A year to Remember. Part 2, the Internship

I can't do this

Peter POV:

"Hey Pete, time to wake up", May calls from the kitchen. I groggily stand, hobbling out of my room to the dining table blanket over my shoulders. "Hey May", I wave as I sit down.

She comes from the kitchen, motioning me to stay sat as she brings over our breakfast. "How you doing sweetie?", She asks serving me a glass of what smells like orange juice. "With everything".

Smiling weakly, I take a sip from the juice to clear my throat. "Better? I think? I'm not crying that much anymore but I can't help but feel anxious". I scratch my arm, a little guilty over the pained smile she sends me. "That's ok Pete", she grabs my hand over the table, rubbing it gently. "What happened was horrible, you can't help but be on edge."

"I know May", I chuckle slightly at her concern. She copies my laugh, "I know you do sweetie, but I love you, and that means asking you if you're ok and reminding you of this every day".

I smile. "Thanks May", I say as I start to eat. "You're welcome sweetie, and remember you can always see my psychologist friend if you want". I nod as she begins her breakfast, is continuing our small talk till we finish.

I take a look at my phone, shock and stress shooting through me. "7:15! I'm late!", I jump about to rush until May stops me.

"It's fine Peter, your first class is at 8:30 and I called ahead, said you'd be late today." She hugs me as my panic falls. "Come on, take a shower, take your time, I'm driving you to school". I jerk back, "What? But you'll be late for work!".

"And that's my decision, I already got someone to cover the extra hour".

She gives me her 'this isn't a discussion look' as she pulls me back into the hug. "Ok, but you're dropping me off at Woodhaven boulevard, I can walk the rest of the way, don't want you to miss anymore of your shift". She hums, clearly thinking it over, "Fine, but you promise to call me and pick you up if today is too much". We let go, May extending her hand in front of me. "Deal?".

I shake her hand, "Deal".

"Good!", She excites. "And I don't want any of that 'I can handle it' hero crap, if you need help, call me". I nod grinning at her bravado. "Ok May, Larb you", I say as I head into the hallway.

"Larb you too Peter".

*1 hour later.*

"Have fun today Peter!", May shouts from the car as I close the passenger door. "And remember to call if you need!". I wave smiling as she drives away onto the Long Island expressway. Quickly pulling on my earphones and playing some music to avoid some thoughts.

Only 5 minutes on my walk before I feel odd, like I'm being watched. Looking around I don't spot anything suspicious, just the usual slow morning traffic. I try to ignore it but it still lingers, eating away at me.

Not 2 minutes later I look around again, frantically, for anything that may seem suspicious. I link eyes with an older looking guy in what looks like a tux. He gives me a worried look as I smile, turn and run.

I run the last 4 blocks to school, the summer heat not particularly friendly to me as I do.  I catch my breath by the school's entrance, making my way around to its administration office to sign in.

Using their computer systems to log my attendance and late entrance, I hear the door behind me open, only noticing who walked in once I take my permission slip and turn around.

Tony Stark and Pepper Potts once again standing in front of me. My blood runs cold, memory flashes as I smile at them, waving weakly as I walk around and out the door. Their short acknowledgement lost in my panicked state.