The road stretched ahead, illuminated only by the headlights of Clark's truck as he and Chloe made their way to Lex's house. The comfortable silence between them was soon broken by Chloe, who sighed, looking out the window, clearly deep in thought.
"Pete was so excited to go to the party with Jodi. It's such bad luck," she said, turning to Clark, a hint of frustration visible on her face.
Clark kept his eyes on the road, feigning surprise as he responded.
"Really? He was excited to go? What happened?"
"Jodi got sick, Clark. He's with her at the hospital right now. Apparently, she fainted. They don't really know what happened." Chloe explained, crossing her arms as she looked back out the window. "Pete was so pumped for their date, you know?"
"That's bad luck," Clark said, shaking his head slightly. "But the party can happen anytime. The important thing is that Jodi is okay and will be out soon."
Chloe nodded but still seemed thoughtful. "You're right. But it's frustrating to see Pete so excited and then have something like this happen on their first date."
Clark gave a soft smile, trying to comfort her.
"I'm sure they'll have other chances. Pete's a good guy, and Jodi will probably feel better soon."
"I hope so. He deserves something good." Chloe responded, relaxing a bit more in her seat, clearly more at ease with the idea that things would work out.
The gentle hum of the truck's engine and the quiet of the road filled the rest of the drive, while both continued on toward Lex's house, the subject of Pete and Jodi still lingering in their minds, but with the certainty that everything would turn out fine.
....
Chloe and Clark finally arrived at the party at Lex's mansion. The lights of the house shone brightly, and the distant sound of music filled the air as they approached the entrance. Lana was standing at the door, smiling as she saw the two of them.
"I'm so glad you guys made it!" Lana said, waving to them enthusiastically. "The party is already in full swing, come in!"
Clark smiled back while Chloe gave a small wave. "Of course, Lana. It looks like it's going great."
They entered the mansion, where soft lights and the sound of laughter filled the space. As Chloe and Lana began chatting about the party details, Clark spotted Lex in the distance, in a quieter corner of the house, away from the music and noise.
Clark motioned to Lex, who returned the gesture with a smile, and the two made their way to a more isolated area where they could talk without being interrupted.
"Your book is selling well, Clark. Tomorrow, come by my house again, and we can discuss the profits," Lex said, his expression satisfied with the results.
"I will, Lex, but I believe the sales are more due to the Luthor name than my work."
"The Luthor name might get someone to buy the book once, but for them to buy it a second time, it has to be good. Your book is getting good reviews, and there are a lot of people eager to meet Clark Kent." Lex said.
Clark gave a small smirk, realizing that despite his insecurities, the book was indeed being well-received. "Let's give them what they're curious about then."
"Of course. An interview for the paper, a book signing, and you'll be famous, Clark. And, of course, it'll be great publicity for me — the man who discovered Clark Kent's talent, straight from the heart of Smallville." Lex said with a shrewd smile.
Clark chuckled lightly, knowing Lex was always thinking of a bigger benefit. "Looks like we're all winning with this, Lex. As long as things stay under control."
"Don't worry, Clark. I'll make sure everything runs smoothly. That's the advantage of working with a Luthor." Lex said.
The two exchanged smiles and shook hands briefly before Clark returned to where Chloe was.
"You and Lex seem to be plotting something," Chloe joked, watching Clark approach. "Should I be worried?"
Clark smiled, shaking his head.
"Nothing to worry about. Just business."
"Let's dance, Clark," Chloe said, pulling him by the arm before he could protest.
Clark laughed, following Chloe to the dance floor, where the music was already lively. The sound of the music filled the air, and soon they were dancing with the other guests, laughing and having fun. Though Clark was a bit more reserved, he relaxed upon seeing Chloe so comfortable.
Thump, thump, thump!
The beat of the music echoed through the floor as Chloe and Clark moved lightly and playfully, laughing at the scenes around them and enjoying the moment.
"You're doing a lot better than I thought, Chloe." Clark teased with a mischievous smile.
"I'm trying to keep up with you," Chloe replied, smiling back, feeling more at ease.
After a few songs, they left the dance floor, both out of breath and smiling, heading toward a quieter part of the house. Chloe grabbed two cups of juice and handed one to Clark, sitting down next to him on one of the sofas.
