A/N: Welcome to my new story! For those who read The Offspring Recalibration you are already familiar with these kids. For those who are new you can technically read this story, but it will have spoilers for it.

Disclaimer: And as always: Lorre, Prady and Me

Chapter 1
James had just taken his last final and was turning on his laptop to talk to Padma. His Skype went off and he saw that it was Melody. He sighed, contemplating whether he should accept it. She didn't Skype him much and she tended to try and reach him by other means if he wouldn't pick up. He clicked accept and Melody was there beaming. "What is it? You know I wanted to talk to Padma before I get there tomorrow" said James, slightly irritated.

"Sorry James, I couldn't wait. We have good news," said Melody.

"What," he asked confused.

"We have a new addition to the family," said Melody.

"Mom's pregnant" asked James, shocked.

Melody laughed. "No, let me introduce you to Zazzles the second," she said holding up a small tabby.

James rolled his eyes. "You could have waited until I came home tomorrow".

Melody lowered the tabby. "About that. Dad decided on the family trip for the summer."

"What are we doing this year," asked James.

"Grandma said that she'd love to see all of us again. She's offered to let us stay for a few weeks," explained Melody.

"Mmm... I was starting to crave some of her pecan pie," said James.

"All of us," repeated Melody.

"Oh," said James.

"And Dad's decided that instead of flying we should drive there," added Melody.

"That'll take forever." said James.

"22 hours and 26 minutes according to Google" said Melody.

"When do we leave" asked James.

Melody didn't say anything. "Melody have you started packing. You only have two days" said Sheldon as he passed her room.

"We're leaving after I get there" said James.

"Sorry, they wanted to do it at a time when none of them were working on anything major. Mom's going to start working on a new project at the end of July that's really important to her, so we had to leave before then" explained Melody.

James ran his fingers through his hair. "Thanks for giving me a heads up".

"You're welcome. Dad's working on emailing you an itinerary for the trip, so be prepared for that" replied Melody.

"Wait" said James.

"What" asked Melody. "

Who's going to watch Zazzles the second" asked James.

Melody started to scratch the cat behind its ears. "Stuart".

James shook his head. "See you tomorrow".

Melody had already pulled out her suitcase. "See ya".

James closed her window and accepted the call from Padma. "Hi Padma".

"Hi James," replied Padma and she waved.

"Melody just told me about the vacation plans" said James.

"Is there anything you need me to do for you before you get back" asked Padma.

"Nothing that can be done over Skype" he said with a grin.

"James" said Padma.

"Going four and a half months without kissing your girlfriend is torture. But can you go in my room and start some packing. Melody can help, she knows where I keep my summer clothes" he said.

"All right. I'll leave to pack. See you tomorrow" said Padma as she waved goodbye.

"See you too" said James.
o-O-o-
Padma blew him a kiss and shut her laptop lid. She left her room and saw Raj. "Can I borrow the car and drive to Uncle Sheldon and Aunt Amy's? James wants me to pack some stuff for him so he's not as rushed".

"All right. Are you going to eat here or there" asked Raj.

Padma looked at her watch "Probably there. And it's Thai night. I'll call uncle Sheldon and pick it up for him so he doesn't freak".

"Okay. Don't forget to text me when you get there" he said.

Padma gave Raj a hug "thanks dad". She grabbed the car keys from the hook and walked out to the parking lot.
-o-O-o-
Amy had a long day at work and came home to see Sheldon, Melody and Padma eating Thai at the table. She also saw a cat licking milk from a saucer. She rubbed her fingers at her temples "Sheldon, why is there a cat in here".

Sheldon got up from the table and picked up the cat "Amy, meet Zazzles the second".

The cat meowed in Amy's face and started to rub up against her face. She gently pushed the cat's head away. "That doesn't explain why it's here".

Sheldon lowered Zazzles II "I saw him as I passed a pet store and he looked so... zazzy. I couldn't resist. Besides, you're the one who told me you like cats because they were the epitome of indifference".

Amy sighed "that was 26 years ago".

"I don't see how your opinion could change" replied Sheldon.

Amy held up her left hand "We're in this together. You could have at least texted me 'hey can I get a cat'".

Sheldon nodded "I see your point. I apologize for not asking you first. Can I still keep him".

Amy's heart soften at the look on Sheldon's face "Yes, he is kinda cute". She started to scratch the cat behind its ears. Zazzles II purred and stretch in Sheldon's arms. "But, I'm hungry, so the cat's going to have to wait" said Amy and she made her way to the sink. "Hello Padma, what are you doing here" she asked.

"James wanted me to pack some of his stuff. Melody helped me find it" said Padma.

Amy picked up her take out box "That was nice of you. You're such a good friend to James".

Padma made a face at the word friend, but Amy missed it since she began to eat.

A/N: I couldn't resist adding Zazzles back in. It was from one of my favorite episodes. Hopefully you all enjoyed and don't forget to follow, favorite or review!