Continued

This night (like the six previous nights before it) it was hard to sleep.

Perhaps it was the sudden thunderstorm. To my surprise, not the rarest of weather for New York City.

Or maybe the reason is the ruminations that are still tearing me apart the same way.

That's why I only managed to get a couple of hours of sleep, which, even for Spidey stamina and recovery, isn't much.

But, let's not get snippy. New day, new adventures. Wake up, smile, and let's go and make our own destiny.

What a pathetic speech, I thought, while I was tidying myself up in the bathroom.

When I got down to the ground floor, I saw the usual scene.

- Good morning, Peter," my aunt greeted me, turning to me. - Honey, you look pale, are you feeling all right?

You can't hide anything from that woman.

- I'm fine, Auntie, I just didn't sleep well. I was thinking about the experiment, so I couldn't sleep.

- You're always in your science. You should go out more often, maybe talk to someone - May started her favourite topic from afar.

- If you haven't forgotten, I've been hanging out with my friends late lately. And Harry Osborne is coming back to school today, if you remember him.

- Oh, Harry, that's good news, Peter. But I didn't mean that kind of company. Maybe.... Girl.

Ho. If that's what I think it is.

- Anna Watson's niece, Mary Jane, is moving to town next school year. You may remember you played as children. I hope you two find common ground," my aunt says with a wink.

And I sit back, stunned by the sudden discovery.

Mary Jane Watson.

For me, as a Spidey fan, there's a lot about that name.

Firstly, in my personal opinion, she's Peter Parker's best love interest. And now I'm not going to argue because every opinion has arguments and counterarguments. Just accept it as fact.

Secondly, she's the first "civilian" to know Spidey's secret and has kept it always and under all circumstances.

Thirdly, okay, a little clarification scheme.

I don't think anyone would argue that Mary Jane, Felicia Hardy, and Gwen Stacy are Peter's top three girls in general. They had the biggest role in his life and the feelings between him and each of the girls were the most genuine. Not compared to the conventional Betty Brant or Carly Cooper.

Now, the Gwen thing has always seemed very murky to me. Most sources assure us that Gwen Stacy was Peter Parker's true love and that only her death at the hands of Goblin (and Pete's own fuck-up) ruined everything that could have been. Otherwise Pete wouldn't have even looked at MJ or Cat, etc.

Except I've always seen Gwen Stacy's character as.... crossing bridge. No offence to all the Gwendy fans out there.

It's just, here's the truth. In the comics, Parker has realistically often acted like an arsehole, starting to reflex on Stacy. Sometimes unjustifiably so.

I'll explain in a moment where this "dislike" for Blondie comes from. Although, to be fair, I have quite a positive attitude to some of her characters. Emma Stone's performance is worth a lot. This girl made me look at the character of Gwen Stacy differently for the first time in my life. Or the character of Gwen Spider-Gwen, now those are quite worthy.

But I digress.

The following explanation will answer all those who are confused.

I think many people are familiar with such a thing as a person's thoughts, fixed after the first impression. It is what we learn about a person in the beginning that often sticks in our memory the most.

So, I got to know the character of Gwen Stacy, REALLY, for the first time since the comic book arc of the amazing Spider-Man "Sins of the Past". Anyone who got it has now hopefully exhausted all questions. And those who haven't, go ahead and read those geek picture books.

Although I wouldn't recommend this particular piece of shit.

It's been the attitude ever since.

You can remember the Jackal pranks, a lot of shit to do with that lady.

Then there's Felicia Hardy.

Here everything is easier: funny, dynamic, which can be a determining factor for many people, not a damsel in distress, and not a weak superhero herself. Well, or just a character in a suit, which already gives not a weak bonus to the ability to stand up for themselves.

Parker and I had a long and rich history. A burgeoning romance over an emotional run across the rooftops (reminiscent of Bats and Selina in some ways). That he didn't accept her criminal tendencies, that she, that Peter, with the option of being Spider-Man, was going back to his shitty civilian life in the first place, etc., etc.

