Manhattan, New York City
Peter Parker burst into the classroom of Dr. Connors.
"Doctor Connors," He said, "I'm really sorry, I left really early for your class, but the traffic really built-"
"You have a car?" Dr. Connors interrupted.
"I... used to have a bike."
"'Used to' doesn't delay traffic today." "
Enough excuses, Parker." He continued, for he had seen Peter open his mouth again. "Take your seat as though you haven't missed ninety-five percent of my class."
Peter did so and peered into his book, trying to catch up with what he had been teaching.
It was about how a computer could substitute the missing DNA between a human and an animal.
Peter imagined this would never even be possible, let alone what good it would do.
"With this," Said Connors, answering his thoughts. "We can replace people's kidneys, liver, even prevent many diseases."
The class ended before Peter could even catch up with it. Which was really a pity, since he was often one of the few students who could understand it.
He got up and retreated the classroom. He saw a blond haired women go by and made to follow her.
She saw him.
"Gwen," said Peter, "I just wanted to say I'm sorry for missing class today. Since I was your chemistry partner, I imagine-"
"Doctor Connors assigned me with another person," Gwen cut off, coldly. "Since our class is an odd number, there's always someone without one."
"Oh," Said Peter.
There was silence
"Listen," Said Peter, "I'm sorry about the way I acted with our date the other day... I... wasn't myself back then. I've changed since-"
"Parker," Said a voice behind him.
"A word," Said Dr. Connors.
He led Peter to his office.
Peter saw a chock board with complex numbers and symbols quickly written on it's surface, what looked almost like a lava lamp with a piece of what looked like reptile skin bouncing in it, and a clear-colored desk with an assortment of plant specimens.
"Sit down, Parker." Said Connors, gesturing to the chair opposite the desk.
Peter obeyed.
"Now, Parker," Said Connors, "I'm to cut directly to the chase, you've missed three classes in a row now."
Peter waited.
"I have no choice," He concluded, "But to fail you."
"Doctor Connors," Said Peter, "Please, give me one more chance, I won't let it happen next time."
"That's the exact thing you've said three times in a row, now. And it's not just me, Parker, the whole University's in agreement. There flunking you. I'm sorry, Parker, but you don't seem to ever go to our college, anyway. Perhaps you can now catch up to whatever's so much more important to you."
Peter exited the office, and exited the campus, without another word. Without another word to say.
-----------------------------------------
Half an hour later, he met up with Mary Jane at a cheap restaurant.
"Hi," He said.
"Hi," she returned.
This was the way they had begun to great each other lately.
"So..." Said Mary Jane, slowly. "What did you do with the body?"
"What?" Said Peter, in a barely hearable voice from being near-nonplus in confusion.
"Harry's body! Trying to hide his identity, what did you do with it?"
"I... didn't do anything with Harry's body."
"Then where is it?"
"I... don't know what you mean, I left before anyone could get up there."
"Authorities came and found no body. Harry's only known as an unidentified man who vanished with Spider-Man. Now, you didn't try to stop people from thinking he was the Green Goblin?"
"No."
"Or in case Harry Osbourn knew Peter Parker?"
"No."
Mary Jane still didn't seem to believe him.
"What do we do now?" She asked, "Report him missing?"
"I... don't know."
"Well, no one else will."
There was more silence.
"You know," She continued, "You don't need to lie to me, Pete."
"I'm not lying to you."
------------------------------------------------
A half-hour went by in silence.
Peter walked to a building marked 'The Daily Bugle' on the first floor's window.
"Parker, step in," Said a man, at one with the fast-paced lifestyle so much, it was even in his voice. "I want to speak to you."
"Yes, Mr. Ja-"
"Parker," The man said without waiting for him to finish speaking. "Were you having an out of body experience when Spider-Man's crazy twin brother kidnaped my son's ex-fiancé? Girl leaves my son for Spider-Man, who would of seen that coming? I printed this huge love-affair story with only distant pictures."
"You posted a story claiming Mary-"
"Shut up, you've already been fired. I'm sorry, I tried to think of the nicest way to say it. Miss Brint, drop all of Parker's crappy photos we never used over his nerdy head. Maybe it'll reattach his brain."
A girl brought a box filled with non Spider-Man pictures to him.
Peter ignored her gaze.
Peter left, carrying the photos, knowing nothing would change his mind. But planning on getting more pictures of Spider-Man as soon as possible.