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PETER'S life without Mr. Stark was borning. However he didn't have any plans to ever see the millionaire again nor did he wish to see him again. Peter continued to go to school, excelling in biology and Spanish. Flash Thompson didn't dare lay a hand on Peter, for the fear he would have an angry Tony snapping at his heels. However, there was a small part of Peter that missed having Mr. Stark in his life. Whenever Peter was given time alone, to let his thoughts consume him, he fought a battle about accepting Mr. Stark's offer. What would his life be if he worked with Tony? However, Peter wasn't too keen on knowing. He never thought about Mr. Stark for too long. He forced himself to bottle his emotions away, especially now since he had a girlfriend.
A girlfriend? Yes, Peter had just begun dating one of the most popular girls in school, Angela Ernest. She was the typical, highschool mean-girl. The beauty of her all depended on her long, bleach blonde locks. She had the sort of hair that could make the world stop and look. But Angela hid her real beauty under a pink haze. Everything about her was pink: her short skirts, her designer handbags, and even her luxurious Mercedes was decked out in a rosy color.
The entire school was hung on the idea of the nerdy Peter Parker dating the rich, popular Angela Ernest. It didn't make sense, why would Peter ever choose a girl like her? Why would Angela ever choose a guy like him? Long story short, Angela recently went through a heart-breaking separation with her Allstar boyfriend and wanted to make him burn with jealousy. And Peter wasn't truly interested in Angela, but boy, did she know how to work her lips.
"Hey babe," A high-pitched voice intercepted Peter's silent atmosphere. He turned to face the owner of the voice and wasn't surprised to see his popping pink girlfriend. She suddenly threw herself onto him, the weight of her body colliding with his, backed Peter against his locker. Angela proceeded to press kisses all over Peter's lips and cheeks, swarming him in faux affection.
Angela soon stopped, letting Peter breathe. She held a tight grip on Peter's collared shirt, studying his facial features. "So, daddy's insisting I go to this party tonight and who am I to go alone?" She squeaked, shocked at the thought of being alone. Angela then looked up at Peter, innocently bashing her eyelids. "I need a handsome hunk of man-candy on my arm. So, what do ya say?"
Peter grinned, "Of course-" But before he could speak much more, Angela was already up and talking again.
"Great!" She clapped her hands together swiftly. "I already have a suit prepared for you. This is going to be so much fun!" Angela squealed, pulling out her phone and sending a couple of quick texts to her friends. "Daddy's gonna love you." Peter wasn't sure whether he should be pleased or worried when seeing the eager shine in Angela's eyes. He was about to question the party, but Angel was gone, sashaying down the hall. "I'll pick you up at seven." And with that final call, she was out of sight.
Peter inhaled a long sigh. He suddenly found himself questioning his choices. But before he could think much, Ned was standing right before his locker. Peter shook his head, "I know what you're going to say."
Ned raised his eyebrows, chuckling, "Oh really. Well, you got a little something." He teased, directing Peter to his right cheek. Stained on the young man's skin was a bright crimson imprint of a lip.
Peter rubbed the lipstick smudge away with the sleeve of his shirt, ignoring Ned's laughter. "Yeah, whatever man." Peter mumbled. He turned back to his locker, plucking a few textbooks for his next class. He then shut the door.
Ned and Peter walked side-by-side to their classes, dodging the rowdy students that were infecting the hallways. "So," Ned began with a sly expression on his face. "You're going to the Extravagance Ball tonight?" He questioned with an undetermined look.
Peter's forehead crinkled as a frown formed on his face. "Why do you say it like that?" He continued walking but he was caught on Ned's previous statement. He made it sound like going to this dance was a bad thing. When Angela brought up the idea of a party, Peter simply thought they were going to a homecoming thing.
"Like what?" Ned pretended to be oblivious to the fact that he was hiding his opinion. When he received an irritated eye roll from his friend, he decided to confess. "Fine, the Extravagant Ball is a gathering that takes place every year for the city's richest," Ned informed with a smile creeping on his lips. "In other words, it's a dance only for the rich folk."
Ned knew this piece of information would make Peter's head spin. He knew that Peter didn't blend into crowds easily, especially if they were filthy rich. Ned also knew Peter was as awkward as a newborn giraffe. It would be a miracle if he went the night without embarrassing himself. Ned grinned viciously, "Good luck." He chuckled before breaking away to go to his class.
Peter nodded enthusiastically, trying to hide his fear with humor. But deep down, stirring in his blood, was one riveting emotion. Fear. But it wasn't the fear of being clumsy in front of rich men or the fear of embarrassing Angela Ernest. It was the dark, emotional fear that he would see Tony Stark again.
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