Summary: An old photo brings out memories and unexpected connections.
Images of Yesteryear
"How's that tag sale coming along?" Harry asked as he welcomed his guest into the Osborn penthouse. He earlier had received a call from his best friend, who was looking to drop by.
"Great," Peter replied. "We managed to get rid of that creepy lawn gnome. I swear that thing followed me around when I was a kid. The buyer insisted on purchasing it. Some people hunt the strangest things."
He spotted his best friend smirking. He rose a finger. "Don't say a word about my comic book collection! I've been expanding what Uncle Ben shared with me."
"Has it been tough deciding what to sell?"
"A little. But it's the memories we have that'll live on. Not the things themselves."
Harry nodded.
"Anyway," Peter continued, becoming chipper once more. "I was cleaning out the attic for Aunt May's tag sale when I found this picture. It's of my mom and dad."
"Really?" Harry replied, intrigued. Hearing that his best bud was an orphan shocked him. As their bond grew, they learned more about each other, with and without masks.
The brunet gazed at the image. The young woman had vibrant, lush black hair that glowed with a slight tint of brown. The man's haircut resembled his son's. He appeared like an adult version of Peter. They even shared the same charismatic smile.
((I never really had the chance to know my parents, Mary and Richard Parker. As Spidey, I found out that they were working as part of the Central Intelligence Agency. Yep, the CIA. How cool is that? They musta kicked some serious butt on their missions.))
Peter handed over the creased photo. "Judging by their outfits and hairdos, I'd say it was when they were in college. You know, they both attended Empire State University. That's probably an old classmate or friend beside them."
"Ever find out what they were studying?" Harry asked as he accepted the photo.
Peter shrugged. "Can't say. I only know what jobs they got. I remember Aunt May telling me how secretive my dad was. But I guess any lesson to be learned from them is that they made time to enjoy themselves."
He fought to hold on to his bright attitude as the outlook slowly faded. It was their career and heroic work that ended their lives, leaving their only son to be raised by his aunt and uncle. He never heard from anyone outside the family about them. He would've liked to have received tidings from their closest companions to gain a new perspective on them.
Harry studied the picture. Immediately, he spotted the similarities. His gaze soon fell onto the other woman in the photo. His eyes widened. "Pete… I think I know who else is in the picture. That's my mom."
"Wait, what?! Seriously?!" Peter took another gaze.
There was another woman present. She wasn't in the background. She was presented alongside the other two young adults. Her brown hair shined in the sunlight and her brown eyes crinkled from her smile. Peter knew her story, Emily Osborn; how she passed away a year after Harry was born.
"You sure that's her?" the brunet asked.
"Definitely," the other teen nodded. He then insisted, "I'll show you. I know where there are more photos of her."
He led the way to one of Norman's study rooms. Peter followed.
Inside was a neatly put together home office. A wooden desk with a leather office chair was in the center. On top of that were a fountain pen set, a leather desk mat, and a desk lamp. Closed black blinds covered the narrow window. A potted plant was in a corner. There was even a large framed artwork hung on the wall. Aligned in the back was an oak bookshelf. The young Osborn pulled out a family album. He had plenty of time to explore while his father was away. Even before The Goblin arrived.
Peter took in the prestigious green cover complimented with a gold outline. Hardly a scratch was on the smooth surface. The book was even cleared of dust, unlike what he found in his own attic. "I'm surprised your dad kept this in such good condition."
"Well, this was put together by my mom," Harry explained as he set the book on the sturdy desk. "To him, it's one of her creations."
Peter stepped up to the desk and placed the picture down.
Opening the pages unleashed a history. They spotted the passed away Mrs. Osborn. One photo had her in her wedding dress. They saw her holding her newborn son. She appeared different because her hair was shoulder length. The lighting made her appear like she had a lighter hair color. As they carried on, there were images of a younger Norman. His hair was a fuller auburn. Less winkles covered his face. But he carried a genuine smile.
"It's kinda strange to see your dad so… relaxed," Peter remarked.
Harry continued turning the pages. "Yeah, I felt the same way looking at these. He's gotten better, though."
Peter was aware of the hard work the family was placing in their rapport. "For sure."
He looked at the woman. She did carry characteristics of the one in his picture. But they had no way of confirming it outside a hunch. Before he could say anymore, his Spider-sense went off.
"What are you boys doing?" a masculine voice asked.
The two turned around. They spotted a tall man wearing a business suit. He stood in the doorway.
"Dad!" Harry gasped.
"Mister Osborn!" Peter learned that his Spider-sense went off for little things, like anyone looking to sneak up on him even without a malicious intent.
The businessman entered his study. He didn't sound angry. He was merely surprised to find his son and his friend there. But he was waiting for an answer.
