Once, a Devil whispered in my ear "You're not strong enough to survive the storm"

" 'Sometimes fate is like a small sandstorm that keeps changing directions. You change direction but the sandstorm chases you. You turn again, but the storm adjusts. Over and over you play this out, like some ominous dance with death just before dawn. Why? Because this storm isn't something that blew in from far away, something that has nothing to do with you. This storm is you. Something inside of you. So all you can do is give in to it, step right inside the storm, closing your eyes and plugging up your ears so the sand doesn't get in, and walk through it, step by step. There's no sun there, no moon, no direction, no sense of time. Just fine white sand swirling up into the sky like pulverized bones. That's the kind of sandstorm you need to imagine.

And you really will have to make it through that violent, metaphysical, symbolic storm. No matter how metaphysical or symbolic it might be, make no mistake about it: it will cut through flesh like a thousand razor blades. People will bleed there, and you will bleed too. Hot, red blood. You'll catch that blood in your hands, your own blood and the blood of others.

And once the storm is over you won't remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won't even be sure, in fact, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm you won't be the same person who walked in. That's what this storm's all about.' Haruki Murakami, Kafka On The Shore."

Bambi inhaled deeply, feeling her throat being dry like sand from reading for that long without swallowing salvia. Her eyes finally ripped off the page of the book filled with endless lines, and her brown eyes glanced up at her professor who stood there in the middle of the class with her arms crossed against her chest. The girl's body immediately relaxed as her shoulders slumped down once when her eyes caught the sight of smile on professor's lips covered in red lip-stick.

Her eyes quickly glanced around the class to find some students just watching her quietly with their piercing gazes. The whole classroon was filled with silence which was oddly comfortable. It was like she could feel the idea wrapping around their minds just yet as they tried to process the paragraph she read few seconds ago.

"And why did you choose to read specifically that paragraph?" Professor was the first one to break the silence.

"Well, for me, it's one of the most beautiful paragraphs I have read. It really does teach me something actually true about the beauty of life. Reading it, I feel less scared of that sandstorm, it inspires me. It makes me understand the whole point of life little bit more- I get the bigger picture... " Bambi's soft, smooth voice trailed off once when she couldn't form her twisted thoughts into a proper sentence anymore. However, even though the answer was simple and short, professor looked pleased with it, and it made the girl sigh out in relief. Her heart was still bumping fast and hard inside of her chest as if it wanted to rip her ribcage apart.

The brown haired girl gave a little, almost unnoticable, smile before she sat back down on her chair; trying not to make any noise with it if it was possible. The professor quickly scribbeled something down in her notebook she always kept with herself as the tiny, satisfied smile was still playing on her lips.

Bambi, feeling satisfied with herself, began to pack her things in silence, her happiness growing each second. She loved reading and everyone in her class, including professors, knew that very well, so it was quite expected from her to choose something other than those fantasy or science fiction books her fellow classmates often choose.

Just as expected, the bell rang out the classroom and everyone hurriedly packed their things to finally leave after a long English lesson about literature. Bambi stood up too, swinging her backpack on the back before skipping to an exit, but it seems that professor was ahead of her.

"Moody, could you stay just for a few seconds?"

Bambi frooze and spun on her heels to meet the teacher that was staring at her notes she must have written down during the class. Once when she looked up to meet Bambi's big brown eyes, she smiled even wider. Bambi often gets that smile, and she was happy about it.

"Bambi, your taste in books is quite good. Prehaps not many students in this school have it." She claimed as she set down her notes back on the table. "For example, last time you chose 'To kill a mocking bird', and now you chose 'Kafka on the shore'... not many people your age understand books like those. I am quite proud of you; you are really mature."

Bambi was at a loss of words, so the only thing she was able to say was simple: "Thanks, Mrs. Wilson," followed with a litte smile.

Professor gave her approving nod with head before continuing. "Bambi, tell me what do you want to be in your life."

The question made the girl blink blankly at the old woman. Bambi knew the future was still so far away from her even though she thinks about it a lot. She sometimes tries not to, considering there is a long path she has to cross to reach the things she wanted to reach in her life. She would always tell herself that she still has the time of the world to decide what to be and to wrap that idea around her head. Before that, there was no point in hurrying.

