บท 40: Endings and New Beginnings [40]

Roger Nixon arrived at the Luthor Mansion, clearly agitated. He walked briskly down the hall to Lex's office, not bothering to knock before entering.

"Lex, we need to talk about that deal with Carrie Castle at the Metropolis Inquisitor."

Lex, sitting behind his desk, looked up calmly. "Roger, we've already discussed this. The deal was necessary to keep things under control. Carrie was a problem, and now she's resolved."

"Resolved?" Roger grumbled, crossing his arms. "Our agreement was that I'd be publishing your stories, not someone else."

Lex stood up, walking around the desk. "Roger, I do whatever it takes to protect my interests. You should know that by now. Now, if you have nothing more to say about Carrie, I suggest we move on."

Roger took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. "Actually, I do have something else. I'm working on a lead about the meteor shower."

Lex stopped, intrigued. "Explain."

Roger handed over a folder with some files.

Lex took the folder and began to leaf through the files, his eyes analyzing every detail. He saw photos, notes, and testimonies. There was something intriguing about what Eddie Cole had reported, and it seemed to coincide with some other reports Lex had heard.

"Interesting," Lex said, not looking up from the documents. "I want to hear this story firsthand. Let's go meet him."

Roger nodded, and the two left the mansion and headed for the car. They drove to Eddie Cole's house, where the farmer was waiting outside, clearly nervous.

"Are you Eddie Cole?" Lex asked, stepping out of the car and approaching the man.

"That's me, Mr. Luthor," Eddie replied, shaking Lex's hand with a bit of hesitation.

Lex took money from his wallet and handed it to Eddie. "Here's your advance. Now, I want to hear everything you know."

Eddie took the money, looking around apprehensively before he started speaking. "I saw a meteor change course during the shower. It was different. It looked... like a spaceship. When I went back to take a closer look, it was gone. Someone took it."

Lex looked at Roger for a moment before turning his attention back to Eddie. "Are you sure about this? It could have been just an ordinary meteor."

"No, Mr. Luthor. I'm sure. I've never seen anything like it. It was something... out of this world," Eddie affirmed, his voice filled with conviction.

Lex shook his head, visibly skeptical. "Well, thank you for your time, Eddie."

Lex turned and started walking back to the car, with Roger close behind.

"You heard everything he said, Lex. We've got a hell of a story on our hands," Roger said, trying to convince Lex.

Lex stopped for a moment, looking at Roger with a hint of disdain. "A science fiction story, Roger. I don't have time to waste on this. I'm a busy man."

Roger persisted, trying to keep up with Lex's fast pace. "Lex, think about it. If there's any truth to this, it could be something monumental, something that could change everything."

Lex sighed, not looking back. "Check the details if you want. But until we have something concrete, I'm not wasting any more of my time." He got into the car, shutting the door as Roger stood outside, frustrated but determined to pursue the lead.

Roger watched as Lex drove away, determined to continue his investigation on his own. He knew that if there was something there, it would be his chance to show Lex it was worth investing in this story.

....

Clark was sitting at the kitchen table, eating cereal in silence, while Martha washed the dishes. She noticed her son's distant look, his serious expression, and dried her hands on her apron as she approached the table.

"Did something happen, Clark? You seem thoughtful."

Clark looked up at his mother, hesitating for a moment before replying. "I'm... thinking about Chloe. About our relationship."

Martha sat down next to him, her expression gentle, filled with concern and motherly care. "Do you want to talk about it?"

Clark sighed, putting the spoon down in the bowl. "I really like Chloe, but sometimes I wonder if I'm doing the right thing. She's amazing, but... I don't know if I'm the right guy for her."

Martha observed him in silence for a moment before speaking, her voice calm and direct. "Clark, when we have doubts about something this important, maybe that's already a sign. Chloe is strong enough to handle a breakup, but what she doesn't deserve is to be deceived. Be honest with her and with yourself."

Clark nodded, absorbing his mother's words. "Thank you, Mom. You really helped me."

Martha smiled, patting her son's hand. "No need to thank me. I'll always be here for you. Now, tell me, what did you do when you touched my belly?"

Clark stared at her for a moment, his thoughts conflicted. 'I want to tell her that I healed her womb, but I don't want to make a mistake. Even though the womb is healed, there's no guarantee she'll get pregnant.'

Clark sighed, trying to find the right words. "I... I healed you, Mom."

Martha frowned, clearly confused. "Clark, what do you mean by that?"

Clark took a deep breath, deciding. "Your womb. You can have children now."

Martha looked at him, surprised, but her reaction was serene. "You can do that?"

