Emma & Malcom Peabody

Chapter 26: The truth's time

A lost fear came into Emma and Malcom. The fear of their parents discovering them using the WABAC had been gone long time ago, they almost were forgetting about how forbidden using that time machine was for their parents. The twins were enjoying time traveling so much that they forgot it. They forgot to be cautious, and now they knew they had to pay the price.

Emma bit her lip and looked down, unable to look at his beloved father in the eye, while Malcom laughed nervously.

-WABAC? What's that?-the ginger boy said trying to confuse his father uselessly.-We only said that we needed to take a way back home, right Emma?-he asked to his sister, who only nodded her head just to follow his brother. She knew that their father wasn't going to believe that.

-Malcom James Peabody, I might have had a rough night, but I'm not deaf yet-Sherman said touching his head in frustration.-Have you been using the WABAC yes or no? Not games-

-Games? Who was talking about "games"? I was telling the truth, we don't know what that thing that you call "WABAC" is!-

-Oh, really?-asked his father folding his arms and raising an eyebrow, in a real Peabody way.

-Does that eyebrow run in the family or what?-muttered Malcom, unable to stop his own smart mouth.-We really don't, dad! Why don't you believe us?-

-Because I heard you perfectly correct! You said "time machine", Malcom! There's no way you can deny it, not anymore-

-I'll never say I did it-the young boy said glaring at his father

Sherman stopped looking at him and turned to Emma.-And what do you say to this, Emma? Are you going to lie too?-

The girl paralyzed. She looked at her brother, who was expecting her to lie and then to his father, who was expecting her to say the truth. She started to touch her blonde hair nervously, without been able to decide what to say. Knowing her brother, he'll get mad at her, for not supporting him and he'll be right, won't he? It'll be like betraying your best and only friend. But she also knew for certain that their father wasn't going to believe them, they confessed everything! There was no way out of that situation and keep on denying will be useless and will make their parents angrier.

Emma continued biting her lips, then she pressed them, and finally, like an explosion, she started talking really fast, just to make that horrible moment pass faster.-Yes, we travel through time, but it wasn't in purpose, actually it was completely mistaken, and then our grandfather said that we were able to use it only if you and mom don't find out, so we kept on doing it until now!-

-I see...-said her father with a disappointed tone.-Let's go away from here, now-Sherman ordered walking to the elevator

Malcom stared at her and then sighed. She was still the "good girl who would never do something against her parents". But now, she sent them to death and to a punishment of two decades just for trying to be the daddy's favorite girl. It was silly to think that she may be on his side for once...

He passed through her with an angry expression while Emma just looked at the floor sadly. That's how their bond was broken again, but now it was permanent.

-Oh, I've really messed this one up...-muttered Ally as she touched her short dark hair desperately. She was sat on one of the different chairs that were put in the Peabody's industries principal room for the party and with her head covered with her hands, thinking about what to do in that moment.

Half of her wanted to leave, to renounce to her job but the other half wanted to kiss Sherman again. It was so sad to admit that she fell in love with him, but she was winning nothing by denying it. The dark-haired woman found herself in a dilemma: leave or continue. Despite Sherman's innocence, she knew that he liked her back, maybe not as much as he loved his- wife, but he still had some feelings for her. But at the same time, she didn't want to ruin his life as she'd done many times before...

-Ally Edwards...-said a familiar voice behind her

The girl stared shocked at the sound of that voice before turning around.-Oh, no...-she muttered

-Oh, yes! I've been looking for you!-said a handsome brown-haired man sitting beside her.-I thought that you'd disappeared, but, here you are, dressed up with a sophisticated dress, on a rich men party... let me ask you, who are you dating now?-

-I'm dating no one; Richard-she said standing up angrily

-No one? Why does it seem too hard to believe?-the man called Richard said touching his Chin.-Oh, yes! Because there's no way you'll be in a party like this if it wasn't because you're dating one of these rich guys-

-Richard, we broke up two years ago, get over it!-

-Oh, well, I just can't help but looking for you, you know? Because in the last two years I discovered some stuff about you that I wanted to discuss-

-We're over, O-V-E-R; do you really need me to spell it?-

-Ally...-he said shaking his head.-I just want to ask if you know these surnames...-before he could even start speaking, Ally started to walk away, but as he continued, she stopped.-Parker, Cameron and Zimmer-

-How do you know those names?-the woman asked annoyed

-It's not that hard to find out things about a girl when you've got money...-

Ally gulped. There was something about her that almost nobody knew... She wasn't as saint and naïve as she seemed. She was a woman who had always loved the idea of having money and dresses, someone greedy perhaps, but smart enough to know that a woman would never be part of that world by herself. She needed help, and she found it, surprisingly, on men.

