Cosmic Webs ᯓ★ Peter Parker

1 ᯓ★ No Doorbell?

"... A bird can never learn to fly if it doesn't leave the nest. So if you turn to page.."

Everyone is familiar with that quote. It symbolises growth and maturity.. how even animals of the wild will eventually have to grow up and spread their wings. However, most are unaware of the continuation of that quote.

'A bird that leaves the nest too soon.. plummets to their death.'

It's quite a colourful statement, no? Someone who has to grow up too fast, learns to fend for themselves. You ask, how did their parents even allow such events to occur? Well, maybe their fathers, yes with an 's', are dead. Maybe their mother is a no-show coward. Maybe.. they weren't given a choice. So.. what would you do in this situation.. fall to your death? Or.. force yourself to fly with an underdeveloped wing-

"Miss Whitmore."

Her head snaps up towards the scolding tone, "S-Sir Johnson-"

"A bit worn-out, are we?" He tilted his head to the side, giving her a disapproving look.

Courtney gulped slightly, feeling all eyes on her.. they weren't laughing or anything.. but this whole thing drew way too much attention on her.. and it's not the good kind. "Sorry.. sir, I.. just finished gymnastics training.."

The older man stared at her for a while before letting out a soft sigh, "Alright, I'll let you off for now. Do try and pay attention." He says before walking away.

She lets out a small sigh of relief, although it still doesn't look too comfortable. That was.. unremarkably embarrassing, but given all the physical falls, she endured her whole life.. it's one of the better ones.

"Alright, class. We have a minute left, just a few reminders, homework due first thing tomorrow. And freshen up for the essay the day after that. Dismissed."

The school bell rang, followed by a plethora of stomps, chair friction, and class doors being slammed open. Students were all rushing out the door, trying to catch the smell of freedom.

The blonde stood up and began packing up her stuff when she felt a tap on her shoulder. She looked over and smiled slightly at the sight of her curly-haired friend.

"You good?" She asked, her eyes having a tint of concern despite her voice sounding nonchalant.

"Mhm.. just tired. Training was tough." She frowned while slinging her backpack over her shoulder.

"Just take it easy. It's only been your first few months here." Her friend gave her a light punch on the shoulders as they walked out the room side by side, into the sea of pre-pubescent teenagers.

"It's not just about school.." The blonde mumbles slightly as she gives her a knowing look.

".. Oh. That." MJ gave her a curt nod.

It's been a while since the night of the incident.. she'd only known Michelle Jones for a few weeks or so. They were over at the Blonde's for a pair work. And her staff was able to escape from its crate and.. ahem.. interrupted their study session. There were a few odd looks, followed by a confused one. She even contemplated telling her some sort of elaborate lie, but couldn't make one up for why she had a tall floating staff just wandering about her house. And knowing MJ, she would see right through that. But the one thing she thought would push them away actually brought them closer together. And now, she was in on her little secret.

"Well, it's a new place. Bound to take some getting used to." Her curly-haired friend shrugs softly, giving her a subtle, encouraging look.. Well, everything about her is subtle.

"I'm just concerned about-"

"About what? The people? Don't be, that Spider-guy has been on the streets quite often recently." MJ assured her strongly.