Family

Chapter 11

"At least she didn't call the police this time".

I swung from the house across the street to my window upstairs, needing to get dressed first. If I've learned one thing, it's that don't make it seem you were home the whole time. That just causes May going to the doctor or therapist. Every day, she thinks she's getting crazier than she already thinks see is.

I open my window, checking if she was waiting in my room. She has done many different things when I came home late. She has waited outside, walked around with a flashlight, and even called the police. Every time, I've been able to avoid. I've been asked pretty weird questions though, especially from the police.

Entering the dark room, I notice my door was open. Maybe she was expecting me to be in bed. I remember doing that. She woke me up and kept asking if I was here the whole time. To cover my story, I lied. Sure thing the next day, she went to the therapist.

The lights were on downstairs. May is probably waiting for me to get home. I hate making her worried, especially at her age.

I take my backpack and mask off. I decide to dress in the bathroom, not wanting May to walk in. Never again.

Taking off my outfit, I notice the lines made on my body. Look awkward but subtle enough not to be noticed. I look at myself in the mirror, sighting the lines. The most outlined was my butt. Actually made my ass look bigger. Why doesn't that make me uncomfortable out of all things?

About to mumble to myself, I catch myself, not wanting to be heard yet. I get my normal clothes on, ready to walk through the main door. I approach my window once more, ready to climb down. As I crawl down, I fall. I can't tell if that's inconvenient or ironic...or both.

Making a loud sound, I hope May didn't hear. I shake my head, scuffing off the dirt. Being a little clean, I walk through the door, seeing a very upset Aunt May.

"Peter, where have you been?" May questions, opening wide eyes.

"Sorry May, I had to stay late...for work" I sort of lie.

As I shut the door behind me, May hugs me, surprising me. Man, my spider sense has sucked lately. Maybe it's not going off because May isn't being a threat. Thank God.

"Where were you?"

She looked up at me with teary eyes.

"I was at work".

I wasn't exactly lying. I may of not been at work, but I was. I was meeting my boss. It just happened to be at the center...at a awards ceremony.

"Your boss called" May mentioned, letting go of the hug.

"I can explain-".

"You don't have to".

I didn't want to hear what see had to say. I know she won't yell at me, but I know what she'll say. She'll say I'm disappointed in me. She rarely tells me, but I can hear it already coming.

"Why didn't you leave that job earlier?"

What? Leave? I was fired. Where did this come from? Maybe she doesn't know. Should I tell her? Should I leave it alone? Why am I asking so many questions?

"I...what do you mean?" I ask cautiously.

This could work or completely fail.

"You quit your job at the Daily Bugle. That's what she told me?" May explained.

She? Who was she talking about?

"Peter, I've noticed you seemed...down lately".

May has been wanting to talk to me about this. She's asked many times before. And I've always responded the same way.

"May, I'm fine. I just thought...the job was too much" I confess, not completely meaning it.

"I'm proud of you, sweetheart. I'm glad you made this decision on your own. You're growing up so fast". She started tearing up again, this time in happiness.

How did things get so cheesy so fast. May always acts like this but never this graceful. She must of been waiting for this to be happening. She's noticed I've hated that job. At least somebody notices.

"Thanks, May" I hug her again, wanting her to feel better.

I got to make sure she doesn't know I was fired. I don't like lying to May but I don't like seeing her upset. Either way, both circumstances can lead to her being upset...perfect.

"We're you with Gwen today?"

What's up with these questions? What's up with my questions? I hate this irony.

"What makes you think that?"

Answering a question with a question. Almost works all the time.

"I called Gwen, hoping she knew where you were. She told me you were with her today".

I can't think right on the spot. Even if I have good reflexes, I don't react fast enough to sound real and smart at the same time.

"She took me to work so I could quit. Right after she took me to-".

I put my hand in my pockets, feeling the form still in there.

"-the school" I finish, filling the have-assed story.

I guess I can think on the spot.

"Why did you go back?" May asked, walking to her chair in the living room

I following her to the couch.

"I wanted to, um, get more information about this form" I explain, taking out the form and giving it to her.

She looked over, looking very overwhelmed, both shocked and gracious.

"Peter".

Her mind seemed frozen, amazed by my opportunity.

"This-this is amazing, Peter...do you think you're ready for this?" she asked, looking over at me worried.

A question I really didn't know. I've been asking myself all day. Was I ready?

"...I think I am" I answer, smirking a little.

"Then I'll happily sign it" May accepted, taking a pen out her purse and signing.

That went better than expected. Better than this whole day. Nice and simple.

"Thank you, May" I hug her, again.

"You're welcome, Peter. I'm so proud of you. Now go get some sleep. It's a school night. And maybe eat something. I could hear your stomach from my chair".

"Yes, mam". I let go of the hug, kissing her cheek.

She kissed mine.

I went to the kitchen with my backpack, grabbing an orange. I head my way upstairs, wanting sleep so much.

"Good night, Peter" May calls from downstairs.

"Night, May" I call back, heading into my room.

I get into my bathroom, seeing my pills again. Without thinking, I grab two again.

"That was the longest day of my life".