Disclaimer: read Chapter 1 for a complete disclaimer.

Here's the second installment to whet your appetite for more !

CHAPTER 12: Close Call

Lex had stayed awake most of the night, watching Chloe sleep. Despite his deep sense of guilt, he found satisfaction in the fact that his presence seemed to have a soothing effect on Chloe's grief. She had certainly surprised him by falling asleep after her silent crying. What's more, there had been a couple of times during the night in which he had felt inclined to sit on her bed and hug her- not so much to comfort her as to find comfort in her arms. His appearance of cool detachment had often driven people to turn to him in search of someone strong and confident to see then through difficult times, but they seemed to forget that he was also human. Luthors weren't allowed to appear weak in front of common men- and Lex was tired of the curse of being a Luthor.

At about seven o'clock in the morning, Chloe woke up to find a recently showered and shaved Lex still sitting in the armchair he had occupied the whole night.

" Hey, " said a sleepy Chloe. " You don't need to watch over me like an eagle. I'm fine. "

" I'm glad you could sleep a few hours in a row, " responded Lex with a small smile. " Can I get you something ? I've made coffee, but I could bring you a glass of orange juice instead, " he offered. " What's up ? Are you going to be sick again ? " he asked, seeing her blanch.

" Mm... step aside, Lex, " said Chloe, climbing out of bed and heading straight to the bathroom.

" Hello, Bruce. Listen, about the contract... I won't be able to make it this morning. Yes ... that'd be fine. No, I'll stay here only if she wants me to, Bruce. Yes, I know... mm ... Yes, my stuff's at the hotel. I was planning on going to the police station today to see what they've got. Gordon ? Do you trust this guy ? You know my experience with the police hasn't been that good, and you must be aware that half of the Metropolis Department's on my father's payroll so... what can I say ? Don't ask me to be patient, Wayne ! We're talking about someone who is killing the most important people in my life. I ... " said Lex enraged.

" Lex... " whined Chloe, opening the bathroom door.

" Listen, Bruce, I've got to go. We'll be in touch. I know... thanks. Bye, " he said to Wayne before walking towards Chloe. " What is it ? Are you OK ? "

" Could you take me to hospital, Lex ? " she asked with tears in her eyes.

" What happens, Chloe ? "

" Just take me to Gotham Memorial, Lex. Do you know where it is ? " she asked, grabbing her coat and purse.

" Sure, " he answered.

" Hurry up, Lex ! I'm not feeling at all well, " she added before fainting in Lex's arms.

" Chloe, stay awake, damn it ! " exclaimed Lex on the drive to the hospital. " Tell me, what have you eaten ? "

" Nothing. "

" What were you doing in the bathroom while I was on the phone ? "

" What do you think ? Throwing up. "

" When was the last time you ate ? "

" Yesterday morning. "

" What did you eat ? "

" Steak and steamed vegetables, Lex. This isn't food-poisoning, " she stated.

" How can you be sure ? " asked Lex nervously. " What did you drink with lunch yesterday ? "

" Juice. Lex, I know for certain it isn't the food, " she responded the moment he parked in front of the ER entrance.

" We'll see what the doctors have to say, " he said matter-of-factly, opening the passenger''s door to help her get out of the car. " Easy... Mind your head. Now... let me... put your arms round my shoulders, Chloe, " he said, lifting her up.

" I think I can... walk, Lex. "

" Do as I say, Chloe. I don't want you to faint again and crack your stubborn skull against the pavement, " he chided her.

" Who's stubborn ? " she murmured and then, passed away in his arms again.

" I need a doctor asap ! " he exclaimed at the ER.

" What's happened to her ? " asked a physician.

" She's been vomiting since yesterday afternoon, as far as I know. She hasn't eaten anything in the last twenty-four hours. Her last meal was steak with steamed vegetables and juice. According to her, she hasn't taken anything, " he explained, lowering her on a gurney. " I think it might be food-poisoning. "

" I believe we can rule that out, " stated the doctor seriously, looking at Lex's blood-stained shirt sleeves.