"I honestly have no idea. Maybe writer... or some sort of artist. I love painting but I think it's hard to form a stable career out of that... same goes to being a writer. In my opinion, it's super hard and you really need to write something good, outstanding, new." She explained as she nervously played with the hem of her shirt- the old habit of her as well as crumpling papers to small pieces was.

Professor nodded again, apparently pleased with her expected answer. "I see. Very good... I've been watching you closely for a while. You got something that... not many people see, nor have it. Don't let anyone take that away from you."

"I won't. Thank you." She thanked, a little bit confused becausw she didn't know on what exactly her professor was talking about, but she shrugged it off, telling herself that she will probably realise after some time.

She quietly exited the classroom, the warm tingles of happiness still lying in the pits of her stomach.

Midtown School of Science and Technology wouldn't be Bambi Moody's first choice. Yes, she was intelligent and there was no specific subject that she was terrible in, but she was more of an artist, if that's what would you call her. However, she transferred during freshman year's second semester because her dad got new job in Queens- and this High School was the closest one to her as well as it was the best option.

However, even though at first she wasn't so sure if this was a place for her- people quickly took a notice of her and actually liked her. It was hard at first, considering she had no friends, but after some time, she fit in. Bambi was glad and thankful for her luckiness because if she did not get it-

"Here is our favourite deer!"

Mary Jane and Gwen Stacy wouldn't be standing next to her.

Mary Jane and Gwen were the first ones to approach her when she was new. Bambi was able to remember every second of their first meeting, not being able to delete any conversation they had that day. And she was glad she wasn't able to, because she didn't want to forget about that day

Mary Jane and her have P.E. class together and they did not make any kind of conversation until one day P.E. professor said the class has to run laps whole period. Mary Jane "was on her period" that day (have I mentioned she is amazing actor?) and Bambi must not run that much because her asthma so they both sat down on the bench and connected.

Later that day, Mary Jane met Gwen with Bambi and the dark skinned girl immediately felt a friendship already blossoming between the trio and ever since that day, the trio has been inseparable. They went everywhere together and soon, it was not just 'Oh look, it's Mary Jane and Gwen' but 'Oh look, it's Bambi, Mary Jane and Gwen! The vicious, badass and hot trio!' (I was kidding about the last part)

Mary Jane was an actor. Well, not offically, but she was born for being on the stage, and everyone could notice that as soon as they see her. She knows how to lie-more than everything, but she was not two-faced lying white girl. She uses her acting skills only in urgent times - for example, when running laps. People would think she is a softie; but in reality she is vicious little carrot that knows exactly what she wants to do and how to do it. Bambi is always awestruck with the girl' spirit and self-confidence. She was not afraid to be herself and to express her opinion.

Gwen, on the other side- looks like a softie and in reality is a softie. Gwen was the one who took things serious and emotional. Talking to Mary Jane and to Gwen wasn't quite the same. Gwen was the person who will give you an actual advice about the problem you have and she will be ull supportive over it no matter the case. Crying in front of her is not weird nor awkward. She knows exactly how to comfort someone and make them feel alright, while in other hand, Mary Jane would try to make you laugh about something stupid just so you forget about the topic for a while.

Bambi rolled her eyes at the nickname but smiled anyways. It used to bother her because 'Mom and dad what the hell were you thinking when you named me that' but she accepted the name and learned to love it and the nicknames for her that came along.

"Hello Juliet, where is Romeo?" She grinned at the redhead, knowing exactly what she was talking about.

Mary Jane returned the knowing grin as she gave a small shrug with her shoulders. "Waiting in the cafeteria. We should head there right now, I'm starving."

"Couldn't agree more." Gwen added as she placed her hand on her empty stomach, giving it a somewhat sad look. "The spanish exam made me even more hungry and simply desperate. That thing is getting harder and harder to keep up with. Remind me again why did I take that class?"

" 'I want to learn Spanish so next time a new spanish hit as Despacito comes out I will be able to translate every single word.' " Red-head quoted as she imitated Gwen's voice, making Bambi laugh and Gwen groan in annoyance.