The dark-haired woman had managed to make many rich guys fall for her, in order to enjoy the life of the rich people. In fact, she had come to work to Peabody's Industries to make Mr. Peabody fall for her... she never really expected Sherman to be her boss actually.

-Get lost, Richard!-she screamed to him walking to the exit as fast as she could

-Let's see who'll get lost, my dear Ally-he muttered with a malicious smile

Sherman went down the elevator followed by Emma and Malcom, who were silently waiting for their death. After discovering the WABAC issue and the kiss with Ally, he indeed needed a lot to think about. But the first was the first, and his children's safety was the most important thing now.

Yes, he had used the WABAC thousands of times and that made him feel a little of guilt. Neither Emma nor Malcom knew about the time machine or his time travels, and that was a bit unfair in one hand. Just think about it: his father (Mr. Peabody) built the machine so Sherman could be able to learn about history, and it was really unfair if he wasn't going to do the same for his children. But at the same time, they should've told him before!

He sighed and touched his neck. He couldn't think clearly when he was angry, that was so obvious. He really wanted to be a fair and good father, but sometimes his kids were way more than what he could handle.

-Sherman!-called Penny walking towards them.-Where were you?-she looked down at her kids.-Wait... why are they here at the party?-

The red-haired man said only one word enough to make his wife open her eyes as two big dishes "WABAC".

-Have they...?-the blonde woman asked pointing to the young kids. Sherman only nodded.-How?-

-Penny, I think we should come back home now to talk about this... mmm... issue at home-

Malcom rolled his eyes. He really didn't want anyone to know that their children were such troublemakers, right? That was all his father cared about, not about them, about their reputation... or about only Emma, the favorite.

Emma, in the other side, was shivering, completely scared about what it was going to happen next. Why did they have to talk about the WABAC in that way? Why? Now there was no way out of that situation. She took a deep breath and looked at her brother, who seemed angry and in that moment she realized something: you can have a time machine, a teleporter, or a magical stick... but sooner or later, you'll have to front what you've done.

Without hesitation, Penny greeted almost every single person at the party, while Sherman just greeted four or five, and then they walked out of the lift.

But before getting to the car, Sherman stopped all of a sudden.-Geez, I almost forget something-he said.-Penny, come back home with them... I have to talk to someone-he said looking at one side and narrowing his eyes

The kids stared at him in curiosity, but his wife didn't need any other explanation, once she saw the way in which he said that, she knew who he was talking about.

-This is a pretty great party, I must confess-commented a rich woman to her husband looking around the lift

-Well, you know, even the NASA helped me to make this party-commented Mr. Peabody

-Oh, really? And how?-

-Easy... they planet-the beagle answered with a teaser smile making everybody laugh. It was a bit silly to think how easy those people were used to laughing at jokes even if they weren't good enough.

-And how's that kid of yours?-asked another guy who was standing there

-Sherman?-asked the white beagle a bit confused.-Oh, well, he's more than alright-

-He isn't a kid anymore, though, right? Is he going to run the company now on?-asked the woman again touching her expansive dress

-Indeed he's going to do it-the genius dog said this time more confident

-Oh, how good he's agreeing with it!-exclaimed the woman's husband.-Remember what happened with our boy years ago?-

-What happened?-asked Peabody losing his confident one more time; he hated the way in which Sherman could transform him into someone a lot weaker.

-Let's just say, he didn't want to follow my steps and he went away from our lives...-

Mr. Peabody stared at them a bit scared but then he put himself back together, Sherman was never going to do that! Moreover, he waited until the correct moment of his life, the moment in which his son had a family, a job and everything he ever wanted to ask him to run his company.

-Oh, talking about him...-whispered a guy making the dog turn around

-Sherman?-

-Hey, dad-the scientist said trying to seem as calmed as he could.-Can we talk about something?-

-Can't it wait?-asked a male voice behind them.-I've been looking for you two! Where have you been the last... ten years? How's everything going?-asked Richard hugging Sherman as if they were friends.-I hope everything is alright!-

-Yes, but...-Sherman freed himself of the well-built adult.-Now, I have to talk to my da...father about something important, and no, it can't wait... but it'll be fast-

-If it's something serious then I don't think everything's alright-slapped Richard back

-I must assure you that everything is alright enough, and if you don't mind, I'd rather speak to my son-the genius dog replied, still with his charming, but at the same time, sarcastic smile while he grabbed Sherman's wrists and guided him away of the crowd.

