-1Chapter 2-Lana
She awoke to the annoying beeping of her alarm clock. With a grunt she rolled over and touched the snooze. It was six in the morning, she needed to get out of bed and start getting ready for school. A yawn escaped her lips as she swung her legs from under the warm covers. She stood and shivered when her bare feet touched the cool wooden floor of her apartment.
She lived in the apartment above the local café, The Talon. She owned it so to speak... Her heartless, jerk of a boyfriend, Lex owned it. She merely ran it, supplied it, managed it, paid its bills. Short of her name as the soul owner of the Talon, Lex had a say in what happened.
It outright made her stomach turn at the thought of him having any say in what happens with the Talon. She couldn't stand to see it torn down if she didn't run it. The Talon actually made good money, the only reason it was still standing was Lex used it for blackmail.
The Talon was where her parents had met and fell in love. It was the only thing left in Smallville to remind her of where she was from, and who her family is. Her aunt Nell had left with her hubby over a year ago, when she first started dating Lex. Nell had believed she'd left her in good hands, but it was soon after that Lex showed his real colors.
If she didn't stay with Lex, he was going to tear the building down and make sure she never worked in Smallville or any neighboring cities, even states. She was trapped in a loveless relationship and it was slowly tearing her apart.
She got into the shower and sighed as the steamy water warmed her skin. This was her favorite part of the day, when she could simply relax in the warmth of her bathroom. She'd finished washing up and stepped out. She cursed as she heard her alarm clock continue to beep away.
She bustled around her apartment once she was dressed. Her homework still lay strewn on her bar. A knock came at her door as she tossed her books into her backpack. She knew who it was. Her only friends, Chloe and Pete didn't meet up with her until their school bus reached the school. She always got there early enough to greet them.
"I know you're still in there." Lex called through the door. If she didn't open it, he would just use his key. She scratched her forehead in an attempt to get rid of the growing headache. She opened the door, standing to block his way.
It didn't stop him as he forced his way in. It never did, if Lex wanted in, he was getting in.
"Morning beautiful." He said smiling down at her.
She fought the urge to gag at his 'cute' words. "What do you want?" She asked going over to her bar to get her backpack so she could leave and go to school. At least for those eight hours she was free from him.
"I came to give you a ride to school. What kind of loving boyfriend would I be if I didn't?" He asked.
"One I could stand." She replied.
He acted hurt at her words, but he was used to her cold and heartless comments she sent his way. He knew she didn't love him the way he loved her. But as long as the Talon was in his name, she was his. "Don't be that way." He said, grabbing her arm as she tried to get past.
She tried to pull away but he held her tight. "Let me go Lex." She said.
He smiled and pulled her close, forcing his lips on her. She struggled against his strong arms, finally gaining the edge to pull away. Once her face was far enough away, she slapped him with all her might. His head whipped to the side from the force of her palm against his cheek. He couldn't control the laughter that escaped him.
"Go to school and be a good girl." He said releasing her arm.
She pulled back in disgust. "Go to hell." She said brushing past him and out her door. Once she was on the sidewalk she finally let out a sigh of relief. She was safe, at least until the end of school.
Chloe and Pete stepped off the school bus to see Lana waiting for them as usual. As they got closer they noticed the worn look on her face. Pete and Chloe looked at each other and exchanged a silent conversation with one word: Lex.
"Morning guys." Lana said greeting them. They put on their brave faces and smiled.
"Morning Lana." Pete said as they made their way through the school crowd and into Smallville High.
It was midway through their junior year. The winter had come and gone and now spring was on its way. The trio reached their lockers and stood chatting, until the bell rang for first block. For the first half of the day they all shared classes. It was a comforting thought for Lana that her friends were always nearby. At least they knew part of the truth with Lex.
Chloe was the editor of the school newspaper, The Torch. Pete worked for Chloe and they had been dating for the past two years. Lana was jealous of their peaceful and happy relationship. She longed for something like that, only she was trapped and in need of help.
However, Lana knew that Chloe had connections with the press and other high beings. If she knew the way Lex treated her not only would she have a field day, but Pete would try to hurt Lex. She only told them enough to understand why she was depressed or crying.
Never enough to go overboard and try to save her.
She knew in her heart that one day she would find a way out. Until that day, she needed to fight off Lex and his advances. She prayed for salvation to be near. She didn't know how long she could last against him.