Penny looked at her barren apartment and sighed. After she got her amazing news, she's going to be in a hit tv show as a main star, she decided its best to be closer. The commute was too far. She also had another realization-she didn't love Leonard. As a friend, yes. As a lover, no. She was never comfortable with the idea of marrying him, or even living with him. She looked around again. She needs to stop being a coward.
She hasn't told anyone about her moving or her job. That means Leonard hasn't been in her apartment for a week and she's sure he's getting suspicious. She heard them coming up the steps, "I'm just saying its been kind of…weird between us. Like there's a secret." It was Leonard.
"Didn't you say you were giving her full reign on proposing to you?" Howards voice…oh yes, tonight is laundry night.
"Maybe she's planning something." He said finally. The conversation was muffled by their door.
Now or never, Penny thought. She walked across the hall and walked in. Leonard smiled and offered her food followed by a kiss on the cheek.
She would wait for Sheldon to tell them her news. She felt bad about not telling the girls first but…these guys were here for her since day one. They ate, Penny didn't say much and when Sheldon came back upstairs he didn't say much, which was out of character.
"I have something to tell you all." Penny announced and Leonard looked excited. She felt guilty.
"I landed a permanent role on a tv show!" She said and they all said variations of congratulations, hugs happened, and Leonard kissed her.
"I'm very happy for you Penny." Sheldon said with an odd smile.
"There's…something else." She added looking from Sheldon to the guys, "I'm moving." A lot of commotion ensued after that but after they calmed down-and Penny threatened them-she explained.
"It's too long a drive from here. It'll be easier. Um, Leonard can we talk?" Howard tried to discreetly wink at Leonard but she caught it.
"Sure." He said and she led him to her empty apartment.
"Penny! How long have you known?!" He shouted.
"A while. Look, honey, I love you so much and you have always been there when I needed it most but…I don't love you like you love me. It's wrong of me to keep leading you on. I hope we can be friends one day." She cried a little because she could see the emotions play out on his face. Hurt, anger, sadness, betrayal. She felt awful.
"Penny," he said with a weak tear stained smile, "you don't mean it…" His voice broke assuring her he knew she did.
"I'm so sorry." She said quietly. He looked at her for a minute then walked out.
She wanted a drink but she didn't, she decided to quit. It was for the best. She sat on the floor for what seemed an eternity. She heard three knocks followed by her name. It was repeated twice and she told Whack-a-Doodle to come in.
"Penny I am not happy with your choice to leave." He stated looming above her.
"I know you tried so hard to accommodate me in your schedule and now I'm messing it all up." She muttered.
"I succeeded. That is not the only problem. You're my best friend. I'm going to miss you." He said it in a no nonsense voice, as if it was common knowledge.
Penny stood up and smiled at him, "Really?"
"Most certainly." He said.
"Oh my God, Sheldon. You're mine too. I'll visit sweetie." She cried a little and abruptly wrapped her arms around him. He stiffened.
"Penny, you know how I feel about hugging…but since you are leaving I'll make a small exception." He patted her back awkwardly for about five seconds then pulled away.
"Hey…are you okay?" Penny asked noticing Sheldon was acting kind of strange.
"Yes, I guess I am a little upset. You see, Amy Farrah Fowler terminated our relationship agreement and I'm not really too upset over the fact we are no longer in a relationship, I suppose I will just miss her company and now you are leaving."
In this small window of a moment Sheldons eyes glistened and he showed real emotions. Penny remembered when she first saw him, he was cute and lanky, downright adorable. She even thought he was flirting until she got to know him.
She always had a thing for the whack-a-doodle. And even though she said she would visit, she didn't think she would have a lot of time.
"Sheldon, you are my best friend and I will never forget you." Before she could think twice she stood on her tip toes and placed a kiss on his lips.
He froze up. When she pulled away he was in shock.
"Penny, what would make you think that was acceptable?"
"I'm just showing you how much I care about you…I always cared about you." Sheldon seemed to take this into consideration before doing something outrageous and placing a kiss on Pennys lips as well. They kissed for a couple seconds and Penny swore she felt a zing go through her body.
"I love you Penny." He said and her jaw dropped.
"I love you too Moon Pie." She stuttered back.
With that he departed. She watched him go, in shock and attraction. He was full of surprises but this was goodbye. She would be gone in the morning.
"I love you too." She whispered to her empty apartment.