"First; I certainly do not sound like that. Secondly, remind me of that song one more time and I will actually throw up and that is not good because I don't even have anything to throw up." The other girl murmured, annoyance painting her voice.

"You do sound like that."

"No I don--"

"Girls, girls. Let's not make a big fuss, alright?" Bambi, as she was walking between the two, patted them both on their backs with each hand, giving them a calming gesture. "But Gwen, admit it: Mary Jane's impression of you was quite good."

Gwen huffed in what was supposed to be anger but she couldn't resist her amusement so a smile broke on her lips.

They walked in cafeteria, Bambi's eyes immediately glancing over the endless crowd of students as she tried to spot someone specifically. Her eyes landed on the boy she was looking for and in a second she was pulling her two friends by their hands, leading them in direction

It was not hard to notice Harry Osborn.

Harry was a specific guy. He was hella rich and definitely knew how to dress up in the most expensive clothes which looked really professional. Some people would think he is spoiled rich brat but this was Harry-Fucking-Osborn we were talking about- so no, it was definitely not the case, he is completely opposite. He as cheeky, flirty and cocky little ambitious pig with special personality no boy could match with.

"Harry Pottah!" Bambi exclaimed in Draco Malfoy's impression as a grin stretched across her lips.

Harry looked up from his phone at the sound of his nickname and returned the grin instantly when his eyes fell on the trio. "Ma ladies." He titled his head to the side as a grin still stayed on his lips. "What on Earth did I do to owe this pleasure?" He mocked.

"Greetings." Mary Jane played along as she sat down next to the boy and took the sip of his refreshing Nestea, making the boy raise his eyebrow in amusement.

Two other girls shared a glance, knowing exactly what their redhead friend was doing, and well she was doing it well. It was Mary Jane after all; the girl with so much confidence Bambi was sometimes jealous of it.

"Hey carrot, go get your own drink."

"I'm lazy... and my back hurts... and I'm tired..." Mary Jane whined as she faked an expression full off pain, making all of them roll their eyes.

"You little snob." Harry muttered before he stood up and marched to get himself a new drink. Bambi chuckled at the sight, not being able to believe how big effect the shorter girl had on the boy.

It was no secret the pair was crushing on each-other for ages, and everyone were aware of it- even MJ... well, everyone except this oblivious boy who had absolutely no clue the girl liked him back. He usually was confident and definitely knew how to flirt, but when it comes to relationships- he was the dorkiest boy alive; he stumbles over his own words, he gets all frustrated in some situations when him and the red haired girl are being too close to each other- not knowing if he is supposed to kiss her or something, and it is really amusing to watch Harry Osborn act so unnatural like that.

Mary Jane was obvious to the effect she had on him. She knew he liked her back but she never asked him anything- she stated clearly that she was not the one to make the move first.

It annoyed both of her friends but girls decided they wouldn't mess with their soon to be relationship, so they let things flow.

"You two are so married." Bambi commented with a grin as she pulled few books out of her backpack, getting ready for homework she forgot to do last night.

"Sadly he isn't aware of our marriage." The shortest girl shrugged as she peeked over the textbooks her friend set on the table, her amused expression instantly falling into disgusted grimace at the sight of homework. "Dude." She exhaled as she tore her eyes away from the paper sheets.

"Speaking of romance," Gwen jumped in conversation as she shifted closer to her friend whose eyes were practically glued to the homework. "How are you standing with your soulmate? Anything new?"

The question snapped Bambi out of her thoughts about math as she immediately glanced at the dark skinned girl, thinking of a proper answer to give.

You see, this girl had a strong belief she found her perfect soulmate three years ago in public library. He was an angelic creature that fell from heaven, according to her of course. The day her eyes landed on him for the first time; she immediately felt strong connection between herself and the boy; and she was drawn to him. They exchanged their numbers after one very heated discussion about 'Warrior Cats' (aka the book they both loved at that time), and texted each other every day for hours and hours; never really losing the topic for conversation. They began to go out and their connection grew so fast it was unbelievable. It was no long after the both developed feelings for each-other- but never got together, sadly. There were many reasons for that, but right now, Bambi didn't want to think about them. It was insane how much time they spend together. They planned out their future together- no matter how silly and childish that sounded like, but they were sure they would spend the rest of their little lives together. They perfectly fit like puzzles; having so much in common, sharing same interests and feelings. Soon, he wasn't only a best friend to Bambi- he was her soulmate, other half, the perfect one, he was her everything.

