Chapter 12 [Two Days Later]

Time flew by. Gaiety eased Smallville's collective mood. Garlands, wreaths and holly adorned doors and buildings. Even Snow's dusting contributed to sugar plum dreams and Christmas' mood.

Clock continued to tick down….

[Kent Farm—Sunset, Wednesday]

[A/N: Just a quick note here…I just remembered that Chloe found out about Clark but not Lana in the first installment. So, before you read the next part of the dialogue, just wanted to let you all know. I'll let the story fix it for me. Lol!]

Clark set the pitchfork against the wall. School, Torch and Chores devoured his day. He'd handed in his assignments. Reporters handed in their articles. Layouts were at the press. Farm's extra tasks were done. Now just one day of school lay between him and that trip. I hope Lana doesn't have any problems. His boots creaked up the wooden stairs to the Loft.

Sunset's rouges and burnt oranges streaked the sky overhead.

It's really pretty. Kind of makes me appreciate the simple things. He leaned against the upper door's frame. His eyes regarded Natura's evolving spectacle. I could just stay here. Maybe I can run the farm? Lana can take some business classes and keep the Talon going? If I have to do something else, I could work for the Ledger or that bureau office for the Daily Planet? It would be so neat.

We can hope for such things, Clark….

He jerked himself from Reverie's grasp. He looked about the area. "Professor?"

Just a minute. I'm almost there.

Understanding prompted a nod from him. He turned on his desk's lamp. He picked up on her approaching aura. I'm practicing awareness. You got me.

I know. Nice recovery though. She descended through the darkening clouds. Her feet whispered upon the worn floorboards. "It is nice." She looked about the Loft once again. "Dave thought so too. That's why he and Angie had their retreats up here years ago."

"I keep forgetting that. Guess that just makes this farm more important?" He rubbed the back of his neck. Excuses piled on top of each other akin to the hay bales nearby. "I want to do those things and work on my abilities too."

"Yes. Those things are important. Quit beating yourself up, Clark. Life's about balance. Lana and you have a lot on your plate. She's really doing well. So are you. Jor-El may want you to practice more. Your way is the middle way. He and Jonathan need to deal with that." Irritation cleared her throat. Previous arguments with both father figures rang in her ears.

Her remark elicited an eye roll. "Good luck on that. Jor-El thinks we're communicating like primitives right now. Dad doesn't like me flying around or trying to be more Kryptonian. Even Lana's not happy about it." He sucked in a deep breath. "Glad you're here. Lana and I were going to see you when we're in New York."

"We can do that." Her fingers glided over the laptop's edge. "I'd like to speak with you both. Lex and the Parkers as well. This weekend will be fine for that." She looked him deep in the eye. "And there's Chloe Sullivan to think about too."

"Chloe?" He narrowed his eyes. Determination, Journalistic Ethics and Inbred Secrets pushed that possibility away.

"She's the only one of your inner circle that doesn't know. You two spend more time evading her." She shook her head. His thought-out objections stood out to her loud and clear. "Maybe you should just tell her already?"

Denial and excuses raised his eyebrow. Frown curled his lip. "You don't know Chloe. She…"

"She's what? Actually growing up? Maybe learning about the implications of her actions? Clark, she's going to find out eventually. Maybe Lana and you should have a talk with her about trust? It's a prudent move. She's not going to betray Lana or you. She just wants to know. You should pick the time. Watch and assess."

"Watch and assess what?" Lana stepped away from the stairs and onto the floor. Curiosity and Intrigue drew her closer. Questions bubbled up in her mind. "You should've let us know you were coming. I'd have brought something from the Talon. What's going on?"

"She thinks we should tell Chloe about everything." Skepticism soured his tone. "You know Mom and Dad would never go for it."

Lana shrugged. "Your Dad would hate it. Your Mom would understand. I agree with Professor Dubois about it. Besides, think about how closely Peter's going to be working with Chloe. He's got enough to worry about without evading her too." Her hand rubbed his arm. "It's time, Clark. Last year, I'd have agreed with you. Now? It would make things easier. Everyone else knows. Chloe's our friend. She can deal with it."

He rubbed his chin. Consideration tossed that notion around in his head. "It would make things easier." A heavy sigh escaped his lips. "You need to go back to the Talon?"

"Sandra's working with Renee and Nadia tonight. I'm good for now. Jill's waiting in front of the house." Lana took her cell from her pocket. She pressed a button and put it to her ear. "Let's see what Chloe's doing and…." She shut it in her hand.

Dubois looked about the area. "We're not alone." Her earlier words stung at her. We're being watched.

He raised an eyebrow. Since Mr. Arighatto, I've tried to be careful! He looked about the Loft.

"I'll check downstairs." Lana hustled down the stairs. Stay on with me, Clark!

Always! He surveyed the area. First Glance detected nothing out of the ordinary. Jor-El?

SHE IS CORRECT, KAL-EL. YOU ARE BEING WATCHED! LOOK ABOVE YOU!

Above? What? He studied the roof beams and underside. Nothing seemed unusual to the eye.

"I felt that. Someone knows they're caught." Fear and Panic strummed across Dubois' senses. You might as well come down. Her eyes rested on a beam closest to the roof. I can feel your emotions. I've got your aura. Either come down now or we track you down later.

Lana, that spy's up here! He walked over to Dubois' side. Up there?

Up there. Get the door. I'll watch the stairs. Emotions peaked over the connection. Dubois pointed toward the upper door. Telepathic too? Interesting.

He headed toward the door in question. "Okay. Now what?"

"That's up to our intruder." Dubois raised an eyebrow.

Mysteries abounded…