1.4: Two worlds in one

Parker Residence – Peter's Room

Sunday, 9:23 am

Peter sat cross-legged on his bed, phone in hand, staring at a blank text bubble he almost sent five times already.

Finally, he gave in and hit FaceTime.

Ned answered in 2 seconds, camera tilted way too close to his forehead. "Yo—what's up, man?"

Peter leaned closer like he was asking for government secrets.

Peter: (asked nervously) "Do you… know that girl in our class?"

Ned: (Squinted) "Uhh. Little more specific, bro."

Peter: (scratched his arm). "Okay, okay. She sits like… two rows behind Liz. Real quiet. Blue-hazel eyes. Long eyelashes. Pale. Wears this like… really clean, kind of mysterious vibe, but not in a scary way. Hair's this… dark-light brown kinda mix? Honestly perfect."

Ned: (Blinks) "…Bro, you good?"

Peter wasn't even listening anymore. "She's insanely attractive. Like, pause-my-Avengers-rewatch attractive. She's got this snatched waist, amazing posture, dresses like she's in a coming-of-age movie, and—dude—she's so shy. Like she's always hiding behind her laptop in class."

Nedslowly lowered his chips. "Are you describing Riley Green?"

Peter: (Froze) "Wait. That's her name?"

Ned; (dropping his jaw) "You're joking."

Peter: (shrugged helplessly) "I never caught her name, okay? I just noticed her like… yesterday."

Ned: (leans back like Peter just betrayed all nerds) "Bro, we've been in the same class as her since freshman orientation!"

Peter: (raised both hands) "I know! I know! But c'mon… you know how I am. You—me—superhero theories, Star Wars marathons, late-night LEGO builds..."

Ned (groans): "You really let a whole goddess-level girl go unnoticed because you were ranking Iron Man suits."

Peter: "…Yup."

They both sat in silence for a second.

Ned (grinns):"So..You're down bad, huh?"

Peter (let's out a long dramatic sigh): "I mean, her eyes, Ned. They're like… windows to a world I'll never be cool enough to enter."

Ned: "She's literally 14, bro. So are you. Calm down."

Peter: "Exactly. We're the same age. But she walks around like her mom's from Brooklyn and her dad's from Manhattan and she inherited both boroughs in full custody."

Ned: (cackles) "She did. Her mom's from Brooklyn. Dad's from Manhattan. No joke."

Peter: (mouth dropped) "Wait, seriously?!"

Ned (nodds): "And she's wicked smart. Honors in like, everything. Lowkey hilarious too—Betty says she cracks jokes once she's comfortable around people."

Peter (melts into his hoodie): "So she's perfect."

Ned: "She is very out of your league."

Peter: "Thanks for the confidence."

Ned: "I'm here for the realism."

Peter (flopps backward): "Ughhhhhh."

Ned: (leaned in close to the camera) "Sooo… what are you gonna do now, lover boy?"

Peter: (stared at the ceiling like it held answers) "I dunno, man… maybe I'll pretend to read a book in the library and pray the universe sends her back."

Ned: (smirked) "You better not chicken out again."

Peter: "…I won't."

Ned raised an eyebrow.

Peter: (sighs). "Okay maybe I will."

Parker Residence – Kitchen

10:17 am

Peter sat at the kitchen table, spoon halfway to his mouth, when Aunt May called from the doorway.

May (sotfly): "Peter, come eat downstairs, breakfast is ready!"

Peter: (shouts back) "Coming!" quickly grabbing his phone.

He tapped FaceTime, and Ned popped up on the screen, munching on chips.

Peter: "Morning, Ned," Peter said as he walked into the kitchen.

Ned: "Hey, dude! You're finally joining the land of the living?"

Aunt May: (smiled warmly) "Hi, Ned! You keeping Peter out of trouble?"

Ned grinned. "Trying my best, Mrs. Parker. But you know, middle school's hard."

Aunt May: (laughed softly) "I can imagine. Peter, you're usually late to breakfast."

Peter shrugged, cheeks stuffed. Peter: "Had to finish my science project."

Ned (eyes widening): "Science project? Since when are you a nerd like me?"

Peter: (rolls eyes) "Always have been."

Ned started to say something, then paused, looking like he was about to spill a secret. Aunt May gave him a curious look.

Before Ned could say more, Peter cut in quickly, Peter: (explains, nervously) "Uh, Ned was just telling me about the new Star wars movie coming out. Super hyped!"

Aunt May: (smiles knowingly) "Sounds like you two have a lot to talk about."

Peter gave Ned a pointed look. Peter: "Yeah, lots."

Ned: (chuckles,nervously) "Yeah… totally."