Once they were far enough, Peabody spoke.-What is it, Sherman?-

The red-haired adult laughed nervously.-Oh, nothing, I just found out that Emma and Malcom have been using the WABAC with your permission but without me or Penny permission and, by the way, there is this girl who has just kissed me and now I have no idea what to do with my life, you know? But it's ok, really ok-

His father stared at him completely shocked as Sherman was talking, trying to process all the information that seemed complicated enough to make him delay on his answer at least five minutes and then asked something a bit useless, but it was the first thing he could think of.

-Has it all happened today?-His son nodded his head.-That's what I call a ruff night-

-DAD!-he exclaimed as if he was asking for help

-Ok, ok, no more puns... let's go to the penthouse and you can explain me what has exactly happened-

-Did you really know about them using the WABAC?-questioned Sherman gesturing at Mr. Peabody frustrated

-Yes, I did-

-Why haven't you told me? It is really dangerous and you know it! The last time I used the machine without your permission you grounded me for two months!-

-What did you expect me to do? They wouldn't stop fighting! I needed to... do something to fix their bond-

-Was really using a time machine the best idea you had?-

-Hold on, it worked with you and Penny after all-

-It's not the same situation!-

-Of course it is, Sherman! You two are just like your children and that's why you are always in the line of breaking their relation, because they are just like you, but not in the way you expected-

-What do you mean, dad?-

-Emma is like you and Malcom like Penny, you don't need much ado about that. They could have followed being enemies their entire life! But I did what I thought it was the best, and it worked, didn't it? They get alone now-

-They get alone by breaking the rules...-pointed the adult out.-We both know that isn't completely right! You acted...just...-Sherman closed his mouth and sighed, not being able to finish his sentence

-Just like what?-asked the white beagle folding his arms

-Just like... me!-shouted the red-haired walking through the penthouse even angrier

-Well, maybe you're the one who should act more like "you", don't you think?-

-Sorry, but I just can't act like "me", you know?-

-And why's that?-

-Because you're the only one who's able to fix everything! Because I have to be like you!-

Sherman looked at his father, before realizing what he'd just said and then sat up on a sofa, just too tired of everything. Peabody sighed and sat beside him.

-Sherman, do you really wanna know how to fix everything?-

-As long as you don't tell me a pun, say it-

Peabody chuckled.-The only way to solve anything in life is by being yourself, son. You were the one who messed up and, because of that, you are the only one able to save you now-

The red-haired man looked at his father.-Well, I know how to do that at least... after all the times I've messed up if I haven't learned yet I'll be apprenthicke-

Both laughed, breaking with that awkward tension. If only Sherman knew how similar his actually "him" was to Mr. Peabody there wouldn't be so many problems.

-So...-reposed the beagle stopping his laugh.-A girl kissed you?-

-Ugh... I really thought you have forgotten about that... it's quite humiliating in some way-

-That's nice, because, as a parent, my job is to humiliate you-

-Well, that actually explains a few things-

His father grinned one more time before looking at him straight in the eye.-What happened?-

-Using the WABAC! You two used the WABAC!-Was shouting Penny walking to one side to another.-Have you got any idea of how dangerous the past is?-

-I don't think it is more dangerous than our present situation, no-slapped Malcom

Penny screamed in frustration at their children, who were sat on a sofa at their living room, still waiting for Sherman to come. Neither Malcom nor Emma actually told her the whole story about how they started using the machine, and they didn't seem to want to do it. The only thing they were doing was listening to her without any opinion, just with sarcastic comments from Malcom, who looked really upset by the way.

-You two have no idea in how many troubles you are!-she pointed them out with one finger.-You'll be grounded for the rest of the year! No friends, no parties, no WI-FI... the only thing you'd be able to do is going to school, got it?-

-This is unfair!-protested the kid

-Unfair? In which way?-

-You and dad used to use the WABAC, why aren't we able to use it too? You two are such a selfish people!-

-Listen up, young man; I'm your mother-

-And I'm your son, but that doesn't change anything-he said this time more challenging

-We got it-said Emma this time, looking down.-Can we go to our rooms until dad comes back?-she asked calmly

-I was just going to tell you that-she told them as the girl got up from her sit and walked to her room accompanied by her brother

Once they were far enough to not be heard, Emma got closer to him.-Mal, I know you're mad at me... but denying it would have been useless, the best is to...-

-You know what the best thing to do is, Ms. Peabody?-he asked interrupting her.-The best thing to do is to stop talking to each other-the ginger said before walking away from her

-What? But we're friends and...-

-No! We're siblings, but you'll never be my friend-the boy finished going inside his room and closing the door with all his strength angrily

Emma stared at the door speechless. She guessed that he was going to be angry... but not that angry. Why couldn't he understand her situation also? Why couldn't he understand that it was useless? And most important of all, why has she confessed everything?!

