Chapter 3

"I found something, but I don't know what it is. I don't think Uncle Ben ever showed us this before." Teresa replied, holding an item that made Peter's eyes widen in shock and recognition.

That was their father's satchel! The same one that he had when he and their mom...disappeared. He couldn't believe it was here after all these years. Why didn't anyone tell him? Teresa seemed to follow Peter's astonishment, knowing the older boy's recognition in his eyes. "Peter, do you know what this is?" The young girl asked, hoping for some answers.

Peter walked towards the satchel, tracing his fingers over the aged leather. "This...this was Dad's." The teen responded in a low voice, buried feelings beginning to surface.

Teresa's eyes widen, looking from her brother to the satchel she held in her hand. "How do you know?" She asked, her voice equally as quiet.

Peter swallowed before answering. "Because...he had this on the night when he and Mom left." He responded, the both of them looking at the satchel Teresa had in her hands.

The two Parkers stared at the satchel for what seemed like forever, as though time itself froze in this unexpected moment. For Peter especially, the pain from that night repeated in his mind. The brown-haired teen remembered his father's words to him, as well as his mother's sobs from leaving both him and his younger sister behind. The young man felt his eyes water, as the emotions from that night started to show after years of burying it down. Peter was so lost in his thoughts, he didn't notice Teresa talking to him until she raised her voice to get his attention.

"Peter!" Teresa cried, disrupting Peter's haunting gaze as lowered his hand from the satchel. With her brother out of his troubling thoughts, Teresa spoke up. "Peter… did Dad really have this?" The dark-haired girl asked, lowering her voice as she felt all kinds of emotions flowering within her.

Rubbing his eyes, Peter nodded. "Yeah, it's his." Peter replied, keeping his voice strong from not cracking with emotion. "Our house was trashed that night by someone. Before we left to go to Uncle Ben's, Dad brought that with us." Peter explained, before tracing his hand on the satchel for emphasis. "I just didn't think he'd give it to Uncle Ben and Aunt May."

Confusion was evident in Teresa's eyes as she looked up to Peter with a furrowed brow. "But wait, why was our house invaded? What did they want?"

Peter shrugged. "I don't know. My guess, it had to do something in the bag. Dad really wanted it kept safe." The teen reasoned as lowered his hand from the satchel.

"So, now what?" Teresa asked, unsure of what to do next from this startling revelation.

"Now, we go upstairs. Maybe Uncle Ben can tell us more about this." Peter requested as he and Teresa journeyed upstairs into the kitchen. The two were near one of the walls, still staring at the satchel. Ben was sitting in one of the chairs in the kitchen, polishing the grime off his bowling trophies while May was finishing with the dishes.

"There you two are." Ben remarked, standing up from his chair as he placed one of the trophies back on the table. "I was wondering when you two were done with the basem…" The older man paused, his eyes slightly widening at the satchel in Teresa's hands.

"Well I'll be damned." Ben muttered in recognition as May turned around to see the commotion.

"What is it?" May asked, before she too felt speechless looking at the satchel.

Ben chuckled, internally cursing the forgetfulness of his old age. "I haven't seen that thing for ages. I almost forgot about it being in this house all these years." The older man remarks.

"Did…Dad give this to you?" Peter asked, wanting an answer for his suspicions.

His smile fading, Ben nods. "Yeah, it was your father's. He told me he wanted it kept safe at all costs."

"Did he tell you why, or what was in here?" Teresa asked, her curiosity just as high as her brother's.

The older man shook his head. "He didn't say. All he said was to give it to you when the time was right. I guess it's now." Ben answered, looking from the children to his wife.

Peter nodded. "Thanks for answering our questions, Uncle Ben." The teen replied, grabbing the satchel from Teresa. "C-Can I go to my room?" Peter requested, clenching the bag tight in his hand. At the older man's nod, Peter raced upstairs with Teresa following him. With the two gone, May looked back to her husband.

"Ben, do you know what is in that bag?" The blonde woman asked as her husband sighs.

"I don't know, May. I just hope Richard knew what he was doing." Ben replied, placing the bowling trophy from the table back in it's box.

Upstairs, Peter quickly opened the door to his room, placing his skateboard away so he could create space on the floor. Teresa entered as well, slightly annoyed at Peter's sudden exit. "Pete, what are you doing?" She asked as Peter began to unzip their father's satchel.

