It was a routine morning in New York City. I was grabbing some coffee before I got to my new job. It was my first day as a photographer for the newly established agency by Jonah Jameson. Been working as a freelance photographer for six years before my work was noticed. Even then I only got the job because the previous photographer quit his job. Not many people are hiring photographers these days. A lot had changed since photography had gone digital.

I left my flat early today as so I could be on time. Didn’t want to face an angry Jameson on my first day. As I was good twenty minutes early and the office was only across the road, I decided to grab some coffee and have a few minutes rest.

There weren't any free tables around so I went towards the table at the very corner of the cafeteria which was occupied by only one person. He somehow had fallen asleep after having his coffee. His wrinkled clothes and disgusting odour gave the impression of a homeless person. I wanted to go to another table but stayed there as I preferred being around less crowd.

I was sipping on to the coffee as the repeat telecast of yesterday night's show, ‘Just the facts with J. Jonah Jameson’ was airing. It was basically a podcast of a conspiracy theorist airing his own uncensored, unsubstantiated and personal views on what he feels is wrong with this city. Most of them would tie back to the Spider-Man. It was pretty popular and lot of people did buy into his views, which was quite baffling.

“Folks, you have heard me express grave concern about the risk to civil liberties posed by the police department's crime system and there omnipresent towers. But at least the intention is to stop crimes.”

“Now recently Spider-Man, has been seen tampering with these towers. And it's reasonable that my loyal listeners suspect he is disabling the towers so he can commit his unlawful misdeeds with impunity.”

“But Spider-Man is not your ordinary, run of the mill menace. He is a twelfth level, Kung Fu master, fifty moves ahead menace. Which is why I think he is actually hacking into these towers...to spy on you and me!!”

“Your only defense? Listen to my show. All the time. If he is gonna spy on us all the time, let him hear that we're on to him. By listening to me. Every waking moment.”

Couldn't believe, I am gonna work for a person like this. But I had no other choice. Money was in short supply and Jameson had promised me great pay as long as I deliver what he asks. As for what he expects from me, I have no idea.

“Bring your children into the room friends, because I am delivering a lesson impressionable youngsters need to hear. My guest today is a man who learned the hard way that dressing up like Spider-Man isn't cool. Go ahead sir.”

“Well, I wanted to fight crime and help people. I’m a big Spider-Man fan, so I put on a costume like his and tried to do what he does. Boy, was that a mistake. I almost got killed.”

“I am just lucky, the real Spider-Man saved me--”

“Let me stop you right there, because the salient point has been made. Emulate Spider-Man, in any way and you will die. Don't do it, kids.”

“And that's another one of Uncle Jonah's life lessons. Jared trademark that!”

“It's a shame isn't it?”

I jumped up a bit. Never noticed the asleep person in front of me waking up. Actually he hadn't, he still had his head resting on his arm and eyes closed. No wonder I jumped. He opened his eyes, sat up straight and stretched himself.

“What?” I asked him.

“He spends so much time trying to blame Spider-Man for everything.” he said. “But when he is not busy doing that he does seem to be an experienced journalist with opinions worth listening to. Don't you think so?”

“Well I don't regularly tune in on his show, so I can't really say.” I said. Now that he was sitting up and look at her straight, she noticed he had decently handsome face with a swollen cheek. As if someone had punched him only last night.

“You don't?” He sounded surprised. “I think you should. At least when he isn't cussing Spider-Man. I listen to all of his shows.”

“You need to find something better to do with your life.” I said laughing. “Like seriously. Go find a job.”

“Yeah…” he said with a guilty smile. “I need to do that. My last boss kind of turned out to be a super villain who was put behind bars by Spider-Man.”

“You serious? Let me think for a moment.” I racked my brains. I knew every big criminal Spider-Man had defeated. “My guess is you have been working for Doctor Otto Octavius?”

“Spot on.” He smiled. “You seem like a big fan of Spider-Man.”

“I have no shame in admitting that at all.” I said. Who said only ten year olds can be his fans. “Especially after he has saved mine and countless lives in New York City.”

“I..I mean, he saved you?” He asked.

“Well, not exactly just me. Once there was this big shootout going on between two maggia families. If it had continued, I am pretty sure the whole street would have been wiped out.” I said recollecting the horrific memory. “But then Spider-Man arrived and within minutes he put and end to it.”

“People need to get this. Like seriously. It's so frustrating to see people blaming Spider-Man for all the city's problems when he is the one saving their ass. For a second just imagine if he wouldn't have been there. Then who would have stopped Vulture? Who would have stopped Scorpion? There isn't much of common sense left in this world.”

I took a deep breath as I finished my rant. Some people were looking at me from their tables. I might have raised my voice beyond necessary. But the homeless man in front of me didn't say anything. Maybe he liked what I just said or was feeling super awkward about people staring.

“Sorry.” I said. “Wanted to get that out for a while.”

