I apologize for the delay in posting but half way thru chapter 4 the gremlin in my head demanded a re-write because it did not like where the story was leading. I hope you enjoy. As always I own nothing, make no money from this and bow before the genius that is Chuck Lorre, Bill Prady and all of the writers, actors and crew that bring the TBBT to life. Thank you.

Garden Party

The drive to the University was uneventful except for Stephen constantly checking on

Penny in his rear view mirror.

"Penelope, we will be parking the car behind the reviewing stand so you will not have far

to walk. Aunt Alex says that everything is going as scheduled so I thought you might

like to relax near the memorial until they are ready for you at the reviewing stand."

Seeing Penny nod he continued, "are you sure you are up for this Penelope you look

tired."

"No need to worry Stephen I just did not sleep very well" she replied.

"What did the doctor say?" he asked.

"What Tessa always says, I need to get out more, and not spend so much time alone"

she sighed.

"We are here, are you ready to get this circus started?" he asked.

Penny just smiled and exited the car to the joy of the onlookers, everyone was her

friend, they had grown up watching her shows, living thru her movies. She was their

Miss Penelope and she did her best not to disappoint.

Introductions completed Stephen escorted her to the memorial.

Penny sat quietly, organizing her thoughts in preparation for her speech. In the past she

would have reveled in the moment, the attention, the adoration of her fans, soaking up

their energy. That had started to fade in the last few years. She now shied away from

interviews and photographers, preferring the shadows to the spot light.

In fact it had been two years since her last public appearance. Only her

love for the University and the Dean of Physics personal request got her out her today

to open this new building. Penny closed her eyes for a moment to gather her thoughts

when the sounds of glasses clinking and people laughing caught her attention. Rising

from the bench she followed the sounds thru the door and out into the courtyard. In

front of here were dozens of people, drinking, talking, laughing, and in general having a

good time. She looked off to her left and saw Howard and his Mom at one of the far

tables, talking with Dr. and Mrs. Koothrapali. Off to their left were Sheldon's MeeMaw

and Mary Cooper talking and pointing her out to Leonard. As Penny surveyed the area,

more and more of the faces became recognizable. People she had not seen or thought

of in years, all gathered together to surprise her. She smiled and waved trying to get

Leonard's attention, till at last Mary Cooper grabbed his arm and turned him towards

Penny. Seeing him still took her breathe away. Penny started toward him throwing her

arm out to hug him. Then she saw his face and she could tell he was very angry with

her. Suddenly all talking had ceased. It felt as if there was no sound at all.

"What are you doing here Penny?" he demanded. "You promised not to do this ever

again. You broke your word."

"Leonard, I don't understand why are you being this way I just want to be with you. I

cannot keep living like this, I need to be with you." she said.

She looked around at all of the familiar faces and saw them slowly changing from warm

and inviting to cold and distant.

" Why Leonard, I have done everything you asked of me. Why won't you take me

back." she cried.

" You just don't get it do you. I don't want you around, none of us wants you here." he

replied. "You don't belong here" he shouted.

Slowly each person in the group turned their eyes away from her, returning to their

conversations and boisterous laughter. She turned back to Leonard but he had turned

his back on her. Unable to breathe Penny ran from them, heartbroken.

Leonard stood silently as she ran away, drinking up her every move.

Meryl and Wyatt were by his side trying to consoling him.

"Son you know it had to be done, there was no other way" said Wyatt.

"Yes Sir, I know but it doesn't make it any easier" Leonard lamented.

Meryl just smiled and hugged him as to protect him from his pain.

Penny, crying hysterically, ran down the hall till she was breathless. Reaching the

memorial she found the bench she had been at before, sat down and placed her

head forward trying to catch her breath. She closed her eyes, trying to hide her despair.

She felt a hand on her shoulder, tight as if trying to anchor her to that spot. Opening

her eyes she found Stephen looking back at her, anger in his eyes.

"You did it again didn't you Penelope. You went to him. Why do you torture us this way?

Why is our family not enough for you?" he asked not really wanting an answer.

He handed her a handkerchief. "Dry your eyes, Aunt Alex says they will be ready for

you in ten minutes." Looking down the hall Stephen spoke, "Alice can you stay with

Penelope and help her prepare? I need to get some air", not waiting for an answer he

stormed off anger in his eyes.