The Void

Chapter 7 - Parker's Friends

(Your POV):
"You sure you're alright, we some grouchier than normal?" Parker asked me as we sat in physics together. Unfortunately we actually had a planned lesson today, instead of just having time in class to work on our projects. Even so, Parker decided to join me in the back of the classroom, as though he was determined to annoy me.

I sent him a glare, "I'm just tired, I was up late completing my homework and didn't get much sleep."

"Really? I was fine with getting everything down and we have almost the same schedules."

"Yes, well, you don't take honors English now do you? We have an essay due soon and I promised Mrs. Winterhalter a draft today. Not to mention our unnecessarily long FaceTime to get those stupid questions done," I retorted, taking a sip of my coffee. Diffusing the blame onto the nosy person was the best defense mechanism I knew because it usually made them guiltily shut up. Usually.

"You could have told me you had a draft due today, I would've been fine just finishing up those questions on my own. I doubt Ms. Warren would have noticed."

"God, will you just shut up? I'm trying to pay attention to the lesson," I hissed, angry at Parker for being so goddamned nice all the damned time.

"Peter, (Y/N), is everything alright back there?" Ms. Warren demanded, glaring over in our direction.

"Everything's fine, Ms. Warren," I replied, shooting Parker a look as I focused my attention on her and whatever it was she was trying to teach us.

After an extremely dull Chemistry class, which only ever entertained me when Mr. Harrington mixed the wrong two chemicals together (which happened way more often than it should), I began to make my way to the library for lunch before getting stopped my Parker.

"Hey, (Y/N), I-I was thinking that we could discuss the plans for our catapult during lunch, that way you, uh, could be saved another late night," he proposed, looking rather hopeful.

Suppressing an eye roll, I responded, "well I normally eat lunch in the library. If you care to join me, we can get some work done there."

He shifted uncomfortably on his feet, "oh, um, well I already promised Ned I would be in the cafeteria today. I was kinda hoping you would be willing to eat with us there?"

"I am sure we'll be able to finish our work this weekend, I don't think lunch will be necessary-"

"I may not be available the entire weekend, this might just be easier. The cafeteria isn't that bad, I promise."

I opened my mouth to argue, but was interrupted by Ned coming over to ask Parker if he was coming to lunch. Parker looked up at me expectantly and I found myself sighing, giving into his wishes just this once. As we walked to the cafeteria, I lingered slightly behind the two boys, feeling like an outsider to their close friendship. Parker seemed to notice and glanced back at me, encouraging me to join them. I hung back however, despite his nonverbal invitation.

As we entered the cafeteria, Parker and Ned immediately led me over to a table where Michelle Jones and Harry Osborn were already seated. Michelle I hardly knew, except for her being in my English class, whereas Harry I knew quite well. He was one grade above us, but as Norman Osborn's son, I was required to learn about Harry as he would be taking over Oscorp and consequently H.A.M.M.E.R once his father died. I tentatively sat across from Parker and next to Ned, noting the odd looks that from Parker's friends.

"(Y/N), this is MJ and Harry," Parker introduced, causing me to roll my eyes.

"Just because I never talk to them doesn't mean that I don't pick up on the names of my classmates," I retorted, pulling out my food to eat.