Liz had finally came back to Midtown after a week absence. However, her return would be short-lived as she would make her transfer to the Xavier Institute. Everyone in the school other than Peter was shocked, but most notably her friends. Not just because of how sudden it was, but also from her rather vague reasoning. She was truthful to them when she said her apartment caught on fire, but she didn't say she and her Mom were leaving on their own terms instead of being evicted. Peter walked near Liz as she was emptying her stuff from her locker.
"So," said Peter. "You and your Mom got a new place already?" asked Peter.
"Yeah," replied Liz, as she turned to face him. "The headmaster really bent over backwards to find us one, surprisingly. Not many of the teachers around here are as cool. It's good to know there'll be at least one teacher I like there."
"Charles Xavier, right?" asked Peter. "I think I've seen him on the news a few times."
"Yeah, that's him," confirmed Liz. "You'd like him. I've only known him for a few days, and he seems like a real genuine guy."
"That's good," said Peter. "Maybe you'll actually have fun there. It's not like you'll be the only one with superpowers there, if you know what I mean."
"Yeah, but I'll really miss you guys. You, Glory, Betty, Rand, Kenny, Hobie, Gwen, Sally, even Ned and Harry."
"How are your friends dealing with it, though? That type of news isn't exactly easy to take in."
"Most of them seem to get it now, but Sally's understandably a little confused. I think she'll come around though."
"I'll take a guess and say she thought I had something to do with it."
"Yeah, but I know you didn't. It would be nice if she actually realized Flash isn't the hot shit she thinks he is."
"Bless Rand for putting up with her. I think Sally takes him for granted."
"To be honest with you Petey, I think she's only dating Rand because he's second in popularity after Flash. I'm willing to bet she would've made a move on Flash if he didn't ask me out before then."
"You really think so?"
"Yeah. She has more good things to say about Flash than her own boyfriend. Rand's got a lot of patience, but I don't know how he'll be able to put up with it forever."
Liz finally closed her empty locker and zipped her bag.
"Want to get a coffee at the Silver Spoon?" she asked. "I've got some time."
"Sure, I do too," replied Peter. "That is unless the Bugle calls me, which I'm sure you know what that really means by now."
"Now that I do, don't be afraid to give me text at Xavier's if you need my help, or at least want it. I know I haven't had my powers for long, but if you feel there's anyway I can help you without risking anything, just let me know. I would think you'd like it if you didn't have to save the day by yourself all the time."
Liz did have a point there. Although Peter didn't like to risk putting anyone else in danger, he knew deep down that it would be easier to have someone backing him up, especially if someone like Liz would be able to defend herself. While Liz needed more experience with her new abilities, Peter knew she would be under good care and learn how to control them from people who had been in a similar position as her. And if her future ends up similarly to them, Peter wouldn't have to worry about Liz getting hurt as much as he did about most people.
As he and Liz sat at a table at the Silver Spoon sipping on their drinks, Peter pondered what he should say to Liz before she left for the Xavier Institute. He needed to be sure she would be okay as her life was going through all these massives changes.
"I'm not going to lie, Liz," he began. "School's going to be even suckier than it already is without you."
"We'll still see each other, Petey," assured Liz. "Not as much, but we will. The question is whether or not I'll be wearing a mask when that happens."
"I can't tell you what to do, bit if I was you, I would make sure that I'd know for sure that's what I'd want to do. Any sort of doubt you have in your mind means you still don't know."
Before Liz could answer, Peter's phone rang. It was the Bugle. Just as Peter was about to walk away, he turned to Liz with a question.
"Do you want to come along? If you do, I won't stop you."
Liz paused. She felt her heartbeat surge. Anxiety was kicking inside her. As she remembered Peter's words before his phone rang, she knew the answer.
"No, it's not my time yet," she said. "Be careful Petey. I'll call you soon."
"Alright, take care Liz," said Peter.
But, before Peter turned away, Liz wrapped his arms around him for a hug. Just as Peter returned the embrace, he felt her lips touch his cheek for a mere second. As Peter ran outside, he was left completely stunned at what he felt on his cheek just now. He knew it could've been a friendly kiss, but was it a romantic one? For someone so smart, this time Peter Parker didn't know he answer to this question. He just hoped that wherever things go between him an Liz, that the kiss wouldn't ruin it.