A stepmother (Mr. Peabody and Sherman fanfiction)

Chapter 1

Hi! This is my new fanfiction. It will be about Jennifer Jason (a character from my last fanfic ''Mr. Peabody and Sherman 2'') and how she starts fitting in this strange but special family...

I'd love you to read it and ask me requests and suggestions (my last fanfic was completely written,,so I couldn't take them)

It will still have stories about Sherman and Penny, and Sherman and Peabody. But it will be focused on her

I hope you liked it!

It has been a really long day at school. Sherman was concentrated in trying to finish all the homework he could at that moment, at school, while he was thinking about robotics club and the science project for next week. Penny, sat behind him, in the other hand, was thinking in the ten minutes that lasted from that school day. It was a Friday. And she had the entire weekend to do cool things and stop thinking about studying all the time and have a little fun. Moreover, Sherman s eleventh birthday was in two weeks... So, she had prepared an amazing surprise for his especial day. But Sherman wasn t the kind of boy who makes a really big birthday party. He didn t have many friends or family like her. His friends were basically Carl, Mason, Jill, Abigail and herself, of course. His family was even smaller than their group of friends, too. A year ago it was only Peabody. Anyway, this year, they must count Jennifer Jason, the Peabody s girlfriend. Suddenly, the teacher stood up, stopping the class.
-Students, before we leave... I want you to investigate something for next week class-she said -But you have already sent us homework!-protested everyone, except for Sherman. He always liked school and liked talking about his time-travels with no one noting it! (Who will guess than when he says I traveled to Greece he was talking about Ancient Greece?) That s why his favorite subject was with no doubt history. Anyway, he liked all the subjects, maybe because he was really good at studying and he never failed an exam or project... Well, he did it, but only once. It was the last year, he told in a wrong way the Spanish conquer in Mexico. It wasn t his fault at all, because historians didn t know what really happened... And he did. How? Well, easily, he had the WABAC, that is a time machine invented by his father-super genius dog, Mr. Peabody. When he got that F in the project, his father went to the school and talked to his history teacher, who was confused because of the new history version that Sherman had told, and she was completely decided to discover where that version was from... His father didn t like his history teacher at all... at least at the beginning... Who will say that they will fall in love? And now, Sherman s ex-history teacher is his father s girlfriend.
Coming back to the Earth, Sherman concentrated himself in the class. But, this wasn t a history class, it was a biology class. These made him wonder what will be this project about. -Like I ve said before...-continued the teacher ignoring the kids protests.-I will make you investigate what is a genealogical tree and make you form one about yourself-
Sherman s face started to get into a disappointed expression. He didn t need to investigate to know what a genealogical tree was... -Genealogical tree? What s that?-asked Jill -Well, it s about your own family, your own history-
Your own history ... this words came into the boy s mind (or heart) like an open wound.
She started to explain what a genealogical tree was like... and with every word, Sherman felt more and more outside the class. A genealogical tree is an investigation about your family, descendant and forbear. We must remember: Sherman is adopted... He didn t know anything about his real family or own history. That sounded stupid! He knew everything about the history from everyone in the past! He knew the biographies from Da Vinci, Van Gogh, Einstein, and Shakespeare... But he didn t know anything about his own story! He wanted to ask the teacher what he will do then... because he didn t have a family... at least his real family. But he said nothing, maybe because when she finished her explanation, the stamp ringed and everyone walked away.

