Short Stories

 

Just a quick one shot for my TBBT fans, set in the present season after the current episode, 7.18

Casting About

Stairway outside Apt 4A and 4B

Leonard rounded the last flight of stairs onto the 4^th floor landing.  Sheldon was close behind him.  In Leonard’s hands was a bouquet of daffodils.  Instead of heading toward 4A he went to the door to 4B.  Sheldon looked over at him with a rather irritated look.

“Really Leonard, first we have to stop to get Penny some flowers and now you have to deliver them before letting us into the apartment.  This is not the first time she’s came home disappointed from an audition.  She should be used to failure by now.”

Leonard turned from the door to 4B toward his roommate.  There was a look of exasperation on his face.

“You know Sheldon there are days, no make that at least every day, that you really are thoughtless.  Penny had three auditions today.  If none of them worked out she’s going to be pretty down.  So use your own key and let yourself in.”

Sheldon pulled his shoulder bag toward him and started looking in it for his keys.  They were of course in a pocket toward the top where they always were.  He pulled out his key and started to unlock the door as Leonard entered 4B.

Leonard was shocked to see Penny sitting on the couch.  She was still dressed to the nines as she’d gone out this morning for her auditions. A mid length black dress still on her but her heels sitting on the coffee table next to a half empty bottle of white wine.  She had half glass of the wine in her hand.  Leonard could see she hadn’t been crying she was close.  He quickly closed the door behind him then walked toward the couch.  Penny just stared at him and the flowers in his hand.  She gave him a small smile.

“Those for me sweetie, were you going to try to cheer me up for a bad day?”

Leonard swallowed hard then just nodded, “I thought you’d be later and flowers are good to celebrate with as well.”

Penny shook her head, “Nope no need for the other auditions the producer offered me a part on the first audition.”

Leonard advanced taking a seat beside her on the couch.  He smiled and was about to say something but Penny continued to just stare at the flowers then take another sip of wine.  Instead of talking Leonard got serious.

“Well I’d say that’s great but something tells me there’s a problem.”

Penny finished the wine in her glass setting it on the table.   She then reached over and took the flowers.  Penny looked at them and then up at Leonard.

“Some days I forget how really ugly this business can be.  I could have had the part today, it had lines and several scenes but there was a catch.”

Leonard looked over his glasses at her, “Nude scene, sex what?”

Penny smiled for a moment before looking back at the flowers, “Oh I could handle that, besides it was a part on a TV show.  No Leonard it was the price I would have to pay to get the part.  The producer was sleazy.  To get the part all I had to do was sleep with him and his girlfriend.  A little three-way and I’d have the part.”

Leonard’s eyes had grown large.  He shook his head several times, “He can’t ask something like that, that’s, that’s well wrong but it’s got to be illegal. What piece of sh”

Penny reached over and touched his arm, “It’s not the first time I’ve been asked to give to get Leonard.  There are people in this business that really try to take advantage.  I didn’t get upset or blow up at him.  I simply declined and left.  I don’t want the reputation of an actress that actually might have some prissy morality or anything.”

Penny reached over and poured herself another glass of wine.  She brought it to her lips and took a large sip. Then looked back at a speechless Leonard, “It really kind of soured my day so I cancelled the other auditions then I went shopping.”

Leonard struggled for what to say, “I um you must really be mad”

Penny looked like she was thinking about it for a second then smiled, “I was but I’m really just sad that there are people like that guy.  Then I thought that maybe that kind of thing is what it takes to be a star.”

Leonard started to protest but she leaned in suddenly then kissed him. She pulled back and looked into his face.

“If that’s what it takes I think I’ll just be a waitress.”

Leonard smiled softly at her, “You’ll be successful Penny because you’re not like that.  I guess to be a star a lot of things have to line up just right.  But I believe in you, just keep trying.”

Penny moved her hand to his and held it, “I’m going to, but people like him make me wonder if it’s worth it.  I mean this wasn’t some little show on cable Leonard.  This was a network show.  This guy must have that reputation.  I’m beginning to wonder why my agent sent me.  She’s pissed at me as well for cancelling the other auditions.  The next audition was for a part on a commercial for tampons I just couldn’t get out of being angry.  So I bagged it.”

Leonard was starting to get angry himself pulling at the collar of his green recycle shirt and twisting his neck.  He continued to hold her hand with his left hand.

