Penny's eyes snapped open. Birds were tweeting and the faint sound of trees rustling in a light breeze, which ruffled the curtains slightly, filled her ears. She snuggled down in the bed and sighed contentedly. Dreaming of staying in her current position forever, a raised, yet muffled, voice disturbed her.

"President Siebert. I am ill. I cannot be blamed for not wanting to spread my contagious state to any other person at the university...

I realize that I don't sound unwell, however, I have a fairly private issue, that I don't wish to discuss...

Well, Dr. Hofstader wouldn't have seen me, as I didn't want to alarm him. I have temporarily moved out of my apartment. I am willing to telecommute, until I feel it is safe for me to return...

President Siebert, considering your near ecstatic cries of joy the last time I proposed the telecommunication of my work, I am surprised you don't approve of it now...

Professor Siebert, I refuse to attend the university until I deem it safe to both myself and fellow academics..."

Penny sat up and pulled the covers off herself. She rolled out of bed, and padded to the door. She opened it softly and sneaked to Sheldon's room. Sure to not make a sound, she pressed her ear to the door.

"Professor Siebert; I don't know how to make the any clearer. I don't care what you want me to do. Feel free to class this as a vacation or even a sickness leave. Don't pay me even. I don't care about the money. I will return to work when I am ready. Goodbye."

Sheldon sighed loudly.

"Penny, please don't eavesdrop on my conversation. It is most rude."

Penny stared at the door, confused. She was sure he hadn't made a sound, yet he knew she was there.

"You might as well open the door and come in," he called.

Penny opened the door slowly, and saw his look of slight annoyance mixed with mild expectancy of her to have been eavesdropping.

"Who was it?" Penny asked cheerily.

"Penny, you full well who it was. Professor Siebert was protesting my lack of appearance at work today."

"What time is it?" She asked, worried.

"Ten twenty three," Sheldon recited, looking at his watch.

"What are we doing today?"

"I have no idea," came the reply. "Professor Siebert isn't expecting me back until the start of next week, and no work until then."

"How about you show me around your hometown. It seems... Nice." she finished, lamely.

"Quaint, stuffy, monotonous and backward would be more apt descriptions," he muttered, bitterly.

"Doesn't matter. You can still show me around, Sheldon. Maybe its changed since you left." Sheldon scoffed audibly at the comment.

"Doubtful," he said, contempt filling every syllable. "This town is as backward, God-fearing, and cloying as when I left. I hate it here."

"Sheldon. I want to see where you grew up. You saw where I grew up..." Penny tailed off, a hopeful tone to her voice.

"Hardly. I mainly saw your family home. I never saw the vast majority of the place of your childhood. I merely watched it flash past as I was driven around." He absently placed his phone in his pocket. Penny sighed, annoyance owning the simple exhalation of breath.

"Sheldon. I. Want. You. To. Show. Me. The. Town." Her voice was lower than usual, but not enough to be threatening. He looked at her, curiosity pouring out of each pore on his face.

"Fine," he muttered, caving in. "Though I must warn you beforehand. This town is unremarkable in all aspects. There is nothing of genuine important to me, bar the fact is it the location of my grandmother and mother's homes. I suggest you get ready."

Sheldon walked out the room briskly. Penny flashed him a grin, before disappearing into her room. Appearing briefly, she darted into the bathroom. Sheldon shook his head slightly, marveling at her ability to dictate him.

Walking into the kitchen, Sheldon sat at the worn table, and pulled his phone out of his pocket. He started taping, when he heard a door open, and a different one close. He focused on the screen and continued to type.

Penny appeared soon after, fully dressed and ready to leave. Sheldon looked up at her, put his phone back in his pocket and stood up. Following her out of the house, he ensured that the house was secure before setting off.

They walked in a contented silence. Penny reached out and entwined her fingers through his. He instinctively pulled away, but Penny didn't let go.

Reluctantly pushing the thoughts of germ accumulation from the front of his mind, he relaxed and slowly clasped Penny's hand. Penny smiled up at him, and he returned it.

It was a little odd. It was a lot softer than his other smile, which was commonly know to all at the "Batman Smile," yet it was still a little forced. Penny chuckled.

"Don't worry, Sweetie. We have time to soften that smile."

XXXXXXX

Leonard was sat in his office, when President Siebert barged in.

"President Siebert?" Leonard asked in surprise, jumping out of his chair. "How can I help you?"

