A/N: Hey, I originally wrote this story just over three years ago. I'd always been pleased with the ideas I had, however after rereading it, I was unhappy with the quality of writing. The plot will essentially stay the same, however, ive tweaked it a little to give it a new lease of life and hopefully an improvement.
Howard Wolowitz lay out on his sofa, drink in hand and photo frame held close to the chest. Sighing, he held it at arm's length, studying the picture it held. "Oh, Bernie, where did all the time go?"
The house was silent, far too quiet for him.
If someone had told him about this on his wedding day, he would've laughed. After all, they were going to spend the rest of their lives together! This was only true for Bernadette.
The loss of his mother had been gut wrenching, but the loss of his wife? Well, that was earth shattering. Tears threatened to surface, yet, he blinked them back, just like he did everyday. Grieving was one thing, but falling apart was not something he could let himself do.
He focused on the mantelpiece, keeping his eyes on the picture in the middle. This wasn't just any old photograph; it was the last time they were pictured together before he lost her. They were smiling, despite the fact, Bernadette was drawing closer to the end- this much was obvious from her skinny frame and deathly pale complexion. Howard didn't care how she looked, to him, she would always be perfection.
Stood between them was their daughter. To his surprise, he found himself smiling. For fourteen years old, his girl was wise beyond her years. Thirteen years old when the photo was taken, she had had to crouch down to match the height of her short parents. Her mousy brown hair had been pulled into a messy bun and she had taken off her glasses especially for the moment. Bernadette hadn't changed her mind about having children, more so, the decision was made for her. Even so, Bernadette had loved her with all her heart.
They named her Clare, a simple choice, but perfectly fitting.
He looked at the glass of scotch in his hand and shook his head. Howard had never liked this particular drink, however, in times of crisis, he needed something strong and alcoholic. The doorbell brought him back to the present moment. Looking over at the door, he smoothed down his hair and secured his dressing gown. "It's open."
Howard painted on a smile. "Hey man, how you doing?" He hoped he sounded cheerful.
Raj was unconvinced. Since the death six months ago, he had been well aware of his friend's inner turmoil. Despite constant deliberation, Raj was still no closer to working out how to help his friend. "I joined a dating website." He paused, "So, things are okay... I guess."
"Any matches yet?"
"It's a bit of a slow burner."
Howard relaxed into a laugh. Even after all these years, Raj's search for love was still ongoing and as disastrous as ever. This wasn't to say that he hadn't changed. Over the years, Howard had witnessed many changes in his friend. He had progressed far in his career. Although he had remained at Caltech, he had slowly but surely climbed the ranks, eventually gaining status as head of the Astrophysics department. Raj had also temporarily got over his fear of talking to women and for a while, this was perfect. However, after a tricky divorce five years ago, his confidence had been shattered; meaning he heavily relied on alcohol once more.
The physical changes were also visible. Over the years, Raj had taken up regular gym sessions. This much was obvious from his perfectly toned arms and legs, something which Howard was secretly envious of. His hair had grown notably longer too, so much so, he often wore it in a pony tail.
"Hey, I know what will cheer you up." Howard said.
Raj rolled his eyes and flopped down on the sofa. "Dude, I'm doomed to be stuck on the shelf forever! I'm no different to a jar of mayonnaise that everyone's forgotten about"
Dismissing, his previous thought, Howard, opted for a simple slap on the back. "Hang in there buddy, some girl will eventually you sexy."
Picking up a cushion, Raj placed it over his face. "Was that an insult? It felt like an insult."
Howard suppressed a laugh. Raj always cheered him up. The past six months, he had had nothing but sympathy. All he wanted though was normality and that was exactly what Raj provided. Opening his mouth to speak, Howard found himself cut short by the doorbell.
Standing up, he reclaimed the cushion and placed it down. "Who knows, it could be your ideal woman at the door." He winked.
Raj turned away from his friend and picked up the remote.
Reaching the door, Howard turned to face Raj. "Remember my no rom-com rule." He warned. After receiving a reluctant nod, he pulled open the door.
Leonard stood on the porch, shifting his weight from foot to foot. Howard noted the look of unease across his face. "Hey what's up?"
Taking a deep breath, Leonard gestured to the hallway. "Mind if I come in?"
Howard pulled the door wider. "Sure. Hey, are you alright? You look awful." Howard anticipated a tale of one of Leonard and Penny's usual arguments. "If you need to stay here tonight, you can use the spare room."
