Higher than I had ever been before, I could almost touch the birds flying above me. A bright blue sky perfectly pairing with the greys and whites of their feathers. It was hard to remember how it felt to be on a separate plane from them, now it was almost as if I was one of them. Peter Parker, no longer human, just a bird. Free. Of course, if I really was a bird then I wouldn't HAVE a school to be running late to. You'd think having super powers would make getting to school easier, but I somehow managed to get even more late slips in six weeks than the rest of my high school career. The tight spandex of my suit flapped against my skin as I fell multiple stories towards the earth. I can have my bird fantasies later, I thought, in the meantime I should focus on not killing myself.
A web sprung from my wrist and I swung a path through trees and vehicles, shouting out in euphoria on the release. Web shooters were difficult to make, and even harder to get fitted. Growth spurts were something I thought were behind me, having one in my last year of high school was not part of my grad plan. Aunt May questioned my no longer loose fitting clothing before I even noticed the change. That woman always had the perception of someone half her age. I said something about teens these days having delayed growth, and she seemed to buy it. Well, it's not like she had another choice. Who in their right mind would think their nephew had gained superpowers, and a weightlifter's body, from a radioactive spider on a school field trip gone wrong.
Before I knew it, I was on the school rooftop. Midtown High had its issues, but the privacy of the roof and the small alley behind the school was something I had grown quite fond of. Even though no one ever came up, I always hid my backpacks of spider gear and school supplies. A soft hiss escaped my web shooters as I unlocked them, I should refill those soon. I pulled my school backpack out of my hiding spot and threw it over my shoulder, tightening the straps. Slowly climbing down the side of the building, I thought about what excuse I would have to make this time. Bus ran late? Sure, it's overused, but it's reliable. Can't exactly tell Mr. Waner that I had stopped a runaway truck on the way to Physics.
Teachers had questioned me no longer wearing my typical nerd glasses, but I explained I had found the contacts I lost a while ago. The effects of the spider bite kept surprising me; I always thought I would need glasses for the rest of my life.
Even without studying for months, I was still getting straight A's. Not quite the top of my classes, but I didn't need to be. School wasn't my top priority anymore. The day went by in a blur, even the bullying had just become background noise to what I was focusing on.
An hour after school had ended I jumped back up to the roof. If I was seen swinging around right after school every day, some people could piece together that the superhero was just another teenager. Couldn't risk any clues coming out. Taking off my school clothes I caught a whiff of what a week without a washing machine smelled like. People had started making comments, I knew I would have to bring those home soon. My mask smelled fresh, a welcome change. The sunset was outlined perfectly by skyscrapers on either side. It felt like looking into a painting. Finally, I thought, time to stretch my legs a bit.
As I ran towards the edge of the roof, my spider sense rattled my skull. I looked around the sky, but there was no obvious threat. Maybe it was wrong, every security system has its flaws right? Jumping several feet in the air, I realized that I had forgotten to refill my web shooters. Oh spider sense, I'm so sorry, I'll never doubt you again. Despite super strength, and my very heartfelt apology, doing a tactical roll from a freefall three stories through the air still hurt. People started staring as I winced from the fall I just had. Great, I was really craving a hit to my PR.
"Not to worry folks," I said with the most confidence I could muster, "your friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man is just fine!" Spider-Man. Not the most creative name, but The Daily Bugle wasn't known for being creative. It sure was catchy though, despite my best efforts it was growing on me too. A few people approached me, waving things to sign or just asking questions. As I walked up to the first person, my spider sense rang out again. Something was happening in the fast food joint halfway down the block. Something dangerous. Ignoring that feeling was a good way to let someone die. I couldn't let that happen ever again.
"Can we take a selfie? My friend adores you!"
"I'd love to, but you'll have to excuse me for a minute sir." Before he could say anything, I sprinted towards the store. I had tested it and I could reach a top speed of around forty miles an hour. Speed was helpful for when webs weren't an option. Just as I suspected, someone in a ski mask holding a gun and a heavy bag came running out of the door, ringing the door's golden bell. I preferred to web up crime, especially when there were weapons involved, but it looked like I didn't have a choice.
"Is it dinner time already? Seems a little early, but hey, who am I to judge," I said as the bell slowed its chime. The man turned and I almost laughed at how fast his expression turned from thrill to dread. "I could've sworn today's special was soup, not armed robbery."
"Oh hell no, not you. Stay away, freak!" I was already dodging his punch before it was thrown.
"Chill man. I'd say the guy with a gun is a bit more of a freak than the guy in costume." I threw a punch of my own and it connected instantly. Holding back was an instinct now; it was scary to know I could've just blown this stranger's head off with one punch.
"I can't go back to jail man, just stay away." His finger reached for the trigger of his pistol, but I already had my hand on it. Ripping it out of his hand, I clocked him in the face with the butt end of it and threw it to the ground, shattering the weapon.
"Afraid I can't do that, I have a thing with crime. Can't stand the stuff."
"Says the vigilante"
"Touche." Grabbing his jacket collar, I jumped up to the nearest lamp post. I stuck to the side of it long enough for him to get a hold of it and then dropped down, taking his bag with me. "But someone's gotta get the job done right?"
"You're just gonna leave me up here?"
"Consider it a time out. You can either wait for the police to show up, or face the court of public opinion," I said, nodding at the gathering mob of angry new yorkers. "Until then, take some time to think about the consequences of your actions." Turning to the store, I handed the money to the cashier who had run outside during the fight.
"Thank you, mister Spider-Man!" Weird, this person looked a couple years older than me and was calling me 'mister'.
"No problem, citizen." It felt weird to talk in this voice for so long. Before anyone could attempt a selfie, I inserted new web cartridges from the containers on my waist. "Afraid I have to be going. It was a pleasure!" Pulling myself through the air I knew this day was going to be a long one.
"Bring it on New York," I said to myself. "I'm ready for whatever you've got."