Chapter 5 [Osborn Auditorium, ESU—A Couple of Hours Later]
[A/N: The "Funky Phantom" is one of Hanna Barbera's characters from about the story's time period. He, his group and the entire cartoon belong to the WB.]
Gwen leaned back in her seat. Balance's Effort and wearing a lot of different hats had occupied her since their last trip to Wabash. Summer School had enabled Peter and her to get ahead in their classes. They'd spent several study dates between Archives' shelves. She'd endured her father's admonitions about taking care around campus. Studies swamped her. She had a follow up call to make to a certain Professor and Doctor about their invitation.
Yeah that…
Shiver cut through shoulders and upper back. Grimace twisted her mouth. Memoria recalled Peter stumbling into the house during the previous February. Usual Poker Face wasn't present. He made no attempt to cover up Ambush or his fear. He admitted every detail to them in the house. Conversation with Angela Dubois at that point revealed Dread and Realism in their situation.
And that wasn't counting their arrangement either. Shadows moved. Crimson Spots floated close by for a few heartbeats. Chill dimpled her skin. Bodyguard lurked close by. Still, as her Dad noted, Dark, Creepy and Friendly was preferrable to Dark, Creepy and Nasty. I can't believe this is what Peter deals with as Spider-Man. Really? Bad enough we were in class with that Rattler guy. We nearly died. Then, that Salem guy jumps Peter from midair? Really? It's groovy in a way to have our Funky Phantom with that eye than that old demon guy. She waved to Kelly. "Hey, Ms. K!"
Kelly waved back. Enthusiasm picked up for her. She rushed down the stairs and down the aisle. Breakup with Jerry proved difficult. Despite Spring and Summer' Passage, Disbelief still dogged her over his alter ego, the Rattler. Nightmares still interrupted her sleep. She saw him change from man to snake and back to man. His form blurred. Hissing came from his mouth. Fingers burned Skin and Muscles. Gwen and Captain Stacy struggled with injuries. Even Spider-Man just managed to keep Blurring Figure away from them.
Despite all of that, these classmates brought out the best in things. She'd hung out with Harry, Liz, Peter and Gwen. Conversations, Baked Ziti and Garlic Bread brightened her visit to the Stacy house. At least they cared. She sucked in a deep breath and sat down. "Hi! You seem peppy today."
Sauciness gleamed in Gwen's eye. "The Sun's shining. Semester's starting. We're closer to that mark! Everything's clear between us and that." She conceded a shrug. "Well, we have a few classes." She checked her watch. "I've got the eager eye out for that guy."
Kelly giggled. "Peter sure cuts it close some times. I wonder if he likes to live in Professor Warren's doghouse?" She sipped on something in a paper cup. "I have to be on time. It's like hard wired into me."
Gwen rolled her eyes. "Peter knows Professor Warren's on his case. That Man of Mine'll be here." She glanced to see him coming down the stairs in that direction. In his hands, two paper cups rested. "And I rest my case." She raised an eyebrow. "Morning, Mr. P. Five minutes early." She nodded.
"The alarm clock worked this morning." He slipped into his seat on Gwen's right. "Hi, Kelly. How was your summer?" He handed Gwen one of the cups.
"I had another nightmare last night. My roommate here and my family up in Wabash think I need counselling." Kelly took a draught of coffee. She shook her head. "Jerry was always such a great guy. We've known each other like forever! Then, he went on that hiking trip. He came back different. He was more reserved. He got impatient and had this edge. I saw it at St. Nichols. Then, he turned into that snake guy. I wish I understood." She bit her lip.
"Hey! Jerry's all cooped up and getting help. As for you, the Sun will poke through when it's supposed to! Just keep that chin up! By the way, we spoke with the Duboises. Have time after class for a request?"
Kelly nodded. "Sure! I'll hold court at the Coffee Bean. Air those requests. I'll see what I can do." She gulped down Cocoa's mouthful. "I was just over at their farm a few days ago. Mr. Dubois and Uncle Carl were over at Bauman's for fruit. You should see the cooking down when it happens!" She shook her head. "I'll have to clear space over Labor Day and during the fair."
Gwen took a gulp from her own cup. "Mmm…gingerbread creamer. Somebody wants something." She raised an eyebrow at him. "Have you seen Liz? She hasn't been around in a while."
Peter shook his head. "I just want a certain lady to have a good morning. You know her. Long blonde hair, headband, more pep in her step." He took a long drink. "Am I getting warm?" Despite his seeming redirection, he had a strange feeling about Liz's absence over the previous summer. This isn't like her. Maybe Harry might know?
Playful snort escaped Gwen's lips. "You got a plan, my Man." She saw Warren getting settled at the podium. "We'll talk after class."
Peter took out his notebook. Pen's ballpoint cued on paper.
Let the class begin….