If Midtown High held a popularity contest for the most admired girl, Gwen might not have had the highest "celebrity" buzz…
But she'd still rank first. By a landslide.
Quietly, most of the student body would cast their vote for Gwen.
Hawk would too.
He still remembered when he first transferred in. Quiet, withdrawn, keeping to himself—Gwen had mistaken him for a bullied outcast and tried to help him blend in.
But that was just Gwen being kind.
Hawk never read more into it.
Because if it had been anyone else, Gwen Stacy—the beautiful, kindhearted girl—would have done the same.
And besides…
There's that old saying about life's three great delusions.
At the top of the list?
"She likes me."
No way was Hawk falling for that.
Soon, they arrived at Queens Family Court.
"Thanks," Hawk said again as he got out.
Then—
He heard footsteps behind him. Turning, he saw Gwen had gotten out as well.
"?"
"You gonna walk back? The airport's a long way from here."
"The sub—"
"Subway drivers are part of the strike too. They're drivers."
"…."
Hawk fell silent.
Gwen just smiled, striding ahead. "Come on, it's almost three. You don't want Judge Bross canceling your hearing, do you?"
Hawk hesitated, then followed.
Courtroom Three.
Judge Bross tapped his gavel.
"Next case: emancipation hearing for Hawk."
"Your honor," Hawk greeted politely as he stood.
"Your honor," echoed the Children and Family Services worker assigned to him.
Bross skimmed Hawk's file. "So, he's never been adopted? No foster families?"
The worker sighed. "That's right, your honor. He was always quiet, kept to himself. Prospective parents never considered him. That's why, after all these years, he was never chosen."
Bross looked at Hawk. "According to your paperwork, you're seeking emancipation so you can rent your own place?"
Hawk nodded. "Yes, your honor."
"And how do you intend to pay rent?"
"I've saved thirty thousand dollars. Enough for a cheap apartment until I find work."
"Thirty thousand?"
The judge checked the attached bank statement. No phone. No computer. No car. Not even a driver's license.
Bross was genuinely surprised.
Emancipation requests weren't rare. But one like Hawk's—cutting all non-essential expenses, disciplined enough to save thirty thousand—was unheard of.
Especially from someone who'd never been adopted, never fostered.
Bross leaned back, studying him with a new expression.
"You have remarkable self-control, Mr. Hawk."
"Thank you, your honor."
Hawk's heart stirred at the address. Mr. Hawk—reserved for adult men.
Sure enough, Bross smiled faintly, stamped the papers, and handed them to the bailiff. "Normally, I wouldn't grant emancipation early. The adult world is harsh. But you, Mr. Hawk—I believe you're ready. Congratulations."
Taking the stamped papers, Hawk bowed slightly. "Thank you."
"You're welcome."
The gavel struck. "Next case…"
Outside, Hawk looked down at the stamped certificate and smiled.
It was official. Legally independent. He could rent on his own, no matter his age.
Finally, he could leave that powder-keg of a hangar full of angry, displaced tenants.
It felt good.
As he turned toward the subway, someone caught his arm.
He blinked, meeting Gwen's amused look.
Right. The subway was shut down too.
"Sorry."
"Come on…" She sighed, then grinned slightly. "…Mr. Hawk."
Hawk arched a brow, watching her walk ahead toward her yellow Corolla.
Only to notice a traffic cop already at the car, ticket in hand.
"Wait!" Gwen rushed forward, pulling a card from her bag.
The cop paused, frowning, then accepted it.
It wasn't a business card.
It was a family badge—circulated within NYPD families. Proof you were "one of us."
He glanced at the name: George Stacy, 19th Precinct.
Then at Gwen.
Without a word, he pocketed his ticket machine, returned the card, and left on his motorcycle.
"Go on," he said simply.
"Thank you," Gwen replied quickly, relief in her voice.
As the officer pulled away, she exhaled deeply. "That was close!"
…
(End of Chapter)
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