Chapter 4
The dust was settling on the construction site, it was eerily still until suddenly the crashed beams were disturbed as Spider-Man in a torn red and blue suit was lifting the beams off him. Getting the beams off, he fell to the ground panting.
"Man, and I thought the Rhino packed a punch," he said out loud, chuckling to himself.
Where do these guys come from, he asked himself.
Taking a few minutes to regain his strength, Spider-Man got away from the construction site and changed into his day clothes. Taking the extra liberty of hiding his Spider-Man costume on the roof of a building for safety.
I'll need to circle back for it tomorrow. I can't get caught with this on me. Not while I'm in this state, thought Peter.
Peter knew he was in no shape to swing right now, so he would have to find another way home. As he made his way to the closest subway station, he was doing his best to walk straight, but it was no use. Even with his Spider strength, the fight did a number on him, and Peter was pretty sure he had a concussion and maybe some broken bones.
I just need to get home, thought Peter.
As he was heading down the stairs to the subway station the room started going black and the last thing Peter remembered, he was heading straight for the subway ground.
Peter's memory was foggy, he remembered getting changed and trying to make his way to the subway, but the rest was a blur. But he did recall some things; a flashing light, being brought into an ambulance, hearing the sounds of a hospital. The last thing he remembered was being brought into a room with bright white lights.
Peter groaned in agony; his head was thumping.
Where am I? he asked himself.
As he was trying to get up his head hurt even more, and his ribs radiated a sharp pain.
"He's awake! Oh, thank heavens!" yelled a familiar voice.
Peter's vision cleared to see Aunt May sitting next him, overjoyed.
"Aunt May? What happened?"
"Oh Peter dear, you were in an accident, they found you in a subway knocked out!"
"What?"
"Oh, my goodness, everyone will be thrilled to hear you're alright!" said Aunt May.
Puzzled, Peter asked, "What do you mean everyone? How long have I been here?"
Suddenly, a rush of people walked in, MJ, Anna Watson, and to his surprise Gwen and Harry.
"Peter, I was so worried! You've been out cold for almost two days," said MJ hugging him, causing Peter to groan a bit with pain.
"Mary Jane Watson! You are hurting the poor fellow," said Anna Watson.
Looking at Peter's face, MJ said, "Sorry Tiger!"
"Someone get Dr. Bromwell!" said May.
As Anna Watson was going to get Dr. Bromwell, Peter's attention turned to Gwen and Harry.
The room was still as the three made eye-contact.
Gwen elbowed Harry who got closer to Peter.
Looking Peter in the eye, Harry's face softened for a second before his face became angry again and he said, "I'm sorry, I can't do it."
As he ran out of the room, Peter looked at Gwen who shot him an apologetic look.
Well at least she didn't leave with him, thought Peter.
Shortly after, Dr. Bromwell walked in and said, "I need a minute with Mr. Parker, privately."
Following the doctor's request everyone left, leaving Peter alone with the doctor.
After checking Peter's vitals, he sat next to Peter, and asked, "Peter, do you have any memory of what happened?"
Peter, remembering everything, lied and said, "I was taking pictures of Spider-Man for the Bugle and must've gotten caught in the cross-fire. I don't remember much to be honest Doc."
Dr. Bromwell, who didn't seem to buy it, said, "Mr. Parker, everything you say is confidential. If you have anything you need to tell me, I promise nothing will get out."
Peter, ignoring this, stuck to his story, "Really Doc, the last thing I remember was Spider-Man trying to fight off a random guy."
The doctor looking down said, "Well, you have a concussion and several broken ribs, I want you to stay in the hospital for the night, just as a precaution."
Peter nodded and said, "Sure thing doctor. Is someone going to take my aunt home?"
Doctor Bromwell smiled and said, "I'm sure Mrs. Watson and her niece can take her home, though I wouldn't bet on it Peter. She hasn't left since you were admitted."
Peter chuckled and said, "That seems about right."
As Dr. Bromwell guessed, May refused to leave until Gwen offered to stay with Peter much to his surprise.
As Aunt May, Anna and Mary Jane left, Gwen and Peter sat in an awkward silence. This was the first time they had been together alone since before that night Norman Osborn died.
"So…how's everything?" asked Peter.
"Good. I'm sorry about Harry, it's a hard time for him with Oscorp looking for its new CEO," said Gwen.
"I can imagine," said Peter.
While he could understand Harry being upset with Oscorp being run under a new CEO, at least until he turned 18, he didn't know why he stormed off. Looking at Gwen she seemed unhappy and tired.
"Gwen…are you happy with Harry?"
Gwen looked at Peter and said, "Of course, why wouldn't I be?"
Peter shrugged and said, "No reason, you just don't seem happy."
Gwen looked away, staying quiet.
Peter grabbed her hand and said, "Gwen, you can tell me, we're friends."
Gwen sighed and looked down, "Truth is Peter, after we had that talk, I thought it would be you and I… and then Harry's dad…I can't hurt Harry, not when he's already hurting."
Peter sighed and said, "But about your own happiness Gwen?"
"Then what Peter? I get together with you, what would that do to Harry?" said Gwen raising her voice and looking at him intensely.
"If Harry really cares about you, he'll let you go," said Peter softly.
Noticing the time, Gwen said, "It's getting late. I should go. I'll see you at school Peter. I hope you feel better."
Peter nodded sadly as she got up.
As Gwen was leaving, Peter said, "Hey Gwen…"
Gwen turned around and looked at him and he asked, "Why'd you come?"
"You know why Peter… I'll see you later."
After she left, Peter was left in shock.
Did Gwen just say…
He went to bed that night with his mind racing.
The next day, Peter passed Bromwell's medical examination with flying colors, while his broken bones were still on the mend, his concussion symptoms were much better than they were yesterday.
Thank you, Spider Healing, thought Peter to himself.
"Well Mr. Parker, like I said yesterday, if you have anything you wish to tell me, my door is always open," said Doctor Bromwell.
Peter smiled as he was leaving the room, "Thanks Doc. I'll keep it in mind."
As May rolled Peter out in his wheelchair, he was happy he could get back to his normal life and also get his costume back…assuming it was still there.
Thank goodness I have a backup suit.
Yet part of him was already thinking about the man that attacked him and more importantly, who is the Kingpin?
All answers Peter intended on getting soon.
