ok, guys and gals...here it is. the final part and the end of Something For Lois, Chloe's POV in my first story Lilies.
i just want to say thanks for everyone that read and hugs to all who reviewed.
so...remember feedback is loved. any feedback. anything at all. good or bad. trust me. all of it gives me the courage to keep posting and hopefully will make me a stronger writer.
and also a BIG THANKS to Marcy...for without whom the idea for this story would've never been imagined. so, thanks, Marcy. i hope i've done it justice
so, i hope you enjoy and thanks for reading!
Author: Alison
Disclaimer: Characters belong to DC, WB, AlMiles, etc, etc, etc. I only own the story, so pretty please don't take that away from me.
Part 5
Holding her coat tight around her body, she slowly walked over the hill and past the row of tombstones. She'd been here too many times in her short life. She was almost here permanently, after all.
Thank goodness for Lois and Clark.
Her dad had said he would donate the plots where they had been "buried" last year and help pay for the marker. He didn't mind and said he'd always wanted to do something nice for his sister, but was never sure what to do. He was grateful for Clark's idea.
She had promised Clark last night that she would swing by the cemetery on her way into town to make sure everything was set. A part of her also wanted to quietly pay respect to a woman she'd nearly forgotten.
She had a problem with mothers. They all seemed to die or leave her. The year after her mom left, Lois' mom died. Maybe that's why she liked Mrs. Kent so much. She stuck around and actually bothered to care. She was the mother Chloe always silently wished was her own.
Her heart rate jumped upon seeing the freshly dug dirt around the tombstone. She knew she was in the right place. She only imagined this is what Lois and Clark felt when they saw her "grave" for the first time.
The tall brown marble marker shone in the early afternoon light. She stopped and knelt in front of it, placing her hand on the cold stone and tracing the letters of her aunt's name. Her gaze dropped to Lois' name and then to the picture below.
It shouldn't have been this hard. After all, she barely knew the woman. She died when she was four.
But maybe, just maybe, she hadn't fully recovered from the loss of her own mother. Sure, she hadn't died. But, in a way, she had. She'd left and never came back. That was a death in its own right. And she had never really mourned.
She rocked back and slowly sat on the ground. Her chin began to quiver and she tried to sniff back the tears. But it didn't work. They came anyway.
She didn't know how long she'd been sitting there. But she had promised him that she'd come by the farm after she left the cemetery. She needed to get going.
After she left Lois' apartment she'd driven all the way back to Met U. She was getting tired of the commute lately. She secretly longed for super speed.
He'd shown up later that evening at her dorm after staying the afternoon at Lois' to supposedly help her look for the picture. When Chloe confronted him about why he'd lied to Lois about it, he said that he just wanted to spend some time with her and surprise her for once.
Chloe was sure he had.
He'd gotten the picture from her to take back to Lois. When Chloe asked how he was going to give it back, he just smiled his beautiful smile and said, "I don't know…but I have an idea."
And she was sure he did.
She slowly rose to her feet and dusted off the seat of her pants. Wiping her eyes and taking a deep breath, she took one last look at the stone. She had never been more proud of him in all her life.
Leaving the cemetery and turning on the main road, her thoughts drifted back to the past week. It was amazing how much things could change in a few short days. The funny thing was, though, she was the only one who had noticed. Or so she thought.
She pulled her little car down the lane that led to the bright sunny farmhouse. She parked near the barn. He said last night that he'd be waiting for her in the loft.
There were still some questions she wanted to ask him. She hadn't figured everything out. Well, in a way she had, but a part of her wanted verbal confirmation from one or both of them. But, like before, she knew he'd be easier to crack than Lois.
She stepped out of the car and made her way into the barn. Slowly climbing the stairs that led to the loft, she noticed him staring out the massive window.
She would always have feelings for him. She would always love him. But only when you realize you love someone so much are you able to fully let them go.
"So, it must be tough."
She smiled and stopped at the top of the stairs as he turned around to face her, his hands stuffed in his jean pockets.
"What?"
"Not being able to be surprised by anyone. You know…super hearing and all."
He smiled faintly and nodded his head, then dropped his gaze.
