Chapter One

You stood in your mother's old apartment, a pair of keys dangling between your fingers. You took a deep breath, before beginning to walk around.

So this is what you were left, a dump. After your father went nuts and your mother slipped into her own world. What a joke your life was.

"Well Squish, welcome home." You looked to the mutt that followed you around, his head tilting to the side.

Sitting down on the torn up couch you sighed, throwing an ashtray placed on the coffee table to the floor. P/N joined you on the torn up cushions, resting their head on your lap.

It was a Sunday, so you'd have to start school tomorrow. Your father already planned for you to go to Midtown-High, a school only a short walk away. You had no plans to make friends there. You never made friends. Anyone could be a spy, someone trying to figure out the secrets your father hid from the world.

You heard a knock on the door, and peeled yourself from the cushions to answer.

Opening it you were met with the face of a boy your age, his height making him tower over your small form.

"Yes?" You raised an eyebrow, trying to keep Squish inside.

"O-Oh i'm Peter Parker, my aunt wanted me to give you this to welcome you to the building. We live a few doors down. And cute dog by the way." The boy smiled sheepishly as he held a plate of cookies out in front of him.

"Well thanks, I guess she knew my mom. I'm Cara Jean, but I go by CJ. I'll see you around, Parker." Snatching the plate from his hands you faked a smile, closing the door soon after.

You let out a breath you didn't know you were holding, and allowed your wings to show themselves. You yawned, let them stretch out, and broke a lamp in the process.

"Well, guess this is our warm welcome to Queens. A trashy apartment, loud noise everywhere, and a boy a few doors down. God I miss Toronto already," You practically shoved your feet into some shoes. "Alright Squish, how about a walk? I need to get out of this place."

Squish began to jump around wildly, practically knocking you over. You quickly made your wings invisible to mortal life before walking to the door. A harness was quickly clipped on, along with a leash, and you were off.

You were used to city living, you were from Toronto after all. But New York life is completely different. In Canada people are mostly nice and considerate, in the big apple everyone is at each other's throats. Well that's how you saw it.

"Wait! CJ!" A voice came from behind her, and as you turned Peter came into view.

"Sup Parker, I was just taking Squish for a stroll. That apartment is suffocating." You kept a straight face, not wanting social interaction.

"Aunt May wanted me to get lunch. Mind if I join you? I can show you around. You know, since I know this place like the back of my hand."

"You're not gonna let me walk alone are you," You sighed, earning a laugh in response.

"Please? I never get to play tour guide." Peter pleaded, trying to convince you.

"Fine, fine. I guess it would be helpful. This is nothing like home."

"Where did you move from?"

"Toronto. Different cities have different vibes. But I mean, I know I'll be fine."

"I'm guessing you're gonna go to Midtown, you're my age right? I can introduce you to my friends tomorrow. They're really laid back."

"I'm not really into friends." Your eyes scanned the street in front of you.

Soon you began to hear a faint call, almost a whisper.

Can you hear us?

Are you even listening?

Talk to us Cara Jean.

Talk to us.

"Do you hear that?" You turned to Peter, your eyes wide.

"The meowing? Probably some stray cat, if you care that much we can go find it." Peter seemed unfazed, making you realize only you could hear the voices.

Normally you could hear faint mumblings, but never full voices unless in your true form. Hell you could barely control your true form.

"No it's fine, I'm gonna head back." You didn't have the energy to investigate today.

"I should be getting lunch, I'll see you tomorrow!" Peter smiled, turned on his heel, and disappeared down the street.

"Thank god that's over." You sighed, dragging yourself back to the apartment.

When you arrived nothing had changed, unsurprisingly. You decided you should start to gut the place while you had the time.

You started with rappers, then bottles, then glass. By the time you were done, it was already 11:30. The place was no where near clean!

"Fuck it I'm going to bed." You mumbled, flopping onto the lone mattress.

There was no bed, just the mattress on the floor. Squish snuggled up beside you, snoring softly.

Sleep rarely came, and tonight was no different. You lie awake in bed, mind racing. Going to bed meant nightmares.

But you had school tomorrow, so you gave up. Glancing at your bag you decided to use drastic measures. And by that you meant you were gonna take some melatonin.

Within a few minutes you were out cold, your mind drifting to dreamland.