She went inside her room, locked the door and jumped to her bed. The blonde girl was so tired of being herself! Why wasn't she able to be more like her brother?! Why was she the nerd and not the popular one?

Then, she stood up and looked at one mirror that was on her bedroom and, for the first time, she wished being someone different. She was the only person in the world who would have betrayed the only friend that she had just for being an obedient child. What was wrong with her?

When will her reflection show what she wanted to see? Why couldn't she prove that she wasn't the way everyone said she was?

Lying on her bed again, the young girl gave up. She wasn't brave enough to change or to do something about the situation. She stood there; lay on the bed and on her own boulevard of broken dreams.

Trusting in Emma had been a horrible idea that was for sure. He shouldn't have insisted on making her come that day when they found the WABAC the first time, everything would have been better if he had traveled through time alone. Hadn't it?

He wasn't as smart as her, obviously... or as knowledgeable as her either... or as sophisticated and frivolous as her either... but where was he? Oh, sure, it had been a complete mistake!

And there was no way he was ever going to trust her anything again! Their friendship, twins bond, or whatever the thing that they used to have been, that thing was broken!

It had been nice while it lasted, at least, he suddenly thought... Wait, what? No! He had hated every single minute beside her! She was a horrible spoiled little daddy girl!

Even though she saved his life more than once...

-Ugh!-he screamed madly at himself

He was walking down the line that divided his mind... One half of him knew that Emma was like that, he always knew it, and he didn't even understand why he was so upset! That's the way she is! Everyone has defects... but another part of him felt completely betrayed. He just wasn't able to forgive her... just yet.

-Don't get mad at them, don't get mad at them, you did the same when you were their age... you would have done the same if you were they-was repeating Sherman to himself as he was walking through his house's door

-So?-asked Penny almost running to him.-What has Mr. Peabody told you?-

He thought the answer a bit. He said that he was the only one able to fix everything (including the Ally's issue), and that was what he was going to do... being the old and enthusiastic Sherman he really was.

-Yes, he gave him the permission to travel-

-How... Why has he done that? He would have never let us do that! I knew that he hated me...-

Sherman chuckled and shut up, after receiving a glare from his wife.-Relax, they're just children after all, I'll talk to them-

-What on...? Aren't you mad at them?-

-Yes, I am, I'm obviously mad at them! But I don't know if I have the right to be it, after all they're our children, and we did exactly the same 29 years ago, so... I don't see why we should be angry-

-Oh, I see, your father told you to be good with them...-she folded her arms.-Every time you did something wrong, he would just ground you and you'll feel miserable and...-

-He didn't tell me that, he told me to be myself-

-And will that work?-

Not really having time for Penny's mixture between nerves and anger, he just decided to go to the children's room.-It has worked for thirty years, hasn't it?-

-They used a time machine! And we have no idea where have they traveled! Don't you see the real danger in which they could have been? Every time we traveled, we went with your father! They weren't with any adult-

-They're alive, aren't they?-

-Sherman!-

-Oh, boy, it's not like they broke time-space continuum... what's the worst that they could have done?-

Suddenly a big noise, kind of a thunder was heard. Well, at least that was what average people would think of that sound... but for Penny and Sherman that sound meant something worse...

That was the sound of the time being broken again.

Hello back! Yeah, I'm still alive and I'm SOOOO sorry for the delay, guys! School is just horrible! And it'll get worse... but I won't give up on this story, there's only a few chapters left and I have the ending in mind, so, please, don't stop reading!

Well, going back to the story... it feels like now we've known the truth about almost everybody, right? Emma and Malcom using the WABAC, Sherman's confession to Peabody... and let's not forget about Ally! And well, after a lot of thinking, I decided to make a her a bad character that will end up being good (because, she's in love with Sherman, like really in love with him).

So, what do you think? And what's with that "big thunder" that was heard?

(Please, comment your predictions and opinions!) Thanks for reading! Love you, guys! :D