Spider-Man and the Red Dahlia

Chapter 2

7 AM. At least in Russia I didn't have to get up this early.

     I throw the sheets off me and sit up. I really don't feel like going to school today, but I make myself get up and brush my hair. I pick out some clothes and quickly put them on, heading downstairs for breakfast.

     My brother, Asher, is sitting at the table, scrolling through his phone. His dark hair is messy, and his eyes look tired. Nothing out of the ordinary.

     I open the fridge and look for the butter, but I can't find it. I sigh and turn to Asher, but in the corner of my eye I see the butter sitting on the counter. 'Put the butter back in the fridge when you're done with it.'

     'Where were you last night?'

     'What do you mean?' I ask, starting to make myself breakfast.

     'I came into your room last night and you weren't there.' I hear him put his phone down. 'Where were you?'

     I don't even know what I'm supposed to say now. I'd never imagined my brother just walking into my room like that. 'Why were you in my room?'

     'That's not the point, Mal.'

     I grab my plate and sit down opposite him at the table. 'Why do you care?'

     'Because-' I stare him dead in the eyes. He knows I don't like talking about what happened. I made clear to everyone I didn't want any additional questions after the interview either. 'I'm worried about you.'

     'There's nothing to be worried about. I can take care of myself.'

     'Can you?'

     'Excuse me?'

     He opens his mouth to say something, but our little sister and mom enter the kitchen and he shuts up. At least he's not a snitch, but that's only because I've got way too much leverage on him. I know he sneaks someone into the house every now and then. I've never actually seen her and Asher doesn't want to talk about it, but he also really doesn't want mom and dad to know.

     'Good morning.' I greet my little sister and mom. Katherine's hair is almost white. Mine used to be like that too. She's like a mini me. Mom dresses her up like me, too. Sometimes it's like Katherine is here to make up for the time she lost with me.

     'Good morning, sweethearts. How did you sleep?'

     'Fine.' Asher answers, an irritated tone in his voice.

     I get up from my chair, my sandwich still in my mouth. I set my plate on the counter and grab my sandwich so I can speak. 'I'm gonna head to school early. See you tonight.' I put the bread back between my teeth, putting on my shoes and heading out the door with my bag on my back.

     School's only a few blocks away. It takes me about two or three minutes to get there on foot. It would be ten seconds - probably less than that - if I flew, but I can't risk anyone seeing me land.

     I walk up the steps and into the large building. My locker is a mess and I take out some books, placing them on the floor as I sort everything out and put the right books in my bag.

     'Hey, Mal.' I turn around and smile as Peter and Ned walk by. I drop a few books and Peter quickly catches them. How did he do that? He hands the books back to me. 'Thanks.'

     'Uh, no problem.' He says, walking along with Ned, who whispers something at him. Peter hits him on his arm and I hear him say, 'Shut up.'

     I have had a crush on Peter ever since the start of the school year. He wasn't in any of my classes before so I didn't really know him. I often saw Flash talking to him and thought he was cute, but I sometimes talk to Peter now and he's actually a really great guy. A lot of my friends would disagree. Peter isn't cool. He's a nerd, as they would say. But I don't give a shit. They said being in a band wasn't cool either, and now they all want us to play something for them.