There are some moments in life that you can't let go. Like a child never leaving their blanket behind wherever they went. It's not until someone mentions it that you realize you lost it. And you often wonder where it went. But then again, you're told that you destroyed it and they had no choice but to bury it where you can't reach it. 

It's a funny yet messed-up story to tell your kids. 

Gwen watched Dad Cop in the lonesome living room. The smell of noodles and coffee filled the rugs as she didn't move from her spot. She couldn't help it. She couldn't believe that she lost her best friend and it was all her fault for not seeing it through. 

It almost made her laugh that she missed a day of patrol and her dad got a nice day for it. Why must everything not go well with her? Is it so hard to ask for a day of silence? Unfortunately, she wasn't able to get that silence as her kitchen door started knocking. Gwen, obviously, ignored it and looked back at the screen. 

Just as the Cop was about to save his son another knock came to the door but much louder than the last one. Gwen sighed, looking down at the empty bowls and coffee cups on the table in the middle of the living room. If she stays quiet, they will go away. 

"GWENDOLYN MAXINE STACY! IF YOU DON'T OPEN THIS DOOR, I WILL KICK IT DOWN!" Gwen heard a familiar voice from outside. She sniffed nonchalantly, glancing at the door and directly at the top window. It's usually covered by the cream curtain but cursed as the windows were moved open and three girls were peeking through. 

"I can't! Sushi's brother's friend's cousin Nemo just died and it was tragic. Come another time!" Gwen shouted back before looking back at the TV. 

"Sushi died years ago!" she heard Gloria scream from outside. 

Gwen ignored them. She can be petty all she wants. She already claimed this couch, she's not moving...unless she's hungry but that's another matter. Gwen frowned lightly, turning to the door again but saw the three girls gone. She sighed, content of being alone but she sprung to her feet and dashed to the garage to lock the door but cursed as the girls managed to get in. 

"Trespassing," Gwen deadpanned. 

MJ sighed, walking over to her and pulling her in a hug. Gwen isn't much of a hugging person and just let her be. Her eyes welled up in tears but blinked them away as she patted her friend's back, silently telling her to back up. She saw Glory and Betty smiling softly at her and walked over to her and hug her too. 

"Let me guess," Gwen spoke as the girls started dragging her inside the house. "I missed practice again?"

"Yeah," MJ replied but turned to Gwen, grabbing her hands. "We've heard what happened with Peter."

Gwen frowned, "It hasn't been a day though."

MJ chuckled, "We know everything. But we don't have to talk about it or anything, we just wanted to see how you're doing. It's been forever since you and Peter had an argument." She yelped, tripping over a shoe, and looked back at the living room. She grimaced at the mess and walked to an empty spot and turned to everyone but directly to Gwen. 

"But it wasn't over something like this," Gwen stated, walking to the kitchen to grab lemonade for everyone while everyone followed and sat at the table. "It...was me. I was the problem. You were right, MJ. I guess I...mothered him too much and it made him mad at me. I don't know how to fix this."

Gwen placed the tray on the table as everyone grabbed a glass. Glory looked at the girl softly. Gwen was completely disheveled, she was wearing her pajamas with her mismatched socks. There were bags under her eyes too. 

"Nothing," MJ spat, glaring at her glass. "You've always been there for him and he cursed you out for something you can't control. It's his problem."

"I'm the problem," Gwen groaned, rubbing her temple and closing her eyes. "I tried asking him to the dance but it just...happened."

"Oh yeah," Betty drank. "We also heard that you're going to the dance with Harry."

"Yeah, what gives?" MJ joked, smirking at the girl. "I haven't gotten a date yet."

"I thought you wanted to go with Harry," Glory deadpanned but raised her hands in surrender when MJ glared at her. "Besides, even Flash asked you to prom," Glory sighed at MJ.

"I didn't want to go with Harry," MJ scoffed. "He's been bugging everyone to go with him. And I don't know. I'd rather just go with the flow with my gals," she grinned while the girls sweatdropped. 

"It's because you're single," Betty and Glory deadpanned and flinched as MJ glared at them again and sighed, turning to Gwen and grabbing her hand. "But I think it's cool that you're going to prom with Harry. It could be a nice break. Not only that, I actually talked with the principal and I got us to perform at the prom!"

Betty's and Glory's eyes widened, "Really?! Now we really need to find dates!"

Gwen couldn't help it. She laughed, throwing her head back at her friends' antics. "It's the day after tomorrow, right? What are you guys going to wear?" she couldn't help but ask. 

She has zero money to buy a dress. She'll just find something from her closet. It's nothing special. Really.

