p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"Penny can't do this, there's no way…its not just cold feet, its cold everything. She peeked at Leonard in his tux, it just looked wrong. Howard was standing next to him, then Raj, and then Sheldon looking miserable. She didn't want to walk down the aisle, didn't want to marry Leonard, she didn't want this./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"So why was she doing it? She reviewed her past. Leonard just was comfortable, there, she could count on him to…watch stupid chick flicks and…be…be…she stopped./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"He's not a bad guy, really. He just was boring, kinda mean, he didn't respect any of her decisions, he treated her like a child, and treated her dream worse…and he convinced her to get another job, for the wedding. Now she has two minimum wage dead end jobs, no time for auditions, and barely any time alone./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"Sheldon has listened to her complain when they had time and it was the least stressful time of her week. Amy kept telling her she was just nervous and Leonard was actually a dream boat. Penny didn't see him as a dream boat. Good looking-ish. He had his charms./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Penny!" Someone yelled, it was shrill. Bernadette./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""What?" Penny said harshly. Her eyes were watery though./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""We've been waiting for ten minutes."/p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Oh yeah right, um, let me freshen my make up." Penny sprinted towards the bathroom, her heels made it incredibly difficult and she took a turn headed straight for the front door./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"It'd be only a few minutes until they notice. She got in the limo, (why did they get this tacky thing), and headed straight for her and Leonard's apartment. She changed as quickly as she could grabbed her purse, her keys, and a duffle she stuffed with some clothes./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"She made it to her car without any incident and to the airport. She decided to run home. She managed to get a flight to Nebraska but it was at 4, it was only 1. She went to the bar and ordered a drink. Her phone was going off in her purse. After a few double vodkas someone slid next to her./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Hard day sweetie?" The voice had a familiar accent and she looked at the tall person./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Missy?" Penny slurred then smiled and sloppily hugged the tall brunette./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Okay there sugar." She pried Penny off. "I thought today was your wedding day. I was hopin' to at least make the reception." She smiled again./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Yes it was. Hey, how'd you spot me anyway?"/p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Came to get a drink then head over to Shelly's to get dressed for your weddin'. You gonna tell me what happened?"/p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Hm, left. He's kind of a jerk ya' know. Like…I'm the bad guy because I left the wedding right? But he's mean and treats me like a child. He makes me feel like…I don't deserve to be happy." She sighed and ordered another vodka. The bartender was thinking about cutting her off but he liked listening to her story, and she wasn't doing anything too stupid, the guy sounded like a douche to him anyway. "Oh, and he ruined guys for me. I can't date anyone that is even kind of stupid. And he whines a lot. He follows me around with his puppy dog eyes until I give in!"/p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Okay, okay. Well this sounds a bit like cold feet. What about the good stuff?"/p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""He's really smart. He's okay in bed. He doesn't care about my care bear collection. He…" she sighed again and downed the vodka. "He makes me want to drink…a lot."/p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"The bartender wanted to chuckle, em style="color: #999999;"okay in bed/em, you don't ever want to sped the rest of your life with a girl who thinks that./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Okay so not cold feet. You were settling. You know if you would have went through with this it could have ruined some of the best years of your life. Maybe even costed ya some money." Missy said with a sympathetic smile./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Already has cost me. That gaudy wedding was very expensive. I didn't even invite my parents, just told Leonard they couldn't come."/p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Ouch. Well, looks like your flight…if you want, Penny, when you get over this, I'm gonna be looking for a roommate in Pasadena. Can't stay on Shelly's couch for too long and Texas ain't for me anymore." She smiled at the blonde and stood./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"Ouch is right. The bartender could tell this couple was not meant to be and he never even met the guy. Well, live and learn. He set a water next to her and walked away./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"Penny stood as well and hugged her, "thank you. I'll let you know." She felt a little more sober as she boarded the plane./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"Explaining to her parents wasn't fun and her mother seemed a little disappointed but made them hot chocolate and hugged her. Her father said he wished he would have known better, he's usually good at reading people. She stayed in Nebraska for two months then moved back to Pasadena, on her own this time./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"She stayed away from her old life. She took some computer classes and some data ones. She started working at some restaurant until she finished her degree. Two more months later she began data entry at the hospital. She still went to auditions and still got rejected. She started to take more college classes./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"This is when she called Missy. They had kept in contact and did lunch here and there but Penny knew now she needed someone./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"Missy accepted her offer and Penny began moving in. Her big items were put into storage./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""This is gonna be good for us." Missy said and Penny agreed./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"Penny was happy, a little stressed, but still. She finally had a day off and was lounging and watching TV when that ritualistic knocking she forgot about began. "Missy."