Letting out a yawn, I stretched my sore limbs above my head as I headed into school.
Last night was a long one. Seeing some dudes rob an ATM and then Spidey showing up at the same time, it was very different.
Luckily he was there because one almost stabbed me in the back. Literally.
There was something about Spidey that just seems familiar to me.
These couple times that we fought crime together, I just feel this sense of deja vu.
The way he cracks corny jokes and how he randomly rambles at times.
Maybe I'm just overthinking things.
Chewing on a piece of Hubba Bubba gum, I blew a bubble as I strode through the doors.
My phone buzzed in my back pocket. Grasping it in my hand, I swiped it on and gasped. I felt people push past me to get up or down the steps as I kept reading the message Betty just sent me.
"Guys!" I yelled as I ran up the rest of the stairs and sped towards my locker to see both Ned and Peter laughing at something.
Ned spun around and began to wave.
Dodging a group of cheerleaders, I weaved around the crowded halls of Midtown.
"Ms. Hale! No running in the halls!" Principal Morita spoke loudly, making me significantly slow down and throw an apology over my shoulder before speed walking towards the two boys.
"Woah! Where's the fire, Lia?" Ned asked with a chuckle as I stopped in front of them.
"Yeah? Are you okay?" Peter asked as he looked at my flushed face. He slung his backpack on and closed his locker.
I shook my head and grabbed both their hands, dragging them along with me despite their protests.
"C'mon Ophelia. Tell us what's going on? We have to get to class."
"Ned, we have ten minutes." I brushed my bangs to the side. Once we got down the stairs, I let go of their hands and turned towards them. "Betty texted me this morning and she said that Mrs. Paulson posted the list!"
"I thought she was going to post it after school?" Peter questioned as they strode beside me.
"I thought so too, but the list is up!"
I can feel the nerves build up as I saw a group of people swarming the list.
I just stood and watched as people squealed in excitement or someone stomped off in rage. I can feel my stomach bubble up in nerves.
Peter turned to me, "Aren't you going to look?"
"Could you guys look for me? I'm scared."
"C'mon Ophelia. You totally got this. You worked your butt off. When you made Ned or me practice with you, it felt like I was watching the actual movie. You poured your heart into this. If Mrs. Paulson doesn't choose you as the lead, I don't know what she's thinking because you are absolutely amazing."
I felt my heart race at his words and a blush rise to my cheeks.
His eyes widened at what he last said, but he didn't take any of it back.
"You really think so?" I asked timidly.
Why am I being shy all of the sudden? I mean, it's Peter. Probably just the nerves getting to me.
"Without a doubt." He grabbed my hand and led me towards the paper plastered on the wall.
His hand felt cool clasped around my slightly warmer one.
With polite excuses to come through, we stopped right in front of the list.
Scanning it, I found Sandy's name as my eyes followed to the right.
My jaw dropped in shock as I saw my name in bold lettering. I looked to Peter and engulfed him in a hug out of excitement.
I know it's silly to be so excited to get a lead in a play, but this is Grease we're talking about!
"I got the part!" I exclaimed happily. I felt his arms wrap around my waist in return.
"Told you you got this," Peter whispered.
Pulling away from the hug, I smiled brightly at him as I felt my cheeks burn.
"Did you get the part?" Ned voiced, breaking my gaze away from Peter.
I nodded enthusiastically and pulled him in a hug too.
"It's thanks to you guys for helping me out with it. I know it wasn't the most thrilling thing, but I appreciate it."
"So it looks like you and I are going to see a lot more of each other, princess."
Ugh.
That dreaded nickname.
I turned to look at Daniel, "Really? I thought you weren't really interested in trying out?"
He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, Mrs. Paulson insisted. She probably saw the chemistry between us."
I raised a brow at his emphasis on the word. "It is called "acting", isn't it?"
He chuckled at my response. The five minute bell sounded. "Well I'll see in class, princess." He threw a wink my way and sauntered off.
I rolled my eyes before going back over to the list. Looking for his accursed name, I felt my body freeze.
Are you freaking kidding me right now?
"Ophelia?" Peter called out, breaking me out of my shocked state.
I sighed heavily, my excitement from earlier wavering.
The boys gave me looks of worry.
"I'm not sure if this is because his name is closely related to 'Danny' that Mrs. Paulson chose him or he-"
"Wait, wait, wait," Peter interrupted. "Are you saying that Daniel is Danny?"
"Unfortunately."
"Oh my gosh! I can't believe that you're going to kiss one of the hottest guys in school!" Betty gushed as we sat together at lunch.
"Yeah! He is sooooo gorgeous! And I saw him ride by me on his motorcycle this morning!" Patricia threw in.
The other girls giggled and chimed in their opinions on Daniel.
With distaste, I munched on a cucumber slice that Phoebe packed for me. Lately, she's been attacking me with fruits and vegetables. I'm only a teenager… Let me live!
"You're awfully quiet, Lia."
I just shrugged at Betty's observation, "What's so special about him anyway? All I've heard is that he's Mr. Popular and he's good looking."
My question had the other girls give me looks of disbelief.
"What do you think of him?" Tess, one of Betty's friends, questioned.
"Egotistical and a big flirt."
After that one simple statement, the girls let out a collective gasp and then words of protest were thrown around.
I felt the stares of others from different tables burn into my form.
Shrinking a bit in my seat, I just nibbled on a carrot in a desperate attempt to ignore it.
"Hey Lia. Didn't you say you needed help with Chemistry? I'm heading to the library real quick to get some studying done if you wanna tag along?"
The chatter around me died down as they stared at the person who interrupted whatever was going on just now.
I looked behind me to smile at my savior.
"Peter! I-I mean yeah. I still need help. Yup," I stammered as I shot up from my seat and gathered my belongings.
"Chemistry? Didn't you already have that class today?" Betty questioned with a look of suspicion.
"Well yeah, b-"
"Why would you need to study?"
"Lia was having trouble with mass spectrometry and she asked me earlier to help her earlier on it," Peter answered with ease.
I looked at his calm and collected demeanor in awe.
One of the reasons why I am thankful is because of Peter Parker's existence.
"Yeah. We should go. Lunch doesn't last forever unfortunately. I'll talk to you girls later!"
Hastily, I grabbed Peter's arm and scurried out of the lunch room.
As soon as we were out of sight, I gave Peter a hug, "Peter Parker, you are my hero."
Author's Note:
Hi everyone! I hope everyone is doing great!
This is a repost from last night's chapter. I accidentally uploaded the draft. (I swear I am so dumb sometimes lol!)
I forgot to mention in the last chapter that I am basing Mesmera's outfit on this Kpop group's outfit. They're called Dreamcatcher (everything about them is freaking amazing! And yes, you should definitely check them out!) And their You & I stage outfit is what I thought for Mesmera. It looks pretty badass! (Example with my profile pic.)
I was experiencing a huge loss on what to write for this chapter, but I think I am over that hump. And again, I'm so sorry for the long wait!
So what did you all think of this chapter? We had a bit of fluff with Ophelia and Peter.
And just to let you know that this might be a slow burn type of story so it won't be too rushed into the romance.
And what is the deal with Daniel? Do you guys have thoughts and/or opinions on him?
Let me know what you all think by leaving a review! I accept all compliments and/or criticisms.
I love you all!
Thank you so much for reading this story!
I promise that the next one won't be as long of a wait.
Until next time!
-YoullBeAvenged