"Peter came over and showed me a picture," Harry replied. "I wanted to show him Mom."
Their guest added, "Harry had this idea that, well…"
Norman sensed something strange. "What?"
The two boys looked at each other. They believed if there was one person who would hold the answer it would be the husband.
Peter handed over his picture.
"What's this?" Norman inspected the image. He spotted the young woman and man. His looking soon wandered towards the other person. His eyes widened. "Emily?!"
"That really is Harry's mom?" Peter asked.
"I knew it was her!" Harry happily declared.
The older Osborn lifted his confused gaze. "Where did you get this?"
"Those are my parents," Peter answered. "I found this in my aunt's attic."
Stunned, Norman observed the photo once more. He never gave much thought to Peter's situation outside what the brunet and his son had mentioned. He began to connect the likeness. His eyes quickly wandered back to the other woman.
"Since it is Missus Osborn," Peter began. "Is there anything you can tell us? Like, why she was with my parents? By the looks of it, you all went to Empire State University."
Norman pondered the request. He sighed. "If you had shown me this picture without saying anything, I wouldn't have known who else was there other than Harry's mother. I wasn't sociable in my younger years. I never talked to any classmates. And those who tried to talk to me… I would always push them away."
Neither boy made any remarks towards the past detached attitude.
"I had to study," Norman continued. "There was no time for me to party while I was at Empire State University. Not as an undergraduate or graduate student. I placed my energy in my studies for Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, and Business Administration. I spent my weeknights and weekends in the labs. I had to do what I could to rebuild Oscorp. Even make deals with sketchy partners like my old E.S.U. professor Mendel Stromm…"
The two boys exchanged concerned looks. They wondered if it was a good idea to pry. They already understood how much the old Osborn hated bringing up his past.
"But Emily…" Norman softened his rigid posture. "What a remarkable woman. She was faithful. Even when I had my doubts, she stayed by my side. She encouraged me. She was there for me."
Harry was glad seeing his father growing elated and carefree. But he knew how and why their relationship was cut short. At least in his eyes because his parents had known each other since their childhood. Dolefully, he lowered his gaze towards the floor.
Though father and son, the two Osborns were vastly different from one another. Norman was aloof unless he was playing host. Harry was gregarious until he was alone. Norman kept away from his own father, Ambrose Osborn. Harry tried to keep their ties strong. Norman had a gifted intelligence and worked hard. Harry struggled with his studies and procrastinated.
Perhaps the businessman held more in common with the brainy brunet.
When the atmosphere became quiet, Norman looked up. He took note of his despondent son. Walking over, he place a hand on his shoulder. He calmly added, "She did give me one last gift."
The father and son's eyes met. They smiled.
Peter happily watched. He was already familiar with the Osborn story. But the photo possible brought out a new chapter for him. Meekly, he asked, "Think there's a chance you knew my parents, Mister Osborn?"
"I may have met them when we were all students at E.S.U.," Norman admitted. "I'm afraid I wasn't sociable then. I'm sorry I can't tell you anymore."
Yielding to another dead end, Peter placed on a small smile. "Don't sweat it, then."
Harry turned to his best friend. He wanted to make sure his bud didn't surrender his hope. "This was just one incident where a door opened and closed. That doesn't mean all doors are locked."
Peter nodded. "Thanks, Harr."
Norman looked at the picture once more. His college days were glum. But here was a reminder of someone who helped improve that time. Over the years he learned to appreciate those who were in his life rather than keep the artifacts they left behind as the only reminders. He couldn't bear to part with this photo. Yet it wasn't his to keep. "Peter, would you mind if I made a copy of this?"
The boy caught how much the image meant to the older Osborn. "Uh, no. Go right ahead."
"Thank you. I'll be sure to be careful with it."
Norman quickly left the room.
Alone, neither teen said anything. There was so much to process. Old parents who passed away once knew each other. The wall clock minded its own business as it silently ticked away the seconds.
Harry finally spoke. "So your folks knew my mom."
"What a small, bizarre world we live in," Peter replied, brushing his hand through his hair.
"Seems to be getting smaller and more bizarre every day."
"No kidding. Fighting villains looking to take over the city and build inter-dimensional portals has gotten more normal… Makes me wonder what went down. When did they met? How did they get to know each other better? It musta meant something since that photo was with my parents' stuff. "
"Guess we'll never know."
The green album was shut and put back on the shelf.
The two friends left the room, pondering.
The day offered clear weather. The city park was enjoyed by people playing and passing through. A brunette with a pixie haircut casually pushed a stroller. Her infant gazed around with his innocent blue eyes, taking in the entire world. He already had a full head of hair. His was auburn, much like his father's.
