Mies couldn't believe his eyes.
"What are you doing here? " Miles cringed, feeling embarrassed and a bit shy.

"Oh. Our class is exhibiting a science fair. " Gwen Stacy drifted on. Seeing Miles' unconcerned look,  she reached over, "Hey, are you OK? "
Miles fidgeted. "Yeah. Yeah. Sure. Cool. "
"Miles? " One of the kids from class recognised him.
Others joined in, chanting, "Miles. Miles. Miles. "
"David will you grow up for a second? " Gwen snapped, "We're in a museum for God's sake. "
  The kid named David looked hurt. He was already being laughed at.

***

"So, " Gwen continued once they were alone outside the museum, "How was life treating you Miles? "
Miles grinned, "You sound like mom. "
"Really, " Gwen imitated an old lady, "Back in my day, we showed respect to elders. Did you bother greeting me ya fella?"
   Miles grinned more, "No, grandma Stacy. I'm sorry. I'll eat my veggies. And I'll mow the lawn. "
Gwen patted him on the shoulder, "Now that's my boy. "
    They now laughed together hysterically.
***
"Jokes aside, Miles. Be honest. "
Miles' smile faded.
Here it comes.
"After he died, the University cut off my scholarship. Dunno why, but they did. Told me I wasn't on the list anymore. "
"Now that's awful. "
"Yeah. Anyway, life moves on. I got a job mowing people's lawns. Made a couple of bucks... " Miles stopped, afraid she was getting bored.
   "Yes... Bucks... "
"Made a couple of bucks and there you have it. That's my life now. "
"Oh, " Stacy made a sad face, "That's just awful. On the brighter side, tell me about your getting here! "
"Oh. My uncle. Uncle Bob... he's on an exhibition too. He invited me along. "
"That makes me think of something, " Gwen produced a pen and paper, "Here's my number. Call me at 6 today. I need help with this robot I'm working on. "
Miles couldn't breathe, "A robot you say?  As in R-O-B-O-T. "
"Yeah. But hey, it's not perfect. Yet. " Gwen emphasised the yet.
"Wow. That's wow.... Wonderful. " Miles marvelled at the idea.

"Gwen. Gwen." Diana called from the museum entrance, "Will you help me or not? "
"I'm coming, " Gwen yelled, then turned to Miles, "Hey, do me a favour and call, OK? "
Miles nodded. It was the first time he ever got a number.