Forever and Always (Peter Parker)

Chapter 39

"Bri, thank God you're back. These two losers are getting on my nerves," MJ says about Peter and Ned, while giving me a hug. "How are you doing?" she asks nervously.

I chuckle and step back from the hug, "I'm doing okay. I've missed you guys." I step forward and hug Ned.

It's my first day back at Midtown High. I debated on whether or not I should go back, but I need to graduate from high school. I just want to get back to as normal as possible, even though normal isn't really a possibility anymore in my life.

"We've missed you too," Ned says. Me and Peter make eye contact, and he smiles at me. I give him a half-grin back. I've just felt so awkward and weird around Peter the last few weeks. I just want to tell him how I feel, but at the same time, I don't. Because every time I want to, something bad happens or something comes up.

I know, I know. I had plenty of time to tell him after my accident sophomore year, but... Yeah, I don't really have an excuse for that. I'm just a wimp.

Thankfully, the bell rings just in time to stop the awkwardness. "There's the bell. Gotta go. See you guys later," I say, walking off quickly towards Anatomy and Physiology.

Peter's POV

"Is she okay?" Ned asks me after MJ walks off.

My face turns sad watching her walk off. I know how badly she's hurting right now. I wish there was more I could do, but it's like she's shutting me out.

"I don't know... I'm worried about her," I say to Ned.

"Maybe you should talk to her after school. See if she wants to hangout or something," Ned suggests.

I guess that couldn't hurt. I've been wanting to tell her how I feel about her, but I just haven't thought it's the right time. It's only been a month since Mr. Stark died... and I miss him too. Terribly... She's also really upset about Natasha and Cap. When Cap left to put the stones back, he stayed in the past and didn't come back until he was older. She was happy he found happiness, but I know it hurt her... She's lost so many people close to her. She's lost her family.

I pull my phone out and text her about after school.

Me: Hey, wanna hangout after school?

It takes her a couple minutes to respond, but she finally does.

Bri: Sure.

I hope she's okay. I mean, I know she isn't, but I just... I want her to know that I'm here for her and not shut me out. Doesn't she know by now how much I care about her? Well, love her...I guess it's my fault for never saying anything. I just am worried she just wants to be friends, and I'll screw everything up if I tell her I love her.

Back to Bri's POV

I'm not going to lie. I'm happy that Peter asked me to hangout after school, but I just hate the tension between us right now. And it's all my fault because I don't know how to just say my feelings. I guess I get that from Dad...

As soon as I walk into the classroom, everyone's eyes shoot towards me. I feel my cheeks get hot, so I hurry to an empty seat near the back. Why am I so worried about a bunch of stupid high schoolers? I'm a freaking Avenger. But they don't know that.

I keep my head down as best I can until the most annoying person decides to bother me.

"Hey, Brianna. I'm sorry about your dad," Flash says, acting genuinely sympathetic.

"Thanks, Flash," I say back.

He pauses for a moment, but then says, "So does that mean you're gonna be like the next Iron Woman?"