Ch 2

Jonathan busied himself washing the breakfast dishes, trying to get his mind off the conversation they had just had over breakfast. He knew he shouldn't feel bad about being the last one to find out, but he did. He couldn't help but feel hurt in a way. He thought Clark felt like he could tell him anything, but apparently that wasn't the case.

"Jonathan, I think that plate is clean now." Martha teased softly.

"What? " Jonathan answered the far-away look fading from his eyes. He then looked down at the dish he was absently scrubbing. "Oh, here you go."

"The fact that Clark told me first is bothering you, isn't it." Martha said. Jonathan tried to ignore her question by reaching for another piece to wash. "Don't try to shrug it off you were washing that last plate for about five minutes."

Jonathan looked slightly embarrassed he hadn't realized he had been so caught up in his own thoughts.

"I couldn't sleep this morning so I got up to check on everyone." Martha started. "I didn't see Clark in his room, so I went out to the barn to check on him. He was just standing there looking at the sunrise; then I saw him shiver."

Jonathan instantly looked worried upon hearing this. He didn't know why Clark would be shivering. "Is he okay?"

"Yeah, he says he fine." Martha answered soothingly. "He said he was just thinking about Lex. I think this whole ordeal with Lex is really affected him. He said Lex wasn't upset about Clark being different, but that he lied to him."

Jonathan gave her a sympathetic look as he answered, "I know Clark hates to lie to people, but is just necessary in his case. He just can't go around telling everyone." He handed a glass to Martha before continuing. "I'm surprised you weren't more concerned about him telling Chloe."

"You've seen how she looks at Clark. She would do anything to help him." Martha put the now dry glass in the cupboard. "Something else interesting happened while I was talking to Clark earlier."

Jonathan raised an eyebrow. What else could have happened?

"When Clark mentioned telling someone, I assumed he meant Lana." Martha answered taking another plate from Jonathan. "I told him I didn't think it was a good idea. He instantly replied back that wasn't who he was talking about."

"That certainly is unusual."

Martha had a twinkle in her eye as she continued, "I think our son's heart may be changing course."

-------------

Peter and Clark settled into the loft area. Peter's ribs were healing but they were still quite sore. Walking up the stairs was still not a very easy task, but he had accomplished it without too much effort. They had been talking for a little while before Peter brought up the subject of Lex. "What are you going to do about Lex? You can't avoid him forever. This isn't exactly New York City out here."

"I don't know." Clark shook his head. "I guess that is a curse of a small town." Clark decided to change the subject, it was still painful to him. "What are you going to do about Harry?"

Peter had completely forgotten about Harry for a while with all the things that had happened since his visit here. "He's getting the care he needs now. Hopefully, when he gets out we can be friends again."

"You doubt that is possible though, don't you." Clark stated.

"Yeah," Peter shook his head sadly. "I didn't have time to explain that he was wrong about what happened to his father because MJ was in danger. I don't know if he would believe him even if I told him. He says been so angry at Spiderman for so long, I don't know if he can let it go."

"I hope it works out for you." Clark answered just as a car could be heard driving into the driveway.

A few moments later Pete bounded up the stairs into the loft with a wide grin plastered across his face.

Clark had to smile at the look on his friend's face. "What's got you in such a good mood today?"

"I just had to come over here and tell you that I went out on a date last night with Erica Johnson last night." He then turned to Peter, "She is only one of the hottest girls in Smallville."

Peter laughed and then grabbed his side groaning slightly, "Oh, don't make me laugh."

Pete got a confused look on his face and began looking between Peter and Clark for an answer. "I had a bad encounter with a metal pole and my ribs paid the price."

"What happened?" Pete asked concerned.

"Our trip over to Lex's didn't exactly go the way we planned it," Clark responded. "It went the way he did."

"You mean he set you up?" Pete asked his voice rising in anger. "I've tried to tell you about him, man."

"Pete calm down and we'll tell you about it." Clark said motioned with his hands for Pete to sit down.

Pete's eyes went wide as he listened. After Peter and Clark were finished Pete was silent for a moment before asking. "What happened to Eric?"

Clark and Peter lowered their eyes and were quiet for a moment. Clark finally answered, "I don't know, when we left he was unconscious. I don't know if he…."

"Man, you can't feel bad about that." Pete stated seeing they way Clark acted. "Eric was crazy and came after you."

"I know, Pete." Clark sighed. "I still can't help feeling somewhat responsible."

"And you actually think Lex set it all up?" Pete asked uncertain.

"Yeah," Clark responded dejected. "I know he did. I confronted him about it."

Pete looked at Clark anxiously "And.. what happened?"

Clark sighed heavily. He knew Pete was going to get upset. "I found out Lex knows ."

"What?" Pete nearly screamed as he suddenly stood up. "How?"

Clark looked up at Pete. "He saw Peter and I fight in New York."

"Oh, man. That's bad" Pete said his face dropping as he fell back into the chair.

"He doesn't know about the Green K?" Pete asked cautiously. "Does he?"

Clark didn't even look at Pete as he answered he just nodded his head.

Peter knew this was a sensitive subject, but he thought that Pete should know. "Clark, tried to get out without telling Lex anything and he didn't take it to well."

"He didn't…" Pete said looking at Peter.

"Yeah."

"What are you going to do?" Peter asked Clark worriedly.

"I don't know."