Secrets And A Spider

-4-

"Hey. Riley wake up." I groaned and sat up as Peter shook the bed. "Come ok sleepy head," he laughed as I jumped straight over the rails instead of climbing down the ladder. "And she sticks the landing!" I bowed as May walked in. "What was that thud?" She asked and I smirked. "Just getting out of bed." I replied and she walked back out. "I'll let you get changed." Peter said walking out as I grabbed my bag and took out some clothes, then I fixed my hair and did simple makeup, before walking out to join them in the living room.

"Help yourself to the cupboards. Plenty of food in," May told me and I shook my head. "I'm not a big eater on a morning. I'll just have a glass of water." I grabbed a clean glass from the dishwasher and filled it up before sitting with the Parkers. "Sleep well Rie?" Peter asked, I nodded. "Good enough." Was all I replied as I checked my phone for any messages from my dad or the group. Nothing. I let out a loud sigh and clicked it off as Peter sat with me.

"What's up?" I looked at him and shook my head, "nothing. Just worried about school I guess," I half lied.
"You'll be fine, oh and Ned is meeting us outside in five," he reassured so I went to grab my backpack and PE stuff. "Shit!" I cursed as I realised I had left my kit with Happy. "Hey Peter!" I called and he came in, "can I borrow a jumper for PE?" I asked, he nodded throwing me one from the wardrobe. I took my sports leggings from my other bag and threw them in too. "Ned's here guys. See you tonight!" May shouted as we put our shoes on and walked downstairs to meet him.

"Hey guys." Ned smiled as we set off for school, I could tell they usually had a long conversation on a morning, however I couldn't know something. I decided to break the silence, "so, how long does it usually take to get to school?" I asked. "Only about ten minutes. How long is it for you?" Ned responded. "About a 45minute drive, then a five minute walk. I prefer to walk the last stretch, to clear my head" I replied. Soon, we had walked to school and headed to our lockers, Ned wandered to his whilst me and Peter headed up the stairs towards ours. "I'll see you break yeah?" Peter said and I nodded. "See ya in a bit Parker," he walked over to Ned and they walked away together, when I turned I saw the person I least wanted to see. Flash.

"Hey Riley. I think me and you should have a word." He leant on a locker and stopped me from walking away by grabbing my arm. "Piss off. I have math first and its across the school," I said, he gripped my arm tighter. "I want to have a word about us. I want to make a deal with you Krats." I rolled my eyes at his words. "Since when was there an us?" I questioned.
"There isn't, not yet. However, if you be my girlfriend, I promise to leave Penis Parker and his fat friend alone. If not, I swear their lives will become a living hell." He proposed and I balled my fists. "You wouldn't dare." I growled.
"Try me. You have until lunch. Sit with me if you agree, or sit with them and grant them a world of hell." He walked away and I froze in place. I can protect myself but what about Peter and Ned. Could I really do that to them? The bell rang as I was snapped from my thoughts and hurried to math.

As the bell for break went, I saw Peter stood across the hall with Ned, he waved me over but I couldn't face him. So I walked the other way pretending I didn't see him, and straight past Flash. I practically ran up the stairs and onto the roof, before perching on the edge. I couldn't do this, why did it have to be me? I knew my time was running out, if I didn't agree to Flash's terms then Peter and Ned would get hurt, and it would be all my fault. I couldn't do that to them, but could I cope with Flash, could I be the nice, pretty girl who was all rainbows and smiles? I jumped and quickly leant back from the edge as my phone buzzed. It was just Happy letting me know that my dad was ok and should be home by tomorrow. I texted back 'thanks' before heading to the sports hall to fitness.

I pulled on the leggings and took Peter's jumper from my bag, and threw it on. It hung off me a little, so I pulled the sleeves up to my elbows and ignored the fact that it reached mid thigh. It was clearly too long, but I didn't really mind as I walked out, sitting in the back corner as to avoid Flash and Peter. "Get into groups of three!" Coach ordered and I sat still, trying not to see Peter and Ned as they walked towards me. "Hey. You alright Riley, you seemed out of it at break when you ran off?" Peter asked, sitting in front of me as I looked down and nodded. "I'm fine." I smiled and walked with them towards the ropes. As I walked past Flash he gave me an knowing look and I gulped, I had until lunch. He couldn't do anything yet. "Race you to the top." Peter challenged.
"No way can I get to the top of that." I looked up.
"Course you can." He encouraged as I grabbed the rope. I shook my head unsure, "I won't let you fall if that's what you're afraid of." He grabbed my hand. "Who said I'm afraid Parker?" I challenged,  before jumping up and starting to climb. I soon saw Peter scramble up at twice my pace, he was truly something.