Family

Chapter 4

"See ya, nerd!"

Back from lunch, I said my farewells to Gwen. She was heading to calculus while I went to mechanics. We were both in advanced classes, but I took more classes. I'm not as busy as her after school. With working at Oscorp and supporting school spirit, she doesn't have as much time to complete other courses. I, however, apparently have too much time.

I knew I had to inform my teachers and councilors about taking the test. I didn't even know if I would want to take it. As much as I want to be done with this school, I don't want to be more than I already am. Even if Gwen is really my only good friend, at least there are people all around, knowing I wasn't alone, even though I felt like it.

If only Harry were still around. I haven't seen since the Oscorp attack. No one has. It got Gwen and I worried sick. We even made our own search for him, getting the police involved. Once a search was called, his whereabouts were confirmed as not listed. Harry had been at home, kept there. He wasn't addressed as a student in the high school anymore. It was no wonder why his name wasn't in roll call anymore. They confirmed he was home schooled. Even if I know he's alive and not missing, I still miss my friend.

I walk into the school, wanting to get a pass to see my councilor. The sooner I can get confirmed for the test, the more I don't have to think about my friends.

"Hello, how can I help you?" The attendance lady asked enthusiastically.

"Can I get a pass to see my councilor during 4th period?" I asked quietly.

"Yes, what for?" The lady started typing the information into computer to make a physical form.

"...schedule change" I answered, not exactly sure what to call it.

"Pretty late for a change". She laughed, wondering why I was changing so late in the term.

I just stood silent, waiting for the pass.

"Your name?" She asked.

"Peter Parker" I informed, tapping my foot.

"And how long will you be absent from classes?" She asked, looking up at me.

I bounce, realizing she was staring at me. I sorta zoned out.

"Oh, um...just for 4th period" I answered, hoping she didn't think it was too awkward.

"O...k". She grabbed the copied excuse form from the printer and gave it to me.

"Make sure to give to your 4th period teacher" she advises.

"Thank you" I gave a fake smile and went on my way to class.

She waved as I walked away. Little did I know she had a beer under her desk. Soon as I left, she picked it up and took
a sip, not as enthusiastic as she seemed.

"I hate this job".
-
Getting my excuse checked was easy. Some, even my teacher, were surprised that I made an excuse to get out of class. Everyone thought that I wasn't myself. Why would Peter Parker want to leave class? It didn't matter, however. I got excused, and got out without any drama. Nice for a change.

Walking through the empty halls actually felt calm. I might not be picked on as much anymore but it's still hard to trust. Someone could just jump me, and that's not just highschool, but it's more likely here. I'm more known here, but not for popularity...obviously.

Reaching the front of the school, I go up to the student center. I approach the man at the front desk.

"What'ca need". The man give me his attention.

"I need to see Mrs. Reynolds" I inform shyly.

I hand my excuse form to the man. It was pretty easy to check it off. Just written information. He quickly overlooks it and confirms the excuse.

"Looks good. She's open right now" He advises.

I nod my head as I head to Mrs. Reynolds office. He starts continuing his cross word puzzle.

I knock on the door, waiting for her to answer. She opens the door.

"Hi Peter, come on in" she greets, leading me to a seat.

"How can I help you today?" She questions, having her hands cupped.

"Has Mr. Daniels told you about me taking the GRE test" I ask, feeling a little more comfortable.

"Um no, I haven't received any emails for that matter. You thinking of taking it? It's a hard test but that shouldn't be a problem for you. You've been doing very well, Peter. I'm proud of you" she compliments.

"Thank you" I accept, not really feeling proud for myself.

"So, why has Mr. Daniel given you the option for the GRE?"

"He says I haven't been challenged enough. My classes have been too easy for me. I have to admit it's stressful, but it hasn't been hard".

"I can believe that. You're a smart kid. One of the smartest kids we've had here. Maybe even more than Tony Stark was. But that's not what I'm worried about, Peter" She admits.

I didn't know what she meant.

"What do you mean?" I ask, feeling confused.

"How has your social life been going?" She asks, looking at me.

I hate talking about this.

"It's okay".

This felt so uncomfortable.

"Peter, I can tell you're worried about your friends. You've made close friends. I've seen that. But I haven't seen you involved with other people. I'm scared that you won't know what to do when out there yet. I know you do too. I'm glad how you've been hanging out with Gwen. She's told me more about you. She's a good person to be with".

"I know". I blush a little.

She notices and smiles.

"If I was your parent, I would never think to let my own child go into the real world as a sophomore. But it's my responsibility as you councilor to guide you to who you want to be. If you want to be challenged, be challenged. It's what you need. It's still up to you".

This was my choice. Did I want to start my life so early? Would I enjoy the people I would learn to respect? Could I leave my friends behind? Would they miss me? All I could do is trust myself.

"...yes". I smile at my response, but also feel worried.

"I'll get the papers made for the test. Some administrators will have to confirm your id and put your name in the program. It should take about a month" She explains.

She starts to go through her computer, filling out out the documents. I give some information for it to be complete. Once finished, she prints it out, giving me the copy.

"Almost done. Just need you to sign here and get your legal guardian to sign here. Bring it in as soon as next week" she smiles, acting very proud.

This is it. My future in my hands. I never thought it would come this way. I actually felt really good. It's been a while. I just had a feeling I made the right choice.

"Thank you" I reply with a big grin.

She could obviously tell I was happy. She grinned, feeling happy she could do this for me.

"You're welcome, Peter. Good luck".

Once I was outside, I look down at the form.

"In your face, Iron Man".