Chapter 15: Lies

10 2 0
                                    

    The day before Homecoming approaches, and this last week hasn't been easy. On Monday, Peter was concerned about MJ and I since we skipped the first class we are all in together. We told him there was a 'girl problem' and he never asked about it again. I feel bad lying to him, but I can tell him about it after he defeats the vulture. Until then, it's best to not interfere.

    On Tuesday, the unthinkable happened. Someone asked me to go to Prom with him. I mean, it was Flash, but it still counts. I told him I can't go because I already have plans with MJ to go to the movies. He tried convincing me to 'blow her off,' but he eventually let it go. I needed to stay as far away from Peter for a few days, and it won't help if I'm at the dance. 

    On Wednesday, I saw brad for the first time since the party last week, in the cafeteria. When he saw me, he looked away immediately and left the cafeteria. MJ and Ned were with me, and they told me that when the police arrived they told them everything and got plenty of witnesses. Though he didn't get jail time, his family had to pay a large fine and he got moved from any classes we had together. Now I only have to see him from across the room.

    Finally, its Thursday, and everyone is talking about Homecoming. Even the kids that aren't going or don't have dates are telling people about what plans they do have. Luckily, in our friend group Peter is the only one going with a date, and Ned is going alone so we aren't talking about it as much as others. I feel bad for Ned, I would go with him but I made a promise to myself and MJ to stay away from Homecoming entirely.

    "Hey, what would happen if Bruce Banner got road rage and transformed into the Hulk while he was in the car?" I ask Peter as we all sit outside in the grass eating lunch. The cafeteria is hectic and overcrowded, so we're having a picnic.

    "Um, what?" Peter says while trying to swallow the food shoved in his mouth.

     Ned looks at the sky with a considerate look on his face. "Yeah, what kid off insurance does that cover?"

    "Wouldn't he just be able to hold it back?" MJ asks.

    "He can't force the Hulk to come when he wants him too," Peter points out. "So it definitely can't be easy to hold him back. Especially when he's angry." We all stare off into the distance in silence, trying to think of a solution to this random, pointless question. Liz kneels behind Peter and hugs him from behind. "Hey Lizzy." 

    "What are you guys talking about?"

    "The Hulk's car insurance." I say without looking up from my cookie.

    "Oh, okay." She says, probably wondering what could be so interesting about that. "Anyway, I know you and MJ won't be at Homecoming tomorrow night, but what if after we all meet up for shakes? I know it will be late, but I still want to hang out with you guys that night." 

    MJ and I look at each other, knowing that we'll be busy trying to deal with the aftermath of whatever damage Peter will do. "Um, probably not. Like you said, it will be late and it's a school night."

    Liz looks confused and a little annoyed. "No, its not. Friday night isn't a school night." Peter also looks at me confused and annoyed.

    "I think what Diana meant was that our movie ends well after Homecoming, so you'll be long gone before we're out." MJ tries to save my lie. Our movie will actually end before Homecoming does, but they don't have to know that. "And we have a major test in our first class on Monday, so we want to get some studying done."

    Peter no longer looks confused, but now he's a bit upset. He's in our first class with us, so he knows that was a lie. "Oh, okay." Liz says. "Next time. I need to get back to my friends, but it was nice talking with you."

Rift (Spider-Man fanfic)Where stories live. Discover now