Kaitlyn thought about what the two Bells had said as Rebecca rejoined her friends. "You're brave." "Not afraid of uncomfortable situations." That's where they were wrong; she wasn't brave. And she was definitely afraid of being in the upcoming situation, with Lionel only minutes away and his son standing by her side. How much time did she have left before Lionel showed up? "When's your father arriving?" Kaitlyn asked Lex quietly when he joined her.

"He will be arriving any minute now."

She whimpered quietly and found her eyes bouncing nervously from face to face in the crowd. "I wish he would crash the party later."

A boy with blonde hair and big, innocent blue eyes ran up to them. He couldn't be any older than fifteen. "Lex? The General says that your dad's vehicle has just passed the gate; he's almost here. I still don't see why I can't just hit him with a bolt of lightning and get it over with. We could claim it was an act of God or something." The mischievous smile that crossed his face told them he was joking. Well, somewhat.

Lex smiled but shook his head. "Sorry, Sam, but no weather control tonight. My father is going to have to suffer for much longer than a second before all his sins are paid off."

Sam's angelic face fell. "Aw, but that's no fun." His eyes fell on Kaitlyn. "You're Katie, right? I think you're in my hiding group."

"Yeah, I'm Katie," she replied, amused by yet wary of his temperament.

"Cool." Sam grinned and stuck out his hand, which she shook. "Welcome to the F.A." He darted off without another word, and Kaitlyn watched the boy, regretting wearing heels. Ballet flats would have been much more comfortable and easy to run in.

A commotion grew by the main entrance to the ballroom, announcing the arrival of the elder Luthor. Jason, where are you? she called, noticing that her heart was beating twice as hard as usual and her breathing was coming in quick gasps. I need you to hide behind!

Lex took a firm hold of her hand, reminding her that he was there. She would have pulled away, but she realized that she was frozen in place, glued to the floor. "Don't worry," he told her quietly, but her eyes remained wide with fear.

Then the devil entered the room, smiling and shaking hands with everyone who cared to greet him. She could see his cold gray eyes even from a distance, seeming to search the crowd as if he were looking for her, and felt sick to her stomach. What if he knew she was there? She struggled to fight flashbacks that made her chest tighten and wondered what the baby was thinking as she sensed her mother's distress. "I'm going to throw up, Lex. I'm going to throw up but I can't move," she whispered, turning her back to the entrance so that she wouldn't have to look anymore.

"You will be just fine," he replied. It almost sounded like a command.

Jason joined them. "He's looking for you, Lex." At least Lionel wasn't looking for Kaitlyn. She didn't relax, though.

"Does he have any suspicions of your presence?" the bald man asked, still holding Kaitlyn's hand.

"Not yet."

"Good. When he does notice you, be sure that Luke keeps him from calling in a team that can disable all of you."

Jason nodded before his face changed to an expression of urgency. "He's seen you, Lex. Come on, Katie, we need to get out of here and find Luke."

Luthor's coming this way?! She tried to pick up her feet, but they were still glued to the floor. "I can't move, Jase." She turned her head to see the elder Luthor walking in their direction and quickly hid her face, begging Jason, "Help me!" Her heart threatened to fly out of her throat.

Lex walked around her. "I will go greet my father. Don't worry about moving; I'll be back soon."

Jason rolled his eyes once Lex was gone. "Well, that may keep Daddy at a distance, but it doesn't stop him from seeing us. He's wondering who we are; I bet he'll recognize me pretty quickly."

"Then go tell Luke!" Kaitlyn insisted. "Once he recognizes us, we're screwed unless Luke's controlling him." Unless, of course, the plan is for you guys to be stripped of your powers and silenced before we can make a scene.

"You want me to leave you here when you can't move?" Jason asked, surprised. Kaitlyn was the type who seemed like she always needed someone around to protect her when she was scared.

Not really, but you have to. "! Jase, hurry up!" Tonight depends on it.