"That was fun," Chloe commented, a satisfied smile on her face as she took a sip of her juice.
Clark nodded, taking a deep breath. "Yeah, it was. It's been a while since I danced like that."
Chloe looked at Clark for a moment, a thoughtful expression on her face before smiling again.
"You should talk to Lana," Chloe suggested casually, but her eyes watched Clark's reaction closely.
Clark frowned, surprised by the suggestion. "Talk to Lana? Why?"
Chloe rolled her eyes, clearly annoyed by his surprise.
"What? I'm not some possessive, jealous woman. And after the secret you told me, it would be wrong if I didn't trust you."
Clark smiled softly, realizing Chloe was right. "I know, Chloe. I just wasn't expecting the suggestion."
"Look, Whitney couldn't make it tonight, and she's feeling lonely," Chloe explained in a more understanding tone. "You guys are friends, despite everything, or am I wrong?"
Clark remained silent for a moment, indifferent to Chloe's question, as if lost in his own thoughts. He took a sip of his juice, not responding immediately. Chloe, noticing Clark's hesitation, gave a slight smile and didn't push any further, turning her attention back to the party around them.
Clark finally stood up, leaving the empty cup on the table beside him, and glanced around the room. He spotted Lana and calmly walked through the crowd, passing by a few guests before finally reaching the balcony where Lana stood. She was leaning on the railing, gazing at the night sky, her thoughts clearly distant.
"Lana," Clark called softly as he approached. She turned when she heard her name, a gentle smile forming on her lips.
"Clark! What a surprise," Lana said with a hint of surprise but clearly happy to see him. "What brings you here?"
Clark gave a small smile and stood beside her at the railing. "I just saw you alone and thought I'd check on you."
"Yeah... Whitney couldn't come tonight, and I guess I just didn't know what to do," Lana admitted, letting out a sigh. "The party is great, but sometimes it's strange being surrounded by people and still feeling... alone."
She looked up at the sky, her thoughts seeming distant as she continued.
"My friends from the cheerleading squad... they stopped talking to me when I left the team and started working."
Clark, listening to Lana's words, took a step forward and struck a heroic pose, placing one foot on the balcony railing as he gazed at the moonlit sky.
"It's normal that they don't understand you, Lana. After all, you took one small step for a woman, but one giant leap for a 15-year-old student."
Lana, surprised by Clark's pose and words, couldn't hold back her laughter.
"Thanks for the words, Clark Armstrong," she said, still laughing lightly.
Clark scratched the back of his head, visibly embarrassed. "It sounded better in my head."
The light and relaxed atmosphere between them made Lana feel more comfortable. She looked at Clark, smiling warmly. "I always knew you had a funny side, Clark. You always manage to make me smile, even in the strangest situations."
Clark smiled back, feeling satisfied that he had managed to cheer Lana up a little.
"That's what friends are for, right?"
"Right." Lana responded, smiling back at him.
"Want to enjoy the rest of the party?" Clark asked with a light smile.
"Do you want me to join you and Chloe?" Lana asked, surprised but clearly excited by the suggestion.
"Sure! Me, you, and Chloe can enjoy the party together," Clark responded, keeping the tone casual. "Besides, I'm sure she'll love the company."
Lana smiled, stepping away from the railing.
"I think that's a great idea. Thanks for inviting me, Clark."
Clark gestured for her to follow, and the two returned inside the mansion. As soon as they entered the main hall, they spotted Chloe near the dance floor, laughing with some of the other guests.
"Chloe! Look who I brought!" Clark called out, catching her attention.
Chloe turned and, upon seeing Lana, smiled excitedly. "Lana! I'm so glad you joined us!"
Lana smiled back, feeling more comfortable. "Clark convinced me. I thought it'd be nice to spend the rest of the party with you guys."
"Great idea! Let's have fun," Chloe said, grabbing Lana's hand and pulling her toward the dance floor again.
Clark followed, watching the two of them loosen up on the dance floor, laughing and dancing to the loud music. For the first time that night, Lana seemed to be relaxing and enjoying the moment, and Clark felt satisfied knowing he had helped make that happen.
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