The New Amazing

Tough Crowd

I went up, up, up, onto the roof of one of the tallest buildings, farther than anyone could see. I had already set up my somewhat professional camera on a contraption of webs earlier that day, waiting for the right time to swoop in and take a great picture. Using momentum, I swung myself far into the sky and let myself fall back down. I shot a web and detached it from my wrist, letting it hit the camera in order to take my picture over and over. I then looked at the filter, mentally applauding myself. They were frame by frame pictures of me landing in a crouch, looking ready to save the day, as usual.

As Peter Parker, I brought the shots I thought made me look my best to my, what you would call, boss. I actually only worked commision and didn't even have a permanent spot at the Daily Bugle, but hey, it paid enough for me to buy some milk and one pair of socks every other week. I waited in front of the elevator along with a crowd of other people. To my disappointment, there was "no more room" as my rival Spider-Man photographer, Ned Leeds, had said with a smirk. I waved to him as the doors closed, then headed quickly for the stairs.

I took the steps five at a time, gliding up the 13 flights with ease. I walked quickly toward my boss's office and stopped at the secretary's desk for a moment. "Betty Brant," I cooed, leaning over the beauty's desk. "Hi Peter," she answered, trying to hide her smile. "How's Jameson today?" I asked, my face still close to hers.

"Same as always," she replied, "off his meds and angry as ever."

"Perfect," I answered, looking into her eyes. "Good thing you're here." She giggled furiously and buzzed Jameson as I leaned back to stand straight again. "Mr. Jameson? Peter's here to see you."

"Who?" replied a gravely voice. Betty rolled her eyes, "Peter Parker, sir." There was silence on the line. I looked to the right where his office was, made of glass and perfectly see through. I wiggled my fingers, waving at the unamused man. The only relpy from the intercom was, "Oh." I took that as encouragement to come on in.

I strolled into his office and spread out two pictures, one of Spider-Man in a heroic looking leap and the other of him shooting a web at the camera, giving it that 3D effect. Jameson didn't look at them but managed to spit out the word, "Garbage," as he typed furiously at his keyboard.

"What do you mean?" I exclaimed. "You didn't even look at them!" He finally looked up at me. "I could tell by your arrogant smile that they were garbage."

"I always have an arrogant smile," I reasoned. "It's my persona." I waved my hand, gesturing to myself.

"Exactly," he said, a look of boredom washing over his face.

"C'mon James-" He gave me a look that said he could kick me out in the next three seconds if he wanted to. And I could tell he did. "Mr. Jameson, I worked really hard on these. That spider never stops moving."

He sighed before finally taking a look, his brow furrowing. "So what do you think?" I asked. "He looks heroic, doesn't he?"'

Jameson shook his head, "Looks like he's about to strike. I'll take them."

"What do you mean 'about to strike'? Spider-Man isn't a bad guy, he's trying to help."

"You think just because you take a few lousy pictures that you and this Spider-guy are best pals?"

"Well, no, but-"

"I'll give you fifty bucks," he interupted.

"Fifty?! Those are worth at least one- hundred!"

He sighed and tossed the pictures across the desk to me. "If they were better, maybe. Do you want the money or not?"

I quickly said, "Yea, I'll take it," before he changed his mind and threw me out.

He buzzed for Betty, saying, "Brant, handle Parker." She looked through the glass and smiled mischievously, "With pleasure, sir."

Jameson grunted and shooed me out of his office just as the elevator doors opened, Ned stomping out. "Here you go, sweetie," said Betty. She handed me fifty dollars but didn't let go of the bills at first. She stared into my eyes until I couldn't look back anymore. I turned my gaze down toward the money in our hands.

Betty was sweet and all, but I didn't actually want anything from her relationship-wise. I didn't want a relationship at all, in fact. Not unless I turned back the clock and saved the girl I loved like I should have. Like I vowed to do with every citizen in this city. I may not have rescued Gwen Stacy, but I vowed on our love that I would never let anyone get hurt because of me again.