/p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"Penny didn't know what Missy told Sheldon about her moving in but she assumed he didn't know. She opened the door./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""P-penny?" He took a single step back./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Sheldon." He finally regained himself. He started towards her and she backed up until he was fully in the apartment and he shut the door./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Goddammit you whack-a-doodle what are you doing?!" Penny shouted./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""You left without a word to anyone! You wrote Leonard and explained to him but what about me?! I didn't get a phone call, a text, or even an email!"/p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Whoa, Sheldon, I didn't—"/p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""And now you are hanging out with Missy?"/p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""I live here." Penny said quietly, she was embarrassed./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""I…see. I will take my leave. Tell Missy I stopped by." He left quickly./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"Penny stood there with her mouth open. Her and Sheldon were close before her and Leonard got so serious. She should have called, she supposed. Or wrote, but she thought Sheldon wouldn't care too much. He wouldn't have to accomodate her in his life anymore. Or listen to her whine./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"She rolled her eyes at herself, he'll get over it. Penny tried speaking to him a week later and he didn't even acknowledge she was there./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Missy, would you care to tell your…em style="color: #999999;"friend /emI do not want to socialize with her. I came to speak to you about your job at CalTech." Sheldon looked at Penny with daggers for eyes when he said friend./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""GET OVER YOURSELF!" Penny yelled and stomped out of the two bedroom house Missy and her shared./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"—-/p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Shelly, you really need to get over this thing with Penny." Missy said to her brother after the door slammed./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""I loved her Missy." He said it quietly and wouldn't make eye contact./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Well, so did everyone else and they're over it."/p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""No, loved her. I was so upset when she told me she was marrying Leonard he didn't deserve Penny. She could do so much better than him, better than me." He said and finally glanced at Missy./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Aw, don't say that about yourself. You're a catch. Why didn't you just tell her?"/p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Tell her? She was marrying my best friend! This isn't a TV show that wouldn't have went over well with anyone."/p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Well, Leonard is engaged to Alex now. You have a chance."/p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""She didn't even write me. I thought she was my best friend. She left me." Sheldon voice sounded strained and Missy felt miserable for him./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""She went through a hard time too, ya know? Just talk to her about it." Missy was trying to be gentle but getting these two idiots to just admit their feelings for each other was ridiculous. Penny told her when she met Sheldon she developed a crush, but he's a robot. Well, look at the robot now, on the verge of tears over the damn girl./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Shelly, I understand you two needed time, but damn it boy its been almost two years. Get on with it." She said a little more harshly./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"Sheldon left a while later and thought about what his sister had said, she was no genius, but she did have a point./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"—/p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"Penny returned home hours later, a little tipsy, and making out with some guy she picked up in a bar. Its been a while since she had meaningless sex./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""We have to be quiet, I have a roommate." She giggled and led the man to her room./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"The next morning she woke up with a horrendous headache, and the guy throwing on his clothes. "That was fun doll, we should do it again." He said to her when she sat up./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Don't think so, em style="color: #999999;"doll. /emGet out of here already, need cab fare?" He glared at her but didn't say anything rude./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Alright, fine, I get it, but if you change your mind." He handed her a business card. He was some environmental lawyer./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Classy." She muttered and he smirked./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""I like the sarcastic ones." He smiled at her once more then walked out./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"She liked him. She might call, she thinks. Penny gets up and gets ready for the day, a mild hangover was nagging her head but she ignored it./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Have fun last night?" Missy lifted an eyebrow as Penny walked into the living room./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Actually, yeah."