The rise of the White Widow

New school

I let out a big yawn as I stretch my arms and feel the excitement building up. Today is going to be a very interesting day, filled with new experiences. After all, it's not every day that you start at a new school right in the middle of the year. I'm eager to meet my new classmates and teachers, but also a little nervous about fitting in and adapting to a new environment.

One thing that instantly boosts my confidence is the fact that it's mufti, which means I don't have to worry about wearing school uniform. Instead, I get to express my personality through my choice of clothes. It feels great knowing I can wear whatever I want and be comfortable on my first day.

As I step in front of the mirror, I pick out one of my favourite outfits. Today, I decide to wear a well-fitted pair of jeans that make me feel confident and stylish. To go with it, I reach for a super cool graphic t-shirt that has fascinating artwork and represents something close to me.

Finally, to complete this ensemble, I slip into my trusty pair of Converse shoes. They've been with me through thick and thin, always adding that touch of quirkiness to all my outfits. As I take one last look at myself in the mirror, standing tall and confident, I know that today will be full of exciting challenges and opportunities.

I quickly grab my lunch from the kitchen counter and head out the door, making my way to school. The sound of my belongings rustling inside my backpack accompanies me as I walk down the streets. After about ten minutes, the red brick building of Midtown High School comes into view, and its bold sign welcomes me.

Taking a deep breath to calm my nerves, I push open the heavy front door and enter the bustling hallways, which are teeming with students and teachers alike. Feeling a little lost, I glance around to find where my first class is located. Spotting a sign that points in the direction of the guidance office, I decide to ask for some help.

Inside the office, I ask for a map and directions to my first class from the kind-looking guidance counselor. She hands me a map with a reassuring smile and informs me that my first classroom is upstairs and towards the back of the building. Grateful, I thank her and make my way towards the stairs.

As I climb the steps with map in hand, I suddenly feel an unexpected touch on my shoulder. Startled, I flinch and whip around to face whoever caught me off-guard. A boy with friendly eyes greets me with an apologetic smile.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you," he says sincerely, holding up a sketchbook. "You dropped this."

Relieved, I smile warmly and reply in my native tongue without thinking, "Спасибо," (Thank you in Russian). Realizing my mistake almost instantly, I correct myself and repeat "Thank you," this time in English.

He chuckles at my innocent slip-up before introducing himself as Jack Andrew.

"Aleksandra Rushman," I tell him in response. "But you can call me Alex."

"It's nice to meet you Alex," Jack replies with another warm smile.

"You too," I nod. Then, eager for a little guidance, I ask him what class he's heading to.

When he tells me his first class is Science, I brighten up and look down at my timetable - it's the same as mine! With a playful smirk, I extend my arm in his direction and say, "Well then, lead the way, Mr. Andrew."

With a grin of his own, Jack takes my friendly challenge and shows me the way to our first class together. The school day is off to a promising start.

As we approach the science classroom, Jack courteously opens the door and holds it for me. I walk in, feeling a bit nervous since it's my first day at this new school. As I enter, the chatter in the room subsides, and all the students' eyes turn towards me, making me feel a bit self-conscious.

I glance over at the teacher, who gives me a warm, welcoming smile. She breaks the silence by saying, "Class, this is our new student joining us today. Let's all give her a warm welcome."

I can feel my cheeks growing warmer as I force a shy smile.

The teacher gently prompts me to introduce myself to the class. "Would you like to tell us a little about yourself, dear?"

Clearing my throat nervously, I begin, "Oh, um... Yeah, sorry. My name is Aleksandra, but I prefer to be called Alex. I'm originally from Russia and, um... yeah." My voice trails off as the class giggles at me.

"Well then, Alex," the teacher says brightly, "You can go ahead and take a seat next to Piper." She gestures towards a girl sitting near the back - someone who immediately strikes me as one of those popular and likely rather unfriendly types.

I nod my thanks to the teacher and make my way towards Piper. As I take my seat beside her and start pulling out my things from my backpack, she shoots me an assessing look before turning back to her friends and resuming their gossip-filled conversation.

The bell rings, signaling the end of my morning classes and the start of lunchtime. I glance over at Piper, who's chatting and laughing with a group of girls. Then, I see Jack, surrounded by a bunch of guys. I don't want to be perceived as clingy or desperate for friends, so I decide to sit alone at a nearby empty table.

As I quietly enjoy my lunch, I suddenly feel a looming presence behind me. Turning around, I find myself face-to-face with Piper.

"Give me your lunch money, loser," she smirks with an intimidating glare.

I suppress the urge to roll my eyes and calmly stand up, acutely aware of the curious gazes from other students around us.

"No," I reply firmly.

Piper's eyes widen in disbelief, apparently not expecting me to stand up to her.

"What did you say?" she asks.

"You heard me," I reply confidently.

I can see Piper struggling to maintain her smug expression as it falters into annoyance. She tries to continue her threat.

"Hand it over, or else-"

Before she can finish her sentence, I interrupt her, "Or what? You'll hit me?"

Her cheeks flush with anger as she fumes at my defiance.

"Just give me your fucking money!" she yells, losing her composure.

I spell it out for her, "N-O."

In a fit of rage, Piper raises her fist in an attempt to strike me. Reacting quickly, I grab her fist and apply pressure on her wrist just enough to make her wince in pain. A collective gasp echoes through the room.

As soon as I release Piper's wrist, she crumples onto the floor, tears streaming down her face. The entire cafeteria is now staring at both of us, it's eerily silent. Taking one last look at Piper and shaking my head, I gather my things and exit the cafeteria, leaving whispers and murmurs in my wake.

From Peter Parker's pov

I can't help but be intrigued as I watch the new girl confidently stand up to Piper. She doesn't seem frightened in the slightest and effortlessly brushes off Piper's snide remarks. After a moment, she scans the room before walking out with an air of nonchalance. I can't deny that her fearless demeanour piques my curiosity, she's exactly the type of girl who captures my interest.

Determined to get to know her better, I stand up from my seat and sprint after her, hoping not to lose sight of her in the busy school hallway.

As I catch up, I call out enthusiastically, "Hey, wait up!"

At the sound of my voice, she slows down and turns around to look at me with a raised eyebrow.

"What?" she asks curtly, clearly uninterested in carrying on a conversation.

Puffing slightly from my run, I say, "I just wanted to let you know that what you did back there, standing up to Piper was really cool."

"Okay," she replies flatly, not particularly impressed by my compliment.

Before she has the chance to turn away and leave me behind again, I quickly blurt out, "Wait! Would you like to sit with me at lunch? You know, maybe we could get to know each other better."

Glancing over at me briefly before staring ahead once more, she calls out a dismissive "I'm good," not even bothering to stop or look back at me as she continues down the hallway.