Penny stood in the doorway and watched as Howard studied each and every wire he found. She smiled softly as she ran a hand over her flat stomach. She had never really given much thought to being a mom. Sure, she had been through her fair share of scares, but she had never had to think about it past the "thank god it's negative" phase.
She had been stunned to find herself growing more and more attached to the idea of being a mom. She wasn't stupid. She knew this was going to completely change her life. No more partying until dawn. No more drinking until she couldn't see straight. She had to grow up and become responsible. That's why she had taken the promotion when it was offered to her. That's why she had buckled down and started really studying. She needed this education now, so that she could provide for her child.
"Okay," Howard said, standing up and walking over. "It's not as bad as you feared. I can rewire the place, but I'm going to need help. The guys would be able to help me get this place back to normal in just a day or two. Otherwise it might take me a couple of weeks. It's your call."
Penny bit her lower lip and looked around the room. Wires and metal boxes were everywhere. Apparently the guy had run some sort of bookie joint out of here and there were eleven phone lines as well. She sighed softly and nodded. "Okay. Would you mind asking them?"
Howard looked at her closely. "Penny, I know you said he wasn't, but is Leonard the father? Is that why you are so hesitant to ask?"
She shook her head firmly. "Honestly, Howard, Leonard is not the father. Leonard and I haven't had sex since before he left for that trip. We broke up almost as soon as he got back. Look, it's just… awkward being around 4A. I still care for all of you. I just have a lot of things going on. Changes that I'm adjusting to. It's just hard to do things the old me did when I'm not the old me anymore," she ended softly.
Howard's expression grew alarmed. "Are you dropping us?"
Penny shook her head quickly. "No! Of course not! I just… I have to figure out where I fit now. I love you guys too much. I just have to find my place now."
"How can you do that when you never come around?" he pointed out gently.
Penny's eyes widened as she considered his words. "I… I don't know."
"Think about it, please?" he asked.
"Okay," Penny agreed.
The guys were just getting ready to play Zelda: Ocarina of Time while Bernadette, Alex and Amy settled in to watch when there was a knock on the door. Sheldon grimaced at the interruption but went to open the door. He froze for a second before stepping back eagerly. "Please come in, Penny. This is a surprise."
Penny smiled a little and walked into the apartment. "Hey, Sheldon. Hi, everyone."
Amy hurried over and threw her arms around Penny. "Bestie! I've missed you."
Penny hugged Amy briefly before looking around the room. "Hope I'm not interrupting anything important."
"You are just in time to participate in Vintage Video Game Night," Sheldon said with a gesture toward the couch.
She shook her head and looked at Howard. Everyone watched curiously as Howard walked over and nodded to her encouragingly. Penny took a deep breath and squared her shoulders. "I'm sorry I haven't been around much. I've been going through some changes and it's kept me kind of busy."
Leonard looked at Alex before taking a step forward. "Penny, I never meant…"
"It's not that," she interrupted. She looked at Alex and smiled calmly. "I'm not upset about you two. I hope you are both happy. You were right, Leonard. We make better friends than lovers. Guys, I'm moving into 2A downstairs. It's bigger than my place and I need the room." Penny took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I'm pregnant. I'm having a baby."
Penny was able to count to four before pandemonium broke out.
Knock. Knock. Knock. "Penny?"
She stood up and walked over to the door wearily. It had been almost 24 hours since she had told the group her news.
Knock. Knock. Knock. "Penny?"
Leonard had almost fainted. Raj had burst into tears (of joy, she hoped). Bernadette and Amy had congratulated her. Alex had stormed out without a word. And Sheldon…
Knock. Knock. Knock. "Penny?"
Sheldon had simply walked back to his room, shut the door, and ignored anyone who knocked.
She opened the door and looked at the man she had once considered her favorite. "Yes, Sheldon?"
His face was expressionless as he stared at some point on her forehead. "May I come in? I wish to discuss something with you."
She almost said no. She almost asked him to come back later, that she was busy. After a couple of tense seconds she stepped back and let him inside. "What can I do for you?" she asked calmly.
Sheldon stood beside her sofa, his hands clasped behind his back. "Who is the father?"
Penny paled and walked to the kitchen. She pulled a bottle of juice from the fridge and poured some in a glass. "I don't know." she said.
"You are lying."
A/N: It's about to hit the fan.