"And you're totally fine with it?"

"You can read my mind; of course I'm fine with it!"

"Alright, just checking," he said before disappearing into the crowd. Kaitlyn tried to slow her racing heart and swallow the sharp taste that had climbed up her throat from her roiling stomach. She didn't like the idea that Lionel was now within earshot or that he could see the back of her head if he looked over Lex's shoulder. She didn't like that she couldn't move or that her feet felt like they were made of lead. And she most certainly hated that she could hear father and son discussing who she was.

"A friend of mine," Lex was saying.

"Oh? I don't think I've met her."

Yes, you have, she hissed mentally. How can you forget me when you're the one who completely destroyed my life? It's not fair that you can forget me when I have to remember you!

"Well, let's not ruin her evening, then," Lex replied, smirk evident in his voice. Though his tone was joking, Kaitlyn couldn't agree more whole-heartedly. "We know what happens when you meet my lady friends. I seem to remember a certain incident with one Victoria Hardwick…"

Near Kaitlyn, someone laughed loudly so that she couldn't hear how the father responded. She did hear the sentence that came after it, though. "If you're so reluctant for me to meet her, should I assume that this, this friend is more than…well, simply a friend?"

As Lex replied, Kaitlyn, much to her relief, found herself able to move again and started walking quickly for the nearest door. "Assume whatever you want to, Dad."

She heard Lionel chuckle and tried not to shudder. "Well, then I assume that she's impatient; she's heading for the door. I'll let you go catch her."

Curious to see what was going on behind her, Kaitlyn snuck a glance over her shoulder. Lex was turning to follow her as Lionel watched in amusement. She caught the father's eye for the briefest of moments before whipping her head back around, feeling like all the oxygen in her lungs had been sucked out of her. She was desperate to leave.

"What is this, Lex? Some kind of joke?" Lionel called after his son. Kaitlyn knew he had recognized her by the disbelieving tone in his voice. I have to get out of here, she thought as her body began to freeze up again. The door isn't far. Keep moving. You gotta move.

Lex turned to respond to his father, and Kaitlyn froze just as her hand touched the doorknob. There was no choice for her but to turn and watch. "Now why would this be a joke, Dad?" he replied, spreading his hands. "Do you see me laughing? Do you see her laughing?"

Lionel crossed his arms and walked closer to his son, making Kaitlyn aware that he was closer to her, too. She hadn't had her heart beat that fast in a long time. "Then you would like to explain what this is?"

Have to get out of here, have to get out! Move, idiot! she screamed at herself.

Lex smirked. "I'm sure you'll find out soon enough, Dad." With that, Kaitlyn forced herself to yank open the door and slam it behind her as she threw herself into the empty hallway. The noises of the party, the music, conversation, laughing, had been significantly muted through the walls as her heart slowed to a normal rate. Sighing, she sagged against the wall and hoped that no one came after her. Attending the party had been a mistake. The whole night had been a mistake. Correction: her whole life had been a mistake. The door next to her opened again, revealing Lex. He opened his mouth to say something, but Kaitlyn interrupted him. "I'm not going back in there. I shouldn't be here."

"You shouldn't let my father worry you," he replied.

"That's were you're wrong. This was all a mistake. I shouldn't have come here; I shouldn't have told you anything!"

And then came his voice of reason, "How was it a mistake?" Their isolation in the hallway increased her panic because she didn't want to be alone with a Luthor ever again. Lionel's presence had reminded her of that.

"Because," she replied in a hiss, "He's in there. Is there even a reason for me being here? You don't need me; you've got sixteen other freaks ready to take him down."

"You don't want to see justice served? Kaitlyn, there's no reason to be afraid of my father anymore."

"Right, right, because you'll be by my side. You already told me that, and then you left me…twice!" she exclaimed. "How do I know you won't do it again?" I dare you to give me an answer that works.