Penny watched him, “It’s alright sweetie nothing you need to get upset about.  This is not the first time I’ve been offered a part for sex. I can handle it.”

Leonard looked shocked, “Have you ever made the trade?”

Penny looked aghast for a second, “You know me better than that and of course I’m always sober at auditions.  No I’ve been tempted to once or twice but the guys and yes women who have suggested it were always creepy, especially after suggesting it.”

Leonard seemed to relax a bit, “Isn’t there anything you could do about it?”

Penny took another sip of wine, “It is what it is Leonard.  If I knew someone high up in the business I could let them know and the word would get around.”

The three knocks at the door startled them.  It was followed by, “Penny”, then three more knocks.  They waited until Sheldon was done knocking then Leonard got up and moved to the door.  He opened the door wide.

“What is it Sheldon?”

Sheldon was standing in the door with a cup in one hand and a note in the other.

He walked in and took Leonard’s place on the couch then set the cup on the table.  He looked over at Penny with his cute little grin.

“Here’s a nice cup of hot chocolate for you Penny.  Leonard said you might be having a bad day.”

He held out the piece of paper to her, “This is a phone number of my friend James Earl Jones.  I called him and told him about you.  He looked at your picture on Leonard’s Facebook page and think’s you might be perfect for the show he’s helping to produce.”

Penny was speechless, her mouth hanging open.  She looked first at Sheldon then Leonard then back at Sheldon.

Sheldon seemed happy with himself then frowned, “There’s a catch though.”

Penny was taken aback.  Leonard at last closed the door and started walking over.

“Penny is not sleeping with James Earl Jones Sheldon.  My god what were you thinking.”

Sheldon looked very confused then turned back to Penny, “Oh no there’s no coitus involved.  He said they were thinking the part might require a woman with dark hair and would Penny be alright with wearing a wig.  I remembered that she wouldn’t wear the wig for the Wonder Woman costume so I told him I’d ask.”

Now it was Leonard mouth that hung open.  Penny threw her arms around Sheldon.  He patted her gently on the back saying.

“It’s only a wig Penny it will be okay”

Not sure why this came to me but it did.  Hope you enjoyed it, SOK

Driven to Distraction, A new tag scene for The Friendship Turbulence Episode

Penny walked into her living room from the bedroom wrapped in her short pink robe.  Her purple teddy peeked from underneath as she walk over to the kitchen island.  She reached onto the top of the island picking up the key to her new car then stared at it.  A small smile appeared on her face as she pulled her key ring from her purse.  She worked the key slowly onto the ring then held it up by the car key looking at it.  Penny slowly set the keys back on the counter, “What would I do without Leonard?  I’m at the point where I can’t really remember life without him.”  She had almost whispered it but the apartment was so quiet she quickly looked toward the bedroom.

Penny tilted her head from side to side listening, no sound or sign of Leonard having heard.   She opened up the fridge pulling out a half empty bottle of white wine.  Penny poured her glass about half full then moved to the couch sitting on the far cushion nearest the kitchen.

Penny’s Bedroom

Leonard sat up in bed his head resting on his left hand, the elbow pressing solidly into the bed.  He ran has hand over the warm sheet where Penny had been earlier, a smile slid slowly onto his face.  Leonard held very still not wanting to let her know he was awake.  He could feel a tear welling up in his eyes then reached up and wiped it away with his right hand.  He turned his head and listened.

Penny’s words were very soft floating in from the quiet living room.  The conversation she was having was quiet in almost a whisper.

“He didn’t get it for me because he wanted something or even to make me feel better.  Leonard bought me a car because I needed it.  He did know it would make me feel better I guess.  I was so surprised I couldn’t even say anything then he told me I didn’t have to.  Bernadette it was the most perfect moment I can ever remember.  He smiled at me the whole time.”

Leonard heard the pause, he hadn’t realized she was actually on the phone with Bernadette but then he heard more.

“Well call me when you get this message, but no before nine, night.”

Leonard tried to lie back down but it was too late, Penny had moved too quietly for him to hear.

Penny walked into the bedroom and saw him.  Her face suddenly showed embarrassment then she scowled at Leonard.

“Well I suppose you heard that. I thought you were asleep.”

Her scowl was almost an embarrassed smile now.  Leonard’s face was the same smile he’d had earlier when he’d produced the keys to her car.

