Chapter Text
Chapter 1 [Parker House—A Day After the last run in with the Goblin…]
Sol rose over Horizon’s eastern point. Birds massed along the Sound’s shoreline. Spring’s breezes swayed Trees’ budding canopies. Work and Errands called to people. Cars, Busses and Subway cars bore commuters toward their activities. Chores awaited others at home.
Certain teens knew little rest it seemed….
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Peter stuck his finger in his mouth. His newest Spidey costume sat beside him on the bed. Folded shirts concealed the backup one in a dresser drawer. Insomnia robbed him (of yet another) night’s rest. The Enforcers, Sinister Six and the Green Goblin proved difficult enough. Midtown’s usual bullies and jerks kept him on edge. Jameson’s rantings, editorials and cheap checks ground on his last nerve. The costume store’s knock off version required ingenuity. Yes, Good Reader, he dealt with those challenges….
…just don’t ask about that blasted sewing needle already….
Maybe I should have signed up for that last blood drive at school? Might’ve been easier! He shook his hand. Least I have my real Spidey suit back. His costume slipped on akin to a missed part of himself. Then he pulled his black button-down shirt and beige slacks over it. Let’s see how those pictures made out. Hopefully there are some money shots in there! He ground his teeth. Maybe JJJ might be in a giving mood? A snort puffed through his nostrils.
JJJ giving? Might as well wish for Santa to come way early….
He trudged down the hall toward his dark room. Anticipation prodded him ever onward. Close calls with the Crime Master, Green Goblin and the mobsters still ate at him. I can’t believe the Goblin got away AGAIN! Wish I knew who he was under that mask! He opened the door and walked into the room. He spied the prints hanging on their clothesline. Least I could get something out of all of that! He flipped through the Goblin’s and Crime Master’s likenesses. With how old Flat Top wants to play up Foswell’s help to the police, these should get something! Approval prompted a nod. He slid them into a manilla envelope. Then he cleaned up the chemicals and pans.
“PETER?”
A smile creased his features. Wheatcakes’ aroma wafted up the stairs and toward his nose. His mood lightened. No issues could stand up to Aunt May’s cooking. Breakfast would be a good thing! He hustled down the hall. Caution prompted one last check of his room. Then he followed Aroma’s trail down the stairs.
Kitchen table already bore Saturday’s usual fare. Fluffy flat cakes stacked onto two facing plates. Butter drizzled down those piles’ sides. Orange juice half-filled two glasses. Coffee perked through the metal pot on the stove. Two more cakes bubbled in the old cast iron skillet.
“Morning, Aunt May. Sleep well?” He slid the envelope into his coat’s pocket. Then Affection prompted a kiss from her cheek. “Smells great!”
“Peter, you scamp!” A gentle chuckle escaped her mouth. Pink streaked her cheeks. Her eyes twinkled at him. “Did you get enough sleep? Your light was on so late. You know how you are when you’re exhausted.”
He kept a straight face. Restraint reminded him that Love prompted her harping. It doesn’t matter how strong I am or what I can do. She still sees me as that frail kid. He shrugged. “I’m all right. Just had some pictures to develop. I’m heading to the Bugle right after breakfast. We need the money for those pills Dr. Bromwell prescribed.”
She bowed her head. Once more, wishes for her beloved Ben’s presence there echoed through her mind. Peter shouldn’t have to worry about such things at his age. Land’s sakes! I’m an old woman. He has his whole life ahead of himself! “I hope you didn’t get yourself into any more of that danger! You should listen to that nice Mr. Jameson especially where that awful Spider-Man is concerned!” She checked the last two cakes. Then she pulled the skillet onto the back coil and shut the front one off. “Eat up now. I won’t have you hungry.”
“Yes, Aunt May.” His smile spread further across his face. No matter what else happened, her presence served as his rock. “Are you doing anything special today?”
“Why yes!” She cut a piece of wheatcake off. “Mrs. Watson and I are going out to lunch later. Maybe you could meet us? I’m sure she could get her niece to come too! That would be so splendid!” She regarded him again. “It’s a shame about Betty Brant. She seemed like such a nice girl! So much more grounded and better than your classmates.” Lament prompted her to shake her head.
He sighed. “Betty and I were having problems. I guess we grew apart.” He rubbed the back of his neck. Still, Rejection stabbed at his heart. Memoria played back the previous two years. Their relationship blossomed from co-workers to friends. Romance drew them closer….
…Spider-Man, however, pushed them apart…
Her brother’s death really has her on edge. How can I date Betty if she can’t stand Spider-Man? It wasn’t my fault that Bennett got caught in that crossfire. But I can’t guarantee her safety. Look at how she and Aunt May were kidnapped by the Sinister Six. Can anyone be safe around me? I won’t let her die like Uncle Ben did! He stuffed a bite into his own mouth. “Sounds really nice. I was hoping to talk with Mr. Jameson about a safe assignment.”
“Now that’s my smart boy! That’s more like it! I’d rather see that than you being so bruised and tired! No boy your age should deal with that! Maybe Mr. Jameson might know someone to help with a job after you graduate?” She drank from her juice. “In the meantime, you should have some time with people your own age! That’s why Mrs. Watson’s niece would be good for you! She’s pretty and smart. She wants to meet you.”
What’s with this girl? Can’t she find someone on her own? “Wish I could. Got to get the bread for the pills.” He got up from the table. Mary Jane’s attempts (through his aunt) bordered on stalking to be honest. Betty and Liz had his attention. High school, upcoming college, bills and Spidey occupied him enough at that point. He lined a couple of cups up on the counter. Then he poured and fixed them to their respective tastes. “Here we go!” He set her cup down by her left hand. “I definitely need this.” Caffeine’s jolt brought his senses fully online. He settled back down in his chair.
“Just as long as you remember your studies, Peter. You have your future ahead of you.” Her mouth set itself in a firm line. “You should be thinking about research and a good company with benefits. Then, you need to find yourself a nice girl to have a family with.” She pointed her fork at him. “You mind me on that one. High school will be over before we know it. We have to find a way to pay for your college.”
“I know, Aunt May.” Their standoff in that regard ate at him. “Liz is really nice. She was the blonde girl here with Betty the other day. Can’t see us starting anything with graduation being so close.” He cut a few more wheatcake pieces. “Maybe Mr. Jameson knows some people?”
“There’s an idea! You see? I told you that nice Mr. Jameson could open doors for you!” Her face brightened. “I am glad you’re listening to me!”
He went back to his breakfast. Thoughts coalesced. Plans, however, seemed to remain fuzzy at that point. How am I going to pay for ESU with all of our bills? No gal. Really isn’t fair to Betty or anyone anyway.
There was no winning….