"You don't trust me?" he challenged.

"Why should I? You're…you're a Luthor," she spluttered angrily.

"Carrying the name does not mean I am a carbon copy of my father."

"I don't hear you denying it, though!"

Lex sighed. "I thought you would have seen by now how different we are. In everything I do, I've tried to prove to the world that I'm a different man and show them that a Luthor's honor is worth something. So far, few have believed me. I'll do anything in my power to convince you that I am on your side."

Kaitlyn was still caught on the "Luthor's honor" statement. She remembered him saying that the first time they had met, only a week ago. Has it really been that long? She had been sitting in a padded cell with nothing to worry about but mealtime with the double-personality girl and breaking out when Lex had barged in on her life. "I don't think there's anything you can do." Only then did she realize how dangerously close they were standing, and how she felt herself being pulled closer as if she were magnetized. Skipping a beat, her heart jumped into her throat, making it hard to breathe.

"Do you want to believe me?"

Her gaze dropped to the floor. "I don't know."

"Tell me that you don't want me by your side," Lex challenged, noticing her blush as she raised her eyes again and using it to his advantage.

"I…I do," she managed. "I just don't want to go back in there."

"Are we going to stay out here, then?"

Less than a foot away from him, Kaitlyn didn't know how to respond; she was concentrating too hard on fighting the instinct to kiss him. It was an insane desire, and just as stupid. A helpful thought occurred to her: if he wasn't leaving her side, and they stayed in the hallway, they would be alone. Not a good thing. Inside, there were people watching. A very good thing. "I guess we should go back," she replied, biting her lip.

With a nod, Lex opened the door and offered her his arm. Once they were back in the crowded room, it was much easier to not think about kissing him. Also much easier to worry about the elder Luthor. And easier to flush red with embarrassment when Jason approached them and she realized that he had heard every one of her thoughts.

"Luke's got your father under control now," Jason informed her escort, eyes not as soft as usual.

"Excellent. Thank you, Jason," Lex responded, indifferent to any change in the freak's behavior.

"Oh, Katie? I need to talk to you," Jason said.

"Okay."

"Alone," he added. Kaitlyn hesitated, not wanting to leave Lex after giving him crap for leaving her. But Jason was trustworthy, and she was safe with him, unlike when she was left alone in the large crowd. She reluctantly left her escort and followed Jason into the crowd and out of earshot. "How can I hear every one of your thoughts and not understand what the heck you're thinking? I assumed you were smarter than that, Katie."

"What?" she asked, confused but angered by his tone.

"Kissing Lex!" he exclaimed. "What are you thinking? He's at least five years older than you, and you do realize that's his father over there, right?"

"Jason, be quiet!" she shushed, glancing around to see if anyone had heard his outburst. I know exactly who his father is and the last name he carries. I'm not an idiot.

"Yeah, and that's why you're fantasizing." He rolled his eyes.

"Don't be sarcastic." Did I ask you to go all Big Brother Jase on me? I'll bet Andrew wouldn't be so annoying if he were here.

"I'm sure your real brother would have been even more protective of you. Besides, this isn't Big Bro talking; this is Jason. You know, your friend?"

"Thanks, but I don't need you telling me what I should do."

"You obviously do. Katie, you're cute little puppy-love feelings for Lex are only going to hurt you once we've gone underground. He'll forget about you just like every other girl in his life. Out of sight, out of mind."

"And why do you care?"

"Because not only will you be hurt, but I'll have to listen to it all, even though I've already heard enough pain to last twenty lifetimes. I don't want you to give your heart away and make a huge mistake."

"I make a lot of mistakes; that's my thing. If you have a problem with it, sorry; I can't change who I am."

"Really? Because I've heard you changing a lot for the better just in the week that I've known you."

Just leave me alone. "I don't need you butting in right now." Kaitlyn didn't want to think about what he was saying because she knew that Jason was right.

"You want me to leave?"

