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  Mary Jason stood by the fountain in the park, her eyes sing the surroundings. She felt a mix of ay and anticipation as she waited for her new friend, Maria Valdez. Ever sihat terrifying night with Harry, her life had taken an ued turn. Harry Osborn, ohought to be a det and humble mae his status, had revealed a darker side wheried to force her to his house. It was Diego's bodyguard, John, who had intervened, stopping Harry and saving her from an unimagie. Mary Jane didn't want to imagine what could have happened. After that night, she met Maria, a friend of Diego's. Mary Jane, despite her aspirations for the stage, shared a love for painting.

  The sound of footsteps drew her attention. Maria, with her wavy brown hair and expressive blue eyes, approached with a warm smile. They had met through Diego after that fateful night. Maria, an art major with a mature outlook on life, had quickly bee a source of strength and inspiration for Mary Jane.

  "Hey, MJ! Sorry, I'm te. Got caught up iudio," Maria said, her voice light and teasing.

  Mary Jane smiled, feeling some of her tensio away. "No worries. I was just enjoying the view."

  Maria giggled, "You already have the outlook of an artist, enjoying the moment."

  Mary Jane chuckled, feeling more at ease. "Thanks, Maria. Sometimes it's o just... be."

  Maria's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Well, you certainly picked a great spot for it. This park is practically a masterpiece itself."

  Mary Jane nodded, gng around. "It's peaceful. And after everything that's happened, I need a bit of peace."

  Maria's expression softened. "I imagine. Harry Osborn is a real piece of work. I'm gd John was there to help."

  Mary Jane shuddered at the memory. "Yeah, me too. I don't know what I would've done if he hadn't stepped in."

  Maria reached out, giving her arm a reassuring squeeze. "You're safe now, MJ. And you're not alone."

  Mary Jane smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Maria. I really o hear that."

  Maria waved her hand dismissively. "What are friends for? Besides, we're here to create some art and fet about all that drama."

  Mary Jane ughed. "You're right. Let's focus on the positive."

  Maria grinned, pulling out her sketchbook. "Exactly! Now, show me what you've been w on. I bet it's amazing."

  Mary Jaated, then opened her owchbook. "It's nothing special, just some ideas I've been pying with."

  Looking at Mary Jane's sketches, Maria couldn't help but feel a pang nition. The first drawing was a stage with a blurry figure standing in the spotlight. The sed depicted a car driving into darkness, leaving the light behind. The third showed a young man who seemed oddly familiar to her. Maria's eyes sparkled with insight as she flipped through the sketches, eae revealing more about Mary Jane's iurmoil and aspirations.

  Maria could easily see their meanings except the third one. First, signified Mary Jane's dreams and hopes, his goal in life. Sed was the setback she experienced retly, the car ride with Harry, horrible, dark but in a sense a journey for Mary Jao discover the truth in life, but third, Maria felt the boy was familiar, but she couldn't put her finger on it.

  She smiled, "Is this your crush?"

  Mary Jane blushed, a small smile pying on her lips. "No, just my childhood friend... It's just a drawing."

  Maria's grin widened. "A very detailed drawing. He's got that cssic 'boy door' look. What's his name?"

  Mary Jaated for a moment before answering softly, "Peter."

  Maria almost blurted out "Peter Parker?" but she swallowed her words just in time. Now it made sense why the boy in the drawing looked so familiar. Just a few days ago, Sofia had pulled up Peter's face when they were discussing Spider-Man in the offiero had mentiohat Mary Jane was close to Peter, but Maria never imagined she would find a sketch of him in Mary Jane's sketchbook. It seemed that after what happened with Harry, Mary Jane realized her childhood friend—the "nerd," as Anthony had referred to him the ht—was the true nice guy, uhe fake Harry.

  Maria smiled, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "You know, MJ, if I didn't know better, I'd say you have a thing for childhood friends."

  Mary Jane's cheeks flushed deeper. "It's just a drawing, Maria."

  "Sure, just a drawing," Maria teased, flipping through the other sketches. "But it's a pretty good one. You’ve got talent, MJ."

  Mary Jane smiled shyly. "Thanks. I guess drawing helps me process everything."

  Maria houghtfully. "Art has a way of doing that. It's like a window into your soul, showing what words ’t express."

  Mary Jane looked down at her sketchbook. "I suppose so. Sometimes it feels like the only way I make sense of everything."

  "Well, keep at it," Maria enced. "Who knows? Maybe one day, you'll have a gallery shoeople will be lining up to see your work."

