Kevin drove across town in his beat up Chevy, getting everything ready. He regretted that he would have to take Mary Jane by force, but it seemed the only way. He knew she wouldn't mind once she was there. Actually she'd probably thank him countless times for saving her from that freak.
The sunny smile that was on his face as he drove darkened slightly, thinking of Peter Parker, but disappeared a moment later. Why dampen his good mood? It was a bright and cloudless day, the song playing on the radio was good and by nightfall Mary Jane would be in his arms.
He turned off the highway and drove for a while longer, finally making an illegal U-turn and driving the other way.
It's gotta be here somewhere...
Aha. There. He turned onto a narrow road almost hidden by dense overgrowth and drove across the bumpy landscape, silently cursing the road for what it was doing to his car. Finally the road ended at a home that was falling apart and covered in ivy and vines.
This is the place? Damn I feel like I'm in a stupid Hardy Boys book.
Oh well, it would suffice for his purposes. He knew Peter would be frantic looking for MJ, so he had cashed in a few favors and asked around until he found some creep willing to give him information on an unmapped house, far away from Parker's. Didn't want that jerk finding him and brainwashing Mary Jane again.
Of course he hadn't told them why he wanted the house. Knowing the ignorant losers they'd accuse him of kidnapping or something.
Pathetic.
He got out of his car and opened the trunk. There he pulled out a crate of some necessary food and living supply he had packed and lugged out a mattress. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a tiny silver ring. Well... it was plated silver anyways. And that was an honest to God white zircon diamond in there. It had cost him a pretty penny, almost 20 bucks for a stupid ring, but he was determined to win over Mary Jane and she seemed, from his observances, like the type of girl that wanted things done the old fashioned way.
He dragged the mattress into the house and set it up in one of the falling apart bedrooms. He then grabbed the food and organized it in the kitchen, trying to make everything as homey as he could.
Finally he finished and strode confidently back to his Chevy.
Life was good.
He knew Mary Jane wasn't going to be with Peter until later tonight. He had heard her tell him earlier that she was heading to an audition and wouldn't be back until nine.
Perfect for him.
Kevin knew he had to plan and execute things just right. If Peter felt something was up he was sure he would have no qualms about beating him into the ground. He couldn't handle Peter Parker when Peter wasn't even trying; he had no intention of trying to handle him when he was.
He could go and meet her after she got out, around 8:30 he figured, ask her if she would come with him, if she said no, gently knock her unconscious (he severely hoped it wouldn't come to that) and bring her back to his make shift home, hoping an apology and a proposal could make her forgive him.
He glanced at the watch he had gotten out of a cereal box. Crude, yes, but it told time and it was free so why bother spending fifty on one that did the same thing?
5:30
Ugh he would have to wait some more. He hated waiting. He made the bed and took a jog through the serene forest. He then looked at his watch again.
5:43
God his life was Hell.
..........
Mary Jane walked home with Peter excitedly.
"My God Pete, can you believe this?! An audition! My first audition ever." She beamed at him. "I know there's a zero chance I'll get it, but you know, it's just cool to know I'm out there doing something!"
Peter glanced at Mary Jane and then smiled himself. He loved it when she was happy. It made him happy.
"I know what you mean MJ, if anybody deserves to get this Mary Jane, it's you. And don't worry at all; I know you'll be incredible."
MJ smiled and kissed the tip of his nose.
"Well even if I'm not I guess I still have one fan," She grinned at him.
"Who?" He asked jokingly.
She shoved him gently.
"Thanks a lot!"
"Just kidding MJ, seriously." Peter stopped and put his hands on her shoulders. "I know you and I know your acting abilities and it's amazing. Don't worry about a thing Mary Jane, if you don't get it then the person casting must be a lunatic and even then there will always be more auditions."
Mary Jane regarded him thoughtfully. "Thanks Pete, you don't know how much that cheered me up."
"That's my job isn't it? To cheer up my beautiful girlfriend? I mean what else am I for?" He laughed and slid his eyes over to her.
"Well you could be for..." Her eyes darkened and a devilish grin came on her face.