-Agh... Thanks goodness it s Friday!-exclaimed Penny sitting beside him in the school s entrance as they were waiting their parents.-What are you going to do this weekend?-
-I m not sure yet, I guess the typical stuff I do-he said a little absent - Typical stuff ?-repeated Penny -Mmm... Yeah-
-Am I the only one who remembers that in two weeks it s your birthday, Sherman?-
-No, I think no-he looked at her.-So what?-
-So, you must be getting ready or preparing stuff for your birthday party, or at least, look happily-
-I don t like parties very much-
-I will make a giant birthday party in your honor if you don t start preparing yourself!-threatened Penny Sherman didn t answer. He wasn t listening to her. He was focused in his genealogical tree and his own story and... He stopped concentrating in his conversation with Penny Penny noted this. -So, an alien kidnapped my parents-she said -Ah?-he came back to Earth.-I mean yes, you re right-
-Sherman, you are not listening to any word I m saying-
-I m sorry, Penny. It s jus little absentminded today-
-First of all: stop apologizing; you don t have anything to say sorry for. Second thing: absentminded? What s wrong with you now, Sherman?-
-Nothing, I m fine-
-Sure, and my hair is black...-
-I m telling the truth-
-Me too...-
-I just... I m a bit tired, it s Friday, right? It has been a long week-
He looked to a wall where there was a poster about a big family, with parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters. Sometimes, he wonders how it would be if he had a big family.
Penny discovered what was going on.
-Is this related to your genealogical tree ?-
Sherman looked at her sadly.-How do you know?-
-Because I know you. And because I m sitting behind you and I saw the face you made when the teacher explained the homework-she touched his shoulder.-I know it must be really hard for you making this investigation-
-Hard for me? Why?-he asked laughing.-Because I know nothing about me? Or about my story? Or because I don t have a real and big family?-
-Sherman, you don t have to make a big deal of this, ok? Just talk to the teacher, explain your situation, and she will give you another project or something else to do-
-A big deal?-
-Yes-
-You think is a big deal wondering about my past, my real family, or my history?-
-I m not saying that, I m just saying that you have an amazing father, and an amazing life, you don t have to wonder about the things you don t have Sherman, you have to wonder what will happen if you lose what you already have-
He was about to say something, but his father appeared.
-Hi, Mr. Peabody-greeted Penny, she looked at Sherman and kissed his cheek.-Goodbye, Sherman-
Sherman stood a little astonished after her kiss. Even when it wasn t the first time she kissed him... But every time she does it, he feels something amazing that is impossible to explain with words...
Mr. Peabody stared looking at Sherman as he got inside his motorbike.
-What?-asked Sherman.-She just... greeted me-
He raised an eyebrow. Penny was something that always worried Peabody a little bit. And after discovering that she had kissed him (in the lips) some months ago he has been watching them. He trusted Sherman, but well, Penny is a girl, and he is a boy, and they are almost all the time together. Peabody knew that they will be someday a couple, but that day must be in five or six years time, when they d be old enough to be a couple.
-Alright-he said at last, forgetting what had happened.-So how was your school day like?-
-Mmm... Fine-he lay, of course that he couldn t take the genealogical tree fact off of his mind. -Sherman is everything alright?-he asked noting his sadness -Yes, dad, why shouldn t it?-he said, this time, making a fake smile

The entire travel home was completely in silence. Peabody knew that something was wrong with his boy. Every time he comes back from school he tells him every single thing that he did. He started to wonder what thing could happen if he didn t want to talk about it, he s the kind of boy who trusts people. He remembered when he told him about the fight that he had at school with Penny because she called him a dog . Sherman told him the causes of the fight, even when he didn t want to because he knew his father was worth to know them.
What Peabody couldn t understand was that this situation was really different to that one. This time what bothered Sherman was the fact that he was adopted, that he didn t know who he really was, because, how will you know who you really are if you don t know your own story? And this thing made him really sad. He never had a motive to complain about his father, because he is amazing, and he gave everything to him and he really loved him! He wanted to tell him what was going on... But a part of him knew that doing that was like putting salt into his cuts. When they came back home, Sherman went running to his bedroom.
-But, Sherman!-Peabody called him trying to stop him. -I have too much homework to do-
-But...-he started to think in an excuse.-I haven t told you! Jennifer called me and asked me to come to have dinner here today-
Jen will come? Excellent... thought Sherman sadly. He hasn t seen her in two weeks... He had too many things to tell her! And with his mood... he probably won t talk to her.
-And I need your help for... preparing some stuff-continued his father -I ll finish it and I ll come to help you-decided Sherman going to his bedroom again -Alright then-he let him go. He knew that there was a pending talk between them, and Sherman won t avoid it.

Sherman leaned on his bed. He didn t want to help his dad. He just wanted to stay there thinking about what he was going to do with the project, with his life and his doubts. But it would be really hard if he didn t talk with anyone. He thought about the few persons he knew and who he can talk to... No one. No one could help him. The only one was, perhaps, his dad, but he won t be as brave as tell him what was going on. He was afraid that he misreads everything and thinks he wasn t happy having him as his dad. He was an excellent father, even when he was a dog, he was better than most of the fathers that he knows. For example, Penny s father cared more about his cellphone than about his daughter. But Peabody didn t, he almost didn t work, because of all the things that he invented and discovered he made a lot of money.

