Chapter 3

As soon as the bell rang, Peter jumped out of his chair, shoved his books into his bag and headed to his locker. He was just closing the metal door when he heard someone behind him.

"Peter! Hey, guess what? Mom bought me this thing that you make out of LEGO. I've never really used it before but it'll be fun to try out. You wanna come over later?" Ned was practically out of breath from his enthusiasm.

"Sorry, Ned, but May wants me to pick up some stuff for lunch later. But that still sounds really cool!"

Of course, with the Parker luck, Flash Thompson was nearby and heard everything.

"Seriously, Penis Parker? You're 12. Grow up and stop playing dolls with Ned." Flash laughed and stomped off.

Peter just rolled his eyes. Ned looked warily at him.

"Come on, Peter. Can't we just leave?" Ned whispered to him.

"Yeah. Let's go." Peter began to walk off with Ned. The halls were emptying and there were only him and Ned left. It was a long day.

– 0 –

When they went outside, it was raining. Ned ran towards his car.

"Are you sure you don't want a lift, Peter?" He called back. But of course, Peter refused and said that he'd rather walk. Once Ned and his mother left, Peter headed towards the store. He grabbed a few items and left quickly. The rain had let up slightly.

He was walking back to the apartment when, what he felt like calling it at the time, a torrential downpour began. He was passing the school and had a brilliant idea to wait in there. Basketball practice should still be on so it was open.

He was right and the school was open. He set down the shopping bag and waited by his locker. The basketball team passed him so he knew practice was over. They walked straight past him. He was practically invisible.

Scratch that. Not invisible. One person noticed him. Flash. Great. Why did he have to have the 'oh so brilliant plan' to wait in the school? He considered leaving but it was too late by now.

Flash strutted up to him and grabbed his collar. He felt himself being slammed against his locker.

"That was for showing me up in front of Liz," he growled.

"Come on, dude, that was two days ago. And it's not my fault she hates you." Peter knew he was screwed as soon as the words left his mouth.

Flash threw his fist into Peter's nose and Peter attempted to block his face. He wasn't able to stop Flash and knew he wasn't going to make it any easier on himself by stopping him.

– 0 –

Peter carefully walked through the kitchen and headed to his room. Once he was sure May wasn't home, he shut the door and dumped his bag on the floor. He then remembered the shopping he bought. He poked his head out the door and dashed to the kitchen. He put the bags away and went to the bathroom. He knew Aunt May would kill Flash if she knew he did this.

His nose had thankfully stopped bleeding by now, but it was bruised and he could see the beginnings of a black eye. At least it was Friday.

Peter hid in his room all evening, and when May called him for dinner, he said he wasn't feeling well and went to bed.

– 0 –

Peter woke up at 10 o'clock the next morning and slowly got out of bed for breakfast. He trekked into the kitchen, poured some cereal, sat down on a stool and began to eat. With his eyes practically closed and his mind half asleep, he didn't notice May come into the room until she ran over with a cry.

"Oh my God, Peter, what happened? Who do I need to kill?" she stared into his eyes and Peter felt uncomfortable.

"No one, Aunt May, I'm fine." He knew she wouldn't believe him but he didn't want her to worry.

"No way, Peter. You will tell me who did this right now or I swear to God..."

He bit his lip. "Flash," he muttered. He didn't think that she'd heard him, but she suddenly jumped up with a furious look on her face. Peter almost felt sorry for Flash. Almost.

Thanks to the wonderful Sop12345d for being my beta :D