"Yeah, I do."

"Okay, but you won't be able to stay mad at me for long, Katie" he shrugged. "I know you can't. We'll be living in the same house for the next few months." He walked away, leaving her seething but not ready to go find Lex again.

Who does he think he is? What gives him the right to tell me if I should like Lex or not? she thought in disgust, not admitting to herself that he might be right about her making a big mistake.

A tall brunette approached her, one of the freaks she recognized from the meeting prior to the party. "Are you okay?" the girl asked.

"Yeah, fine," Kaitlyn grumbled.

"You sure don't look like it," she commented. "But hey, Jason gets on all of our nerves at some point. Must be a mind-reader thing."

"Look, it's nice of you to care, but I'm fine."

"Yeah, that's what we all say, but Jason tends to step on toes when he preaches to us." Kaitlyn gave her a sharp look, and the girl continued. "Sometimes, he brings up stuff that we don't really want to talk about, but he tells the truth. It's almost never what we want to hear, but always what we need."

"Look, uh… Wait, I don't know your name."

"Camille."

"Right. Look, Camille, thanks for caring, but I'm fine." Kaitlyn tried to remove the frown from her face. I need to get back to Lex. She turned and walked back to where she had left her escort. Maybe I should have been nicer and said goodbye.

"Is everything alright?" Lex asked upon her return, noticing her angry expression.

"Don't worry about it," Kaitlyn said quickly before changing the subject. "So what do we do for the next hour and a half?"

"Make polite conversation with people you don't know," Lex replied. "I'm sorry that it will be terribly boring for you, but the guests must be kept happy."

"As long as we only talk to people I don't know, I'll be fine," Kaitlyn said.

—

Each table seated six people. Kaitlyn sat with Lex and four freaks: Jason, Luke, Kara, and Ann. Their table was in the center of the room so that every surrounding table could see them. Maybe Jason liked the idea of hundreds of people staring at him, but Kaitlyn didn't. She found it unnerving that at any point in time, Lionel could look over and see her. She tried hard to keep her eyes on the people around her and not roaming the crowd.

Kara was sitting just opposite of her, flexing her fingers as if controlling the candles in the center of the table as they dimmed and flickered. "What are you doing?" Kaitlyn finally asked.

The redhead grinned at her. "Zapping the candles' energy. Watch this." She turned to Luke and touched his shoulder.

He let out a cry of pain and wrenched his shoulder away. "Ow! Kara, why did you do that?"

"That was for tricking me last week," she answered, shrugging and turning back to Kaitlyn. "My power is absorbing energy and releasing it. I take heat and light from the candle and can release it as any other kind of energy, in Luke's case, just heat."

Luke muttered to himself. "Just you watch it, Kara. Before the night's over, I'll get you back."

Ann sighed. "Luke, that was the payback. You can't do double payback."

"Watch me," he said defiantly.

"I know what your weakness is," she taunted. "You can't make her do anything if you're powerless." With that, Luke stopped talking and just ate.

Toasts started as dinner ended. The first ones were very proper and directed towards the hosts, thanking them for the lovely evening. But the more drinks were poured, the less formal they became. The freaks stayed sober and watched the tipsy guests in amusement, making sarcastic remarks to each other under their breath.

"Hey, just curious, Katie" Ann said. "Why are you in the Freak Army?"

"Yeah, you're a freak, but we haven't heard your story," Kara chimed in. "Will you tell us?"

A sly grin crossed Luke's face. "Yeah, Katie. We all want to know. I think it's story time."

Kaitlyn stiffened, and Jason hissed at him, "Not now, Luke. Let it go." She felt some of the resentment from earlier wash away as he stood up for her.

"No, I really want to know the story. She know ours. Fair is fair. Now spill."

Lex intervened. "Luke, you can discuss this later. Now is not the time."