He tilted his head slightly, “I already knew you appreciated the car but it was still nice to hear.”

Penny put her robe on the chair then slid in next to him across the sheets into his chest.  She kissed him as his right arm went around her lower back.  Penny pulled back then snuggled her head into his shoulder.

Penny eyes were open though Leonard’s had closed,

Her voice was very soft, “It’s not just the car Leonard, but the thought and caring it represents.  I need you to know that I appreciate you.  It was something I’ve always been afraid of but it’s happened.  Leonard I can’t live.  No that’s not it, Leonard I never want to live without you.  I could but I don’t ever want to.”

Leonard never said a word but his eyes opened wide.  Penny waited then smiled wickedly, “Who’s got commitment issues now?”

Another final scene I’ve had liked, hope you enjoyed it, SOK

This would be one additional scene at the end of Locomotive Manipulation.  Enjoy, SOK

Valentine’s Day Massacre

Leonard walked in to Penny’s apartment to find her sitting on the left edge of the couch.  She had a cute yellow top on with her jeans and matching yellow flip flops.  Penny had a rather sad contemplative look on her face as she turned toward him.

She managed a “Hi Leonard”, in a low key sad tone.

Leonard moved to the couch and sat down a concerned look across his face, “What’s got my girl so down in the dumps today?”

Penny looked at him sarcastically, “Really Leonard, I just destroyed another Valentine’s Day and you have to ask me what I’m down about?”

Leonard was about to speak when Penny was suddenly standing up and pacing about the couch in front of him.

Penny’s speech became more strident, “Let’s see our first Valentine’s I got the flu and missed a trip to Europe.  Last year I was a total bitch and made everybody miserable.  This year I’ve poisoned Raj’s dog and spent the evening at the vets.  I don’t even want to talk about Thanksgiving and that nightmare.  Leonard I should just skip holidays especially Valentine’s Day.  It’s just a recipe for disaster.”

She fumed for a few seconds more under her breath then came and sat by Leonard on the couch.

“Really I’m not sure why you put up with me.”

She looked over at Leonard who had a soft toothy grin on his face.

Penny smiled back, “Okay I know why you put up with me.  But will you be like that forever?  Will you love me so much that one day you won’t decide to bag it?”

She continued to look at him with worry on her face now.

Leonard continued to smile, “I promise I will love you and not decide to bag it.”

Penny seemed placated then leaned into Leonard for a hug resting her head on his shoulder.

Leonard spoke softly to her, “In your defense you really couldn’t help getting the flu, though I think I did say something about getting a flu shot that year.”

Penny grimaced as he continued, “Then last year it all ended up pretty well.  We got things where wanted them though you still need to work on your proposal timing.”

Now Penny rolled her eyes but smiled almost laughing.

“Now this year we tried to keep it low key and if it wasn’t for the gas station chocolates we would have had a great day and besides we always have a good Christmas.”

Penny seemed to consider this for a moment then nodded her head in agreement.

She turned toward him, “What about Thanksgiving?”

Leonard grimaced now, “Nope, nope that was a nightmare.  No real upside there except the annulment.”

Penny got a thoughtful look on her face, “Well at least we took care of it before we got married?”

Leonard smiled now.

Penny touched and twirled the heart shaped locket around her neck between her fingers then in a very quiet voice, “Leonard let’s get married.”

Leonard looked stunned for a second.  He didn’t stutter this time, “Okay let’s get married.”

Penny closed her eyes with a tear slipping out and down her cheek, “Well that’s settled then.”

Leonard was almost in tears as he heard Penny’s phone ding on the coffee table in front of her.  She reached for the phone looking at the text message.

“Oh my god, Sheldon kissed Amy and he liked it.”

Leonard raised his head, “Oh yeah, that’s what I came over here to tell you.”

Penny slapped him hard on the arm, “You should have told me right away.”

Leonard looked stunned again, “Well if I’d done that we wouldn’t be engaged right now and beside Sheldon couldn’t decide if kissing Amy was better than a nine fingered banjo player.”

Penny just looked at him in disbelief and confusion.

That’s how I would have liked to see it end, a quiet moment.  SOK.

Thanksgiving Recoupling

Ever wish the show went on for just a couple more scenes?  Here ya go.  A few more scenes after the end of Thanksgiving Decoupling Episode.

