Chapter 2
Ever since lunch, the rest of the day flew by, probably because Peter kept thinking over what happened at lunch. The brown-haired teen clenched his pencil with one hand as he subconsciously traced his growing bruise near his eye with the other. Stupid Flash. Peter thought, hoping he would get him back somehow. Despite the pain he felt, Peter felt proud of himself. He actually managed to stand up to the jock without Ben Jr. helping him. Even though he received a beating from the blonde Neanderthal, Peter discovered that he wasn't a total spineless wimp after all.
Also, a girl actually talked to him and knew him...sorta. Peter can already tell Jen was different from most girls, and that wasn't in a bad way. She seemed confident, calm, stern, and looked like she actually cared about school. And also, she knew Teresa. How come no one ever told me she had a tutor? Peter wondered, as he continued to fiddle with his pencil.
Before Peter could die of pure boredom, the final bell rang, music to the teen's ears. Grabbing his bag, Peter was one of the first to exit, placing his board down as he cruised down the halls. With the exit in sight, Peter performed a jump with his board, landing perfectly outside the front steps as his landing interrupted two teens kissing. Ignoring their complaints, Peter rode his skateboard back home, on the way wondering how to hide his bruised face.
Sure enough, the teen arrived, stopping his board on the driveway. Placing his hood over his face in an attempt to hide his injury, Peter carried his skateboard in one hand as he opened the front door, with Uncle Ben, Aunt May, and Teresa waiting for him in the kitchen.
"Oh Peter, you're home. Good, we need your help in the basement. It overflowed again and there are some important items that could get wet." Ben informed the young man as Teresa sat in the table while May cleans the dishes.
"You mean your bowling trophies?" The older woman replied, and looked amused at her husband's serious look.
"I've earned those and you know it." Ben retorted, causing May to roll her eyes at the man's love for those old things.
The brown-teen nods as he sets down his board. "Uh…yeah sure Uncle Ben, I'll help." Peter replied as lowers his head slightly so they wouldn't see the bruise. It was all for naught, as the teen winces at May's surprised gasp.
"Peter, is that what I think it is?" The older woman asked, taking off her gloves as Ben and Teresa direct their attention to Peter. Oh crap. Taking off his hood, May stifled another gasp as she sees the growing bruise near Peter's temple. "Oh, my God, what happened?" May asked, looking in concern at her nephew as Ben walks over too to get a closer look.
"Did someone hit you?" Ben asked, his voice stern and serious as Peter stumbles a response.
Gently lowering his aunt's hands away from his face, the teen responds. "No, I'm fine. I-It's nothing, I just fell on my board that's all." Peter quickly responded, not noticing Teresa's raised eyebrow.
Listening to his words, May sighs exasperatedly as she walks back to the sink while Ben goes to the freezer. "I swear Peter, you're going to get killed on that thing. Why on Earth do you ride that?" The older woman asked as Ben's lips curl up into a grin.
"Because it's stupid and dangerous." The older man responded before turning to his wife. "Remember when we were stupid and dangerous?" Ben replied as he closed the freezer with a frozen steak in his hand.
May rolls her eyes at her husband. "Don't listen to your uncle kids. He was always the wild one, always dragging me along with his antics." The blond-haired woman replied as Ben feigns a hurt look.
"Well hon, in that case, you almost make me look bad." Ben exclaims in an almost sarcastic tone as Teresa giggles at her uncle's reply. The older man then walks up to Peter, the frozen meat in hand. "Here Peter, this should lower the swelling." Ben informs his nephew as the teen took the frozen food and placed it on the bruise with a relieved sigh. "Are you sure that you don't want to lie down first?" He asked, concerned for Peter as the young man shakes his head.
"I'm fine Uncle Ben, promise." Peter replied as the gray-haired man gave a hesitant look before nodding.
"All right, when you feel like it Peter, help your sister with the basement. I have to go and fix the attic." Ben informs as the two kids nod their heads, understanding as the older man proceeded to walk upstairs with his tool box. After waiting for ten minutes as the swelling on his face subsides, Peter and Teresa are in the basement, the two barefoot due to the three inch overflow of water, forcing the two roll up their pants from the ankles.
