A stepmother
Chapter 9: The Beauty and The Beast
-Are these hours to come back home?-asked Jen's mother to her
Jennifer looked at her annoyed.-I have three things to tell you: first of all, I'm not a teenager anymore, second it's my house, I do whatever I want, and third and last one, it's two p.m.-
-And I have three answers to your excuses: you act as if you were younger than a teenager, I'm your mother and I have the due of knowing what you're doing with your life and you haven't come back to your home in...-She looked the clock in her hand.-Almost ten hours-
-Oh, I'm so sorry-she finished sarcastic
Her mother sighed.-Jen, I'm worry about you-
-Do you know where I've been? I've been with Kate, ok?-
-She called me asking me where you were-
Jen looked at her in her eyes.-I really was with her, liar-
-Ok, I tried it-she confessed
-I wish I knew that lie when I was younger...-she muttered to herself.-I'm fine, ok?-
-Fine, it's obvious that you're not it... who's laying now?-
-I'm your daughter, right? Like mother, like daughter-
-Haha! You're pretty good at evasive maneuvers-
-Thank you-
-Can you be serious?-she asked receiving no answer.-Oh, right, now you're ignoring me, uh?-Jen didn't seem to answer.-Alright, ignore me... Your mother, the one who gave you the life... The one who took care of you when you couldn't even walk!-her daughter went to the kitchen and started to prepare a coffee.-I'll know what's wrong with you! You can't ignore me forever!-suddenly the floor's ring rang.-I'll come back!-she threatened before going to open the door
-If I have been able to ignore you, I wouldn't have had so many problems...-Jen muttered
Sarah was angry, really angry, and it didn't matter that her daughter treated her in that way... She knew she was doing that because she thought that was the best for her, but of course it wasn't it. What could be better than your own mother? Perhaps she wasn't a genius or she hasn't given the best advices... But she had lived a lot... She knew more stuff than her daughter... Or that's what she used to think.
Angrily, she opened the door to find someone, or something pretty strange.
-Oh, good morning, Ms.-
-Mmm... Hi?-
-I'm Mr. Peabody, who are you?-
-You're... A...Dog?-she said starting to get into panic
-Yes, I'm a dog, you're a human, that's a door and that's a window. Now that we have left everything clear, can I happen to know who I am talking to, Lady?-
-And he's sarcastic!-
Mr. Peabody looked at the floor's number, but he hasn't got confused with it.
-Is this Jennifer Jason's floor?-
-This... You... Go away, phenomenon!-she screamed closing the door in Peabody's face and then she opened it again.-Why do you want to talk to Jennifer?-
-Stuff-
-What kind of stuff?-
-Personal ones-
-Well... You're with the right woman to talk to-
-What do you mean?-
-I'm Sarah Madison Perry ex-Jason. Otherwise known as Jennifer's mother-
-Jen's mother?!-He asked really surprised.-She never mentioned her mother-he whispered
-What?-
-That she never said that she lived with her mother-
-I don't live here, I'm only here temporally-
-Alright then-
-So, what kind of relationship you have with my daughter?-
-I actually came because I want to know that-
-Really?-
-Yes, moreover I'm the father of one of her students-
-I didn't know my daughter teaches dogs-
-My son is not a...-he decided that talk was nonsense.-Forget it, can I talk to her?-
-Mmm... Sure-she said letting him get in
-Why were you screaming?-asked Jennifer without stopping making her coffee and trying not to look at her
-Ha! I knew that you couldn't ignore me for too long, but going back to the point, a talkative dog who says that knows you is here-
-A talkative...?-Jennifer looked up and saw Mr. Peabody. Her hands started trembling and she dropped her coffee off. So, she bowed to pick the cup up. She was completely nervous.