Penny led the way up the last flight of stairs to the 4^th floor landing.  Sheldon supported between Leonard and Amy following closely behind.  Sheldon was disheveled his tie hanging loosely about his neck.  His eyes were glassy he leaned heavily on Amy and Leonard softly singing Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.

Amy shoved him upward on her shoulder, “Quit singing that Sheldon, you had a great time.”

Sheldon got a whimsical smile on his face, “Even the vomiting was fun.”

He laughed in almost a giggle as Penny opened the door to 4A.  Leonard an Amy moved through the door as Penny stepped aside.

Leonard looked over his glasses at her, “We’ll get him into bed then I’ll be back.”

Penny just smiled knowingly as they led Sheldon down the hallway.  A few moments later Leonard was back walking down the hall.  He smiled at Penny as he walked up.  Her arms went around his neck as his hands went to her hips.  They shared a short kiss staying nose to nose a moment.

Amy could be heard from the bedroom, “Sheldon I’m just helping you off with your jacket”

Penny nodded her head back toward the door, “Let’s head to my place.  I’ve had enough of beer busted Sheldon.”

Leonard nodded and followed her out the door.

Apt. 4B

Penny sat back on the couch as Leonard poured them two glasses of red wine at the kitchen island.  He brought them over to the couch sitting his on the table and handing the other glass to Penny.  Leonard sat down on the couch then Penny slid over close to him with her right arm going around his neck snuggling her head into his shoulder.

Leonard was about to speak as Penny spoke, “I know you’re sorry about being such a douche today.”

Leonard was taken aback, “Well, yeah.  I don’t know if I’d have used the word douche.  I think over reacted but.  Okay I acted like a douche.”

A smile crept across Penny’s face, “I would have over reacted much worse than you did if you were the one that was suddenly married.”

Leonard smirked, “I think we’d have had a much larger issue if I had been married to Zack”

Penny slapped his chest lightly with her hand, “You are so not funny.  I’m actually not sure what I ever saw in Zack.”

Leonard leaned back looking at her sideway, “Oh let’s see, tall, good looking, and great hair.  Did I mention tall?”

Penny just snuggled into his shoulder harder, “Well there is that.”

Leonard tilted his head to lay on hers, “I can see why you would like Zack.  He’s a big gentle giant.  The stuff that comes out of his mouth is hilarious though he has no clue.”

Penny’s face grew serious for moment, “After we broke up I think I was looking for someone I wouldn’t get attached to, a guy that wasn’t going to break my heart again.”

Leonard was very thoughtful for a moment, “I always thought I was the one with the broken heart.”

Penny was no longer smiling, “It cut both ways Leonard.  I was lost for a long time.  Then you were with Raj’s sister.  I had a really hard time with it.”

Leonard lifted her chin so she faced him and kissed her softly.  He looked into her eyes with concern on his face, “I never knew that.”

Penny smiled at him, “Well now you do.  How would you feel about having sex with a recently divorced woman?”

Leonard’s smile appeared, “Recently annulled.”

Penny chuckled, “Sounds as if I got fixed or something”

Penny unwound herself and stood extending her hand to Leonard, “Come on then.  By the way that is the one thing I liked about Zack.  He rarely corrected me and when he did he was usually wrong.”

Leonard stood picking up his wine then took her hand, “Oh I can be wrong.”

Penny just nodded as she led him toward her bedroom, “Oh you’ve been wrong plenty, it was the correcting me part I was talking about.  Now shush.”

Apt 4B

Amy got Sheldon under the covers at last.  A surprise look came to her face as Sheldon’s hand reached behind her head and pulled her face close to him.

He was about to kiss her, his lips right next to hers.

Sheldon softly said, “I love you”, and then his head fell back down on the pillow the last words escaping his lips.

“Memaw”

Amy’s face showed her chagrin but then a smile spread on her face.  She leaned down and softly kissed Sheldon on his now unconscious lips,

Amy sat up with a large grin on her face, “Screw that, I’m counting it.”