Peter looks over at his sister and is actually surprised that she is willing to chores this…dirty. Come to think of it, Teresa had a more tomboy look to her than most girls her age. Other girls would style theirs so they can look pretty, while Teresa had long, dark hair that went past her shoulders. Teresa also commonly wore jeans and T-shirts, not really caring about her appearance as much as other girls would.
Peter couldn't help but be proud of his sister. It was good of her to be brave about who she is and not care what others thought. I could learn a thing or two from her. The teen mentally added as he held a box that was filled with his uncle's bowling trophies. He was so caught up with his thoughts, he didn't notice that Teresa was talking to him until she snapped her fingers to get his attention.
"Peter? What's wrong, you were spaced out or something." The dark-haired girl said as the older boy shook his head.
"I-It's nothing." Peter replied as he settled the box near other materials on a chair so they wouldn't get wet from the water.
Teresa shrugged as she too placed another box on the chair before turning her attention to her older brother. "So, who hit you?" The ten-year old asked off-handily, causing Peter to immediately sputter a response.
"Wha-what are you talking about? I fell on my board remember?" Peter replied with a nervous chuckle, hoping that she could change the subject.
Instead, Teresa turned to him, hands on her hips as she gave Peter an annoyed glare. "I'm not an idiot Pete. I know a sucker punch when I see it, so stop lying." The dark-haired girl demanded as Peter gave a defeated sigh.
"All right, but don't tell Uncle Ben or Aunt May. I don't want them to freak out." Peter requested as Teresa nods.
"I promise." Teresa responds as Peter exhales before answering.
"It was Flash." The teen responded in a low tone causing the dark-haired girl to shake her head.
"Again? Peter, you have to do something. You can't just let him do this to you." Teresa began as the brown-haired boy nodded.
"I know but he was bothering this kid, I had to do something." Peter responded, hoping Teresa would believe him. "I can't just let guys like him do whatever they want, especially Flash."
"So, you played the hero and got socked in the eye for it." Teresa summarized before giving a soft chuckle. "Peter, you're my brother and I love you, but you are such a dork." She remarked before the two siblings shared a laugh and resumed their work.
As they were continuing, Peter looked back to her sister. "How come you never told me that you have a tutor?" The teen asked as he placed a slightly wet box near the other saved items.
"How come you never told Uncle Ben and Aunt May about your fight with Flash?" Teresa retorted, which Peter gave a surprised grin.
"Touché." The teen remarked, dusting off his hands. "Since when did you become this snarky?" Peter asked, as the pre-teen gave a grin.
"I learned from the best, right?" Teresa replied, prompting the teen to shake his head.
"Oh God, imagine you as a teenager." Peter muttered in an almost fearful tone as Teresa giggled at her brother's over-dramatic response. As she laughed, Teresa foot bumped into something under a table. Ending her laughter, the ten-year old knelt down to find what she bumped into, with a curious Peter noticing her too. "What are you doing?" The teen asked as Teresa pulled out something old from underneath the table.
"I found something, but I don't know what it is. I don't think Uncle Ben ever showed us this before." Teresa replied, holding an item that made Peter's eyes widen in shock and recognition.
That was their father's satchel! The same one that he had when he and their mom...disappeared. He couldn't believe it was here after all these years. Why didn't anyone tell him? Teresa seemed to follow Peter's astonishment, knowing the older boy's recognition in his eyes. "Peter, do you know what this is?" The young girl asked, hoping for some answers.
Peter walked towards the satchel, tracing his fingers over the aged leather. "This...this was Dad's." The teen responded in a low voice, buried feelings beginning to surface.
Teresa's eyes widen, looking from her brother to the satchel she held in her hand. "How do you know?" She asked, her voice equally as quiet.
Peter swallowed before answering. "Because...he had this on the night when he and Mom left." He responded, the both of them looking at the satchel Teresa had in her hands.
With school hours over, most teenagers go out for their part time jobs. The mall, for example, is a huge area for teens to both hang out and work for money. This particular mall was the ideal place for both these situations for a small group of friends, hanging out together near a lemonade establishment as a few of them sit in chairs around a table.
One of the first is a blonde teenaged girl, with a bright smile and a love for fashion. Her pixie hair style makes her almost look like a doll along with her pink bonnet, matching shirt, and blue skirt. This girl has a very upbeat personality, her constant excitement showing in her emerald eyes. Her name was Caitlin Cooke, the newest member to the group.