  Mary Jane ughed softly. "One dream, right?"

  Maria leaned ba the bench, stretg her arms. "Speaking of dreams, what about the stage? Still pnning to bee a Broadway star?"

  Mary Jane's eyes lit up. "Absolutely. It's my biggest dream. There's something magical about perf, about being someone else for a little while."

  "Then don't let anything stop you," Maria said firmly. "Not Harry, not anyone. You deserve to chase your dreams."

  Mary Jane nodded, her resolve strengthening. "You're right. Thanks, Maria."

  "Anytime," Maria replied, her tone warm.

  Maria pondered for a moment if she should push Mary Jaowards Peter Parker. She loved ho guys—her love of life, Nero, was one—and she wanted Mary Jao have someone like that. However, she also k wasn't her pake that decision. After all, Peter was also Spider-Man, a viginte who fought crime in most of his free time. Mary Jane might not want such a life, knowing her boyfriend was risking his life outside. Although she felt that they were quite patible, she decided it wasn't her choiake and just got up.

  "Let's walk around a bit," Maria said, stretg and her hand to Mary Jane.

  Mary Jane aking Maria's hand. "Sounds good. I could use the distra."

  As they strolled through the park, Maria g Mary Jane, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "You know, MJ, you have a talent for pig the most dramatic spots. This park could be right out of a romanovel."

  Mary Jane ughed softly. "Maybe that's why I like it. There's something poetic about it."

  Maria smirked. "Oh, so you're a secret romantic, huh? I k."

  "Don't tell anyone," Mary Jane joked, nudging Maria pyfully.

  Maria giggled. "Your secret is safe with me. "

  They tinued walking, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. "So, about this Peter guy. You said he's a childhood friend?"

  "Yeah, we've known each other since we were kids," Mary Jane replied, her tone nostalgic.

  Maria smiled. "That's sweet. It's o have someone who's known you for so long."

  "It is," Mary Jane agreed. "Peter's always been there for me, evehings got tough."

  Maria didn't push the versation in any particur dire, keeping things light but also curious about Mary Jane's retionship with Peter. "Sounds like a good friend."

  Mary Jane chuckled. "Yeah, you know, the guy that is always there for you, the ohat you always t on. Always had this nerdy charm, you know?"

  Maria ughed. "Nerdy charm? That's a new one. But hey, nerds be cute too."

  Mary Jane smiled, her eyes sparkling with memories. "Yeah, he’s definitely cute. Just... in his own way."

  "Hey, nothing wrong with that. The world needs more cute nerds," Maria teased. "But seriously, it's o have someone who's beehrough thid thin."

  "Absolutely. Peter's like family," Mary Jane agreed, her tone warm.

  "Family-zoned, huh? Poor Peter," Maria joked, trying to lighten the mood.

  Mary Jane rolled her eyes, a smile tugging at her lips. "It's not like that. He's just always been... there."

  "Sure, sure," Maria teased, nudging her pyfully. "Sounds like cssiial to me."

  They walked in silence for a moment, the soft ch of leaves underfoot the only sound. Maria g Mary Jane, notig her pensive expression.

  "You know," Maria said thoughtfully, "sometimes the people who are always there are the ones who matter most."

  Mary Jane sighed, her gaze distant. "It's just plicated. After what happened with Harry, I don't even know who I trust anymore."

  Maria nodded, uanding. "Trust is hard to rebuild o's broken. But not everyone is like Harry. There are good people out there."

  "Like Peter?" Mary Jane asked, her voice almost wistful.

  "Exactly," Maria replied. "And like you. You deserve to have people in your life who genuinely care about you."

  Mary Jane smiled, a hint of sadness in her eyes. "Thanks, Maria. You're one of those people, you know."

  Maria grinned, linking her arm with Mary Jane's. "Damn right I am. Now, let's find a café a something sweet. My treat."

  They tinued walking, the tension from earlier easing with each step. The park's peaceful ambiance seemed to around them, providing a brief respite from their troubles.

  As they reached the café, Maria held the door open with a flourish. "After you, m'dy."

  Mary Jane ughed, stepping inside. "Why, thank you, kind sir."

  Maria chuckled, following her in. "Alright, let's see what they have. I'm in the mood for something det."

  They browsed the menu, the rich aroma of coffee and pastries filling the air. Mary Jane poio a chocote cake that looked almost too good to eat.

  "That one," she said decisively. "And a tte, please."

  Maria nodded, pg their order. As they waited, she g Mary Jane, notig the slight furrow in her brow.