-See?-said Sarah to Peabody.-I'm not the only one who gets scared because of you-
-Scared?-asked Jennifer lifting up, with such a bad luck that she hit her head with the kitchen's table.-Ouch!-she screamed touching her head. Mr. Peabody got closer to her to help her.-Oh, but I'm ok-she said to try to keep her cool
-Are you sure?-he asked
-Yeah, I mean, I'm...-
-Pretty absentminded?-
-Exactly-Peabody picked her cup up.-Why are you here?-she whispered
-I'll love to explain it but...-he looked at Jen's mother
-Let me take care of that-she stood up.-Mom! You would never believe what happened!-
-What, dear?-
-I ran out of coffee!-
-Oh, that's so bad! I'll be here with the dog till you get back from the shop, right?-
-Mmm... No, I was thinking... Perhaps you can go to the shop-
-Why me?-
-Mmm... Because you're my beautiful mother who gave me the life and...-
-I got it, you don't want me to be here-she went to the door.-I don't need you to be mean!-she shouted crying going out
Peabody stared at her a bit worried.-Is she fine?-
-Yeah, she's an amazing actress, that's all-
-Alright then-
-So, can you tell me why you are here?-
-Oh, sure. Well... I've been thinking about what happened and... I'm sorry-
-You? I'm the one who should be sorry!-
-No, I didn't trust you and didn't believe you and... You're right; you can't have a relationship with someone who doesn't trust you-
-But I'm the one who gave you reasons to distrust me-
-Perhaps, we both were wrong-
-Fine, I like that solution-she decided smiling.-That means... we're back?-
-Well...-
-Oh, my-
-I want to know the truth... All the truth-
-There's nothing more I can say about what happened at the restaurant-
-I'm not talking about the restaurant, Jen-
-So, what are you talking about?-
-Why didn't you tell me that your mother was staying here?-
-Well... Because she told me that she would stay here today-
-She told you today and she's already staying?-
-Yeah, my mother never informs... She only comes-
-That's weird, isn't it?-
-Some persons are like that, I'm not lying about it!-
-And why you never talked about her or your past?-
-There's nothing to talk about, Peabrainy-
-I think actually there are many things to talk about, teacher-
-No, I...-
-Hey, there, I bought the coffee!-screamed Jen's mother getting in
-I thought you understood that we wanted to talk alone-
-If you only asked me to buy a coffee!-
-But I... Never mind-
-"She never informs, only comes"... Ok, I believe you-said the genius dog
-Oh, dog, are you still here?-asked Sarah
-Yes, and I prefer being call "Mr. Peabody" or "Peabody" speaking informally-
-Dog is fine, thank you. By the way, are you staying for dinner?-
-I actually can't... But thanks for the invitation-
-Ok, at least stay for drinking a coffee, I bought some dog cookies!-
-Dog cookies?-he asked laughing
-Don't laugh; she did it-added Jennifer looking at her mother's shopping
Mr. Peabody looked down for five seconds to not freak out and looked at Jennifer again wondering who she came from. Perhaps she was an orphan too. Someone like Jen couldn't be the daughter from something like Sarah.
-I really have to leave-finished Peabody
-Good idea-
-Good idea?-asked Sarah
-Yes, he has a lot of things to do; moreover he has to go with his kid-said Jen
-Oh, and I didn't know you teach dogs!-
-What? Sherman is not a dog! He's a human-
-A human boy? Your son is a human boy?!-
-He's my adopted human son-explained Peabody
-Oh, hold up a second! I know you! Yes! You're that strange dog that is on TV all the time!-
-Yes, that's me, I think-
-Oh, my god! I always thought you were a robot or something like that!-
-No, I'm not it, Mrs. Perry-
-Oh, once I bet that you were a robot... I lost the bet in this case-
-Trust me; he's not a robot-added Jen
-Uh, how can you know it?-
-We've been... Very good friends for a long time-
-Friends? How come you are a student's father's friend?-
-Well... It's a long story, moreover, Peabody has to leave, ain't I right?-
Peabody thought it for a while. Sherman was at school and after it he had robotics' club... And Jen couldn't lie now, no in front of her mother... Perhaps it wasn't a bad idea staying after all...
-Yes, I can... But I can stay for a while if it doesn't bother you-
-But I thought...-Jen tried to talk but, like usual, her mother interrupted her
-Of course not! It'll be amazing to have you here, Peaboky!-
-It's Peabody-
-Oh, sorry, Peabloby-
-Peabody can you come here for a second?-asked Jen pointing the kitchen's table
-Sure-he walked to her
-What on Earth are you doing?-she asked madly
-Excuse me?-
-You said that you had to leave! Now, go away, don't you understand that my mother is a big trouble?-
-Trouble? Perhaps she doesn't like me, or she likes making fun of people, but she doesn't seem to be a trouble-
-Yes, she is it-
-Why? Because she knows everything about you?-
-What? I'm not saying it because of that!-
-So?-
-What will happen if she realizes we're more than only two good friends?-
Peabody really never cared about that. He never cared if his relationship with Jen was a secret, more because it was his idea... But, he didn't know why... But that thing started to bother him. Perhaps he started to do a simple logic: if Tom or Kate had known about their relationship, they wouldn't have prepared that surprise date (that, of course, if Jennifer said the truth about that day). He had something very clearer: if Jen wanted to be his girlfriend, there will be no more lies. That means their "secret relationship" was over.