"What does it look like? I'm finding out what is so important in this thing that Dad wanted to keep secret." Peter responded, ready to spill all of the bag's content on the floor. Before he could, Teresa closes the door and sit's down next to Peter.

"I want to find out too. We both deserve it." Teresa reasoned which Peter nods. Calmly and carefully, Peter slowly empties the bag, the contents falling gracefully to the floor. Theoretical papers, notes on genetics, and various other writing on science were the majority, with a portion of a newspaper that caught Teresa's attention.

"Hey, look at this." Teresa spoke as she grabbed the aged paper. Both Parkers look to see their father alongside another man. He appeared to be Richard's age with combed blonde hair and a pair of glasses. Oddly enough, the man in the picture is missing one of his arms. Teresa's brow furrows in curiosity as she narrows her eyes at the stranger in the picture. "Whose that?" She asked.

It only took a second for Peter to find out. "That's Curtis Connors." Peter answered as Teresa gave him a questioning look to explain. "Dr. Connors is one of the world's foremost researchers on cross-species genetics. Basically, it's like taking the DNA of one animal and placing it another." Peter explained so Teresa can better understand.

"So, Dad worked with him?" Teresa asked, noticing her father and Dr. Connors smiling to each other and shaking hands in the picture.

"Look's that way." Peter added as he found their father's ID. The two stared at the plastic before trailing their eyes at the bottom. "Oscorp." Peter muttered.

"You mean the science building in the city?" Teresa asked which the brown-haired teen nods.

"Yup, one of my classmates mentioned being an intern there who happens to work for Dr. Connors. Maybe, he knows what happened to Dad." Peter suggested, which Teresa nods.

"That makes sense, it has to be." The dark-haired girl reasoned as Peter began placing the contents back in the satchel. "All right, so what's our plan?" Teresa asked.

"We keep this secret until we find out more about what happened to Mom and Dad. I think our best bet to find out is Oscorp." Peter reasoned, patting the ID tag before placing it back in the satchel.

Teresa clapped her hands together in excitement. "All right, so what about getting in the place?" She asks, eager to finally get some answers.

Peter sighs as places down the satchel, staring Teresa in the eyes. "You're not coming with me on this, Teresa." The teen spoke and winced at his sister's hurt expression.

"Why not? I deserve answers just as much as you do, Pete!" Teresa responded, her tone angry and confused as she glares at her older brother.

"I know you do Teresa, but… this could be dangerous. We don't know what to expect at this place." Peter replies before pausing, remembering his father's conversation with him years ago. "Before they left, Dad made me promise something. I promised him I'd look out for you, and that's what I intend to do. I know you're growing up to not be a little girl anymore, but I will keep you safe. You're my sister and I can't imagine anything, God forbid, happening to you. We already lost our parents, I don't want to lose you too." Peter said as Teresa's expression softens in understanding.

"All right, Pete. If you do actually go through with this, then be careful." Teresa warns as Peter nods, placing the satchel on top of his desk.

"I guess we'll cross that bridge when we come to it." The teen responds, hoping that Dr. Connors is the key to all of this. Otherwise, they'd be back at square one with questions they'll never get answers to.

The next day felt like a breeze at school for Peter. As the classes went by, the teen's mind was racing with questions. What did Dad and Dr. Connors worked on? What forced them to leave? Why didn't he tell Uncle Ben and Aunt May? What does Oscorp have to do with anything? Class after class, the teen contemplated on what to do, remembering his conversation with Teresa yesterday. Should he go all the way in the city and find answers himself?

His thoughts were interrupted when a familiar sound echoed throughout the school. As soon as the final bell rang, Peter was one of the first to get out, handing the teacher his assignment. On his way to his locker, Peter barely avoided a shove from Flash, the bully glaring at him. "Watch it, Parker. I don't want loser all over my jacket." The jock remarked before him and his lackeys chuckled and walked away, their faces smug with superiority. Shaking his head to ignore Flash's stupidity, Peter walked to his locker, placing the combination and opened the door. Quickly taking out some textbooks, he closes his locker and receives a surprise instead.

Walking towards him was that girl from the other day, the girl that saved Peter from a colossal ass kicking from Flash. What was her name? Jane? Jean? Oh Jen! That's right! Peter remembered as she walked closer. She looked nervous, indicated by how she kept her books close to her as well pulling back a strand of her red hair behind her ear. The teen was confused, did she wanted to talk to him? The only girl that Peter knew who actually acknowledged his existence was Teresa. Well regardless, Jen gave a polite smile as she approached the other teen.

