Revenge&Retribution-Smallville
Title: Revenge and Retribution
Rating: PG ? It will probably have some adult themes but not that much of foul language! However each time it has that kind of themes there will be a warning!
Summary:Lex has second thoughts about his life and feels bitter! At the same time a new girl comes to town with mysterious goals.... It will include all characters, it will be however mostly focused on Lex!
Disclaimer: I don't own the characters. Only what you won't recognize! That is the girl and a couple of other characters!
Revenge and Retribution- Teaser
The young man sat in silence in the reclusion of his office. So many things had happened recently.
Things that had turned his life upside down. And yes, like anyone would be, he was shaken.
He used to think he was strong. His fatherÂ’s son. A man who would be composed and cold under any circumstances.. But he wasnÂ’t. What he was was blind.
He thought he could fool himself into believing he was strong and determined, just by blocking all thoughts out and by focusing on the bitterness that he held for his father..
He thought that if he could set his heart on overshadowing his father, making him see how unimportant and petty he really was, he could convince him that he was powerful and strong-willed.
But now his father was even harder on him and he didnÂ’t know what to feel. His father wasnÂ’t weak and didn't forgive weakness.
Still, his son, him, was the one who would have to continue the legacy, run the business.
Not rarely Lex had thought that he wasnÂ’t cut out for a businessman, but he only went along to keep his father pleased.
As he watched some youngsters cheerfully crossing the street together, from his window, he knew that he had given up one too many things to become what his father wanted him to become.
And he had lost his innocence in the process.
A beeping sound interrupted his thoughts.
He pressed the button.
“Yes?”
“Mr Luthor, I am just reminding you the appointment with the Elliot Corp representatives at 2!”
“Thank you Miranda!”
Lex quickly set his stare on the frame on his desk. It was a picture of his mother.
He wished he could be more like her. Her kindness, her goodness shone through her smile.
She always looked for the goodness inside people. But him?
He was more like his father, he concluded regretfully.
When he was left at the care of his father, that had changed him and it had scarred his soul forever.
Now he was marred, he had lost so many qualities, he knew it was impossible to retrieve.
Abruptly he took his car keys from the desk and ignoring anyone he bumped into he went out of the building and into his car.
He drove off, not knowing where it was that he wanted to go! What was that he was trying to escapeÂ…
*******************
She was driving. Driving fast and though she should be focused on the road ahead of her, her mind was racing.
She couldnÂ’t believe that it was true but it was. She was there in Smallville, ready for what she had in mind. All those years that she had spent alone without them, had given her strength.
She had held on to their thought, the memories of them to pull through.
It had been hard. She had come a long way and soon the revenge would be hers to enjoy.
*******************
For several minutes he just drove, not really paying attention to the road. He knew it was dangerous, but he just didnÂ’t care.
He had often wished for his death each time his father was cruel to him. There were times when he felt so humiliated and depressed that dying was welcome.
But anything that doesnÂ’t kill you, only makes you strongerÂ…
His fearless and frequently ruthless attitude had won him the reputation of an international adventurer and playboy.
In every woman he had dated , he had searched for this kindness and honesty that his mother held, but all he had seen in their eyes had been grred for money or for fame. Eyes that never saw through his mask of witty repartee, where an insecure man existed, searching for true love.
So he had stopped searching.
Only now mattered to him. The young man sighed and as he looked into the mirror, he spotted a dark blue convertible approaching him.
He hadnÂ’t seen it before and by the looks of it, the owner was wealthy.
He turned to the left and the car passed swiftly by his side. Lex saw a woman wearing a scarf and sunglasses and he thought he heard rock music.
A smile covered his face.
“New girl in town? This can be interesting!” he thought and accelerated.
**************
She was enjoying the drive. It was fun to feel the speed. She could feel the air brushing through her hair. She hadnÂ’t been in such a peaceful place for years. Ever since she had gone to that boarding school. It was so different and nice to be able to drive fast without having to worry about bumping into another car. She leaned over and turned on the radio.
She picked on her favorite station and rock music resounded in her ears. Overwhelmed, she sang along with the singer, till she saw another car, convertible like hers in front of her. She recognized it immediately. She had seen it in pictures. She had been keeping track of their lives through tv and newspapers. She saw him turn to the left to let her pass.
She smirked.
“Well, if it isn’t Lex the spoilt playboy! That’s right, Lexy boy! Move aside, do not stand in my way if you don’t want to suffer like your father!”
***
Lex soon caught up with her. She was singing. He turned to look at her more closely but the scarf and the sunglasses didnÂ’t let him make out much. He watched as she acce;erated to avoid him and decided he was in for a game. He accelerated too and waited for her response.
***
She saw him approach through the side mirror and smirked.
“Having second thoughts, are we?” she thought. Maybe he was going to compete with her but she didn’t have time for that. She felt his eyes looking at her curiously and stepped on it to avoid him. That idiot hitting on her wasn’t welcome.
***
Lex grinned realizing she was trying to avoid him. Did she think it was going to be that easy? Oh, no! He was going to find out who she was and nothing would stop him. He got closer to the car and careful not to make any great damage, he hit it.
****
She heard the noise and realized what had happened. Could he be any more stupid? SShe quickly pulled over counting to ten so that her anger would subside. Shesaw him pulling over behind her and then come out of his car.
