Obsession Part 2

At the Smallville Medical Center…

"Hi." Lana knocked on the door of Lex's hospital room. Mr. Sullivan assisted her in walking over for a quick visit before driving her back to the Sullivan house. Lana's vision was still blurry; enough to keep her out of school since she couldn't read anything on the board or in a textbook. All she could see in the room was a fuzzy human form standing by the bed. "Did they really release you already?"

"Yes, same as you. I bet you're happy to be leaving today."

"Yeah. Between this and my leg I think I've had enough of hospitals to last me a lifetime. But burning eyes and blurry vision is getting off easy compared to what some people went through." Lana motioned to Lex. "How are you doing?"

"I'm on the mend," Lex said slowly.

"Good," Lana said to be encouraging. She couldn't see the expression in Lex's face, but his shadow didn't move. He seemed to hesitate for one moment, and then began to talk again.

"No, Lana, I mean my body is healing faster than what is considered 'normal'. I'm beginning to think Van was right about me."

Lana cleared her throat. "Lex, one time…"

"It's not 'one time', Lana. I've lost count how many times I've come face to face with death yet walked away without a scratch. I've always tried to explain everything by looking outside myself. But maybe the truth lies within my own physiology. Maybe I am a freak."

"Lex, you're not a freak. Not to me." Lana reached out her hand in the direction of Lex's form. She smiled when she felt his hand accept hers.

"Thank you."

At Smallville High…

Clark glanced around the corner to make sure Alicia was nowhere near his locker. He had been trying all morning to avoid any more encounters with his wedding-planning girlfriend. Now it was lunch time and Clark needed to exchange his books. He desperately wanted to use his speed, but with the hallway full of students, he was trapped to use a normal pace. He rushed forward to his locker, spun the dial with speed faster than a normal human, and began to put his books away.

"Clark, where are all your pictures?" Alicia's voice said next to him. Clark inwardly groaned, but his heart melted when he saw Alicia was distressed by the missing photographs.

"I took them down," Clark confessed. "I don't like having too many photos; it makes it harder for me to see them. I still have the others."

Alicia didn't seem convinced, but to Clark's relief she dropped the subject. "I made lunch for you."

Clark twisted his body to avoid Alicia's hand. "Can't we eat in the cafeteria? You know, with Megan and Jordan? Please?"

"Okay." Alicia finally managed to grab hold of Clark's hand. In a second, they were in the crowded cafeteria. There were a few stares, but most only gave them a moments glance, as if they were used to people appearing out of thin air. Clark and Alicia joined Jordan and Megan at a nearby table.

"Now you stay right here. I'll grab your lunch." Alicia parted after leaving a kiss on Clark's cheek.

"Any updates?" Jordan asked, pointing to where Alicia had just been.

"No," Clark mumbled, keeping his eyes glued to the table.

"What's going on?" Megan asked. Her voice held a slight rasp to it and the slits were still inflamed.

"I'm surprised they let you out so soon," Clark said, trying to change the subject.

"Let's be honest: this is out of their realm of expertise." Megan pointed to her gills. The conversation was interrupted as a tray holding a bacon cheeseburger, potato chips, and a coke was placed in front of Clark. Alicia climbed into Clark's lap and rested her head against his shoulder.

"Thanks." Clark mumbled, unable to make eye contact. "You know, Megan, I was wondering if you'd be up for an interview?"

"I thought Chloe was doing the mansion story?" Jordan said.

"She is; this is for something else. See, I think there's still a lot of tension because people just don't understand what it's like. They've only read stories about the harmful things metas have done, which makes them afraid. I want to share your perspective of what's it like to wake up with powers and know your life will never be the same. If you're okay sharing that."

"Why me? Why not Jordan or…"

"Van made you the 'poster child' of this whole thing. Of everyone who was on the list, I think it's fair to say you've lost the most."

"Sure." Megan shrugged. "I got nothing else to lose."

"That's a great idea, Clark," Alicia said.

"Thanks," Clark said again, unsure of what else to say next. He took hold of the burger and began to eat, leaving Jordan and Megan to lead the conversation. Throughout the lunch period, Alicia stayed seated on Clark's lap. She never spoke a word; her eyes never left his face, causing Clark's unease to grow.

At the Summerholt Institute…

Lex checked his watch. It was a miracle he had been able to keep his standing appointment with Dr. Garner. The doctor was late but didn't appear concerned at his tardiness when he walked in at a leisurely pace.

"I'm not used to being kept waiting."

"You're the one trying to hide from big daddy. If I don't keep up with his standards he'll be sure to stick his nose in my other projects. Right," Dr. Garner sighed as he glanced over his clipboard, "this treatment you're going to have is experimental. That's my way of saying you're the first test subject. It's dangerous, side effects are unknown, no guarantee of success, and you could possibly die. Any objections?"

Lex stood up, ready to proceed. "No."

"Good. Then, follow me." Dr. Garner led Lex through a maze of hallways. He rattled off an impressive explanation of how the procedure worked and what Lex could expect when he went through it. "There can be no interference with the link. That means you cannot wear any metal and clothing must be kept minimal."

"Understood."

Lex was led into a large room. In the middle were two reclined chairs hooked to wires connected with large consoles against the wall. One chair was empty; a helmet with glowing green tubes was beside it. The other chair held Sarah Conroy's body.

"Why is Sarah here?" After Lex had been released by the feds, he had given instructions for Sarah to be transferred to a real hospital. Lex's name was on all the necessary documents to make the call since Lionel had been thorough in framing his own son.

"Did you really think you were put in charge? The project isn't over, Lex, even though our primary test subjects have all mysteriously expired. Lionel is adamant in keeping Sarah a part of this, and she's going to play a key role in your therapy."

Lex hesitated. He needed his memories back. He needed them to take down Lionel once and for all. After that, then Lex could arrange for Sarah's release.

No! A part of his brain screamed. She's just a kid. She doesn't deserve this.

"What'll it be, Lex? I don't have all day."

Lex began to unbutton his shirt.

"Do it."

Well, here I go again, falling behind. This is all I got this week. It's sad, but I don't have the next chapter up to my liking yet. I'm determined to not take any more breaks.