Flightless | P. Parker

chapter two

2 - "One Iris to go"

"Ris! Did you see what was on the news?" My brother says the second I walk out of the elevator.
"Christopher, I've been out running, was it that puppy video you made me watch last week?" I shout into the living room as I make my way in. On the large flatscreen plays a breaking news stream from Europe. A newswoman stands outside a smoking building, the black smoke curling into the sky.

"Today in Vienna, a terrorist bombing on the UN. Twelve have been reported dead including Wakandan King T'Chaka. Local police confirm James Buchanan Barnes, better known as the Winter Soldier, as the main suspect in this attack. More information to come as this event unfolds. I'm Janet Bernard with CNN World News." I stare at the screen, my mouth agape.

"Wow, can you believe that?! Twelve people Iris, and the guy just disappears!" All I can do is nod in reply until I see the clock.
"Shit! I'm going to be late for work!" I run down to my room and slam the door. I grab a clean outfit and dash into the attached, private bathroom. Before the water even has a chance to heat up, I'm in scrubbing away the sweat from my 'run,' wincing as my washcloth scrapes over a cut I didn't realise I had.

Nearly done drying off, I pull a bandage out of my medicine supply cabinet and slap it on before I tug on my work outfit. "Bye, Chris!" I call as I press the elevator button.
"See you later! Stay safe!" He says back.

Five minutes later, I walk down the streets of New York to the cafe where I work. I've always been grateful for working there, the atmosphere was calm, it was never crazy busy, the customers were always respectful, and only locals really knew about it. I walk in, sighing at the smell of freshly prepared food.

"Iris! How are you dear?" My boss greets cheerfully as I walk to the back.
"I'm fine Mrs Baxter, how's it been today?" The older woman beams at me as she hands me an apron.
"Oh, just fine dear, just fine. Oh! A customer! Can you get them for me, there's something I need to see to."

I give her a nod and head to the counter. "Hello, how can I help you today?" The person straightens up from their crouch by the pastry display case and takes a quick glance at the menu behind me.
"One Irish coffee please and a raspberry beignet." I nod, telling him his total as I ring him up. 

The rest of my time working is uneventful. A few college study groups come in and sit by the window, quietly talking. Towards the end of my shift, the bell dings, pulling me out of my thoughts.

"Iris! Stop slacking off!" I jump before glaring at the voice's owner.
"Peter, if anyone knows what slacking off looks like, it's you." Parker walks in and mimics my stance from across the counter.
"Ouch Grant, that really hurts!" Giving him the 'innocent' eyes, I smile sweetly.
"What can I get you?" He looks around at the display case and screws up his face in thought.
"How about one Iris to go?" Peter jokes, leaning in closer and lowering his voice. "You get off soon, right? I found something you have to see." I look back at the clock and sigh.
"I don't get off for another twenty minutes Peter."

Mrs Baxter comes out from the kitchen, a smile on her face pronouncing her laugh lines. "Peter! How lovely to see you!"

"It's great to see you too ma'am, I just came in to entertain Ris here." He gives me a wink.
"Iris, we're not busy right now and you get off so soon, why don't you just get off early?" Shocked, I look for something to say but nothing comes to mind. "Go on, I'll be fine here!" Wrapping my arms around the woman I thank her and go to take off my apron. A moment later, I'm arm in arm with Peter walking out.

"What did you want to show me?" I ask as we round a corner. He pulls out his phone and looks around as he leads me to just inside an alley.
"I got a video of Blue Jay and Spiderman earlier today!" My heart starts pounding and I smile to cover up my nervousness.
 "Really?" Peter's thumb presses the play button and he holds his phone so only we can see. Sure enough, there I am in my disguise from earlier today sprinting into the warehouse. The men get closer and soon I'm out of sight. A flash of red appears and I watch as Spiderman appears, the phone barely picking up his voice. Peter watches in awe at the fight and I keep my eyes glued to the screen, looking for any flaw in my Blue Jay outfit that could reveal my identity.

Once the video stops I squeeze the bridge of my nose. "Peter, what if one of those men had seen you? You could've been injured!" Peter jumps at my tone and starts to defend himself.
"But I wasn't! See, still in one piece!" Rolling my eyes, I smack the back of his head lightly and start to walk off. Peter's hand flies out and catches my wrist, stopping me. "I'm sorry, I just thought you'd be excited..." He stares at me with his wide brown eyes pleadingly.

"I know, I apologise, I just don't want to see you get hurt." He nods understandingly.

We walk towards our street, pointing out funny tourists every once in a while as we go along. A nudge on my arm causes me to look up at Peter, who nods at a young man coming the opposite direction. Once my eyes land on the handsome guy I can't break them away. His shirt stretches over his toned chest and his coppery brown hair is swept to the side effortlessly. His eyes travel from the phone in his hand up to my face and he grins, his white teeth gleaming. Shyly, I smile back as he continues walking, heat flooding to my cheeks. It isn't until he's passing me that I recognise my own school's logo on his shirt. "Really? Barrett?" Peter asks, "He's a player. I think he's dated every girl at school except for you, Michelle, and a couple others." I laugh, "Jealous, Parker?"

He laughs and we walk up to my building. "I still can't believe you live here," he sighs.
"Do you want to come up? I'm sure Chris wouldn't mind seeing you." Peter looks down at his watch and shakes his head.

"No, it's getting late and Aunt May wanted me back before seven. I'll text you, though." He wraps his arms around me, holding me tight to his chest. Peter releases me and heads off down the street.

-

Up in my apartment, I barely say anything as I head to my room. The evening light shines over the city outside, setting every building ablaze in the orange glow. On my room's balcony, I adjust the chairs, moving them so their occupants have a better view of the sunset. My phone buzzes in my pocket with a text from Peter.

Parker: At my apartment now.
Me: Cool, see anymore Spiderman or Blue Jay on the way?😜
Parker: No, just a few people making out in alleys.
Me: Lol ew
Parker: Yup. I gotta go, May just finished dinner

Me: Okie doke! Byeee

I smile as I turn my phone off and curl up in a chair. The fleeting rays of the sun warm my tired skin and I slowly drift off.