Chloe woke up slowly. She could hear the clanging of dishes, the soft murmur of conversation and the clicking of dog paws on a wood floor. She smiled, it had not been a dream; she was in the Kents' house.
"Hey."
Chloe opened her eyes and saw that she was not alone. Clark was sitting at his desk, or more accurately, leaning against it from a sitting position.
"Hey yourself," she responded. "You look 100 times better than the last time I saw you."
Tousling his hair, he replied. "Yeah, it turns out I was only mostly dead. Plus, a shower does wonders." He looked relaxed in his pajamas and bare feet. "You could use one yourself."
"Actually, I think I'd like to soak for a week in a Jacuzzi tub." Chloe closed her eyes, "What are we going to tell my dad?"
"Your dad and my parents called the sheriff. We are officially missing persons. I told my parents the whole sordid tale. We are trying to figure out how to weave a believable explanation of our whereabouts. As strange as this may sound, I think we should tell your dad the truth- mostly. Kind of leave out the parts of me doing supernatural feats of heroism." He gave a weak smile.
She smiled back at him, "He's going to be furious. I don't even know if he will believe us. I don't know if I believe it. It is worth a try though."
They sat quietly for a moment. "We should tell the sheriff a tale of a road trip, spontaneous of course, gone totally awry. Dead cell phones, dead car batteries, flat tire; you know pseudo-truths interlaced with half-truths."
"Sounds about right to me. It seems we have become quite adept at this type of thing," lamented Clark. "Well…" he stood up, "I was just checking on you. I'm glad you are all right."
He grabbed her hand and kissed her on the forehead. "Thanks for everything Chloe. You saved my life."
Chloe stared at him. "Considering everything you've done for me…well everyone really; it was the least I could do," she beamed. "I think I will take that bath now."
"We don't have a Jacuzzi, but Shelby can really wag her tail." Clark made a cheese-eating grin.
"I think I will survive without Shelby's help, but thanks for the offer. And Clark, thank you."
"For what?"
"For trusting me with that extraordinary life of yours."
------------
Meanwhile…
"He can wipe out memories," CK said. "I know it sounds crazy but he did it to me."
"If he took your memory, then how do you know?" retorted Pete.
"Sullivan told me, plus I talked to him after his father was arrested." CK gave Pete a look as if to say 'duh!' "I think he can help with the Lex problem. The last time I saw him, he could control his ability pretty well. Maybe he can take away memories of me. I can find him in less than an hour- two at the most."
CK gazed around the room. Incredible, all those years of hiding shot. The secret was not so secret. He had talked with a few of those in the room; some had known for a long time. Humbled, he was truly humbled. All these people were here to help him.
"Thank you everyone, I…well…I…just thanks." He was at a loss.
He peered at Lana and walked over to her. She gave him a baleful look. "We'll get you help, I promise."
She spat at him.
"It's the brainwashing CK; this is Lex's fault," said Sullivan grabbing his arm.
He faced Lex. "Gee Lex, now my eyes are wide open to why my parents never wanted me to tell you. Your distrust, paranoia and greed are disappointing. It has led you down the path your father wanted. One I thought you did not want. It was my secret to tell, not yours to exploit." CK shook his head, "I feel sorry for you Lex."
"Your arrogance and indignation are astounding. You lecture me; someone who murdered his parents," scoffed Lex.
"Yeah I did Lex," CK exhaled, "But then again I didn't. Maybe we have that in common."
CK stood up and ran his hand down his face. "What do we do with you? You tried to kill Pete, Clark and me. You drugged Lana and held the others hostage. I can't take you to jail. Just know; I won't let you hurt anyone else ever again. I will be watching Lex. Funny thing is you won't know; now will you?"
He let his eyes flash red for a second. Lex moved his head away startled.
CK walked calmly away with Pete and Sullivan following. "I'll be back with our friend." He took out the last element. "Then I will see where this leads me."
"Do you think it's safe? We just got you back; I don't think I can pull another rabbit out of my ass," said a Pete with just a hint of concern.
"Honestly…no. But I can't let the information fall into human hands either. You can go with me Pete if you want."
"Wouldn't miss it for the world CK, not for the world."
--------------
A couple months later…
Clark stood in the middle of the glacier staring at the crystal. A sound, a human sound, startled him.
"Chloe?"
"Hey Clark. Surprise?" She trudged over to him.
"Seems you followed me down another rabbit hole."
"Seems that way." She looked around, "Where are we?"
"No clue. But why don't we follow the white rabbit." He threw the crystal and held out his hand to her. "Come on Alice, the next adventure awaits."
The End
-------------
That's all folks! Thanks to everyone who reviewed. Please feel free to leave your overall impression. Thank you!