Luke shrugged. "I don't see a better time." Why don't you tell us, Katie? You should. In fact, stand up and tell us. She found herself on her feet, pulled by invisible strings.

"Luke," Jason warned. "Drop it."

"Dude, no."

Jason stood quickly, looking like he might punch Luke. "I said, drop it."

SHUT UP AND BACK OFF! Luke commanded so loudly that Kaitlyn could hear the echoes of it in her mind even though it was directed towards Jason. Katie, because Jason's being annoying, why don't you take his place in giving the toast? Tell the world what Lionel did to you, and then what he did to us.

No, she thought, struggling in vain to fight the command. Words rolled off of her tongue with her consent, though, words that did not sound like her own as she raised her glass and tapped it with her spoon to draw everyone's attention. "Ladies, gentlemen, and others, I would like to propose a toast."

Lex stood quickly but was pushed back into his chair by the same unseen force that had forced Kaitlyn to stand and speak. The bald man told Ann and Kara, "Find Wilson and tell him we need to disable Luke."

The girls stood and immediately fell back into their chairs. "You aren't going anywhere yet," Luke said.

"Luke, what are you doing?" Ann demanded.

"Shh, Katie's talking." Go on, freak. Tell us. He looked perfectly relaxed even though he was controlling five struggling people.

"Dude, let it go," Jason begged. He didn't want to see Kaitlyn's secret spilled, not on his watch and against her will.

Kaitlyn tried not to notice that she was shaking so hard that the sparkling grape juice in her glass sloshed and threatened to spill over the rim. She was scared to death of the words that collected on her tongue and twisted it around so that it was hard to talk. She didn't want to tell her story here, with eyes of a hundred strangers on her, but by Luke's command, she continued. "I guess that almost none of you know me, just the freaks, the Bells, and the Luthors. But that's okay because, hey, I'm just a random pregnant teenager. None of you should know me. So I guess that begs the question, 'What am I doing at the Luthor Family Christmas Party?'" She lifted a shaking hand to touch her stomach and heard her own nervous laughter echo around the silent room. "Well, I guess this practically makes me family."

The low murmur of the crowd grew to shocked whispers flying around the room. She sensed suspicious glances being thrown at Lex and felt Lionel's hard, angry gaze on her. Kaitlyn struggled to breathe again and avoided looking in the man's direction. "No, no, it isn't Lex's baby. Wait, that only leaves one other Luthor, which is totally disgusting because who would willingly sleep with Lionel?" She whimpered quietly, not wanting to say the words she was trying to swallow. But now, even if Luke weren't controlling, her, she knew there was no going back; she had passed the point of no return. "I don't see any of you raising you hands, so that's a good thing. But maybe I just have a bias."

Luke was watching her intently; a look of alarm grew on his face as he assumed what she was getting at. You're lying! Tell the truth. I need you to spill your guts, not make up some crack-head story.

Kaitlyn shook her head at him but felt the final phrases creep out of her mouth anyhow, nearly choking her as her face flushed red and hot. Suddenly, she realized that she was no longer feeling fear, but anger."I was raped by that sick bastard over there. Ruined my life. And if that wasn't enough, he tried to kill me. Twice." The volume in the room rose to an angry roar, all eyes on the elder Luthor. "So here's to Lionel Luthor, the cruelest man in the country." She took a sip from her glass, not looking to see if anyone else was doing so, and found herself glaring at Lionel. It was surprisingly satisfying to feel no fear when their eyes met, just a hatred that had been hidden away for months. You're going down, Luthor.

Luke didn't know what to say. I'm sorry, if I had known… I shouldn't have made you… And he released her from his control.

She sat quickly back in her chair as Jason shot up. "But that's not all," he declared loudly. "Will my friends please stand?" The rest of what he said, something about the time spent in the labs, was ignored by Kaitlyn as Lex took her hand and apologized, asking if she was alright. It was hard to focus on anything but him. Someone caring for her that much was not Luthor-like, at least not in the way she had always thought.