Gwen shivered as she saw the slight glint in MJ's, Betty's, and Glory's eyes as they smirked at her. Gwen immediately knew what they were thinking and made a dash to her room but Glory was close to her and tackled her to the ground. Gwen yelped as Betty jumped too, landing on top of them. 

MJ chuckled darkly as she walked over and in front of the struggling girls. "We shall depart Gwendolyn, we shall go and find the perfect dress for us as we are the stars!" MJ shouted with determination. "It will be the night we'll never forget! We are going to be famous! We will dance our feet off! We shall beat those drums and party!"

Gwen sighed, dropping her forehead on the carpet in defeat as Betty and Glory grinned at her. "I was going in a skirt with boots," Gwen grumbled but MJ was having none of it. 

"Remember Gwen," MJ smirked as Betty and Glory got off the girl and helped her up. "If we're going in battle, we'll do it in style."

🕸🕷🕸

Gwen was internally strangling MJ at the mall. Gwen didn't mind shopping. She liked finding any cartoon shirts to use as pajamas or some loose men's jeans with big pockets. But...as of now, they were currently in their sixth store. Glory actually managed to find a short golden dress from their third store. But MJ was basically the girl of "perfection". She needed to find the right dress. 

Hence, going to many different stores while Gwen silently suffered. 

Betty actually bought a dress a few weeks back and it was now MJ's and Gwen's turn. MJ stood in front of a body mirror, looking at the black tight dress she wore. It was a beautiful midnight black one-shoulder dress. It had a slit to her knee, it was decorated with white stones in her chest to her waist. 

MJ grinned, grabbing her long red hair into a ponytail, and looked at herself more. "I like this one, what do you think?"

Gwen nodded, walking over to her and helping adjust the skirt. "I like it too. It looks nice."

MJ grinned, turning to her. "Have you found your dress yet?"

Gwen sweatdropped, "I'm broke."

MJ waved her hand, "I'm spoiling you. Go find something you like. You're lucky you're my best friend."

Gwen chuckled, shaking her head. "You don't really have to do this. I'm still thinking about backing out of the prom and just staying home."

"And let Peter destroy your night?" MJ raised a brow unimpressed. She grabbed Gwen and shoved her to the mirror. "Look at you! You're a mess. It's about time you make something for yourself. You are beautiful Gwen. If Peter doesn't see that then screw it."

Gwen can see the faint bags under her eyes. She couldn't help but be amused as MJ grimaced, leaning back and flicking away a piece of crumb from Gwen's hair before hugging her from behind. MJ grabbed her hands, placing them on her abdomen while looking at her in the eyes. 

"You're special," MJ smiled at her. "Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."

Gwen chuckled, leaning back in MJ's embrace. It felt nice to have MJ around. She was always there when something stupid happens and Gwen couldn't help but smile at her. 

"Thanks," Gwen whispered. "I needed that."

"Of course you did!" MJ grinned, now walking to take the dress off. "Now, look for a dress. Don't look at the price. Just find your size and try it on." With that, she closed the curtain behind her, leaving Gwen to go to the cheaper aisles. 

🕸🕷🕸

Peter didn't know what to feel. After last night, he locked himself in the room and ignore his aunt's and uncle's concerns. He couldn't help it. Throughout his life, Gwen was always there when he did something wrong. And it happened often. It could have been nice if he did something for a change. 

For her. 

And seeing her happy while making friends on the way while he is kicked down...it made him jealous but he never blamed her. She worried for him like a sister. At least, that's what he thought. He hated it. Not because it was humiliating with Flash's taunts but because she ends up hurt in the process. She's always there to fix his messes when he is supposed to do it himself. 

Hell! Even he should be protecting her, not the other way around!

But when he saw Ghost-Spider on the news, seeing how the hero swing from building to building and fighting thugs while picking herself back up, he couldn't help but be inspired. Peter and everyone in the media tried to know more about the vigilante. How is it that she is strong? How is it that she makes spider webs? 

It inspired him. 

He wanted to be a hero too to protect Gwen. She deserved that. But after the harmful argument and violent act towards her, he needed to do something about it. Peter turned to his pet lizard, seeing him lying on the gravel with the sunlight shining in his small cramped room. The green strong skin with its claws. It was harmless for him. Looking at his school bag where his notebook was, he knew that it was time. 

He'll make a change. 

He'll finally become a hero like Ghost-Spider and protect Gwen from everything. She won't feel forced to protect him. He'll finally take the leap of faith.

Peter reached for his notebook, stopping as his phone buzzed from his pocket. He pulled it out, saw a goblin emoji, and opened the message. 