“Hey there! I’m sorry about that!” he explained.
“Yeah, right” she thought, as she stood up too!
“Sorry? Oh, you better be, I have never met an one as stupid as you!”
His expression changed. He hated being called stupid and certainly when it came from a woman.
“I said I was sorry! It’s not a big deal!My insurance will cover for that!”
“Your insurance? Please! Is that what you thought I was referring to? I don’t need your money! It is the waste of my time that annoys me!”
“Surely a young woman such as yourself has plenty of time at her disposal.. By the way, let me introduce myself. I am Lex. Lex Luthor!” he said giving his hand.
“Oh, I know who you are! I know a Luthor when I see one!” She said going over to her car again.
“Really?” he said intrigued. “I see! I didn’t catch your name!”
“That’s right! You didn’t!” she said abruptly staring into his blue eyes for a few moments. Then she drove off.
***
Lana put the pen down and sighed. Everything seemed in order. She turned to look around. Everyone seemed pleased. She smiled and pushed her hair out of her face. Clark was sitting at a table drinking coffee and reading a book. She tried to watch him discreetly and looked around nervously to see if anyone noticed.
Then satisfied she continued to look at him.
***
Clark flipped the page though he hadnÂ’t read it. From the moment he had come in he was searching for that golden opportunity to talk to Lana. He was waiting for Pete but he was the last person on his mind right now.
He felt so awkward. He wanted to tell Lana his secret ever since he had saved her life in that tornado but he just couldnÂ’t. He wasnÂ’t sure she would understand. Though he wanted to tell her, he continued to glance at her each time she looked at someone else.
He couldnÂ’t concentrate on his reading. Instead, his eyes were full of her! Her eyes, her smile. He sighed and flipped another page.
****
Chloe walked in Talon with Pete. She had run into him and he had invited her to come to. She could have said no, but since Clark would be there too, she didnÂ’t want to miss the opportunity to see him. She knew it was going to be awkward, since they were just friends again, but she needed to be close to him.
Her heart jumped in her chest as she noticed him at the table. .He was reading a book. She discreetly let Pete pass in front of her and lead her to the table.
Clark looked up.
“Hey, Pete! Chloe!” He said with a genuine smile.
“Hi!” She answered, trying her best to smile.
***
She carefully parked her convertible car at the side of the road. Still behind the wheel, she turned off the engine and she allowed herself to immerse in thought.
She turned to look across the street. She noticed the sign reading: Talon” and smiled. She would meet a friend at last. As she moved to take her purse from the passenger seat, she saw their pictures. Pictures of them. The people she had loved more than life itself. The people HE had taken away from her six years ago.
Oh yes! She was going to make him pay and no one would stop her. She would observe as his whole empire would collapse and come crushing down his feet. The work of his lifeÂ…gone!
His pain would be nothing compared to the pain he had caused her at a tender age, but still it would be a revenge.
She longed to see the look of destruction in his eyes! In those evil eyes, disgusting eyes of his.
With a smile, she got out of the car and walked to Talon. As she walked in, she spotted her friend at a table talking to some friends. She observed them for a while and then silently crept at an isolated table and sat, taking off her scarf and sunglasses.
*****
Lana put the pen down and sighed. Everything seemed ok. She turned to look around and spotted Pete and Chloe sitting next to Clark. She hurried to go over.
“Hey, Pete! Hey, Chloe! What can I bring you guys?”
“Hey Lana! Coffee, please! Double caffeine! I had to stay up half the night writing an essay!” Chloe explained as she yawned.
Lana smiled!” I see! How about you, Pete?”
“The same!”
“Ok!”
As she turned around she noticed a girl sitting alone at another table. She walked towards her to take her order and her long brown hair looked familiar.
“Hi! What can I bring you?”
The girl turned around and green eyes looked into hers.
“Oh, the usual! A hug from one of my oldest friends perhaps?”
The girl said with a smile.
“Oh my god! Gwen! You are here!”
*************
Lex spotted the car parked on the side of the street and quickly parked next to it. He fixed his stare across the street and saw Talon. He turned to look at the parked car again and concluded that it was possible. She could only be at Talon. She was a stranger to that place so she could only be there. His playfield.
He smiled and remained in his car for a few minutes. It was funny how silly, unimportant things sometimes make us forget our problems, our pain even for a while. He had left his office troubled and hurt and now he had found something to occupy his mind with till it would be time to return.
He closed his eyes and his fatherÂ’s face appeared hunting him. How could a man haunt you even form a long distance? Lex concluded that some people just have the distinct ability to influence other peopleÂ’s lives. He didnÂ’t want to be one of the latter but though he hated to admit it, Lionel had left his seal on him and he would never completely escape his clout. The mere thought of it made Lex mad and he abruptly got out of his car.
He walked to wards Talon and the closer he got, the more confident he felt. At least there he would meet people who were the closest to what he could call friends and that was a lot more than he could say for his father.
*************
Pete continued to read the passage that Chloe had given to him to read, unaware of what was happening around him. Though he was tired, he admitted that ChloeÂ’s writing had always had a stimulating effect on him. It wasnÂ’t but recently that he realized he was starting to fall for his blonde friend.
***********
Chloe sipped on her coffee and glanced at Lana talking to a girl at the other side of the cafι. She was sure she had seen her before but then again she could only make out her back and hair. She wondered who she was and why Lana was so enthusiastically talking to her. Oh, well, she would aske her discreetly as soon as she would get the chance.
