Chapter 13 [Ten Minutes Earlier]
Gwen sat on Bus' Cushioned Seat. She and Aunt May talked for longer than they'd meant to. Still, Purposes had been achieved. They agreed to send both pieces for judges' consideration. Conversation dragged Hidden Points out of both women. She'd answered every one of May's questions. She asked her hostess a few of their own. She admitted that she wanted to be in Peter's life forever.
And then, May Parker forced Universe to a dead halt. She went upstairs to her room. Upon her return, she bore Tissue Wrapped Package. Reverence guided its presentation to Gwen.
Disbelief stunned Gwen to say the least. She unwrapped Package to find 14k Gold Ring with a Diamond there. Her mouth slackened. Her eyes went wide.
"Now, Gwendolyn, I know all about tradition. I know Peter's Uncle Ben and your father would disagree about being forward in certain ways. Still, I would like to see Peter with the right young lady. I know that's you. Please take care of him."
"Now and forever, Mrs. P." Gwen had sworn without hesitation. "Is this your ring?"
Aunt May shook her head. "No. It's Mary's ring. She was Peter's mother."
"His…mother? Mrs. Parker, I can't! This is special!" Protest sparked on Gwen's lips. Her hands went to her mouth. She could barely dare to look upon it much less touch it.
Aunt May set her jaw. "Now you listen to me. This ring was meant for a special young lady. His mother knew that. That's why she left it in my care. That's why I am giving it to you. Ask him for that commitment. If he says yes, give him the ring. Let him put it on your hand. If he should happen not to, you tell him to come and see me. Put it in your purse. All right?"
"Yes, Ma 'am." Gwen considered the ring. Grimace twisted her face. "I know I'm being silly. I…I…never believed that there was a guy like Peter. I…" She bowed her head.
"Land sakes! My nephew knows a good woman when he sees her. Have faith. All right? It will be all right. And I have one more request." Aunt May sucked in a deep breath. "From now on, no more Mrs. Parker. It's Aunt May. Do you hear me?" She took Gwen's hands in hers. "Do you?"
"I want that. More than anything!" Hope picked Gwen's spirits up at that point. She wanted that more than anything. Ring went in Purse's most secure place. "Thank you."
"No. Thank you." Aunt May patted Gwen's hand. "I'm sorry, Dear. It is getting late. I do not want your father worrying. If Peter comes by, I will tell him that you need to see him." She walked over toward the closet. "Thank you for your help with those entries. I am glad we could talk."
"I am too. Thank you, Mrs. P. for having faith in me like this." Gwen pulled her coat on. She opened the door. One last time, she looked upon the elder woman. Then, she headed out into the late afternoon….
I can't believe Mrs. Parker has faith like this in me! In me! Well, I'll sure blow that door down where Peter's concerned! We can get through school and have jobs. Dad will just have to understand. Gwen looked out the window. Sol touched House Roofs by that point. Soon enough, it would be below Horizon's western edge. I just hope Dad's okay with leftovers. I'll have to call Peter after dinner. Nerves flew around in her stomach. She looked up as her stop approached. Here we are! Hope Dad can deal with this! Gosh! Those butterflies are sure doing a number on me! She rolled her eyes. She stepped off Bus' step and onto Sidewalk's Path. She passed two further houses before she arrived in front of her own residence. Nerves locked her feet in place. He'll insist I give the ring back to Mrs. Parker and make Peter do everything! Well, I know Peter loves me. I'm over the Moon for him. That what matters. One Foot stepped before the other. Front Walk seemed to go on forever but only remained a few steps in length. She ascended Stairs one at a time. She unlocked the door and eased it open.
Feet slipped inside. Hopes that she'd make her room without Stacy's notice. She…She heard voices.
Her father's and Peter's voices.
Peter's here? Great! We can get this all out in the open! She remained by the door. Eavesdropping may have been rude. Akin to Moth however, she couldn't help flying around Conversation's flame…
"Peter, it was out of your control. There was nothing you could've done. Mr. Dubois will tell you it was the Rider's sick game. He's lost his grandfather, grandmother, two teachers and a good friend to this whole ordeal." Stacy put his hands on Peter's arms. "You should let Gwen know, Son."
Shudder ripped through her where that book was concerned. I can't believe Peter really was back there! And he went through that? Oh, Mr. P! Really? She bit her lip. You better know better than to keep it from me!
