" I said smiling.
We finished dinner in anything but silence. Lois quizzed Lex on his day, while Pete, Bart, and Chloe were at work on their love triangle. In the infamous words of Seth Cohen "Triangles are pointy Ryan, the hurt people!" Lana and I ate in silence. I looked around the room to find priceless artifacts and a masterpiece or two of artwork. I still found Lana to be the most captivating thing in the room. Then it happened. Under the table, I felt Lana's hand take mine. I gently squeezed back. We locked eyes. She mouthed the words 'I'm sorry' as she rubbed the back of my hand with her thumb.
After diner, Lex suggested we head over the theatre. We made out way into the seats. We sat in this order, Lois, Lex, myself, Lana, Pete, Chloe, and Bart. The screen was blank and the lights were off.
"Let me guess Lex, Spiderman 3!" Pete shouted.
"That hasn't started filming that yet nitwit!" Lois screamed back.
"The Notebook maybe?" Lana asked.
"Not on your life." Lex replied easily.
Lana had the saddest-cute face I've ever seen. I put my arm around her. "It's O.K. Lana; I'll watch the Notebook with you later." I said. She smiled and got her bounce back. Besides how much of a chick flick can the Notebook be right?
"The Texas Chainsaw Massacre?" Lois asked with enthusiasm.
We all looked over to Lois. She shrunk in her seat.
"Speed?" Bart asked.
"Nope." Lex replied.
"Secret Window?" Pete asked, while directly staring at Bart.
"Uh, no." Lex said realizing he was in the middle of something he didn't want to be in the middle of.
I thought for a minute about a cool movie. "Cheaper by the Dozen?" I asked.
"The movie I picked may not be new. However, it is my favorite movie. It is the ultimate tale of revenge. It's about a man who is lied to, and treated with a disrespect that he didn't earn. The man's best friend, or so he thought, gave him away to the police. The movie is called, 'The Count of Monte Cristo'." Lex said suavely. "It's not like it hits home or anything I just like to get lost in a fictional world sometimes." Lex added for good measure.
Silence filled the room as the movie began.
