He looked up at her and said, "Yes, it's fine."
"What about my dress?"
"Josephine, you look beautiful."
"Mr Peabody, you're not paying attention!"
"Yes, I am. Don't worry."
"I just want everything to be perfect tonight."
Continuing with his cooking, Mr Peabody said, "Josephine, everything will be fine."
"But i don't want to mess up. I try so hard not to mess up. I'm not good at this social stuff." She tried not to start crying.
Mr Peabody picked up a tissue and handed it to his daughter. "Now, now," he said, gently. "You have nothing to worry about, I promise."
"But-"
"Sweetheart, you strive too hard for perfection. You demand too much from yourself, and that only makes you miserable. If you relax and simply be yourself, things will naturally fall into place. Now, take a deep breath and wipe your tears."
Joey did so. Mr. Peabody always knew the right things to say.
Later on, Alessandro and his adoptive parents arrived. Mr. Peabody invited them in. Joey had met Alessandro's parents before, but this was the first time that they had visited there. She also didn't feel completely comfortable around them yet, but she hoped that would change soon.
They all went to the living room. Joey and Alessandro sat on the couch beside each other, and Alessandro's parents and Mr. Peabody sat in chairs.
Although Mr. Peabody could have done all the socializing with Alessandro's parents, Joey wanted to try to carry on conversations with them. She wanted to make a good impression on them, and this was her chance. Unfortunately, though she tried her best, she became nervous. She couldn't make eye contact, which she knew was important. Alessandro whispered, "Joey, what's wrong?"
Joey looked confused and replied, "Nothing, why?"
"You're shaking, and you're squeezing my hand."
Letting go of his hand, she apologized, embarrassed. Alessandro rubbed her back, trying to comfort her.
Alessandro's mother asked, concerned, "Josephine, are you alright?"
Joey nodded.
"Is anyone hungry?" Mr. Peabody asked everyone.
"I have Asperger's Syndrome. It's a social disorder. I have trouble interacting with people. I'm really sorry I'm acting so weird. I'm trying to make a good impression on you both."
At first, Alessandro's parents seemed surprised at her statements since they were blunt and sudden, but then they smiled. Alessandro's mother said, "We understand. You don't have anything to worry about. You have made a good impression on us, and we are so happy that you and Alessandro are so happy together. I have a cousin who has Asperger's."
"Really?" Joey asked.
"Yes, and he's one of the sweetest people you could ever meet."
Alessandro's father said, "Please don't feel nervous around us. We like you very much, Josephine. You have nothing to worry about."
Joey sighed in relief and tried to relax.
Soon, they went to the dining room, and Mr. Peabody served the food. The talk at the table was pleasant. Mr. Peabody said, "Alessandro, Josephine told me that lasagna is your favorite food."
Alessandro nodded and replied, "Yes, sir." Then, Alessandro asked, "How is my English? I have been working hard to learn more of it."
Mr. Peabody replied, "It is improving. You should be proud of how much you have done."
"Thank you, sir."
"Alessandro, you don't have to continue calling me sir. Mr. Peabody is fine."
Joey smiled. She was so happy that her boyfriend and her father got along so well.
Later, Joey and Alessandro got some alone time. Mr. Peabody and Alessandro's parents stayed in the dining room while Joey and Alessandro went into the living room. They hugged and kissed and then snuggled on the couch. They talked softly about different things. They talked about a school dance that was coming up and about spending time at the art gallery that weekend. That moment was pure bliss.
After that, Alessandro's parents and Alessandro thanked Mr. Peabody and Joey for dinner and the visit, and then they left.
Joey helped her father clean the dishes. She said, "I'm sorry for being so weird. I didn't want to embarrass you." Mr. Peabody replied, reassuringly, "You didn't, Josephine. I'm very happy that you were so polite and nice."
"I feel like I was too strange."
Mr. Peabody hugged her. "You were wonderful. I'm very proud of you."
She relaxed in his arms. Mr. Peabody always knew how to make her feel better.
"Thank you."
"For what?"
"Everything. Tonight has meant so much to me."
"I know, and I'm glad you had a good time."
"I just hope they did."
"I'm positive they did. Now, let's finish up and get you to bed."