It's a Little Strange

10. IDENTITY

There were some very important questions that Peter needed answering. The top one, obviously, had to be: was Tony Stark Aunt May's booty call?

Peter shuddered at the thought, but Ned thought so.

"Dude," Ned waved a piece of pizza at him. "If I was May, Tony Stark would be the perfect booty call. Hell, Tony Stark is the perfect booty call for everyone. Just think, if she gets pregnant-"

"Ned!" shrieked Peter. "The image! Shut up!"

"Sorry, I'm just saying the truth. You'd be rich and have Tony Stark as your uncle. How cool is that?"

Peter huffed and munched on his apple. He hadn't seen Michelle all day at school until he saw a flash of her hair from the corner of his eyes. He perked his head up at the sight of her. Michelle walked around, an opened book in her hands as she searched for a place to sit. Peter waved and Michelle locked eyes on him. She clenched her jaw and turned away.

Ned watched the entire thing. He leaned closer to Peter to say, "I thought you said it went great? Why is she acting like you don't exist?"

Peter's shoulders fell. "I... don't really know. I thought it went fine..."

"Well, you can ask her after the decathlon meeting."

Shit. Peter had to face Flash during that meeting after school and he was not looking forward to seeing the guy. And Peter hoped that Michelle wouldn't take out whatever was bothering her on Peter during the meeting either.

Peter was anxious for the rest of the day, not looking forward to the meeting after school.

He and Ned arrived just in the nick of time. The others were already seated, chatting amongst themselves. Michelle closed herself off by keeping a book close to her face as she munched on gold fish. Mr. Harrington called the meeting to order and Michelle reluctantly set aside her novel.

"Okay, guys!" Mr. Harrington started with clapping his hands together. "I have great news! We just got the funding to join the United States Academic Decathlon International Program!"

The kids looked at each other, smiling content.

He continued, "The competition is in China this year and set the date: December 15th! We have a month and a half to prepare- it's last minute I know, but all expenses are paid thanks to us winning the national. Give a warm hand to Michelle." He gestured to her and the students clapped.

"That being said," Mr. Harrington sighed, "there must be some changes in our team. Peter?"

Peter felt his head pound. Oh god, no. This can't be happening. He looked up to Mr. Harrington and cleared his throat. "Yes?"

"I'm sorry, but you haven't been pulling your weight lately. Has there been something on your mind? Do you not wish to be here? It's okay if you don't, Peter, I won't force you to be on the team or anything-"

"No, no!" Peter rose in instinct. He looked Mr. Harrington in the eye as he pleaded, "No, I want to be here. I'm sorry I haven't been more active, Mr. Harrington. There's just..." He hesitated, and for some reason, his eyes wandered off to Michelle, who analyzed him closely. "...just a lot going on right now. Don't worry, I'll handle it and I promise to make up for it."

Mr. Harrington rubbed the stubble on his chin. "Hm... okay, yes, I hope that you do. But nevertheless, in case that doesn't happen, Flash-"

"Yes, Mr. Harrington?" Flash gave Peter a smirk.

"You're taking Peter's spot. Peter, you'll be Flash's understudy, and I expect you to make an appearance at the international competition and not disappear on us or I'll be forced to have an unpleasant conversation with the principal."