"Hi." Jen greeted, a genuine greeting compared to other girls that talked to him.

Being polite, Peter returned Jen's smile with one of his own. "Uh, hi." The teen responded as he rubbed the back of his hair awkwardly. "So, um Jen right?" Peter asked, wanting to make sure he got her name right. The red-haired girl nodded, which Peter grinned that he didn't look stupid. "So...uh, what's up?"

Jen cleared her throat before speaking. "I was going to ask you, do you have plans after school today?" The red-head asked, causing Peter's eyes to widen.

"Uh..." Peter paused, almost stuttering at the question. "Are you asking me out on a..." The other teen began, which Jen began to blush in embarrassment.

"Oh, no, no, no! I meant hanging out at the mall. I'm meeting some friends there and I want to know if you want to come." Jen explained, hoping what she said earlier was a misunderstanding and that Peter didn't take it the wrong way.

At that, Peter sighed in relief. "Oh thank God." The teen muttered as he thought it over. Should he go with this girl he just met yesterday? The young man considered going to Oscorp and check out the building, but maybe he was going too fast yet. He barely has a plan anyway. I guess one afternoon at the mall isn't that bad. Peter reasoned before nodding, indicating that yes he will go to the mall.

With that, Jen resumed smiling. "Awesome, do you want to meet with me there or go together?" The red-head asked.

Peter considered her request, tapping his board with his foot. "Sure, let's go together." The brown-haired boy responded. With his board in one hand, Peter walked out with Jen, the two on their way to the enormous shopping center. As they walk, Peter decided to start conversation again. "Can I ask you a question and be honest with me." Peter requested, which Jen nodded. "Why are you inviting me to hang out with your friends? Don't tell me Flash is in on this." The teen asked, concerned.

Jen shook her head. "No, it's just I was really impressed the other day, standing up to Flash like that. I told my friends about what happened and they seem eager to meet you. It's hard to find good people nowadays when most of the students would post pictures of a fight and upload them on Facebook." Jen explained.

Peter chuckled. "Yesterday it looked like you saved me. And thanks for that, I really appreciated it." The teen added with a grateful smile.

At his compliment, Jen felt her cheeks redden. "Yeah, it's no problem." She responded as the two continued on their way in a comfortable silence.

Back at the mall, the others are waiting for Jen and her new arrival at their usual place, the Big Squeeze, a lemonade stand that Caitlin hates working with a passion. Jude was perfuming tricks with his board, as Wyatt laid relaxed on a chair, listening to some music with his headphones. Jonesy and Nikki were arguing with each other, again. It seemed the two always had an excuse for a fight, which Nikki blamed Jonesy for being a total idiot.

Regardless, Caitlin was happy that her shift would be over in a minute as she finished giving out two cups of lemonade to a teen couple. "Here you guys go, have a good day!" The blonde spoke as the couple took their drinks and left. Smiling, Caitlin took off the ridiculous lemon shaped hat on her head. "Yay, my shift is over." She exclaimed happily, taking off the lemon covered apron as she exited the stand and closed up shop for her manager.

As she walked over to her friends, Caitlin winced at Jonesy and Nikki arguing with each other. "Um... why are they yelling at each other?" The peppy blonde asked.

Jude catches his board in his hand and faced Caitlin, shrugging his shoulders. "Trust me dude, even I don't know. I just drown them out and practice my flips." The skateboarder replied as he resumed practicing, causing Caitlin to redirect her attention back to the other two teens arguing.

"I'm telling you Nikki, I am one of the hottest guys ever. Every girl would want to hang out with me." Jonesy proclaimed, a confident tone in his voice.

The punk-themed girl rolled her eyes. "Are you really that smug, Jonesy? 'Cause I've seen you flirt, and I smile to see how much you fail at it." Nikki retorted, which Jonesy gave an indignant yelp.

"Hey, I am that attractive! What kind of girl would resist all of this?" Jonesy asked, gesturing his hand all over his face.

Nikki snorted. "Any girl with a brain." She retorted, causing Wyatt and Jude to laugh at Jonesy's expense. Before Jonesy could retort and things would really get out of hand, Jen appears.

"Hey guys, sorry I'm late, again. I'm trying not to make this a habit." Jen apologizes as Wyatt nods.

"It's all right Jen. Good thing you showed up when you did, otherwise Jonesy would have blown a gasket." The messy haired teen explained while Jonesy crossed his arms and mumbled grudgingly to himself, with Nikki looking victorious.

