Hello Readers,

This is an idea that has been stewing around in my mind for some time. It has elements of The Amazing Spider-Man and The Ultimate Spider-man, both of which were rather recently released. I plan to keep it rather fast paced, so you don't get a long, boring story, and I finish before school starts! I hope you all enjoy, and comments, critiques, and reviews will be well received.

Disclaimer: All facets of the Spider-man franchise belong to Sony Pictures and Disney

So now, without further ado:

Chapter One: In which I narrowly avoid several unpleasant situations

"Su-summer school?"

"Yes, Annette. I know summer's the time when you kids finally have a break, but you haven't been improving your grades! At the request of your parents, I gave you fair warning after first quarter, but an entire semester has gone by and there hasn't been any change."

"No, no, no Mrs. Johnson, you don't understand. My family has been planning this trip since the beginning of the year! I can't miss it." I gave my principle the most pathetic look I could muster. Sighing, she leaned back into her chair.

"I don't know what to say, Annette. You're one of our best students when it comes to social sciences, but for the love of me I can't figure out why you can't seem to manage plain old science!"

"Mrs. Johnson, please. If I managed to bring my grades up by the end of the year, can this be avoided?"

"Your grade is averaging at a high C, relatively good for you I would think. But you would need an average of above 95 to pass this second semester."

"O.K. then. It's settled!" I gave Mrs. Johnson a bright smile. "Average above 95%...I can do that." I tensed as Mrs. Johnson fixed me with a skeptical look.

"I don't want you to cheat your way out of this Annette…We'll have to keep track of your progress."

"That's fine," I agreed. It was probably unlikely, but I didn't want Mrs. Johnson to change her mind.

She pulled a small notepad out from a drawer and began writing on it. "I want you to take this to the counselor, and see if she can do anything about the tutor situation. I know school policy generally does not permit tutors at such short notice, but because you asked so nicely," she paused here, ripping the yellow paper from the pad and sliding it across the desk," we'll make an exception."

I breathed a sigh of relief, fingers nervously folding, then smoothing the small hand-written note.

"Thank you so much, Mrs. Johnson! I won't disappoint you!"

Smiling, she held the door open for me. "You be sure to do that now Annette. As much as I enjoy our conversations, I would hate to see you miss that trip to Europe. Tell your mother I said hi."


The trip to the counselor was short and to the point. Briefly scanning over the note, she clicked her disapproval, but put my name down on the list that was posted outside the counselor's office weekly. "Not many people will be willing to double up at this time of the year, so you're lucky that this young man's available." Pulling out a form, she passed it over to me. I gulped when I noticed all the fine print. "Don't worry about all that stuff. Think of it like a release form."

"Release? From what?"

Giving me a look, she continued, "It basically says that if there is no improvement in your grades, the tutor cannot be held responsible."

Signing it, I handed it back to her. "So when does the tutoring actually start?"

"Tutoring can start any time you two want, but if the principle wants progress reports, I would suggest as soon as possible."

"But when do I actually meet my tutor?"

She gave me another look. "Well we can't do anything now…school's out. But stop by here tomorrow. He comes by around then."

Nodding, I mumbled thanks and left the room.


"So how was school Annie?" My dad sat at the head of the table.

"It was o.k." I said, spooning mashed potatoes onto my plate. "Same old, same old…"

I could feel my mother staring at me from across the table. "How's your science class coming along?" She asked. "Did you learn anything new?"

"Yeah…just some chemistry stuff…you know…mixing chemicals?"

Fixing me with one of her looks, she continued: "So you didn't learn anything about…let's say… summer school?"

Busted, I thought. I cringed as my dad and younger brother Max joined in the stare fest. My mom and principle being in the same book club tended to be like both sides of a coin. On one hand, Mrs. Johnson was lenient when it came to dealing with me, but on the other, my mom found out about things sooner than I would like. "I was planning on telling you…after dinner."

"You're lucky Janet found a tutor for you, or I would have gladly left you at home over summer."

My dad jumped into the conversation before my mom got too enthusiastic. "So what happened to that story you were working on Betty?"

"Oh you wouldn't believe the nerve of Jameson!" With my mom successfully distracted, I breathed a sigh of relief and gave my dad a grateful look, smiling as he winked at me. My mom continued her rant: "He's more interested in some two bit story about that masked vigilante than my own work!"

My mother is Betty Brant, journalist for the Daily Bugle. She's well known for her stories on humanitarian issues, so anytime one of her stories gets bumped for something she views as "tabloid nonsense", she tends to get a bit upset.

I quickly cleared my plate and dumped it in the sink. Grabbing my bag, I made to dash up the steps, wincing as my mom's voice echoed up the stair well. "Don't think you're off the hook young lady! I'll talk to you later!"


Textbooks and sheaves of paper were spread out on my bed. I settled myself in the middle, groaning as I heard the sound of paper crumpling.

"Everything alright kiddo?" My dad peaked from behind my door.

"Yeah, fine…you can come in Dad."

Stepping around the clutter on the floor, he occupied the swivel chair from my desk. "You know your mother just wants what's best for you, right? She doesn't enjoy yelling at you."

