Author's Note...

Unfortunately, this chapter is very boring, especially compared to the last one. I promise Chapter 21 is a lot more exciting... Jason comes back!!

Thanks again to Annie for beta-ing. Thanks, reviewers, for sticking this one out with me. It's almost done, I promise.
If I had known from the beginning how he plot would turn out, I would have changed so many things. But, as it stands, you'll have to bear with me.

On her way back to the Talon, Lex passed Kaitlyn on the road; apparently, she wasn't driving at a speed that suited his taste. As disheartening as it was to find him at the coffee shop when she arrived, she was distracted enough to ignore him for a moment when Tatiana ran up to her, urgently demanding to know what had happened. "I even tried callin' yo cell phone; it was off! You had me so worried a minute ago."

"I'll tell you what happened, but let's sit at a different table." There was no need for Brooke, sitting at their old table with Brett, to here this. They sat down at a small table with two chairs against the far wall, away from the noisy students. Kaitlyn related the story of the car chase quickly, trying to leave Lex out of the conversation as much as possible. "This on top of everything else, T. It's just been another one of those awful days," she whispered, fearing that her voice would break if she talked any louder. She rested her head in her hands, completely drained of any energy.

"Start from da beginnin', and tell me everythin'. We'll work through this, 'kay?"

Kaitlyn launched into a story of the day's events: convincing her parents to let her come home—which earned praise from Tatiana for putting her crying to good use—and being shot—to which her friend had reacted by asking if she was fine; had she healed? Was she okay? Was she sure?

Kaitlyn glanced around uneasily for people who might listen in. "Shh! Not so loud, T." She nervously looked at Lex, who was at the back counter and talking to Lana while paying no attention to Kaitlyn. That was a bit of a relief. Good, he's not listening. "Yeah, I'm fine, but when we got home, Mom declared that I wasn't allowed to get an abortion," she said bitterly. Leaning in to talk more quietly, she added, "She's a total pro-lifer. Wouldn't even give me a chance to change her mind."

"Dat is so unfair of her. Dude, if dat happened to me, I'd lie and say I was raped. Dat would convince anyone to think twice."

She tried not to stiffen at the mention of "rape." "Yeah, T, anyone but my mom." "Andrew would be twenty-three in two months." Sniff, cry, she thought mockingly. "Besides, what would I say when she asked who it was?" Another nervous scan of the room. She noticed Chloe, a few tables away, looking at her and tried to smile. It ended up looking like a grimace.

Kaitlyn was still weirded out by the fact that she should have a brother. Would he have been a good role model? A slob? Someone who she could look at and say, "I'm never doing that"? Maybe she wouldn't have gotten into the party scene because of a protective older brother. Then she wouldn't be in this mess. Mothers, making life as difficult as possible for us, even before we're born. Thanks, Mom.

A nagging voice in the back of her head sneered. Hypocrite. You're wishing Mom didn't get an abortion, but you still insist on one for yourself. Selfish.

This situation is completely different; I'm not selfish or a hypocrite! she told it.

"Making life difficult before we're born"? the voice spit back, a hiss in its voice that made Kaitlyn wondered if it was a snake. You're trying to kill you baby before it even has a chance to see the light of day. How's that for making life difficult? You're bitter at Mom but completely excuse yourself. Tell me how that isn't a double-standard.

When she tried to find words to fight back, Kaitlyn found that she didn't have anything to say. It all made sense in her mind, but articulating those feelings was a completely different story. It, she insisted, is not a baby.

You didn't answer me.

You're a voice in my head. I shouldn't have to answer you.

So that's how you justify yourself? Just hearing voices, not your conscience.

Get out of my head!

You're making a big mistake, the voice hissed as it slithered away.

"Katie?" Tatiana asked worriedly. "Are yo okay?"

"Huh?"

"Yo jes, like, zoned out for a minute. It was freaky; yo looked real upset."

"Oh. Yeah, I'm fine. What were we talking about?"

Tatiana looked skeptical. "Yo asked what to say if" —she felt the need to lower her voice again— "yo mom asked who raped you. While yo weren't payin' attention, I explained dat if you just cried, yo wouldn't have ta say anythin'. Your mom is such a sap for emotions dat she won't be able ta take it; her resolve on makin' you get an abortion will crumble."

"I'll give it a shot; what is there to lose?"