After breakfast, Peter excused himself with a quick, Peter: (Smiling) "Thanks, May. See you later!" and headed back upstairs, phone still in hand, leaving Aunt May and Ned sharing a smile on the screen.

Parker Residence – Peter's Room

Sunday, 11:34 pm

Peter plopped down on his bed, phone still FaceTiming Ned.

Ned (Curiously): "So, what happened in the library?" Ned asked, eyes wide.

Peter: (sighed, running a hand through his hair) "She… asked me to help her with a book.. Like y'know picking it from the shelf, and... Touched fingers, and an awkward moment, and I WAS SHAKING.."

Ned: (snorted) "Wait, wait—where was I? Shit, totally missed it! I would've clipped you two for not telling me."

Peter: (mutters, trying to hide smiling) "Knock it off, Ned,"

Ned: (leans closer, grinning). "Seriously though, I'm impressed. You didn't even trip over your words."

Peter: (shrugged)"Yeah, well, I was just trying not to look like a total dork."

Ned: "Too late for that," Ned teased. "But hey, you handled it. So, did she say anything?"

Peter: "Not much. Just that she liked the book and stuff," Peter said, eyes drifting to the ceiling.

Ned: (smirked) "Classic Riley. Mysterious but lowkey cool."

Peter: (nodded) "Yeah. She's like… she's got this vibe. Totally different."

Changing gears, Ned's face lit up. Ned: "So, speaking of vibes, you still obsessed with the latest Iron Man suit?"

Peter: (eyes sparkling) "Mark 43, dude. I've been watching every breakdown online. The way it folds, the energy repulsors…"

Ned: (rolls eyes, smiles) "You know you're basically a walking Stark fanboy, right?"

Peter: (Defensive) "Hey, he's a genius. Plus, the suits are next-level tech. Way cooler than anything I could build."

Ned: (laughed) "True that. But hey, maybe one day you'll be the one upgrading Stark tech."

Peter: (snorted) "I'll settle for passing freshman physics first."

Ned: (thumbing-up) "Baby steps, Iron-Man"

Peter rolled his eyes again but smiled.

Peter: (chuckles) "Dude y'know I love Iron Man"

Peter's sitting on the floor now, back against his bed, still talking with Ned.

Peter (grinning): "Hey, Ned. Remember that old viral video? The one where some little kid's wearing an Iron Man mask at the Stark Expo, pointing a toy repulsor at that hammer drone?"

Ned (tilting his head): "Uh—duh. Classic internet moment. Iron Man swoops in, saves the day. Everyone lost their minds. That clip went super viral. Why?"

Peter (trying to act casual, failing): "That kid... was me."

Ned (blinking hard): "...Wait, what?"

Peter (nodding): "Yup."

Ned (leaning into the camera): "Nah. No way. You were the kid with the repulsor glove?"

Peter: (shrugged proud)"Went to the Stark Expo with Aunt May. I had the mask, the toy blaster—just messing around. Then that rogue drone shows up, I freeze, raise my hand like an idiot, and boom—Mr. Stark lands right behind me."

Ned (jaw dropping): "Bro... I'm giving you 100 points for pure courage. You just stood there, aimed at that drone like a mini-Avenger. What was the name of that model? Mark II Hammer Drone, right?"

Peter (nodding): "Yeah, one of those. And then Iron Man just—swoops in, like it was nothing. Says something cool, blasts it, and flies off."

Ned (shaking his head, amazed): "You were literally saved by Mr. Stark. In real life. That explains so much, man. You've been obsessed with him since forever."

Peter (smirking): "Can you blame me?"

Ned: "Nope. Honestly? That's the most Peter Parker origin thing I've ever heard."

Green Residence – Riley's Room

Sunday, 8:14 pm

A quiet evening. Riley and Betty are on the carpet, surrounded by physics worksheets, chips, and iced coffees. Riley scribbles on her notepad, glasses halfway down her nose. Betty taps her pen rhythmically against a formula sheet.

Riley: (peering at a scribbled equation) "Okay wait… is it v = u + at, or am I losing my mind?"

Betty: (leans over) "Nope, you got it. You're not going insane yet."

Riley: (grinning slightly) "Yet."

Beat.. Riley hesitates, exhales, then plays it cool.

Riley: "Hey… that guy in our physics class. Um… Peter?"

Betty: (perks up instantly) "Peter Parker?"

Riley: (nods, casually) "Yeah. Him."

Betty: (grins knowingly) "Ohhh, Peter. You mean Ned's best friend? Kinda awkward, smart, obsessed with Iron Man?"

Riley: (smiling without realizing) "That's him."

Betty: (smirking) "He's sweet. Bit of a disaster sometimes, but like… in a 'you root for him' kinda way. He's always geeking out with Ned about Avengers tech, LEGO builds, stuff like that. He's also in like, four honors classes."

