Aunt May was so happy for Peter that he was brining a friend over for once. He had been very depressed after his breakup with Mary Jane, that pretty girl with the auburn hair he had spent so much time with. They had been almost inseparable. Regarding Peter's feelings, she had never questioned him thoroughly about the relationship. He was a teenager, they had their own reasons.

But now he'd met a new girl, and she was delighted he was finally moving on and forgetting the pain. She had done the same thing when Ben died, or so Peter thought. Aunt May still felt the emptiness where her husband used to be. It was lonesome at the dinner table, Ben's chair bare and isolated. Aunt May wasn't sure if Peter noticed, but he did.

That evening Aunt May was cooking a delicious pot roast with mashed potatoes and some bow-tie noodles. She was busying humming to herself, adding in some spices as she cooked. Peter was setting the table, using their good china. He lit some candles that sent an aroma of Macintosh apples into the air. He dimmed the lights, but was yelled at by his aunt to turn them back on.

"I'm still cooking, Peter!"

"Oops. My bad."

"So, who is this Amanda girl you've met?"

"She's really nice. Smart, I think. And funny, I think."

Aunt May chuckled at her nephew. "You don't know much about this girl, do you?"

"No...but that's what first dates are, right? You get to know each other a little more." Peter smiled.

Aunt May nodded. "Peter, would you turn on the news, dear? You know I like to listen to it while I cook. Gives me something to do, instead of staring at these potatoes all day."

Peter flicked the power button on the little television and the Bugle News flickered on. J. Jonah Jameson's face appeared at the news desk.

"Isn't that your boss, Peter?"

"Yes, Aunt May."

"What a dreadful man."

"Yes, Aunt May."

Jameson was once again ranting on about the latest Spider-Man news. One of Peter's pictures was being used on the screen. He should be paid extra for that.

"Spider-Man was seen at Times Square yesterday, facing off three of his most well known foes. Electro, Carnage, and Venom. Now, folks, our phones have been ringing throughout this broadcast, so I'll answer some of your questions about this now, but first let me saw some things I already know.

One, we do not know how Electro convinced these two to work together. We know that they are enemies. So do not ask us that.

Two, we do not know what they are planning. Nobody does.

And Three, we do not know Spider-Man's reactions or activities so far, so do not ask us that either!

And lastly, I think Spider-Man is behind this. He's using them to seem like a tough guy and fight three of his worst enemies at once. And now, let's hear from our callers."

The sound of the dial tone was heard on the television, and somebody answered.

"Hello, you're on the Daily Bugle News."

"Hi, this is Mary Jane, from Queens."

"Hello, dear. What's your question?" Jameson beamed.

"It's not really a question, sir. I just think you should stop blaming Spider-Man for all the problems in your life."

"What?"

"Yeah. This isn't Spider-Man's fault. He's a good guy. You'd blame him for anything, from food poisoning to a broken window in your office. I'm all for freedom of speech and all, but you're a jerk."

Peter couldn't believe his ears. That was Mary Jane, his old girlfriend. Why was she defending him? She knew he was Spider-Man. Then why? It didn't make sense.

Peter stopped thinking and started paying attention when the next caller started to speak.

"Hi, my name's Amanda, and I live in Queens, too. I just have a few sort-of relevant questions to ask."

"Okay, dear, ask away." Said Jameson.
"I think Spider-Man was stalking me. I'm new around here, so I really don't know what to think. I've heard all the rumors, but I don't know if he's a bad guy or not."

"Spider-Man is a menace to this entire city. He's brought nothing but trouble. All these crazy people with deadly powers show up right after he does. And, what a coincidence. I think he's a fake and a disgrace." Jameson ranted.

"Yes, sir. But a friend of mine said he sort-of knows him, and that he's a hero, although he had a weird personality. He said Spider-Man's a regular guy who's trying to do something good. Can't that just be it?"

Jameson shook is head. "No. I think not. Your friend is an idiot."

Peter stomped his foot. "Hey!"

"Peter! Your friend will be here soon! Help get the food to the table!"

Peter put on a pair of his Aunt's oven mitts and carried the bowl of steaming mashed potatoes to the center of the table. He ran upstairs afterwards to comb his air, straighten his nice polo shirt, and put on some cologne. He looked good. Handsome, even.

The doorbell rang, and Peter rushed to get it. He slowed down once he reached the door, breathed in deep, and put on his happiest smile.

"Hey."

"Hey."

Peter's jaw dropped. It was his old girlfriend.