Hope you all enjoyed this short ending. SOK

Goodbye and Thanks for all the Fish

My sweetie will be home soon in fact I’m expecting him any day now.  Leonard emailed that they are off the boat and trying to make all the travel arrangements to get home.  My social networking class is over, I got an A.  So my life should get back to normal.  I’m going to keep my blog for now but not sure when I’ll write in it again.  I’m really looking for some one on one time with my wandering physicist.  Now if I can find some way of side tracking Sheldon.  I know for a fact that he has a complete list of things Leonard needs to do with him or for him when he gets home.  I’ve actually seen it and it’s over five pages long written in that tiny squiggle Sheldon calls handwriting.  I don’t know how yet but I’m going to need to hijack the Hoftstader.

This has been a fun experience for me to write this summer.  I’ve always had a problem just letting the little things out.  This blog has been really therapeutic for that, kind of like that spa day after a night on the town.  My goals for the rest of the year, it’s to enjoy the people I love and come to the conclusion that marriage is a thing I can do.  We’ll see how that works out but I got a good feeling about it. I’m going to Sheldon’s tonight to hang out with him.  He’s still down with Leonard gone an all.  So I’ll just get myself a couple of glasses of anti-Sheldon juice, (wine), and head over.

One last shout out to my homies:

Bernadette and Howard I could not have made it through the summer without you guys being my escape from the apartment and Sheldon.  You guys Rock.

Amy, my sister in the agony and trials that have been taking care of Sheldon I can only say its up to you and Leonard from now on.  I’m out of here, think of me as a consultant.

Raj, love is out there for you.  Keep trying to find the right girl with just this piece of advice.  Just because you can talk to women now doesn’t mean you should say too much.  Let them talk for a change.

Chuck, glad to hear you and Valerie are a thing now.  The Gastro surgery for her you wrote about sound just like the ticket to your happiness.  Being a car salesman I’m sure you’ll find a sucker to help out with the fundraising.  Struggling actress/waitresses will not be contributing.

That’s it. The wine is open on my coffee table.  I have something sexy picked out for Leonard’s first night home.  I wonder if he would take me back to that restaurant we went to on Valentine’s Day.  Hope you’re reading this Raymond, baby needs a night out.

Farewell until I decide to write again.

Fan Note, This is the last locket blog, I know I made you wait for it.  The premiere is tonight and I hope it shines.  It’s been a blast this summer writing this little piece.  I hope you enjoyed. SOK

Counting the Days

Boy that sounds weak doesn’t it, but it’s true I’m counting the days until Leonard gets home.   Think that should say something about how I feel. I may be scared of commitment. I took forever to express my love for him because of it.  Now I’m not sure what I ever did without him being in my life.  Even when he’s not here I find myself looking around his apartment for him when I go see Sheldon.  I sit in his chair and watch some odd show or movie that Sheldon finds fascinating just so I can feel close to Leonard.  I even went for a walk with Sheldon yesterday in the park.  Oh my god that man is hard to get out of his apartment. That walk cost me a trip to the comic book store and ice cream.

It was nice to walk in the park though.  I usually take Leonard with me.  We walked the same path next to the playground.  Sheldon is just like Leonard he avoids looking at the kids playing on the equipment.  It makes me believe they relive some childhood nerd trauma each time.  They must be afraid some bully may suddenly run up and give them a wedgie.  I can see both of them when they were little walking quickly by the other kids not making eye contact.  There is little Leonard with a stack of books under his arm picking up speed toward the library.  The faster he walks the less chance of a bully taking his glasses or knocking his books to the ground.  I grabbed Sheldon’s arm with mine as we walked by.  He let me which was strange but I could see it made him feel better.  It makes me feel better about being the bully when I was in school.  I wonder if Leonard wore a bow tie.

Leonard’s latest email said that things were wrapping up pretty quickly and the whole science team was ready to get off the ship.  He joked with me again about being Sheldon’s keeper is like being a crazy squirrel trying to round up loose nuts.  I have to say though Sheldon has been very sweet to me the last month or so in his own way.  A couple of times a week when Amy doesn’t stay for dinner he invites me over for takeout, I of course must go pick it up but Sheldon always pays.   Then we settle in to watch whatever show he’s recorded or strange series he’s bought.  Okay so last week he watched some really scary movie and I had to stay over in Leonard’s room so he wouldn’t be alone.  He had no idea how many memories that brought back to me.  I almost cried as I wrapped myself up in Leonard blue comforter snuggling into what had become my pillow as I pulled his pillow against me wishing it was him.  It’s like I said at the beginning counting the days.