Riley: (raising a brow) "Really?"

Betty: "Yeah. Math, physics, comp sci… the usual genius schedule. You should see how excited he gets when someone brings up Stark."

Riley: (laughs softly) "That tracks."

Betty: (leans back) "He's kind of a cinnamon roll. Like, he'll hold the door open for you even if you're ten feet away. Always says 'sorry' even when it's not his fault."

Riley: (tucks hair behind her ear) "He helped me grab a book a few day's ago. It was on the top shelf."

Betty: (teasing) "Awww. Classic library meet-cute."

Riley: (playfully rolls her eyes) "It wasn't like that."

Betty: "Sure, sure. And I totally didn't catch him looking at you during bio last week."

Riley: (blushes slightly, pretending to refocus on her worksheet) "You see everything, don't you?"

Betty: (smug) "Best friend privilege."

Riley: (muttering as she writes) "I'm never telling you anything again."

Betty: (grinning) "Liar."

MEANWHILE...

Parker Residence — Peter's room

Sunday, 8:15 pm

Peter: (picks up, whispering) Yo, Ned. What's up?

Ned: (energetic) Dude! Did you see that new Avengers fight? Ultron was nuts! I just finished building this LEGO Quinjet, and it's sick.

Peter: (smiling) Yeah, man, I was just watching that. Iron Man's the coolest for sure. Wish I could suit up and help save the world.

Ned: You totally could, bro. Maybe one day! Hey, so... did you talk to that girl from the library today?

Peter: (nervous laugh) Uh... yeah. Riley. She asked me to grab a book. It was weird but kinda nice. I might have been sweating like crazy.

Ned: (teasing) Bro, sounds like you got yourself a little crush. You're shaking like you just saw a Chitauri invasion.

Peter: (defensive, playful) Hey, it's not like that! I just— I dunno. I'm not great at this "talking to girls" thing.

Ned: You're gonna be fine. Just be yourself. And if you want, I can help you come up with something cool to say next time.

Peter: (relieved) Dude, yes. Please. Because right now, I'm like a walking disaster.

Ned: (laughs) Don't worry, man. I got your back. Just don't make any more books fall off shelves, or Mrs. Librarian's gonna have our heads.

Peter: (laughs softly) Yeah, she was not happy.

Ned: Alright, man, I gotta go. But tomorrow, library mission 2.0, okay? I'll help you prep.

Peter: Sounds good. Thanks, Ned.

Ned: Anytime, dude. Night.

Peter: Night.

Peter's Bedroom — Parker Residence.

Sunday, 11:23

Peter lies on his bed, staring at the ceiling. He's replaying that library moment again, feeling that nervous flutter.

He picks up his phone, scrolling through contacts, hesitating.

Peter: (softly) "Wish I had her number... but no clue where to even start."

He sighs and puts the phone down, eyes closing slowly.

Peter: (whispers) "Maybe tomorrow."

He curls under the blanket, smiling faintly, and tries to fall asleep. But couldn't. Eventually he sleeps, really late, as his mind was just thinking about her.

Ned's Bedroom — Leed's Residence

Sunday, 11:30

Ned is lying on his back, phone in hand, texting.

Ned: (typing) "Peter, dude, you gotta make a move. Don't be a dork forever."

He laughs at his own message, then puts the phone down.

Ned: (to himself) "Also gotta help Peter with his homework... and love life."

He switches off the light, hugging his pillow, eyes closing as he thinks of his best friend.

Betty's Bedroom —

Sunday, 11:00

Betty sits cross-legged on her bed, earbuds in, scrolling through her phone.

She pauses and texts Ned:

"Honestly, you're both hopeless."

She smirks, turns off her lamp, and pulls the blanket over her.

Betty: (softly) "One day, I'm gonna ace physics and take over the world."

She smiles and falls asleep to her podcast.

Riley's Bedroom — Green's Residence.

Sunday, 11:29

Riley lies on her bed, phone glowing softly in her hands. She's nervously staring at her contacts, holding May Parker's number — found on Peter's student ID.

Riley: (whispering) "Okay... May Parker. This could be my in."

Her thumb hovers over May's name, heart pounding.

Beat...

Riley: (murmurs) "What if I text her? Just to say hi... or maybe ask about Peter?"

She bites her lip, then laughs softly at herself.

Riley: (to herself) "Why am I so nervous about this?"

She puts the phone down, hugs her pillow, and whispers with a shy smile.

Riley: (let's out a long sigh)

"... Maybe tomorrow... I'll figure it out."

She closes her eyes, a hopeful smile lingering as she drifts to sleep.

Green's Residence, balcony

Sunday, 11:54.