"Dr. Cooper is currently on holiday. He will not be back until next week. Du to my conversation with the man earlier, I believe that his is somewhere. He tried to tell me he was ill, but I could tell he was lying."

Leonard nodded, dumbly. Siebert gave Leonard a curt nod in return, before leaving. Sitting back down slowly, Leonard took off his glasses and rubbed his forehead slowly. He sat in his chair, mulling over the few days. Penny had left. Sheldon had disappeared. Possibly to find Penny. Questions spawned inside his mind, with few answers accompanying them.

Glancing up at the clock, he noticed the time. Lunch had come and gone. It was nearly time to leave. Packing his things into his bag, he left the building.

The drive home was uneventful for Leonard. He remarked, inwardly, that he actually missed Sheldon's games. The rides had been a little dull. Music filled the air with sound, but little presence.

Parking the reserved bay, he climbed out. He shuffled to the apartment building door, and headed to the mailboxes. Opening it up and finding nothing, he locked it back up and slowly started the ascent to the fourth floor.

Upon reaching the third floor, he heard voices. Continuing up a floor, he stopped at the sight of the building manager and a tall man. Taller than Sheldon, and much wider, with presumed muscle tone, in a smart suit; he seemed to be viewing the apartment vacated by Penny.

Leonard looked at the floor and quickly slipped into his apartment. Closing the door behind him, he fell back onto it. He slowly slid down into a sitting position, and rested his head on his crossed arms. He sighed heavily.

"What's going on?"

XXXXXXX

"This was your school?"

Penny smiled as she looked over the gate at the depressing building. A grey/brown color scheme, clashed starkly with the plush greenery surrounding it. Sheldon nodded.

"Yes, for a couple of years. I was quickly placed at a college level. I waited here, until my application was accepted. Longest two years of my life."

Bitterness filled his voice yet again, and Penny frowned at him.

"Sheldon. This was your school. I realize that you might not have fond memories, but it must be nice to go back, now that you're older, right?"

"No." Petulant like only a child could be, Sheldon's response made Penny laugh. Snaking her arm around his, they continued walking. Sheldon spotted areas and recounted anecdotes from his childhood. Penny laughed from time to time, merely enjoying his company.

Sheldon's phone rang. He pulled it out of his pocket and held to his ear.

"Hello?" A slight pause. "Mee-Maw? Why are you calling me?" Another slight pause.

"Penny? Why do you want to speak to Penny?" He flashed her a look before handing the handset over to her.

"Hello Ida, I'm sorry about Sheldon. What can I do for you?"

"Dear, I'm going to make this short." A short pause rung over the line, as if Ida was steeling herself. "Sheldon is special. You and I both know it. He needs to helped in many ways. He doesn't like change, dear. Sheldon may refuse to change or even go backward in an attempt to avoid it. I have a feeling, though. Penny, you may be the only person who is capable of bringing out of his shell, completely. His mother and I have tried all we can. He needs you. There has been no other time in his life, other than right now, where Sheldon has even been remotely open to the idea of change, or even accommodation. Sheldon is a very independent man. He is successful. Not as much as he would like, obviously, but enough for another to be satisfied. Every man needs someone behind him, whether it be a parent, friend or soulmate. You need to be there for Sheldon. You can help him; and in his own little way, he can help you. I want you to stay in touch with me. Sheldon can give you my telephone number. I would like to be kept in touch with the progress of your relationship with my grandson."

"I know Ida. I know." Penny ended the call, and handed the phone back to Sheldon.

'What did Mee-Maw want?"

She wanted to give me some advice." She smiled up at him. "Don't worry, Sheldon! It was nothing bad, or anything I didn't know."

Sheldon shook his head, a reluctant look in his eyes. They continued walking. Sheldon continued to reminisce, but Penny's thoughts were elsewhere.

"Penny, are you okay?"

"Hmm," Penny replied absently. "What was that?"

"Haven't you been listening?" It was almost indignant. "I was recounting the time which I was taken, against my will, to this particular playground. The visit ended prematurely when a larger child decided that I was on his swing. A short chase followed, which ended with him, catching and then, punching me. Not a fine memory."

"I'm sorry, sweetie..."

"Penny, there is no reason to feel remorse. You didn't know me, and I wasn't severely hurt. I believe my faith in other people might have been more bruised than myself."

"What do you mean?"

"My brother and sister failed to help me." He looked down at her. "Not that I expected my sister's help, but I do believe that it is a familial convention to help each other in times of need. My brother chose not to help me. I didn't speak to him for a while after that."

