If I Remember You

2

Michelle

So, like every other day this summer, I got up early in the morning to go work at the donut shop. Ned texted me a little while ago telling me he would come by later for to hang out with me which is key for 'donut and hot chocolate'. It's our ritual. He always comes by before closing hour because he knows that I have to end up throwing away all the donuts that didn't get consumed. I talked to my boss a few weeks ago and he finally allowed me to take the leftover donuts to a shelter so people can eat them instead of them all ending up in the trash. But again, Ned always comes to eat his free donut.

In return, he walks me home every day  and says "I'll burn off the donut I just ate" whenever I try to reject his offer to walk me home.

"We have to drop these off to the homeless shelter first" I remind him lifting up boxes packed with donuts.

"Why FEAST out of all places MJ? It is so far away. Why can't we go to a closer one?" Ned whines as he grabs a couple boxes from the counter as I make one last swipe before closing the shop.

"I honestly don't know why. I just do" I shrug as we make a sharp left down the street down towards the shelter.

"Did you volunteer there or something?" He asked to make easy conversation and I thought about it for a second before responding "No I don't think I have" as Ned nods with "same."

"But it's cool that you're doing this for them even when you don't know anyone there" He smiles as I smile in return. "Thanks. I just-I don't know. I think I knew someone there. Maybe from school or something" I tell him softly as I search in my mind for any clues. Nothing.

"You probably heard it from Betty. She's always talking about charities in the school morning news" Ned offers as I nod my head. "You're probably right. She's always up to something" I chuckled as Ned grins.

"My girlfriend has a big heart" He adds in her defense as I laugh "I never said she didn't. She just never shuts up" I tease as we both crack up.

"I can't argue with that" Ned agrees as we enter FEAST with the welcoming smile of Derek, one of the volunteers there.

"Hey kiddo" He greeted me warmly grabbing some of the boxes from us to help with the load.

"Thanks again. Everyone looks forward to these donuts every day. Like clock work" He teases as he sets them down on a table.

"No problem. Have a good day Derek!" I bid goodbye just as quickly as Ned and I walked towards the exit.

"See you tomorrow kiddo" He waves with a smile. "You know he never greets me and I'm always dropping these off with you" Ned huffs crossing his arms as we make our way towards my apartment complex.

"I appreciate the company nonetheless" I smile as I see Ned's frown turn to a satisfied smile.

"I don't need Derek's greetings anyways" He assures himself proudly with his head held high.

"No you don't" I encouraged linking my arm with his as he walked down an alley.

We made silly chatter as we walked down those rare silent areas in New York. It was peaceful. It often felt like we weren't living in New York at all when we walked this path. It felt nice.

I would be lying if I said that was the only reason why I'd been choosing to frequently use this route lately. You might think I'm crazy but I think someone is watching over me.

And what's even weirder is thinking that it's no other Spider-Man himself. I know I know, why would he be watching over me? I'm asking myself the same exact question. I think I'm going crazy.

Maybe Thanos, the blip, stupid aliens, its all just finally driving me over the edge? I don't know. The only thing I do know is that I have this feeling in the pit of my stomach that won't go away.

Thank God I'm moving to Boston with Ned to study at MIT. Away from all the craziness that is New York City.

Soon I can start a new life. Be a new MJ. An MJ that doesn't think Spider-Man is stalking her at the very least.

A life without superheroes? It almost seems impossible. But it is. Soon I will escape the chaos of living in New York City.

And I'll have my best friend by my side.

"Hey you wanna build Legos. I bought a new set. The Spider-Man Limited edition. I had to fight an old lady over it" Ned grins as I chuckle at his dedication.

"Who else builds Lego houses with you Ned?" I teased with a small grin.

"Just you" He replies oblivious to my teasing. "Well go on. Go set it up. I'll make us some grilled cheese sandwiches. We have a long night ahead of us" I encouraged as we enter my home kicking our shoes to the side.

"Yes ma'am!" He perked excitedly like a little boy running off with his Lego box as I made my way to the kitchen.

Out of the corner of my eyes I caught a glimpse of a red and blue blur swinging away from my bedroom window. My eyes widen involuntarily at the sight.

Was that-was that Spider-Man?

No.

I am officially going crazy.

***

Hello Spideys! 🕸🕷

We are now slowly understanding what the new dynamic is like in a world without Peter Parker. I am so so so freaking excited to develop new plots and new characters. I have so many ideas. And I am especially eager for you all to meet a character that I am still figuring out how to write into the story.

Leave me your suggestions. Vote. Comment.

With love,

breebaqbooks