You're stupid.

Peter already knew that. 

Peter just left him on seen, seeing the news that Gwen asked Harry to prom. He sighed, knowing that he couldn't do anything to stop it but only encouraged it. He stuffed his hand in his pocket, pulling out the lone pearl. He gripped it tightly, knowing what to do. 

"Uncle Ben!"

🕸🕷🕸

Betty and Glory watched in awe, seeing Gwen standing in front of the mirror while holding a dress she thought she liked. She recalled seeing a dress similar to her mom's prom dress based on the old albums in her closet. She wasn't sure but seeing the beaming faces of her friends, she was still thinking about it. 

"Definitely," MJ walked over to her with her shopping bag. "It matches your blues~"

Betty grinned, walking over to Gwen. "Yeah, I think it's definitely your color. I thought you would be going for Punk style."

Glory nodded, "But then again, MJ would have burned it on the spot."

MJ pouted, "Why must you always insult me?"

"It's in the job description," Glory replied and walked over to Gwen. "But this dress looks like it's missing something."

"Heels."

"Makeup."

"A necklace."

The three blinked before turning to Betty. Betty frowned but stiffened as she realized what she said and they all turned to Gwen, seeing the girl reaching to her neck and seeing the bare collarbone. Right where the pearl was. 

Gwen closed her eyes, sighing and turning to her friends. "I think Mom had some jewelry. I could ask Dad. But I don't want heels."

"Sucks," MJ smirked as everyone grabbed Gwen and dragged her to buy the dress. "Remember. This day is all about you!"

"I smell corndogs!" Gwen shouted, dashing to the stand but Glory grabbed her hand. "Leave your temptation behind and go onward!"

The four girls laughed, hugging each of their arms as they started running through the mall to the next store. It took most of the afternoon as the girls went everywhere. They even went back to Gwen's house before going to the skatepark. 

It has been a long time since they've hung out other than band practice. But it was nice and refreshing. They even stole a shopping cart before going through the streets to buy sodas and chips. It was relieving to Gwen through it all and couldn't help but be excited for the dance. 

🕸🕷🕸

Gwen stood in front of her body mirror as she stared at herself. Her short hair was lightly curled with striking pink and blue highlights. Her eyes were bright from the light makeup she wore and the right leather jacket on top of her dress. She looked...pretty. 

Gwen chuckled, shaking her head. Tonight, she'll let loose. She'll play with the band and dance the night away. Glancing back at the mirror, she spotted her closet behind her and turned around. 

Opening it, she was met with her suit. Gwen bit her lip in thought. Reaching for the suit, she grabbed it and tucked it inside her bag. It won't take long for Harry to call her so she started putting everything away before leaving.

Gwen stopped, turning around to find her dad leaning on the door frame and smiling softly at her. She chuckled, "What are you smiling about?"

George chuckled, walking over to her bed and sitting on it. He glanced up at her and patted beside him. Gwen complied, tucking the skirt before sitting down. She looked up at him ad blinked to see her dad just looking ahead. 

"Dad?" she frowned, turning to what he was looking at, and stopped, seeing a picture frame on top of her dresser. It was of her mom and dad with her. She was a year old at the time and her mom held her for the picture while her dad ruffled her hair. 

"You look exactly like her," George commented. "Your mother actually wore a dress like that back in the day."

Gwen chuckled, lightly blushing. "Yeah, I saw the albums. I thought...it would look nice for tonight."

"You ready?" George asked, glancing down at the girl, noticing her clenched fists and the missing necklace. She didn't reply, only looking down at her hands. George instead pulled her in a hug. "You're beautiful. Now, don't do anything stupid, don't drink, and don't get yourself into trouble."

Gwen chuckled, leaning into his hug and smirking up at him. "How nice of you to worry about others than your only daughter," she teased. "I feel the love."

"I have a daughter?" George's eyes widened at her but laughed as Gwen tried to punch his arm playfully but he only hugged her to him and kissed her head. "I want you to have fun. Call me for any emergency."

Gwen smiled, "Okay."

Coincidentally, the doorbell rang making them turn to the door. Gwen was the first to stand up and grab her bag before facing her dad, sloppily saluting him before leaving the room. George only watched her go, smiling softly and grabbing the picture frame. Nostalgia filled his eyes as he remembered vividly seeing his wife's long blonde hair and blue eyes sparkling with the most loving smile. 

Gwen got her looks but unfortunately got his character as a result but wouldn't change her in any way. George looked around Gwen's room from where he stood, seeing so many scraps on the floor with tools. He chuckled, finding the radio he brought the other day good as new. Gwen was talented, she was special. 

