A Spider's Web

Chapter 9: Hatred

"Peter!"

"Crap!"

"Why me!" Ann, Peter, and Alan screamed at the same time. 

Peter whirled in the air, grabbed Alan, and shot a web at the cliff face. His shoulder muscles were about as strong as iron, but a pop sounded in Alan's ear. The pair swung up to the beach, where Ann greeted them both with a punch in the arm and a hug.

"What! The HELL! Where you thinking Peter?" Alan had a cold look in his eyes, mixed with sympathy.

"Nevermind that for a bit Ann. You can talk to him about it once he sits down," He said, putting a hand on Peter's shoulder. Peter stood standing.

"Peter, just sit down. You just dislocated your shoulder, for cripes' sake," Ann quipped. 

Peter sat down. Alan kneeled down next to him, placing a hand on his elbow and keeping the one on his shoulder.

"Alrighty, your story is you ran out to see Ann, you tripped and fell, and banged your shoulder."

I don't need a- HOLY OW!" Peter shouted as his shoulder was popped back into place. Alan, however, didn't miss a beat.

"You do need a story unless you want to be killed by my brothers. And if you do have one, let me know."

"Why I don't you give me a reason not to beat the snot out of you, you little punk?" Peter said, standing.

"How about if you try it, my dear cousin, I'll do a whole lot more then just dislocate your shoulder, got it?!" Ann said, jabbing her finger into Pete's chest with the last few words. 

"What ever," Peter stormed away from the pair.

"Thanks, Ann. You didn't have to do that," Alan said, kicking the sand.

"Well, it was the least I could do since you saved my life," Ann looked down at the sand, her face turning the same color as her suit that she was still wearing. 

"He still hates me apparently." Alan was still gazing at the ground. "But whatever." Ann sighed and closed her eyes.

 Alan felt a quick peck on his cheek and stiffened. He smirked at the girl, throwing an arm around her shoulder. The two fell asleep like that on the beach.

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When Emma walked in the cave to grab a spare set of clothes, she did not expect to see her husband asleep on her son.

"Hi Mom. Don't wake up dad please, I just got him down," Jeff said in a rush, hugging his mom.

"Jeff," Emma said, "I'm just getting some clothes and heading back down to your grandfather's realm."

"Mom please, don't go."

Emma knelt down and put her hand on her son's shoulder. 

"Jeff, you know I love you. I just can't be around your dad right now."

Jeff's bottom lip started to quiver and tears weld up in his eyes. He pushed his mom's hand off his shoulder. 

"Then leave, Mother. Go back to being alone, just like you were before you met Dad!" Jeff shouted. The cave began to shake and water started to splash higher. 

"Jeff, stop your powers-"

"My powers that I got from you! I refused to be like you! I hate you!" Jeff shouted and stomped his foot. 

The water grabbed Emma and threw her out of the cave. Rocks fell, sealing the cave opening shut.

"Jeff!" Scott shouted from across the cave. The boy whirled to look at his father. Then, realizing what he had just done, broke down.

"I'm so sorry!" He almost sobbed the last word. Scott dropped down on his knees and hugged him.

"Shh, shh, it's going to be alright."

"Dad, we can't move the rocks. We're stuck here forever!" He wailed. Scott just continued to stroke his son's hair.

"We'll find a way to get out. It'll be fine."

I hope.