  Maria guessed, "Thinking about college?"

  Mary Jane looked surprised. " you tell?"

  Maria chuckled, "Been there. I don't look a day over 18, but I graduated, you know."

  Mary Jane ughed. "You are a day over 18? You’ve got to tell me your secret then."

  Maria winked. "It's all about the attitude. And a bit of paint and vas therapy. What about you? Any thoughts on where you want to go?"

  Mary Jane sighed, taking a sip of her tte. "I'm torn. My father wants me to go to college, while I want to go to LA and take my ce. I was here in Boston to see some colleges with Harry, actually. Then there's home... I'm not sure if I should go far."

  Maria leaned back, twirling a strand of her hair around her finger. "Cssic dilemma. Follow your dreams or follow the expectations. Boston's a good pce for art, though. Lots of history, lots of inspiration."

  "True, but LA has the allure of Hollywood. It feels like the pce to be if I want to make it on stage," Mary Jane responded, her voice filled with longing.

  Maria's eyes sparkled with amusement. "The stage calls to you, doesn't it? I see it in your eyes. That fire. Boston might be safe, but LA... that's where stars are born."

  Mary Jane chuckled softly, "You're not making this any easier, you know."

  "Hey, it's your dream we're talking about. But holy, do what feels right for you. Don't let anyone else's expectations dictate your path," Maria said firmly.

  Mary Jane nodded, appreciating Maria's supportive words. "I guess I'm just scared. What if I fail?"

  Maria grinned, leaning forward. "Failing is part of the journey. Every artist stumbles. The important part is getting back up and learning from it. Besides, you've got talent."

  They sipped their drinks in panionable silence for a moment before Mary Jane spoke again. "It's funny, you know. I hought I'd be here, having this versation with a person I didn’t even know a few days ago. Life's taken some ued turns tely."

  Maria nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Life's like that. Uable. But sometimes, those twists and turns lead us to exactly where we o be."

  Mary Jane smiled, feeling a sense of peace. "You're right. Maybe all of this is leadio somethier."

  Maria raised her cup in a toast. "To ued journeys and the ce to follow our dreams."

  Mary Jane ked her cup against Maria's, feeling a renewed sense of determination. "To following our dreams."

  They fiheir drinks and decided to head out. The te afternoon sun cast a golden glow over everything, making the moment feel almost magical.

  Outside the park, a sleek Bck 1964 Aston Martin DB5 gleamed uhe afternoon sun, drawing Mary Jane’s attention immediately. She couldn't help but marvel at the car's cssic elegand well-maintained dition. Her curiosity peaked wheiced a tall, handsome man leaning against the car, smiling warmly at them.

  Maria’s face lit up as she saw the man. "Nero!" she excimed, her voice filled with excitement. She ran to him a into his arms, ing her legs around his waist as he caught her effortlessly. The two shared a brief but passionate kiss before Maria finally disentangled herself, her cheeks flushed with happiness.

  Mary Jaill standing a few feet away, was stunned by the se. "That's Nero?" she asked, more to herself than anyone else.

  Nero, hearing her, gave a polite nod. "You must be Mary Jane. Maria has told me a lot about you."

  Maria, still holding onto Nero's arm, grinned. "And he’s been dying to meet you, MJ. Nero, this is my friend Mary Jane."

  Nero extended his hand with a charming smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mary Jane."

  Mary Jane shook his hand, feeling slightly overwhelmed. "o meet you too, Nero. Your car is incredible."

  Nero chuckled, gng back at the Aston Martin. "Thank you. She’s quite special, isn’t she?"

  Maria nudged Mary Jane pyfully. "Nero’s got a thing for cssic cars. He could talk about them all day if you let him."

  Nero ughed. "Guilty as charged. But enough about cars. Now, how about we take a ride?" Nero suggested, opening the car door with a flourish.

  Mary Jaated. "Are you sure? I don't want to intrude..."

  Maria ughed, "Nonsense! Nero loves showing off his car. Besides, it'll be fun!"

  Nero grinned. "Hop in, Mary Jane. I promise it'll be an experieo remember."

  With a final, uain g Maria, Mary Jane climbed into the back seat. Maria slid in beside her, aook the driver's seat. The car roared to life, the engine purring smoothly as they drove off.

  As they cruised through the city, the tension in Mary Jane's shoulders began to melt away. The luxurious interior, bined with the gentle hum of the engine, was soothing. Nero g her in the rearview mirror. "So, Mary Jane, Maria mentioned you have a passion for painting?"

