Arachnid: A New Turn

[Peter's POV]

After the introduction and the teacher's permission, the girl took her seat almost in the center of the middle row. 

Naturally, everyone started whispering about the new girl, and some of the guys even made dirty jokes.

However, what really bothered me was the list of students. 

There were a few names on it that I really didn't like: Cindy Moon, Miles Morales, and now, obviously, Gwen Stacy.

First, I'm definitely not in the familiar canonical comic world, and that kind of ruined my mood.

Lost in such thoughts, I didn't even notice when the lesson ended.

...

After Physics, I quickly approached Gwen, who hadn't quite settled in yet, and offered to be her guide for the tour.

That's how we got to know each other. 

During our walk around the school, we started talking. 

It turned out that she had moved here with her father, a police officer in the New York Police Department. 

Her mother had left them, remarried some banker, and ran off to start a new life, leaving her daughter and ex-husband behind.

Also, at lunch, we sat at the same table with Miles. He didn't expect it, but he was happy for the company.

"By the way, Miles, you don't know Gwen, she's new." 

I decided to introduce them.

"Yeah, honestly, I'm not really familiar with you either, Peter. But it's still nice to meet you, Gwen."

"Well, we'll catch up if you're okay with my..." 

I glanced at Gwen, "...our company."

"As you can see by the number of people at this table, I don't have many friends, so I'd be happy to make new ones." 

Miles said, slightly embarrassed.

"Then—" 

I raised an apple juice "...to new friends!" 

Miles, smiling, and Gwen, slightly embarrassed, both joined in on the toast.

...

I sat by the window, reflecting on what had happened. 

Gwen, sitting next to me, and Miles, who was in front, were intensely discussing something, probably quantum physics.

"Pete, what do you think?" 

Gwen called to me.

"Oh, I agree with you on the charged alpha particles, sorry, Miles, but the gamma radiation direction in this branch is a dead end. It's better to delve into cosmic radiation."

"Ugh, you're only saying that because Reed Richards' space expedition was a success, giving him and his team superpowers."

"Maybe." 

I said with a mysterious grin.

"So, a tour to the Oscorps, whose scientific department works on gamma radiation, doesn't interest you at all?" 

Gwen clarified.

"I didn't say that. I only proved that the direction of gamma radiation is a dead end when it comes to finding a safe alternative energy for everyday use by regular peo..."

"Alright, enough with the conversation. We're here." 

The teacher announced.

Before me stood a huge multi-story tower, with the "Oscorp" logo proudly displayed at the top.

We walked through the security post and were immediately greeted by the tour guide.

"Hello, dear students. We are delighted to welcome you to the laboratories of Oscorp, where everyday discoveries are made that advance not only science but all of humanity! Who knows, maybe one of you will work here in the future. Well then, let's begin the tour."

Wow, what a speech.

The passion was overwhelming. If I didn't know the head of this shady company, I'd probably think about working here. 

Of course, it's not very fair to judge the whole herd by one rotten sheep, but as they say, a fish rots from the head down. 

Since the head of Oscorp is Norman f*cking Osborn, I'll stay as far away from all of this as possible.

First, we were shown the department developing alternative energy sources based on that very gamma radiation. 

Bruce Banner would've appreciated this, but I believe the future of this field lies in cosmic radiation.

Next was the department developing weapons for the military.

The last and most important stop was the Department of Biological Testing. 

Honestly, my palms started to sweat, and my heart rate quickened.

"Are you okay?" 

Gwen noticed my state.

"Yeah, just a bit tired, maybe from the overload of events?" 

I joked a bit to lighten the mood.

"Well then, this is our pride, the display with twelve genetically modified spiders."

"Excuse me, but there are only eleven." 

Cindy Moon pointed out.

"Strange, maybe the last one was taken for research. Well, our tour is coming to an end, take a look around and we'll be leaving."

Well, the moment of truth. 

I look around. 

Miles and a few other students are standing in the distance, photographing the spectral analyzer. 

Cindy Moon is further away, in a crowd of the most students. 

The closest to me is Gwen.

"Hey, idiot, don't just stand there." 

Flash passed by, nudging me with his shoulder and knocking on my backpack.

"Nice, dude." 

Kenny Kong gave a high-five to the jerk.

"I haven't even started yet, dude."

I approached the backpack, grabbed the strap, and barely managed to notice a little spider crawling down it. 

I froze in shock and didn't do anything as it jumped onto my hand and bit me.

The pain was excruciating. 

It's hard to compare it to anything, but I kept enough composure to carry out a specific action. 

In a burst of emotion, I slap my hand with all my might, which triggers a new wave of pain as the area where the spider bit me starts to throb.

"Peter, are you okay?" 

Gwen asks with concern.

"I'm fine, why?" 

I respond with noticeable tension, trying to cover the bite mark with my backpack.

"You look kind of pale, and you seem like you have a fever."

"I'm fine, Gwen, really. Just very tired, I need to go home and rest."

"Alright, let's go. They're already gathering everyone for the bus." 

Gwen accepts my excuse but a bit skeptically.

Thankfully, everything wrapped up quickly without any delays.

I'm barely holding it together as it is. 

Gwen, with her concern, even roped Miles into it, and now they're both nagging in unison.

Anyway, we got back to school quickly, and after saying goodbye to them, I headed straight home.

It was absolutely terrible.

I could feel my skin burning, my body temperature rising, and everything in front of my eyes was blurry, but I determined to get to my room and pass out there.

Damn! 

What if this was a mistake? 

What if I don't get powers but get another ticket to the afterlife instead? 

Oh, stop whining! I made this choice. 

This is my decision, so no matter the outcome, the responsibility is mine to bear.

In a complete daze, I made my way home. I literally stumbled through the door.

"Peter, how was the tour? Do you want to eat dinner?" 

Aunt May called from the kitchen.

"No, Aunt, I'm really exhausted. I'll tell you everything tomorrow, good night!" 

I quickly said as I headed upstairs.

I entered my room, my legs starting to give out beneath me. 

I barely managed to throw off my clothes, straighten the bed, and collapse onto it.

"Well, Mr. Parker. I hope you survive." 

I remarked sardonically before immediately passing out.