The Tangled Web

Chapter 47

{Peter's POV}

I was so pissed at Emerson. She was constantly throwing herself into danger. And I was left to clean up her mess. Once again.

'Chasing leads,' she called it. A death wish. A freaking death wish. How could she be so stupid? I told her not to go to the docks...and what does she do? Goes immediately to the docks.

I shot out a web, latched onto the side of a building, and pulled myself forward, cutting through the air with increasing speed.

What do I have to do to make myself more clear to her? Why doesn't she ever listen to me? Also, she's been spending a lot of time with Eddie. That bothers me. Why the hell was he there with her? I wonder if they are-

My attention snapped to a woman shaking out a rug from an open window. I saw her just in time and redirected my airborne path, narrowly missing a crash.

"Sorry, ma'am," I yelled as I pivoted midair, tucking myself small into a somersault to keep the momentum going before throwing out my arm and launching a web onto a nearby building. Her shouting became a distant murmur as I swung away.

That was close, Peter. C'mon, man. Pay attention. Do better.

I pulled my legs together as I sent out two webs, attaching them to the building, and slingshot myself straight up alongside it, running on the brick to the top.

I gracefully settled onto the roof, perched on the edge. I looked out over the city, my breath exhaling in loud bouts as I scanned the lights illuminating my home.

Why would she tell me about a lead and then go investigate herself? I told her I had it. Why doesn't she trust me?

I collapsed onto the roof, sprawling out on my back as I tried to catch my breath, though whether it was from anger or exhaustion, I was unsure.

Emerson was so damn stubborn. I knew better than to trust that she would have stayed away.

Realistically, I knew I couldn't stay mad at her forever, but for now, I'd let my feelings get the better of me for a little while longer.

I lightly knocked my head back into the concrete.

Why am I so pissed that she was there tonight? Oh, gee, Peter, probably because there were idiots with guns shooting directly at you AND her. That might be why.

Ever since Em found out about my extracurricular spandexed activities, she'd been acting different. It felt like things were different between us, like she didn't quite trust me anymore.

Probably because you were an ass and hid it from her for so long. Of course she doesn't trust you. Why would anyone trust you? Do better, Peter.

I shook my head a few times, shaking the thoughts from my crowded mind. I hadn't slept well in days, and with crime continuing to do its thing across the city, that left little time for sleep. Not to mention the piling mountain of homework calling my name later tonight.

Do better, Peter. You're letting everyone down.

I rolled over onto my side, curling into a ball for a breath, and held my head. Visions of people I'd let down over the years plagued my mind, evading every open corner.

Emerson.

Gwen.

Uncle Ben.

Do better, Peter.

Mom.

Dad.