EWSG Spidey - 2 - A Warning

Brooklyn Visions Academy, home of the gifted minds of New York.

 

As reassuring as that probably sounds, there's not much truth to that statement.

 

Physics class, for example, it doesn't really benefit anyone who doesn't read the book. As our daily assignments consist of filling out papers on Mythbusters episodes and the occasional graphing.

 

I sit quietly in class reading the Physics textbook, simultaneously filling out the paper with gibberish.

 

If they wanted me to fill this out, maybe show something a bit more up to science than asking if someone can catch a bullet in their mouth.

 

At that moment, a thought quickly entered and exited my mind.

 

There's no way that I could--but could I?

 

I gave my parents enough of a scare by not coming home on time last Friday. But you've really got to blame the bank robbers in this situation.

 

The bell rings, I close my book and survey my paper. Several lines in scribbles that emerge from the provided answer space, it's admittedly not my best work.

 

I slide my chair out from the table and quickly toss my assignment on the desk.

 

The one thing I like about this school, in particular, is the lack of your average 1000+ students. It's like we know each other, which is great. Until it gets to the time of year where drama spews from every crevice in the building. That's when it gets hard to tolerate.

 

I now stroll to my locker hoping to find something to bring to my next class to help pass the time.

 

Before I can grab the key from my pocket, someone greets me from the corner.

 

Ganke Lee: "Hey, man."

 

I look up to find the guy's face abnormally red. I hope he's breathing.

 

Ganke Lee: "I know--I know you're Spide-"

 

I quickly pounce to cut him off by covering his mouth. Shaking my head. We now talk in whispers.

 

Miles: "How do you--"

 

Ganke Lee: "Funnh--"

 

I realize I had left my hand over his mouth, I quickly wipe my hand on the side of my pants and try to tune into what he's saying.

 

Ganke Lee: "I'm your neighbor!"

 

Miles: "Oh. That still explains nothing."

 

Ganke Lee: "I saw a guy in red and blue spandex crawl into an open window next door. You know, if you need some kind of hideout I have a great-"

 

Miles: "I think we're good how we are now."

 

Ganke Lee: "I'm a huge Spider-Man fan, so, I just thought that the other guy got a costume change, but he didn't! You're the new guy!"

 

Miles: "Yeah, I am, and I'd appreciate it if you didn't spread it around like a virus."

 

We both pause as the bell rings. I can't let him go now, he knows my secret and is probably crumbling on the inside from excitement.

 

Miles: "So, who are you?"

 

Ganke Lee: "I'm Ganke Lee."

 

He shoots his hand towards me, I reluctantly put my hand out as his sweaty hand quickly grabs hold of mine and firmly shakes it.

 

Miles: "Exciting, huh?"

 

Ganke Lee: "Heck yeah. I know Spider-Man!"

 

I try to pull my hand from his grip until it is soon released as Ganke realizes he's been blocking off the blood flow.

 

Ganke Lee: "So, it's probably time to go to class but I haven't even shown you what I've needed to."

 

I'm going to be late. So late. It's going on my record and straight to my parents, I'm dead already.

 

Miles: "What is it?"

 

I say with one of my last calm breaths.

 

Ganke pulls out a newspaper clipping from his pocket.

 

Ganke: "Painter of a Thousand Perils Predicts Arachnid Annihilation."

 

He points at a picture of a street artist, the photo is dated October 1st, 2015. It depicts a man laying on the ground, charred. It looks like Peter Parker. Along with a man in green laying beside him. The artist titled it "Spider-Man: The End."

 

Miles: "It's weird, but what's it have to do with me?"

 

Ganke: "You don't get it, do you, Miles? Spider-Man died on October 8th, 2015! He died in an explosion alongside god knows how many other people."

 

Miles: "They didn't find the bodies, though, and most of the building was entangled afterward, just in time for demolition crews to get it all down."

 

Ganke: "I don't like being the pessimist but I think he's gone. For good."

 

He flips the clipping to reveal another painting.

 

Ganke: "And I think he's predicted that you'll be gone too."

 

The painting is dated November 11th, 2016. A red and blue suit is curled in a ball, a pipe had been thrusted through the chest of it. Blood forms the title of "Fate".

 

I back up in disbelief. I look at Ganke in disgust and quickly run to my next class.

 

Everything slows down, my chest hurts. I know I didn't exactly believe the painting of the last Spider-Man. But I can't die now, what've I even done yet?

 

I've only begun this. I turn and continue to the closest bathroom, shut myself in a stall and think.

 

Spider-Man died on October 8th, the painting was October 1st, that gives me a week. Right?

 

The mental math adds up, November 18th. My due date.

 

A thought comes to mind, just don't be Spidey. It's just a week, then you get to prove that guy wrong.

 

Easy... Right?

Done