Well onto my homies:

Howard, Bernadette has asked me to put a bug in your ear about new pajamas.  Though she says the silk short pants ones were cute when you were dating, perhaps it’s time for upgrade.  Something that doesn’t say sex starved momma’s boy perhaps, my words not hers.

Raj the new girlfriend sounds nice but it might be a little soon to have me talk to her about how she dresses.  I’m flattered that you think I could spruce her up some but you might want to work into that a little slowly.  Try taking her shopping.  I’ve never been disappointed with a man taking me shopping.  Then you can nudge her in the direction you think is more her style.

Amy I see that you have moved a toothbrush, hair brush and deodorant into the guys bathroom.  Now let’s see if you can get to use them more often.  It’s time to bring some really scary zombie movie over to watch.  Then you’re in, well at least you’ll get to spend the night.

Hey chuck glad to hear you’ve been seeing Valerie now.  Just remember the golden rule Herpes is like luggage once you get it from someone you never get rid of it.  Condoms, condoms, condoms need I say more.

Time to Skype with Leonard, he’s in for a treat just wearing my locket and a smile tonight.

Later

What means the most to me?

As you might guess from the title of this blog entry I’m a little down today.  I worked the dinner shift last night, got stuck in traffic then was home late with Sheldon waiting at my door.  Apparently after Amy had dropped him off today he found something huge and crawling in the living room.  I went for a look and found a huge Japanese beetle sitting rather comfortably in Sheldon’s spot on the couch.  At first I was going to just squish it with my shoe.  My memory suddenly filled with the last time something happened to that particular cushion so I stopped.  I went to my place then emptied a pickle jar into a bowl then went back and caught it in that.  A few holes in the top and I now have a pet beetle that is really beautifully colored and really large.  Sheldon though paranoid is at home now but the downside of all this is I missed my Skype session with Leonard.  So now I have to get up early if I want to see him.

That leads me to the current moment in time.  I’m writing in my blog, eating pickles and listening to Colbie Caillet, thus the title of my blog entry from Colbie’s song of the same name.  Should I really think about what means the most to me?  I would start with all my dear friends, without them I’m not sure how I would get through this.  Even Sheldon is comforting in some odd way maybe because it’s nice to be needed even if it’s for weird and silly stuff.  I guess it’s the same with all my friends. They all need me in some way.  The same with Leonard, none of our friends knew how central Leonard was to things until he was gone.  It turns out Leonard was very important to our lives in different ways.  In Sheldon’s case it’s rather obvious.  Leonard provides companionship, a foil to his wit, not to mention transportation and certain grounding that Sheldon needs.  Leonard is the provider of meals, the person who makes dinner “happen” for the gang.  He gets them all together for a purpose.  I miss him terribly.  I just realized today that I have not made dinner at home since he’s been gone.  Oh I’ve made a can of soup or salad.  But it’s just not fun to cook for one.  I really miss him sitting across from me pretending the food is good even when I screwed it up.  So what means the most to me?  Leonard of course, I miss him not being here when he stays over.  Then there’s snuggling under the covers, the funny thing he does with his eyebrows when Sheldon says something outrageous.  I really miss his smile.  I think he has a special smile just for me at least I believe he does.

Oh I really should move on before I make myself even sadder.  So Leonard if you’re reading this you now know how I feel tonight I’ll get up early and Skype in the morning.  Now onto my blog followers:

Amy glad to hear the monkey bites are healing nicely. Good idea about wearing long sleeve sweaters, wow no change there, to cover them up.  The one on your neck that you’re telling everyone is from your boyfriend when he got a little too excited works unless they’ve met Sheldon.  Amy did you start moving some toiletries in next door like I told you?  Every little bit helps.

Hi Howard. Thanks for the link to incredible new game you’ve sent me and everyone you’ve ever acquired an email for.  Do you get points or something for that? I’ve sworn off online gaming and you know why.  Pull your head out occasionally and pay attention to Bernadette or I see problems coming your way.

Raj. So the new girls name is Monique and she comes from online dating service that requires a credit card for a date?  A couple of things come to mind.  First you have more money than common sense.  Second when you have to pay someone to date you and still not get lucky you may be unclear on the rules.  Three she won’t dump you as long as you keep paying, good luck with that.