"She will be fine, Helen. She'll be the same crazy girl as always," George placed the frame down before going downstairs to watch Dad Cop and clean after Gwen's messes again. 

🕸🕷🕸

Gwen wasn't sure why she was surprised when she stepped out of the house. It was Harry Osborn after all. She was met with a limousine with the boy out of the vehicle waiting for her. His unruly curly hair was gelled back as he wore his black tuxedo. That was when she noticed the bouquet of flowers Harry gave to her. 

Burgundy black dahlias. 

Gwen chuckled, amused by him, and crossed her arms. "You clean up nicely."

Harry chuckled, walked over to her, and handed her the bouquet. "Since we're going as friends, I thought it would be nice to give my 'date' flowers instead of finding corsages or anything like that."

Gwen nodded, agreeing to it as she completely forgot about the norms of having corsages but nicely took the flowers from him. She usually prefers Peonys after reading a book when she was younger but took them. Harry smiled at her, "You look radiant."

Gwen snorts, rolling her eyes while bashfully looking down at her dress.

A/N: Not mine 🥰

After placing the bouquet inside the house, she walked back to Harry as they both entered the limo. It was her first time in a limo and couldn't help but get excited for the night to come. She, unfortunately, was unaware of the pair of eyes watching her from the shadows. 

🕸🕷🕸

Arriving at the busy school in the late afternoon, Gwen could already see the flashing colorful lights from inside. Harry's chauffeur stopped in front of the school while Harry stepped out and walked to the other side to open the door for her. Gwen tried to leave too but the boy thought it should be a perfect night for them. 

Just as she stepped out, they both walked inside and were met with blasting music and some people in the halls drinking soda. Harry led her to the back of the school towards the gym. Gwen stopped him during the halls and walked over to her locker. 

"You can go ahead, I'm putting my bag in the locker," Gwen spoke as Harry smiled and leaned into another locker to wait for her. The boy couldn't help but drift his mind away. He couldn't help but feel bad about this too. He really liked Gwen. But he also didn't like this feeling of betrayal from Peter. But then again, who knows when will be the other time when he gets to be with Gwen? 

Although no one can visibly see Gwen through her smile, he can clearly see how much she's hurting. But he will make sure that everything goes great for her. Even when it's just for a night. Harry reached over and grabbed her hand gently. Gwen stopped forcing her bag into her locker and turned to him. 

"I'm glad we went together," he smiled as she later smiled back. Punching her bag closed, she grinned at him while giving him a fist bump. "Let's go."

Harry grinned back and knocked his fist with hers before heading to the gym. The music grew louder and louder as they reached close to the doors. They glanced at each other one last time before opening the doors, immediately finding people screaming and dancing inside with cups in their hands. 

There were some teachers leaning against the walls while conversing with each other, not bothering to look at the students while the DJ kept playing. Just seeing so many people made Gwen relax, knowing not many people will be looking at them much until she performs with the girls. 

Speaking of girls, Gwen's senses flared making her turn to the right just as Betty grabbed her wrist with a grin. "Late again, Gwen!" she laughed before turning to Harry and nodding to the stage. "You're welcome to come with us. It's going to take a while to set everything up!" she shouted from the music. 

Harry nodded and turned to Gwen, "Yeah, I'll grab us something to drink!" 

Gwen grinned, holding his hand before following Betty backstage. The tall blue curtain blocked out some of the loud music but not enough to cover the busy people setting the instruments to the right position. Gwen spotted her red drum set and walked over. Grabbing a few spare sticks, she walked over to MJ who was peeking through the crowd. 

"Our first concert..." she heard MJ murmur and grin at her excitedly. "Can you believe it?"

Gwen smiled softly and hugged her, "We got this. We'll make this our best memorable concert."

Glory and Betty smiled, walking over to them. "Everything is set. Just waiting on you, MJ." MJ turned to the girls, her eyes lightly tearing up but the girls immediately tried to calm her down, knowing how MJ wants everything perfect. Especially her makeup.

"Okay," MJ sighed and threw her hand down. "Ready?"

Gwen smirked, placing her hand on top of hers. "Ready."

Betty did the same thing while smiling fondly at them, "Ready."

The three girls turned to Glory who chuckled, shaking her head while doing the same thing. "I still can't believe we're the Mary Janes. You couldn't have picked the name Betty came up with?"

MJ huffed, "MURDER FACE is a terrible name."