  Mary Jane nodded. "Yes, I find it very therapeutic."

  Nero's eyes sparkled with i. "Art is a powerful outlet. Maria's paintings are extraordinary. I'd love to see your work sometime."

  Maria nudged her pyfully. "See? I told you he was supportive."

  Mary Jane smiled. "I'd like that. Maybe one day."

  Nero nodded. "Whenever you're ready."

  As they drove, Maria chatted animatedly about her test project, her enthusiasm iious. Mary Jane found herself ughing and joining in, feeling lighter than she had in days.

  They eventually stopped near a pond, and Nero parked the car. The tranquil setting seemed a world away from the chaos of the city, a perfect spot for unwinding. Nero stepped out, extending a hand to help Maria and Mary Jane from the car.

  "This pce is beautiful," Mary Jane said, taking in the serene surroundings.

  Nero smiled. "It's one of my favorite spots. A bit of pead quiet never hurt anyone."

  Maria nodded, her eyes twinkling. "Nero knows all the best pces. He calls it his 'escape pn."

  Nero led them to a small bench by the water. "Sit, rex. Take in the view."

  Mary Ja down, her eyes refleg the calm waters of the pond. "It's hard to believe pces like this exist iy."

  The peace tly broken by the arrival of three youheir unsteady gaits and gzed eyes betraying their intoxication. They swaggered over, eyes roving greedily over Mary Jane and Maria. The sight of them made Mary Jane's heart race with fear, dredging up memories of Harry's unwanted advances. Instinctively, she stepped closer to Maria, seeking the safety of her friend’s presence.

  Maria, sensing Mary Jane's disfort, stood her ground, her expression hardening. " we help you?" she asked, her tone sharp and unweling.

  The leader of the group, a nky guy with a scruffy beard, grinned, his eyes lingering on Mary Jane. "Just thought we'd join you lovely dies," he slurred.

  Nero stepped forward, his presence imposing. "You're not wele here," he said coldly, his golden eyes fshing dangerously.

  One of the other men snickered, clearly nnizing the threat. "Hey, we're just trying to have a good time," he said, leering at Maria.

  Maria crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing. "You have two seds to leave before we make you," she said, her voice icy.

  One of them said, "an, don't be greedy. You have two bitches here, share oh us."

  Maria saw the dangerous glint in Nero's eyes, so she touched his shoulder and said, "Let me deal with this. I wao test my power."

  Nero looked at the thugs then nodded. He knew she was more than capable of dealing with a few thugs.

  Maria stepped forward, her stance rexed yet ready. "You boys picked the wrong day to be assholes," she said, a hint of a smile on her lips.

  The leader ughed, clearly uimating her. "What are you gonna do, sweetheart? Be beautiful to death?"

  Maria's smile widened. "Something like that."

  Before they could react, she moved with lightning speed, her fists eg with precision. The first thug went down with a single blow to the jaw, his eyes rolling back as he crumpled to the ground. The sed one barely had time tister what happened before Maria's k his stomach, knog the wind out of him.

  "You think you just walk up to women and do what you want?" Maria hissed, her voice dripping with disdain. She twisted the leader's arm behind his back, pushing him to his knees.

  Nero watched with a satisfied expression.The leader tried tle, but Maria's grip was unyielding. "You little bitch, let me go!" he spat, his voice strained.

  Maria leaned in close, her blue eyes bzing. "I hate men like you most. Think you do whatever you want to women, and when faced with resistance, your little ego still doesn't allow you to bow your head." She stepped on the man's head, pressing it to the ground.

  The thug whimpered, his bravado crumbling under Maria's intense gaze. "Please, let me go. I didn't mean it."

  Maria scoffed, applying more pressure. "Didn't mean it? You meant every word. You just didn't expeyoo stand up to you."

  Nero watched with a mixture of pride and amusement. "Let's this up, Maria. We have better things to do than waste time on trash."

  Maria released the thug, who scrambled to his feet and stumbled away, his friends dragging themselves up and following quickly. She turned back to Nero and Mary Jane, her expression softening. "You okay, MJ?"

  Mary Jane nodded, still a bit shaken but grateful. "Yeah, thanks to you."

  Maria smiled reassuringly. "Anytime. Let's get back to the car." They reached the car, and Nero opehe door for Mary Jane. She slid in, followed by Maria.

  Mary Jane, led safely between her friends, felt the tension of the day start to fade. The city lights blurred past as they made their way back, the hum of the engine and the gentle banter between Maria and Nero providing a f backdrop.

  --

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