Chuck it’s good to hear you’re moving out of your parent’s basement “real soon now”.  I’m sure it will help with your dating life.  It’s also good to hear that Valerie Mossbacher is slimming down, poor cow.  I don’t think flowers and chocolates are your best choice for a first date.  If I recall all that’s required to get her in the sack were a bag of Skittles and a six pack.  That may have changed but somehow I doubt that.

It’s getting late and I have a oh dark thirty with my sweetie on Skype.

Until the next time, I’ve got my hand around the locket on my neck.  Leonard’s Spiderman shirt I stole from his room today.  A belly full of pickles and half a bottle of wine I should be all set, night.

Kindred Spirits

How can I explain to you what Sheldon Cooper is like? First of all he has a photographic memory.  He calls it something else but he can remember every detail of things and recall them to you.  That might explain why he’s always got great grades and excelled in school.  Sheldon is also very obsessive as in OCD obsessive.  If his life and the order of how he expects things is disturbed it disturbs him as well.  Leonard being gone this summer has certainly disturbed him.  The first thing is he’s sick a lot.

Sheldon has always been a hypochondriac, (thank god for spell check), so I’m used to him coming over with problems to my door. They are as easy a paper cut, which I must thoroughly clean, disinfect and bandage.  To the bizarre, I had to check his ears for spider eggs.  This year he really has been physically sick this summer.  Two colds only weeks apart kept him in bed and drove Amy to almost kill him.  After that he took to wearing a surgical mask for the next two weeks.  I made him unhappy by drawing a Joker’s huge grin on the front that he didn’t know about until he got to work.  At least I got a good laugh out of it as well as Howard and Raj who pointed it out to him.  The day after I got back from Iceland I stopped by to see him.  I was missing Leonard terribly even though he had sent me an email that they were sailing that day.  He had gone on telling me how much he missed me, I cried.  Anyway back to me stopping by to see Sheldon, I found Sheldon sitting on the couch.

I entered the apartment and waved as I passed him to check the fridge for any leftovers.  I just got back from being abroad after all and had no food in the house.  Okay I rarely have any food in the house.  The grocery store is my refrigerator.  Sheldon was sitting on the couch staring at the TV which was off. I’d found a lovely leftover salad in the fridge.  I started heading back to my place when he stopped me and pointed to Leonard’s chair.  I curled up in Leonard’s spot and started eating being suddenly aware that Leonard wasn’t there.  I guess it must have showed because Sheldon Cooper who is normally oblivious to what other people are feeling, just looked at me and sighed, “I know Penny I miss Leonard as well.”

I’m pretty sure at that point my mouth was hanging open.  I closed it and began to chew my salad.  Sheldon looked back at the TV and then at me. He said, “Normally Leonard and I would be arguing at the moment whether to watch Red Dwarf or reruns of Dr. Who.  What would you like to watch?”  Again I had to stop eating for moment as I was taken aback.  I finally said that I’d prefer Dr. Who.  Sheldon nodded and turned on Red Dwarf then shook his head, “Just what Leonard would say, sorry going for comedy today.  But thanks for filling in.”

I smiled as I watched him settle back and turn his attention to the show, a slight grin spreading on his face.  I sat back and munched on the salad and watched with him.  The whole point of this I guess is that sometimes I do get how Sheldon thinks.  It doesn’t happen very often but it does.

Leonard just sent me a new email from the Atlantic.  We are Skyping this afternoon if everything works out.  He has some requests for the evening including my black framed glasses and the black teddy I bought in Iceland.  I guess that made an impression.

I won’t see any of my friends until tonight. I invited them all to Sheldon’s to cheer him up.  The truth is they’re there to cheer me up as well.  So now to answering comments:

Raj, I’m glad you figured out the new girl you met was once called Norman.  It’s always good to clarify that and what stage of her transformation she is in.  This lets you avoid embarrassing situations for the both of you.  I was happy to hear you did have a nice dinner and movie though. I hope your skin care tips help Norma.

Amy, I’m sorry to hear about your mishap with the Monkeys in the weed experiment.  Like teenagers its best to just throw the food in when they have the munchies.  I’m glad to hear none of the bites are infected though.

Chuck, I’m glad you’ve cooled your jets on the photo thing.  Yes Valerie Mossbacher still lives in Nebraska.  She lives in Omaha, has three children and last I heard weighs 250 pounds.  Good luck with that.

