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CARTER WAS TRULY HAPPY TO BE GOING TO LIZ'S PARTY. He had only been pining after the girl since he first saw her black locks, her chocolate colored eyes, and her beautifully dark skin on his first day of Kindergarten when they arrived to Ms. Lockhart's class at the same time, catching the other's eye.

It was that same year the two five year olds ended up sitting by each other for the whole year, giggling and laughing about anything and everything each day. Carter didn't care if she might've been contaminated with 'cooties'. He just wanted to always be with Liz. However, the next year, they were split apart when they were put in different classrooms.

The only time they could see each other anymore was at recess, but Liz's friends always dragged her away from him, claiming that he had 'cooties'. Carter's friends pushed him onto the basketball court, telling him to just shoot hoops in order to forget about the girl. That had started his passion for basketball, but it was also what started the drift between Liz and Carter. Thus, they became mere strangers. Though, Carter finally made a plan to get the girl of dreams, taking the party to be his perfect opportunity to finally woo the Allan girl, and it had everything to do with what costume he had in mind.

"A costume party?" Alissa said, face contorted into pure confusion. "It's not almost—" Alissa's eyes swirled to the puppy calendar pinned to her wall, brown eyes enlarging when seeing that October 31st was only two days away. She hadn't even realized how close the holiday was. "How could I forget Halloween?"

"You've had a lot going on," Gwen said, voice soft and sympathetic towards her best friend. "No one can blame you for forgetting Halloween."

Alissa smiled at the girl, sighing, trying to get all of the things that had happened within that last month. Gwen swiveled around in Alissa's rolly chair, her folder perched on her lap and pencil tucking into it. The girl scooted closer to Alissa, innocently smiling. "Buuut, if you really wanna make up for it, you can go to the party with me."

Alissa automatically shook her head, laughing at the offer. "No thanks, Gwen. I have to study for my Physics test. I have to know the entire periodic table and name three things that each one can be used for," she hastily replied, hair falling in front of her eyes when her head dipped down to the study guide that she was attempting to finish which was on her laptop.

Gwen was meant to be doing the same as Alissa as they both had the same assignment, but the blondes imaginative mind was elsewhere that chilly afternoon.

Gwen snatched the computer from Alissa, placing it on Alissa's desk a few feet away from them. Alissa groaned and fell back on the softness of her bed, running her hands over her partially acne covered face. "Halloween's two days away, Gwen. It's too late to get a good costume now."

Gwen stood from the seat, sighing as she stood at Alissa's knees, making sure Alissa could see her face. Alissa narrowed her dark eyes at the wide grin that was growing on the blondes face. She sat up slightly, holding her torso up with her elbows propped on her bed.

"I think I have an idea," Gwen airily mused, holding her hand out for Alissa to take, wiggling her blue painted fingers. Alissa stared at her best friend with uncertainty, but sure enough, she allowed Gwen to take her hand and then lead her to a place where she could find the perfect costume.

Too bad she didn't know that Harry was doing the exact same thing to Peter on the opposite end of town.

° ° °

"Nice dress, Alissa," Ned grinned, smiling kindly as he passed Alissa into the Allan home. "It's really great."

Alissa let out a low groan and tried to stuff her face in her hands only for them to be snatched and tucked at her sides by Gwen. "Hey, don't touch your face. You'll ruin your makeup," Gwen playfully gasped, shaking her head.

Alissa narrowed her eyes, trudging after Gwen into the Allan home, Gwen holding Alissa's soft hand so she didn't lose her in the crowd. There were already over two dozen Midtown students inside and having the time of their lives, chatting and singing with their friends. Faces of all colors were painted vibrant colors to match animals and imitate celebrities. Costumes were made and stitched by hand or bought at the most luxurious place, and Flash Thompson was playing music from the back of the house as he was the DJ. Red solo cups were carelessly passed around and left lying on the ground, the bitter smell of cigarettes and alcohol swirling through the air.

She already wanted to leave.

Gwen, who was dressed as a cheetah suit and had whiskers painted on her face, giggled cheerfully as she easily weaves herself and Alissa through the sea of intoxicated teens that littered the living room that had been transformed into a dance floor. The beat of the upbeat music grew louder when they passed the speakers, but it grew quieter as they watered the kitchen. Two dispensers were placed on the counter island and a bucket of ice was on the floor beside it.

