It's in our last class, gym, that really throws us.

We need to do this thing with a rope where we climb up it. Sounds simple enough, but it requires a lot of upper body strength. Luckily, Peter and I are used to this kind of thing.

Unluckily, Peter still needs to pretend that he's weak.

This doesn't help when Flash shows up and starts taking the piss out of Peter. "Ha! Like Penis can do this!" He chortled, causing others to laugh along.

"What did he just say to Peter?" Wanda asks, though it's obvious she knows. "Cool it, Petra," I warn her, discretely reminding her of her cover. "I've got this."

I stride over to Peter, a plan already in my head.

"I've got an idea," I tell him quietly. "Do you still want to play all those sports games? Like football?"

"Yeah, but I can't," Peter sighed. "Carmen, what's on your mind? I need to stay like I used to be, remember?"

"We'll just tell people that when we go off on our own after school, I've been training you in the gym," I shrug. "I've taught some of the girls a little self-defence, it's not like it's impossible to believe. And it would explain why we always head off together."

"Do you... think that'll work?" Peter asks. "I know it will," I smile. "Just go over there and follow my lead... Oh, and make a bet against Flash that you can reach the top."

Peter chuckles at this. "No, you can do that. Or he'll know what's up." "Fair," I nod, then hear Ned getting called up to do the rope. We're doing it by register.

We watch as Ned nervously tries to climb the rope. He doesn't really get far, an inch or two at best. Poor guy ain't sporty.

Flash laughs at him. "Dork can't even climb a rope!" "We didn't need to hear how incapable you are, Flash," I quip. "You're not gonna be any better, you're just a girl," Flash scoffs.

"Excuse me?" I'm annoyed now. I walk over to him, arms folded. "Why wouldn't I be able to do this just because I'm a girl?"

"Girls are weaker," Flash replies confidently. "Oh really now? Why don't I settle that with you?" I remark, forming fists.

Peter, Ned and Wanda quickly hurry over to stop me from killing him. "Carmen," Wanda says warningly, just as I had earlier. "Don't do anything stupid."

"It won't be stupid, it'll be worth it," I mutter, but reluctantly relent. I then get an idea. "I bet I can get to the top in less than a minute. In fact, I bet Peter can get to the top, too, but you can't."

Everyone gapes at my bold bet, then Flash laughs. "Are you kidding me?! I'll reach the top easily! And Penis will never even get close!"

"Then how much of a bet are you willing to make?" I smirk. Flash takes out his wallet - why does he even have that on him in this kind of class? - and checks how much he has. After a few moments, he shrugs. "If you can both do it but I can't, you get my credit card for a year. Because that's how sure I am you can't!"

"Seriously?! Your credit card for a year?! You idiot, you should never bet something like that!" I gape at him. How stupid can you get?!

"Are you saying no?" Flash smirks. "I'm not saying no to this golden opportunity, but you should," I role my eyes. "It's a deal, then. Everyone remember this."

Everyone takes out their freaking phones when Peter's called up.

At first he struggled like normal, barely getting up. "Ha! He's never getting up that thing!" Flash scoffs. "I wouldn't be so sure," I smirk. "Remember your training, Peter! You don't have to keep it secret anymore, show them what you can do!"

Peter smiles slightly, then begins climbing at a strong but still believable pace, slapping the ceiling with his hand to show he's at the top. Everyone gasps in shock.

Flash pales. "He... he actually did it?!" I notice him clinging to his credit card in panic. "Carmen's been helping me out after school!" Peter grins, carefully sliding back down the rope. "I wanted to keep it a surprise, but... this seemed like a good time."

I smile as Peter comes over to me. His excited expression shows me how glad he is that he's finally showing off his capable side. He won't have to hide as a weak kid now, he can be strong. He can play football or whatever other games he likes. He can defend himself from bullies.

It's Flash's turn up next.

"Carmen, what if he manages to get up there?" Peter whispers to me, watching Flash. "Will you kill me if I had a harmless way to prevent it?" I ask. He chuckles and shakes his head. "If it's harmless, go ahead."

I nod and make a discrete hand gesture.

Flash helps and starts sliding down the rope. To be fair, he was barely up to begin with. He falls, landing on the padded mat moved below the rope. Everyone laughs. Flash tries again, but can't seem to get a grip on the rope that's strong enough to hold his weight.

He wipes his hands on his shorts, leaving them damp. A second attempt now still doesn't help. "What did you do?" Peter asks curiously. "Classic grease trick," I shrug. "But with grease from the canteen so it looks like he's just had one too many pizzas or whatever."

Peter chuckles, nodding, then everyone laughs again when Flash fails for the millionth time to get a grip on the rope. Eventually the teacher just sends him off as he's taking too long. Flash somehow looks both pale and red at the same time.

I was then called up and smirked teasingly at Flash. "Get ready to pay up." I grip the rope, testing my weight on it for a moment. It's good to go.

I climb the rope with ease, shimmying up at a steady pace until I can tap the high ceiling. Much to my surprise and amusement, everyone starts cheering below me. I glance down to see Flash's face. One word; priceless.

It's a genuine pleasure to slide back down and pluck that credit card from his greasy little hands.