"Yeah."
Something wasn't right. He was brooding again. She had to admit that she had gotten used to it. That is, until Lois showed up and brought it to everyone's attention. Now it was hard not to notice.
"I went to the cemetery. Everything looks great, especially the picture. They did a really good job on it. Lois is gonna love it."
He kept his eyes to the floor as he spoke.
"Great, Chloe. Thanks."
She crossed her arms and sighed, walking closer to him as he sat on the couch.
"Okay, Clark. What's up?"
He quickly glanced up at her, then back down to the floor as he rested his elbows on his knees.
"Nothing. It's just…well. I've just been doing a lot of thinking lately."
Thinking? Great. It usually wasn't good when Clark Kent thought.
"Okay…about what exactly?"
Was this what she thought it was about? She could almost sense it.
"Lois."
Her heart didn't sink as far as it should have.
She smiled. She knew it. And somehow, she'd always known, or at least she thought she should have.
"So…what about Lois?"
She wanted to know…and then she didn't. But she did. And this time she was going to stick with it until she had the answers she was looking for.
She moved closer and sat next to him on the couch.
"I don't know. I guess everything from this week has just been so strange. I mean, in a way, she's driving me crazy. But at the same time, I can't stay away from her."
He stood and walked back over to the window, running his fingers through his thick black hair the way he does when he's frustrated. She'd seen it numerous times, but never so much as when the subject of Miss Lane came up this past week.
She smiled. She knew they'd both been bitten, but just didn't know where to scratch.
"So what did you do with the picture? Do you still have it?"
He paused and turned to look at her.
"No. I, uh…sneaked into her apartment last night and dropped it off."
Chloe shot him a confused look.
"Dropped it off? What'd ya mean? You didn't just put it back in the box, did you? Because if you did, she's gonna think she's losing her mind when she finds it there."
"No. Uh. No." He paused and cleared his throat. "I sorta ordered some lilies and left them and the picture with a note telling her to meet me here at two o'clock today."
She closed her eyes and tried to make sense of that statement as a confused grin found its way on her face.
Why would Clark Kent do anything so…nice? And for Lois Lane? If he couldn't see it, then she was about to point it out to him.
"Okay…let me get this straight. You took her lilies, her favorite flower, left the picture and a note?"
He smiled sheepishly and shoved his hands farther in his pockets.
"Yeah."
"Okay. First of all, where did you get the lilies this time of year? I know they don't have them down at the Main Street Florist right now."
He kept his head down as he answered.
"Germany."
Chloe's mouth fell open. Nope. He definitely never did anything like that for Lana or her parents.
"Germany! Why Germany?"
He walked back and nervously sat on the couch, turning to face her.
"I got them from a florist online in Heidelberg. It's where her dad got her mom's lilies." He paused and shifted back away from her. "You know, the ones she's holding in the picture."
Right. Of course. She closed her eyes and smiled. And if it was possible, she loved him even more.
She sighed and looked at him.
"So…do you like her?"
The silence spoke volumes. That's when she knew.
"I don't know."
The three little words that every girl usually hated to hear. But not now.
"Right. So all of this has just been something nice for a friend?"
"No."
That was answered a little too quickly.
"So, it wasn't something nice or she's not your friend?"
He jumped back up and ran both hands through his hair this time. Doubly frustrated. Never a good sign.
"No, Chloe. I don't know. I don't know what's going on. Everything has surprised me this week. I don't want to feel what I'm feeling, but I do. I don't know what it is, but something has changed. Something…for her." He paused and walked to the window, resting his hand on the windowsill. "And I just…I just want her to be happy."
Chloe smiled and slowly stood. She took a deep breath and crossed her arms.
She knew the day would come when he would love someone other than Lana. They were never meant to be. Everyone could see that. She just always hoped she would be next in line.
She'd done a lot of thinking over the past few days, too. Mostly about why she was gradually getting over him. It'd been a long time coming, she knew that. But she could handle it. It just surprised her that she could.
She should've been jealous. And part of her was, but not in a malicious 'he's mine, not yours' kind of way.
No, this was more of 'I wish I could have a love like that'.
