The marvellous spider-man

Chapter 32

Peter and Gwen came downstairs to find Peter's Aunt May sitting in the living room with a guest. It was a woman in a business suit with a briefcase and a stern look. Peter was about to ask what was going on when he saw his Aunt May's expression. She looked worried. Very worried.

He finally asked, "Who's this?"

"Well Peter," began Aunt May nervously. "This is Miss Harding from...from social services."

"Social services?" asked Peter curiously.

"Yes Peter," said Mrs. Harding, suddenly going from stern to taking on a bright smile. "That's right. I'm from social services. Is this a friend of yours?" she looked at Gwen.

Peter, who had the distinct feeling she was treating him like a smaller child, said, "Yeah."

"Well Peter," said Miss Harding. "I'm sorry, but I really need to discuss something with you and your Aunt. I'm going to have to ask your friend to leave. OK?"

Peter was about to object when Gwen said, "It's okay Peter. I'd better go anyway. Places to go, people to see...things to think about."

Peter understood and nodded. Gwen started walking away when she saw Aunt May's worried expression. Gwen then pursed her lips disapprovingly and turned to Miss Harding.

"I don't know why you're here," she said feistily. "But you'd better not make Peter's Aunt cry."

Miss Harding didn't seem to know what to make of this so she said, "O...Ok. That's fine. Run along now."

Gwen turned and said irritably, "I'm not twelve you know."

And leave she did. Peter kept thinking that usually Gwen was pretty sweet to people. However, he kind of enjoyed it when her feisty side came out. After Gwen left Peter sat down and gave Miss Harding a suspicious look.

"What's this about?" he asked.

"Well Peter," said Aunt May carefully. "Social services has found out about your job."

"My job?" asked Peter, confused. "At the Daily Bugle? So what?"

"Peter," said Miss Harding in a patronizingly sweet manner. "We don't have a problem with you having an internship...or, even, an opportunity to make some money. In fact we think it's great that your being a big boy and..."

"What am I? Twelve?" said Peter harshly. "If me having a job isn't a problem then what is?"

Miss Harding sighed. "Well...I suppose the problem is that your Aunt...doesn't."

Between Miss Harding giving Aunt May a stern, disapproving look and Aunt May looking down almost shamefully, Peter started to get a grasp of what was going on.

"Wait..." said Peter. "Are you saying that...that you don't think Aunt May can take care of me? What about her Retirement? My Uncle's life insurance?"

"Well," said Miss Harding, surprised. "I'll explain. Your Aunt has been unemployed for years...ever since her marriage to your uncle apparently."

"Well," said Aunt May nervously. "I wanted to be a stay at home mother and housewife."

"Indeed," said Miss Harding, unimpressed. "As for your uncle's life insurance you should know that there was never much of that to begin with. As it stands Peter you are the primary source of income for this household."

"So?"

"So," said Miss Harding, getting a little irritated. "It's the guardian who should be taking care of the child. Not the other way around. We have to take into account that this might not be the best environment for you."

"We?" asked Peter angrily. "Who's we? You're not family! What makes you think you can take anything into account?"

"Peter!" said Aunt May sternly. "Manners."

Peter took a deep breath and said, "I'm sorry Aunt May...but I mean it. I don't care what this woman says. I'm staying here with you. As for you Miss Harding, I know you are going to want to talk to me in private, but don't bother. I have nothing more to say to you."

Aunt May looked at Peter gratefully, while Miss Harding looked at him sternly, though not unkindly.

"Well," said Miss Harding. "I see you're serious. However, don't think this is the end. I'll probably recommend a hearing about this."

Miss Harding turned to leave, but stopped for a moment and turned back with a curious look.

"Peter," she said. "I'm curious. Just how do you track Spiderman anyway? To get those pictures I mean."

Peter looked at her coldly. "How do I track Spiderman?"

He looked at her coldly for a few more moments, before breaking out into a wild grin. "Oh," he said. "I've got a pet Spider that follows him around and keeps me updated. You want to meet him? He's a tarantula!"

Miss Harding stared with her mouth open and said, "Um...no that's okay. I'll be going now."

Miss Harding left, and Peter turned to his aunt.

"I'm not going anywhere Aunt May," he said. "I promise."

May smiled hesitantly and Peter looked at the door. He didn't like this. Not one bit.