Within The Web [Spider-Man]

Spider-Man #1

"You're going to be late. You're going to be late Valerie." I finished jerking the hairbrush through my brunette hair and proceeded to the kitchen, grabbing the homemade coffee off the counter and taking a quick sip. "Ew. I've really got to start going to Starbucks. This coffee tastes like it came from the dollar store." Oh, that's right. It did. Working as the assistant editor for the Daily Bugle is great, honestly, I love it. But, I feel like I am living off of minimum wage. Besides, living in an apartment in downtown Manhattan is not cheap and because of my low salary, I end up with dollar store coffee.

As I was exiting through the tinted glass doors of the contemporary apartment building, the door stopped short, swinging back in my face. The coffee in my hand hit the door and spilled all over my white blouse. "You're kidding me right!" I yelled out, already in frustration of running late. A light chestnut tint appeared on my blouse, covering my chest. Of course, the one time I break the unspoken law of wearing white after Labor Day, this is what I get. Before I sulked in my own pity, I heard a groan coming from the other side of the door. I walked around and noticed a man holding his nose, fighting back the tears forming. Quickly, my problems were put behind and I expressed my apologies. "Oh my gosh, I am so sorry! Are you okay?"

The man moved his hand away from his face, revealing his slightly attractive features. He brushed his thick brown hair out of his unusually dark hazel eyes. "Wow, that really hurt." He said gently rubbing his nose. "Yeah, I'm okay. Are you?"

I glanced down at my now tinted shirt and sighed. "Yeah, I'm fine. Thank you."

"No, let me pay for a new shirt. It's all my fault. I shouldn't have been standing in the way like I was."

"Don't worry about it. I probably bought it at the thrift store down the street anyway." I chuckled, pointing behind me. Wow, he seemed like a very genuine guy. I was shocked. I did not know someone could as forgiving in Manhattan or in New York if anywhere.

"You shop there too?" His eyes lightened up. "I thought I was the only one to ever have done something like that, especially since I live in the big, expensive New York City."

"No, you aren't the only one. I shop there all the time. Ever since I had to move in this apartment to work at the Daily Bugle, I have been doing my best to make it. The rent is so expensive and I barely have any extra money. Honestly, in the last few months the thrift store has become my best friend."

"Wait, you work at the Daily Bugle? I actually do too. I am the photographer for the newspaper. But, I know exactly what you mean. Jameson should pay us more for the overtime we are forced to work."

"Exactly! I'm glad I'm not the only one to think it's time for a raise. And yeah, I became assistant editor in the last few months."

"Well, congratulations! I guess with our busy schedules we have never really seen each other around."

"Thank you! I know, Jameson has me glued to my computer editing literally all day and I bet he has you out looking for a story even longer."

"Maybe so, but I love what I do and that's what makes it worth it."

"I agree. If it wasn't for my passion of writing, I would be out looking for a higher paying job." I scoffed.

"Oh, me too." I let out a brisk laugh and the sound of cars moving in and out of the area were all we could hear. I began to speak, but the twenty-something man spoke up. "Hey, why don't I walk you to the Daily Bugle? I was just heading back, but I wouldn't mind getting a little more exercise." He seemed like the person who would not take no for an answer. Lucky for him, I would say yes either way.

"Um, yeah sure, but I really hate for you to turn right back around." I straightened up my blouse and black jeans, and got ready to take off.

"I don't mind. It's the least I can do." He reflected a light smile that sent butterflies fluttering in my stomach.