She slowly walked to him by the window and placed a hand on his arm.
"Then make her happy, Clark."
He turned to her as she looked up at him and smiled. He grinned from ear to ear as he pulled her into a hug.
They both understood.
She didn't want to let go. He had asked her last night to go to the cemetery with him and Lois later. She had agreed, but somehow, now it didn't seem right.
She pulled away and looked up at him.
"Listen…I don't think I'm gonna be able to make it with the two of you to the cemetery later." She paused as he looked at her confused. "I mean, I just have so much work to catch up on back in Metropolis. And going back to the place that was meant to be my place of eternal rest only a year ago still creeps me out a little."
She wasn't going to mention the fact that she broke down there earlier. And she certainly wasn't going to say that it would be better if Lois and Clark were alone there. No, she didn't want to push it too much.
Oh great. He looked disappointed. But she wouldn't cave. The days of falling for Clark Kent were over. For the most part. He was still her best friend and confidante. She'd be there for him til the end.
He slowly nodded his head.
She glanced at her watch. It was nearly two o'clock. Lois would be there soon.
"Oh, hey. It's almost two. I'd better get going before she gets here."
She'd almost turned to leave when he grabbed her arm and stopped her.
"No, wait, Chloe."
She gasped at his sudden touch.
"Please stay. It might be easier with you here when she shows up."
Stay? Oh, how could she resist. One glance at those baby blues always got her.
"Sure."
"Thanks." They swapped smiles as he motioned to the stairs. "Let's head on inside. I'm gettin' a little hungry."
She followed him down the stairs, out of the barn and into the house.
She wasn't sure why, but the closer she got to the house, the more nervous and excited she became. She was so happy for Clark. But part of her was even happier for Lois. If only they could see how much they needed each other.
"Hey, Chloe."
"Hi, Mrs. Kent."
She loved how she always got warm fuzzies every time she opened that creaky wooden screen door. She loved this family as if they were her own.
"Do you want some lunch, Chloe? We're just finishing up, but I can leave it out if you're hungry."
The Kents were sitting on the barstools at the kitchen island. Mrs. Kent was busily putting the lids back on the pickle jars while Mr. Kent attempted to fix another sandwich before she put everything away.
She should've been hungry. She'd driven all morning from Metropolis to get back to Smallville to make sure the memorial looked okay. Forgetting all about breakfast, she'd just grabbed her usual cup of coffee before heading out the door. Food was the last thing on her mind, especially after the recent revelations in the loft.
"No, thanks, Mrs. Kent. I can't stay too long. I'm just gonna stick around until Lois shows up."
Mr. Kent turned to Chloe as he shoved his knife in the jar of mayonnaise and slopped it on a piece of bread.
"You know, Chloe…we are more than happy to help pay for this."
Mrs. Kent slid off the barstool and turned to Chloe, smiling.
"Yeah, Chloe. We know it was all Clark's idea, but it was something that we wanted to do, too." She stepped forward and pulled Chloe into a hug. "You and Lois have both done so much for us…" She paused as she pulled away and looked at Chloe. "…And for Clark."
Chloe looked at Clark, who had reached in the fridge for some milk, and smiled. No, her love for him would never die. But it had changed. She wanted to cry, but didn't dare. If Lois walked in and saw her crying, she would immediately demand to know what was going on and who made her little cousin cry. So she held it in.
"Thanks, Mrs. Kent."
Mrs. Kent stepped away from Chloe and crossed her arms as she spoke.
"I know I could never thank you enough for what you've done to help out with this, Chloe. It means so much to me that Clark wanted to do this for Lois' mom. Being a mom myself, that touches me more than any of you will ever know. You, Lana and Lois are all like the daughters I never had, but always wanted. You're each special and unique in your own ways." She moved closer to Chloe and put her hand on her cheek. "And you will all always hold a special place in my heart."
Reaching in the cabinet for a clean glass, Clark looked at Chloe and beamed the Kent smile.
"And mine, too."
Chloe wasn't entirely positive, but she was pretty sure she'd never been happier in her entire life.
There was something in his voice. Something in his smile. It was something she'd silently witnessed over the last few days. A change.