Fear gripped Peter. "I want to. I don't want her to lose sleep. Still, if I want to be with her, I guess…" He picked his head up. "I have to tell her."
"Of course, you do. She's read that part already. She wants to talk to you about it. Peter, when you stumbled in here that night, everything changed." Stacy set Pipe in Ashtray. "I know you've fought some powerful criminals. Gwen and I have had close calls. We also owe you our lives. She loves you with every fiber of her being." He shook his head. "She's determined to be with you, Son. I'm not going to fight her or you."
"Guess I'm lucky that if I have to deal with this stuff, I have friends to help?" Peter set Tome down. "At least, we can be happy if we're careful?" He sucked in a deep breath. "One thing's for sure. Ms. Mercado likes my work. I keep doing this and Jonah's going to have a fit."
"Oh? I heard she likes your pictures. Perhaps you might get a few safe assignments? That would make me feel better. Gwen would feel better. I've spoken to her about your crime fighting. She grew up with her Uncle and me going out on beat patrol. She'll deal with you." Stacy put his hand on Peter's arm. "I know you'll take care of her."
Relief eased her mood. Dad's giving his blessing! He's really doing it! YES! Peter and I will take good care of each other! Just you wait and see, Dad!
Affirmation and Purpose set Peter's jaw. Strength returned to his shoulders and back. Color returned to his face. "Every moment of every day. She was talking about a job. I wanted to do something else too. I know Gwen and I are still in school. I want to ask her, Sir. I know it would be an engagement until we have enough money. I…."
She facepalmed herself. Frustration boiled over in her craw. Earlier Prediction certainly seemed to be coming true. She steeled herself. She had her Purpose and May Parker's Permission. Torpedoes be damned. I don't care if you're not rich, Peter! When will you UNDERSTAND THAT?
"Peter, I know you're responsible. You're right. I will expect a job before any wedding takes place. I do give my blessing. If you want to ask and she accepts, I respect that. We'll see how this arrangement goes with Ms. Mercado and the Daily Bugle," Stacy clarified.
"Robbie was just saying the same thing to me earlier. It's the right thing to do. I'll just need to find the right time and right place…" Peter started to conceive Proposal's plan.
Elation returned. Dad gave his blessing! I'll take the year and a half. Mr. P's with me! Still, he's going to overthink the asking and all that. Time to deal that that! She stepped into view. Her throat cleared. "Right time and place for what pray tell, Mr. P?" She raised an eyebrow. "Sorry. You two were talking up that old blue streak, I just let you have at it. Now, I just spent the best day with your Aunt. We got along so well. She and I didn't worry about anything. Now I hope you're talking about what I think you're talking about." Knowing Smirk spread across her mouth. Anticipation sparkled in her eyes akin to ten year old's on Christmas Eve.
"Gwendy, I'm working out the details. I'll get a job…" Peter started.
"I know you will, Mr. P. You're too responsible. You put way too much pressure on your shoulders." She hung her coat up. "We'll make this easy."
"We will?" Peter's eyes went wide. "But what about…?"
"Follow my lead, Joy Boy." She took his hands in his. "You love me, right?"
"Right." Peter looked to her father.
Stacy motioned back toward her.
She cleared her throat to garner his attention again. "Well that's good. You are sure?" Teasing spiced Query.
"You know I do, Kid."
"Well okay. That's better. That's more enthusiasm and pep!" She kissed him on the forehead. "Because I love you, Man o Mine over the Moon and back!" Her eyes sparkled. "We're so great together like Peanut Butter and Jelly."
"Sure. I want us to be happy and secure…." Peter started.
"I'm dealing with a certain Wall Crawler and you. I'll take happy. Let's hope you pick your battles better. I'm also hoping Ms. Mercado has that place for you. Maybe I can write a few stories so we'll make that old bread. Peter, being around you is so groovy! I never thought a guy would make me feel like this! As much as I want to go up the street ASAP, Dad, I know you want us out of school and you working first. Well, your Aunt May accepts me. He accepts you. I accept you as my Prince. Now guess that leaves you." She looked deep into his eyes. "Peter, I know it's the guy that asks. But I know you'll wait until you get the big meal and big deal. I don't want Big and Fancy. I just want simple. I want you. My dinner can be toast. I don't care. I. Just. Want. You." She put her forehead against his.