"Yeah." And I did know that. She was just a bit…harsh. It probably came from working with J. Jonah Jameson all day long.

"Sweetie?" My dad and I turned to the door. My mom was standing there, a plate of cookies in her hand.

"Are those peanut butter chocolate chip?" I asked.

"Mh-hmm," she said, closing the door behind her. "Think of them as a peace offering." She set the plate down on my desk. My dad slid to make more space for her on the chair. Settling herself down, she sighed. "Annette…I'm not really angry with you. There's just been a ton going on at work lately, and I don't want to constantly have to worry about how you're doing in school. I'm so used to hearing about how well you do in history and English, that I just expect it from you in everything else."

"I know mom," I said, trying to placate her. "I know. I'm going to meet my tutor tomorrow, and we'll start as soon as possible, even tomorrow if you want."

Smiling, she got up to place a kiss on my forehead. "Ok then. Don't go to sleep too late." My dad followed behind her, stopping next to the plate of cookies. "Do you mind?" he asked.

"Sure dad," I said, laughing.

"Listen to you mother Annie, and try to get some sleep tonight ok?"

"Yeah dad."

Nodding, he grabbed a cookie, before closing the door behind him.

I laughed, all the while shaking my head. My dad could be really funny sometimes. I always enjoyed whatever moments I had with both of them. My parents both led very busy work lives, what with my mom writing articles for the Daily Bugle and my dad heading a new project at Oscorp. Deciding that I wasn't going to get any more work done tonight, I stuffed everything into my bag. Shutting the lights off, I slid under my covers.


"Parker. Peter Parker."

Stifling a laugh, I said, "Bond. James Bond. How do you do?"

He grinned. "No man…I see what you did there…seriously though."

"Annette Brant."

Dropping his skate board on the floor, he said, "Walk with me."

School had just ended, and I had gone directly to the counselor's office. I hadn't expected anybody to be there yet, so I was surprise when I saw Peter.

"So, Annette. Tell me about yourself."

"Well, I'm having trouble with science, especially that chemistry stuff."

"Hmmm…that 'chemistry stuff', huh?"

I watched him out of the corner of my eye. "You're laughing at me."

"Not laughing…no...so wh—"

"Parker!"

I turned my head to see Mr. Bates, resident grump, heading down the hallway.

"What have I told you about using that thing in the school?"

"Sorry sir, it won't happen again sir." Peter gave a mock salute before heading towards the school exit.

I watched him carry his board a few feet further, until Mr. Bates was out of sight. Then he dropped it again.

"So…you coming?"


"Hello dear, I'm Peter's Aunt!" A woman probably in her late 40s, early 50s, stood before me. Her once dark hair had streaks of gray.

"Hi," I said, hands clasped together.

Aunt May, as Peter had called her, was standing in the small kitchen busily preparing dinner for the family. "Oh don't be shy. Are you a friend of Peter's?"

"No," I said, albeit awkwardly. I had hardly known him for a day. "No…Peter's just going to tutor me in science."

"Oh really? That's nice. So ho—"

"Ok Aunt May, I think you've asked Annette enough questions." Peter interrupted his aunt. "We have to get started, you know? I have to see just how much she needs my help."

Aunt May nodded, mumbling her agreement. "You do that Peter. Just be down for dinner on time. I'll need you to set the table for tonight, with a third place of course."

"Oh no, Mrs. Parker, that's really not necessary," I interjected.

"Nonsense dear, and call me Aunt May. I wouldn't feel good if I sent you home without any food after all that work you're going to do. Now off you go."

"Thanks Aunt May," I said, and I turned to follow after Peter.


It turns out I needed help. Big time. By the time Peter was done grilling me, I never wanted to see another chemistry book again. Trudging down the steps behind him, I went to get my mobile.

"Hey mom?"

"Annette? Where are you?"

"I'm at Peter's house."

"Peter? Who's Peter? You never—"

"Relax mom. Peter Parker. He's my tutor. Listen, his aunt's invited me to stay for dinner…is that ok?"

I could tell my mom was distracted, her initial worry gone. "Hmmm? What? Yes, that's fine. Just call your father and let him know. I'm probably going to be late today. Word's out that there's going to be press conference regarding waste disposal in the river, and…"

I listened as my mom droned on, giving the occasional 'mh-hmm' and 'ok.'

"See you later then," she said. I placed a quick call home, letting my dad know where I was.

"Annette?" Peter called my name. Hanging up, I stowed my mobile in my pocket.

"Coming," I said. I entered the small dining area. Peter stood with his back to me, arms loaded with dishes and utensils. "You called?" I said.

"What? Oh, yeah. Dinner's ready."

Aunt may bustled in, a big dish of pasta in her hands. "Let's eat."


"Thanks so much Aunt May! The food was delicious!" I stood in front of the door, bag slung over my shoulder.

"Anytime Annette. You're always welcome here." She gave my arm a quick pat before turning towards the kitchen. "I'd better scrub those dishes now, before the sauce toughens up. See you later dear."