Clark nodded, a bit uncertain. "I can. I can now."

Martha smiled, taking his hand gently. "Thank you, my son."

Clark frowned, confused by his mother's calm reaction. "I thought you'd be more excited."

Martha smiled again, her eyes full of love. "I am happy, Clark. It's always been my dream to be a mother, but you already fulfilled that dream for me. If it happens that I can have another child, I'd be thrilled. But know that you're already enough."

Clark nodded, a shy smile on his face. "I'm heading to school."

Martha watched him as he stood up and left the house, a look of pride and affection in her eyes.

....

Clark parked the truck in front of Chloe's house, turning off the engine.

Vruuum!

He took a deep breath for a moment, looking at the door of the house before finally getting out of the car. He knocked on the door, and soon Chloe appeared, a cheerful smile on her face.

"Good morning, Clark! Ready to go?" Chloe asked, already preparing to get into the truck.

"Actually, Chloe, I wanted to talk to you first." Clark kept a more serious tone. "Can we go inside?"

Chloe frowned, surprised by Clark's request, but nodded. "Of course, come in." She made room for him to enter, closing the door behind him and guiding him to the living room.

Clark sat on the couch, still wearing a worried expression, as Chloe watched him, clearly curious.

"So, what's going on, Clark?"

"Chloe, I need to be honest with you about something that's been bothering me for a while. Our relationship..." Clark paused, trying to find the right words. "I feel like I haven't been fair to you."

Chloe frowned, confused. "You haven't been fair? What are you talking about, Clark?"

"Chloe, I like you a lot, but... only as a friend." Clark spoke with sincerity in his voice. "I feel like I can't give you what you deserve in a relationship. And I think it's better if we end things now, before this hurts us more in the future."

Chloe was silent for a moment, clearly processing Clark's words. She looked at him, trying to hide the hurt in her eyes. "You... you really don't feel the same about me?"

"I'm so sorry, Chloe. You're amazing, and I want you to be happy. But I realize I'm not the right guy to give you that. I don't want to deceive you or make you wait for something I can't offer."

Chloe took a deep breath, trying to keep calm. "I understand, Clark. I just... I thought we had something special." Her voice trembled slightly, but she made an effort to keep her composure.

"We do, Chloe. Our friendship means a lot to me." Clark reached out to touch her hand. "I don't want to lose that. I want us to stay friends, as we always have."

Chloe looked at their hands before finally nodding. "I want that too, Clark. It'll be hard at first, but... I think I can handle it." She forced a small smile, though sadness still lingered in her eyes.

Clark smiled back, trying to offer comfort. "I know I'm asking a lot, but thank you for understanding, Chloe. I really care about you."

Chloe lowered her head for a moment, taking a deep breath before looking at him again. "Yesterday, I got an internship offer from the *Daily Planet*, Clark. And I was hoping you'd convince me to stay, but... it seems like I should accept it."

Clark looked at her, surprised. "An internship at the Daily Planet? That's amazing, Chloe. You deserve this opportunity. And, even though I'd love for you to stay, I know this is the best for you."

Chloe nodded, her eyes starting to glisten with tears. "Thank you, Clark. I think this will be good for me, you know? A fresh start."

Clark held her hand again, with a sincere smile.

"It'll be great for you, Chloe. You're talented, and the Daily Planet is lucky to have you there."

Chloe smiled, wiping away a tear that escaped. "Thank you for always believing in me, Clark. Even though things didn't turn out the way I wanted... I know you care."

"I'll always care, Chloe." Clark's voice was filled with emotion. "I just want you to be happy, and I know you'll find your way."

They sat in silence for a moment, just looking at each other, before Chloe stood up. "I think it's best we head to school now, right?"

Clark nodded, standing up as well. "Yeah, let's go. And, Chloe... I'm here for whatever you need. Always."

"Even though we're not together anymore, can you still take me to the spring dance?" Chloe asked, a little hesitantly.

"I wouldn't go with anyone else but you." Clark smiled, trying to lighten the mood.

"Thank you. When I come back, will you be with someone else, like Lana or that girl who gave you her number at the book signing?" Chloe tried to joke, though there was a hint of insecurity in her voice.

"There's no one, Chloe." Clark looked her in the eyes, sincerely. "And no matter who comes along, you'll always be special to me."

Chloe smiled, gently touching Clark's arm. "Let's go, then. School awaits."

Clark nodded, and together, they left the house.

'My mom's right. Chloe is strong and has a scary sixth sense. I'd better not reach out to Zatanna anytime soon,' Clark thought as they walked to the truck.

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