/p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""You let Shelly get to you that much?" This time Missy smirked and Penny shot her a confused glance./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""I'm over him, Missy. He doesn't like me anymore anyway."/p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""You should talk to him."/p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"Penny doesn't, and neither does Sheldon. She starts dating the lawyer, but on New Years, everything changes./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1!" Penny was giggly, but not drunk, and soon lips were on hers, but that's not right because her boyfriend is at work. So she stares at the face in front of her until it makes sense./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Sheldon?" She pulls away./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""I, um, I am very sorry Penny." Sheldon walks off./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"Penny calls him the next day, and invites him over for lunch./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"After an awkward lunch she finally lets it out, "I think I'm falling in love with him, Sheldon, and your feelings…you have to let me go."/p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""But, Penny, I love you, I loved you for a long time."/p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Well maybe if we actually listened to Missy this wouldn't have happened, but I'm happy. He makes me happy. He's smart, and funny, and handsome, and challenging. He encourages me, and supports me." Penny sighed. "Maybe we were meant for each other in another lifetime, or universe or whatever, but its not this one."/p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"Sheldon leaves without saying anything. Penny lets out a frustrated sigh, but smiles after, she has a date with her man./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"He proposes. She says yes. She doesn't regret it. She loved Sheldon once but it was too late for them./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"Sheldon wins a Nobel. Lives alone. His friends visit often. He gets letters from Penny. She moved away. They're happy together./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"She's pregnant. Months go by. She has twins. She's happy./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"Sheldon isn't happy, but he's happy for her so that's something. She's radiant and gorgeous on screen when she finally gets her break. He watches every movie in theatre. He owns them all./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"She's happy, that's all that matters to him./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"So why was she doing it? She reviewed her past. Leonard just was comfortable, there, she could count on him to…watch stupid chick flicks and…be…be…she stopped./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"He's not a bad guy, really. He just was boring, kinda mean, he didn't respect any of her decisions, he treated her like a child, and treated her dream worse…and he convinced her to get another job, for the wedding. Now she has two minimum wage dead end jobs, no time for auditions, and barely any time alone./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"Sheldon has listened to her complain when they had time and it was the least stressful time of her week. Amy kept telling her she was just nervous and Leonard was actually a dream boat. Penny didn't see him as a dream boat. Good looking-ish. He had his charms./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Penny!" Someone yelled, it was shrill. Bernadette./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""What?" Penny said harshly. Her eyes were watery though./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""We've been waiting for ten minutes."/p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Oh yeah right, um, let me freshen my make up." Penny sprinted towards the bathroom, her heels made it incredibly difficult and she took a turn headed straight for the front door./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"It'd be only a few minutes until they notice. She got in the limo, (why did they get this tacky thing), and headed straight for her and Leonard's apartment. She changed as quickly as she could grabbed her purse, her keys, and a duffle she stuffed with some clothes./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"She made it to her car without any incident and to the airport. She decided to run home. She managed to get a flight to Nebraska but it was at 4, it was only 1. She went to the bar and ordered a drink. Her phone was going off in her purse. After a few double vodkas someone slid next to her./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Hard day sweetie?" The voice had a familiar accent and she looked at the tall person./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Missy?" Penny slurred then smiled and sloppily hugged the tall brunette./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Okay there sugar." She pried Penny off. "I thought today was your wedding day. I was hopin' to at least make the reception." She smiled again./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Yes it was. Hey, how'd you spot me anyway?"/p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Came to get a drink then head over to Shelly's to get dressed for your weddin'. You gonna tell me what happened?"