She exhales a long, weary sigh.

Emily: (voice low) "The Avengers saved us… from the aliens. The Chitauri. From Ultron.

And Max? I don't even know where he works anymore."

Her eyes well up slightly as she leans against the railing.

Emily: (sighs) "We have money... Tons of it. Duhhh—my husband's an ex-Stark scientist…"

She tries to laugh at herself but can't. Just another sigh escapes her lips.

Emily: "I don't know… I think Tony Stark had his reasons to fire him. Or maybe… maybe it was harsh."

She pauses. Her gaze sharpens.

Emily: (In her head, pondering) No… no no no, Mr. Stark was valid, Max wouldn't stop. He never stops. He's brilliant, but he's—he's relentless.

Iron Man saved us from the Chitauri… sure, he created Ultron, but the Avengers—

they crumbled him to dust. They fixed it. They always try to fix it…"

She shivers slightly, hugging herself tighter.

Emily: (curious) "Who knows what comes next? But honestly… I think Mr. Stark is—was—fantastic. Truly amazing."

Emily: (admiring starks intellect) "He knew Max better than I did sometimes. He saw it—the stubbornness. The obsession.And now… I don't even know where my husband is. I just hope he's okay."

Another heavy sigh. Her lips tremble. A pause.

Emily: (concluding everything) "No… it wasn't that harsh.

He's right. Max would never stop. And I know he's up to something… firing him was needed,

He stopped Max's reasearh, because it's dangerous...yes It's dangerous,"

Her voice cracks in her mind.

Emily: (her voice cracking) "But… our family means more. So much more than some stupid revenge, some stupid hatred.."

A long silence. Tears begin to gather in her eyes.

If only Max could understand.. If only Max knew she was at the verge of breakpoint..that his thirst for revenge is breaking her wife..

Emily: (crying uncontrollably) "I love you.. Max please come home.., I need you right now honey... We need you.."

She closes her eyes.

Emily (hits her breakpoint):

"You're hurting, Max… but hatred won't give you peace. It won't bring back what you lost.

I love you, you idiot…

I want my husband back.

My daughters' father back.

Please, Max.

I love you so, so much.

Where are you? Your wife is crying, Max. I need you…"

Her chest tightens, and she felt her heart

broken into pieces.

Emily (she cries in pain): "It's hurt's sooo muchhh.."

She leans forward on the railing and cries, hard. Alone in the silence of the night, the tears flow freely now. Her shoulders shake.

Emily: (cries out) "I just… I just want my husband back…"

Green Residence — Riley's room

Sunday, 12:21

Later, Emily wipes her face and tiptoes into Riley's room. The soft glow of a nightlight gently paints the room. Riley lies sideways, one hand under her cheek, breathing softly.

Emily bends down and kisses her daughter's forehead, brushing a strand of hair aside.

Emily: (whispers) "I love you, Riley."

Riley mumbles in her sleep, half-smiling.

Riley: (murrmurs) "No,haha.. Pete.. stop Mmmm"

She chuckles, and Emily's heart swells. A small smile breaks through her sadness.

Emily: (smiles) She's growing up so fast…

Green's Residence — Evelyn's room

Sunday, 12:23 pm

Emily walks into Evelyn's room and kneels by her youngest daughter's bed. She kisses her tiny forehead, then her cheek, then gently touches her nose with a soft boop.

Emily: (whispers) "I love you, sweetie."

Evelyn: "I love you, Momma…"

But this time, Evelyn stirs a little more—rubbing her eyes, blinking up at her mother.

She looks closer.

Evelyn: "Momma… why are you crying?"

Emily freezes, caught in the moment. Her tears betray her even in the dim light.

Emily: (softly) "Shhh… shhh.. shhh, sweetie. Momma's just fine. Don't worry, okay?"

She gently pushes Evelyn's hair aside and kisses her on the forehead… then again on the cheek.

Evelyn still clings tightly to her mother, her tiny face now buried in Emily's chest.

Evelyn: "Don't cry, Momma…

I love you."

Emily's heart melts completely. Her arms tighten around Evelyn, holding her like she never wants to let go. She's still crying—but now, it's not just sorrow. It's the overwhelming love of a mother who's barely holding it together.

After a few seconds, Emily pulls back just a little—enough to wipe her own tears with a smile trembling on her lips. A smile mixed with hurt… and the fierce warmth of a mother's love.

Emily: "No, sweetie… Momma's completely fine."

She rubs Evelyn's cheek gently, lovingly.

Emily: "Don't worry, sweetie… Momma's okay. I promise."

Evelyn snuggles closer again, safe in her mother's arms. Emily leans her head back, eyes closed, still aching—but wrapped in a moment of love she'll hold onto through the storm.