"Nothing," Tatiana answered, an aren't-I-a-genius grin spreading across her face.

If you tell Mom, she'll eventually find out who did it, the voice taunted as it reappeared.

I told you to go away!

You know it's true. You'll die, Mom will die, and the baby will die.

Stop calling it a baby!

Let's think this out, the voice said, ignoring her. You're willing to risk three lives just to end one. Selfish, illogical. Would you really risk Mom just to end an innocent life and make yourself more "comfortable?"

It is not innocent.

What did the baby ever do to you? Did he mean to cause you harm? Rape you? Try to kill you twice? Oh wait—that was Lionel.

Don't mention that name, she ordered. Kaitlyn shuddered, tasting acid in her mouth.

The poor thing doesn't even know what's going on, so don't blame anything on him. You are the only one responsible for your current situation. If it weren't for your immaturity and stupidity, you'd be doing just fine, but when you mess with the bull, you get the horns, the voice spit harshly. Don't be a coward--running from consequences will only give you more.

You don't know anything! Kaitlyn gritted her teeth, trying not to scream in frustration. Her hands clenched and unclenched.

"Katie, what's wrong?" Tatiana asked, confused. "Are you okay?"

"No," she replied. "I'll be right back." Walking past Chloe, who was giving her a curious look, and the uninterested Lex and Lana, she reached the bathroom and locked the door behind her. The reflection in the mirror that caught her eye was a disturbed, wide-eyed girl breathing heavily. I look like an insane character from some horror movie. Well, except that I'm not drenched in blood and carrying an axe. What is wrong with me? I should have stayed in Belle Reve.

You wouldn't be able to hide from anything there, the voice hissed. The shrink would have forced the story out of you eventually.

What are you, some screwed-up conscience?

You made me this way, abused me to the point that I had to abuse you back. When I'm ignored, I yell louder. All those years of sneaking out late, partying, drinking way too much, and whatnot have disfigured me to look like this. I can't be gentle with you anymore, not when you're almost beyond saving.

Go away! she demanded, pounding on the sink. I don't need saving.

You can't silence me.

Kaitlyn shook her head and decided to ignore the "conscience." She splashed cold tap water on her face. "Somebody help me," she pleaded to her reflection in the mirror above the sink, but nobody came to answer her cry.

Wiping her face dry of water with paper towels, she unlocked the door and walked back to the table. Be calm, she told herself.

Tatiana greeted her with an apprehensive, "So what's wrong?"

"Meh," she groaned as she sat down. "Did I tell you that John knows?"

"About what?"

She reverted to whispering again. "My parents talked to his about being pregnant. He's going to blackmail me."

"Dat's not good! I wish there was somethin' I could do ta help," Tatiana said. "What else has happened? Yo can unload."

"It's okay, I won't bother you anymore," Kaitlyn sighed. "You're not supposed to be my personal therapist."

"Brooke alert," Tatiana warned, glancing past Kaitlyn's shoulder.

Not five seconds later, Brooke came running up to the table. "T!" she exclaimed. "I need to talk to you!" She tugged on Tatiana's arm.

Kaitlyn rolled her eyes and stood. "Yeah, you need to be herpersonal therapist. Brooke has issues," she said loudly. Without letting either say another word, she strode to Chloe's table, standing behind the chair across from the blonde. "Hey, is anyone sitting here?" she asked, trying not to let bitterness leak into her voice.

Chloe looked up at her and smiled. "Well, Lana's coming once she finishes her shift, but since there are three empty chairs, I see no reason why not. So what was that about earlier? Tell me about what happened to your car."

Kaitlyn attempted to laugh as she sat, but the effort fell short. "My car's fine. Someone stole it, but I got it back, so no harm done."

"Wow, that sounds crazy. Are you doing better after last week?" she asked. "Tatiana filled me in on what happened."

Great, I didn't exactly want everyone to know about my issues; I wonder who else T blabbed to. "Er, yeah. You didn't tell anyone about"—she lowered her voice— "Belle Reve, did you?" Kaitlyn examined the table, tracing patterns on its surface with her finger.

"Of course not," Chloe assured.

"Thanks. How was the last week of school before break?" She didn't really listen to the response, just nodded at the appropriate times. Her mind was on the "baby." When would she start to show? Would she be able to get an abortion before her stomach grew? Was it illegal to get one after a certain time? Could she get one without a parent's consent? Was there any way to silence John? Did she really have much to lose if he told anyone? Everyone probably expected it of me already, the "party whore."

