Act 1, Scene 9
Peter sits down for a university lecture along with his many classmates. The general hubbub of student white noise fills the air, but Peter Parker is an oasis of calm amidst it all. This is Peter as we've never seen him since he first discovered his superpowers – a happy, relaxed young man with a confidence about him.
A middle-aged woman walks to the lectern.
WOMAN: I'm sorry to announce that Dr Connors will not be available today to give the lecture. His notes will be available in full from the website, which I'm sure you all use daily so I don't need to say any more. Enjoy your free time and use it –
…she's drowned out by the mass cheer and exodus as two-hundred plus students suddenly realise they have two and a half unexpected hours of afternoon freedom.
WOMAN: -wisely.
She turns to go and is surprised to see Peter.
WOMAN: Yes…Parker, isn't it?
PETER: It's not like Dr Connors to miss a lecture. Is he OK?
A shadow crosses her face momentarily which Peter notices. He doesn't comment.
WOMAN: He's fine. Just a little tired out. I'll be sure to report your keenness to him.
PETER: He'll be here on Thursday?
WOMAN: (forced smile) I don't see why not. Now if you'll excuse me…
She bustles off. Pete stares after her and makes as if to follow her but is distracted by a ringing noise. He pulls a mobile phone from his pants.
PETER: Hello?
We cut to Mary Jane. She's on-set somewhere in a studio, with a fake Brooklyn Bridge in the background. During the following conversation we flit back and forth between Peter and MJ as she walks around the set and he leaves the university campus.
MARY JANE: Morning, tiger. Guess you finally remembered to use this present.
PETER: I'd be happier if I paid its bills…
MARY JANE: Don't start – it's a gift. Checked today's papers?
PETER: Not yet.
MARY JANE: You should.
Peter picks up the New York Sentinel from a newsstand. It reads WEBBED WONDER BUSTS HELICOPTER BANDITS, and comes complete with a picture of Spiderman saving the falling girl. Alongside it the Bugle screams SUPER-MENACE LEAVES ONE MAN DEAD, THREE INJURED.
MARY JANE: And hey, I have a surprise for you. Actually I have two.
PETER: Oh yeah?
MARY JANE: You're going to that society fundraiser tonight, right? Well guess who's going too, as guest of the network…?
PETER: That's great! I'll see you there! We can… (he falters)…pretend like we don't know each other and…
MARY JANE: Hey – you're one of my oldest friends and everyone knows it. Besides, Jameson will want plenty of publicity shots for the sitcom launch, even if he does hate my guts. You'll be at my beck and call quite a bit tonight, mister…under one condition.
PETER: Which is?
MARY JANE: As long as you and Harry promise to behave.
Peter stops walking, which is probably not the best idea in the middle of a New York street. He comes to his senses just in time to escape being flattened by onrushing traffic.
PETER: Harry's going…?