Chapter 11

Two weeks had gone by since Chloe and Clark's visit to Crater Lake and here she was buried in work at The Torch. She wanted the last issue under her regime to be the best there had ever been. She was really going to miss being editor. Right now she was on top, but working at the Daily Planet meant she was starting back at the bottom again.

Only one week left before school was out for the seniors. It was hard to believe how fast the years had gone by. When she was in the midst of it, it seemed like an eternity before she would get out in the world and put her stamp on it, but now that it was time to close the book on this part of her life, sadness overwhelmed her. She was going to miss Smallville High and being able to see Clark everyday.

Clark had chosen to go to Central Kansas Universityto stay close to the farm andhelp out his parents out while she received acceptance at her dream college, Met U. Even with Clark's super abilities Chloe still wouldn't get to see him as much as she did now. Both of them would be busy with school, homework, and jobs. She was going to be working at the Daily Planet and Clark would be helping his parents with the farm. She sighed heavily. She was afraid that absence in their case wouldn't make the heart grow fonder, but would allow Clark time to forget she even existed. Chloe still wasn't sure if she was just a stand in for Lana. She knew one of Clark's biggest fears was being alone. It wouldn't surprise her in the least if that was why Clark wanted to date her.

Chloe did feel rather special that she knew Clark's secret and Lana didn't. That privilege alone didn't mean anything other than friendship was necessary, but still it made her feel special. Even though she and Clark were dating and hadn't made a conscious effort to hide it, no one really knew except his parents. She really had intended to tell Lana last week when they went to see a movie together, but Lana had begun talking about all the problems she was having with Jason and how she wished she had given Clark more of a chance. Chloe couldn't make herself say anything about her and Clark, afraid she would regret it later when Lana decided she wanted to be with Clark. All Lana had to do was crook her finger and Clark would fall into line and do whatever Lana wanted. The last thing she wanted from Lana was sympathy and she definitely didn't want to be Clark's default because Lana wasn't available.

Chloe looked up as she heard the door open. Clark quickly entered and shut the door before deftly turning the lock. "Finally, I have you alone!" Chloe's heart beat a frantic tattoo against her breast. Clark looked absolutely gorgeous in his blue plaid shirt and faded jeans. She watched him with wide eyes as he threw his books down on his desk and walked over to her with determination. He sat on the edge of her desk and grabbed her hand, pulled her to her feet and straight into his arms.

Clark had missed Chloe so much the last two weeks. Yeah, they had seen one another, but it was always with company. When she came to his house his parents made sure they didn't have a moment alone and at school the teachers frowned on making out in the hallway. The best they were able to accomplish was to hold hands and a light peck on the cheek. He couldn't wait to really kiss her…it had been two whole weeks! Clark looked into Chloe's eyes and smiled before cupping her face in his hands and placing his lips on hers. The kiss was slow and sweet. Clark pulled back to look at her. Chloe's eyes were closed and her lips parted. "God, I've missed you, Chloe!" Clark's voice was raspy and low. His large hands wrapped around her tiny waist and pulled her flush against his body. He moved in again, opening his mouth over hers. She melted against him, wrapping her arms around his neck and tilting her head to fit their mouths more closely together. Clark's hand moved up her back and firmly, but gently held Chloe's neck while the other spread out at the small of her back.

All of Chloe's fears and doubts were forgotten as Clark's soft, full mouth moved over hers. Her small hands fisted in his hair and her body moved closer. She wanted them to just meld together. She couldn't get close enough. She still couldn't believe they were dating. Clark's lips left her mouth to move across her cheek, behind her ear and down to her neck. Chloe could feel his chest rumble as he growled deep in his throat. She lost all conscious thought about where they were and threw back her head to let out a moan.

Lana wanted to talk to Chloe. Jason was keeping secrets from her and she didn't like it one bit. She was thinking seriously about breaking up with him, but she wanted to talk to Chloe first. She wasn't sure but she thought there was something going on between her and Clark. She didn't want to break up with Jason if she didn't have a chance with Clark. She would try to work it out with Jason. The problem was she realized a little too late that she still had feelings for Clark and he may have moved on.

Lana headed toward The Torch office. It was where Chloe usually hung out during the lunch hour. She knew that Chloe was in love with Clark, but Lana found it hard to believe that Clark wasn't just using Chloe to get back at her. He was devastated when she came back from Paris with a boyfriend in tow. Lana was hoping that when he saw she was still interested, they could rekindle their relationship.

Reaching out to grab the door to The Torch, Lana twisted it. It was locked. Maybe Chloe hadn't come to The Torch after all. Then, Lana heard a moan from inside the office. Chloe! She must be hurt! Some meteor freak must have gotten to her. In a panic, Lana started rattling the doorknob. "Chloe? Chloe? Are you okay?"