But, even after the breakups, there was a noticeable spark and flirtation between them, though they remained good friends and great partners.

That's why I always had Cat as my second in line.

And then finally the finale.

The one who, in my opinion, is entitled to be called the TRUE true love of Peter Parker/Spider-Man is Mary Jane "MJ" Watson.

I repent, there are some unpleasant images on which your dislike of this character may be based. And I'm talking about the damsel in distress from Sam Raimi's trilogy, there yes, Kirsten played a very...contradictory image.

But such, more than overlap, at least images from the cartoon of 1994 and from comics. That's where the red-haired girl just wow!

And what to say, if the SOTON of the Marvel universe, Cube... that is Mephisto, once made a deal, the price of which was, according to his own words - the real and pure love between Peter and Mary. The kind of love that binds souls and makes two people whole, and that God himself could rub his nose in.

That's what the demon wanted to take. And that's why I think Peter and Gwen's connection is often overrated.

Mr and Mrs Parker were together for a very long time, they experienced both deafening joys and breaking sorrows.

Lost a daughter.

But never gave up and were together.

Plus, redheads rule.

- (gasps) Peter. Peter! Peter! Are you listening to me?

- Yes, Aunt May. M.J., you say? I remember, and I'd be happy to see her again.

- Oh, what a joy! Honestly, I thought you'd be stubborn and avoid the subject as usual. Well, hurry up and eat your breakfast or you'll be late for school.

- Sure.

***

Midtown High.

Yeah, life can take an interesting turn sometimes.

Right now, I'm standing here watching Flash Thompson take on Harry Osborne.

My first thought was, stay out of it.

But I didn't expect the son of a billionaire and a dude I've seen in various guises, someone who might be my enemy in the future and to whom I harbour far less friendly emotions than canon Peter, to be so...helpless.

I mean, really. I don't know what questions Thompson had for Osborne. But he couldn't seriously have chosen him as Parker's replacement.

Couldn't he?

- What's going on here? - I'm stepping between the athlete and the rich guy, acting as a buffer.

- Parker? I'm just showing that the golden boy has forgotten a lot about how things work back home while he's been travelling around Europe.

- What did he forget, Flash? - I'm crossing my arms over my chest.

- I think, Pete, that Osborne is being too hard on all of us," Kenny Kong said.

- What was the disrespect? - I glanced slightly at Osborne, who was staring at me.

- He was flirting with Liz! - screamed Eugene.

- Oh, that's what this is all about, they're just kids. - Look, Flash, I'm sure Harry didn't know and that he's sorry. You will apologise to Mr Thompson, won't you, Mr Osborne?

- I really didn't know, I sincerely apologise, Flash," Harry repeats like a dummy.

With a searing glare at Osborne and a look of respect and disappointment at me, Thompson and his crowd left. The guy wanted to wave his fists, by the looks of it.

The crowd of onlookers hoping for a fight also dispersed. Harry and I were the only ones left on the grounds.

I was about to turn towards the entrance when I was abruptly stopped.

- Pete! Is it really you!? - Osborne came flying towards me like a madman and gave me a hug.

- Yeah, it's me, Gar.

- I can't believe it. I'm on a plane to some alternate New York? In what kind of reality is it possible to see Flash Thompson listening to Peter Parker instead of trying to kick his ass for company?

- Apparently one where Peter Parker got tired of being the victim and settled his issues with Thompson before the prodigal friend returned.

Did I just call him a friend?

- Wow. You never cease to amaze me, Pete. I take it a lot's changed while I've been away?

- You have no idea. All right, class is coming up, let's go.

There wasn't a lot of classes with Harry in common. Biology, Physics, that's all.

Conversation continued at lunchtime.

- Harry, let me introduce you to my friends, Miles Morales and Gwen Stacey. Miles, Gwen, my childhood friend Harry Osborne.

- Nice to meet you, folks.

- You too, Harry.

- How was Europe?

