Once Marina left, Peabody began to gather his keys and coat to pick up Sherman. Hopping into the elevator, he made his way to the lobby. Walking outside he was met with a brisk, cold gust of wind. It was the end of November and this was by far the coldest day of the new winter season.

He climbed onto his moped and made his way towards Sherman's school. Once he arrived he was quickly and enthusiastically greeted by his son. He bounded towards the vehicle, swinging his book bag onto the side car and climbed in.

"Hi Mr. Peabody! I'm sure glad you got here when you did because I was starting to get pretty cold." Sherman said, rubbing his arms for emphasis. Peabody gave him a soft smile as he pulled off his own coat and placed it around his son's shoulders. He made a mental note to switch their mode of transportation to their car due to the dropping temperatures.

"How was your day at school?" Peabody asked, starting up the moped to make his way back home.

"It was fantastic! We got to watch a video of someone dissecting a frog and I took a bunch of notes!" He stated proudly, patting his back pack for emphasis.

"That's wonderful Sherman." He said with a smile. "I assume that this is as good as time as ever to tell you that we are having a guest over this evening."

"Is it the Petersons?"

"Guess again."

"Oh...Is it the president this time?" Sherman asked, becoming slightly confused.

"Nope."

"Huh...then who is it?"

"A woman who works at the industries. She made a rather good impression on me and seems very nice. So I invited her over for dinner."

Sherman slumped in his seat. "So I guess you guys are going to be talking about boring work stuff?"

"Not necessarily." Peabody didn't want to admit, especially not out loud, but he invited Marina over because she seemed endearing and he liked her presence. He wasn't usually the person to open up to new people and very rarely made close friendships. So having someone over solely to chat and exchange pleasantries was odd for him.

Sherman gave his father a smug look. "Oooh Mr. Peabody do you like her?" He teased.

"Don't be ridiculous, we just met. It's impossible to develop feelings for someone that quickly." Peabody scoffed.

Sherman shifted his sight to the road in front of him and made a mocking 'mhm'.

Marina looked at her clock, it was 6. Since she assumed that it would take her a while to rummage through her clothes and find a suitable outfit, not to mention having to eventually make her way to the penthouse. She clicked her tongue as she looked through her closet. Making an 'aha' noise she grabbed a sweater and a jean skirt.

Quickly she switched her clothes and threw on a pair of boots. She touched up her makeup and ruffled her hair. Looking in the mirror she gave herself a self approving nod.

When she arrived to the industries she suddenly noted how weird it was arriving at this location without being filled with dread. She got out and locked her car, quickly shuffling into the building to escape from the cold. A skirt was not the best decision in the long run. Cute but not practical.

She walked into the ever so familiar elevator, bouncing on her toes in excitement. Yeah...this was a drastic change from her usual mood when she went to work. Except...she wasn't going to work. She was meeting up with a friend. And not just any friend, a genius. A world renowned one at that. Who would have thought he would talk to someone like her?

The elevator let out a ding, tearing her from her thoughts. She walked out and was met by a young redheaded boy in the living area. Marina gave him a big smile.

"Hello there!" She exclaimed, walking towards the couch he was sitting on.

"Oh! Hi there Miss Goodwin! I'm Sherman." He introduced, pointing towards his chest.

"Honey, you don't have to call me Miss Goodwin." She giggled. "Marina is just fine."

"Ok Miss Marina! Mr. Peabody wanted me to tell you to meet him in the kitchen over there." He pointed.

She smiled at the boy and made her way towards the door that supposedly lead to the kitchen. Opening the door, her senses were flooded with a delicious aroma.

"Smells great!" She announced.

Without looking up he gave a small smile and responded. "I hope you like Japanese food."

Marina gave a mischievous grin to herself. "Ah! Watashi wa nihon no tabemono ga daisuki desu!"

Peabody's head shot up, a look of shock on his face. "You speak Japanese?"

She giggled, covering her mouth as she did. "I took some classes in high school."

He chuckled lightly. "Do you mind helping Sherman with setting the table as I finish this up?"

"Of course, sir." She said, walking closer towards him.

It was at this moment when he took account of Marina's appearance. "Miss Goodwin, may I say that you look lovely this evening?" He said with a smile.

"Oh…" Marina looked down, blushing lightly. She scoffed slightly and waved him off. "No, I'm not anything special."

He was about to protest but he was interrupted by a very hungry Sherman.

"Mr. Peabody, is dinner almost ready? I'm starving!" He exclaimed.

Marina and Peabody chuckled at his outburst. "Why don't you go help Miss Goodwin set the table when I finish up everything?" Peabody said, turning towards the stove.

"Yes sir!" Sherman saluted.

Marina laughed as she followed the child into the dining room. Sherman faced her, wringing his hands sheepishly.

"Would you be ok doing the dishes? I always get nervous I'll drop them." He admitted. Marina smiled and gave a small nod.

Just as Sherman and Marina finished setting up the table, Peabody brought out the meal. It was at that moment Marina's stomach dropped in realization. She was going to have to eat in front of them. When she was in high school she struggled with an eating disorder due to being bullied. So with that plus Ms. Adams' daily mocking she was generally scared of eating in front of people.

She picked at her food, resisting not to shove it in her mouth. She never ate at work and only usually had fruit for breakfast and a small dinner. She was really hungry and her stomach screamed to be fed. But she couldn't do it. Her heart was pounding to the point where she could hear it ringing in her head. Almost as if it was mocking her.

Noticing her nervous behavior, Peabody began to grow increasingly worried. She was acting strange earlier when they first met and now she won't eat. "Miss Goodwin? Are you feeling alright? You barely touched your food. Do you not like it"

No response.

Marina blinked back tears, swallowing thickly and trying not to have an anxiety attack right in front of her boss. She used every fiber of her being to not break down into hysterics and humiliate herself.

She blinked slowly, allowing one tear to slide down her cheek. She wiped it away quickly. At this point even Sherman was noticing Marina's odd change in mood.

"I-I um...I have to go." She choked out, quickly picking up her coat and purse. Leaving Sherman and Peabody confused and worried.