Walking the Wire | PETER PARKER [1]

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Eloise shuts her computer and leans back against the wall, anxiety levels rising. Since Monday, there has been a sudden robbery increase that's ridiculous, even for New York. Apartments, houses, banks, and stores are being broken into and gutted for money. Her apartment building hasn't been hit yet, but even the thought of someone breaking in and stealing everything stays a constant idea in her frazzled mind.

And, to make her worry double, Peter's probably out there trying to bring the criminals to justice.

Eloise runs her hands through her hair and tries to keep calm. Peter's fought aliens before; a robber's nothing. He's an Avenger, after all. Maybe he's getting training from Black Widow or Iron Man and has, like, a black belt in karate or something.

He'll be fine.

He'll be fine.

Eloise grabs her phone and dials Ned's number. He picks up almost immediately.

"Tell me that Peter's not going after the people responsible for the sudden incline of robberies."

Ned's voice, slightly muffled, says on the other end, "He is, actually."

She groans in frustration. "Then tell me that he's going to be okay."

There's a moment of silence. Then, Ned sighs. "He's going to be okay, Eloise. Don't worry."

"I'm trying," Eloise replies, closing her eyes and letting out a breath. "I just- I can't help it. I keep thinking about that fight he had against that mechanical bird-guy and how I thought he died, but then he got up, and how one of these times, he might not get back up."

"I worry about that kind of stuff, too," Ned admits. "But it's Peter's choice to go out and fight those bad guys. He chooses to protect the city, even though he knows that it might cost him his life. And that makes him that much more of a hero, you know."

"I know." Eloise glances out her window at the city. She imagines Spider-Man swinging around, webbing up bad guys and thieves. "Hey, are you busy?" She asks suddenly.

"No. Why?"

"I'm in desperate need of a stress-break from finals and Peter," Eloise explains. "You want to go catch a movie or something? I think that new Pirates of the Caribbean movie is still playing."

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Ned shows up at exactly 5:00, just like he said. He's wearing a cool black pirate hat on his head and an eyepatch. When Eloise tells him how she looks so basic and plain next to him as they wait in the line for tickets, he plucks the hat from off of his head and plops it onto hers.

The two of them, Eloise beaming at her friend who just gave her his cool hat, purchase their tickets and then buy some popcorn and M&M's.

They sit down in the middle of the theater away from the other viewers and wait for the ads to get over with. Eloise is on her phone, just scrolling, when she gets a text from Lucy.

Eloise sighs. It seems like the only reason why they ever talk anymore is for school. She doesn't remember the last time she and Lucy hung out just to have fun or enjoy each other's presence. And even when they talk about topics not relating to school, there's always a text book open in front of them.

Ned glances over at Eloise, swallowing a handful of popcorn.

"What's up?"

"My friend needs help studying," She says, standing. "I guess I'll see you-"

"Hold on," Ned stops her. "When was the last time you took some time for yourself? You're always doing stuff for your friends."

"Because they're my friends," Eloise replies. "That's what friends do."

"Come on," he persuades. "Stay and watch the movie, then go study. It's okay to have a break from everything every once in a while."

She hesitates. The lights dim and the ads on the screen fade.

"It's starting," Ned points out. "You have to stay now."

Reluctantly, Eloise sits. "Okay. But just this one time."

Ned smiles, digging around in his bucket of popcorn. She sighs and pops some M&M's in her mouth, hoping that Lucy will be fine without her. She can study on her own, right? She doesn't need Eloise there by her side; and, even if she does, she's not her only friend. It'll be okay.

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Attached Song: Laying Low by Danielle Bradbery

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