Chloe laughed as her attention was diverted by something behind Kaitlyn, and she broke into one of her hundred-watt smiles. "Hey, guys."

Kaitlyn turned around to see Lana standing with Lex. Not him again, she whimpered mentally.

Lana smiled back at Chloe. "I just got off of my shift. Mind if we join you?"

"There are two empty chairs; I see no reason why you couldn't sit down," Chloe responded, shutting her laptop. Kaitlyn was about to excuse herself, but was interrupted by Chloe making introductions. "Lex, this is Kaitlyn Grant, my friend that I was telling you about earlier. Kaitlyn, I'm sure you know who Lex Luthor, resident billionaire, is."

"Mhm." She tried not to grimace as she remembered that Chloe had been the one to tell Lex all about her problems, maybe even the one to convince him to accost her in Belle Reve, though that was unlikely if she was introducing them. It meant she assumed they had never actually met. Kaitlyn shifted uncomfortably as he sat down in the chair between Chloe and her, flashing her that smile—the one that taunted her, telling her that he knew everything without saying a word. Or was she just imagining it?

"Yes, we've already met," he said. "I assume that she's told you about our recent adventure?"

Chloe looked pleasantly surprised. "No, she hasn't. What adventure?"

"He helped me get my car back," Kaitlyn said quickly, hoping that the conversation would move on.

"Really? What happened?" Lana asked, intrigued.

"Lex told me someone had broken into it, but by the time I got outside, my Accord was driving away," she answered.

"I offered to help. We took my car and followed them, ultimately stopping them," Lex finished, as if he knew that she wanted to keep the story short.

Way to make yourself sound like a hero, she thought bitterly. "Scariest car ride of my life," she added.

"I'm sorry to have frightened you," he apologized. It surprised her that he actually looked remorseful. And when his features were softened like that, he did look kind of… No! Don't start thinking like that! she told herself, angry that such a thought about a Luthor had even crossed her mind. Lex is not hot.

Kaitlyn let herself tune out of the conversation as the subject changed, their voices becoming an incoherent noise in the distance. She tried to think of excuses to leave, feeling uncomfortable sitting this close to a Luthor. She became aware that the group around her had grown quiet, sets of eyes looking at her inquisitively. "What?" she asked, coming back to the real world.

"Do you want to come with Chloe and me to the Kents' tomorrow?" Lana asked for what was probably the second time.

"Uh, sure. Why? What are we doing there?" She plastered on a quick smile. "Sorry, I wasn't listening there for a second."

"We're going to help Mrs. Kent bake pies for Christmas," Chloe explained.

"Sure. Sounds fun," Kaitlyn said, shrugging.

Much to her relief, Lex glanced at his watch and stood. "Excuse me, ladies, but I have to get back to the plant; unfortunately, it won't run itself Be sure to tell Mrs. Kent that I'm ordering fifty pies for the Luthor Christmas party."

Chloe nodded. "I will. You can probably send someone tomorrow afternoon to pick them up; I bet they'll be done by then. See you later, Lex."

"Bye," Lana chimed.

"Yeah," Kaitlyn muttered, avoiding eye contact.

Once Lex was safely out the door, Lana asked, "So he really helped you get your car back?"

"Yeah."

"That was nice. Everyone always sees him as a clone of his father, but really, Lex is a good guy."

Kaitlyn nodded slowly, finding that hard to believe. A subject change was her best hope of not having to say something awkward. "Why is Clark's mom making all these pies?"

"People love her baking, and everyone loves pie at Christmas," Chloe explained. "She gives some away to neighbors and friends while she sells others, like the ones for the Luthors' party."

"That's cool," she commented. "What time are we meeting tomorrow?"

"Around eight tomorrow morning," Lana answered. "We'll need to get an early start if we plan to get them all finished."

"And I was hoping to sleep in," Kaitlyn said, making an effort to sound lighthearted. "I'll just have to reset my alarm." She stood. "Well, I should probably get home soon. I'll see you two tomorrow."

Lana and Chloe chorused their goodbyes, and Kaitlyn collected her things before leaving, not bothering to say goodbye to Tatiana, who was deep in conversation with Brooke.

