Note: I never intended for this story to be this long. Once I started, the characters sort of took over and demanded more. I hope its working. Keep reviewing if you like it. I always love to hear what people have to say.
Friday morning Peter rushed to be on time to chemistry class. He had almost finished his report for Doctor Connors. He planned to work on it the rest of the afternoon. Peter took his usual seat next to Debra. He hadn't spoken with her since their last class. Peter figured that if he avoided conversation he would avoid more suspicion. But not sitting next to her now would be just as suspicious.
"Hello Peter," Debra smiled. "I heard Doctor Connors asked you to submit a report too."
"Yeah," Peter shrugged.
"How's yours coming? I finished mine two days ago but I've been editing it ever since. I hope he picks me. Being one of his lab assistants would be a big opportunity. What do you think, Peter?"
"It is a great opportunity. I would love it if Doctor Connors picked me." Peter replied.
Debra was about to say something but was interrupted. Felicia Hardy had strolled into class. She headed straight for Peter, flipped her long blonde hair out of her face and smiled. "Hi Peter. I was wondering if I could ask you a question."
Peter smiled, "Sure."
"Well, there's this party tomorrow. It's a charity event. J3 Communications is organizing it. You know Mr. Jameson don't you?" Felicia asked.
"Yes," peter answered. Yes, unfortunately I know Jameson, Peter thought to himself. "He's kind of my boss."
"Well, I was wondering," Felicia began playing with her hair, one of her many flirtatious tricks. "If you're not doing anything on Saturday night maybe you could come with me. I know its short notice but I'd really like it if you could come."
Debra's eyes widened with disbelief. She gave a low, quiet grunt. Peter was just as speechless. "I, um, I would love to go," he finally muttered.
"That's great Peter. I'm so excited. The car will come by for you around seven thirty tomorrow."
Doc Connors walked in a assumed his usual spot behind the lab table. The class grew quiet. Felicia whispered one last think before he began his lecture, "Oh, before I forget, the event is black tie. I can't wait to see you in a tux." And then Felicia gave a seductive wink before taking her seat.
Peter's heart skipped a beat at this. He had tried to convince himself that Felicia was just a friend. A very beautiful friend. Yet the little things she did drove him absolutely mad.
Debra on the other hand was completely disgusted. She looked over at Peter's smitten gaze and gave a frown of contempt, "Looks like you'll be wearing a different suit on Saturday."
Peter hesitated. This was twice now that she had given suspicious comments. It couldn't just be coincidence. But showing that the comments disturbed him would be even more telling, so again Peter pretended like it was nothing.
"Yeah, I guess so." He whispered. "I better rent one." That was one more thing he had to get done toady.
Felicia smiled with satisfaction. She could not wait to see her mother's face when she walked in with Peter Parker. He's not bad looking, she thought, but he's a nobody. A penniless science geek. Her mother would be furious; her attempt to set her up with Jameson's son would be ruined and Mrs. Hardy would be thoroughly embarrassed.
***
Peter finished his report for Doc Connors by about four o'clock. He went to try on tuxedos before dropping off the report at Doc Connor's lab. He let out a gasp as he examined the price tag. There was no way he could afford any of them.
"Huhh," Peter sighed. "I'm going to have to work overtime to afford this. It's ironic. The money Jameson gives is going toward a tux for his party." He picked out the cheapest one the store had to offer.
Peter walked down the street heading for campus. His spider sense gave a faint tingle. He looked up out of the corner of his eye he saw a figure dart from the building top and jump to another.
The figure moved quickly and all Peter could make out was a black streak. He rushed into an alley, secured his clothing and other belongings with webbing, and was soon in pursuit of the figure.
He swung closer, leaving enough distance so as not to be detected, but near enough so that he could see the figures long silvery blonde hair. He had to know what the Black Cat was up to.
After careful observation, Peter realized the Black Cat was following a white van. The van had pulled into the parking lot of the new Fisk Museum of Science and Technology. Four men dressed as electricians exited the van and headed toward the service entrance of the museum. One of the men handed the security guard some papers and Peter overheard him say, "We're here to work on the wiring."
Peter landed on the roof of the museum to get a closer look. While he had been watching the men he had lost sight of the Black Cat. He looked around and she was no where to be seen. He felt his spider sense warn him but it was too late. The Black Cat had grabbed him from behind.
"Spider-man, have you been following me?" she asked mischievously. She shook her finger at him, "tisk, tisk."
"Why were you following that truck?" Peter asked her as he broke free from her grip.
"Why should I tell you? I thought you worked alone?"
"Look, I don't know what you're up to and I don't like the idea of you following people in broad daylight. If you are doing anything even remotely questionable I will not hesitate to take you down." Peter replied.
Felicia smiled and then whispered seductively into his ear, "Is that a promise?"
Peter was growing impatient, "Just tell me why you're here, ok?"
"I have sources that lead me to believe these men are up to something. If you're so interested, why don't you stay and see for yourself? I certainly wouldn't mind the company."
To be continued…