Two hours passed and Sherman didn t go out of his bedroom. Peabody was starting to get impatient. What was he supposed to do? Should he get into his room and ask what s going on? It must be a really big deal if Sherman was acting in that way... But, of course, he didn t look as if he wanted to talk about it... What could happen? Maybe something related to Penny? No, it probably won t, she kissed his cheek the last time they saw each other. Maybe related to the school? Has he got into a fight or something? No, no, either, Jen may know it in that case, because she still works there and she has said nothing about Sherman lately.
Think, Peabody, think! was thinking Peabody going to one side to the other in front of the Sherman s bedroom s door. Maybe he failed in a subject, but, it wasn t really probable because he hadn t had any exam or project on the last weeks. He started to worry more and more... What could the problem possible be?
He was as concentrated in this problem as he forgot that Jen was coming to dinner. He remembered it when he heard the elevator s door opening.
-Hi!-she exclaimed happily -Hi, Jen-he said worried, still thinking about Sherman -Is everything ok?-
-No, it isn t-
-What happened?-
-Sherman...-
-Is he alright?-she asked worried.-Something happened to him?!-
-No, no. Well, I m not sure. He came back from school and went into his bedroom. And he hasn t gone out yet. I know something is wrong! But I don t know what! He doesn t want to tell me. Do you know if something happened at his school?-
-No, no, anything I guess. I went today to his school and I saw him. He was with Penny as usual, everything was pretty normal-she tried to remember something strange.-Have you talked to him?-
-Mmm... Yeah...-he said not really convinced -No, you didn t-
-I asked him is everything was fine and he said yes-
-You think that is talking about a problem?-
-Don t tell me off-he reclaimed.-I know I have problems trying to talk to him, ok?-
-Yeah, I know it too-
-It s just that I don t know what could happen if he doesn t want to tell me. I m really worried about him, Jen-
-Do you want me to try talking to him?-
-Would you do that?-he asked surprised -Yes, why not? The worst thing that can happen is that he will tell me nothing-
-But... I m not sure about it. If he doesn t want to tell it to me, why you think he could tell it to you?-
-I don t know, but haven t you thought maybe the problem is something related to you?-
-Related to me?-
-I don t know, related to the dog fact again? Or to the adoption fact?-
-I don t think so...-
-Can I try it?-she asked looking at him with sincerity Jen was someone really trustable. Peabody always told her his problems and she gave him answers. There were sometimes that Peabody didn t know how, but she said the only words in the world that could make him feel better. Maybe it's good having a female perspective at his house. And maybe that was what Sherman needed in that moment: a female perspective .
-Fine, just try it-he decided.-But be careful in what you say, Sherman is too little to understand some kind of things yet-
-I know, Peabrainy-she took his hand (or paw), calming him down.-I know it-
She went to Sherman s bedroom and knocked its door.-Knock? Knock?-she asked getting in Sherman was leaned in his bed, looking to the other side of the bedroom. He knew Jen got in, but he did not say anything. Not because he didn t want to, it was because he had his eyes full of tears and a horrible pain in his heart. He knew that if he starts speaking, he will start crying again.
Jen closed the door and got in. She didn t want Peabody to listen to their conversation, even when it was obvious that he will do it anyway. In fact, he stood behind the door, listening to the conversation.
-Hey! Dinner is ready. I think you may be hungry-
-No, thanks, I m not hungry-he said with his best voice -Alright-she got even closer to his bed.-Can I know why you aren t hungry?-she asked sitting next to him The boy started feeling it. He was about to cry.
-Just because!-he exclaimed putting his face on his bed s pillow hiding his tears -Sherman...-
-I don t want to talk about it!-
-I can see so...-Jen saw the notebook he used for school on one side of the bed and took it with her hands.
Sherman didn t want to look at her. He didn t want to show his weak side to Jen. He always seemed brave and strong in front of her... She was his father s girlfriend, and his dreamed mother. He was afraid of doing something wrong and mess up everything, as he always does. -Ok, you don t want to talk, right?-asked she without an answer.-Well, just say yes or no with your head, deal?-
He nodded his head.
-Is this related to Penny?-
He said no with the head. She looked at the last stuff he had written in his notebook.
-Is related to something that happened at school?-
This time, he said yes.
She read genealogical tree in his notebook and couldn t avoid looking at him with sadness.
-Is related to a school s homework?-
He nodded the head.
Jen took a deep breath and said It.-Is the genealogical tree fact, isn t it?-
-Yes-he answered

When Peabody, who was behind the door listening to the conversation, heard genealogical tree , felt something as horrible as when Sherman said I m not a dog to him. All the ghosts from his past came back. He loved Sherman with all his heart. Sherman was everything to him. And he didn t want Sherman to feel less just because he has adopted him. He got separated from the door and walked some meters away from it. He didn t want to listen the rest of the conversation.