She took another sip and turned to look at Clark. Just as she thought. He was looking towards the other side of the room too, only his eyes were focused on Lana. He was looking at her so intensely that it made ChloeÂ’s heart jump in her chest. What she would give to have him look at her like that even for one moment.
************
“Gwen! How is this possible? I can’t believe you are here!” Lana said, hugging her friend.
“Oh, Lana! I have missed you so much! You don’t know how hard it has been the past few years!”
Lana made an instant grimace. Of course she knew it was hard. What had happened was terrible. Just tragic. But thankfully, Gwen seemed to be holding up ok, consideringÂ…
Well, better than she was for years after her parents had died.
“It feels so good to see a friend at last. Is it true? Is this your place?”
Lana nodded. “Yes! It is!”
“It is great! You have done a great job reviving it! I know how important it was for you! Listen, do you think that you will have the time to talk later?”
“Are you kidding me Gwen? I have all the timke in the world for you! Actually, why don’t I introduce you to my friends? Come on!”
“Are you sure?” Gwen asked feeling a bit uncomfortable.
“Yeah! I am!”
***********
Lex pulled out his cell phone and dialed a number.
“Scott? I have a little job for you! I want you to check a license plate number for me! Write down…”
***********
Clark saw them approaching and looked away for a few moments. He didnÂ’t want Lana to think he was staring at her. He only looked up when the two girls got there.
*********
Chloe yawned and took one more sip of her coffee. Pete was still reading her article and she smirked. He was so nice. At least someone was giving her his undivided attention. That felt good for a change. She saw Lana and that girl approach and couldnÂ’t believe her eyes.
*********
“Hey guys! A friend just got here. This is Gwen! Gwen this is Clark, Pete and Chloe!”
“Hi, Gwen! Nice to meet you!”
“Gwen? Oh my god! What are you doing here? I thought you were going to Washington!”
“Chloe Sullivan? How long has it been? A year? How have you been?”
Lana was startled. “You two know each other?”
“Yeah! We met at the journalist convention at Metropolis!”
“Really? Are you a journalist too?” Clark asked.
The girl laughed. “A journalist? Me? Nah! I am nothing close to Chloe! She is a genius! I was just there cos my uncle insisted!”
“Gwen is a genius too! She is about our age and on her third year in college! Imagine that!”
Pete turned to look at her!
“Really? How did you do that?”
“Well, basically…I had no life!” Gwen struggled to smile though inside she was hurting. They would never know just how true that was....
******** Flashback six years earlier***********
The girl heard her father come in. She hurried to greet him.
“Daddy! Daddy! You are here!”
The man bent down and picked his daughter up.
“I’m here darling! It’s ok now! Did you have a good day?”
“We played with Magda but I missed you terribly!”
“I missed you too Gwenie!”
“Will you come and watch tv with me?”
“No, sweetie I have a lot of work to do, but remember that I love you!”
“Ok!” the girl got disappointed. It had been two months since he last paid her attention.
She would never forget the day that had scarred them both forever. Her mother had gotten sick and died in hospital. Ever since that day nothing had been the same again. Her father didn’t even notice she was there. He was too consumed with grief. The girl understood that. She felt emptiness inside too. The pain was unbearable but she thought :”At least I still have daddy!”
Only she didnÂ’t. He was there in flesh but his mind wasnÂ’t there. She was alone. She went to her room as she watched him retreate in his office. She lay down on her bed and sighed. On her bedside table a picture of all four of them brought tears to her eyes. She missed them so much. Why couldnÂ’t they just be here njow that she needed them? Why couldnÂ’t they just continue to love her as they did in the past?
Gwen knew the answer It was because they were dead.
Suddenly, a loud noise reached to her ears. It sounded like a gunshot. He heart started pounding in her chest as she run to his office. She knew that was where the gunshot had come from.
She just knew it. She opened the door and her eyes met blood.
So much blood. Blood everywhere. She didnÂ’t want to scream.
She didnÂ’t want to cry. She just wanted to close her eyes and when she opened them again to see that it was all a bad dream.
So, she blinked again and again but nothing changed. Her father was dead too. And she was alone. Now she was completely and utterly alone. That was her last thought as everything went black.
******
Lex walked in and took a look around. He spotted Clark and the rest sitting at a table and noticed that a girl he hadnÂ’t seen before was sitting among them. The color of her blouse was the same with the girlsÂ’ in the car. He approached them more and confirmed it! Lex understood she saw him too because her look changed immediately.
******
“So, what are you studying?”
“International Business! What else?”
“Oh, Gwen, I would never had guessed unless you told me. I mean you wanted to be a writer when we were children. I would have thought that you would study something of that sort!” Lana commented.
“Yeah, I know! Well, my uncle had other plans for me. I mean someone has to help him and there is only me so…”
“You said you knew each other as children? Did you use to live in Smallville then?"
Gwen turned to look at Clark.
“Well, not exactly! My mother was from Smallville, but she lived in Metropolis, this is where she met my father. And as soon as they got married they traveled a lot. But we used to come here from time to time!”
“Really? Your mother was from here? What is your last name?”
“Elliotis, but my mother’s maiden name was Stanford”.
“Was?” Pete asked.