--

Kaitlyn waited anxiously for her mother to return from shopping. She was trying to plan out what to say, when to cry, and how to time it all just right so that she could convince Kelly to at least rethink her decision on not letting Kaitlyn get an abortion. At one point, Kaitlyn had been so impatient that she decided to call her mother, but when she reached in the back pocket of her jeans to find her cell phone, it wasn't there. This had led to a frantic search through her purse and her room, yet no phone was found. Kaitlyn nearly broke down crying. Seriously, can't fate just leave me alone? I already had a bad day without a missing phone. When the front door had opened, and Kaitlyn flung herself into the front room, into the arms of her mother.

Kelly returned the hug in surprise; she hadn't been greeted this way since her daughter was in third grade. "Katie! How are you doing?"

She felt a lump rise in her throat. "Terrible, Mom," she whispered. "It's not been a good day."

Kelly guided her to the white couch in the living room. "Sit down and tell me about it," she said sympathetically.

"My car got broken into. It was locked and had the alarm on and everything." Kaitlyn rolled her eyes. "That obviously didn't stop them."

"Did they take anything?"

"Maybe: my cell phone is missing." Kaitlyn rested her head in her hands. "Mom, today has been too much. I can barely even think straight with all that's happened."

"It's okay, honey. I understand," her mom comforted.

"No, Mom, you don't. Losing a cell phone? Small. Hijacked car? Small. But this plus everything else? I can't take it; I really can't handle being pregnant."

"Hormones really do mess with us, don't they?"

"It's not that." Kaitlyn sighed desperately, already letting a few tears form. "I…I don't want to have a baby. I don't want to have this one."

"Kaitlyn, we already discussed this," Kelly said patiently, placing a hand on her shoulder. "You know where I stand, and as long as you live in this house—"

Kaitlyn wrenched away and glared at her mother. "I know where you stand, but you can't make me carry this thing when…" She closed her eyes and took a breath to prepare her for forcing out the words. It was much harder than she expected. "…when I was raped." She let the sobs come now, not because she planned it, but because a huge weight had been lifted off of her shoulders. Somebody knew; maybe things would get better now. She heard her mother gasp, and two arms wrapped around her.

"Baby," her mother whispered in to her hair, "I'm so sorry." They sat together and cried for a few minutes. "Who would dare hurt you? Who was it?" she demanded angrily.

Kaitlyn shook her head, staring at the couch cushions because she was too ashamed to look her mother in the face. "I can't…." She paused and restarted with a different thought, "Don't make me carry the baby. It's just a reminder of an awful memory," she whispered.

Kelly was silent for a moment. "This certainly changes things," she mused uncertainly. "We'll have to think about it." Was she hesitating?

Kaitlyn wanted to scream in frustration. "There's nothing to think about!"

Kelly stroked her daughter's hair. "Yes," she said quietly. "There's a lot to think about."

She tore away from her mother's embrace. "I can't believe you! Here you are, crying for me, but you still don't want to give up your old-school beliefs. Can't you see how hard this is?"

"I know; I know it's hard. It's hard on me, too. I've never faced a situation like this, not when my daughter is so deeply hurt. It's really something I have to think about, Katie, not just a rash decision. I don't want you hurting even more." Her mother looked shell-shocked, sounding unsure for what might have been the first time in her adult life.

"Believe me Mom, I won't be hurt at all."

Her mother smiled sadly, tears still quivering in her eyes. "You really are just like me; I said the same thing. Will you let me talk to your dad about it? I need his feedback on this."

Kaitlyn didn't want to Brian to know; he would go into a rage. "Can you not tell him about it?"

"I can try, but I can't promise anything. This is a big factor in the abortion discussion. You've had a long day; go get some rest before dinner. I'll call you down when it's ready."

As Kaitlyn trudged up the stairs, she heard her mother say, or maybe pray, in a tight, quiet voice, "God, what am I supposed to do? My daughter…"

And then quiet sobs, making Kaitlyn feel like crying again. She punched her stomach in anger. "Devil child," she hissed, "I hate you and hope you die. You wrecked my life, and now you're hurting my mom." She promised herself to get rid of the thing as soon as possible, whether or not it was legal.

I'm pulling together an army of freaks for the big finale, randomly inserting all my friends. So if you want to be in it, just leave a bit of info in the review: Your made-up name, your power, and a character description if you want.

I wish I could tell you more, but there would be massive spoilers. :) Review!