Darla was being escorted out of the building when she saw Spiderman quickly land in front of them.
"Was anyone hurt?" He asked.
"No, but he stole my jewels!" Darla said frantically. "I have to get them back."
"We will do all we can to find them." He replied softly. But he couldn't help but notice that Darla looked young. Too young. "Begging your pardon, but shouldn't you be with your parents?"
"I beg your pardon! I am 17 years old! I am old enough to do what I like, including host large parties such as these."
"I didn't mean that offensively." Spiderman said, holding his hands up in a nonthreatening manner.
"Well that did bother me! I'm old enough to take care of myself." She said angrily. Wondering how a small statement could make her so mad, he nodded and carefully eased away. The truth was that Darla lost both of her parents a few years back and she was the only heir to the family fortune. She now did what he father used to do: host parties to raise money for their jewel business. The publicity and jewels brought in enough money to live on as long as she stayed in the spotlight.
Darla sighed a bit and walked over to Spiderman. She gently placed a hand on his shoulder, making him turn around.
"I'm sorry for the outburst. I didn't mean to be rude."
"It's alright. It was a pretty rude statement."
"It's nice to meet the hero of the city." She grinned, now trying to change to a happier subject.
"Why thank you. And it's nice to meet you too Darla Wembledon."
"You know me?"
"Who doesn't? Your name is on every billboard for miles. I was just surprised because you look much younger in person than in your pictures."
"Thanks. It's all that make up I suppose. But enough of that; I can tell you everything! The thief was big and huge; it was Venom!"
"Venom? Are you sure?" He asked.
"Of course I am! I know what he looks like!"
"Well I only asked because Venom doesn't usually steal things like jewels. In fact, he hasn't been seen in this area for weeks."
"Really?"
"Yeah, so you kinda shocked me with that one. But don't worry. I'll search for him and your jewels."
"Wait! I wanna help!" Darla replied. She growled when she could tell Spiderman was doing everything in his power not to laugh.
"You?"
"Yes me!" She huffed.
"Not to be rude, but you would only be in the way Darla. Venom is dangerous and if he was anywhere near you you're lucky he didn't harm you."
"Well he didn't when I chased him..."
"Wait what?! Chased him?! Darla you followed him?!"
"Yes, I told him to give me back my jewels!"
Spiderman ran a frustrated hand down his face and gently placed his hands on her shoulders.
"Listen to me. He is a lot more dangerous than you think. Never do that again. Venom has almost killed many people who were foolish enough to tango with him."
"But the jewels…"
"Why do you keep worrying about the jewels?! Don't you have plenty more?!"
"No! Those belonged to a friend of the family and they entrusted those jewels to me! I was showing them, but promised never to sell them!"
"Well, now that Venom has them we have a lot more to think about."
Suddenly, the police radio went off!
"Suspect heading for the docks! Be ready to engage! Venom spotted! Repeat Venom spotted!"
"He's back in town alright," Spiderman growled, now getting his webbing ready. He then turned back to Darla. "Stay here Darla!" And with that, he quickly swung away. Before Darla could say another word, she was quickly ushered back into the limo by her secretary.
"Hurry, we must get back on the boat and head home!"
"What?! What do you mean? We just arrived here today!"
"No, I need to return you back to your home in Arkansas!"
"I don't want to return back there!" Darla snapped. Her secretary then turned her face to her and looked at her very sternly.
"Listen! I didn't want to tell you this but you no longer have a choice! You're bankrupt!"
"What?! How could that be?!"
"Tonight we needed the publicity to pay off some unpaid debts your father still owed. Because of the robbery, the buyers all ran away! Now everything is ruined and you no longer have a fortune or a home!"
"Th-that's impossible!" Darla said in horror.
"I'm sorry, but there is nothing I can do! We are going to return you back to Arkansas where you will live at the Livingdale Orphanage until we can find where your other relatives are."
"No! You can't send me to an orphanage! How dare you even say such a thing?!"
"I have no choice! I certainly have no room in my home!"
"Well I have friends that can take me in!" Darla protested.
"Fine! Call them up and ask!" The secretary said quickly. "But if no one answers and says yes in 1 hour, we are heading back to Arkansas!"
Frantic, Darla began calling all of her rich and powerful friends, confident someone would take her in for a while. But no one would.
After a whole hour of calling, Darla laid her cell phone down and began to cry bitterly. All of her supposed friends let her down.
"What will I do now?" She said, bitter tears rolling down her face.
"I'm sorry my dear, but we head back to the orphanage now."
"No! You can't!"
"You give me no choice! No one can take care of you now!" The secretary snapped, now losing her patience. "Driver! Take us to the mansion so we can pack; we leave tonight on the boat back to Arkansas!"
"NO!" Darla screamed, now throwing the limo door open and running out into the night frantically.
"DARLA! DARLA WEMBLEDON! COME BACK HERE THIS INSTANT!" The secretary screamed. She then got on her cell phone and called the police.
Meanwhile, Darla was running as fast as she could. She had no idea where she was going or that she was heading into the most dangerous part of the city! It wasn't long before she was grabbed from behind and her fur coat was ripped from her shoulders. She spun around and was soon looking in the eyes of thieves and bandits!
"Well, well, look who I have here." A bandit growled.
"Nice looking coat, probably worth a couple thousand." Another chimed in.
"No! It was only worth 10 dollars!" Darla lied, fearing for her life and rubbing her cold shoulders.
"Silence! You little liar! We know it's worth more than that!" One snarled as he grabbed her and began to pull her into the darkness!
"LET GO OF ME! HELP! HELP!" She screamed, but it was no use. They had her! Soon, she felt a cold blade near her throat.
"Scream one more time and I will plunge this into your neck." A malicious voice whispered in her ear. Overcome by her own fear, she nodded, tears rolling down her face.
"Good. You seem pretty fit…" The thief said, feeling her arms and waist. "Take her to the warehouse. The bidding will start in an hour."
"B-Bidding for what?!" She gasped out, now feeling him wrap rope around her arms and wrists.
"Why slaves of course. Don't you know where you are? You're in the hole. The hole is where we sell people for materials and other things we want. It is an excellent bargain."
Darla began squirming, but he once more pulled a knife in front of her, making her stop. She not only was penniless, but she was about to be sold to only Lord knew where!
guestsurprise: Hope you all are enjoying it so far!