“Yeah, she passed away six years ago.
“I’m so sorry!”
“That’s ok, you didn’t know! Besides, I don’t mind talking about them!”
“Elliotis? Is that Italian?” Clark asked again.
“No, It is Greek. My father was half-Greek!”
“Was? He is dead too?”
“Umm, yes! It is a long story!”
Chloe immediately understood how uncomfortable Gwen was feeling.
“Why don’t we talk about something else? Are you here on vacation? On business? Pleasure?” She joked.
Gwen noticed Lex Luthor walking towards their table.
“Well, you know me Chloe! I have always believed there can be pleasure in business!”
********
“Hi, guys!” Lex put in.
“Hi, Lex!” they answered.
“Clark! I thought you would be here!”
“Is everything ok? You seem a bit preoccupied!” Clark said noticing his face.
“Yeah well… Business can be very frustrating sometimes.”
A few minutes of awkward silence followed before Lana talked.
“Why don’t you sit down? And let me introduce you to a friend! Lex this is Gwen! Gwen this is…”
“We already met! Actually we have already talked!” The girl cut her.
“Well, actually, I talked! You left!” Lex said not wanting to miss the opportunity.
“I was in a hurry! Sorry! Now you know why! I didn’t mean to be rude!” Gwen added with a smirk. She tried to sound polite but it took way too much effort.
“Oh, I am sure about that! No harm was done. So, what brings you to Smallville? I haven’t seen you before!”
Gwen fixed her stare on him and it was cold.
“I’ll stick around for a while!. Mostly on business!”
“Business? That is interesting coming from a girl your age. Plus, I am intrigued you chose Smallville of all places!”
“Gwen is no stranger to the town! Actually, she has come here to help her..” Chloe started but Gwen stopped her.
“Lets’s just say that my family and Smallville go a long way back!”
“Really? Did you use to live here or something?”
“Something!” Was the answer Lex got. “ My mother was from here!”
“What is her name?”
“Stanford! Does it ring any bells?” Gwen sounded almost sarcastic and Lana was surprised! That was not like Gwen.
LexÂ’s look remained the same.
“No! I can’t say that it does, should it?”
“Well, considering you are a Luther would expect you to know everything and everyone!”
“I still have a long way for that!” Lex tried to joke, he could sense the climate wasn’t that friendly.
“So, what are you really here for?”
“I am taking a little time off college! I want to finish something! I will probably take some long-distance courses. I don’t know! To tell you the truth that is the last thing on my mind right now!”
Lex laughed! “Yeah, I know what you mean! When I was at college, I used to take time off to visit obscure little countries ,like Italy and Greece! They are so peaceful!”
“They were until your father destroyed everything!” Gwen thought.
“By the way, where are you from? Your accent is interesting!”
“Funny you should say that! Actually, I am from an abscure little country! You wouldn’t happen top know! Greece!”
Lex gasped!
Lana tried to mediate. “ Well, Gwen is kidding! She is not really from Greece!”
Gwen smiled with effort.
“Yeah! I was kidding! My father was half-Greek and I kinda became a bit defensive! I am sorry! I didn’t mean to! I was born in San Fransisco and then I changed boarding schools all over Europe! And now if you will excuse me! I have to go! Nice to meet you guys!” She said standing up and heading for the door.
They all looked puzzled.
“I’m sorry Lex! I don’t know what came over her! She is a really nice person! I guess she must have had a bad day!”
Lex was deep in thought.
“Never mind! Ok! I have to go now! I’ll see you later Clark!”
******
Gwen took deep breaths trying to hold back the tears that were threatening to make their way down her face. Why was she so weak? She should have been strong! Why did he get to her that much? She was rude to him in front of everyone! How would she ever be able to explain that without telling them the truth? CouldnÂ’t she just pretend?
The girl sighed. Even looking at him made her mad. Luthor! He was a Luthor. That hateful name! The name she was out to destroy! It was going to be harder than she had thought, but she didnÂ’t care! Lionel Luthor was going to pay.
********Flashback nine years earlier********
”Don’t let go, Mandy! I’m scared!”
“Don’t be scared! Just hold on to me!”
The little girl held on to her older sister and closed her eyes as they both immersed in water.
“See Gwenie? That wasn’t so hard now was it?” the older girl said as they resurfaced.
“No! It wasn’t! Can I try it alone now?”
“Yes! Of course you can!”
Gwen dived again, only this time she kept her eyes open. She didnÂ’t know why she was afraid of water! Whenever she was near the sea, a bad feeling would overwhelm her. Sometimes she thought the sea would just swallow her and she was afraid.
Her older sister wasnÂ’t afraid. Sometimes Gwen thought that Mandy could do anything.
Madeleine had laughed when she heard that.
“I’m just like everybody else, Gwen! I just dare to try and I get it right sometimes! I am sure you could do the same if you tried!”
“No, I couldn’t! but you could! You can! I love you Mandy!”
“I love you too Gwen!”
“Promice you’ll never lave me!”
“Why would I ever leave you silly?”
MadeleineÂ’s voice resounded in her ears and she couldnÂ’t help crying even harder.
“You did leave me Mandy! You did leave me!”
********
Lex had just exited the Talon when his cell phone rung.
“Scott? You have a name for me?”
“What? A company? Which company? “
The answer surprised him.
“Elliot Corp?”
