After the speeches and questions there was time for mingling, she excused herself to go to the bathroom and came out to find Ben waiting for her nervously. "Can I meet Sheldon now?"
She smiled gently and took a deep breath. Yes sweetie, let's go find Sheldon and the others, would you like to meet Dr. Hoffstadter too?"
Ben frowned, "Well, I don't object per say, but Sheldon says he's an idiot and I'd rather not waste my time with him when Sheldon is here."
Penny smiled, wondering if Sheldon was taking over the world, one nerd at a time. They made their way towards the group Sheldon was with, Penny was relieved to see everyone there, except Leonard, good, she thought, small steps. Amy spotted her first and came towards her, squeeling 'Bestie!' and giving her a hug that nearly broke her ribs. She laughed and told Amy it was good to see her too before embracing Raj briefly, telling them all it was good to see them, and asking how they were. When she got to Bernadette she could clearly see how well she was doing. "Oh my God, they let you on the plane in that condition! You look amazing, congratulations! When are you due?"
"Two months", Howard told her, beaming as he hugged her back.
"Congratulations you old dog, you! You'll be an amazing Father. Is your mom pleased?"
"Couldn't be more so," Bernadette broke in, "in fact I'm starting to think we may need visiting rights to get her back once she's born."
Penny moved along the group to Sheldon and gave him a big hug, and just because, a kiss on the cheek. "Oh Dear Lord. Penny, what are you doing?"
Penny just giggled, and stepped back to introduce her guest. "Sheldon, may I introduce Benjamin Cookson. Benjamin, this is Doctor Sheldon Cooper."
Clearly nervous, Ben stepped forward and shook Sheldon's hand, she watched amused as despite them both reaching for the sanitiser afterwards they moved slightly aside to talk together. Still lost in thought she didn't notice Leonard approaching.
"Penny?"
Her heart stopped. Taking a breath, she smiled before turning towards him. "Leonard" was all she managed before she launched into his arms and held on tightly. Conscious of the tears in her eyes she didn't understand the importance of how tight and how long he held her close to him. Blinking furiously, she told him he looked amazing, that she was so proud of him, she thanked him for inviting her – she knew she was babbling but couldn't stop. So instead she pulled back and took a deep another deep breath though no words came out. They just stood staring at each other in a half embrace, smiling. They didn't even notice as the others shared a look before moving to the bar for a drink.
"So, how you been?" Leonard asked awkwardly.
"Good, really good." Penny told him, before thinking that through, "I mean, not at first. That was horrible, but now. Now I'm good. Really good in fact", she qualified as she realised she was babbling again. "You? You look amazing," she repeated.
"Oh, I'm good, I'm you know; the same old..."
His voice trailed off as he saw the head of the committee approaching, "Dr Hoffstadter, here you are! There's someone I'd like you to meet, and I think you'll find it very beneficial."
Leonard started to say something but Penny cut him off, "Go, it's okay, I'll catch you later sweetie."
Leonard frowned, "Dr. Jenson, could you just give me two minutes please?"
"Of course," he replied smiling before walking back towards a group near the stage.
"Listen Penny, we, the guys and me are getting together in my room for a few drinks after this finishes. Will you come? Please?"
"Oh," Penny stutters, "It's just that I have to get my friend's son to his mom, and I wasn't really planning on staying too late..."
"Please Penny. It's been 4 years and I just want to catch up with my old friend and see how she is..."
Penny smiled stiffly, "I'll try, but no promises. Now go, smooze and enjoy yourself, this is your night. Everyone wants Leonard right?"
Leonard half smiled wondering if that included her but the pain in his eyes suggested he thought not. Penny watched him walk away, lifting her chin she made a decision, she took out her mobile phone and text Ben's parents, explaining she was going to stay and catch up with friends after they meeting them with Ben. After all they had brought separate cars so they could do their own thing. Janice had insisted despite Penny's assurances she would want to be able to spend time with her friends, not trawl around the University buildings, interrogating passing professors with Ben. She'd laughed at the time, and said it would be just like hanging out with her old friends but the truth was she was hiding from them. Afraid they wouldn't accept the new Penny or worse were angry that she'd abandoned them; but no. They had been warm and welcoming, even Sheldon; even Leonard: who had the most reason to be angry and suddenly she realised how much she had missed them; all of them.