Leonard bit down on his bottom lip, he and Penny had briefly discussed what he would say, but now as he stood there, it dawned on him, just how unprepared he really was. "No it's not that." He looked around the room. "Is Clare here?"
"No, she will be soon, why'd you ask?"
"It's um..." Leonard paused, becoming increasingly anxious. "Listen, buddy, I got no idea how to tell you this and believe me, I've thought about it, I mean really thought about." Once more, he trailed off and diverted his eyes to the ground.
"C'mon, Leonard. How bad can it be?" Howard attempted to sound sure of himself. He failed.
Feeling brave, Leonard opted to get straight to the point. There would be no sugar coating or attempts to soften the blow. After all, it seemed impossible. "It's Sheldon." He blurted the words out and let them hang in the air.
Howard stiffened, his jaw clenched and his fingers curled into a tight fist. "What about him?" His words were calm, yet somehow, this made them more threatening.
"He's back in Pasadena." His previous confidence had left as soon as it had come and his voice was barely a whisper.
"Why now, after all these years?"
Leonard held his breath for a second or two, he noted how Howard had visibly paled and that Raj was sat bolt upright. "He'd read about Bernadette's death and he wanted to..."
Howard quickly interrupted. "He wanted to what?"
"I haven't figured that out yet." Leonard admitted.
He's coming nowhere near Clare! You got that? He will not see her or speak to her, I swear to God, if he as much as tries, I will..." He thought for a moment. "Just... just tell him to go."
Raj, who had been silent throughout, stood up and walked over to where they were."I'm with Howard on this one. Do all you can, just make this go away." He hoped Leonard wouldn't argue with him.
Leonard looked defeated. "I don't think I can. It's out of my hands."
A look of intense rage burned like destructive fire in Howard's eyes. "He's nothing to her. Nothing!"
"Howard, you're being unfair." Leonard was unconvinced by his own words. "Let's just talk about this and see if we can work it out."
Howard held up his hands, shook his head. "No. She's my daughter and I decide what's best for her. Not you and certainly not him."
There was a painfully long silence. Raj looked down at the ground and Leonard fiddled with his jacket's zip. Three loud knocks however, brought this to an abrupt end. Howard sighed to himself, knowing what was coming.
"Dad?"
Three more came.
"Dad?"
After the third time, Howard walked over and let her in. He scowled at her, albeit unintentionally. "Use your key or, use the door bell." The words were wasted, she ignored him and strode into the house, their significant height difference painfully apparent.
She beamed. "Hi Uncle Leonard, Uncle Raj." Raj offered her a small wave.
Leonard was the first to speak. "So, Clare, how was your day?"
She shrugged. "Tedious, the whole education system has been watered down, would you agree?"
Howard stepped in. "Clare, lets not go into this now." A hint of irritation was present in his voice.
Oblivious to her Father's worry, she changed the conversation. "The food is bad too, I've eaten nothing since breakfast and now I'm starving."
He painted on a smile for her benefit. "Well kiddo, I'm sure I can make you something. Now, tell me, what do ya fancy?"
She looked thoughtful for a moment. "Anything but brisket."
"Right ok, no brisket."
Giving him a quick hug she swung her bag over her shoulder and made her way up the stairs."I'm gonna get changed.
Leonard glanced up the stairs after her. "She certainly has no problem with affection."
Howard narrowed his eyes, crossing his arms as he did so. "Meaning?"
"Meaning she just hugged you."
"She never has had any issues, she's just a normal kid."
Leonard gave him a slow nod. "Listen Sheldon is staying with Penny and me, so I just thought..."
"Yeah well you thought wrong." It was clear Howard would no longer keep the conversation going.
Defeated, Leonard held his hands up to end the debate. "Right I'm sorry, I'll go."
Howard merely nodded in agreement, holding the door open for his friend to leave.
Raj waited until he heard Leonard's car pull away before he spoke again. "Howard?"
"I'm fine." He insisted, he sat on the sofa and swiftly changed the channel.
He gestured to the stairs where Clare had been a minute previously."Do you think he wants to see her?"
Howard shrugged. "This is Sheldon we're talking about, who knows what he wants." He pretended to watch the Television, desperate to push the thought out of his mind. Whatever happened, he knew his world was about to unravel.