Catch Me // Spider-Man (BOOK 1)

Chapter 3 - What is this?

"Lauren, I'm leaving 20 bucks on the kitchen counter in case you want to order a pizza or something while I'm out," Aunt Penny shouted up the stairs from the hall one Thursday night.

"I'm pretty sure I can cook myself a meal Aunt Penny, but thanks," I replied, walking down from my room. I was kind of looking forward to having the house to myself for an evening. A night of reality TV and junk food sounded like perfection to me.

"I think Peter Parker's sarcastic streak is starting to rub off on you missy," my Aunt observed with a comedic wave of her index finger right in my face.

"Actually I hate to disappoint you but I've always been this way," a cheeky grin taking over my whole face as I watched Aunt Penny put on her coat and shoes.

"And I wouldn't change you for anything sweetie," she smiled affectionately, placing her hand on my cheek and giving me a love filled hug. I couldn't help but think about how my life had changed so much in such a short amount of time when she cuddled me the way she did. I'd been in New York for just under 2 months and I had my little family in Aunt Penny. I had friends, a new job I was about to start. I had a life, and a good one at that.

Pulling out of the hug and looking down at her watch Aunt Penny realised she was running late for her book club which ran fortnightly across town. She was passionate about it, don't ask me why, but if it made her happy then I was happy.

"You better go. You said it yourself. You haven't been late in over 20 years. You don't wanna start now," opening the door and ushering her out as I did so.

"Oh honey before I forget, May asked if she could borrow one of my recipe books. I left it on the coffee table so could you drop it round to her please, before it gets too late?"

"Sure, I'll take it over in a sec."

"Ok, bye sweetie. I'll be back late remember. We're going for a meal after. It's Gretchen's 60th birthday."

"I remember, have fun," I called out watching her walk down the porch steps towards the awaiting taxi.

Yay she was gone. Now it was ready, set, go for a little me time. First though, drop this book round to the Parker's.

Not bothering with a coat because the Parker clan literally live right opposite me I locked the door and made my way across the street. I'd only been in their house a handle of times and most of it was spent in Peter's room. Don't get the wrong idea, it was totally innocent. Our time usually consisted of science homework or just me keeping him company while he edited his photographs. Their house from what I'd seen was beautiful, to me anyway. The epitome of a loving, family home. There were pictures and knick knacks all over the place. Everything had a story behind it, a history. One day I want to own a place like that.

Knocking on the door, recipe book in hand I didn't have to wait long for a response.

"Hey, Mr Parker," I smiled when the salt and pepper haired, older man answered the door.

"Oh Lauren honey, come in," he gestured me inside, opening the front door wide whilst also carrying a box full of trophies under one arm. My intention was literally just to hand the book over and go but when Ben Parker invites you into his house you can't help but say yes. Like his wife he is one of the kindest people you could ever hope to meet.

Stepping in to the house and following Ben to the kitchen I couldn't help but notice the half smile that etched on to Peter's face when he saw me come around the corner. He was sitting on the counter whilst his Aunt May chopped up onions and rushed around the small space throwing things into pans.

"Hello Lauren sweetie, is something wrong?" May asked, wiping her hands on a towel and smoothing her clothes out.

"Oh no nothing's wrong," I started with a quiet giggle.