Flowers trapped in the web

Chapter 2

"ready for your first science lesson in America?" Peter looked down at me as we walked down the busy hall, my head swivelling as I tried to keep out of people's way.

"As I'll ever be, I just hope the teacher doesn't make me introduce myself. I hate that."

Yeah, the universe was definitely against me.

"-and welcome Miss Greene to the class" the teacher, Mrs. Warren finished her little welcoming speech whilst I stood to the side awkwardly, doing my best not to grin at Peter's quiet laughter. God, I hated this. "you can take a seat next to Mr. Parker" oh, thank Merlin. I uttered a quiet 'thank you' before hurrying over to the grinning boy, very aware of the eyes following me as I sat down, my face not able to get anymore red.

"welcome to the class"

"thanks, Mr. Parker" I teased lightly whilst writing the date into my fresh, unused book.

"Psst" a voice hissed behind us, and I turned to see a boy with dark black hair and tanned skin smirking at me. "Hey new girl, if you want I can talk to Mrs Warren so you can sit with me rather than Penis Parker?" I was immediately offended, looking at Peter in shock who shook his head softly.

"I'm fine where I am, thanks" I replied sharply, turning back to the lesson at hand with the boy's voice muttering behind us. "jerk"

Flash Thompson

Was written on a note passed over by Peter and I was happy he hadn't taken the name calling to heart.

Why does he call you that? Does he have fun nicknames for everyone?

Peter grinned as I passed him the paper back, reading my sarcastic words.

No, I'm just special and he doesn't like losing.

Damn, what are we competing for?

We're both on the Decathlon team, my place means that he can't compete at nationals unless I drop out.

Decathlon?

He shot me a surprised glance and I shrugged, not having any idea what it was.

You don't have that in England? It's a team of students who compete against other students with maths/science questions.

Yeah, no. not an English thing, the closest to that we have is countdown, and that's on TV. You guys must be pretty smart then if you can compete in that sort of thing?

Well...

I shot him a look and he chuckled quietly.

Kidding, no it's fun, you should consider joining.

I almost snorted at the idea, me competing in a science quiz? No way.

There's no way I'd ever get to that level, I'm actually very shit at maths. Like very shit at maths.

I'm sure you can't be that bad.

I literally passed in England by the skin of my teeth. Art's more my thing.

"Hey new girl" Flash's voice sounded again, and I almost sighed out loud. "new girl!"

"yes?" I turned around with a false smile, and he leant forward with his same smirk.

"go out with me?"

"piss off" I glared, rolling my eyes as I turned away.

"oh, come on, stop talking to the loser and get to know someone way cooler, my dad has some ties at MIT."

"okay Flash. First of all, his name is Peter, and he is not a loser. Even if he was, he would still be way cooler than you, who the hell tries to impress people by flaunting their daddies' connections? I'm happy hanging out with him rather than you, thank you." I turned back to the front after the harsh whisper lecture I just gave him, my eyebrows furrowed with annoyance.

"My plants aren't looking as healthy as this morning" my ears picked up Mrs Warrens voice, and I noticed her wilted plants on the window seal, calming my mind and seeing them bloom back to their normal health with a sigh. At least there wasn't any in my hair this time.

"That was impressive" Peter muttered with a smile, keeping his voice low so Flash couldn't hear us "thanks for standing up for me, you really don't have to"

"Of course, I do. You're my friend"

"that was quick"

"well, I can revoke that privilege at any time" we both grinned and I was fairly happy for the rest of the lesson, enjoying Peter's company and Flash's lack of.

My first week at Midtown had finished a lot better than it started, thanks to Ned and the gang. I had started referring to them as the Golden Trio mentally, what can I say, it was the Harry Potter nerd in me. They had also been kind enough to add me to a groupchat so we could talk outside of school, which proved useful for helpful reminders of homework from Peter, which I was forever grateful for.