o1| prologue — undercover

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           "So, did you know what American schools were like? Because you have to play Peter Parker who is a student—a high school student." The interviewer asked Tom.

           A goofy grin appeared on his face recalling the situation, "I think that was the most daunting part of taking on this character so as a joke I suggested to marvel that I should go to a high school undercover. And I guess they took it very seriously and did not get my British sarcasm at all."

            The crowd erupts in chuckles, as Tom continues his story, "And yeah so the next thing I know I had a backpack and I was on my way to Bronx school of Science."

           "Oh, boy." Robert mutters, sifting next to Tom on the couch.

           "You actually went to class?" The host questioned.

           "Yeah, I had a fake name, a fake accent," Tom spoke, counting with his fingers. "Did you have a fake mother drop you off too?" The host chuckles.

           "Yeah, they brought Marissa in for that reason," Tom laughed, "But Bronx School of Science is for geniuses...and I am no genius."

           "You're not?" He asked, probably just trying to make Tom feel better about himself.

           "Not even the teachers knew about it so they would bring me to the front of the class and be like 'what do you think new kid!' and I'm like I have no idea what you're talking about." Tom nervously chuckles.

          "You're such a narc!" The host exclaims, "So did anyone figure out it was you? After the movie came out? Did you tell anyone?"

           Tom paused for a moment, a smile creeping onto his face. Robert noticed the boy's reaction and nudged his side slightly, causing Tom to laugh and push him away.

"Is there something I'm missing?" The host asked suspiciously.

"No—no! It's just a funny story. I uh sat in the back of a classroom next to quite a pretty girl and uh eventually she goes 'So dude what's your deal, man?' And I tell her that I'm Spiderman. She told me I was nuts."

"Well of course she did! That's a ridiculous story!" The host laughs.

"But the fact that you were allowed to go to Bronx School of Science that was believable?" Robert sarcastically asked.

・・・・・☆

Florence Mae dropped her pizza out of her hand, her mouth gaping open. The young girl watched the interview with her two best friends side by side in her worn down apartment.

"Tom Holland just talked about you on national television." Noah gasped.

         "And he called you pretty!" Maya shrieked.

Noah and Maya eagerly looked at Florence, waiting for her response. She was frozen. She didn't know what to say. At this point she had completely forgotten how to talk. Only two words simply slipped off her tongue.

"Holy shit."