-That would be bad luck, but I don't see what the problem is either. So what if she discovers we ar... We were a couple?-
-You don't know my mom's worst side yet-
Peabody was going to say that she couldn't have a worst side... But then he realized Jennifer was her daughter.-I don't care. Moreover, perhaps this is good-
-Good?-
-Yes, what should be wrong with telling everyone that we're a couple?-
-Well... It was your idea hiding "us"-
-And now is my idea to show "us"-
-But Sherman...-
-He'll be right, in two months you won't be his teacher anymore-he said remembering summer holidays
-But...-
-Jen, if you want us to get back together I want something-
-What's that?-
-I want people to know that we're together-
-What?!-
-It'll be the best. We won't have more problems like the one related to Tom-
-Tom? It would have happened even if he had known we were together! He confessed that he liked me...-
-I knew it!-he muttered
-You knew it?-
-Yes, it was pretty obvious-
-And why didn't you tell me?-
-I don't know, because of the obvious reason that you're my girlfriend-
-Ok, it doesn't matter now-she looked down
-Are you going to admit we're together?-
Jennifer looked at him. For some reason she felt that she wasn't ready. She really couldn't explain why... But she wasn't ready to face a new obstacle in their relationship: people's critics. She was scared of losing Peabody; she was scared of realizing that sometimes the feelings are not enough.
-I need to think about it-she decided
-Think?-he asked disappointed.-Alright...-he went to the living room where Sarah was
Jennifer sighed and followed him.
-So, Mr. Peabodly, which is your job?-
-Job? Well, I have many jobs-
-Well, which are your jobs?-
-Well I'm inventor, scientist, chef, musician, sportsman, barista, I work for the government too of course, and I have my own industry "Peabody's industries"...-
-Ok, ok, I can see you have a good life, right?-
-Good life?-
-Yeah, you might have a lot of money!-
-Mom!-shouted Jen
-No, it's ok, she's right, I'm one of the most important billionaires of the world. But money is not everything in life-
-No, it isn't it, but it helps-
-Mmm... It depends in which kind of things you want it to help you-
-Like what?-
-You can't buy people for example-
-You can! I bet you're married a beautiful and young woman-
-You can yes, but that would be the worst mistake of your life-
-Buying people?-
-Yes, and marrying someone that loves you only because of your money-
-A lot of people with money do it, however-
-Well, perhaps my son helped me in knowing that-
-What do you mean?-
-My son Sherman made me realizes that: a life without love...-
-It's not a life at all-finished Jen almost speaking for herself
-Uh, is that a kind of phrase or something?-asked Sarah
-It's actually something that Leonardo Da Vinci said-answered Peabody
-Oh, right, Jen loves history; she tried to be a historian! She even dated one! He was called Max Miller-
-Oh, interesting-said Peabody looking to one side
-He was the biggest idiot I've ever met-she finished making Peabody laugh.-Do you know him?-
-Oh, yes, yes, I have the big honor to know him... Sorry for the laugh-
-Hummm... Anyway Jen never dated someone really smart-
-Perhaps-Peabody tried to start talking about another thing.-So, you've came here today and you're staying, how long?-
-What?-she laughed.-I didn't come today; I came like two weeks ago!-
Peabody looked at Jennifer angrily.-Was she the reason why you invented all your excuses?-
-What? No... I...-
-Jen!-
-Ok, yes, but it was because if I told you, you would want to help giving me money or something like that and I can solve this alone-
-You say I don't trust you, but apparently, I'm not the only one-
-Moreover I didn't want you to meet her, just look at her, she's extremely annoying!-
-Hey!-protested Sarah
-I don't care if she's the most annoying person I've ever met!-
-I'm here!-she reclaimed without being listened
-You are... a liar!-he exclaimed
-No, I'm not! You're distrusted!-
-Oh, sure... Sure, so I'm the one with the problem!-
-Of course you are!-
-You didn't tell me that your mother was at your house and you don't want to admit that we ar... We were a couple!-
-What?!-screamed, or better said, shouted Sarah
-What's your problem? Are you ashamed of me?-he asked
-What? No!-
-So?-
Jennifer didn't answer. Peabody looked at her angrily, but sad. His eyes didn't show a single clue of being joking, he was saying exactly what he felt and thought.-Are you ashamed of being my girlfriend?!-he asked again in a louder tone
-I don't... know-
He was even more disappointed with that answer.-You don't know? Is that your answer?-
The woman nodded her head. She wasn't really sure of what to do in that situation. She loved Peabody, but the "dog" fact which in a beginning didn't matter to her at all, started to worry her. What will her friends and family say about their relationship? She wasn't ready to admit her relationship in front of everyone, but she wasn't ready to let him go either.