However, at the moment, the question made brunette let out an annoyed huff as she went back to her homework.

"Don't remind me of him. He still haven't answered my texts or calls." She stated as she tried to sound as calm as possible, not wanting to let her friends see how much it actually bothered her.

"What? But it's been like, weeks?" Mary Jane's eyebrows furrowed after her sarcastic and amused expression vanished under the face full of concern.

"Are you sure he is--"

"Guys, he is grown ass boy now. I am sure he is fine, he just needs... his time. He needs to be alone at the moment." Bambi interrupted Gwen's question before it even fully came out of her mouth. "Besides, I do no want to be clingy and look like I need to talk to him literally every single day, right?" At this point, no one at the table knew was brunette trying to convince them or herself.

In reality, it bothered her so much. She was trying to cover it for almost two weeks now, and each day her worry grew inside of her like a fire, waiting to be released. Every insides of her were screaming in concern, sadness and confusion as the fear for the certain boy only grew. Each day she told herself he was okay and that she is worrying for nothing, but every now or then she would live through a very short moment in which she was crying mess- desperately praying to God he was safe and sound. Besides, he was on the complete opposite side of the state and she wasn't able to reach him anytime soon.

"Whatever you say..." her friends murmured quietly as they went back to the things they previously used to do- and Bambi was glad because she really didn't want her mood to drop now. However, it already did at the mentioned boy.

"I'm back ladies!" Unexpected Harry's voice boomed through girls' ears as it interrupted the awkward silence full of tension. However, the boy was completely oblivious to it- as he always was.

Brunette quietly watched her other two friends turn to Harry and get into the conversation with him as if the previous tension was long forgotten. She watched Mary Jane laugh way more than she usually did as a beautiful light shone in her soft blue eyes. Bambi admired the scene for a while, feeling slightly happy and warm at the sight of her friend being so in love with a person. It was beautiful- young love, blossoming like flowers in early spring. The atmosphere around them would change completely, as if their love was radiating through the whole room.

Even though it made a tiny smile appear on Bambi's lips, her amused feelings vanished in less than a second when she pulled out her phone quietly and unnoticeably. She opened the text messenger and her expression fell at the sight of so many unread text messages on the screen. She scrolled through the conversation as she tried to find the last message the boy has sent to her.

It made poor gir's heart ache in million forms of pain. She wanted to be mad, angry or furious at the boy for not telling her what was going on in his life, but at the same time she knew she wasn't able to hate him. Hell, she could hate the entire world, turn into the ruthless, cold killer, she could promise to herself she would set the universe on fire because of her hatred, but oh gods- she could never hate him. And it was a mistake she will pay prize for.

Everything around her tuned out as she was focused only on the phone screen in front of her eyes. Many feelings mixed inside of her guts as if her stomach was a mixing pot for feelings, and unfortunately, she didn't know did she want to throw up or throw a punch at someone. Why was this happening to her? To him?

"BAMBI!"

Suddenly, everything came back in a snap as the girl's eyes aggressively tore away from her phone that she immediately turned off and hid in the pocket of her jeans, not wanting her friends to see what she was looking at. She noticed everyone at the table were staring at her in concern, and she hated it.

"Hm?"

"Do you have an exam tomorrow or anything you have to study for? We were thinking about going out or something." Gwen explained as she was slowly packing her stuff back into her backpack. Only then Bambi realised the lunch break was nearly over and the time flew away insanely fast and unnoticeably.

"It's... Thursday." Brunette pointed out as her eyebrows knitted in confusion. "You know my parents--"

"Ah yeah, sorry. Can you maybe at least go to coffee shop with me after school? MJ has a practice and we have to do this project together after so I'll have to wait for her- and I would like to have some company till then."

