In every class, I struggled to keep my focus. No matter how hard I tried to pay attention to the lecture, something in my brain just wouldn't cooperate and would send my thoughts drifting away. The most infuriating part was that most times, it was over completely irrelevant things, like what Peter must think of me after yesterday or how I was supposed to keep my head down when everyone kept staring at me in classes.

During chemistry, I couldn't even bear to look up from the worksheet. Peter sat at the table across the aisle from me with Ned, and I could feel him glancing at me every so often, whether out of concern or curiosity, I didn't know.

When the bell finally rings, I decide it's best to just rip off the duct tape band-aid over the awkward situation between Peter and I. "Hey," I mumble with a forced smile, "do you mind if I talk to Peter for a second?"

Ned just nods with a cheerful, knowing smile as he pats his friend on the back. "Um—what's up? Is—is everything okay?"

I nod and clutch my books tighter against my chest. "I just wanted to apologize for yesterday and ask if maybe—can we start over? I'm Lia—short for Amelia—Bright."

Peter glances between my face and outstretched hand for a long moment. My heart almost drops thinking he's not gonna accept, but it quickly rises gain when he takes it with a smile. "I'm Parker Peter—I—I mean Peter Parker."

A small laugh escapes me at the fact that this is the second time Peter has struggled to introduce himself to me. It helps me remember that he's a real person and certainly nothing like Henry.

I take a quick breath when he actually shakes my hand. There's a tension there that I recognize all too well. Mostly because it's one that I have to keep in my own hand, and one that I've only encountered in people like me—other REMs with enhanced strength. It takes me a moment to process it, but only one explanation occurs. Peter Parker is a REM like me.

"Well, I have to get going, but it's great to re-meet you, Peter. I guess I'll see you later?" Of course, now that I suspect Peter's secret, I might just want to keep him closer than I originally thought. It's always good to keep potential enhanced friends around, and if he's keeping a secret of his own, I doubt he'll ask too many question about mine.

"Y-yeah." He stutters with a goofy smile as we part ways for our last period classes.

I continue on to my last class with a smile on my face, and for a moment, I don't think I could be happier. Well until class finishes, that's when I see Liz and remember today is my decathlon tryout. My stomach starts to churn more with every step she takes closer with that excited smile. "You ready?"

"Not even remotely," I whisper back as I toss my books haphazardly into my locker. "I'm suddenly regretting everything, including agreeing to join the team."

Liz just chuckles and rolls her eyes as she puts her hands on my shoulders and forces me to face her. "Lia," She commands and makes sure she has my full attention, "you're going to be fine. Trust me, I'm the team captain, and as such, I know we need someone like you on the team. The others will see that."

"And if they don't?" I question. In my experience, I've found that people are strange and fickle things. They never seem to fit into expectations or boxes; no matter how hard you try shove. "What if they realize that I'm rubbish at half the questions likely to be asked?"

"Then I'll make sure to tutor you in the areas you don't understand." She reasons, and her unshakable optimism makes me crack a smile. "See? I knew you'd come around."

"Maybe I'm just lulling you into a false sense of security before I run away screaming." I tease as she loops her arm through mine and drags me through the hall. "For all you know, I could pull out my secret judo moves and make my great escape."

"Mhm. 'Cause you definitely study martial arts in your spare time." Her laughter echoes through the halls, and I force mine to join hers. Oh, if only she knew, I highly doubt she'd be laughing.

We weave our way through the halls to the library, where Liz informed me all of the team's non-practice meetings are held. I try my best to keep my hands from shaking as the situation truly settles in. The students around the table smile and cheerfully greet Liz, each one completely oblivious to my presence.

"Good news," Liz cheers as she pulls me over to her side. "I found us another member for the team! Everyone this is—"

"Lia." Someone interrupts, and I can't refrain from rolling my eyes at the voice. "You know, if you wanted to spend more time with me, all you had to do was ask." 'Flash' smirks as he drapes an arm over my shoulder.

It takes every ounce of my self-control to simply squeeze the pressure point in his hand instead of breaking it. "Don't flatter yourself." I seethe with a fake smile as he rubs his hand. "That wouldn't happen even in your dreams."

In the short span of my two days here at Midtown, I've had the great misfortune of catching Flash's attention and interest. Worse yet, he seems to grossly misinterpret my disinterest as playing 'hard to get.'

