It was hard to sleep that night—as it had been for the previous six nights. Maybe it was the sudden thunderstorm that swept in. To my surprise, this wasn't unusual weather for New York. Or perhaps it was the thoughts that still plagued me. That's why I only managed a couple of hours of sleep, which—even for Spider-Man-like endurance and recovery—isn't enough. But let's not indulge in whining. It's a new day, new adventures. Wake up, smile, and go forth to shape your destiny.
What a pathetic speech I just delivered, I thought, as I tidied myself up in the bathroom. Downstairs, I found the usual scene.
"Good morning, Peter," my aunt greeted me, turning to face me. "Darling, you look pale. Are you feeling alright? You know you can't hide anything from your aunt."
"Everything's fine, Auntie. I just didn't sleep well. I was thinking about the experiment, that's why I couldn't fall asleep."
"Always preoccupied with your science. You should go for walks more often—maybe talk to someone," May began her favorite topic from afar.
"If you haven't forgotten, I was out late with friends the other night. And Harry Osborn is supposed to be back at school today, if you remember him."
"Oh, Harry—good news, Peter. But I didn't mean that kind of company. Maybe... a girl?"
"Ho. Is this really what I think it is?"
"Anna Watson's niece, Mary Jane, is moving to town next school year. You might remember, you used to play together as kids. I hope you'll get along," my aunt winked. And I sat there, stunned by the sudden revelation.
Mary Jane Watson. As a Spider-Man fan, there's so much in that name. First, she's Peter Parker's love interest. Second, she was the first of the "civilians" to learn Spider-Man's secret and kept it safe under all circumstances. Thirdly—well, allow me an explanatory diagram: no one will argue that Mary Jane, Felicia Hardy, and Gwen Stacy are Peter's top three girlfriends overall.
They played the biggest roles in his life, and the feelings between him and each of those girls were the most genuine. You can't compare her to, say, Betty Brant or Carlie Cooper. So, the Gwen thing has always seemed a little vague to me.
Most sources assure us that Gwen Stacy was Peter Parker's true love, and that only her death at the hands of the Goblin (Pete's own screw-up) ruined everything that could have been. Otherwise, Pete wouldn't have even looked at MJ, or Catwoman, etc. But I've always seen Gwen Stacy as... a bridge.
No offense to all the Gwen fans—it's just the truth. In the comics, Parker actually often acted like a jerk when reflecting on Stacy. Sometimes, it was unjustified. Now I'll explain where this dislike for the blonde comes from.
Although, to be fair, I have a rather positive attitude towards some portrayals of her. Take Emma Stone's performance alone—that girl made me look at Gwen Stacy differently for the first time in my life. Or the character of Spider-Gwen, who's quite impressive. But I digress. Here's the explanation for those still confused.
Many are familiar with the idea that a person's thoughts become ingrained after their first impression. People say it's what we learn at the very beginning that sticks with us most. So, I got to know the character of Gwen Stacy, for real, the first time through the Amazing Spider-Man arc "Sins of the Past."
Anyone who understands that, I hope your questions are answered. For those who haven't, go read those geeky picture books—though I wouldn't recommend that particular piece of crap. Since then, my attitude has changed. You can also recall the jokes with the Jackal—in short, there's a lot of weird baggage associated with this lady.
Then there's Felicia Hardy. This one's simpler: she's cheerful, dynamic, not a damsel in distress, and not a weak hero. Or just a character in a suit—which already gives her a significant ability to stand up for herself. She and Parker had a long, rich history.
A blossoming romance fueled by emotional rooftop encounters (somewhat reminiscent of Batman and Selina Kyle). Either Peter couldn't accept her criminal tendencies, or she couldn't accept Peter choosing his civilian life over Spider-Man. Even after their breakups, there was always noticeable spark and flirtation between them, although they remained good friends and great partners.
That's why Black Cat was always second in line for me. And finally: in my opinion, the one who truly deserves to be called Peter Parker/Spider-Man's TRUE love is Mary Jane "MJ" Watson. Admittedly, there are some unpleasant portrayals that might fuel your dislike of her. I'm talking about the damsel in distress from Sam Raimi's trilogy; yes, Kirsten Dunst played a very... controversial role there. But this is more than offset by the depictions in the 1994 cartoon and in the comics.
That red-haired girl there is simply wow! And what can I say if the very master of the Marvel Universe, Mephisto, once made a deal, the price of which was—according to him—true and pure love between Peter and Mary. The very love that binds souls and turns two people into one; a love so powerful it could wipe away the works of God himself.
That's what the demon wanted to take. And that's why I think the connection between Peter and, say, Gwen is often overestimated. Mr. and Mrs. Parker were together for a very long time—they experienced both dazzling joy and crushing sorrow. They lost their daughter. But they never gave up on each other. Plus, redheads rule!
"Peter. Peter! Are you listening to me?"
"Yes, Aunt May. MJ, you said? I remember, and I'll be glad to see her again."
"What a joy! Honestly, I thought you'd be stubborn and avoid this topic as usual. Okay, hurry up and have breakfast, or you'll be late for school."
"Of course."
Midtown High.Yeah, life takes interesting turns sometimes. Right now, I'm standing here watching Flash Thompson harass Harry Osborn. My first thought is: Don't interfere. But I didn't expect the billionaire's son—the one I've seen in so many guises, who might someday become my enemy and for whom I harbor far fewer friendly feelings than the canon Peter Parker—to be so... helpless.
Really. I don't know what issues Thompson has with Osborn, but he couldn't possibly be choosing him as my "replacement." Could he?
"What's going on here?" I say, stepping between the athlete and the rich kid, acting as a buffer.
"Parker? I'm just saying the golden boy has forgotten a lot about how things work at home while he's been cruising around Europe."
"And what did he forget, Flash?" I ask, crossing my arms.
"I think Osborn's gotten a little too uppity for all of us, Pete," Kenny Kong chimed in.
"Where was the disrespect?" I glanced at Osborn, who was staring wide-eyed at me.
"He was flirting with Liz!" Eugene yelled.
'Aah, that's why.'
"Look, Flash, I'm sure Harry didn't know and that he's very sorry. You'll apologize to Mr. Thompson, won't you, Mr. Osborn?"
"I really didn't know, I sincerely apologize, Flash," Harry repeated like a dummy. Throwing a withering glance at Osborn and a look of respect mixed with disappointment at me, Thompson and his gang finally departed. The guy looked ready for a fistfight. The crowd of onlookers, hoping for a spectacle, also dispersed.
Only Harry and I remained. I was just about to turn toward the entrance until someone abruptly stopped me. "Pete! Is that really you!?
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