"Yeah, sure." The girl shrugged as she stood up, grimacing at the feeling of her jeans literally sticking to her sweaty skin on legs.

"Okay cool, see you after the class?"

Bambi only gave a slight nood before waving to her friends and walking away, her feet brushing off the ground painfully slowly and sleepily. She didn't hate many things, aside from getting too much of not-needed concern; but the things she definitely hated the most was the shitty feeling that would come out of blue in her sunny and actually good day and kill her mood instantly. Years ago, she didn't have any kind of experience with that feeling but lately she was feeling it a lot... and it scared her and confused her even.

The rest of the day went as usual as it could be when Bambi was having her little 'episode'. Classes were awfully long and simply not interesting for the girl- after all, after having a so called 'mood-killer', nothing was being able to make her exteremly happy again. It annoyed her more than anything and she just wanted this shitty day to come to an end so the feeling would vanish tomorrow.

Sadly, the poor girl didn't know she was about to feel it more than she should have.

***

"I mean, he could be a stripper, did you see that sexy red and blue suit through which you can see literally every curve of his body? Look, you can see his thongs if you stare at his butt a little-- yep, definitely a stripper."

The group was in the middle of the heated discussion about none other than city's every day obsession- Spider-Boy. That's at least how Bambi liked to call him, considering she was the only one in the group that was deeply convinced everyone's favourite masked hero was a teenager. Many people shrugged that idea off, saying no way that a teenager would be willing to risk his life for other people, but no one was able to change girl's mind. She had many arguments ready to leave her mouth if it would be needed.

"He is not a stripper." Gwen rolled her dark eyes as she pointed an annoyed glance at her friend that was poining at blue-red superhero's butt on the screen. "But he has a great ass, though."

"I know right???"

"I think he might be a nerd that works at a science lab and doesn't have a life. Besides, how else would he get his spider powers?" Harry added his opinion too, and it made every single girl groan at it.

"Pff please. I doubt this guy would be anything close to being nerdy. How could such confident, sexy guy be a nerd that has nothing else to do but spend hours looking at those boring chemistry elements? He is probably a real chick magnet." The shortest girl argued in slightly pitched voice- aka the voice she usually used when she was trying to get her point in something.

"He might be our peer." Bambi finally spoke up as she shrugged her shoulders which were in pain since she had to carry her heavy backpack.

"Yeah right. Keep dreaming." The only boy in the group commented, and the silence followed after.

Deep down in herself, there was one of many reasons why she thought the hero was a teenager. She would never admit, but she hoped it was her best fried and that it's the reason why he didn't text her for almost two weeks. But again, what were the chances of her best friend in the entire world to be Spider-Man? None.

Besides, he would tell her something huge like that, right?

Lost in her own thought, she didn't even notice MJ and Harry go in different direction, waving at the two girls that continued to walk out of school. The walk between two friend was comfortably quiet. Gwen pulled out her earphones and handed one to the slightly shorter girl, plugging the other one in her own ear. They both listened to the music as they walked down the streets of the city in sync.

Gwen was the calm one. The mom friend. The one with all advices you need. She was the one who will listen and actually not make it unomfortable for you to talk about your problems. She was the patient one. The shoulder. The glue that will place your broken pieces together all over again.

They entered the coffe shop before ordering their drinks. Bambi could feel her friend's eyes glued to her all the time even when she was looking down at her feet- almost as if the curly haired girl tried to read her like the book. Unfortunately, she wasn't able to do that.

They sat on the small table and took small sips of their warm drinks in silence. They both knew what will their hanging out turn into, both already adjusted to Gwen's strategy. She was never quiet like this if she wasn't planning on having serious and comforting conversation. For some reason, Bambi felt really shy and anxious about it. She didn't want to talk about her --

"Bambi."

The soft, comforting voice made her big eyes look up at the girl that sat opposite of her, and instantly, her anxiety vanished when she caught the sight of her friend's calm and loving expression. It made her relax, even.

"Hm?"

"It's much more about him than you'd like to tell us, right?"

