Chapter 23

Although Peter knew Harrison couldn't and wouldn't say anything, ramming a sign through his car did bring some satisfaction. He had made sure no one was around, driving it straight down into the car's frame so that removing it would destroy the vehicle. That feeling of satisfaction lasted until he got home, where an angry Aunt May was waiting for him.

"So, fighting? What did I tell you about that? This isn't like you, Peter." She stood there, arms crossed, glaring.

"Aunt May, I didn't fight—really. Flash's dad just exaggerated everything."

May began to calm as Peter explained the situation. She even smiled briefly when he described Flash's broken ankle, though the smile faded when he mentioned the four-week suspension. She knew this meant he would lose every scholarship he'd been working for since most colleges only awarded aid to the top students.

By the time he was done explaining, she was furious, reaching for the phone. Peter stopped her, shaking his head. "Aunt May, there's nothing we can do. Flash's dad is on the board at Oscorp. I lost—even with evidence to back me up, I still lost."

Defeated, Peter didn't have the heart to tell her that most of his savings were gone. She knew he'd spent quite a bit, but after finishing the warehouse, nearly all of it had been used up.

"No, but I can still contact the school board. Twice now—Flash Thompson has messed things up for you twice. I don't care if his dad is on the board or has money. Peter, I have to do something."

Peter sighed. "I dropped out."

May froze, her eyes widening. "You WHAT?" she exclaimed, but seeing the mix of anger and resignation on his face, she restrained herself.

"I couldn't handle it anymore, Aunt May. Harrison Thompson was there. He nearly got me expelled." He let out a long sigh. "I just couldn't deal with it."

She assumed he meant the pressure, but it wasn't that simple.

When Flash's ankle had broken, Peter couldn't help but wonder what it'd be like if Flash's arms snapped in the same way—if he'd scream just as loudly.

He didn't leave because he was scared of Flash; he left because he was afraid of what he might do to him. After all Flash had put him through, he felt the need for revenge.

And worse, he thought about what Flash could do to Gwen.

He hadn't mentioned it, but if Harrison arranged for Gwen to be on Flash's team—even if Flash wasn't fully in charge—he'd still be in a position of authority over her. Flash would find a way to make her life difficult, and Peter knew he would snap if that happened. Just imagining Flash causing her pain stirred up anger inside him.

So, he left.

There were only six weeks until the term ended. He would take his exams elsewhere, no matter what anyone thought. He'd warn Gwen, and if necessary, introduce her to Matt. The business world was different from high school.

And if that didn't work, Flash would meet Venom.

Peter patted Aunt May's shoulder as she sat, slumped, at the kitchen table. "Don't worry, Aunt May. It'll be okay," he reassured her, knowing she wouldn't let this go. "I've got a job and a plan. Everything will be fine, I promise."

It would be. Even without outside help, he had other ways to deal with Jack and the principal—ways beyond simply ramming a sign into a car. Something that would make a broken ankle seem minor.

Peter decided right then that if Flash Thompson came after him again, he wouldn't hold back. Flash would get what was coming to him. If Peter's life was going down the drain, he might as well make Flash's life a nightmare, too. Let him feel what real suffering was like.

Aunt May looked at Peter, seeing the frown on his face and the anger following it. "Hey, Peter, it's okay. You'll be fine," she said gently, taking his hand and rubbing it with her fingers.

Peter shook his head. "Yeah, sorry, Aunt May. I just… got mad."

He leaned in, gripping her hand a little tighter. He realized he'd been thinking of things far worse than damaging a car. He needed to get control over himself, to manage his anger before it spiraled out of hand and he did something truly irreversible.

"It's okay, Peter. But I think we should go see Mr. Murdock."

Peter sat with Aunt May in Matt Murdock's office, listening to the recording Peter had made of his meeting with the vice-principal. He remained quiet as Aunt May squeezed his hand, her face a mix of anger at what she heard and sadness for what Peter had gone through.

When the recording ended, there was a moment of silence. Then Matt leaned back, smiling.

"That should do it. Peter, honestly, go home, spend time with your aunt and friends, and leave the rest to me."

Peter frowned. "That's it?" But Matt leaned forward with a grin.

"Oh, yes. I can't reveal much, Peter, but consider this: They brought a student into a meeting with the school's vice-principal without legal or parental representation. They let the injured party's father harass and threaten that student, and the man nearly admitted to bribery and extortion. So, yes, that's it."

"That's already saying a lot, Mr. Murdock," Peter replied, but he understood what Matt was getting at. They had gone too far, and now Matt had all the proof he needed. Matt chuckled, "Yes, I suppose I did. I know it's been rough, but just keep moving forward as usual. Apply to college, and let me handle the school situation, okay?"

Peter glanced over at Aunt May, who seemed to have relaxed a bit. "I guess so."

She smiled encouragingly, patting his hand.

"Peter, go ahead and give the rest of the tapes to Karen. I just need a quick word with your aunt," Matt said, and Peter nodded, heading into the waiting room.