Caitlin looks at Jen, confused. "Wait, where's Peter? I thought you said you talked to him." The blonde asked.

The red-head eased her friend's suspicions. "Relax, he's on his way. He had to go use the bathroom." Jen explained, and smiled when she hears footsteps. "In fact, here he is now." Jen turned, her five friends seeing Peter heading towards them.

As Peter walked to Jen's friends, he felt a knot of anxiety tied up in his stomach. He wasn't really good at making new friends right off the bat. What if they don't like him? Well, Peter owed Jen for helping out with Flash, so it was the least he could do. As he approached closer, he noticed the five other teens. One girl screamed the definition of a Valley Girl, with the clothes to match. One of the guys looked like a skateboarder, causing Peter to relax slightly. At least there's one guy I can talk to. Another guy was sitting quietly, lowering his headphones to greet Peter. The other girl was definitely a tomboy, her rebellious attitude expressed clearly. And there was the final guy, no doubt self-satisfied with himself and... is that blue hair? Regardless, Peter walked toward them and stopped next to Jen.

"Guys, this is Peter, the guy that stood up to Flash." Jen introduced, which the others greeted. "Peter, these are my friends; Caitlin, Jude, Wyatt, Nikki, and Jonesy." Jen added, as she gestured her hand to each one of them.

The others get up from their chairs, walking over to Peter. "'Sup dude." Jude greeted with a toothed grin.

"Hi." Wyatt added, hoping the newcomer isn't too uncomfortable.

"Welcome, I guess." Nikki spoke, as Peter felt a little relaxed at their greetings.

"Hi guys. Jen told me about you all would be here. Thanks for having me." Peter responded politely.

Jonesy smirked. "It's our pleasure bro." The teen responded, patting Peter on the shoulder. "I mean come on, you're the cousin of Ben Parker Junior. You're like... royalty." The Latino added as Peter felt a little unsure how to respond to that.

"Um, yeah thanks." Peter mumbled, which Caitlin noticed.

"You are related to Ben Junior right?" The blonde asked which Peter nodded.

"Yup, he's my cousin." Peter confirmed, which Caitlin practically squealed with joy.

"This totally like awesome! I can totally see the resemblance now. Is he really cute like the Seniors say he is?" Caitlin asked, leaning a little too personal for Peter.

"Uh... I guess?" Peter shrugged, not really wanting to think about that right now.

"Easy Caitlin, you're scaring him." Nikki interrupted and pulled the blonde away from the nervous teen. The punk-themed girl turned to Peter, her lips forming a grin. "So, Jen told us you stood up to Flash, nice job." She complimented as Peter rubbed the back of his head in a sheepish manner.

"Well yeah, someone's got to do it, right?" Peter responded, as he subconsciously felt his bruise he received from the bully.

Jonesy grinned. "Yeah man, that was cool what you did. Trust me dude, I know that Flash is a jerk too."

Jude's eyes gleamed in excitement as he saw Peter's board in the other teen's hand. "Awesome board, bro!" The skateboarder complimented as he placed his hand in the air for a fist bump.

Peter chuckled and returned the fist bump with one of his own, feeling glad that this was actually turning well. Jen, for the most part was quiet watching Peter interact with her friends, spoke up again. "Hey guys, do you want to show Peter around? There's lots of cool places here." The red-head asked, with the others agreeing.

Caitlin was the first to grab Peter's hand. "First, let's go shopping for some new clothes!" The blonde requested, much to Peter's confusion.

"New clothes? What's wrong with the ones I'm wearing?' Peter asked, in which Caitlin turned to the Parker in shock.

"There's a sale today, who wouldn't want to buy the latest in fashion when you save money?" Caitlin responded, much to her friends' dismay.

"Go easy on him Caitlin, he's the new kid remember?" Nikki reminded, remembering how much the blonde loves shopping. And with that, the group, including Peter, hung out around the mall, having fun and laughing at each other's jokes. For the first time in a while, Peter actually felt happy. There were at the mall for hours, yet Peter was having a blast. From performing tricks with Jude on their boards to playing games at the arcade, the brown-haired teen felt a sense of glee. This afternoon alone helped Peter out his mind at ease and was really glad he made new friends, a brief time forgetting about the emotional problems he's been having in finding out what happened to his parents.

For today, Peter Parker felt like he was on top of the world.