“Ah, It's alright.” He said. “Spider-Man would love to hear th-”

He stopped talking as his phone rang. He got up and went to a corner. I noticed his phone was quite an expensive one for a homeless person.

“Hello there Miles.” I could hear pieces of conversation. “You have to go early….. basketball match….sure, I will fill in.”

He got back to his seat. “You know. Actually I am friends with this Spider person and I am going to tell him what you just said. And he is going to love it. Trust me, you just made his day ten times better. A little positivity goes a long way.”

I wasn't sure if he was just boasting or telling the truth. I didn't know if I will be able to ever find out. I just looked at him to perhaps decipher his expression which might gave me a clue.

“Alright.” He laughed. “I know you don't believe me. It's fine.”

I stupidly stared at his infectious laughter. He does seem to be a nice person. Even though his appearance suggests so, he is definitely not a homeless person. Also he has worked under Dr. Octavius so he must be well qualified. I looked at my watch and realized I should get going if I wanted to be on time on my first day.

“Listen, it was nice talking to you but I must get going otherwise I will be late. It's the first day of my job and I really need money for my rent and landlady is-” I was rambling at this point.

“Sure, sure I get it.” He said. “I have been through similar stuff.”

I was just going to leave the table when I remembered what he had said about being friends with Spider-Man.

“Hey, if you don't mind can I get your number?...” I asked. I noticed he was taken aback. “It's okay if you don't to...you know...Okay, I will just leave…”

“Wait.” He got up from his seat. “I will give you my number. Give me your phone.”

I handed it to him. He saved his number into it and handed it back to me. “Anytime you wanna talk or….need help from Spider-Man or something like that, just give me a call.”

“Yeah, I will do that.” I said. “Rebecca Johnson. Nice to meet you.”

“Same here.” He said putting his hand forward to shake. “Peter Parker.”

----

It was a dreadful first day at the office. I ended up being late by five minutes and I had already made a bad impression. Apparently this job was going to be a lot tougher than I thought it would be. Jameson was expecting me to photograph events regarding only Spider-Man or to be more specific, controversial events. That man is disgusting. Twisting things to drive his own personal agenda. If only I hadn't such urgent need of money. His assistant, Jared was sensible enough to offer me an advance when I told him about my situation with the landlady.

It was already getting dark as I left my office. It took another hour for me to reach home. I was about to enter the building when I heard someone calling.

“Pssst..”

I turned around to find nobody. The street was pretty much deserted. Where did the sound come from?

“Pssst…..Over here.”

I looked above and yelled in shock. Spider-Man was hanging in upside down in its trademark style. Feet in position similar to a frog and hands clinging to the string. He was wearing his trademark blue and red suit with a white spider on its chest. I guess this was an improved version of his original suit.

“Hey there Rebecca. My friend Peter told me about you.” He said.

I couldn't believe my ears. That guy was telling the truth! How? How on Earth does he know Spider-Man? This is crazy.

“I would like to thank you for making my day ten times better. Well technically this is a night and the day is already over. But you know what I mean. Right?”

“Yeah..” I said still staring at him unbelievably “Can I take a picture.”

“Sure..” he said.

I took out my camera and quickly took a few clicks. Somehow he managed to pose differently for each and every photo. Which was hilarious because I took them all in quick succession.

“Thanks, Spider-Man.” I said. “Thank you for taking care of us. You are my hero. And don't listen to what Jameson has to say. We people of New York love you.”

He pretended as if wiping tears off his eyes. “I swear I am not crying. There's this dust that got into my eye…”

I felt so happy meeting my hero. Tears were rolling down my cheeks. This was like a childhood dream come true. Ever since Spider-Man first made an appearance, back when I was in high school. I wanted to meet him in person.

“Alright, I am getting a call about some shop robbery.” He said as he jumped and landed on his two feet. Raised his hand for a high five, which I gave him. “See you then.”

“Bye, Spider-Man. Go kick their ass.” I shouted after him.

I came inside into my room still in disbelief. Gulped down a whole glass of water. Sitting down, I searched through my contacts to find Peter's number. I felt as if I should thank him for this.

“Peter! You were telling the truth!” I shouted as soon as he picked up. “Spider-Man just showed up on my way home.”

“Of course I was. And you doubted me?” He asked. “Honestly Rebecca, I am hurt.”

“Oh shut up.” I laughed. “Though I don't know how I should be thanking you.”

“Oh you can thank me by keeping this a secret.” He said. “And yes, please don't give this number to anyone unless it's urgent. Especially not some ten or twelve year olds. Got it? Don't want any spamming while I am... working you know?”

“Yeah sure. I get it completely.” I said. “But what are you doing working at this hour. And you don't even have a job.”

He had already hung up. I am not sure if he even heard my last question. It doesn't matter at all though. I got to meet the Spider-Man. That's what matters.