I’m Not Becoming Spider-Man - Chapter 34: Moving Day (Patreon)

“If the apartment is in a bad neighborhood, I won't agree to this,” George warned as he drove.

“It isn't, Dad. It's a nice area,” Gwen answered from the back seat.

Their relationship seemed to have improved a little. Perhaps.

They arrived at Osborn Apartments. Yes, apparently that was what the building was called now.

Peter, Harley, and Mary Jane were already waiting downstairs. Peter and Harley were there to show George the place. Afterward, Mary Jane and Gwen planned to meet Cindy for band activities.

They needed to buy instruments together, and those weren't cheap. The girls preferred secondhand equipment, so they intended to spend some time hunting through the used-goods market.

“George, this is Harley,” Peter introduced her. Harley gave a bashful nod.

“Morning, Peter. Morning, Harley,” Gwen said as she approached. “Well, Dad, this is the apartment we're going to share.”

“Hmm. The surroundings look decent.”

The building was close to downtown, which George figured should make it reasonably safe. As far as he could remember, there weren't any particularly dangerous neighborhoods nearby, either.

They went upstairs together to the fourth floor. “Here we are,” Harley said. “Gwen can choose whichever room she likes. We all share the kitchen, though I think it'll end up becoming Peter's domain.”

“You should at least try cooking for yourselves sometimes,” Peter said.

“I'll help. Just ask whenever you need me,” Harley assured him.

From the living room balcony, George could see the school only two blocks away. It was an excellent location, and the rooms themselves were more than satisfactory.

Still, he couldn't shake his unease. He'd spent so many years raising Gwen, and now she was going to leave home. It was hard not to worry. Could she really take care of herself?

“You could always visit on weekends, George,” Peter said. “It's not far away.”

“And the rent is cheap, so that won't be a problem,” Harley added. She only intended to charge a token amount toward the utilities.

“All right, all right. You're grown up now. I can't keep you under my thumb forever.” George rubbed his forehead and sighed. “But if anything happens, you call me. Understood?”

“I know, Dad. I know.”

“Look after yourself. Don't stay out too late...”

“Oh, God. Not this again...”

“Anyway, I'll bring your things over this evening.”

“No need. We can handle it ourselves,” Gwen said without the slightest hesitation.

“Do you have a car?”

“Um, I think so?” Harley scratched her head.

“And a driver's license?”

“I do,” Peter said, raising his hand.

“All right, I see I'm not needed for anything anymore.” George sighed. “I just hope you'll be happy, sweetheart.”

He gathered Gwen into a hug, making her blush immediately. “Dad! Let go! Everyone's looking!”

“Fine, fine. I'll get back to work, then. If anything happens...”

“I call you. I know, I know! Now go!” Gwen finally managed to shoo him out.

She breathed a sigh of relief, only to turn around and find Harley and Mary Jane watching her with peculiar expressions.

They were both envious.

“We don't have all day,” Mary Jane said. “Come on, let's get your stuff moved first.”

“Right. Peter, I didn't even know you could drive,” Harley remarked. “Is there anything you can't do?”

“I got my license as soon as I was old enough. Didn't the rest of you?”

“So when you disappeared for a few days, you weren't avoiding me?” Mary Jane suddenly asked.

“Half and half.”

“Uh...” Harley didn't know what to say. Did these two have no sense of personal boundaries? Their conversation sounded like something between a boyfriend and girlfriend.

“Come on, Peter. I'll show you my car,” Harley said.

As they headed downstairs, Peter asked, “I didn't know you had a license either, Harley.”

“Oh, I don't. But I can have someone else drive. I just asked my family to send a car over. From now on, when we go to parties or anywhere else, we'll be counting on you as our driver.”

“Oh, God. I never should have told anyone I could drive.”

“Don't be like that.” Harley patted his shoulder. “You won't have to pay rent, and I'll cover the grocery bills. Sound fair?”

“Just don't eat too much, or you'll drive me crazy.”

Before long, the car Harley had requested arrived. It was a Jeep Grand Cherokee, a solid vehicle with strong off-road capability, a comfortable interior, and seating for at least five. It had the feel of a luxury SUV.

“What do you think? It's not too expensive, it's useful, and it can go off-road. It'd be great for picnics or camping trips, and there's plenty of room in the back,” Harley explained.

“It's not like I have a choice. I'll drive whatever you tell me to, my dear master.”

Harley laughed. “In that case, why don't I sign you up for flying lessons? You could learn to pilot a helicopter, too.”

“Uh, I'll pass. I don't have enough free time as it is. Come on, call the girls downstairs. Let's get everything moved as fast as we can today. Maybe tomorrow we can throw a little housewarming party.”

“I like that idea.”

Gwen's old home was nearby, so the group moved her belongings in just a few trips.

Next came Peter's house, where they needed to collect both his things and Mary Jane's.

“Gwen, could you give Mary Jane a hand with her stuff?” Peter asked.

“Sure. No problem.”

So Peter and Harley worked on Peter's things, with Uncle Ben pitching in as well.

“You wouldn't believe it,” Ben said. “When I saw that car outside, I thought we had visitors.”

“It's Harley's. I'm just her chauffeur.”

Peter owned quite a lot of things, most of them tools. His desk looked more like a miniature mechanical workshop than a place to study.

Harley was worn out after carrying only two or three items.

“I told you, you need to exercise more,” Peter said with a smile. “I remember seeing a gym near the apartment. Want to come with me sometime?”

“We'll see. Besides...” Would it really be appropriate for a girl like her to go to a place like that?

“What's wrong?”

“Nothing. Nothing at all.”