Chapter 6
As I gracefully swung through the bustling cityscape, my senses got all hyped up in a quest to find Miles. Each time I scanned the magnificent skyline, memories came rushing into my mind and weighed me down. The setting sun's gentle touch on the landscape added a melancholic touch, casting long shadows. The bond we had, that strong connection between us, fueled my determination and pushed me to keep going until I found my beloved friend. Swinging past each towering building, my heart pounded with worry as I continued my relentless pursuit, knowing that I had to find Miles and ensure his safety.
I whispered to myself, " Shoot Miles, where are you?" The words hung in the air.
I wasn't about to give up. I knew I had to put in some serious effort if I wanted to locate him. Trusting my gut, I decided to focus my search on the busy subway system. Little did I know, this would turn out to be a stroke of luck. After a bit of searching, I found myself in an old, rundown section of the subway. As I wandered through these forgotten tunnels, my senses were on high alert. And that's when I stumbled upon a hidden area, tucked away from prying eyes. My curiosity was off the charts, so I hopped over a rusty fence. And there, in front of my eyes, adorned with vibrant graffiti, laid a visual tapestry that immediately seized my attention. As I stared at the artwork, my heart started racing. Right in the middle, there was a word: "no expectations." Looking closer, I saw a bunch of familiar faces. There I was, over and over again on the wall, alongside Peter, I guess Uncle Aaron, Noir, Peni, and Ham.
I suddenly realized that Miles had put so much effort into these graffiti to keep his memories of us alive. He was still thinking about all of us. As I kept walking through the subway tunnels, his graffiti was everywhere, turning these boring walls into colorful displays of his creativity. It made me smile and to know that we meant so much to him, that he always had us in his thoughts. But I was getting worried 'cause I still couldn't find Miles.
I heard something fall to the ground behind me, and it sent shivers down my spine. But I have a strong feeling that he's close by.
I called out his name, hoping he'd come out. But all I got back was my own voice echoing off those walls covered in graffiti.
He whispered in a voice barely audible, "How did you find me?" I flinched upon hearing his words.
"Miles!" I called out with tears in my eyes, heading towards him. He looked up at me.
I pulled him into a tight embrace, holding him close. As I held Miles in a tight embrace, I whispered softly, "I've been searching for you, I couldn't find you in your room suddenly. You mean too much to me, to your parents."
Miles clung to me, "I just needed some space," he admitted, his voice trembling.
We stood there, embracing tightly. It was important to me that Miles understood he had our support, and I was resolute in my commitment to stand by his side, just like his parents. Eventually, Miles released his grip first.
As Miles and I stood in the dimly lit subway tunnel, I gently stroked his back, offering him comfort and reassurance. "I understand, Miles. But why did you suddenly disappear?"
Miles sighed, his breath shuddering slightly. "Uhh mom said something to me" he admitted, his voice filled with vulnerability.
I listened intently, my ears attuned to every word that Miles uttered. It was clear that he was referring to a conversation he had with his mother, of which I am aware.
I spoke softly, my voice laced with gentle concern. "What did your mom say?" The air hung heavily for a moment, as Miles grappled with whether or not to trust me with the details.
Eventually, he took a deep breath and mustered the courage to share. "She said nothing important," he replied, his words tinged with a mix of resignation and guardedness. Sensing the weight of his emotions, I met his gaze with understanding.
I wanted him to know that I understood the intricacies of his relationship with his mother. "Miles, your mom cares about you deeply," I reassured him, my tone filled with empathy. "She's just looking out for your happiness."
A heavy sigh escaped Miles's lips, his shoulders drooping as if burdened by the weight of the situation. "I know, Gwen," he conceded, his voice laden with weariness. "It's just... complicated." My heart ached for him, knowing all too well the complexities that can arise within familial dynamics.
"I understand," I responded, my voice filled with acceptance and compassion. "It's hard for me sometimes too, you know? But I want you to know that I'm here for you, no matter what."
Miles's a palpable mix of frustration and uncertainty lingering in the air., I simply nodded, mirroring his movements, silently conveying my commitment to giving him the space and time he needed to open up when he was ready.
"That's okay, Miles. Whenever you're ready to talk, I'm here to listen. I’m not going anywhere" Miles's gaze met mine, his eyes reflecting a glimmer of hope amidst the vulnerability that resided within him.
His response, filled with gratitude and vulnerability, was heartfelt as he uttered a simple "Thanks, Gwen." In an attempt to further convey my support and understanding, I offered him a gentle squeeze of his hand, silently conveying my solidarity and compassion.
Acknowledging his relief, I observed a wave of tranquility wash over Miles, as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders.
With genuine concern for his well-being, I affirmed his worth and potential, hoping to remind him of his own strength. "You are amazing, Miles, please remember that." This unexpected affirmation brought a hint of surprise to Miles's eyes, as my words met his vulnerability with a comforting reassurance.
Reveling in this newfound connection and the transformation unfolding before us, Miles sought further validation, uttering the question that hung between us. "You really think so?"
Wholeheartedly agreeing with my earlier statement, I nodded, my face brightening with a sincere smile. "Absolutely, why wouldn't I?" At that instant, I aimed to imbue Miles with a sense of self-assurance and belief in himself, offering a beam of encouragement.A genuine smile began to spread across Miles's face as he returned the hand squeeze. "You're pretty amazing yourself, Gwanda," he said. I couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle, feeling my cheeks flush. I savored the lightness that Miles brought to the moment.
“Wait, I remembered, did my mom say you were wearing my jacket?” I froze for a moment, Miles' question caught me by surprise. I took a moment to process his words before responding. "Um, maybe. I was looking for you, I was in your room, and then I realized that you're not in your dimension. So I decided to talk to your parents but I had my suit so I decided to take your jacket."
"I didn’t mean to invade your privacy, Miles," I quickly added, hoping to alleviate any concerns he may have had. "I just wanted to make sure and let your parents know that I will find you." Miles nodded, his expression softening.
"And your mom said that if I find you, I need to tell you that you are grounded for 5 months," I added, a wry smile on my face.
Miles chuckled, a mixture of amusement and relief in his eyes. "Not this again" he replied. "I'm curious how many times you've been grounded." I said with a playful grin.
Miles chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Honestly, Gwen, I’ve lost count. It's become a regular matter for me." We both laughed, the tension from earlier dissipating into the air. Miles' laughter was infectious, and I found myself feeling lighter in his presence. "Well, if anyone can handle being grounded, it's you, spider boy," I replied, a playful grin tugging at my lips.
"But hey, it’s all part of the superhero job, right? And hey why are you calling me spider boy?"
I looked at him, a playful twinkle in my eyes. "Well, you call me Gwanda so for now I will call u spider boy" I teased, giving him a light nudge.
Miles chuckled again, shaking his head. "Fair point, Gwenda. I guess I'll have to get used to it, won't I?"