Peabody stared at her, waiting for the answer. Although her eyes say everything: she wasn't sure of their relationship.
-That is all I need-he decided suddenly walking away
-Wait!-She took his hand-paw.-What do you mean?-
-It's over-
-What is over?-she asked still denying the obvious answer
-From now on-he dropped his paw of.-We are not a couple or will be it again anymore-
-But... you can't leave me just like that! Let's try to sort this out. I...-
-It's too late, Jennifer. I... I don't have enough time for your insecurities and doubts. Decide what you want: if you want to admit our relation or stop being a relation. I know we don't want any of them... but we don't have another choice-
-Yes, we do-
-No! I don't want you to say you're single anymore! I... I want you to say you're my girlfriend! I don't care what people say-
-You decided to have our relationship "hide"-
-Yes. And now I want finishing that pact. Do you?-
Jen looked down.
-See what I mean?-he asked at the obvious "no" that was reflected in her eyes.-You don't. And I can't hide us anymore-he walked to the door, but before opening it, he turned around to see her.-Sorry...-he walked through the door and left.
Jennifer didn't look at him leaving, she just hear his steps and the door closing. She sat on the floor; she didn't want to face the truth. She knew he was right... if she loved him, why she didn't want people to know their relationship?
Sarah stared at her.
-So, Peabody was your boyfriend? I can't believe it... dating a stupid man is bearable but a stupid dog?-
Jen wasn't hearing her mother's words... she was hearing her heart breaking.
-And how come you dated the father of one of your students? Thanks goodness you have broken up...-
-You don't understand... do you?-asked Jen standing up
-No, how will I understand why you dated him?-
-You don't understand it! I just... I'm here, almost crying and you are telling me off! How would you know what's the best for me if you don't even know how to go on!-
-What are you talking about?-
-You never knew how to move on after my dad divorced you!-
Sarah shut up suddenly.
-And you know what?-continued Jen.-Peabody is not the problem that you have, the problem is that you don't want me to date any one because you couldn't move on!-
-You're really wrong there, Jen. I'm afraid of someone hurting you as your father did! Fairytales don't exist, like the true love. Why don't you surpass it?-
-No, you're wrong-she said finally.-If you didn't feel it, it isn't my fault-
-And you felt it? For who? For Peabody?-she laughed with anger
Jen's eyes were full of tears.-I don't know! But I know that I really feel something for him!-
-He's just a dog!-
-And I'm only a human!-
Her mother stared at her. What was wrong with her daughter now?
-If you love him, why did you hide their relationship?-
-Because I was afraid of people like you that won't understand-
-But you shouldn't care about that if it's love-
-And we both decided it because of Sherman. I could do that if he needed to, I could do it. But now, he suddenly... wants to change that! And I don't even know why!-
-And if you did it for him, why you don't want to break that "pact", huh?-
-Because I just got accustomed, ok? Everything was always right in that way and now I'm scared of what will happen if we change our way of relation, we will start having too many obstacles and we will just break up...-Jen closed her mouth and her mother smiled
-Now I understand what about you?-
Jennifer didn't answer. Her mother helped her after all... her gift of making her freak out worked out for something at last... she wasn't ashamed of Peabody, she was scared of changing t
he way in which their relationship grew up, and having new obstacles that maybe they couldn't face...
-You... helped me?-
-I think so-
-But why?-
-Because I want you to wake up. You can't date him!-
-Umm... I think you don't understand...-
-Oh, yes I do. You won't last, even if you try. A dog and a human... my dear! What are you? The Beauty and The Beast but without a spell that will make The Beast a handsome prince?-
Jen looked down. It was obvious that her love for Peabody was big, but will it be big enough to face that truth? She was a human and he was a dog. "The Beauty and the Beast"...
Sarah looked at her daughter's eyes. Was it possible? Could she love him? No... It was almost impossible, how can you love a talkative dog? The only way Peabody met a woman who really loved him was... that this person was...
-I'll go to my bedroom-said Jennifer walking away
Her mother looked down too. The only way Peabody met a woman who really loved him was... that this person was... Jen.