He feigns hurt at my comment and adds some generic line about how he 'knows I care deep down.' "Flash," I avoid looking at him as I set my bag down on the floor with a heavy thud, already half-exhausted form the pointless exchange, "if you were half as observant and smart as you pretend to be, you'd realize you're certainly not my type."

The other team members let out muffled snorts and chuckles at Flash's open-mouthed reaction. Still, it only takes a moment for him to recover. "Really? Then, what is your type if it's not handsome, charming, and smart?"

I ignore the comment for a second and barely spare him a glance as I reply. "Let me see. It's cute, kind, and not drowning in their own ego?"

Liz hops in on the conversation, obviously anxious to break up the growing tension and change the topic before Flash makes a bigger fool of himself. "Sounds like you have someone in mind." She teases as she leans on the table next to me, and her eyes dance with glee as she asks. "Care to share?"

I can feel the group's eyes slowly focus on me despite their attempts to be discreet. It sends all the blood rushing out of my face. I mentally scold myself for being so cocky; because while it may have knocked Flash down a peg, it exposed an insecurity I'd much rather keep hidden.

A fake chuckle escapes my lips as the lie slips past far too easily. "There's no one. At least, not at the moment."

Liz drops the subject, but I have a nagging feeling she'll bring it up later. If I'm being honest with myself, that idea terrifies me, not just the conversation, but of liking someone after Henry. Because doing so means allowing someone to get close. Close enough to really see me, to know me beyond the mask, to get hurt, or to hurt me. Not to mention, my less than desirable track record with guys.

It's one reason I'm glad my dad set rules. It provides me with an easy excuse that doesn't involve bringing up Henry, and all the mistakes that we made when we were together or even how it ended.

I nearly jump out of my skin in shock when someone takes the seat next to me and abruptly pulls me from my thoughts. Peter smiles awkwardly as he pulls his chair closer to the table, and I half-wonder if he's noticed my analyzing glances or nervous tremors from Liz's prying questions.

Although, if he did, there's no evidence of it written in his face or demeanor. In fact, there's nothing beyond the shy, concerned Peter Parker I met yesterday. "Hey." He whispers and furrows his brows as he looks at my face. "I meant to ask you earlier, but how—how are you feeling? I mean, are you, are you doing better than yesterday?"

"Yeah," I whisper, trying not to let myself get wrapped up in how sweet he's being or how much he sincerely cares. "I'm doing a bit better."

"Aww. Does Penis Parker have a little crush?" Flash teases as he claps his hands down on Peter's shoulder much more violently than necessary. I bristle at the crass nickname, and Flash seems to notice. "Oh, I see. Penis Parker's trying to get himself a girlfriend."

Something in me snaps. "You know what, Flash. Maybe I was wrong about you." I smile sweetly, but the venom drips from every word. "Maybe you're not drowning in your own ego. I think you're just insecure. I mean, what other reason do you have for constantly announcing to the world Peter has what you clearly don't?"

The smile that had been appearing on Flash's face suddenly disappears as the accusation sinks in. "So what, you've got a crush on Parker? Is that why you're defending him?"

"And if I did? I don't see how that would ever be your business." I glance at Peter to see him staring at me in awe. "Plus, Parker's a nice guy. Any girl would be lucky to have him. The point is I don't ever want to hear you speak to him like that again, or else you're gonna have to deal with me."

"Nice job, Penis Parker. Get your girlfriend to fight your battles for you." Flash sneers.

"Flash, cut it out." Liz intervenes before I can stand up from my seat and smack him. Her icy gaze makes him tug at the collar of his jacket with a scoff before sitting down.

No one says anything as the teacher comes in, a binder tucked under his arm, completely oblivious to the still lingering tension around the table. "Ah, I see Liz brought our newest recruit. I'm Mr. Harrington; it's nice to meet you—"

I plaster on a smile despite the still burning anger and annoyance at Flash, but Mr. Harrington doesn't seem to notice it. "Lia Bright," I finish for him. "and the pleasure is all mine."

The comment brings a smile to Mr. Harrington's face. "Well, let's get this meeting started."

I zone out fairly early, but luckily, no one seems to notice. The only people who seem to even further acknowledge my presence are Flash, who occasionally glares at me, and Peter, who seems to be unable to focus on anything other than the side of my head. I try to catch his eye, but he manages to avoid me each time.

It all passes by in a blur, most of which I spent wrapped up in my own thoughts. "So, I suppose the last item on the list is for us to take a vote on whether Lia joins the team," Liz states as she crosses off another item from her bulleted list.