Rating: PG ? It will probably have some adult themes but not that much of foul language! However each time it has that kind of themes there will be a warning!
Summary:Lex has second thoughts about his life and feels bitter! At the same time a new girl comes to town with mysterious goals.... It will include all characters, it will be however mostly focused on Lex!
Disclaimer: I don't own the characters. Only what you won't recognize! That is the girl and a couple of other characters!
Revenge and Retribution- Teaser
The young man sat in silence in the reclusion of his office. So many things had happened recently.
Things that had turned his life upside down. And yes, like anyone would be, he was shaken.
He used to think he was strong. His fatherÂ’s son. A man who would be composed and cold under any circumstances.. But he wasnÂ’t. What he was was blind.
He thought he could fool himself into believing he was strong and determined, just by blocking all thoughts out and by focusing on the bitterness that he held for his father..
He thought that if he could set his heart on overshadowing his father, making him see how unimportant and petty he really was, he could convince him that he was powerful and strong-willed.
But now his father was even harder on him and he didnÂ’t know what to feel. His father wasnÂ’t weak and didn't forgive weakness.
Still, his son, him, was the one who would have to continue the legacy, run the business.
Not rarely Lex had thought that he wasnÂ’t cut out for a businessman, but he only went along to keep his father pleased.
As he watched some youngsters cheerfully crossing the street together, from his window, he knew that he had given up one too many things to become what his father wanted him to become.
And he had lost his innocence in the process.
A beeping sound interrupted his thoughts.
He pressed the button.
“Yes?”
“Mr Luthor, I am just reminding you the appointment with the Elliot Corp representatives at 2!”
“Thank you Miranda!”
Lex quickly set his stare on the frame on his desk. It was a picture of his mother.
He wished he could be more like her. Her kindness, her goodness shone through her smile.
She always looked for the goodness inside people. But him?
He was more like his father, he concluded regretfully.
When he was left at the care of his father, that had changed him and it had scarred his soul forever.
Now he was marred, he had lost so many qualities, he knew it was impossible to retrieve.
Abruptly he took his car keys from the desk and ignoring anyone he bumped into he went out of the building and into his car.
He drove off, not knowing where it was that he wanted to go! What was that he was trying to escapeÂ…
*******************
She was driving. Driving fast and though she should be focused on the road ahead of her, her mind was racing.
She couldnÂ’t believe that it was true but it was. She was there in Smallville, ready for what she had in mind. All those years that she had spent alone without them, had given her strength.
She had held on to their thought, the memories of them to pull through.
It had been hard. She had come a long way and soon the revenge would be hers to enjoy.
*******************
For several minutes he just drove, not really paying attention to the road. He knew it was dangerous, but he just didnÂ’t care.
He had often wished for his death each time his father was cruel to him. There were times when he felt so humiliated and depressed that dying was welcome.
But anything that doesnÂ’t kill you, only makes you strongerÂ…
His fearless and frequently ruthless attitude had won him the reputation of an international adventurer and playboy.
In every woman he had dated , he had searched for this kindness and honesty that his mother held, but all he had seen in their eyes had been grred for money or for fame. Eyes that never saw through his mask of witty repartee, where an insecure man existed, searching for true love.
So he had stopped searching.
Only now mattered to him. The young man sighed and as he looked into the mirror, he spotted a dark blue convertible approaching him.
He hadnÂ’t seen it before and by the looks of it, the owner was wealthy.
He turned to the left and the car passed swiftly by his side. Lex saw a woman wearing a scarf and sunglasses and he thought he heard rock music.
A smile covered his face.
“New girl in town? This can be interesting!” he thought and accelerated.
**************
She was enjoying the drive. It was fun to feel the speed. She could feel the air brushing through her hair. She hadnÂ’t been in such a peaceful place for years. Ever since she had gone to that boarding school. It was so different and nice to be able to drive fast without having to worry about bumping into another car. She leaned over and turned on the radio.
She picked on her favorite station and rock music resounded in her ears. Overwhelmed, she sang along with the singer, till she saw another car, convertible like hers in front of her. She recognized it immediately. She had seen it in pictures. She had been keeping track of their lives through tv and newspapers. She saw him turn to the left to let her pass.
She smirked.
“Well, if it isn’t Lex the spoilt playboy! That’s right, Lexy boy! Move aside, do not stand in my way if you don’t want to suffer like your father!”
***
Lex soon caught up with her. She was singing. He turned to look at her more closely but the scarf and the sunglasses didnÂ’t let him make out much. He watched as she acce;erated to avoid him and decided he was in for a game. He accelerated too and waited for her response.
***
She saw him approach through the side mirror and smirked.
“Having second thoughts, are we?” she thought. Maybe he was going to compete with her but she didn’t have time for that. She felt his eyes looking at her curiously and stepped on it to avoid him. That idiot hitting on her wasn’t welcome.
***
Lex grinned realizing she was trying to avoid him. Did she think it was going to be that easy? Oh, no! He was going to find out who she was and nothing would stop him. He got closer to the car and careful not to make any great damage, he hit it.
****
She heard the noise and realized what had happened. Could he be any more stupid? SShe quickly pulled over counting to ten so that her anger would subside. Shesaw him pulling over behind her and then come out of his car.
“Hey there! I’m sorry about that!” he explained.
“Yeah, right” she thought, as she stood up too!