Gwen immediately went to the stand of cups and proceeded to fill two up for her and Alissa.

A prominent frown was etched on Alissa's lips as she leaned against the far counter, a sigh surpassing as a group of kids cheered on a fight that was going on in the well lit backyard. Liz was briefly seen rushing through the partiers, loudly shouting for the boys that were fighting to leave. Carter was right behind her the entire time, briefly locking eyes with his sister. When he saw her costume, he rolled his eyes and scoffed, mumbling about it being such a cliché thing. But as Liz came back, slightly annoyed—Carter with her again—Alissa's eyes were shining and a smirk was tugging on her lips when seeing that Liz was dressed as Cinderella and her dear, cliché hating brother was Prince Charming.

When she opened her mouth to make a snide jab, Carter threateningly pointed his finger at her, forcing her to keep quiet. He already knew what she was going to say and he didn't want to hear it. Not when he was so sure he was going to make his move. Nothing was going to stop him from doing so.

"Here, this might ease your nerves tonight," Gwen beamed, slipping a cup into Alissa's hands before she could protest against it. "MJ's on her—"

As if knowing she was being mentioned, the girl was dancing her way into the kitchen, eyes slightly glazed and glossy. An empty cup was still tucked in her hand, her makeup slightly smudged around her eyes, but she could have cared less in that moment. She was a Flapper Girl and she wanted everyone to know it.

Alissa and Gwen shared an amused laugh, watching the girl grin and hurry up to them, loosely slinging her arms around their shoulder. A wave of smells came at Alissa's nose all at once, but she forced a tight smile to her intoxicated friend.

"Is this party great or what?" Mary Jane asked, voice loud and slightly slurred. She shifted on her feet, lazily grinning.

"It really is," Gwen answered. She turned to Alissa. "Liz really outdid herself this time. I can't imagine a party topping this one."

Alissa brought her cup to her lips. "I can. My bedroom," she mumbled. Luckily, Gwen nor Mary Jane heard her snide response. Alissa sucked in a deep breath before finally taking a sip. She clenched her teeth together, closing her eyes as the alcohol burned at her throat and left a bitter taste lingering on her buzzing tongue.

"Hey," Mary Jane swayed as she pointed her finger at Alissa, "Isn't Peter an angel?" Alissa's eyes widened and she turned to Gwen. The blonde let out a shaky breath, winching when seeing the anger on Alissa's face. Mary Jane giggled, frowning afterwards. "Oops. I-I wasn't supposed to say anything, was I?"

"You planned this, didnt you?" Alissa demanded to know, hand tightly holding her cup. Gwen sighed, slouching to the side. Mary Jane was frowning, ashamed as she looked to her bare feet. "Why can't you just leave it alone? He's never going to like me back. I've learned that, and you should too."

Without another word, Alissa was chugging her drink and placing the cup on the counter before walking away. Mary Jane slightly stumbled when she tried to follow her, Gwen steadying her friend so she didn't topple over. Gwen glumly watched as Alissa disappeared in the energetic crowd, losing sight of her best friend. She kept her grip on Mary Jane, sighing once again.

She just hoped some of the positive energy would transfer over to Alissa and maybe put her at ease so she could at least enjoy the party.

Alissa pushed back her headband and snatched it out of her hair, scoffing as she stared at the glittery devil horns. Her dress matched the red of the horns, the only sparkles or presence of glitter on the trim of her fluttery dress. Her arms were covered in red sleeves that were connected to the dress, a black lacy design trailing from her wrists all the way up to her breasts, and then twisting to the middle of her back.

"Hey, uh, nice costume."

"Listen, I don't want—" Alissa's lips automatically closed, seeing Peter. She was shocked by his costume, yet, she really shouldn't have been.