Leaning on one of the chairs is a teenaged boy, with blonde hair like Caitlin. However, unlike her, he doesn't seem to mind the way he dresses. Wearing a long-sleeved black shirt under a white T-shirt, he also wears baggy pants with a stylized chain attached to it. He also wore a black hat, hiding messy blonde hair and piercings on both his ears. His name is Jude Lizowski, the most easy-going of the group with a love for extreme sports, especially skateboarding.
Sitting on a chair next to Jude is another boy holding a cup of warm coffee is his hands. His dark skin can be matched with his warm brown eyes. Like Jude, he too has messy hair, but unlike the skater's free spirited personality, he is meeker compared to the rest. He also wear more simple clothes, wearing long-sleeved red shirt and khaki cargo pants. He is Wyatt Williams, the most sensible out of the boys with a love for music.
Next to Wyatt is another girl, a stark contrast from Caitlin. Unlike the blonde girl's extreme fashion sense, she prefers to wear punk-rock inspired clothing with a rebellious attitude on life. She wears a sleeveless white shirt and large gray cargo pants. Her hair is dyed a dark violet, symbolizing her rebellious personality and is of Asian descent. She also has multiple piercings on her face, one on her nose and two above her right eye, as well as multiple piercings on her ears. Her name is Nikki Wong, and is arguably the most sensible out of the entire group with her sarcastic wit.
Finally, the last person present in the group is a teenaged boy sitting next to Nikki. He is of Latino descent, tall, the most athletic with a lean muscular build. Based on the self-appreciated grin always present on his face, he is considered to be attractive and has a bit of a hobby flirting with other teenaged girls. Oddly enough, his hair is a dark blue, which means he probably dyed it like Nikki. He wears a purple T-shirt and jeans, simple. His name is Jonesy Garcia, the most confident out of the boys with his womanizing attitude.
The five friends plan to hang out together as they await for Jen Masterson, the final member of the group. Today is their first official day off from all their jobs as they desire to relax together by walking around the mall. However, some of them are less than patient.
"Where is Jen?" Wyatt asked, slightly fidgeting either in anticipation or from the caffeine. "She texted she'd be here." The dark-haired boy said, his tone slightly concerned.
"Yeah." Caitlin agreed. "Jen's like supposed to be here right now." The blonde girl added, bored of looking at her manicured hands for the twentieth time.
"Dudes chill." Jude said to Wyatt and Caitlin with a calming gesture. "I'm sure Jen's on her way, she's just...you know, busy or something like she always is." The skateboarder assured.
Nikki sighs, folding her arms in attempt to not be bored. "Well, I just hope she shows up sooner or later. I don't want to be sitting here all day watching Jonesy fail at flirting." The punk girl remarked, earning an annoyed look from the Latino.
Before the blue-haired boy could respond, all five relax as Jen comes into view, walking towards them with a sheepish expression of apology. "Sorry guys to keep you waiting, I had to finish tutoring one of my kids." The red-head spoke as she sat in a chair next to Caitlin, the blonde girl almost squealing in excitement.
"Yay! Now we can all hang out and shop! We haven't done this in like forever!" The blonde happily exclaimed as Nikki rolls her eyes.
"You mean since last week?" The rebellious teen dryly remarks as Wyatt notices Jen's mind being elsewhere.
"Jen, are you all right? You seem out of it." The dark-skinned boy asked as the rest of the group focuses their attention on the red-head.
"Oh! I-It's nothing, I just kept thinking of what happened today at school." Jen replied as she pulled a strand of her crimson hair behind her ear.
"What? Did someone use the lunch food to throw it in Mr. Donovan's class? 'Cause that would have been awesome!" Jonesy asked as he laughed and shared a high five with Jude.
"No, it was Flash. I saw him beating up another student again." Jen spoke as both boys' smiles dropped.
"Flash is cool, but he would have been cooler if he wasn't such a douche." Jonesy agreed as Jude nods his head.
"Word." Jude added, as Jen continued to tell what happened.
"Yeah at lunch, Flash was picking at this underclassman today at school. He was force feeding him the school lunch." Jen explained as the others made sickly expressions about eating that gelatinous slop. "But, there was this boy who actually stood up to Flash. I mean, sure he got beat up, but he was brave though." The red-head told her friends, remembering meeting Peter.