Now for Raymond, my new friend from Britain, no I’m not available even if you are rich and have a lovely cockney accent.  Leonard I know this is you.  The fuzzy picture of Hugh Grant isn’t fooling anybody.

Bye until next time.

 

Penny @gohuskers29
Leonard stood with me at the airport until it was time to go through security. We are both so sad.

Penny @gohuskers29
Waiting to board, flight leaves at 4:45pm through Minneapolis I should be back in LA around 11:00 tonight.

Going Home, but is it?

The seat is comfortable on this flight.  The lady next to me doesn’t speak English but reminds me of my grandmother.  It was really hard saying goodbye to Leonard today.  Though we had a great few days together we both just couldn’t get over the fact that we’d be apart again.  Leonard held it together until the airport.  I just stood there and hugged him until he told me I had to go.  Then the tears came.  He tried really hard not to cry but then I did and we both just dissolved.  At least Leonard has the boat and science to look forward to.  I’m just going back to my apartment and job.  Of course my friends will be there.  Sheldon will need attention and rides.  Amy and Bernadette will try to cheer me up if I let them.  Raj and Howard will be well Raj and Howardish.  It still comes down to being without Leonard.

I thought it was hard when we were broken up.  But at least he was still around.  I could find excuses to go over and see him.  I could steal his mail or make sure we met in the laundry room.  Our little group has started to break up since he’s been gone.  Not as many game nights or eating around the coffee table.  Things are changing.  Howard and Bernadette have their own lives.  Raj can talk to women so he’s spending time dating.  I find it harder to be around Sheldon without Leonard there to act as a buffer and referee.  I do have my acting group and college course that I’m taking.  I guess I have this blog as well.  I’m going to nap for a while and will continue this in Minneapolis.

I’m waiting to board here in the Minneapolis airport for the flight to LA.  I’m really tired, this jet lag thing sucks.  I’m not sure how people do this all the time.  Okay so I still really miss Leonard.  I don’t regret going to Iceland to see him but its changed things somehow.  I’m feeling really incomplete but hoping it will pass.  I should be happy.  We had a great time and got to spend time together all by ourselves.  Leonard and I never had a fight the entire time.  If you knew us you’d know that’s kind of rare.  Though over the last year I have to admit we have had less and less problems.

Speaking of which, Leonard is waiting patiently for me to ask him to marry me.  He said the ball is in my court.  I’ve been waiting for it to feel right, for it not to feel so overwhelming.  There was a point when we were walking around Reykjavik.  We were holding hands not saying a word just looking around.  I have to say it felt right then.  Maybe I should have.  Oh enough of feeling sorry for myself.    They just called my plane for boarding, got to go.

I’m in the aisle seat with a young married couple in the middle and window seats.  Coleen and Jerry are their names.  They’ve been married for 2 years and are on their way home from Europe.  He’s an investment guy and she teaches 3^rd grade.   They are both so nice and seem so happy.  I wonder what someone will say about Leonard and me some day.  Will they think we are a nice couple, will they say we look happy?  I checked out my comments during the layover so I should respond.

Amy sweetie, I’m glad Sheldon is feeling better. Of course he spotted your clothes in the closet.  I’m sure he put them in the order of their shade and style because he’s that way.  If he wanted you to take them out he’d have said something.  Sounds like things are working out.  Just don’t hang your pantyhose in the bathroom, believe me it causes problems.

Raj, Angela sounds lovely but from her picture it appears she has an Adam’s apple.  You might want to go slow with this one and really talk things out.

Bernadette please don’t kill Howard I don’t want to visit you in prison.  He just needs some more training.  I’m not sure if withholding sex is such a great idea.  Howard must have been pretty accomplished at self-pleasure all those years before he met you.  That might backfire on you.  You could confiscate his comic books and dole them out when he helps out.

Chuck, I’ve tried to be as gentle about this as could but I see I need to be more direct.  I would not go out with you if you were the
last car salesman on the planet and I needed a ride.  Clear enough.  Please don’t post anymore pictures of your “Hot Rod” in your comments, gross.

It’s time to turn off the electronics and land so I’ll talk to you all soon.

Penny @gohuskers29
Just landed at LAX, Bernadette is picking me up

Penny @gohuskers29
It’s after midnight, home at last, or is it?  I’m not sure without Leonard here. Goodnight.