She was out and about alone as her husband toiled in his office. Her doctors had recommended that she exercise regularly. However, they also advised her to take it easy on herself.
As the cement path carried on, the woman pulled herself and the stroller to the side. A large tree proudly stood in place and offered great shade. Birds chirped as flowers swayed from the gentle wind. She knelt down closer to her son.
"See, Harry?" Her voice was soft and caring. "Look at all the wonders this city has to offer. You're going to inherit Oscorp one day. Your father is working hard to make sure of it. But don't forget to enjoy the time to smell the roses. That is something your father tends to forget to do."
The baby in the stroller was unable to comprehend such wisdom. He was far more content sucking and drooling on his stuffed lion with an orange felt mane.
The woman stood up. The married couple had a minor spat. She chose to walk out. Taking her child, she opted for the park. She was prepared to continue when someone called her.
"Emily!" a feminine voice excitedly cried out. "Emily Lyman! Is that you?!"
She turned around. She spotted a man and a woman together. The raven-haired woman had her bob cut at an angle. The man had his brown hair combed back with only a sliver of a bang in front.
"It is me," she replied, elated in seeing old friends. She then smiled. "But it's Emily Osborn, now."
"Osborn?" the man repeated, sounding disgusted. "Like that pretentious, cantankerous student we met back at E.S.U.?"
"He's just a passionate man." Emily playfully waved her hand, dismissing the comment. "Tell me, what's new with you? Mary? Richard?"
The two glanced at each other. Small, sheepish smiles came across their lips.
"I had my last name changed from Fitzpatrick," the other woman softly confessed. "It's Parker now."
"So you two finally tied the knot!" Emily exclaimed.
"It's how we gave birth to this bundle of joy," the man remarked. He brought their stroller into a better view. "His name is Peter. Peter Benjamin Parker."
He was proud of naming his son's middle name after his older brother.
Emily gasped in delight. She spotted the unkempt brown hair and his comfort in sucking his thumb. She then brought her own stroller closer. "Here's mine and Norman's. This is Harry—Harold Theopolis Osborn."
Two sets of young blue eyes made contact. They seemed fascinated gazing at someone as small as them. One, however, appeared shyer than the other.
The trio spent the afternoon together for catching up. Neither one knew it would be their last time together.
Back at the Osborn home out in the suburbs, a time before the Oscorp penthouse existed, Emily was jubilant from her impromptu get-together. She tenderly placed down her baby boy in his crib. After his big day in the park, little Harry was snoozing away. She herself felt a little weary. She planned to return to the master bedroom for some rest.
When she quietly left the nursery, she passed the living room. The lights were out save for something that flickered. That caught her attention. Peering inside, she found her husband. He stood by a table adorned with a white table cloth and a vase in the center holding a flower.
"Norman?" she questioned.
"I know you went out because you were mad at me," the man confessed. "You know I never mean to put you or Harry aside."
Embittered, he clenched a fist. "It's just… I must work. I must bring back honor to the Osborn name. I'm in this mess because of Ambrose."
He had long ago dropped the title from his parent. He discarded any connection to either of those who raised him. Sometimes he could still hear the dead man's criticism, still see his contempt. His own past and inheritance haunted him. He couldn't bear that fault to fall on the only two people he loved.
Emily saw her husband in pain. "Norman, you are an intelligent man. You are a good man. You aren't your father."
He grew tranquil as the assurance reached his ears. Gazing at his wife, he spotted just how tired she had become.
"How are you feeling?" he asked with true concern. "I know you went out. The doctors had told you to watch your exercise."
Emily placed on a smile. "You don't need to fuss over me. That's my job for you and our son."
End Images of Yesteryear
Emily Osborn-Lyman, for initial appearance in a photo, see Spectacular Spider-Man #180, 1991 ("The Child Within: Part 3 of 6"). For full appearance, see Spider-Man: Revenge of the Green Goblin #1, 2000. For her possible return as Emma, see Amazing Spider-Man vol. 1 #789, 2018.
Richard Parker and Mary Parker-Fitzpatrick, see Amazing Spider-Man Annual #5, 1968.
Empire State University, see Amazing Spider-Man vol. 1 #1, 1963.
Mendel Stromm, see Amazing Spider-Man vol. 1 #37, 1966.
Amberson "Ambrose" Osborn, see The Spectacular Spider-Man Annual #14, 1994.
Author's notes: Pardon my sloppy idea. Peter's parents really were CIA operatives, though. BTW, Emily is revealed to be alive and is seen as of "The Red Goblin" saga (Amazing #974-800, 2018). Only time will tell what Marvel has planned for the Osborn family.