Peter's heart skipped a beat. Amor washed Concerns and Objection away. She'd covered every base. She understood Balance's demands. Approval seemed to come from all fronts. And yet, she still wanted him. "Even with all of this stuff?"
"It isn't your fault, Mr. P. Look, I can't make heads or tails out of that book. That chapter with you and your friends in there really lays out what happened. What we heard yesterday just adds to it. That creep is a grade A sicko! You did the best you could. That's all any of us can do! You need support. I'm here for you now and always." She kissed his cheek.
"And you're okay with waiting? I just wish we could do it now. I know I need to be patient." Peter bowed his head.
"All I need is that we're committed, Peter. And don't you think about putting yourself in hock for a ring!" She shook her head. "I took care of it. I admit I spoke to your Aunt May about this. I told her that she, Dad and I are all on your case. We aren't backing down. She gave me something to bring to you." She opened her purse and fished through it.
"What would that be, Dear?" Stacy watched her. He knew Aunt May wouldn't just hand something valuable over to Gwen. Practicality governed Aunt May's actions.
"My surprise!" Gwen brought her closed hand out of Purse's insides. "So, America's waiting, Mr. Super Hero! What's the answer to the $25,000 Question?" She walked over to him. "Rest of our lives building something super special?"
Hesitation didn't stand a chance. "Rest of our lives, Miss Stacy. I'm here. I say yes." He embraced her. "We have to wait a couple of years. Still, I want you to have a ring."
"As do I, Peter. You mark my words, Young Lady. I want you both to pick out a ring for your hand as soon as possible." Stacy set himself firmly on that subject. Her entreaty may have cheated Tradition's standards. Still, it met Proposal's benchmarks. Besides, Peter had asked for his blessing just before.
Gwen smirked. "Got that set!" She opened her hand. Single 14k diamond sat on Golden Band. "Peter, your Aunt said this was your Mom's. She let me bring it here so that we could have this discussion."
Peter stared at Shiny Bauble in her hand. Periodic Questions floated through his head about his parents. His Algerian adventure filled in many details. Red Skull's frame had tarred Richard and Mary with Treason's tar brush. Peter, on the other hand, cleared them. "I can't believe Aunt May had that."
"Your Mom left it when they dropped you off the last time. Peter, you cleared their names. They're heroes. And you, Man o Mine, measure up every day. I don't want a store ring. I want your Mom's ring. That'll make it special for me." She set Ring in his hand. "Let's really make this official."
"Lovely sentiment." Stacy nodded. He cleared his throat. "Peter, I believe it is your cue?" Expectation twinkled in his eye. He felt Impatience and Desperation eating Gwen alive even from across the room.
Peter nodded. "I know they appreciate that, Gwen. Thank you." He held the ring up to his eye. Regard took in every facet and sparkle. "I'm sure Mom would want you to have it. Hold out your hand."
Gwen bit her lip. Trembles and Nerves shook her hand. Fingers slowly creaked toward him. Tear welled up in her eye. "You just have to be the King of Drama."
"It's only going to happen once. I know what I'm doing. This moment is special, Gwendy." Peter smiled. He slid Ring onto her right hand. Then, he gently closed it. His lips affixed Amor's seal upon it. "Now and forever, Kid. You and me."
"And Spidey makes three?" Sass lilted on his ears. Mischief glinted in her eyes. Impetuousness' Smirk dared a response. Giggle's bells drove his heart to flip flops and skipped beats. "I know my package deal, Mr. P. I take it. Just one thing though."
Peter rolled his eyes. "Yes?"
"No mud prints on the ceiling. Got it?" Eyebrow arched. Humor offered slight cloak to Condition's seriousness. She put her hands around his neck.
"Yes'm!" Peter grinned. "I love you, Gwendy."
"I love you more, Joy Boy!" Her lips pressed Amor's commitment back onto his. Eyes floated into his Deep Chocolate Pools. She pulled him closer to herself. "Now and forever."
Stacy watched. Admiration drank in the scene. He knew it was only another year and a half until Graduation. Still, Opportunity might open up sooner. Perhaps Joe might have more work or even this Features opportunity? If Peter can get regular work, there is that to consider.
Commitment sang about the trio. New Family had officially formed…