"Bye," I called out. I shut the door behind me, turning when I heard Peter call my name.

"Annette, wait up. When do you want to meet up next…not to be harsh or anything, but…"

"But I need the help?" I laughed. "Don't worry Parker…I'm not going to take offense. Why don't we just play it by ear for now…My mom's pretty busy for the next week, so my dad will probably need me at home."

"That's cool," he said, hands stuck in his jacket pockets. "See you later then." I watched as he sauntered back into the house, giving a final wave before shutting the door.

Walking home, especially at night, wasn't my idea of fun. The streets were still crowded, but with all the wrongs sorts of people. Feeling my mobile vibrating, I pulled it out of my bag. It was my dad.

"Hey Annette, can you pick up some organic milk for your brother?"

"Did you check the cellar? Mom usually keeps it stocked down there."

"Max looked everywhere, and you know how he gets congested when he drinks the regular stuff. All that mucus isn't good, you know. The build up—"

"Ok dad, Max's milk. Anything else?" I wasn't in the mood for another lecture in science.

"No that's it…I think. I'll stop by the grocery store tomorrow and get everything else. Just get one carton. He's already acting up."

Ending the call, I started to head to the nearest corner mart. My younger brother by nine years was allergic to just about everything, hence the organic milk. I was in and out within a minute, once again heading home. I didn't notice the two men that began to follow me.


"Hand over the money!"

I was cornered, back pressed against a grime covered dumpster.

"I don't have any on me," I said, struggling to break free.

"Don't lie to me bitch! How the hell d'you buy that shit." He kicked the carton of organic milk across the ground, milk spraying everywhere. I hope that's all that gets spilled tonight.

The second guy pulled my bag out of my hands, throwing the contents all over the ground. I winced when I heard a crack. There's goes my mobile.

"You know, women prefer if you don't look through their bag."

"Spiderman!"

"They think it's an invasion of their privacy."

And then he pounced. The first thug let go of me, drawing his switchblade. "Come on you insect. What you gonna do, you mother fhmghh—" Webbing covered his mouth.

"There are ladies present," said Spiderman, before throwing a quick jab at the flailing thug.

"One down, one to go." He turned around, only to see the second thug scrambling away down the alley. "Oh no, man. Don't do that. You're going to ruin all the fun."

He shot his webbing at the man, giving a harsh tug. The man came flying backwards, knocking into the other thug. "Strike."

Turning towards me: "You alright miss?"

"Um…mh-hmm." I blinked furiously, nodding my head sideways, then up and down. I got down on my knees and began to collect all my stuff. I sighed when I reached the now empty milk carton. The cow's head was literally non-existent, a gaping hole in its place. Guess Max's just going to have to go without it, I thought.

"Hey…you ok down there." Spiderman eyed the carton. "Do you need another one of those? I could get one for you."

"Seriously?"

"Yeah," he said, nodding his head before pointing out the alley way. "There's a store a block from here."

I gave him a look.

And then I started laughing. Supermarket? Milk? Definitely…Add a web-slinging wall crawler? No.

"What? I'm totally serious!"

"Yeah...sure. Maybe I'll take you up on that offer later, but I have to go now." Turning, I dashed out of the alley, grateful to see the bright city lights once more. I heard the sound of webbing being released, before I yelled, "Hey Spidey!"

I turned to see him leap off a fire escape, landing comfortably on the ground. "Let me guess…you want the milk."

"No," I said, smiling. I saw the milk carton a few feet away. Spiderman noticed, using his webbing to pull it into his hands. "Sign that for me, would you?"

He tilted his head, before nodding slowly. "Sure…if that's what you want." I ruffled through my bag looking for a pen. Finding one, I handed it to him watching as he quickly signed it.

Taking it from him, I watched as he swung away. "Stay out of trouble Miss," he called out over his shoulder, before disappearing into the New York City skyline.

Smiling, I headed home.


"You were what?!" My mom ran up to me, hands tightly grasping my shoulders. She turned me this way and that, examining for any injuries. "How could you send her out at a time like this John? She could have been killed!" She turned to glare at my father. He stared up at me from his seat on the couch, miserable in expression.

Gently pulling away, I gave my mom a pat on the back. "I'm ok mom. Just a little roughed up. I'll be fine in the morning."

She grabbed me again. Satisfied when she couldn't find anything, she settled for holding me close. "And you say Spiderman saved you?"

"Mh-hmm."

"I don't believe it," said Max. He stood on the steps, small hands clinging to the bannister

I reached for my bag and pulled out the milk carton. Tossing it to him, I shared a smile with my mom as he gave a small exclamation. Realizing I was still in the room, he looked up at me while pushing his glasses further up the bridge of his nose. "Of course I'll have to analyze the webbing."

I gave him a look. "You do that little man…I have nothing to lie about."

I watched out of the corner of my eye as Max smiled brightly before dashing up the stairs.

"Alright then, mom…I'm going to head up now."

"You're sure you're alright?"

"Yes, mother," I said.

That night, I dreamt of headless cows and talking spiders.

End of Chapter One