𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝐁𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐝 | p. parker

iii • you can't run from fate

May had lied when she told you Peter was failing most of his classes.

He was failing all of them.

You flicked through the due-date page on Peter's box computer and saw missing after missing assignment. If he kept this up, he would never graduate.

You were sitting at the small desk in the living room of Peter's apartment. May had insisted you come by to help that weekend at the latest.

You finished scrolling and glanced sideways at Peter. He was sitting as still as the chair beneath him, frozen in place.

"Okay," You sighed. "What do you want to work on first?"

He didn't move.

You were so uncomfortable. Why hadn't you turned May down?

"How about writing? Mr. Hargreaves says he'll accept anything from the start of the year."

After a moment of silence he finally said something.

"Okay."

He must hate this as much as I do. You thought.

You pulled up the first assignment and read it aloud to him. "Oedipus Rex was a play written by Sophocles in 429 BC. Your task is to read it and write a two page essay on what you think the moral of the story is."

Peter let out a sigh and slumped in his chair.

"Come on, this is easy." You encouraged him. "Have you read it?"

"No." His answer was barely audible.

"Lucky for you, I studied Oedipus Rex all last year; I can just summarize it for you."

Peter raised an eyebrow.

After an awkward pause, waiting for him to object, you decided to just start. Doing something was easier than doing nothing. You readjusted in your chair and began to summarize the story.

Peter stayed quiet the entire time.

Right as you were finishing up, May walked through the front door. "Peter, I'm home." She called, locking the door behind her. Then she turned and saw you. "___!"

You waved awkwardly and tried to continue the story, but May bustled over to the two of you, her bag swinging on her arm and her brown coat flapping.

She caught Peter in a hug, and then pulled you in as well. You could feel your face burning with embarrassment.

"Thank you for coming! Should I order burgers?" May let the two of you go and nodded. "I'll order burgers. What do you like on yours?"

You stammered an order out, not knowing how else to respond, and turned back to Peter as she walked into the kitchen.

"Keep going, you two! A's don't earn themselves!"

Taking the back of your chair in your hand, you contemplated sitting back down again, but then May turned the sink on in the kitchen and began singing some country tune.

Out of the corner of your eye you saw Peter cringe.

"Um," You chewed the inside of your cheek. "Is there anywhere else we can do this? You know, away from..." You gestured vaguely towards the kitchen, only to realize Peter couldn't see your hand. "From the noise?"

Peter didn't say anything; he stood and lifted a hand up to touch the wall. Gripping the railing attached for his benefit, he made his way down the hall.

You picked up your things and followed.

Peter's room was surprisingly clean. You were sure May must have helped him.