COLORS || P. PARKER

If Only

Peter Parker had a big problem. And that problem was Marina Dwyre from Biology. Marina Dwyre, friend of Maddy Cho. Marina Dwyre, the new girl. But most importantly, Marina Dwyre, the girl trying to expose Spider-Man.

The boy wrung his hands nervously as he walked to school. Sure, she probably won't figure it out... But what if she does?

Peter ran through different options in his head, but none seemed very effective. Oh hey Marina (who I barely know),  I'm actually Spider-Man, but you can't tell anyone.

Honestly, why couldn't people understand that a secret identity was secret for a reason? Oh how the teen longed for the days he'd be regarded as a real hero like Iron Man or Captain America. One day, Peter would build a name for himself, whether it was as Spider-Man or just Peter Parker, the nerdy kid from Midtown High.

But for now, he was stuck in school dealing with dumb problems like how to stop the new girl from jamming her nose into his business. It wasn't that Peter disliked Marina. In fact, he thought she was quite nice the first time they met. But the boy already had his hands full with school, homework, patrolling, and keeping his Aunt May company. Not to mention having to attend robotics, band, and Academic Decathlon meetings.

Now, he thought as he neared the school, how to get this girl off my back.

And the idea struck. It wasn't the most practical plan, and it would definitely take away some of his much needed free time. But Peter would do anything to keep his identity a secret.

Upon entering the school, the nerd spotted his target. Marina Dwyre stood at her locker speaking with Maddy Cho. He approached the two. "I want in."

The girls stopped their conversation and made confused faces. "Uh, what?" asked Cho.

"Oh, right. I meant that I want in on finding Spider-Man or whatever. Uh, you know if you'd let me," Peter said awkwardly. He was already regretting this. "I didn't mean to like force myself on your plan. I just thought you'd need my help. B-but not like you need  my help just cause your women. I'm actually a feminist, I love women. Wait, no I di-"

"Peter," Marina cut off his rambling.

The boy immediately went red. Aunt May always said he inherited his father's awkward character. "Right, s-sorry. I do that sometimes."

A cute grin overtook the blonde. "It's fine. You can help us out if you want. We're meeting up at Curie's house today. You're welcome to join."

Maddy, however, didn't look as convinced. "Whatever happened to Spider-Man isn't even real. It's all special effects. I'm Peter and I wear too many science shirts and sweater vests."

Peter frowned. "That's not what I sound like."

The brunette raised an eyebrow. "Parker that's exactly what you sound like. Your voice has more cracks than a drug dealer."

"Okay what is it with you guys and the weird metaphors?" he asked.

"Don't avoid the question," said Maddy.

Peter tried not to show his panic. SAY. SOMETHING. YOU. IDIOT. "Uh well, I-I guess I figured that if we could find out who he is then that would prove he's real... right?"

The hero knew he was grasping at straws, but what choice did he have?

Cho still looked a bit skeptical. "Yeah... okay. I'll text you my address. But I have a condition. You're in charge of snacks."

And that's how Peter Parker ended up with plans on a Monday afternoon.

-

"What do you mean you have plans?"