Chapter 19 [Forest Hills—Parker House]

Generations grew up in the three story house on its somber residential street. Neighbors visited and played in each other's yards. Delivery Men had come up and down that way with milk, groceries and other goods. School Busses brought the children to their classes.

And now, the Parkers prepared for their exodus from that familiar place….

[Front Room]

May Parker sorted old clothes into piles. Memories floated from the blouses, skirts and slacks in those piles. She saw herself back in the old days. Before Age and Amor had claimed her, she'd been quite the Girl About Town. Boardwalks, Dance Halls and Guys jockeyed for her attention. Fun had been the name of the game…

…at least until a shy young man with gentle eyes showed up…

Ah, Ben! Can you believe what I'm doing now? I'm following Peter and Gwendolyn out to Kansas! Land sakes! I never would've seen this coming. But you'd have liked these people. I really believe that. The Kents are so kind. No wonder Peter and Gwen like it out there. She at least is going to school. Peter has the journalism bug. That boy! Honestly! He so loves danger! Well maybe he'll find something else other than that awful Spider-Man to write about! She sifted through those clothes. Still, she knew she would never wear them again. Perhaps a charity might like these? She shook her head. Time does fly. She tossed them in a garbage bag. She made herself tie it shut.

"Goodness, May! Such an ordeal!" Anna Watson navigated her way through the scattered boxes around the room. "You really should get the kids to help you with these."

"Anna, I am as fit as a fiddle! We can both manage very well!" Protest sparked in May's eyes. A sharp breath puffed through her lips. "This move pushes me to do things that I should have done years ago. Even with that nice Mr. Luthor helping us, I will not have the room for those old things. I haven't worn them in forever anyhow. The movers will pack up our antiques."

Anna shook her head. She'd tried to get Mary Jane back to New York to at least help with the packing. For some reason, her niece made excuses about tryouts and shows. Mary Jane, when are you going to settle down? You could have been with Harry Osborn. You love Peter. You lost them both. Still you can't settle down? Disappointment ate at her. You can't keep running away! "I'm sorry Mary Jane couldn't be here."

"Where did that girl go now?" May frowned. "I just do not understand her!"

"She couldn't handle Harry's health issues. She can't handle her father or Gayle's situation. I know it isn't easy. Still, she's tried that performing! She needs a real job! Then she can meet someone. She's so smart and talented." Frustration ate at Anna's tone.

"I wish Peter would go to Metropolis University and follow his science. He's still doing that newspaper thing. His uncle would be disappointed." Lament hung over May's tone.

"At least Peter's employed, May. He's married. They're putting a life together. He can still go back to school. Remember all of the Silver Teamer activities out in Metropolis? You'll have so much to do!" Anna rubbed May's shoulder. "This house would be a mausoleum for you. Peter and Gwendolyn want you out there with them. They love you."

"I know." Wistfulness coaxed May's lips into a smile. Happiness' tears welled up in her eyes. "We'll never fit everything in a new house!" She looked over the stacked boxes along the walls. Her bed, end table, dresser and a few other furnishings would go to a new apartment in Metropolis.

Gwen kept insisting that she was welcome with Peter and her….

…yet May knew they'd need their space….

Those kids need their lives. It's sweet that they want to include me. Really it is! I will be there too! They really need their own house. May had Peter's downloaded listing of one bedroom apartments around Metropolis. I do wish they'd find a house!

A knock came from the door. Peter stuck his head in. "Aunt May?" He stepped into the entryway. His mind took in the packing process and boxes everywhere. Transition froze the usual greeting in his throat. Realization struck him concerning the process' finality.

They were doing it. They were moving out….

May's face brightened. "Peter!" She stood up and smoothed her dress. "Are you by yourself?"

"As if I'd let this boy come see you on his own? Perish forbid!" Gwen practically bounced in the door. Mood had definitely picked up with the last packed box. She observed the process at work about themselves. "We're here to pitch in, Aunt May."

"What she said, Pretty Lady." He kissed his aunt on the cheek. "How's everything, Mrs. Watson? Any word from MJ?"

"I'm fine, Peter." Anna tried to maintain a poker face. "I know she's trying to get started somewhere." She frowned and offered a slight headshake. "I wish I understood her."

Gwen bit her lip. She knew Mary Jane struggled with recent events. Unrequited Feelings for Peter sank her deep into Depression's depths. She couldn't cope with Addiction's effects on Harry. Mary Jane's inability to win a stage role frustrated her. Her friends moving away didn't help matters any either. "She said she needed to think. I didn't think she'd just leave like this." She exhaled sharply.

"Now you just wait, Young Lady. Don't either of you blame yourselves. Do you hear me?" May set her jaw. She waved her finger back and forth at them. "Mary Jane has to deal with her own problems. I admit Anna and I introduced Peter and her. It didn't work out. She has to find her own way." She embraced Gwen. "And I'm glad you're part of the family, Gwendolyn."

"Thanks, Aunt May. I really appreciate that." Gwen grinned. Granted she still wished that she could do more to help MJ. Still, she knew that May was right. MJ would have to face the situation. And she knows about Peter's secret too! She returned the embrace.

"It's her wish. She has had issues since she was very young. I hope she can find some happiness. I tried." Anna sighed. "Land sakes! That girl needs to get her head out of the clouds! Is there any word about a new house?"

Peter and Gwen looked at each other. "I've been watching the Planet's classifieds. We have a list of places. The week after the fourth, we're heading down to Metropolis to house hunt. Aunt May, you can come with us."

"Thank you, Peter. I trust you both. Maybe you could take pictures?" May looked around at the packing in process.

"I'm sure Lex can send some people to help us? If not, we have our friends." Gwen squeezed May's hand. "We'll figure it out. Remember, your opinion counts too."

"That's very kind. Thank you." May's breath caught in her throat.

"I'll definitely agree with that. Aunt May, we can do that. Maybe I can have Harry or Flash come over and show you while we're down there?" He hugged her.

"That would be fine. Meantime, there are cookies and cocoa for us in the other room. Let's have some." May led them toward the kitchen.

Moving couldn't disrupt that routine….