She was beginning to realize that his feelings for Lois were more than his overgrown childhood crush for Lana. They were also more than the deep love of friendship he had for her. No, it was that and so much more.
She hopped on the barstool next to Mr. Kent. She knew Lois sometimes had trouble with punctuality. She hoped this wouldn't be one of those times. The anticipation was killing her.
A soft knock on the screen door. She had arrived.
Mrs. Kent walked to the door and held it open for Lois.
"Oh, hey, Lois." Lois slowly stepped into the kitchen as Mrs. Kent moved to stand next to Mr. Kent. "Lois, have you eaten? We've already had lunch, but I can whip something up for you, if you like?"
Mrs. Kent. Always thinking of everyone else. And always a mom.
"No, thanks, Mrs. Kent. I'm fine."
They didn't mean to. They hadn't planned on it. But, apparently, the excitement and anticipation had gotten to everyone. Smiles were a dime a dozen in the Kent kitchen that Sunday afternoon. And Lois appeared thoroughly freaked out.
"Okay, got your note, Smallville. I'm here. So, what's going on?" Lois paused and looked at each of them. "And what is with the freaky smiles?"
Chloe was the first to move. She got up off the bar stool and stepped closer to Lois. She wrapped her arms tight around her and hugged her.
She was so happy for her cousin. She truly loved her like a sister and would always be there for her until the end. Somehow, she knew now that Clark would do the same.
"I love you, Lois."
"Uh…you aren't possessed again, are you, Chlo? 'Cause if ya are, I want no part of it this time."
Chloe pulled away and smiled, keeping her hands on Lois' shoulders.
"No, I'm not possessed." She smirked and looked back over her shoulder at Clark. "I'm just happy."
Lois had that usual skeptical look plastered on her face.
"Happy? You sure you don't mean drunk?"
And everyone wondered where Chloe got her sarcasm and biting wit.
"No, Lois, I'm not drunk. But, unfortunately, I can't stay. I've gotta get back to Metropolis. I just came by to take care of a few things for a friend." She turned and smiled at Clark, who matched her grin. She turned back to Lois, more serious this time. "But, Lois, I just want you to know…that everything will be okay."
Yep, she was happy. And she knew that Clark was going to make Lois happy, too. If not today…then someday.
Clark set his glass of milk on the counter and nodded his head.
"Okay, all of you are really starting to creep me out, so if someone doesn't start talking soon…"
"Lois…"
"What, Smallville?"
He smiled and sighed.
"We know this week hasn't been the best for you. That's partly my fault."
Lois crossed her arms and cocked her hips to one side, as if waiting for his explanation.
"Okay. You're right. Go on."
He smiled and shook his head.
"So, we've been thinking."
"We? Who's we, Smallville?"
"Chloe, my parents and I."
Oh great. Did he have to drag her into it? This was all his idea.
"Yes, and Lois, we want you to know that this is something we all wanted to do, and we were glad to do it."
Thank goodness for Mr. Kent.
"Glad to do what?" Lois looked at Clark. "What's going on?"
He looked at his parents and Chloe. Chloe smiled and grabbed her keys off the island countertop. She knew that was her cue. And she didn't mind at all.
"Right. Well, I've gotta get going." She reached for Lois and pulled her into another hug. "Just give me a call later, cuz."
"Okay…sure."
Chloe pulled away and walked toward the door. She stopped in the doorway and waved goodbye to her two best friends. For some reason she couldn't stop smiling.
"Bye."
"Uh…bye, Chlo."
She bounded down the old wooden steps and walked across the driveway to her little red car, gravel crunching under her feet the entire way. She hopped in her car and started the engine.
The past week had given her a new perspective on Lois and Clark. A week ago she would've laughed at the mere thought of Lois and Clark together. After all, how many times had she needed to separate them like two little children?
She didn't know what was going to happen. She wasn't sure what could happen. It was one of those things that didn't make sense, yet seemed perfect.
A small part of her always knew she and Clark weren't meant to be. She realized that time does heal pain.
But time also allows love to grow in ways, and people, you never imagined, but always should have known.
THE END