As he unzipped his bag, Peter strained to hear through the closed door.

"Let Peter unwind—nothing that'll stress him out. This will take some time, but… I'm sorry, it's not over," he heard Matt say quietly.

Karen began noting the times and dates Peter had labeled on each cassette. Peter closed his eyes, sitting quietly as he listened from his chair.

"But? I thought you said that was it?" Aunt May's voice was laced with worry.

"Peter may have left voluntarily, but the suspension complicates things. His exit won't be finalized until that suspension ends. The expulsion process has already been initiated, and they could still schedule a hearing. If they're able to make the accusations stick, they can strip him of any awards he received through his clubs. That would leave a permanent mark on his record, impacting scholarships and grant opportunities."

He heard Aunt May gasp. "But… that's not fair."

Matt likely shifted in his seat. "I know, and I'll fight it. But I don't want Peter to feel pressured by this. He doesn't need to know until there's an official date."

Peter could hear Aunt May shifting in her seat. "Are you sure that's wise, Mr. Murdock? Peter may be quiet, but he's strong."

Matt gave a light laugh. "I know, Mrs. Parker, but let me handle the stress. He's got enough on his plate as it is."

Peter leaned back in his chair, hearing Aunt May stand. "I'll leave it in your hands, then."

They moved toward the door, and Peter looked up and stood as Aunt May turned, reaching out to shake Matt's hand. "Thank you, Mr. Murdock. For everything."

Matt chuckled, "Now I know where he gets it. It's Matt."

Peter's next big step was telling Gwen.

He had called her and arranged to meet at the warehouse. It wouldn't be much of a date, but at least they could talk over coffee. He hoped they'd just talk—and that she wouldn't yell at him.

She was waiting, wearing a thick tan coat, leggings, and wool-lined boots.

He'd already picked up coffee for them, figuring that even though it was overcast and a bit chilly, they could have something warm and look out over the water.

"I dropped out," he said as they sat down.

Gwen frowned, sighed, and took the coffee from him.

"I kind of figured. I mean, Flash has been out, and the school announced he wouldn't be back until after the season. And with your locker empty… we all sort of guessed." She added two sugars to her coffee before closing the lid. "Are you okay?"

Peter let out a small laugh. "Honestly, I haven't felt this good in years. I mean, I've got a warehouse, tenants…" He set his cup down on the bench. "And I've got you."

"Sweet enough talk, Pete. Is that why we're sitting out here freezing?" He caught a glint in her eye, and she grinned, holding the cup close to her face. "I swear, if you propose, I'll throw you in the ocean."

Peter laughed. "Fine, so I don't have a super hot girlfriend. I've got a harpy who doesn't appreciate me and just bullies me."

Gwen laughed and nudged him with her elbow. "But really?"

"Oh yeah, constantly bullied." Gwen giggled and nudged him again. "Honestly, I'm actually doing great."

Gwen rested her head on his shoulder. "But?" She looked up as he leaned his head against hers. "I know you well enough to know there's a 'but.'"

"Flash said something about his dad pulling strings to get you transferred into his department."

Gwen straightened and looked down at her cup with a sigh. "So that's what he meant. My jerk of a boss texted me that I'd be getting a promotion."

"Gwen, I…" he started.

"Pete, this is my battle, not yours. You've put up with enough. I'm not you, and I really, really don't care about who Flash thinks he is." She gave him a serious look. "I'll handle it."

"Or ask Felicia to handle it for you," he joked.

Gwen frowned but then nodded with a smirk. "Or that. She's been looking for an excuse, you know. If you'd asked, she would have done it years ago."

Peter chuckled. "Yeah, which is exactly why I didn't. Nobody needed to get in trouble for me."

Gwen sighed deeply. "And that, Peter Parker, is half your problem. You've got friends who've got your back. Don't count us out just because you think we can't handle it."

"I didn't, and I don't want anyone else to get dragged into trouble." Peter finished his coffee and tossed the cup into a nearby trash can. "Flash is just a petty jerk, and you know he'd have made—"

"Yeah, yeah, Pete. I know. Everyone knows. He goes around letting everyone know. But he's gone. You're free. Take some time, finish my apartment, and then…" Gwen ran a hand down his arm, pulling it close to her side and giving it a squeeze, hoping he'd catch her hint this time.

"Find out if the carpet matches the drapes?" Peter asked, slipping his arm around her waist and pulling her closer.

Gwen laughed, mostly at his sudden boldness. "Sorry, Pete. Drapes only. A certain girl was hoping you'd be curious about that last date, but someone chickened out."

Peter looked surprised. "Well, uh… a cot bed wasn't really, uh…"

Gwen just laughed. "It's fine. I'm patient," she said, leaning over to kiss his cheek, "but not that patient." Peter smiled as Gwen stood. "Now, take me to the warehouse. It's freezing, and I want to take some measurements."