A mischievous smile grew on Jonesy's face as he leaned forward, deciding to tease Jen when he noticed her cheeks slightly redden. "So, who is this guy that you so obviously like?" The teenaged boy asked, causing Jen to immediately widen her eyes in response.
"What? What are you talking about?" The red-head asked, almost defensively, as Jude too joins at teasing poor Jen.
"Oh come on, don't deny it. You totally have a crush." The skateboarding kid added causing Jen's cheeks to redden.
"Shut up, I do not!" Jen replied indignantly, which the two teenagers proceeded on with their teasing.
"Somebody has a crush, somebody has a crush!" Jonesy and Jude teased in a singing tone as Jen's face became progressively red as her hair. To save her friend from the continuing embarrassment, Nikki slapped both boys upside the head, ending their childish game. "Ow!" Jonesy cried out.
"Dude!" Jude exclaimed, both teens rubbing the back of their heads as Nikki glares at both of them.
"Will you two idiots shut up!" The violet-haired girl scolded as the teens mumbled apologies under their breath. With a sigh, Nikki leaned forward, wanting to know more from Jen's day. "So…who is this guy?" She asked, curious as the others.
Jen exhaled before answering, looking up to see her friends awaiting an answer. "His name is Peter, Peter Parker." She replied, and in an instant, Caitlin rushed close to Jen, almost face to face.
"Parker? As in related to the Ben Parker Junior?!" The blonde girl practically squealed in excitement as Jen backed slowly away from her face.
"Yeah, I guess so? Does it matter?" Jen asked, confused why Caitlin was making a big deal out of this. At her response, a collective gasp was formed from around the table.
"Does it matter?" Jonesy repeated, his tone suggestive that Jen said something incredibly stupid. "Ben Parker Junior was the most popular student out of Midtown High. He is the definition of cool Jen. Seriously, I consider him a role model." The blue-haired boy responded, his voice evident of the colossal respect he has for Ben.
Wyatt nods. "Yeah, he has great taste in music. One time, he showed me a new trick with the guitar." The brunette said as he drank his coffee.
"He was so cute." Caitlin added, in a dreamy like voice as a warm smile spread across her face as she turned to Jen. "I bet Peter's just as handsome as him." The blonde added, prompting Nikki to suggest it as well.
"Whoa, whoa, back up." Jen requested. "How do we know that Peter is related to this Ben Parker Junior? People can have the same last names." The red-head reasoned.
"Yeah but come on Jen." Jonesy pleaded. "He could be like Ben's cousin or something. And anyone who can stand up to Flash is cool in my book." The teen responded.
"I can't believe I'm saying this, but Jonesy has a point." Nikki agreed before turning to the red-head. "Jen, do you anyone else Peter is related to with the last name Parker?"
Jen placed her finger under her chin, deep in thought. "Well, Peter does have a sister named Teresa." The girl added.
At that answer, Caitlin snapped her fingers. "When Ben was in Midtown, he'd talk about a cousin named Teresa!" The peppy blonde included, adding in her two cents.
Wyatt, quiet as he finished his coffee, spoke up. "But wait, if Peter is related to Ben, then how come no one considers him as cool as Junior?" He asked, prompting the others to think of an answer.
"Maybe..." Jen began, getting the others' attention. "Maybe, he just doesn't want to. Just because you're related to someone popular doesn't mean you want to be like them. He just wants to be his own person." The red-head explained before lowering her head slightly. "I can relate." She added, living in the shadow of her sister Courtney, who too was incredibly popular.
After a moment's silence, Jonesy spoke up. "Well, I don't care if Peter's popular or not. He's cool to me and I think he needs a gang to hang out with. Who's with me?" He asked, now standing.
"Count me in." Wyatt said, he too standing.
"Totally dudes." Jude added, smiling as he held his board in one hand.
Nikki sighs as she too stands. "Yeah, what the hell." She said, giving a small smile.
Caitlin clapped happily. "Me too!" The blonde exclaimed as all five turn to Jen, awaiting her response.
Rolling her eyes playfully, Jen's lips curl upwards to form a smile. "All right fine, let's invite Peter to hang out with us." She finally answered, the others cheering in happiness.