Sorry it took so long to write this next chapter. Keep reviewing. I need the motivation.
Peter continued to swing from car to car, carrying people to safety. He dodged the golden flames that licked the pavement. He pried through the debris, looking for trapped victims. After more than three hours of excruciating effort, Peter had managed to get the situation under control. All the wounded were now receiving medical attention and the firefighters were putting out the fire. Peter longed to get home, and he didn't seem to be needed anymore. He was exhausted and he had a severe burn on his shoulder that needed tending to. Fortunately he was a quick healer.
"Can you guys manage the fire?" Peter called out to several of the firefighters below him.
"Yeah, the worst of it is over. Thanks for your help." One firefighter called back in response.
"Thank you. You're the real heroes. I'm just a nutball in tights." And with that he leapt off his building perch and swung through the city.
When he reached his apartment he performed his usual routine. First he cautiously entered his room from the window. He changed out of his uniform and threw on a pair of jeans. He then grabbed the bottle of antiseptic that sat on his desk next to his microscope and computer. After cleaning and bandaging his wound, Peter grabbed the cleanest looking shirt from a pile on the floor and threw it on. He then stuffed the Spider-man costume under his mattress. It would stay hidden there with his spares until he had time to wash and mend it.
Peter then exited out the window again and swung back down to ground level. He re-entered through the front door of the apartment complex. When he opened the door to his apartment, he found Harry and M.J. sitting at the table talking and eating Chinese food.
"Hey Peter." M.J. blurted out as she saw Peter. She had almost given up hope of him showing up.
"Hi, M.J. Hi Harry."
"Hey," was all Harry managed to reply as he slurped a noodle. Peter noticed Harry eyeing him suspiciously.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt you guys. I'll just head up to my room…"
"Don't be silly. We have plenty of food. Right, Harry?" Mary Jane interrupted.
"Uh huh," Harry mumbled.
"No, I'm really tired. I had a rough day. I think I'll just lay down for a while." Peter wasn't lying. He was tired.
"Stay and talk for a little while." M.J. tried not to sound too desperate but she needed him to stay. She had a plan.
"No, I don't want intrude."
M.J. was about to insist one last time but Harry beat her to it, "Common Pete, just grab some food."
"O.k. then. If you're sure I'm not bothering you." Peter grabbed a plate and pulled up a chair.
M.J. loved Peter's polite and quiet temperament. It made him all the more loveable. He was so shy, he seemed almost scared like a little kid. It was hard to believe this same man could be Spider-man. But the plan she had devised would put all doubts to rest.
Mary Jane engaged the two men across from her in idle chit chat for half an hour. She needed to catch Peter off guard. She discussed mundane subjects like school and acting, hoping to lull Peter into her trap.
M.J. then shifted the direction of the conversation. "I talked to my dad last night. He kept telling me how worthless I am and that I have no future. It wasn't exactly what I wanted to hear when I called home to say hi." Mary Jane didn't like discussing her home life but in this case it was necessary.
"M.J. you know that's not true." Peter said.
"Yeah, your dad's just being a jerk." Harry added.
Perfect Harry, M.J. thought, you're playing right into my hand. She had to bait him on now. "So my dads a jerk, huh?"
"Well yeah, no one should talk to you like that." Harry replied, thinking he was being supportive.
"Well, your dad was ten times worse than mine."
Harry couldn't believe what he was hearing. "What? How can you say that? Especially now." Peter looked at her in disbelief.
"Do you know what he did to me? Do you know who he really was?" M.J. asked in fit of feigned anger.
"What are you talking about?" Harry replied.
"I can't believe you don't know. Well its time someone told you the truth about your father…"
"No, you can't tell him." Peter blurted out in panic. After the words slipped out he realized his mistake.
M.J. smiled triumphantly at Peter. She had caught him in his web of lies. He had said earlier that he hadn't known the identity of the Green Goblin. Mary Jane's smirk seemed to say Peter, 'I know the truth and don't try to deny it anymore.'
The two stared at each other silently. Harry finally stood up and interrupted them. "I don't know what's going on here with you two. I'm not going to put up with you criticizing my father. I'm leaving." A confused and angry Harry slammed the door as he left, leaving Peter and M.J. alone to talk.
To be continued…