Why didn't she feel comfortable enough to tell her three best friends anout thoughts which were swirling around in her mind? Why didn't she trust them? Why did she still have those awfully high walls around her, not letting anyone in, even after they became really important people in her life- because if they weren't the ones to decide to befriend her with no hesitation when she was new to their school, then who would? Why was she being such untrusting friend, even after everything they have done to her?

"I'm worried about him. That's all." She kept it simple, much against the screaming in her head which told her to spill it all out.

"Bambi." Luckily, Gwen was not up to it.

"Gwen... he means the world to me. It was hard enough to watch him go through the things he didn't deserve. If anything happens to him- I do not know what would I do. It would ruin me." Her voice was deadly quiet, as if she might break if she spoke a little louder.

"Love, don't worry." She suddenly felt a warm hand over hers. "He is alright. He will turn 18 in Janurary, won't he? He knows how to take care of himself. Maybe the internet went off?"

"Gwen, you know his mental state wasn't the be--"

"Everything will be alright. It's just two weeks, okay?"

Okay. "Okay".

She didn't know it wasn't okay.

***

When Bambi opened the front door of her little comfortable house, she was immediately welcomed by the warm scent of the dinner her parents were making.

She kicked her shoes off quickly and dashed into the kitchen, not even slightly surprised to see her parents there laughing together and dancing to ABA's Dancing Queen. Her mom , Darcy had an apron and a giant spoon in her hand which she used as her non existant microphone, while her dad John was laughing and mixing something in the bowl, his hips swaying to the beat as well.

The sight made Bambi's heart flutter in her chest. Why was everyone around her so in love? It was a beautiful sight, seeing the spark of love still shining between her parents as if they were still 17. It was crazy how they seemed to be more in love than just married couple you could see on TV- and that says a lot, consideeing her parents were married for years.

She came to the conclusion that love never dies, no matter of the age- at least that's the case if you truly love a person. True love only dies when a literal death divorces people.

She looked at her parents again- thankfully they haven't noticed her yet. They looked so happy together.

Why do they call it a 'fall' then?

"Oh! You're here sweetie! How was your day at school?" Her mother finally noticed her presence and she fully turned to her daughter, the most beautiful smile playing on her lips.

Darcy was the most beautiful woman-- no, the word beautiful simply wasn't enough to describe her. She looked amazingly happy and as if she was truly enjoying her life. Not many people had that. When she got pregnant by her father at the age of 18, everyone thought her life would be completely ruined. Turned out she was the proudest of that mistake they made. She was the best mother with the best cooking abilities. She was that type of woman to fight till the end, and that's the thing Bambi admired the most. Her mother was a fighter, a real life superhero with no super-strength or ability to fly. She could do anything- and every day, her daughter was inspired by it.

'They didn't believe in me. They thought I would've fail to keep my life in one piece. I proved them wrong, dear. You prove them wrong.' She once told her, and the words sunk deep under young girl's skin. She memorised them.

"It was alright, mom." She kept it simple.

"Do we have milk in the fridge?" Her mother asked as she helped her husband in mixing.

Bambi opened the fridge, searching for the sight of any bottle filled with liquid. She found none so se shook her head slightly, already knowing what will come next.

"Could you hop to the store?"

The question was asked in such sweet, pleading tone no one would be able to give a negative answer on that.

"Yeah, of course." Bambi shrugged, already walking to the doors to pick up her jacket. She didn't mind going to the shop- besides, she was the one with that job. She always goes to grocies store.

"Buy some female thingies while you're at it. I think we are running out of those." Her mother added, carefully choosing another word for pads. It made an amused smile appear on her daughter's and husband's mouth. Why was she threating pads as if they were some kind of thing women should be ashamed of?

"Okay mom, I will buy pads."

The woman that still held a spoon in her hand rolled her chocolate brown eyes- the eyes which Bambi inherited with pride- before playfully smirking and continuing to mix something. She was probably making pastries, she loved doing that.

Bambi was thankful she had such caring parents. In all seriousness, she knew what kind of parents existed in this world- and she was actually blessed since hers never yelled at her or abused her on any kind of way- that's why she was being the best daughter she could manage to be. She knew how hard it was for them to start raising her at such young age, so she did them a favour back- as every child should do to their parents.

