Today is an important day for our group of friends: Leonard, whom I consider to be the nucleus of the group, just left for 4 months in Northern Europe for a very important research work. We are all very proud of him, even my boyfriend Sheldon, Leonard's best friend and roommate. I know how hard it is for him to say so. And at the same time, Leonard's absence will probably change many things in our group's dynamic.

First, it will be very difficult for my best friend, Penny. She has been Leonard's girlfriend for a long time now, and lately they finally found the right balance in their relationship. Four months apart is a big test for them at this stage, and I am not quite sure Penny is ready for that, now that she has finally sorted out how she really felt for him.

Now, I find myself on my way to Penny's apartment. She sent a text message, asking me to come over to her place as soon as possible. Penny and Sheldon drove Leonard to the airport earlier, and I bet it was very emotional for both Leonard and Penny making me think she probably needs me and Bernadette to try to take her mind off of the sting.

As far as Sheldon is concerned, I have no idea how he will react to Leonard's absence, and I have to admit it worries me. He has never been comfortable with changes. He and Leonard have been sharing an apartment for ten years now, and Sheldon relied a lot on Leonard, more than he probably realizes himself. Anyway, no matter how he might react, I will be there for him as well. After all, that is what a girlfriend is for- if he lets me, that is. Usually, we communicate on a daily basis, but I haven't heard from him since Leonard's goodbye party yesterday. He must be trying to deal with this situation on his own, not willing to show his real feelings, even to me; and it hurts me that he doesn't trust me enough to confide to me.

Being a neurobiologist has given me a few perks. One of them is me having a few keys into Sheldon's brain. Sheldon is a very self-centered person and I have to compromise a lot in this relationship. But it is part of who he is; he is brilliant and has the dissymmetry in his brain that goes with it. I have to take it or leave it. Actually, to me, the most difficult aspect to deal with in Sheldon's personality is his aloofness; displays of affection don't come naturally to him. For instance, we have known each other for three years now, and so far we have only shared two hugs, one cuddling and two kisses-including one I don't even remember. Up to two weeks ago, Sheldon never seemed to want to change that aspect of our relationship, making me question what he truly wanted in our relationship. Until he finally found his own way to let me know how he actually felt about me.

As I stood in front of the apartment building, I waited for Bernadette who was parking her car. On our way to Penny's apartment, we talk about how difficult this will be for Penny. Bernadette tells me how tough it had been for her last year when Howard went to space.

Reaching the fourth floor landing, I cannot help but stare at Sheldon's door. I had the urge to go in there and check on him. But since he did not ask me to come, I won't, no matter how tempted I am. Bernadette knocks on Penny's door. And what a surprise it is having Rajesh opening the door, a plastic bottle of water in his hand.

"Oh, hello ladies! Come on in!"

Thanks for the reviews, I really appreciate it. So here we are: this story will be told through both Sheldon and Amy's POV, alternatively. The idea behind that is to outline the similarities and differences in the way they consider their relationship. I will try never to be redundant in the description though. I hope you will enjoy reading it.