Chapter 6 [Coffee Bean—After Class]
Class passed quicker than expected. Warren opened class with Syllabus and General Discussion. Attendance held Grade's Ten Percent. (He looked right at Peter as he said it.) He laid out Expectations and Lab Schedule. His Conference Presentation offered students Impromptu Week Break in mid-September. Then, he dismissed them with ten minutes to spare.
Relief eased Peter's mood. Warren's Attendance-Related comments rolled off his shoulders akin to Dandruff. Schedule offered Opportunity. Possibility aligned with Weekend up North. He could send Aunt May and Captain Stacy ahead on Train's voyage for Fair's wonders. Kelly sounded like she might be driving to Wabash. Maybe the Rider and Cohorts would stay in their place. Whatever this conference is, all of our professors are going. Guess we're going to be up there longer than we expected. Maybe we can make some money and enjoy ourselves too. Aunt May's definitely going to enjoy herself! I can't believe she won a Blue Ribbon with that quilt and left it there. He sucked a big mouthful of Awful-Awful through Straw's Passage. "Mmm!" Cold and Sweet ushered Euphoria throughout his mouth.
Amusement perked Gwen's face. "You're going to fill up on that, Mr. P. Eat your burger too." A playful shrug raised her shoulders. "I could tell your Aunt May." She bit into her chicken sandwich to make her point.
He rolled his eyes. He'd endured scolding over eating right, getting plenty of rest and bundling up for Weather's onslaught. Despite his age, Aunt May always thought of Fragile Child in the house. She'd not see a Bee Sting, Splinter nor overindulged junk food around him. "That's dirty pool. I'd never hear the end of it." He conceded a few bites of his burger.
"There! You get it, Man of Mine. Meat and Sweet!" She dipped French Fry into his ice cream wonder. "Mmm!"
"My taste meets the Stacy Seal of Approval?" Snicker framed his retort. Smirk couldn't help but spread further across his face. Shake's spot ended up on Gwen's nose. "Didn't get away clean. Did you? Hold still." He dabbed her nose. "See? You sneak? You get caught."
Snort escaped Gwen's lips. Retort about Spidey getting caught on film floated on Tongue's tip. Restraint held it back. "You think so, Mr. P?" Amusement raised an eyebrow. Banter formulated yet another response. "I just got style points to spare." Twinkles danced through her eyes.
His heart skipped several beats. It just couldn't help itself. He shook his head.
"You guys!" Kelly chuckled. Chili's spice twanged across Tongue and Palate. Still, it couldn't hold a candle to Banter Fest going on right next to herself. She savored the "Peter and Gwen fest". Good Vibrations buoyed her spirits up. No matter what, being with them washed Bad Vibes right out of her hair. "So, what's the favor, Peter? You heading my way at some point?"
Gwen looked to him. "That old fair's practically calling our names, Miss K! My writing cap is cleaned, pressed and just brimming with go-go juice. I know Peter's camera just waiting to get those money shots. With that, we can't fail!" Enthusiasm's mask covered Dread's reminder of Potential Fright Fest. Stench, Chill, Crimson Eyes and Gravelly Hiss slipped into her dreams. Her eyes floated toward Counter and Prep Area behind it….
…where Dubois' other had slipped in the previous winter and swept them toward help….
"The Duboises invited us back for it. I just need to let the Bugle know." He ate French Fry of his own. "We just found out last night. My aunt and uncle were up there years ago. They took me at least once up there."
Gwen giggled. "Mr. P's quite the berry boy. I'll definitely need to get that info from Mr. Bauman." She bit into her burger. "Eat some of this, Mr. P."
"Really? Small world. Mr. Bauman's always been super nice. He'll have stories to tell. Meantime, Peter, you better stop with that shake. You're getting a freeze headache." Kelly slid the cup away from him.
He shook his head. "I'm fine. Just thinking about something we have to do. It…." He felt Spider Sense's twinge. He looked about the area. Uh, Child, you there? Sorry to bust in.
Ah'm 'ere w' Big Bro, Bug Boy. He an' Little Woman were jus' talkin' 'bout ya'll, the Child hissed telepathically.
Yeah Gwen, Captain Stacy, Aunt May and I are coming for that fair. We're just discussing transportation up there. Somehow, Peter kept a straight face. I'm sure Doc Strange would really love me talking to a dark spirit by telepathy.
WHO CARES WHA' THE FRAUD THINKS? AH'LL WHUP 'IM!
And he loves the Doc just as much. Yeah, this is sure some fun. Peter rubbed his forehead. Sorry but everyone will know about you. Thanks. Peter sucked in a deep breath. "Sorry. We were going to ask for a ride up there. We can do what we did last time? Gas money and breakfast?"
"And that chili burger too! I know what you like!" Gwen chimed in. She glanced at him. What is with you? Worry jabbed at her. "We're free for that week. Why not soak in those great times? Besides, Folks want my Guy to do some photography workshops."
"Mmm…yeah I remember that." Kelly nodded. "That'd be a great idea! Mr. Coughlin or Brother Tony will set you up. Trust me. You put a flyer up and people will be there. Okay. I can't get out of here until that Friday morning. Meals and Gas definitely help the finances. Twist my arm about the chili burger." She sipped on her soda. Consideration assessed Burger in her hands. "These are great but I still want my MacLindy's chili burger. We'll definitely need to do lunch while you're up there."
"Sounds like a plan. My last classes will be that Thursday. Genius there has two classes and a lab that day. Anything else, Mr. P?" Gwen bit into another fry. She studied Peter's bemused expression. What's going on?
"Huh?" He shook himself back to the conversation at hand. "I just have my classes and lab. Then, we can head out." Peter sipped on his milkshake. He hoped that everything at the Bugle would be all right. First though, they needed to talk with Jennifer Dubois. Getting ahead in Assignments would help. Then, if they could avoid trouble for a few more days, that would be great too.
Details, details….
