Marina was a simple person. At least, that's how she wanted to think of herself. She was 25 years old in her last year of college, majoring in photography. Currently, she was living in New York City as she had an internship on the weekends. College hasn't been a smooth experience for Marina. Actually, quite on the contrary. She took two years off of college, falling behind all of her friends who later graduated, leaving her depressed and confused.
But right now, however, she feels that this internship is the right step forward that will lead her to a successful career. However, living in New York isn't as glamorous and easy as they make it in the movies. It's loud, crowded, and hard to adapt to. Especially if you are someone who grew up in a small southern town. Not to mention, everything is so expensive. It's ridiculous! Honestly, who has that kind of money? Obviously people do or else it wouldn't be so damn crowded. But Marina wasn't rolling in cash.
In fact, Marina has been working at Peabody Industries in order to get some extra cash. Not to mention that too much free time is damaging to her mental health. Too much time to overthink. That would drive anyone crazy. Or maybe she's just the crazy one.
Sighing, Marina sat in her car, trying to motivate herself to walk into work. It's not that she disliked her job necessarily. Just her boss. Not Mr. Peabody, no she has never met him. Ms. Adams, Marina was her assistant of sorts.
It seemed like Ms. Adams had a sick interest in making Marina's work life a living hell. You see, Marina was far from skinny. Chubby even. Which Ms. Adams was very keen on not letting her forget. Poking fun at her, figuratively and literally, making fun of what she ate (even if it wasn't unhealthy) and just generally being an indecent person. Lovely.
Marina opened her car door, stepping out and walking towards the entrance of the industries. As she made her way to the elevator she ran into Ms. Adams. Speak of the devil. Oddly enough, however, she wasn't dressed in her usual 'prim and proper' business attire. Actually, the complete opposite. White t-shirt, ripped jeans. Though she still looked very classy and expensive as she wore a full face of makeup and lots of jewelry.
Marina cocked her head at the woman, obviously confused. Ms. Adams scoffed. "I meant to tell you yesterday that me and the hubby are going on vacation to Canada for a couple of weeks. Which means you are going to be bringing the reports up to the boss for me." She said, poking Marina's stomach to accentuate the 'you'.
Marina curled over, wringing the strap of her purse. It took her a minute to comprehend what she even said. But then it hit her. "W-wait. The boss? Do you mean Mr. Peabody directly?" She nervously asked, voice trembling.
Ms. Adams groaned. "You really are a stupid cow aren't you?" She rubbed her forehead, obviously annoyed. "Yes! Obviously I mean Mr. Peabody. And you better leave as good as an impression you can. Do not mess this up for me."
Marina sighed, closing her eyes. "Yes ma'am."
Ms. Adams let out a 'hmph' and spun around, causing her long auburn hair to flutter around her shoulders. Once she was out of sight Marina turned around and began walking back towards the elevator. 'You have got to be kidding me.'
Once she reached her floor she made her way to her cubicle. Plopping down her coat and purse she sat into her chair, leaning back and letting out a light groan of annoyance. Turning on her computer she began finishing up some reports. As she was about to finish she heard someone walk up to her desk. Looking up she saw the familiar redhead, Amanda. She smiled.
"Hey, I was wondering if you were almost done with those papers." She asked.
Marina's smile faltered. "Ah, yeah actually. I am almost done."
"Cool, just run them up to Peabody when you're done." Amanda began to turn around but Marina interrupted her.
"How do I even go to see him? I mean...where do I even go?" She stuttered out.
Amanda gave her a soft smile, placing her hand gently on Marina's shoulder. "Just go to the top floor penthouse. He will take care of the rest." She spun around and walked off.
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Marina muttered to herself. Shrugging it off she printed off her reports and began making her way to the elevator. The trip up seemed to take an eternity, she shuffled back and forth inside the small space. Finally, the bell ringed, letting her know that she arrived.
Walking out she began smoothing down her pencil skirt and dress shirt. "Hello?" She called out into the seemingly empty apartment. "I was told to send this report to you…I'm sorry if I'm not supposed to be here." Nothing.
As she was turning around to leave she heard footsteps coming her way. Facing forward again, she was met with the sight of Mr. Peabody. He was looking down at his shirt sleeves, adjusting them.
"Please do excuse my delayed appearance Ms. Ada-" He began, looking up only to meet Marina's grey eyes. "Oh...You aren't Ms. Adams." He said, cocking his head to the side.
Marina wiped her wide eye stare off her face as she gathered herself. "N-no. I'm Marina...Marina Goodwin. I'm her assistant. I was told to give this to you." She said, prying her hand with the paper in it from her grip around her torso. Gulping down the lump in her throat she eyed him nervously, barely making eye contact. It was very obvious she was nervous. And it was very obvious, to Marina at least, that she was about to have an anxiety attack.
Peabody wore a worried expression. "Miss Goodwin, may I ask if you are ok?"
Marina's eyes widened, if that was even possible, stretching her hands out to frantically wave them and shake her head. "Y-yes sir, sorry sir. I will be going now. Have a good day." She was about to walk into the elevator until Mr. Peabody called out to her.
"Leaving so soon? Could I interest you in some tea?"
"Oh." Marina looked down unsure how to react. "Yes please. That would be nice."
"Fantastic! Take a seat and I will prepare the tea."
She shuffled towards the couch by the coffee table, wrapping her arms around herself as she sat down. She grimaced as her clothes rippled into rolls, reminding her of how insecure she was.
Walking out of the kitchen with two mugs in his hand he made his way towards to Marina. "Here you go." He said with a smile.
She unlatched her hands from around her torso and reached for the cup. As she did, Peabody noticed her shaking.
"Are you sure you are ok?" He asked.
Unsure of what to say, Marina shrugged, inhaling the calming scent of the tea.
"Well then. Why don't you tell me about yourself?" He asked.
Marina looked up, placing the mug onto the table. "Well I'm normally from the south and I attend an art college there. I took a couple years off to focus on myself so all of my friends already graduated. Write now I am taking online classes and working as an intern on the weekends and the rest of the week I'm here." She said lightly.
"Oh? An art major! What are you studying?"
"Photography."
As they continued to talk Marina began to loosen up. She talked about her family and friends and how she did musical theatre in high school. Peabody cracked his usual corny puns and Marina laughed, thoroughly enjoying them. Without even realizing, hours passed. Until Peabody was interrupted by his phone's alarm.
"I apologize to cut this short but I have to pick up my son from school." He said, standing up from the couch.
Marina followed. "It's no problem, I should be going anyways. Thank you for having me." She smiled.
Mr. Peabody smiled back. "It was my pleasure."
Marina began walking towards the elevator to make her departure until she was interrupted by Peabody. "Miss Goodwin, I was wondering if you would like to join me here for dinner tonight."
Marina gave him a grin as she began to feel giddy. She never really hit it off with people so easily so having him invite her back was exciting. She gave him a crooked smile, causing Peabody to break out into a wide grin. "I would love too. Is 8 o'clock ok?"
"Perfect."