Ultimate Spider-Man: My Iron Heart

Chapter 8: Snow Day Birthday

I was in my room, sitting on my window ledge as I stared outside to see the small snowdrops fall. I let out a sad sigh for today wasn't the happiest.

It's my birthday. And yet I'm sad. Why? Well, for starters, my father decided to take a few days off and have his own vacation. Without me. Not to mention this will be my first Christmas break without my mom. And my first birthday without her.

I remember that every year I would visit her in the hospital and we'd laugh and joke and watch holiday movies all day long. I really missed those days.

Not caring at the moment, I let a small tear shed down my face. After a few deep breaths I gathered the courage to try and make this a happy situation by calling Danny.

I got out my phone and dialed his number. It rang for a few seconds until he picked up.

"Hey Danny. What cha up to?" I asked, trying to cover up my cracking voice.

"Hanging with the others. What are you up to?" He asked.

"Um, heh, you know... chillin'... at home. Heh." I lightly chuckled as I rubbed my eyes to keep the tears at bay.

"Ari, is something wrong?" He asked. I could easily hear the worry in his voice. I sighed in defeat.

"Look, I'm not gonna lie to you. It's just, my dad left for his own vacation so I'm home alone. And... well... thinking about mom again. It's my first holiday without her." I said sadly as I let the tears fall.

"I understand this hard for you. I would come over but I'm busy at the moment, along with the others. I'm sorry. But I promise to make it up to you when I return." I could easily tell there was a smile on his face which made me smile.

"You always do."

"And Ari, thank you for telling me."

"Of course. I trust you. You're the only person that really makes me happy." I stated.

"Is that so?"

"Very. Thanks. I needed this."

"No problem. And Ari, happy birthday."

My eyes widen as they filled with tears of happiness. "Y-you know it's... how?"

"You told me before. Did you forget?" I could hear him laugh on the other end as I blushed in embarrassment.

"N-no... maybe... yes." I laughed. "Whatever. I'll talk to you later and we'll figure something out to do later when you get back." I said.

"Sure. Bye, Ari."

"Bye." I hung up and let out a deep breath that I didn't know I was holding. I guess even though I warmed up to him, he still leaves me flustered and breathless at time.

Now that I think about it, I could use this day to do something that mom and I would always do when I was young and I can leave without dad getting at my throat.

I remember when I was little that mom and I would go ice skating sometimes when she was well enough to leave the hospital for a bit. We always had fun times, laughing as the other fell down and sipping on warm drinks. It was the best.

So that's what I decided to do. I got dressed in comfy clothes and put on a long fluffy winter coat that went to my knees and put on my shoes. I then headed out into the cold city as the wind blew through my hair and made my way to a nearby ice skating rink.

But, I ran into a little problem. Ok, a BIG problem! There was a huge a monster made of living sand coming straight towards the city. Though I could see a small outline of the heros surrounding the... sand-man... thing? Either way I was filming the whole situation.