The Masks we Hide Behind || Peter Parker [1]

forty-three: the ned factor

It's been about a week since I found out Peter is the Spider-Man. The next day at school following the incident was horrible - I saw him with his stupid grin standing at my locker and I froze. All I could see was the mask, and I don't know why it's freaking me out so much. So, I do what I always do - I become a dramatic little asshole and avoid him. Because that's all I know how to do. ----

How do you even bring something like this up?! 'Oh, hey, by the way, Peter, I know you're the Spider-Man. And how do I know? Because I'm the Spider-Woman, dummy! Haha!' No! I can't say that. Well, obviously I wouldn't say it like that, but...oh, whatever, I hope you know what I mean.

Anyways, like I was saying, I'm so freaked out by the fact that he's the Spider-Man. He's been risking his life to save random innocent people, right by my side. Whatever. We've been over this. After a week, Ned and MJ started to pick up, especially MJ, however Ned is the first to say anything. And, unfortunately, that's happening right now. At my locker, because where else would anyone approach me about something serious? Right. I'll carry on.

"Madelyn."

"Madelyn, now? Am I in trouble?" I chuckle as I fish through my backpack for a pencil.

"You're acting weird again."

"Weird? I'm acting weird? How am I acting weird?" I lie and chew on the inside of my cheek nervously.

"Okay, well, for starters, you have completely avoided Peter at all costs...lunch has been super awkward, dude. I mean, you won't even look at Peter." Ned continues, leaning against the locker next to mine. I look up from my backpack and suppress a sigh.

"Everything's fine."

"Obviously not!" He exclaims.

"Look..." I start, trying to word out what I'm about to tell him in my mind.

"Something...happened between Peter and I. It's no big deal, okay? Everything's fine and dandy."

"God, Mads, this...this is s-such bullshit!" Ned exclaims, however he's quiet. I'm surprised and I almost flinch as I glance at Ned.

"You keep getting mad and upset for no reason at all. The least you could do is confront the problem with Peter. I'm tired of spectating." He spits out, his eyes wide as he stares at the floor. Guilt sparks in me, and my gaze softens as I stare at the boy, who's struggling with what to say without exploding on me. He shuts his eyes and sighs.

"I'm sorry." He starts, but his eyes fly back open. "No, wait, I'm not sorry, I...look, just. Okay. I'm losing my temper. Give me a minute." Ned continues before chewing on his bottom lip. I chuckle softly.

"No, no. You're right. I'm the one who should be sorry. This isn't fair for you, or MJ, or...Peter. I just need to get my shit straight." I mutter. "It's just...complicated."

"It always seems complicated, doesn't it?" Ned responds. I fall quiet.

"I'm sorry - " Ned starts.

"Don't be. There's no excuse for it." I murmur softly. God, if only you knew.

When the bell sounds through the hallways of Midtown, Ned and I depart to our first class in silence. Surely, our art class would be an awkward start to my day.

As I sit down in my stool next to Ned, my mind races, but every thought that comes across my mind has something to do with Peter. And with that, comes guilt.

I hang my head down onto the table with a groan. Today is going to be a very long day.