/p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Hm, left. He's kind of a jerk ya' know. Like…I'm the bad guy because I left the wedding right? But he's mean and treats me like a child. He makes me feel like…I don't deserve to be happy." She sighed and ordered another vodka. The bartender was thinking about cutting her off but he liked listening to her story, and she wasn't doing anything too stupid, the guy sounded like a douche to him anyway. "Oh, and he ruined guys for me. I can't date anyone that is even kind of stupid. And he whines a lot. He follows me around with his puppy dog eyes until I give in!"/p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Okay, okay. Well this sounds a bit like cold feet. What about the good stuff?"/p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""He's really smart. He's okay in bed. He doesn't care about my care bear collection. He…" she sighed again and downed the vodka. "He makes me want to drink…a lot."/p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"The bartender wanted to chuckle, em style="color: #999999;"okay in bed/em, you don't ever want to sped the rest of your life with a girl who thinks that./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Okay so not cold feet. You were settling. You know if you would have went through with this it could have ruined some of the best years of your life. Maybe even costed ya some money." Missy said with a sympathetic smile./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Already has cost me. That gaudy wedding was very expensive. I didn't even invite my parents, just told Leonard they couldn't come."/p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Ouch. Well, looks like your flight…if you want, Penny, when you get over this, I'm gonna be looking for a roommate in Pasadena. Can't stay on Shelly's couch for too long and Texas ain't for me anymore." She smiled at the blonde and stood./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"Ouch is right. The bartender could tell this couple was not meant to be and he never even met the guy. Well, live and learn. He set a water next to her and walked away./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"Penny stood as well and hugged her, "thank you. I'll let you know." She felt a little more sober as she boarded the plane./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"Explaining to her parents wasn't fun and her mother seemed a little disappointed but made them hot chocolate and hugged her. Her father said he wished he would have known better, he's usually good at reading people. She stayed in Nebraska for two months then moved back to Pasadena, on her own this time./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"She stayed away from her old life. She took some computer classes and some data ones. She started working at some restaurant until she finished her degree. Two more months later she began data entry at the hospital. She still went to auditions and still got rejected. She started to take more college classes./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"This is when she called Missy. They had kept in contact and did lunch here and there but Penny knew now she needed someone./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"Missy accepted her offer and Penny began moving in. Her big items were put into storage./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""This is gonna be good for us." Missy said and Penny agreed./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"Penny was happy, a little stressed, but still. She finally had a day off and was lounging and watching TV when that ritualistic knocking she forgot about began. "Missy."/p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"Penny didn't know what Missy told Sheldon about her moving in but she assumed he didn't know. She opened the door./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""P-penny?" He took a single step back./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Sheldon." He finally regained himself. He started towards her and she backed up until he was fully in the apartment and he shut the door./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Goddammit you whack-a-doodle what are you doing?!" Penny shouted./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""You left without a word to anyone! You wrote Leonard and explained to him but what about me?! I didn't get a phone call, a text, or even an email!"/p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Whoa, Sheldon, I didn't—"/p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""And now you are hanging out with Missy?"/p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""I live here." Penny said quietly, she was embarrassed./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""I…see. I will take my leave. Tell Missy I stopped by." He left quickly./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"Penny stood there with her mouth open. Her and Sheldon were close before her and Leonard got so serious. She should have called, she supposed. Or wrote, but she thought Sheldon wouldn't care too much. He wouldn't have to accomodate her in his life anymore. Or listen to her whine./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"She rolled her eyes at herself, he'll get over it. Penny tried speaking to him a week later and he didn't even acknowledge she was there./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Missy, would you care to tell your…em style="color: #999999;"friend /emI do not want to socialize with her. I came to speak to you about your job at CalTech." Sheldon looked at Penny with daggers for eyes when he said friend./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""GET OVER YOURSELF!" Penny yelled and stomped out of the two bedroom house Missy and her shared./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"—-/p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Shelly, you really need to get over this thing with Penny." Missy said to her brother after the door slammed./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""I loved her Missy." He said it quietly and wouldn't make eye contact./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Well, so did everyone else and they're over it."