A/N: This fic was inspired by my vacation in New York last year and the many New York based movies I love so much. I've researched a lot to try and make the story sound authentic but if any New Yorkers or New York lovers see any thing off, let me know. Thanks for all of your support, and comments.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything Chuck Lorre created but I do love it.
"It's not fair" Raj exclaimed as he watched his friends pack. "Why don't I get to go?"
"Raj, you know your parents are coming to visit you tomorrow. You can go to the festival next year." Leonard said, trying in vain to cheer him up. Missing the World Science Festival in New York was one of the few tragedies in Raj's life. "Think of it this way, Raj, Howard is missing out too."
"Yes, but Howard is visiting Bernadette's family in Seattle, at least he gets to go somewhere." Raj slumped in his chair. Watching them pack was torture but he had agreed to drive them to the airport.
"Raj I believe it is time you accept that you're going to miss the festival; the most magnificent, beautiful, and intellectually stimulating event of our lives." Sheldon said, offering little comfort to his friend.
Sheldon had never been so excited for a trip; Comic Con's splendors were nothing compared to the wonders they'd find in New York. The World Science Festival was a gathering of the most brilliant minds in science. One lecture from one of the visionaries gathered there would be worth the cost and the trek to the other side of the country.
There was a knock on the door and Leonard answered it.
"Hey Leonard"
"Hi, Penny. We're just finishing packing. Did you come over to say goodbye?"
"No, actually, Amy called me and asked me to meet her here." Just as Penny said her name Amy came up behind her carrying a large suitcase and her ubiquitous messenger bag.
"Hi Bestie" Amy said surprising Penny, "I've got a gift for you."
"A gift? " Penny asked "My birthday isn't for two weeks."
"I know but my gift would be null and void by then. Open it." Amy handed Penny a large red envelope. Inside was a flier from the science festival and a boarding pass. Penny was shocked.
"Amy, I can't believe you did this. This is, too much." Penny didn't know what to say, the gift was generous and she had always wanted to go to New York but science festivals weren't really her thing. The last time she'd gone on a trip with Amy and the guys she had regretted it.
"It's all taken care of. Everything is paid for and I've gotten us a double suite at the Marriott in order to provide you with a comfortable sleep." Amy said. She was rarely expressive but Penny could tell that she was excited. Despite Amy's oddness, Penny had come to care a lot about her and considered her one of her closest friends.
"Well….I guess I'm going to New York" Penny said excited for the trip. She went to hug Amy but remembering her boundaries shook her hand instead.
"So, you'll be coming with us? That's great!" Leonard said a little too enthusiastically. The trip seemed to get better and better for Leonard. The last time they'd gone on a trip together Penny had given him a chance to get back together and he could only hope to get that chance again.
"If you're coming with us you'd better hurry and pack. I don't want to miss the flight" Sheldon said. The addition of Penny to the party was not unpleasant though he doubted that she'd have any fun at the festival. Regardless, Sheldon would not put up with missing their flight on account of Penny's packing.
"Sheldon, the flight doesn't leave for another four hours," Leonard said, "Penny you have plenty of time to get some things together"
Penny and Amy left the apartment to quickly pack her things and after an hour and a half they returned carrying two large pink suitcases and a carry-on.
"Finally!" Sheldon said as they entered the door. He'd been on edge since they'd left afraid that every minute they'd wasted could ruin his chance to go to the festival.
"This is going to be so much fun!" Penny said enthusiastically. Everybody gathered there things and began to leave the apartment.
Raj was last, dragging himself out of his chair and grabbing his keys. "I can't believe Penny get's to go too." he muttered then shut the door.