She grabbed her wallet and her phone before throwing a jacket around her shoulders, clumsily dashing out of the little, warm house. She hurried down the street, considering it was slowly getting dark. She loved to watch the sunset- she was wondering how was sky managing to be coloured in so many beautiful colours if the space was black full of stars. Ssdly she wasn't that much of physic person and was too lazy to find a logical answer on that question.

She entered the grocies store, his feet immediately marching towards the section with milk. After picking the right one, she headed in opposite direction where were pads. She quickly glanced around if there was any of her classmates in the store, not wanting to be teased for such simple and needed thing. She stuffed few packs in the plastic bag before heading to the cash register.

Before she set her things down, she waited a little, hoping to see one certain boy- and that certain boy was Peter Parker.

She met Peter in their English class. They had to read 'Romeo and Juliet' aloud together in front of the entire class- that was the first time ever that Bambi took the notice of the boy that was swinging his arms around when he was trying toe explain something. The boy that got so frustrated over reading his lines- his face was heated up, and he had to repeat some words multiple times because his nervous stuttering.

While the whole class found it really funny, Bambi found it absolutely adorable. She didn't see the huge deal about being Juliet- after all, it was just a silly perfomance they had to do in front of class. Being the one who loved literature, art and music, she enjoyed the role very much and made her perfomance outstanding- it made the boy next to her frustruated even more.

Now why was she waiting for him in the store?

Peter lives in the same neighbourhood as the girl did- only few blocks away. The whole neighbourhood had only one grocery store and they both ran into each other multiple times. Bambi would always go to the store on Mondays and Thursdays while the boy went shopping maybe once a week. However, once when he figured out her schedule, he started to appear every Monday and Thursday as well.

Bambi set her things down on the track, realising the boy wasn't coming today. What was definitely weird.

They never have a proper conversation. They would just stand there in a line in silence that was oddly comfortable. They do not even say hi to each other... it wasn't supposed to bother Bambi that much but it became their thing: tanding in the long line together with plastic bags full of things they were about to buy. They would head home in the same direction until Peter makes a turn to the left. It was their Monday/Thursday route.

She thought about the only time when they had a real conversation- it was when his uncle passed away. His uncle was a great man, and the news about him being killed shocked the whole neighbourhood. Everyone felt sorry for the Parkers- well, what's left of them. Bambi didn't know about the uncle Ben too much- the fact he was the greatest man said enough.

She came with two books in her hands that day.

" 'The best thing for being sad,' replied Merlin, beginning to puff and blow, 'is to learn something. That's the only thing that never fails. You may grow old and trembling in your anatomies, you may lie awake at night listening to the disorder of your veins, you may miss your only love, you may see the world about you devastated by evil lunatics, or know your honour trampled in the sewers of baser minds. There is only one thing for it then — to learn. Learn why the world wags and what wags it. That is the only thing which the mind can never exhaust, never alienate, never be tortured by, never fear or distrust, and never dream of regretting. Learning is the only thing for you. Look what a lot of things there are to learn.' " she quoted, reading straight out of a book.

Peter stood there, blinking blankly at the girl, not saying anything more. His eyes were puffy and red and Bambi could see black bags settled under them... he looked tired and sad.

"Since sorry for your loss doesn't cut it." She added, offering him a kind little smile. And handed him another book which wasn't as huge as the one she read quote from.

Peter still stared at her, being at a loss of words. After few moments he finally adjusted and gripped the book tight, clutching it to his chest.

"Thank you."

"I have loads of books that will help you with grieving. This is Joan Didion's 'The Year of Magical Thinking', it's my favourite one. You should check it out. I hope everything comes to its place to you." She was still smiling- her bright smile blinding curly haired boy's eyes.

Stunned, he took a turn as he always did, still gripping the book tightly as if it would fly away. He held it as if it was the treasure, as if it was made of glass.

"Oh and Peter..." she added in the last moment. "When someone leaves, it's because someone else is about to arrive."

