The Amazing Story of Altered Fates

Chapter 6: An Amazing New Future Part I

Before Peter could respond, they found themselves looking at past Peter standing in front of a headstone. The writing read, "May Parker. Beloved wife and mother. To believe is the greatest power one can have."

He knew he should have told them to write "aunt," but she was a mother to him when he had no other. She gave him a home, family, and love. And with her, all those things were now gone too.

Peter could hear two sets of footsteps around him, but he ignored them. It wasn't unusual in a public cemetery like that.

Or at least he didn't care until a familiar voice called gently, "Peter."

Peter turned around slowly, unsure if he could believe it. But it was true.

In front of him stood Gwen Stacy in a long-sleeved black dress. Her expression was devastated, like he imagined his to be.

A few steps behind her stood George Stacy in a black suit. He, too, looked deeply sad.

But for now, Peter ignored the older man and turned to the blonde girl, asking emotionlessly—he felt so numb these days—"What are you doing here? I thought you should have been in London like four days ago."

Gwen nodded slowly before responding, "I should have. But when I was at the airport, I heard the report of..." She glanced at the headstone to make her point before speaking to Peter again, "I couldn't leave like that. I tried calling you and looking for you at the house. But everything went straight to voicemail, and you were never there."

"Couldn't see the point in either," Peter shrugged carelessly.

Gwen got closer to him and frowned, "Look at yourself, Pete. Have you been sleeping at all? Dad told me about the increased Spider-Man activity. You need to take care of yourself now, not the mask."

"What's the point?" Peter asked in an angry tone.

The deep voice of George Stacy spoke next, now standing closest to both of them, "Do you think your aunt would want you to act this way?"

Peter glared at the man, "Well, it's not like she is coming back. I'm alone now, and I will live as I see fit."

Gwen had tears running down her cheeks, but she held a determined expression. She looped her arm through Peter's and said firmly, "You are coming with us." When Peter looked like he was about to protest, Gwen narrowed her eyes at him, and her tone grew harder, "That's not up for debate, Pete."

Peter thought about breaking free of her hold and standing his ground, but he was too weak both physically and emotionally. He missed Gwen's soft touch and wasn't ready to give it up just yet.

A few minutes later, George was driving the car while Gwen leaned on Peter in the back seat, tears still streaming from her closed eyes.

This time, the walls did a swirling effect to change the setting of the memory. Peter walked into the Stacys' living room with Gwen still clinging to his arm.

A moment after they entered, Helen noticed them. She wiped her hands with the towel she was holding before approaching them.

Helen gave Peter a soft look, "How are you, Peter?"

Before he could react, Gwen answered for him, "He is awful, Mom. He hasn't slept in days. I'm taking him to my room so he can rest."

For the first time, after a comment like that, she didn't receive a word of complaint from her brothers or dad.

Once in her room, Gwen had Peter change his clothes to ones she had in her closet from... well, Peter didn't want to think about that.

With both of them in fresh clothes—Gwen in a pair of comfy PJs replacing the black dress she was wearing—Peter lay on his back and stared at the ceiling. Gwen lay on her side and stared at Peter's face. After a moment of silence, she spoke softly, "You should go to sleep, Pete. You look terrible."