Kid, tell me what happened: The Sequel

here's to never growing up

Peter Rogers was humming a tune, completely minding his own business as he put away his biology textbook in exchange for his geometry books. He was lost in his thoughts amongst the chatter and sounds echoing behind him in his eardrums, thinking about what his papa packed him for lunch when he was greeted with a harsh shove. 

Snapping him from the tranquil realm of his mind, he turned around and found himself face to face with his school’s most iconic and notorious prick, Eugene “Flash” Thompson, who also happened to be a fulltime dick and jackass. Flash wore an extremely chipper smile, which for some reason rubbed Peter the wrong way.

Just before Peter could inquire what Flash wanted from him, he spoke, “Peter, Liz wants to talk to you at the bleachers outside after school.” And before Peter could reply, he walked away rather quickly than the ideal person. 

So maybe Peter was secretly smitten for Liz Allen? Okay fine, more like Peter was head over heels for her. The idea that she, the girl of his dreams wanted to talk to him made the boy’s heart flutter. He turned around, quickly rearranging his locker before practically skipping back to class, no longer thinking about lunch but what Liz could have to tell him. 

Throughout the rest of the day, the thirteen-year-old boy felt butterflies dance in his stomach as he desperately waited for the bell to ring signaling dismissal. And soon enough, the bell rung, dismissing everyone to carry on with their normal lives. 

Peter couldn’t help but grin as he headed to the bleachers, quicking his pace slightly but not fast enough that would be weird. When he arrived near the bleachers, he found a large crowd of eight graders amongst one very own Liz Allen. He wasn’t sure why there was such a large crowd but shoved those thoughts aside as Liz turned around to look at him. 

She smiled and Peter’s heart tugged. She spoke as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, “Oh, hey Peter. Glad to see you got Flash’s message. I would’ve told you myself but I needed to speak to Mr. Harrington after class.” 

Peter replied as he rocked on his heels, nervous but didn’t know why (he did), “Oh yeah, it’s no problem.” He wasn’t sure why everyone seemed to pay close attention to their exchanges, or why Flash had his camera out but decided that it was nothing to worry about. 

“So”, Peter started, wondering more and more of all the possibilities Liz could have to say, “What did you want to tell me?” He swore he heard someone snicker in the background but mentally shrugged it off. 

Liz giggled lightheartedly, tucking another loose wisp of hair behind her other ear, “Right Peter, I’ve been meaning to ask you something.” 

Does she like me? Peter wondered. 

Liz finally continued, “What’s wrong with you?” 

Peter blinked, confused. He stammered, “W-What do you mean?” The thirteen-year-old was perplexed, there was something wrong with him?

Liz refused to meet Peter’s watering eyes as she continued, “Yeah, you only have one friend and you’re so skinny and nerdy, you’re kind of a freak. Why are you still here? You’re nothing but a loser, and why are you still here? There has to be something wrong with you, what is it?”

Tears flooded Peter’s eyes as he looked away. He was silent, fighting to steel his resolve as everyone around him waited eagerly with anticipation. Liz’s words stung and Peter faltered. He never thought of himself as any of the things that Liz had called him, but when he started to really think about it, he came to the gruesome realization that his ex-crush was correct after all. 

Then again, there did have to be a reason that Flash always went out of his way to say something crude about him. 

Suddenly, Flash laughed loudly, “Ha, the penis is the biggest freak! You thought Liz liked you? She never did! This was all a dare, just to show the entire school how pathetic and how much of a loser you are!”