"Sheldon, you were children. You can't hold a grudge for something that your brother did a long time ago."

"Penny, I don't hold a grudge against him. I was merely surprised at his lack of intervention. While I do believe that sibling rivalry is common, I didn't expect him to abandon me in a rather more public setting."

"Where's your brother now?" Penny asked, delicately.

"Not far. He lives about ten miles from our current location. I rarely see him, which is the same for the rest of my family..."

Sheldon turned away and looked at a large oak tree. He reached out and softly touched the trunk.

"I used to sit here, and read. Normally, my family would be playing and enjoying the time outside, while I would pass the time, reading something worthwhile, waiting for the time to go home."

Penny felt her heart brake. She wanted to reach out to him, but she knew that he would give her a cold shoulder. She let him reflect in the breeze, and shade of the oak tree's leaves. From the spotty information she had gathered over the years, she knew Sheldon's childhood was troubled and lonely. She, inwardly, remarked how Sheldon was even vaguely able to interact with anyone. Let alone have friends. She knew that she would be similar to Sheldon, had their lives been interchanged. Growing up alone, with an alcoholic father, and a mother who had turned to God to cope, and siblings who didn't want to have anything to do with him... She fought back tears. Sheldon was used to being alone. Leonard, Howard and Raj had tried, despite their antics, to integrate him. She was the next step. She was helping him. She knew exactly what Ida meant. Ida and Mary had helped Sheldon along. Now it was her turn. She knew she had to. She knew she wanted to.

Suddenly, he turned to face her.

"So Penny, what was your childhood like?"

"You don't want to know Sheldon..." She tried brushing him off, but he stood expectantly.

"I do, Penny." Sheldon looked at her, waiting the start of her reminiscing. She looked up at his face, and felt herself give in.

"Fine." She half-heartedly snapped. "My childhood was average. Okay?"

"Penny. I have recounted my childhood in detail. I would be honored if you reciprocated."

"Sheldon," it came out a little more insipid than she wanted. "I don't want to..."

"May I remind you, that I did not wish to go on this tour of my hometown to begin with."

Penny melted inside. She sighed loudly, and wrapped her arm around his. They walked over to a nearby bench, and sat down, after Sheldon hesitated for a moment.

"My childhood was... normal? I'm not sure if it's the right term, but my mum and dad loved me. Argued with me, when I grew up. My brother was worse than me, yet, I always seemed to be yelled at. I could tell that they did it, because they loved me, and didn't want anything to happen to me, but it made me angry. I suppose you realized that my mom was quite picky?" Sheldon nodded.

"She did seem to be quite particular," he agreed.

"Imagine that, but a million times worse." She looked up at his face. "I don't mean literally a million times worse, but when your the only daughter, it seems that it's a whole lot worse."

"You mother loves you."

"It made it worse. It seemed like she wanted me to settle down and have kids and stay in Nebraska. She really didn't want me to be an actress. She said that I would never make it; that the odds were too big. I really hated her for saying that. All my mom wanted me to do, was to be a good wife, and close to home. Just like her." It was bitterly spat. Penny's face contorted with anger.

"Penny, I agree that the odds are against you achieving your goal, but they were and still are for everyone. Even the well known actors still had to overcome odds to get to where they are. I can only assume that your mother wanted to try and spare you the anguish and humiliation of not 'making it' as it were. However, her want for you to settle down in Omaha was wrong, yet understandable. Penny, you aren't like your mother. While there is a physical resemblance, your personality would make it impossible for you to be happy, simply as a housewife. You wouldn't be fulfilled as much as you mother may have been. You cannot fault her."

"My parents always criticized the guys I brought home. To be honest, they always had a point. They were idiots. Some of them make me embarrassed to admit, that I actually dated them. I wasn't good at school. I was good at Phys. Ed. That's it. Science; English; Math, all the subjects, I just couldn't get my head around them. My grades were just good enough to compete in the sports teams, but not enough to be considered good. I remember an argument I had with my mom about a tutor.

She wanted me to see a tutor and get my grades up. I didn't see the point, as I lived for all the things that normal sixteen year olds did, as well as sports. Classes were the last thing on my mind. I couldn't move out fast enough."

"You still visit regularly," Sheldon reasoned.

"Yeah, but I can escape back home to Pasadena."

"Penny, if you don't wish to see family, it is easy for you not to. Pasadena is a long distance from Omaha." Penny laughed hollowly.