"Luke will be punished for his actions tonight," he promised.

She felt dizzy when she thought about what had happened moments earlier. "I don't even know what I should be saying right now," she replied with a nervous, shaky laugh. "I hate Lionel. I can't believe Luke did that… But it almost feels better to have the world know." She shook her head. "Who would have thought it would end like this?"

"This isn't the end. However, life has a strange way of ruining our plans." He flashed a sympathetic smile.

He…he really is different from his dad. He cares. They looked out into the crowd as the room exploded in complete chaos at the end of Jason's speech. Two men handcuffed Lex's father, but no one could hear them say above the din, "Lionel Luthor, you're under arrest." Lex stood, signaling the freaks at other tables to do the same so that they could slip away with all the attention directed towards the arrest. However, Nate had other plans. He pushed aside the men who had just cuffed Lionel and laid a punch to the old man's jaw, knocking him to the ground.

The crowd collectively gasped before staring in complete silence, but no one moved. "And that's just payback for my life. You've got twenty-five more coming to you for every one of the freaks," Nate spat.

Next to Kaitlyn, Jason winced. "That had to hurt. A super-punch can't be a walk in the park."

She didn't know if she should laugh, feeling that justice was finally being served, or be afraid because she would have to spend the next few months with the violent Nate. She let herself smile for a moment, relishing the moment. It wasn't every day she saw the once-powerful man on the ground, utterly defenseless with his hands bound behind his back. She was almost frightened by how much she enjoyed it, unable to remember a time that she had loved to see someone hurt. This is a special situation, though, she reminded herself to justify the feeling.

Wilson and Luke rushed to the scene, where Nate was about to deliver a second punch. His fist hovered above Lionel for a moment, struggling against the unseen force of Luke's control. "Funny thing about being super-strong, Luke," he said with a strange smirk, "my mind can resist yours." Another punch, followed by a sickening crack. The crowd was in an uproar again, frightened and confused.

"Let's go," Jason whispered to Kaitlyn, nudging her towards the door. She realized that most of the freaks had already slipped away unnoticed. Wilson and Luke continued to attempt to persuade Nate to leave. Kaitlyn threw one glance back over her shoulder as they rushed out of the ballroom and caught sight of Lionel's unmoving figure. He's knocked out, she thought in surprise. Before she could allow herself to pity him, she quickly added, Serves him right. Jason glanced at her but made no comment. The small freak company was piling into black SUVs loaded with luggage when the two reached the outside. Lex oversaw everything, watching from a distance with his arms crossed.

"So much for not making a huge scene," Jason commented as the two joined him. "Thanks for everything, Mr. Luthor. Really, we probably owe you our lives." He shook the bald man's hand once, courteously but with a slightly cold air.

Lex nodded. "Things often don't go according to plan, but I'm glad that we could partner together. I'll see you in court."

Jason glanced at Kaitlyn and, reading her thoughts, said, "I'll give you two a moment." He walked away quickly towards one of the vehicles, not looking back.

"So I guess this is goodbye?" she asked after a moment of silence, feeling her fingers itching to hold Lex's. She finally knew why she cared for him now: Lex had saved her life. Twice. It was impossible not to admire her savior.

"Only for now," he replied with a smile that seemed weaker than usual. He brushed a lock of hair behind her ear. "If you ever find yourself in an emergency, you can call me." Lex took her hands in his own, slipping a piece of paper between her fingers.

Kaitlyn felt shivers run down her spine. Pretending not to notice that she and Lex were standing closer together than what Jason considered appropriate, she let herself believe for a moment that they might kiss, a perfect ending. But Jason's right, she thought sadly. It will only break my heart. "Lex?" He was close enough that she could hear his slow, steady breathing, not just see it as it froze and evaporated in the cold December air.

"Yes?" His lips were dangerously close.

"Thanks for everything."

