“Gwen?”
Monday morning sun spills through the blinds you left opened last night, waking you. you let out a soft groan as you turn over and away from the bright light but, as you do so, you realise you're alone in the bed. You sit up, searching for him.
Peter was gone. You felt your stomach drop slightly, a tinge of sadness. You sit up fully now, glancing around the room. All Peter left was your clothes neatly folded on your desk, some blood and a bucket of dirty water. As you looked further around your room, you notices he also left you a simple sticky note, on top of the folded clothes, saying 'thank you.'
You couldn’t help but feel displeased and a little disappointed. You had expected to wake up in his arms, warm and comfortable instead of alone and confused. You wanted to wake up next to him. With him.
you felt more inclined to sleep in, a little upset by Peter’s disappearance. you knew you shouldn’t let it get to you but it still does. At least you had Gwen to look forward to. Your mother wasn’t even bothered that you had missed school, apparently “making up” with your friends was very important.
You want to stay in bed longer but roll out as your alarm rings, loud and annoying. you get ready, you skip breakfast, not wanting to be late and go to meet her at your favourite cafe.
When you reach the entrance, you already see Gwen through the window. She was sat, pretty as ever, at a booth next to the doorway. Heading inside, you smiled at her and waved.
”Hey,”
“Hi,”
The conversation carried on like that. You giggled, drank your coffee and had fun. But with your luck, nothing ever lasts.
The glass door of the Cafe bursts open, pane shaking its the force and a dark looking man pulls a pistol from behind his hooded jacket.
”Get on the ground. Now!” He yelled, cutting off the shrieks and gasps from everyone sitting at their tables. Everyone’s still for a moment, before scampering to the floor. The man walks around the room, looking at everyone.
”Wallet.” He utters the single word as he makes it to a couple, both partners rummaging around their pockets out of fear. Everyone else follows in suit, checking purses and wallets, handing them in without complaint. The man stopped at your table. Gwen complied, handed in the cash she had on her. You, on the other hand, weren't going to part with your wallet. It was your late fathers. It was yours.
Gwen’s eyes widen, noticing your refusal.
“Just do as he says,” she mutters quickly, then a little more pleading, “please, its not worth it.”
Your eyes meet hers, but you shake your head. Not the best time to find your backbone. The man is furious, gun pointed at your face.
“Dumb girl-“ He calls, pushing the gun to your forehead, and just as he’s about to speak, glass shatters all around you. Red and blue appearing in front of you. Spider-Man to the rescue. Jumping in to safe the day. To save you.
It doesn't take long for the Hero to apprehend the criminal, even with the gun pointed at his chest. Webs knock the man to the floor, one restraining his wrists together as the man groans out and with his last panicked attack, the gun is fired.
Black and White. Fuzzy words in the back of your mind and blurred vision. A yell, sounding far too close to Peter’s voice coming from somewhere close by. What was he yelling about? You cant help but wonder.
You open your eyes, warm sickly blood blinded right eye. You move to sit up, looking around. First, you see the masked man, out and bloodied. Hanging from the ceiling. Second, you notice the blue and red lights of the ambulance. Third, you notice them.
Peter in his suit, hovering over Gwen behind you. Covering her from your view. Blood spilled across his suit, much more than usual.
You sit up, touching your head. You weren’t hurt, just a graze. It didn't even hurt, or perhaps you were in too much shock to notice and you turn to crawl over to Gwen. Peter trembled next to you. His shoulders shaking, yet he looked incredibly still. Calm and panicked at the same time. Those emotions weren't what you felt when you finally noticed.
Blood gushing, spilling all around her like a river of red. Her hair and pale face splattered with the dark substance. Her eyes lifeless, her body motionless.
This couldn’t be.
Gwen?
Gwen..?
You push your self towards her without thinking. Cradling her face as you pull her head into your lap, kneeled beside her.
“No… no. No.” You muttered over and over. She had to wake up, this couldn't be. Not your Gwen. “It’s okay.. you’re okay…” You whisper, hugging her tighter as you hide your teary face in her hair, smelling that familiar scent which makes your heart clench. No.
Peter was already moving away. He was Spider-Man after all. He had a duty to the people first, grief came second.
He filed everyone out of the building as they waited for the ambulance. Of course, by the time the police was there, he was already gone. Like the vigilante he is.
“Gwen, I'm so sorry..” You sob, gasping as a hand suddenly touched your hair and you pull back, staring at her wide eyed.
“Gwen? Gwen!”
Gwen simply smiled, her hand moved to your cheek.
”Don’t cry.. just listen.” She spoke. It was quiet and hoarse. You just nodded as your eyes darted between hers. A cough escaped her through painfully before she spoke.
“It was you.” She whispered, confusing you.
”Me..?”
“You. I love.. you, I'm so scared..” Her words shocked you to your core. But you shake your head, hugging her again.
“Don’t talk like that,” you speak softly, unsure. “You.. you’re hurt.”
Gwen laughs, cold and hurt.
“Look at me,” Her hand grips your chin, smearing more blood onto your skin, “I love you.” Her lips meet yours. With that, she pulls back slow and solemn, her eyes on yours. Your shocked expression being the last thing she sees before her eyes close.
Pain shoots through you as you scream. No, this couldn't be it. You fall back, blanking out as you sit. Staring at her. Gwen. You couldnt hear as the operators and officers spoke to you, shining lights into your eyes and wiping your face. You couldn’t recall the drive to the hospital. You couldn't recall the second injury you received after hitting your head during your fall. Everything was dark. Everything was silent.
Your Gwen was gone.