The Verbal Variant - A sequel to The English Element
Disclaimer: In no way, shape, or form do I own anything to do with The Big Bang Theory (except DVDs). CBS, Chuck Lorre, and Bill Prady have that honor. I am just a fan.
Chapter 1 – The Cafeteria Conundrum
Science Cafeteria, Caltech, Pasadena CA
Katherine took a deep breath before she entered the cafeteria and willed herself to ignore the butterflies in her stomach. It had been two months since she had last seen her ex-boyfriend, Leonard Hofstadter. After the break up they had agreed to take some time apart before trying to be friends; Katherine had decided to test the waters today.
She walked toward the table where Leonard and his friends usually sat. She spotted Leonard with his roommate Sheldon Cooper and their two friends Howard Wolowitz and Raj Koothrappali. "Hi Leonard." Katherine greeted him.
"Katherine! What a surprise!" Leonard replied "You remember everyone."
"Of course. Howard, Raj, Sheldon. Good to see you all again." Howard and Sheldon returned her greeting, Raj nodded. Silence reigned over the group.
"Well, let's just admit this is extremely awkward and move on." Katherine said brightly, in an attempt to break the tension.
"It is weird isn't it?" Leonard agreed.
"Absolutely, so I'll cut to the chase. I came by to invite you all to a fundraiser that the English and History Departments are hosting."
"Katherine, I don't believe that we can countenance supporting the Humanities." Sheldon commented, causing his friends to roll their eyes.
"It's a costume party, Sheldon." Katherine said teasingly.
"What's the theme? Will there be prizes?" Sheldon asked excitedly.
"The theme is Historical and Fictional Characters. It was originally going to be literary characters but I convince the rest of the committee to broaden the scope." Katherine answered.
"That sounds like fun." said Howard. Raj nodded in agreement.
"Here are the tickets." Katherine said, passing them out as she spoke. "Raj, Sheldon, Howard and one for Bernadette, Leonard and …do you need one for Penny?"
"Umm…we're not together." At Katherine's questioning look Leonard continued "We decided not to rush into things."
"It's been two months!" Katherine exclaimed.
"I haven't figured out a way to broach the subject." Leonard muttered.
"Here's your chance." Katherine handed him the second ticket. She looked at her watch "I have to get to class. Good to see you all again." They exchanged goodbyes and Katherine left to teach her class.
"Wow! That was strange. It's the first time I've seen Katherine since we broke up. Must have been weird for you guys too." Leonard said. His three friends were suspiciously silent and avoided meeting his gaze. "What?" he asked.
"Well…it's not the first time I've seen her since you two broke up." Howard admitted.
"What!" Leonard was shocked.
"You know she and Bernadette got tight while you were dating. She asked Bernadette to set her up with some of the guys from the lab and so we've been on some double dates."
"She's already dating!"
"Not dating per se, just a few dates. The guys from Bernadette's lab aren't the fun-loving free spirits we are." Howard replied. "She told Bernie that not one of them knew Graham Chapman from a graham cracker."
"Oh that is amusing." Sheldon remarked. "I do believe that Katherine is the wittiest woman you've had coitus with Leonard."
"Yeah…wait a minute. Sheldon, you were acting weird, even for you. Have you seen Katherine since we broke up?"
"I haven't seen her. You know I find face to face interactions unnecessary." Leonard relaxed at Sheldon's words. "We've been exchanging e-mails."
"What!"
"She'd become a treasured acquaintance. I wasn't going to drop her after all the trouble I had fitting her into my social circle. Besides, she's the only one who properly appreciates my fun facts."
"So you've just been e-mailing fun facts?" Leonard asked.
"She also volunteered to proofread my latest paper. She said it would have an even better chance of being published if it sounded as though it had been written by a human."
Leonard grinned despite himself as Sheldon didn't even register the insult, then his eye fell on Raj. "You too?" he asked in disbelief.
"We've just been IMing during America's Next Top Model." Raj said defensively "None of you will watch it with me."
"You guys are unbelievable." Leonard shook his head.
"It's not like we were dating her." Howard defended "She's a cool chick. We liked her for herself; not just because she was dating you. Besides, you're the one who dumped her."
Leonard sighed.
Meanwhile Katherine was reflecting on the meeting as she walked to class. That was really awkward but it still went better than I expected. It was nice to see the boys again...I've only really seen Howard since Leonard and I broke up…Leonard was looking pretty down. I hope he and Penny get back together soon. Katherine stopped in her tracks for a moment, surprised at how sincere she was. They're both miserable without each other. Bernadette has told me how badly Penny's been feeling. I hope Leonard asks her to the party and she accepts. Katherine's thoughts drifted to the party for a few minutes and then just before she walked into the classroom they went back to the four men. Raj was looking good was the last thought she had before starting her lecture.
Author note: Here is the sequel as promised. Much thanks to dee87, Little Pages and Llwynog the Bard for all of their encouraging early reviews of The English Element.
I would love to hear any thoughts, comments or constructive criticism so please review.