“Sorry? Oh, you better be, I have never met an one as stupid as you!”
His expression changed. He hated being called stupid and certainly when it came from a woman.
“I said I was sorry! It’s not a big deal!My insurance will cover for that!”
“Your insurance? Please! Is that what you thought I was referring to? I don’t need your money! It is the waste of my time that annoys me!”
“Surely a young woman such as yourself has plenty of time at her disposal.. By the way, let me introduce myself. I am Lex. Lex Luthor!” he said giving his hand.
“Oh, I know who you are! I know a Luthor when I see one!” She said going over to her car again.
“Really?” he said intrigued. “I see! I didn’t catch your name!”
“That’s right! You didn’t!” she said abruptly staring into his blue eyes for a few moments. Then she drove off.
***
Lana put the pen down and sighed. Everything seemed in order. She turned to look around. Everyone seemed pleased. She smiled and pushed her hair out of her face. Clark was sitting at a table drinking coffee and reading a book. She tried to watch him discreetly and looked around nervously to see if anyone noticed.
Then satisfied she continued to look at him.
***
Clark flipped the page though he hadnÂ’t read it. From the moment he had come in he was searching for that golden opportunity to talk to Lana. He was waiting for Pete but he was the last person on his mind right now.
He felt so awkward. He wanted to tell Lana his secret ever since he had saved her life in that tornado but he just couldnÂ’t. He wasnÂ’t sure she would understand. Though he wanted to tell her, he continued to glance at her each time she looked at someone else.
He couldnÂ’t concentrate on his reading. Instead, his eyes were full of her! Her eyes, her smile. He sighed and flipped another page.
****
Chloe walked in Talon with Pete. She had run into him and he had invited her to come to. She could have said no, but since Clark would be there too, she didnÂ’t want to miss the opportunity to see him. She knew it was going to be awkward, since they were just friends again, but she needed to be close to him.
Her heart jumped in her chest as she noticed him at the table. .He was reading a book. She discreetly let Pete pass in front of her and lead her to the table.
Clark looked up.
“Hey, Pete! Chloe!” He said with a genuine smile.
“Hi!” She answered, trying her best to smile.
***
She carefully parked her convertible car at the side of the road. Still behind the wheel, she turned off the engine and she allowed herself to immerse in thought.
She turned to look across the street. She noticed the sign reading: Talon” and smiled. She would meet a friend at last. As she moved to take her purse from the passenger seat, she saw their pictures. Pictures of them. The people she had loved more than life itself. The people HE had taken away from her six years ago.
Oh yes! She was going to make him pay and no one would stop her. She would observe as his whole empire would collapse and come crushing down his feet. The work of his lifeÂ…gone!
His pain would be nothing compared to the pain he had caused her at a tender age, but still it would be a revenge.
She longed to see the look of destruction in his eyes! In those evil eyes, disgusting eyes of his.
With a smile, she got out of the car and walked to Talon. As she walked in, she spotted her friend at a table talking to some friends. She observed them for a while and then silently crept at an isolated table and sat, taking off her scarf and sunglasses.
*****
Lana put the pen down and sighed. Everything seemed ok. She turned to look around and spotted Pete and Chloe sitting next to Clark. She hurried to go over.
“Hey, Pete! Hey, Chloe! What can I bring you guys?”
“Hey Lana! Coffee, please! Double caffeine! I had to stay up half the night writing an essay!” Chloe explained as she yawned.
Lana smiled!” I see! How about you, Pete?”
“The same!”
“Ok!”
As she turned around she noticed a girl sitting alone at another table. She walked towards her to take her order and her long brown hair looked familiar.
“Hi! What can I bring you?”
The girl turned around and green eyes looked into hers.
“Oh, the usual! A hug from one of my oldest friends perhaps?”
The girl said with a smile.
“Oh my god! Gwen! You are here!”
*************
Lex spotted the car parked on the side of the street and quickly parked next to it. He fixed his stare across the street and saw Talon. He turned to look at the parked car again and concluded that it was possible. She could only be at Talon. She was a stranger to that place so she could only be there. His playfield.
He smiled and remained in his car for a few minutes. It was funny how silly, unimportant things sometimes make us forget our problems, our pain even for a while. He had left his office troubled and hurt and now he had found something to occupy his mind with till it would be time to return.
He closed his eyes and his fatherÂ’s face appeared hunting him. How could a man haunt you even form a long distance? Lex concluded that some people just have the distinct ability to influence other peopleÂ’s lives. He didnÂ’t want to be one of the latter but though he hated to admit it, Lionel had left his seal on him and he would never completely escape his clout. The mere thought of it made Lex mad and he abruptly got out of his car.
He walked to wards Talon and the closer he got, the more confident he felt. At least there he would meet people who were the closest to what he could call friends and that was a lot more than he could say for his father.
*************
Pete continued to read the passage that Chloe had given to him to read, unaware of what was happening around him. Though he was tired, he admitted that ChloeÂ’s writing had always had a stimulating effect on him. It wasnÂ’t but recently that he realized he was starting to fall for his blonde friend.
***********
Chloe sipped on her coffee and glanced at Lana talking to a girl at the other side of the cafι. She was sure she had seen her before but then again she could only make out her back and hair. She wondered who she was and why Lana was so enthusiastically talking to her. Oh, well, she would aske her discreetly as soon as she would get the chance.
