Chapter 8 (Part I)
Clark went into his room and lay down on the bed. All he could do was play back that kiss in his head—that perfect moment in time. What had he done? Had he ruined his one chance? No, he was right for telling her to wait.
For over an hour all he could do was remember the kiss, then the look of incredulity and … hurt? Like the images, he kept replaying the feelings of longing and guilt when, suddenly his phone rang. He reached over and answered absently, "Hello."
"Clark, you okay? I thought you would be in a good mood. Didn't Lois like the pictures?" Chloe asked in rapid fire succession, her reporter instincts coming in at full force.
"Chloe, what are you doing now?" Clark asked robotically.
"Nothing, you can come over if you want. Lana went out with Lex and I'm not expecting her back anytime soon." Chloe replied sensing Clark needed to talk.
"I'll be right there." Clark said hanging up the phone. He ran at super-speed to Chloe's door and immediately knocked.
"Beam me up Scotty." Chloe replied when she opened the door. "Clark you must have run at warp speed, you've never made the run to Metropolis in less than five minutes before. Didn't Lois like the portraits? What's wrong? Did …"
"Chloe hold on, Lois loved the portraits. Here is yours by the way." Clark said quickly, interrupting Chloe.
"Thank you Clark. If she loved the gift, then what's wrong?" Chloe asked sensing Clark was in turmoil. "Sit down Clark and start from the beginning."
"If it's all right, I'd rather stand," Clark said distractedly. "Chloe, we're friends right?"
"Yes Clark you're my best friend," Chloe replied worry creeping into her voice. "Why?"
"I need to ask you something … personal." Clark said timidly. "Is that okay?"
"Sure Clark, anything you want." Chloe replied wondering where this was going.
"Do you still … umm … lo…love me?" Clark asked getting quieter with each word.
"What! Clark why are you asking me this? What happened?" Chloe replied much more severely than she meant to.
"Chloe, I need to know if you still harbor those types of feelings for me." Clark begged
"Clark, I will always love you but I understand that we were not meant to be… romantically speaking." Chloe replied honestly. Then the implication hit her. She asked quickly, "Did something happen between you and Lois? Is that what this is all about?"
"Chloe is it all right if something did happen?" Clark asked quietly.
"Clark, I've known there was something between you and Lois since the homecoming pep rally senior year." Chloe replied laughing. "Actually, not only do I approve but I think it's wonderful."
"What do you mean? There was nothing between Lois and me then. Why does everybody think there was?" Clark asked heatedly.
"Whoa Clark… there was a … vibe, for lack of a better word. It was like a connection was created between you both. I first saw it right after she dunked you at the pep rally. And what do you mean everybody?" Chloe replied taking a seat.
"Well, for starters, Lana. She once remarked on my relationship with Lois and I told her I couldn't stand Lois, that she was bossy and stuck-up. Then she said, 'the best ones always start that way.'" Clark said distractedly.
"All I can tell you Clark is I sensed a connection and that connection has only gotten stronger. Truthfully, I encouraged it." Chloe said emphatically.
"Do you mean, what I think you mean? Is that why you always teamed me up with Lois?" Clark asked incredulously.
"Yes." Chloe replied quietly and then quickly added, "But, you two do make a great team. You each compliment the other so well; you two are like ying and yang, different but the same."
Clark thought about this for a couple minutes and then said "I think you're right." A brilliant Kent smile broke out on his face, then disappeared as soon as it arrived. "Chloe, I think I made a big mistake."