She kissed him full on the lips, right in front of his house.
When the need for oxygen overpowered the need for each other they pulled apart and Peter pressed his forehead against hers.
"That." MJ finished.
"Did you know my Aunt would have a stroke if she just saw that?"
"I did know that, which is why I only did it because her car isn't here."
Peter smiled at her.
"Do you know that that is actually very considerate of you?"
"Well I wouldn't want my boyfriend's aunt in the hospital because of me now would I?"
Peter laughed again and folded Mary Jane into his arms.
Yes, life is wonderful.
.........
Mary Jane waited in the uncomfortable metal folding chair, nervously awaiting the time when they would call her name.
She gulped as they called Rosalind Warrington and knew she was next. She tried to relax, closing her eyes and remembering all the things she had learned in high school drama, but it only served to remind her how inexperienced she really was.
"Mary Jane Watson?"
MJ sighed and followed the lady. As she arrived in front of a stern looking lady in her mid forties she thought about Peter and his encouraging words. She finally relaxed a little and smiled at the woman.
"Alright, proceed." The woman snapped at her.
The timid looking assistant who had led her down here handed her a script and softly told her to read the part of Madeline.
Mary Jane looked up into the eyes of the stern lady and determinedly set her jaw.
"Don't lie to me Ricky Andrews..." She started in a clear voice.
........
Ten minutes later, MJ finished, and looked expectantly at the caster.
"Well I must say that was exceptional for first audition, easily one of the best of the day."
MJ cocked her head to the side, trying to decipher any hidden meanings in the comment.
"I would very much like to hire you, Miss Watson, for future plays."
Mary Jane slumped a little.
"But there's someone else you have in mind for this role?" She asked dejectedly, still hoping against hope that she was misinterpreting the woman's comments.
"Yes dear, I do apologize, but please come back and audition for other roles."
"Yes ma'am, thank you." MJ nodded to the woman and her assistant and then walked out, her head held high.
If there was one thing her mother taught her it was to never give someone else the satisfaction of how much they hurt you, even if they didn't mean it. It wasn't the best advice in the world, but right now Mary Jane used it and was grateful for the shadow she could hide behind.
Once outside she leaned against the wall. It was dark out and she knew she should be heading toward the Parker's soon, but right now she didn't think she could face Peter's excited face, asking how she'd done.
She sat down with her back to the building and a few tears rolled down her cheek.
It was silly to cry of course, but she had just been so looking forward to everything... so wanting to bring home good responses to Peter and Aunt May and Uncle Ben...
"Why are you crying Mary Jane?"
The voice that came from a few feet away made her jump and scramble to her feet. Hastily she blinked back the pity tears that were about to fall and squinted into the darkness.
"Who's there?" She called out warily. The person knew her name which led her to believe he wasn't a common rapist or robber, but she had grown up in New York and she was wary of everything.
"It's me, Kevin." Kevin Hayes came into focus as he stepped closer.
He saw Mary Jane tense and he was confused. Wasn't she happy to see him?
"Hi Kevin... look I was just leaving." She turned and walked a few feet, hoping he'd leave. Instead she felt a hand on her arm and she groaned. Typical Watson luck. She yanked her hand back.
"Listen Kevin, I'm leaving, I have to go home."
"To Peter Parker's home you mean." He spoke without any emotion.
"Well... yes I'm staying there. How did you know that?"
She looked him up and down and noticed a cool hardness in his eyes.
"I've watched you for a while Mary Jane."
With that MJ turned and started to run, officially scared for her life. Kevin overtook her in a matter of seconds and she struggled against his tight hold on her arms.
"Why are you struggling MJ? I just want you to be happy with me."
"Let me go!" She screamed and tried to bite the hand that clamped over her mouth.
Mary Jane heard him sigh and look at her with an almost apologetic look in his eyes.
He slammed her head against the side of the building and after the initial flash of excruciating pain she fell into welcome, cool darkness.
"I'm sorry MJ." Kevin whispered sadly staring at the beautiful redhead now limp in his arms.