"So is Mary Jane," Betty laughed while MJ started arguing with her while Gwen just watched. She turned to the curtain, finding many people still dancing to the music. The DJ turned to the curtain as she nodded to him. The DJ nodded back, setting one more song before the great concert. Just seeing so many people here tonight gave her goosebumps. Turning to the girls, the air caught in her lungs. 

On stage, she was met with no one in sight other than the lone one standing in front of her. Gwen's eyes widened as she never expected to see Peter of all people here in front of her. Her cheeks reddened as she saw him in a tuxedo. Even though the boy wore his broken glasses, his eyes were still on her. 

He was the same boy she loved for years. And seeing him tonight made her stop completely in her tracks. Peter looked nice. His hair was fixed neatly as she never thought she would ever see him like this.

It was silent. 

All the music and cheers were blocked out as they stared at each other. Gwen wasn't sure what to say. She's not sure if he's really here. 

"You came back," she spoke, seeing him holding a Peony in his hand. Her heart jumped to see the lone flower. 

Her favorite flower.

Peter, on the other hand, knew how he was in the wrong. In fact, he didn't deserve to see her beauty. But seeing her in front of him in a dress and the lighting from the curtain, she looked ethereal to him.

"...Of course," he spoke, looking down at the flower. It was a very last minute and didn't have the money to buy a bouquet that she deserves. But knowing the right flower she wanted, he took his savings and ran to the nearest flower shop and bought some. But seeing how late he was before the concert, he was only able to save one from the disaster while he was running. 

"Sorry about the other day," he looked up at her, handing her the flower. 

Gwen's eyes widened for a moment, seeing the beautiful peony in his hand. She hated it. She hated this feeling. Her heart kept racing at the mere sight of him and hated how much she wanted to talk to him like they used to but the sting was still there. 

Peter noticed and lowered the flower. He sadly looked at it before looking at her. "I'm deeply sorry, Gwen. You don't deserve the awful words I spat at you. In fact, I don't deserve to be here tonight to see you. You have been my best friend and I don't deserve to be your friend. I...I was scared and it's no excuse. You're special to me and I would do anything to the way it was. I'm sorry for hurting you. You didn't deserve that from anyone especially me. I'm really really sorry, Gwen."

Gwen stopped, looking at him closely. She can already see his eyes tearing up. She couldn't help but chuckle. Peter never changes when it comes to being emotional. But that is one of the things she loved about him. Sure, he can be proud and try to make a name for himself but ends up in Gwen beating others up, but he's always there to make it up for her. 

No corndogs in his hand but the beautifully strong Peony is still in his hold. It was the first time in years that he gifted her something meaningful that only the two of them know. 

Gwen couldn't be mad at him. Still disappointed but knew that she can't forgive him easily. She always does. As everyone says, it's about time she does something for herself. 

Gwen separated her legs a bit, chuckling as she pointed at him before throwing her head back to look down at him. Peter's eyes widened, recognizing her pose. Gwen spoke sternly. "I shall forgive you under one condition."

Peter blinked, finding it amusing at Gwen but would do anything to have her back. 

"Watch me."

Gwen grinned, grabbing his hand as she made him look through the curtains. Seeing all the smiles from the crowd made her more excited. Now that he's here to see her. She looked down at him, seeing him staring at the crowd too but she noticed the faint blaze burning from his iris behind his broken glasses.

"I..." he started, slowly turning around to face her. He gulped, looking at her closely. Every single moment drawn to her made his lung collapse, making him clench his fists.

"Gwen, I..."

Gwen frowned, making him stop. He looked down at the ground before shaking his head, looking up at her, and grabbing her hands in determination. "Wait for me. I will make it right, I promise."

Gwen frowned more as Peter let go of her hand while he gave her the peony. Gwen only watched him walk towards the exit. But Gwen rushed over and grabbed his hand. "Peter...I..." she started as her heart raced against her chest. Her hand shook as she looked him in the eyes. Words were heavy in her throat, unable to voice out. 

I love you.

Peter only smiled at her, "I'll make it up to you. I'll be in the front row to watch you. I promise." With that, he smiled at her lovingly before walking out of the exit while Gwen's hand was still outstretched while the other gripped the flower.

If's.

If only she called him to stay with her. If only she forgave him at that moment. If only she confessed to him. If only she told him the truth. If only she was with him. If only she dropped everything to go after him. 

So many what if's but nothing will stop the inevitable of tonight's new moon looming over Gwen, awaiting for the bloodshed to be welcomed into her racing heart as she watched Peter's smile for the last time.  

(っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ Next Episode: Hazed Reflection ♥

Published: August 4, 2023

Word Count: 4710