"I'll take that as my cue," I reply with a gentle smile.

"Are you sure?" Liz questions. "You don't have to go."

"No, I think it'd be better that way. That way, no matter the outcome, there's no potential for animosity between possible teammates."

Mr. Harrington nods, clearly impressed with my statement. The rest of the table nods in understanding, and Flash merely scoffs and crosses his arms in disdain. "I'll see everyone tomorrow then."

Everyone chimes goodbyes, Ned a second later than the rest, which makes me laugh as I sling my bag over my shoulder. The library doors click shut behind me as my phone buzzes in my hand with a reply from Happy letting me know his ETA.

My footsteps echo through the empty hallway as I scroll through all the missed messages from Trish and Will. "Hey, Lia!" A voice echoes through the hall, and I turn around to find a red-faced Peter.

"Hey, Peaker. What's up?" I question, feigning innocence as if I don't already know what this is most likely about.

"I just—you see the thing is—" He stutters, and I wait patiently as he tries to organize and articulate his thoughts. "Why did you stand up for me like that? And why didn't you deny it when Flash asked if we were—you—you know?"

"Dating?" Peter nods, still clearly uncomfortable. I smile softly and take a step forward to regain his attention. "Because, Flash is a bully, and I've known lots of people like him. Hell, I even dated one. One thing I always hated about myself was never standing up when others couldn't. You're nice, Parker. You left your class to check up on a girl you had literally just met. No one should ever make you feel small or take that away from you." I sigh and shove back the memories and emotions threatening to surface. "You can't give them that power, Parker. Plus, now we're even."

Peter doesn't manage to say anything else. He just gives me an odd look as I smirk and walk away. "I'll see you tomorrow?" There's a small crack that threatens to appear in his voice amidst the sincere curiosity and worry.

"You know it, Peaker." I can't help but smile over my shoulder at him. There's something alluring about playing this game. I know it's foolish and dangerous to get close to somebody, or really anybody like Peter, who won't settle for false smiles and vague excuses—who actually cares. Maybe I'm merely tempting fate, but something tells me Peter Parker is worth the risk.

At least, that's what I convince myself of as I head out to meet Happy. A smile plasters itself on my face and refuses to budge despite my many attempts. I remind myself, it's just because I'm excited about the decathlon team. It's almost a lie, but there's just enough truth in there to let it take root.

"Meeting go that well?" Happy questions as he opens up the passenger door to Dad's sports car and cautiously looks me over. He looks half terrified at the sight of me smiling, and I try not to read too much into it as I nod and climb in.

"Nothing for sure yet, but I have a good feeling about it." I bite my lip to keep myself from saying anything more and hopefully minimize the smile.

Happy seems to notice and allows a small grin to overtake his features. "It's good to see you smile again, you know." My head snaps in his direction, wondering what he could mean by the comment. "I'm serious when you first visited you were so energetic and bubbly. It was a pain in the butt trying to keep up with you and Tony half the time."

I don't make a sound, and Happy sighs as he continues. "Sometimes I think everyone, including you, forgets that you're just a kid. You shouldn't have to have gone through so much or worry about being a superhero. All you should have to worry about is being a kid."

"I haven't been a kid for a long time, Happy," I tell him soberly as I chip away at my black nail polish. "This is all I have now. I'm a Remarkable; I can't pretend otherwise or ignore the responsibilities that come with it. After all, the life of a REM is either hiding, running, or fighting."

"Doesn't mean you have to put everything else on hold." Happy interjects, and I can feel the pointed look he's trying to give me without taking his eyes off the road. "Don't make Tony's mistakes, kid. Ask him, I can guarantee he'll tell you the same thing."

The rest of the drive back to the house is deathly silent beyond the gentle hum of the radio. Maybe Happy is right, but I can't admit that there's a chance at a normal life for me. Ever since the accident changed things and the incident with Henry, I've given up on any notion of being average—of being just Lia.

No. It's better to live at arm's length with everyone than to destroy them when I inevitably lose control or something of a hundred things goes wrong.

Maybe it means only living half a life, but it would be worth it if it means not ruining someone else's. Yet, despite the million reasons to not get close to someone, there's the natural instinct to get close, to let someone in, to take the risk despite the cost—like with Peter and Ned. There's that desire for real friendship instead of the imitation I'm currently settling for with Liz and her friends.

I tear myself to pieces in my head debating what I should do, and by the time we make it back to the tower, my mind is nearly settled.