-Sherman... I know how you feel...-continued Jen Listening Jen saying that broke Sherman s heart a little bit more. How will she know how does he feel? She has a real family! She knows her own story! Her childhood was perfect! Without doubts about how she really was! No one knew how he felt in that moment. -No, you don t-Sherman stood up and, with tears in his face, explained her everything.-I ve been my whole life with questions about myself that I never answered, because I always thought it wasn t important. But, now, I found out that yes! It s important! I want to know my story! My past! I want to know who I am! Who are my parents like! And I feel so wrong because of my dad! Because he doesn t deserve this! Because I love him too! But I can t pretend this feelings anymore!-he looked down.-You will never understand me-
Jen stood speechless. She didn t know how to answer that! She wasn t expecting him to react in that way.
-I know everything about past! About history! About the story of almost everyone! And I don t know my own story!-He laid down in his bed again.-At least you know that about you! You know your parents, your past, where are you from! I know nothing about me! I don t know my story; I don t know who I am!-
-There are sometimes that I d rather not knowing all that stuff I know about myself-she said leaning in his bed beside him -What do you mean?-
-Sherman, my childhood is something that I d really love to forget. My parents divorced when I was four. After that, my father disappeared, I never saw him again. And my mother never hanged out with another guy. Instead of that, she tried to separate me from all the boyfriends I had-
-And... What happens with that?-asked Sherman, but this time he was calming down -If I should be guided for my childhood, I d be a disaster. Where I want to go with this? Well, that your past does not define you. Trust me, my past was horrible. After that childhood, I start studying history to become a historian. Then, I met Max Miller (I don t have to tell you more about that topic). Later, my work as a historian was the worst and I ended being a full-time history teacher with the worst salary in the world-
Sherman felt horrible. He forgot that she had her own problems too, maybe she wasn t adopted, but maybe she had a really worse childhood than his one. Moreover he didn t have a horrible childhood at all after all...
-My past was a disaster, but my present isn t it. And my future seems really nice-she smiled to him.-That means that your past does not define you, Sherman. It doesn t tell you who you are-
-But... isn t important to know your past?-
-History has one function: remember the past s mistakes to not make them again. If you remember the wrong things that people made in the past, you won t do the same in the present, building a better future. That s why history is important, but the only thing that cares is what you do in the present and who you are-
-And... How do you know who you are?-
-That s easily: What s your name?-
-Mmm... Sherman Peabody?-
-How old are you?-
-I m ten-
-And who s your best friend s name?-
-Penny-
-And your father s name?-
Sherman didn t doubt it and, with a happy voice, he said: -Mr. Peabody-
Jen smiled.-Well, that s a part of which you are, the rest of yourself, you will have to figure it out alone-she touched his head with fondness -Jen?-
-Yes?-
-You think my mother loved me?-
That question made Jen really sad. Sherman was an amazing kid that happened for some horrible things in his short life...
-Why do you ask that?-
-Because she left me-
-Does your father love you?-
-Yes-
-Does Penny love you?-
-I don t know if love... But, she likes me-
-Do I love you?-
-Mmm...-He smiled.-No-
-No?-
-Yes, I think you do, but as a stepmother, maybe you re faking-he said laughing -Oh, you think I m an evil stepmother?-
-Yep-
Jen started to tickle him, making him laugh.

Peabody heard the Sherman s laughs and got closer to the door again.

-Ok! Ok! I was kidding!-he exclaimed making her dropping him off -That s better-
Now, Sherman started to tickle her.
-Drop me off, or I'd be an evil stepmother-
Sherman dropped her off, but he couldn t avoid start laughing again.
When they stopped laughing, Sherman remembered why he felt wrong before.
-Jen, where were you going with all that?-
-Uh?-
-Where did you want to go saying that my dad, Penny and you love me?-
-Well, if we love you, why wouldn t your real mother love you?-
-But she left me-
- I bet that she couldn t bring you up; maybe she wasn t ready for being a mother yet. Or, she didn t have enough money to take care of you, Sherman. And as she loved you so, she decided to let you go-
-If you love someone, you let it go?-
-When you love someone, you want the best for that person, and, if you re not the best, you take the hard decision of let it go-
Sherman felt really better after that talk. It was so amazing how Jen controlled the situation. She acted like... as... just like... a mother.
-Jen?-
-Yes?-
He hugged her.-Thanks-
-Your welcome-she said giving his hug back.-And...-she got separated from him.-Remember: there are a lot of persons who love you very much. Promise me you ll remember it-
-I promise it, Jen-
She kissed his forehead.-I trust you-Sherman s stomach started growling.-Aren t you really hungry?-
-Mmm... Maybe I m it, just a little bit-
-A little bit?-she asked smiling -Yeah...-he answered smiling too -Let s go to have dinner, ok?-
-Good idea-

Peabody smiled and walked to the kitchen. Jen did an excellent job, she could make Sherman trust her his problems, his feelings and she made him feel better. Maybe he wouldn t do the same if he was her. At the end, a mother was what Sherman needed...