Once in a lifetime

Chapter 2

Switch to Peter's POV

Mrs. Potts takes me into a large office overlooking the Manhattan skyline. She looks very professional which only makes me more uncomfortable. I pull at my collar, I don't belong here: in this building, in this outfit... Never have I realize how much I miss the spandex when I'm not in it.

The woman gracefully takes a seat on the opposite side of the desk in the center of the room. I mimic and straighten my tie. Sincerely, the red-haired woman smiles, "You look nervous Mr. Parker."

I let out a short laugh, "I'm sorry, it's just I never thought that I would be here," I gestured at the entire office. She reassured me that if I have gotten this far, there is no reason to worry.

"Now, Mr. Parker— "

"Peter."

"What?"

"Uh, you can just call me Peter if you want," I responded while mentally slapping myself.

The edges of her lips curved, "Okay, Peter, please verify what school you go to?

"Midtown High School, I specialize in science there."

"How old are you?"

"16," I respond, "I don't mean to be rude Mrs. Potts, but why are you asking me these questions, I'm sure you already know these things?"

Mrs. Potts arranged what looks like my file on the desktop, "You are absolutely right, but this is just typical procedure, okay?" I nod sheepishly. "So, lets skip all that boring stuff, do you have a criminal record?" I resist the urge to laugh out loud. I basically have the opposite of a criminal record.

"Nope."

"Any hobbies?"

"Hmm... photography, any kind of physical activity, skateboarding, inventing i guess..."

"Good, now this is a very important question: At Stark Industries, we are well aware that our owner is Tony Stark aka Iron Man. Are you simply applying for this job because you believe that you will get to interact with Iron Man?"

At this, I am almost disgusted, "Oh my god, no. I would never take advantage of an opportunity like this! Believe me, Tony Stark and all of his works have been my idol since before he was... well you know."

She laughs and pushes some golden hair behind her neck, "Oh he would love to hear that... Perfect answer. Next, why exactly do you want to work here at Stark Industries?"

I ruminate this for a moment. "Well, I have always been a huge science and computer nerd, and seeing what this company has done with green energy and engineering is really inspiring. My father was Richard Parker, a geneticist, and even though I barely remember him, science always makes me feel close to him. Er... I am a little bit of an inventor myself and I feel that I have what it takes to bring something new and innovative to this field. Also, um, my Uncle Ben died about a year ago but before he did he told me that with great power comes great responsibility. I know that I have the ability to change lives and I must utilize that to make a difference."

She seemed impressed, "That was a great answer, Peter... anything else add?"

I chuckled and rub a hand on the back of my neck, "Nah, I think that's everything..."

Pepper Potts stands up and shakes my hand, "You know Peter, I have one more interview to do, but I really think that you're the one. The others are so snobby and sophisticated. Whereas you... I don't know, but you did great."

I can't suppress the goofy smile, "Oh wow, thank you so much!"

"Just a tip, though, I can tell you aren't usually one to wear a suit with hair slicked back. You don't have to dress fancy like that anymore." She smirks and I suddenly feel like talking to her more.

"Can do, Mrs. Potts." She leads me out of the office, down the silent workspace, and back to the elevator. With a polite farewell she turns the other way and promises to email me soon. Just before the elevator reaches me I call back, "Wait! I have a question for you."

A little bit surprised, Mrs. Potts turns around, "Yes?"

"What is your job here... er... do you have any relation with Mr. Stark?"

Her head tilts back in a long laugh, "Relation?" she puts on a devilish grin, "I'm married to the jerk."

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