Bambi snapped out of her daze once when a fresh air hit her skin. She looked around and was left surprised when she realised the night already fell down. The sky was sadly empty with no stars making it shine. She let out a huff before her feet hurried down the street. The weather was cold since it was winter after all, and she was glad she brought her warm coat with her. Pulling out her phone out of pocket on the coat only made her eyebrows connect once when she saw there was still no notificiations.

She was just being paranoid. His Wi-Fi was probably in shit or something. Maybe he lost his phone. Maybe he was grounded. Maybe... maybe... he was really sick... maybe his phone was broken...

She didn't realise she was crying until she felt something hot streaming down her face.

Dear god, why was she being like that? She wouldn't even be surprised if he left her for good- she was overreacting drama queen that managed to make a wuss over--

"WATCH OUT!!!"

She didn't even manage to turn around because suddenly something fast and hard crashed into her, making her fly into the wall that was on her left side.

The sharp pain exploded in the side of her body, making her cry out. Her vision was flashing in red colour as the only thing she was able to hear was her heartbeat drumming inside of her chest.

She felt even more tears streaming down her cheeks as she struggled to stand up.

"OHmyFuckingGod---"

She didn't know what was worse. The pain in the side of her body or that boyish rambling that was now screaming through her ears because of how fucking loud it was.

Her vision slowly cleared after she groaned couple of times, and the figure was getting clearer and clearer. Her eyes landed on the red and blue figure--

Spider-Boy.

Wow, he was much shorter than she thought he would be.

The masked hero was standing there, still being a rambling mess. His arms were flying around as he tried to explain her something, but the girl was too bussy by internal screaming. Spider-Man. Spider. Man.

"I am so sorry miss oh my god are you hurt I really want to help but I am kind of busy chasing after--" the words came out of city's famous hero's mouth faster than he could probably jump from the wall to the wall. Bambi just stood there stunned, the pain that was still growing in her shoulder long forgotten. She wondered why people who talked about their experience in meeting him said he was the most confident, fearless person to exists, because in this moment, Spider-Man pretty much looked like a high school boy talking to his crush.

That's the thought that probably made her snap, and she began to laugh. Her laughter was loud as her shoulders shook. The action made her hiss in pain but she was still letting out little chuckles even though it pained her.

The man (or rather, the boy) in the blue and red spider suit stood there confused and frozen in the spot. Well, who wouldn't be?

"I'm sorry, it's just..." her laughter died when she looked up at him again, and she suddenly felt anxious seeing his eyes widen. Maybe he took the notice of her wet cheeks and puffy red eyes. She hoped not. "You sound like a high school girl trying to confess her love to the biggest jock in school."

"I sound like a girl?" His voice was muffled because of his mask and his expression softened, almost as if he was offended. He probably was.

"No, no-- yes. I don't know." She chuckled, but that chuckle sounded as ugly as crying goat would sound like.

"Uh... oh... I... really need to go-- saving. Stuff. Those things yeah." The hero failed miserably at making a sentence so he gave up and just waved quickly before spider web shot out of his wrists and he was gone in a matter of an eye blink.

Bambi stood there stunned, her brain just then processing the situation she was in. The hero probably somehow managed to crash into her-- and while he was trying to apologise, she was being the most creepy version of herself ever, laughing at the fact the boy sounded like a girl. Not to mention the fact she even told him that.

"Stupid fuck..." she groaned as she picked up the plastic bag with milk which fell down few feet next to her when she was pushed into the wall. Just then she realised how much her side hurt. The pain was unbelievable and hard to ignore. She moved her shoulder a little, wincing.

When she pulled out the phone out of her pocket again, the wave of relief washed over her as she saw the phone screen didn't get any stratch. What a miracle.

Yet somehow, even though she was laughing just seconds ago, she found the fear crawling inside of her and she began to panic. Quickly turning in the phone, she typed in his number and pressed the green button, waiting anxiously for the boy to (not) pick up. The sound of beeps replayed over and over, making her head dizzy. She was left at the voicemail.

"H-hey... I-- something just happened and I--" her sentence was cut off. "Call me." She whispered, her sad eyes watching herself clicking at the red button.

She stood there frozen in the middle of the street, the night seemed to suddenly get colder than it was before.