She took another sip and turned to look at Clark. Just as she thought. He was looking towards the other side of the room too, only his eyes were focused on Lana. He was looking at her so intensely that it made ChloeÂ’s heart jump in her chest. What she would give to have him look at her like that even for one moment.
************
“Gwen! How is this possible? I can’t believe you are here!” Lana said, hugging her friend.
“Oh, Lana! I have missed you so much! You don’t know how hard it has been the past few years!”
Lana made an instant grimace. Of course she knew it was hard. What had happened was terrible. Just tragic. But thankfully, Gwen seemed to be holding up ok, consideringÂ…
Well, better than she was for years after her parents had died.
“It feels so good to see a friend at last. Is it true? Is this your place?”
Lana nodded. “Yes! It is!”
“It is great! You have done a great job reviving it! I know how important it was for you! Listen, do you think that you will have the time to talk later?”
“Are you kidding me Gwen? I have all the timke in the world for you! Actually, why don’t I introduce you to my friends? Come on!”
“Are you sure?” Gwen asked feeling a bit uncomfortable.
“Yeah! I am!”
***********
Lex pulled out his cell phone and dialed a number.
“Scott? I have a little job for you! I want you to check a license plate number for me! Write down…”
***********
Clark saw them approaching and looked away for a few moments. He didnÂ’t want Lana to think he was staring at her. He only looked up when the two girls got there.
*********
Chloe yawned and took one more sip of her coffee. Pete was still reading her article and she smirked. He was so nice. At least someone was giving her his undivided attention. That felt good for a change. She saw Lana and that girl approach and couldnÂ’t believe her eyes.
*********
“Hey guys! A friend just got here. This is Gwen! Gwen this is Clark, Pete and Chloe!”
“Hi, Gwen! Nice to meet you!”
“Gwen? Oh my god! What are you doing here? I thought you were going to Washington!”
“Chloe Sullivan? How long has it been? A year? How have you been?”
Lana was startled. “You two know each other?”
“Yeah! We met at the journalist convention at Metropolis!”
“Really? Are you a journalist too?” Clark asked.
The girl laughed. “A journalist? Me? Nah! I am nothing close to Chloe! She is a genius! I was just there cos my uncle insisted!”
“Gwen is a genius too! She is about our age and on her third year in college! Imagine that!”
Pete turned to look at her!
“Really? How did you do that?”
“Well, basically…I had no life!” Gwen struggled to smile though inside she was hurting. They would never know just how true that was....
******** Flashback six years earlier***********
The girl heard her father come in. She hurried to greet him.
“Daddy! Daddy! You are here!”
The man bent down and picked his daughter up.
“I’m here darling! It’s ok now! Did you have a good day?”
“We played with Magda but I missed you terribly!”
“I missed you too Gwenie!”
“Will you come and watch tv with me?”
“No, sweetie I have a lot of work to do, but remember that I love you!”
“Ok!” the girl got disappointed. It had been two months since he last paid her attention.
She would never forget the day that had scarred them both forever. Her mother had gotten sick and died in hospital. Ever since that day nothing had been the same again. Her father didn’t even notice she was there. He was too consumed with grief. The girl understood that. She felt emptiness inside too. The pain was unbearable but she thought :”At least I still have daddy!”
Only she didnÂ’t. He was there in flesh but his mind wasnÂ’t there. She was alone. She went to her room as she watched him retreate in his office. She lay down on her bed and sighed. On her bedside table a picture of all four of them brought tears to her eyes. She missed them so much. Why couldnÂ’t they just be here njow that she needed them? Why couldnÂ’t they just continue to love her as they did in the past?
Gwen knew the answer It was because they were dead.
Suddenly, a loud noise reached to her ears. It sounded like a gunshot. He heart started pounding in her chest as she run to his office. She knew that was where the gunshot had come from.
She just knew it. She opened the door and her eyes met blood.
So much blood. Blood everywhere. She didnÂ’t want to scream.
She didnÂ’t want to cry. She just wanted to close her eyes and when she opened them again to see that it was all a bad dream.
So, she blinked again and again but nothing changed. Her father was dead too. And she was alone. Now she was completely and utterly alone. That was her last thought as everything went black.
******
Lex walked in and took a look around. He spotted Clark and the rest sitting at a table and noticed that a girl he hadnÂ’t seen before was sitting among them. The color of her blouse was the same with the girlsÂ’ in the car. He approached them more and confirmed it! Lex understood she saw him too because her look changed immediately.
******
“So, what are you studying?”
“International Business! What else?”
“Oh, Gwen, I would never had guessed unless you told me. I mean you wanted to be a writer when we were children. I would have thought that you would study something of that sort!” Lana commented.
“Yeah, I know! Well, my uncle had other plans for me. I mean someone has to help him and there is only me so…”
“You said you knew each other as children? Did you use to live in Smallville then?"
Gwen turned to look at Clark.
“Well, not exactly! My mother was from Smallville, but she lived in Metropolis, this is where she met my father. And as soon as they got married they traveled a lot. But we used to come here from time to time!”
“Really? Your mother was from here? What is your last name?”
“Elliotis, but my mother’s maiden name was Stanford”.
“Was?” Pete asked.
“Yeah, she passed away six years ago.
“I’m so sorry!”