A bright yellow halo design was stitched into the middle of his short sleeve shirt, almost looking like it was real. His brown hair was pushed to the side, a few curls dangling in front of his forehead. He also wore white pants that matched his white shirt that was slightly covered by a white jacket. "I'm sorry. This wasn't—"

"It's okay, I know," Peter laughed, the sound already beginning to ease Alissa's nerves. The girl let out a nervous laugh, pushing some hair behind her shoulders. "You could at least wear the headband, though. I don't wanna look like a total fool."

Alissa giggled, slowly tucking the band back into her hair. Peter smiled as did she. "Too bad you don't have any wings on," Alissa treated. "Maybe you could fly us out of here."

Peter chuckled. "I-It's not so bad. At least Harry and MJ are having a good time." Alissa followed his gaze behind her, lips growing into a smile when seeing Mary Jane and Harry slow dancing together. The girl felt her heart flutter, wondering if the two would be remembering their special moment in the morning.

Slowly, her gaze shifted to the side, tilting her head when seeing Carter and Liz dancing as well. Although her and Carter still weren't on the best terms, she was happy for him. He'd been pining for the girl so long, and it seemed he had finally been brave enough and made his move, and it worked. Flash was still at the stand with his playlists', a scowl on his lips as he stared at Carter and Liz. Alissa's lips dipped down, and Peter saw it.

"Uh, a-are you okay?" Peter questioned, a hint of worry in his voice. Alissa turned back to him, quickly nodding.

"Yeah, yeah," she assured him, "I'm fine."

Ned came hurrying by, but not fast enough as he slowed down right beside Peter and whispered something in his ear. Peter made a face, but Ned was then on the move again, going around a corner. Peter sighed, bouncing on the balls of his feet. He let out a shaky breath, looking at Alissa. "Do you, uh, wanna dance? With me, I mean?" Alissa's brows raised. "Y-You don't have to—"

"Yeah," Alissa answered, sweetly smiling and blushing. Peter grinned, awkwardly offering his hand to her. Alissa gingerly placed her hand in his, allowing him to lead her to the middle of the dance floor to give them some more room.

The two stood in front of each other, just standing. Alissa and Peter glanced at each other, laughing when neither of them made a move. They stepped closer, both lifting their arms at the same time. Alissa hesitantly placed her arms on both of Peter's shoulders as he did the same to her waist. Alissa's skin grew hot when his hand met her waist, cheeks reddening as they began to dance. She smiled, glancing around the faces around them.

Peter did the same, hearing Alissa's quick heartbeat. He could smell her cheap perfume she had sprayed before. He could feel every fiber of the soft dress she wore. He could sense everything, and he smiled. Alissa timidly adjusted her hands, her smile not once leaving her face as she danced with Peter.

Neither of them spoke, liking the sound of the music that led them in a slow dance. They weren't too close, but it was close enough for Alissa to feel her heart leap just by being close Peter. It was when the song came to an end did her smile finally fall, realizing they probably wouldn't get another chance to be close together.

"Thank you," Alissa said, "For asking me to dance, a-and for unintentionally matching with me."

Peter chuckled. "Thanks for not making me feel like a loser."

Before she had the chance to respond, the ground was shaking beneath everyone's feet. Everyone screamed in panic, the music screeching to a halt. The sound of glass breaking upstairs echoed in everyone's ears. Peter was automatically standing right by Alissa, the girl already moving closer to him out of instinct. A few seconds passed, and then it was over just like that.

Alissa let out a shaky breath, eyes meeting the panicked ones of her older brothers.

"Everyone," Liz began, "Please remain—"

Suddenly two strong arms wrapped around Alissa's waist and yanked her back just as the light fixture above the dance floor fell from the cracked ceiling. It crashed into the wooden floor, right where Alissa and Peter had been dancing like they had no worries in the world.

Alissa groaned at the harsh impact of falling, landing on a hard yet somewhat soft surface, face squished against it.

It didn't take her long to open her eyes and come face to face with Peter Parker, the boy who had just so happened to have saved her life.

° ° °

Ooo some more friend meddling with Alissa's crush on Peter! Plus, there was mention of a blossoming relationship that wasn't Peter and Alissa. I'm not entirely sure if it'll happen yet, but we'll see how this story pans out!

I don't really have much to say about this chapter, but feel free to leave your feedback in the comments!

Thanks for reading and I hope you all enjoyed!