- Pretty boring, actually. I don't even get out of my public schools much.

- And the hotties? They say the girls in Europe are just--

- Miles!

- Sorry, Gwen. Healthy interest.

I was just laughing at my friends' conversation.

- By the way, perhaps you can explain how the science-loving Peter Parker became a confident machine capable of subduing Flash Thompson?

- You won't believe this, Harry, but just five months ago, Mr Parker wasn't much different from the image you've described.

- I'm new here myself, although I'll admit my first impression of Peter wasn't someone who stood up to a muscleless jock like Thompson either.

- He also sits with you and hears everything. For those who don't understand, I'll say it again. At our age, hormones can do all sorts of things. Multiply that by Flash's rutting and boom, there you have it.

- Oh, so our boy's grown up?

- Very funny, Morales. But you can take it as such.

- Then we'll take it as official.

- Finally. How's the personal, Harry? Really making plans for Liz Allen? - I'm decisively changing the subject by opening a delicious pudding.

- Honestly, I didn't expect her to be so pretty, and I didn't expect her to be busy with Flash even more," Ozbourne said sadly.

- Well, I'd keep my gloves on if I were you. It's obvious to a fool that things aren't going so well with Thompson, so who knows how fate will turn out.

- Wow, Mr Parker, how long have you been a connoisseur of matters of the heart?

- Not long enough," I smirk.

- I'll listen.

The rest of the day was very dynamic. It felt like Harry was trying to make up for lost time, and he was making a radical move to join us. I don't mind.

Actually I expected different things, but Gar turned out to be an incredibly soulful guy, something like Osbourne after "One more day" (damn him).

So we'll give it a shot.

With thoughts like that, I got home and suddenly realised something.

I don't have headphones.

Such a simple thought took a long time to realise.

In my "previous life" I couldn't imagine leaving the house without music accompanying me. The habit began to remind me of itself. So I had to address the issue.

Deciding not to go home, I went straight down to my lab.

I opened my laptop and waited for the machine to load, checking a couple of my developments and experiments.

After waiting, I log on to the Bugle website.

Yeah, they could use a web designer.

But what I was looking for was there. A prize for Spider-Man photos.

That's lucky. Whistling a happy tune, I open my secret briefcase. Pushing aside my costume, throwers and all, I pull out a stack of photos wrapped in a rubber band. Everything's in place.

After checking the photos and packing some things, I decide to go to Bogle.

I need the money anyway. It's not right to ask my aunt and uncle for it, but it's an option to earn it.

I don't know what kind of bliss, except for headphones, will come to mind.

I got to the newsroom pretty quickly. Having the underground solves traffic problems.

After taking the lift to the right floor, I'm naturally frozen by the picture I see. Life on this floor is boiling. Everyone is running, yelling, fussing. Someone answers the phone, someone demands to contact the printers and so on.

And, as an island of calm, in the centre of the room is a large and incredibly chic office with glass walls and door. It's as if all these people don't want to go near this office, going round it in an arc.

I just confidently made my way towards the desk where the gorgeous brunette was sitting.

- Excuse me, miss, this is Bugle's newsroom and Jonah Jameson's office, isn't it?

- Is that right, mister?

- Parker.

- Betty Brant. I'm sorry, but Mr Jameson's very busy, I don't think you'll be able to meet.

- Believe me, he'll want to see you. Tell him I have pictures of Spider-Man.

Betty gave me a surprised look, but she dialled the com.

- WHERE IS THAT GUY?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! - Jameson came screaming out of the office.

- Um, you must mean me.

- APPARENTLY, MISS BRUNT, IT'S HIM?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

- That's right, Mr Jameson," Apparently used to the boss's tone, the girl didn't even flinch.

- Call Robbie," Jonah ordered more calmly, "and you, follow me! - But no, it was just an illusion.

Once in the office, he immediately snatched the pictures from me, a couple of minutes later, a stately man came over and nodded at me, apparently Robbie Robertson.

