A/N: Nope, I didn't abandon this story. I just put it on hold for a bit. But, I'm back. So, if you're still around, reading this, enjoy this next chapter! Please R&R! Thanks!

Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters.

Chapter 4: Despair:

"Chloe was a beautiful person inside and out. She was never dull, never a bore to be around. She brought a light with her everywhere she went, you know what I mean? She-" Clark choked up. He paused for a second, staring through teary eyes at his sombre audience. "She didn't deserve this… she didn't." He stopped again, realizing that this train of thought would lead him to break down. "Chloe was my best friend. She was there for me through some really tough times. She was the greatest friend I could have ever asked for, anyone could have asked for. And there is no replacing her, ever." Clark stopped; crying freely, he stepped off the pew. Lois was there waiting for him. She put an arm around him and guided him to sit down.

A priest took Clark's place and spoke, "Thank you, son, those were some beautiful words. Mr. Luthor would you like to say a few words as well?"

Everyone turned to Lex, sitting in the front row, holding baby Diana in his arms. Lex looked up suddenly as if he hadn't been paying attention at all. But he had heard every word.

Lex slowly stood up, taking the baby up along with him. He stood there at the pew for a minute in silence. Letting people see a rare sight, an un-composed Lex Luthor. He looked sick; he had a yellow tint to his skin. There were tearstain tracks down his face. He looked to be only a shadow of the man he was before this.

Finally, he spoke, "This is my daughter, mine and Chloe's." He held up Diana for everyone to see. Then he cradled her in his arms and continued while looking down at his daughter. "Before Chloe… before she… The last words I heard her speak were this little girl's name. Diana, Chloe had called her." He looked up at everyone with a piercing blue eyed gaze. "How am I supposed to even raise her? I didn't sign up for this alone? We were supposed to do this together, Chloe! How am I supposed to do this alone? I can't- I can't-" Lex broke down, tears overwhelming him.

Martha Kent rushed to his side, as did Clark. She put her arms around Lex. "You won't Lex. You won't be alone. We'll help you," she told him adamantly.

He looked up at her with glistening eyes.

"We'll be there," Clark assured.

Together they guided Lex back to his seat.

Lex sat silently in the limo as it drove him home. He couldn't really contemplate anything at the moment. So, he just stared blankly out the window, not seeing anything, not feeling anything either. He was just numb.

"Son," he distantly heard. He didn't respond until someone shook him and said, "Son, we're home."

Lex slowly turned his head to see who had disturbed his nothingness. It was his father. All he could think was, 'what was his father doing here? He didn't even like him.'

"Come on Lex, let's get you two inside," said another voice. Lex turned to see Martha Kent sitting next to his daughter's car seat.

It took him a second longer than normal to comprehend what they were saying, until he finally mumbled, "Ok."

Lionel climbed out first and waited for his son. Lex followed very slowly. Martha got out the other side with little baby Diana's car seat in hand. Lionel took the car seat from Martha, leaving Martha free to put a comforting hand on Lex's shoulder.

"Let's go inside, Lex. Clark and Lois are already in there," Martha informed Lex kindly.

The three of them walked inside, tiny baby in tow. Lex walked along not really seeing. Not really living.

They made it to Lex's study to see Clark standing next to a window staring outside. Lois was sitting on the couch her fingers steepled against her chin staring off in contemplation. They looked clam and peaceful, but their bloodshot eyes told you a different story. As soon as they saw Lex enter the room they were at his side immediately.

"Lex, how are you doing? Do you need anything?" Clark asked his best friend eagerly.

Lex stared at Clark blankly.

"I can get you something to eat or drink if you'd like," Lois offered.

Martha sent the pair a 'cool it' look. And both instantly quieted down.

"I think what Lex needs is rest," Lionel suggested.

"All right, well I made sure Diana's nursery is ready for her first night home," Lois assured Lex.

Lex glanced at his sleeping daughter. "Thank you," he mumbled.

Lois and Clark shared a nervous look at Lex's despondent-ness. They'd never seen him like this.

"Well… good night then. We'll be by tomorrow," Clark told his friend. Clark glanced at his mother to see if she was coming.

"I'm going to stay here tonight, help Lex with Diana," Martha told them. "You two head back to the house."

Clark nodded and started out of the room.

"Good night," Lois said quickly before going after Clark.

The room went silent in their wake. Lex went over to his bar and poured himself a drink. He didn't take a sip, though. He took it with him to the couch and cradled it in his hands.

Martha and Lionel stared at Lex in concern. They hoped this detachment he was experiencing would wear off in time.

"Well," Lionel said abruptly, causing both Martha and Lex to look his way. "If you'll be staying the night, Martha, I'll have a room prepared for you close to Diana's."

"Thank you, Lionel," Martha stated gratefully.

Lionel nodded and left the room. All the moving around and talking was causing Diana to stir.

"Oh, oh, look who's waking up," Martha cooed. Martha picked up the child in her arms and sat next to Lex.

He stared at his daughter dazedly.

"She really is a beautiful little girl," Martha commented.

"Mmm…"

"Would you like to hold her?" she asked.

"No," Lex said quickly.

"But Lex, she's your-"

"I said no!" he said gruffly, regretting it a second later. He let out a sad sigh. "I just can't right now. I… I just need a little time."

Martha nodded. "Not too much time, Lex," she told him firmly. "This little girl needs you."

He was about to reply, when Lionel returned. "The room's ready."

Martha stood up. "All right, thank you Lionel." With a second glance at Lex she left the room with Lionel and Diana.

"Chloe needed me too," Lex announced.

Well, that's it for now. Pretty sad, huh? This chapter made me sad just writing it. But I hope you enjoyed it anyway. I know I'm going to get a few people hating me for this chapter. But, this is only one part of the whole story.

Anyways, thanks to my 3 reviewers: LoveMeMore; lily94; and TPolTucker.

Next chapter: Life goes on? How does Lex cope without Chloe and a new little baby to raise?