/p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""No, loved her. I was so upset when she told me she was marrying Leonard he didn't deserve Penny. She could do so much better than him, better than me." He said and finally glanced at Missy./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Aw, don't say that about yourself. You're a catch. Why didn't you just tell her?"/p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Tell her? She was marrying my best friend! This isn't a TV show that wouldn't have went over well with anyone."/p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Well, Leonard is engaged to Alex now. You have a chance."/p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""She didn't even write me. I thought she was my best friend. She left me." Sheldon voice sounded strained and Missy felt miserable for him./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""She went through a hard time too, ya know? Just talk to her about it." Missy was trying to be gentle but getting these two idiots to just admit their feelings for each other was ridiculous. Penny told her when she met Sheldon she developed a crush, but he's a robot. Well, look at the robot now, on the verge of tears over the damn girl./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Shelly, I understand you two needed time, but damn it boy its been almost two years. Get on with it." She said a little more harshly./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"Sheldon left a while later and thought about what his sister had said, she was no genius, but she did have a point./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"—/p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"Penny returned home hours later, a little tipsy, and making out with some guy she picked up in a bar. Its been a while since she had meaningless sex./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""We have to be quiet, I have a roommate." She giggled and led the man to her room./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"The next morning she woke up with a horrendous headache, and the guy throwing on his clothes. "That was fun doll, we should do it again." He said to her when she sat up./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Don't think so, em style="color: #999999;"doll. /emGet out of here already, need cab fare?" He glared at her but didn't say anything rude./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Alright, fine, I get it, but if you change your mind." He handed her a business card. He was some environmental lawyer./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Classy." She muttered and he smirked./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""I like the sarcastic ones." He smiled at her once more then walked out./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"She liked him. She might call, she thinks. Penny gets up and gets ready for the day, a mild hangover was nagging her head but she ignored it./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Have fun last night?" Missy lifted an eyebrow as Penny walked into the living room./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Actually, yeah."/p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""You let Shelly get to you that much?" This time Missy smirked and Penny shot her a confused glance./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""I'm over him, Missy. He doesn't like me anymore anyway."/p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""You should talk to him."/p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"Penny doesn't, and neither does Sheldon. She starts dating the lawyer, but on New Years, everything changes./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1!" Penny was giggly, but not drunk, and soon lips were on hers, but that's not right because her boyfriend is at work. So she stares at the face in front of her until it makes sense./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Sheldon?" She pulls away./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""I, um, I am very sorry Penny." Sheldon walks off./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"Penny calls him the next day, and invites him over for lunch./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"After an awkward lunch she finally lets it out, "I think I'm falling in love with him, Sheldon, and your feelings…you have to let me go."/p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""But, Penny, I love you, I loved you for a long time."/p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;""Well maybe if we actually listened to Missy this wouldn't have happened, but I'm happy. He makes me happy. He's smart, and funny, and handsome, and challenging. He encourages me, and supports me." Penny sighed. "Maybe we were meant for each other in another lifetime, or universe or whatever, but its not this one."/p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"Sheldon leaves without saying anything. Penny lets out a frustrated sigh, but smiles after, she has a date with her man./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"He proposes. She says yes. She doesn't regret it. She loved Sheldon once but it was too late for them./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"Sheldon wins a Nobel. Lives alone. His friends visit often. He gets letters from Penny. She moved away. They're happy together./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"She's pregnant. Months go by. She has twins. She's happy./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"Sheldon isn't happy, but he's happy for her so that's something. She's radiant and gorgeous on screen when she finally gets her break. He watches every movie in theatre. He owns them all./p
p style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"She's happy, that's all that matters to him./p