" She's hurt. I ... " muttered a baffled Lex.

" Call obstetrics, Sarah. Tell them it's urgent, " the doctor ordered an intern. " Sir, stay here. Nurse Jones, will you help him fill in the forms ? " he instructed.

" Who's the head of obstetrics ? I want to speak with him, " said Lex gravely.

" He's coming down right now, sir. Don't worry. Gotham Memorial's got the best professionals in the city. Your wife'll be all right. "

" Lex ? " called Chloe, coming round and stretching out her hand to grab his arm.

" Everything'll be all right, Chloe, " he soothed her, squeezing her hand, and touching her face lightly.

Lex couldn't believe his short-sightedness- the vomiting, the tears when she had come out of the bathroom, and her insistence that she was certain it wasn't food-poisoning screamed ' pregnancy '. He prayed she did not miscarry because, in his emotional state, he did not know if he would be able to handle the situation.

" Good morning, Mr Luthor, " a middle-aged obstetrician greeted him. " I'm Dr Stevens. "

" Good morning, doctor. How is she ? " he asked nervously.

" Relax. Your wife's fine. Both are fine, " stated the doctor, placing a hand on his shoulder.

" She isn't my wife, doctor. "

" Oh... I'm sorry... I thought... I saw her name in the form and since your last name's also Luthor and you too are wearing a wedding band... "

" It's OK, doctor. I'm her brother-in-law, " responded Lex.

" Is your brother in town, Mr Luthor ? "

" I'm afraid not, doctor. He's recently passed away. "

" I'm sorry to hear that. You see... in her state... I couldn't get much out of her. Now I understand. She's three months pregnant and that's a vulnerable stage. She's been under a lot of stress and the bleeding is understandable. She was fortunate not to have miscarried. However, if she wants to prevent a similar incident, she'll have to rest and keep away from stressful situations. "

"I'll see to that. "

" Does she work ? "

" Yes, she's a reporter at the local newspaper. "

" Well, I'd advise her to take a leave of absence of... I'd say two months to begin with. Then her doctor'll see her progress and tell her what course of action should be taken. For the time being, I'd like to keep her under observation for forty-eight hours. If she were another patient, I'd discharge her after twenty-four hours but, on account of the circumstances, we'll make it two days, Mr Luthor. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got a round to make. "

" Certainly, doctor. Have a good day. "

Chloe thanked God Lex had stayed in the apartment that night, because she wasn't sure she'd have made it to the hospital in time. The Lord in his infinite wisdom had chosen to spare them both the ordeal of having to deal with a miscarriage on top of everything else. She had been scared witless of losing the baby, the only portion of Lucas that was still alive.

" May I ? " said Lex from the doorway.

" Come in, Lex, " she said smiling faintly. " I'm sorry I didn't tell you about the pregnancy. "

" You had a lot on your mind, Chloe, " he answered, sitting on her bed. " Did he know ? "

" We... we were supposed to talk about it that night, " answered Chloe with misty eyes. " If we hadn't had that fallout at dinner the day before... "

" You made my brother a very happy man, Chloe. I saw it on his face every time he talked about you. You should have no regrets... "

" I should have told him about the baby before but... he was changed. There was something bothering him, and I couldn't tell what it was. I thought he felt neglected because of my job, but he denied it. He said it had nothing to do with us. He seemed to be worried about the lifestyle he could give me, although he knew I couldn't care less for material possessions. I feel guilty, Lex. "

" You shouldn't. If there's anyone who should feel guilty, it is me. I couldn't do anything to save him. But I promise... I'll find whoever's done this and justice'll be served. "

Well ... have you suspected Chloe's condition before reading this final chapter ? What are your views on the leading characters' dynamics so far ? If you're hungry for a new installment... you know what you've got to do !