"You don't know my mom that well, Sheldon. She would guilt me into visiting. The last time I visited, my brother was supposed to be out of prison. He got into a fight, and his parole vanished. I had to spend a week with my parents lamenting over how their 'sweet little boy' had grown into such a bad apple. I pointed out that they always blamed me for him doing something wrong. That led to another fight. My visits always seem to end in fights. I hate going back. I wanted to leave and never go back." She snorted derisively. "I keep going back for the holidays and some summers."

"Penny, you aren't like me. You need other people in your life. While I would find it preferable to have a few people in my life as possible, you would be very lonely. Your family are apart of you. Even though the visits may end in fights, they still love you. You must realize that, or you wouldn't go back."

"Sheldon, what happens when we get back to Pasadena?"

"Penny, you are trying to change the subject," he lamented.

"Yes, but it's a valid question, Sheldon. I have nowhere to live and no job. I left my job at the Cheesecake Factory and I gave my apartment back to the building manager..."

"Penny there is always a solution to every problem."

"What about Leonard and Amy?"

"Haven't we already discussed this?" It sounded a little annoyed.

"Sheldon. Our friends aren't going to welcome us with open arms. We'll probably lose both of them."

"Yourself and Leonard have been separated for a while now, and Amy has been given a notice that the Relationship Agreement has been terminated."

"What about when she finds out about us."

"Amy is a scientist. She will understand that there was a valid reason for the termination, and the subsequent forming of our relationship."

"Sheldon, it's not that simple. She'll see it as her best friend taking her boyfriend. Leonard will see it as his best friend taking his ex-girlfriend. There's going to be huge consequences when we get back."

"Penny, I understand the fear of the unknown, but I have said time and again. There is little logical reason for Leonard and Amy to be upset at the formation of our relationship."

"I hope you're right Sheldon."

XXXXXXX

"Amy?" Leonard asked.

"Hello Leonard. Is Sheldon in?" Amy asked, curiosity lining each syllable.

"Err, no. He's not here. Why?"

"I wish to discuss with him the termination of the Relationship Agreement."

"You broke up?" Leonard was confused.

"That is the common parlance. He wished to cancel it because, he felt that he didn't want to be my boyfriend anymore."

"It makes more sense..." Leonard muttered.

"What does?"

"Err," Leonard replied, stalling for time.

"What make more sense, Leonard?" Amy's voice, while laced with inquisitiveness, was dangerously low.

"Well..." He didn't want to tell her. He knew it would brake her heart.

"What!" Amy spat. It was unnerving to see an uncharacteristic outburst, from a normally reserved and emotionless woman.

"Sheldon, err." He glanced at her, ready to run for cover. "He left. I don't know where he is, but, err..."

He backed away slowly, almost tripping over the table.

"He... I... Looked at his board."

"And?"

"I saw stuff." He knew he was being evasive. Deciding that using the old expression of 'ripping off a bandaid,' was the best policy; he sighed heavily, steeling himself for the onslaught to come.

"Amy, you'd better sit down."

Amy sat down at the end of the couch, and Leonard, sat in his armchair.

"Sheldon went to find Penny."

It rung through the room, as if a church bell was ringing just above them. The silence that followed was uncomfortable and unnerving for Leonard.

"He went to..."

"I don't know why!" Leonard blurted. "All I know is, Sheldon disappeared after Penny left. I don't know where Penny went. I don't know where he went. I know that he wrote Omaha, on his whiteboard. He hasn't been at the university, and hasn't contacted his mom."

"He left me for my best friend."

"Amy, you can't..."

"He left me for Penny! That man-stealing bitch!" Amy was panting heavily, her face bright red, and stood on her feet. Leonard cowered a little.

"We don't know that, Amy!"

"Yes we do! Penny leaves, and Sheldon followed her. I should have seen it!"

"Amy..." Leonard tried to reason with her, to no avail.

"You should've seen your best friend wanting your ex-girlfriend," she spat.

"Amy! This has probably all been blown way out of proportion. We both know Sheldon. He doesn't like change. He's probably gone to convince her to come back to Pasadena."

"I need time to think," Amy muttered, as she grabbed her bag and left the apartment.

Leonard groaned. One sentence kept playing over in his mind.

He left me for Penny!

Had he? Had Sheldon really gone for Penny, not as a friend, or as a man who dislikes change, but as a man who wanted her?

Leonard groaned, and pulled a cushion to his face before screaming into it.

"What if?" Leonard thought. "What if he had left Amy for Penny?"