“That’s ok, you didn’t know! Besides, I don’t mind talking about them!”
“Elliotis? Is that Italian?” Clark asked again.
“No, It is Greek. My father was half-Greek!”
“Was? He is dead too?”
“Umm, yes! It is a long story!”
Chloe immediately understood how uncomfortable Gwen was feeling.
“Why don’t we talk about something else? Are you here on vacation? On business? Pleasure?” She joked.
Gwen noticed Lex Luthor walking towards their table.
“Well, you know me Chloe! I have always believed there can be pleasure in business!”
********
“Hi, guys!” Lex put in.
“Hi, Lex!” they answered.
“Clark! I thought you would be here!”
“Is everything ok? You seem a bit preoccupied!” Clark said noticing his face.
“Yeah well… Business can be very frustrating sometimes.”
A few minutes of awkward silence followed before Lana talked.
“Why don’t you sit down? And let me introduce you to a friend! Lex this is Gwen! Gwen this is…”
“We already met! Actually we have already talked!” The girl cut her.
“Well, actually, I talked! You left!” Lex said not wanting to miss the opportunity.
“I was in a hurry! Sorry! Now you know why! I didn’t mean to be rude!” Gwen added with a smirk. She tried to sound polite but it took way too much effort.
“Oh, I am sure about that! No harm was done. So, what brings you to Smallville? I haven’t seen you before!”
Gwen fixed her stare on him and it was cold.
“I’ll stick around for a while!. Mostly on business!”
“Business? That is interesting coming from a girl your age. Plus, I am intrigued you chose Smallville of all places!”
“Gwen is no stranger to the town! Actually, she has come here to help her..” Chloe started but Gwen stopped her.
“Lets’s just say that my family and Smallville go a long way back!”
“Really? Did you use to live here or something?”
“Something!” Was the answer Lex got. “ My mother was from here!”
“What is her name?”
“Stanford! Does it ring any bells?” Gwen sounded almost sarcastic and Lana was surprised! That was not like Gwen.
LexÂ’s look remained the same.
“No! I can’t say that it does, should it?”
“Well, considering you are a Luther would expect you to know everything and everyone!”
“I still have a long way for that!” Lex tried to joke, he could sense the climate wasn’t that friendly.
“So, what are you really here for?”
“I am taking a little time off college! I want to finish something! I will probably take some long-distance courses. I don’t know! To tell you the truth that is the last thing on my mind right now!”
Lex laughed! “Yeah, I know what you mean! When I was at college, I used to take time off to visit obscure little countries ,like Italy and Greece! They are so peaceful!”
“They were until your father destroyed everything!” Gwen thought.
“By the way, where are you from? Your accent is interesting!”
“Funny you should say that! Actually, I am from an abscure little country! You wouldn’t happen top know! Greece!”
Lex gasped!
Lana tried to mediate. “ Well, Gwen is kidding! She is not really from Greece!”
Gwen smiled with effort.
“Yeah! I was kidding! My father was half-Greek and I kinda became a bit defensive! I am sorry! I didn’t mean to! I was born in San Fransisco and then I changed boarding schools all over Europe! And now if you will excuse me! I have to go! Nice to meet you guys!” She said standing up and heading for the door.
They all looked puzzled.
“I’m sorry Lex! I don’t know what came over her! She is a really nice person! I guess she must have had a bad day!”
Lex was deep in thought.
“Never mind! Ok! I have to go now! I’ll see you later Clark!”
******
Gwen took deep breaths trying to hold back the tears that were threatening to make their way down her face. Why was she so weak? She should have been strong! Why did he get to her that much? She was rude to him in front of everyone! How would she ever be able to explain that without telling them the truth? CouldnÂ’t she just pretend?
The girl sighed. Even looking at him made her mad. Luthor! He was a Luthor. That hateful name! The name she was out to destroy! It was going to be harder than she had thought, but she didnÂ’t care! Lionel Luthor was going to pay.
********Flashback nine years earlier********
”Don’t let go, Mandy! I’m scared!”
“Don’t be scared! Just hold on to me!”
The little girl held on to her older sister and closed her eyes as they both immersed in water.
“See Gwenie? That wasn’t so hard now was it?” the older girl said as they resurfaced.
“No! It wasn’t! Can I try it alone now?”
“Yes! Of course you can!”
Gwen dived again, only this time she kept her eyes open. She didnÂ’t know why she was afraid of water! Whenever she was near the sea, a bad feeling would overwhelm her. Sometimes she thought the sea would just swallow her and she was afraid.
Her older sister wasnÂ’t afraid. Sometimes Gwen thought that Mandy could do anything.
Madeleine had laughed when she heard that.
“I’m just like everybody else, Gwen! I just dare to try and I get it right sometimes! I am sure you could do the same if you tried!”
“No, I couldn’t! but you could! You can! I love you Mandy!”
“I love you too Gwen!”
“Promice you’ll never lave me!”
“Why would I ever leave you silly?”
MadeleineÂ’s voice resounded in her ears and she couldnÂ’t help crying even harder.
“You did leave me Mandy! You did leave me!”
********
Lex had just exited the Talon when his cell phone rung.
“Scott? You have a name for me?”
“What? A company? Which company? “
The answer surprised him.
“Elliot Corp?”
Page created: November 16th 2004 10:12 PM
Page updated: November 16th 2004 11:25 PM
