Chapter 1
The morning was brisk and cold. I could see the fog from my breath as I walked to school. Strolling through the city it seemed less cheerful than it had been. Ever since the battle against Spot Brooklynn has never been the same. It has become depressing and bleak. People walk down the street slouched with their heads down. Crime rates have risen, making my job as Spider-Man more difficult. It’s not that I hate it of course. I love the feel of the cool air on my skin, zipping past buildings, and placing graffiti stickers on what I consider landmarks. Even though I love the thrill, the violence makes it unsafe for the people. It puts everyone at risk every day. I wish it would stop so no one would have to worry about their safety all the time. I feel the need to do more to protect the people. Like whatever I do will never be enough. I sigh, running my hands down my face, getting overwhelmed by my thoughts. I grab my headphones from around my neck and turn on my music. Placed my headphones on my ears continuing my walk to school.
As I walked through the school doors I was immediately brought to a halt by the front desk lady Mrs. Johnson. “Excuse me, young man, you're late. To go any further in the building you're gonna need a pass.” I sucked in a sharp breath and walked towards her. She looked as if I was a stranger even though I was her favorite student. I mean did change my appearance quite a bit so she may not recognize me due to that. Now that I think about it I do look completely different. Even Hobes thought I looked very different. He thought the change looked good, especially my piercings. The punk even offered to do some of them for me. Of course, I accepted. I could never turn him down. Hobie pierced my nose and my lips for me. The others I got them professionally done because I didn’t feel comfortable getting them done at home. Hobie understood of course he did God did I love that man. He’s the most caring person I’ve ever met. There’s not another person in this world that I love other than mi familia of course. Although I got new piercings, that's not the only thing that has changed about me. I dyed my hair red, got dreads, and tattoos, and was more muscular from Miguel’s training. So I understand why Mrs. Johnson doesn’t recognize who I am. I do look completely different.
“Hi Mrs. Johnson, you don’t recognize me do you?” I said, smiling nervously rocking back and forth on my feet. “You already know me? You don’t look like any student I’ve seen around here before.” She said, staring intently into my eyes. “Haha, you don’t say. Well, it’s me, Miles Morales.” She dropped her pen on the desk, staying as still as a statue. Her eyes became wide and her mouth dropped open. “You're lying, it can't be!” She was so surprised it was funny. I had to stifle a laugh not to come off as rude. The expression on her face will forever be a memory in my mind. Her jaw was so wide open I thought she would catch flies if she didn’t close it anytime soon. “Mrs. Johnson I swear on my life I’m not lying,” I say bringing her back to reality from whatever was going on inside her brain. She shook her head pulling herself together and grabbed a paper from somewhere off to the side. “Well, it’s good to see you, Mr. Morales. Here’s your schedule and I’ll let you slide for being late since it’s the first day.” She said smiling brightly, pearly whites twinkling in delight. ‘I’m glad she’s still as nice as she used to be’ I thought to myself. I thanked her for her generosity, grabbed my schedule, and walked down the hall.
As I walked into the classroom I was greeted by a soft smile from Ms. Grant. Ms. Grant is one of the nicest teachers you’ll ever meet. If you have something you need to get off your chest she’s the one to go to. She is the school's friendly therapist. Ms. Grant was one of the people who helped me during the time of my parents death. She has a very special place in my heart, someone I would never take for granted.
“Hi I’m Ms. Grant or as my students like to call me Ms. G.” She said, holding her hand out for a handshake. I returned it. ‘Great another teacher who doesn’t remember me.’ I thought to myself. “Hey Ms.G it’s me, Miles. I look different don’t I.” I say, giving her a nervous laugh. She looked surprised. Her hand tensed a little in my grasp. The gentle smile from before was now gone. Instead replaced by a forced unpleasant smirk. Her nose was crinkled in disgust as she looked me up and down. I never knew such a nice teacher could act like this. Judging someone based on their appearance. “Well, it was nice seeing you, Mr. Morales. Please go sit down in the open seat next to Janice so I can continue my lesson.” She said letting go of my hand. I obliged and sat down in the open seat. ‘When did Ms. Grant become so rude’, I thought as I waited for the lesson to start.