- Crap. Shit. Shit. Total shit. Two hundred quid for the whole thing," Jonah said, handing the pictures to Robbie, who immediately started looking through them.

- Um, I guess I'll just take these to a more appreciative editor," his face reflected a bit of annoyance.

No, no, I didn't find myself in a rubbish dump. You want to save money, Jonah? You can sit out of the pictures.

Jameson was about to launch into an angry tirade, but was preemptively interrupted by Robertson's voice.

- They're pretty good, if I may say so. Get a more professional camera, get your hands on it and you're done. The kid's got talent, Jonah.

- Hmm... - Jameson took the pictures again. - I still reckon you're a photographer like a shit grenade... okay! I'll listen to my friend. Eight hundred quid for the whole lot and buy a better camera. Stop by Miss Brant's for the cheque. The door's that way.

Surprised at the sudden bite, I walk away without even noticing Robbie's startled look.

- Miss Brant.

- Come on, it's just Betty.

- Just Peter, then. Mr Jameson said to come and get the cheque.

- Yeah. Lucky you, though. I've never seen such generosity from him. never really.

- Maybe it's my signature Parker's Luck. Patented, by the way.

- Ah-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha. That's funny. Have a good day, Pete," Betty smiled and handed me the cheque.

Were we flirting?

Jonah's office after Parker left.

- Are you serious, $800? The pictures aren't bad, but still," Robbie said hesitantly.

- You've seen it all. If the guy had more professional equipment, I bet you can't name three other photographers with that kind of quality.

- Yeah, but--

- And besides, I never pass up a bargain, you know. And the kid's eyes? Confidence. After I undercharged him, he didn't agree or quietly walk away, no, he showed character! The kid's a fighter, you can tell, but it's good to take the piss out of his generation.

- So what are you planning?

- He'll work for us, unofficially. And then, to cut off any unnecessary revenue to other publishers, I'll offer a contract to supply the Spider's pictures exclusively to the Daily Bugle. There's something about this kid, Robbie. We should keep an eye on him.

Robertson had no choice but to agree with his friend.

***

Eight hundred quid, my arse! That's a lot of money for a cheapskate Jameson to give away. I still can't believe it.

I decided to stop by the nearest electronics shop. And here I was presented with a choice of two chairs, or rather counsellors. The first one turned out to be a very pretty shawl, with whom you can flirt, but, in this case, it is unlikely to successfully buy everything you need. The second was a typical pimply-faced batshit nerd. That could have been me.

Well, as much as I'd like to dance with my sister, I'll have to sit on the nerd's ear.

*

12 minutes later.

Derek actually turned out to be a really nice guy. We got to talking about tech stuff. He even confided in me that he'd been wanting to ask Nicole (the brown-haired girl) out for a long time, but he was afraid of rejection. I, quite honestly and openly stated that it's better to try than not to realise the chance and then find out that the girl you like is already with another guy. He thankfully said he'd listen.

Anyway, it's done.

Firstly, I bought a digital camera of the latest model, which is funny, from Sony. It cost me, not much, not a little, in five hundred quid, but the device is quality, bazaar ziro.

Secondly, I bought headphones. They were already cheaper, but I also decided not to save money and took a quality product for one hundred and fifty dollars.

Bottom line, out of what I earned, I have 150 quid left. So, they will go into the stash, until better times.

Plus, I'm going to take some more pictures today.

When I got home and took the headphones out of my ears, I ran into Uncle Ben.

- Hey champ, how's it going?

- Fine, Uncle Ben, check it out," I show him the crumpled notes.

- Wow, where'd you get the money?

- I earned it," I stick out my chest proudly.

- Wow, well done, Peter," Uncle Ben suddenly put his arm round me. - I'm glad you're growing up to be an honest man who earns his own money.

Aww, trying to keep a straight face, lest we miss the expression that it wasn't really honest work that earned us this money.

- May's at the shop, but I'm sure we'll wait for her and have a celebratory dinner, what do you say?

- Sure.

***

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