"Of course," he replied. As he gently squeezed her hands, the feeling transferred directly to her heart, causing difficulty when she tried to breathe. Could she really just leave him without expressing what she felt towards him?

Screw Jason and his anti-Lex ideas. I deserve a happy ending. She didn't even stop to think before wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him. And to her delight, he kissed her back. In the middle of the cold December snow, he was enough to keep her warm, make her melt.

She had kissed various boys many times, and each time she did, she claimed that she felt "something." But she had been lying, each kiss had been the exact same, no matter how intense or casual it was: soulless. This one with Lex was different, though, but the cause wasn't something she could put her finger on. Maybe this is what people call chemistry. Imagine that: small-town Katie Grant having chemistry with Lex Luthor. She liked the sound of it. Too bad I have to leave.

She remembered that her fellow freaks were probably watching from the SUV. Kaitlyn pulled away quickly and mumbled, "Oops." A blush crept up her cheeks as she looked at the ground, but she couldn't keep herself from smiling, even by trying to hide it by biting her lip. "I'm…sorry. I shouldn't have done that."

"I agree," Lex answered. What? The phrase made her heart stop. He didn't want me to kiss him? But then…why did he kiss back? But then he continued with, "You should have waited until Jason wasn't watching. I'm sure he's not very pleased with me right now." Kaitlyn glanced back up to see him wearing a mischievous smile.

"Not pleased with you? He's gonna kill me for this," she said with a laugh. "But—sorry, Jase—I think it was worth it." She gave him a shy grin.

Lex turned her to face the vehicle. "You shouldn't keep them waiting. Nate will be along shortly, I assume."

She hesitated, considering the black vehicle and its passengers. "Thanks, Lex." She felt him close behind her, barely inches from her back, then his breathing on her neck as his face hovered next to hers.

"You're welcome, Miss Grant." Lex gave her a peck on the cheek and gently pushed her forward, and she ran towards the SUV. Kaitlyn opened the door to climb in and begin the strange new phase of her life, leaving behind everything she had known, but she was confident that Lex was someone she would never forget.

She had kissed him.

And he had kissed her back.

Neither could deny it, the sparks that flew between them in that moment. And that was enough to keep him in her memory forever.

The car was silent, as if the occupants didn't want to admit that they had been watching. Jason had a disapproving frown on his face, though. Kaitlyn smoothed her dress and shifted her weight, too caught in the moment to be worried about what everyone else was thinking or about how uncomfortable her dress would be for the long car ride.

The awkward silence continued until Nate entered; a strange, thick bracelet had been attached outside the sleeve around his wrist. "Sorry about the lead, guys," he said, waving his wrist in the air. "General won't let me to go 'unpunished.' At least Luke got one, too; the loser."

Sam shrugged indifferently. Elle glared at him as her shimmery dress melted into jeans and jacket. "So much for the illusion."

Jason looked suddenly troubled. "It just got really quiet in here. I don't like not being able to hear peoples' thoughts. Makes me feel uninformed."

Elle started the engine and shifted into drive. "What do you say we get out of here?" she asked, steering the vehicle down the long drive towards the road. "Can't stick around much longer before the police come after Nate, too."

From the tinted window, Kaitlyn watched as Lex grew smaller and smaller in the distance, the trademark smirk on his face as if he were watching her as well. Jason, who was sitting next to her, touched her arm and whispered, "You shouldn't have kissed him. Bad idea. But that's not what you need to hear right now. The thing is this: Luke and I acted jerks tonight." His furrowed brow told her how remorseful he was. "I'm sorry about that. Are you okay?"

That was a hard question. The past few months had really been tough, and things weren't exactly looking like they would be getting to much easier. She unfolded the paper still clutched in her hand and read the phone number, memorizing every digit. If she needed help, Lex was only a phone call away. And Jason would always be around. "Yeah," she replied. "As long as you're around, I'm absolutely fine."