AN: I don't really have the time to write this but I found myself having a few really rough days this week so I needed to get into my own personal therapy. I had to drive to another city and the drive back caused a panic attack that had all but vanished since I started writing this so I figure this could only help. I had to drive up two more times and I was ok up but couldn't drive back. Thankfully a friend of mine drove for me. It's still a struggle but it's getting better with all the support I have in life and here. It's awesome.
On that note, I want to let you know how much I appreciate everyone's feedback from the reviews, favs, and alerts. It really does mean the world to me to see the e-mails come in. So thank you. Everyone.
I didn't re-read this like I usually do so if there are a ton of typos I'm sorry I was just trying to get this out as soon as possible!
On with the story...
SPOV:
The day seemed to slip by without me even knowing it. Howard and Bernadette arrived a few hours after her father and Raj arrived. I only left her room to go home and shower and collect a few things required for my morning rituals. I was satisfied with leaving her with Bernadette, Howard, and her father. Surely if something we to go wrong one of the three should pick up on it. As it turns out, Penny did need a transfusion and was left with little energy that caused her to sleep a majority of the day. That, coupled with the day's activities and the 'girl chatter' was too much for her. When I returned a short time later she had been sleeping for about thirty minutes and did not wake for close to two hours later.
This left me with little choice but to participate in small talk with her father. As she slept her father whispered his own Spanish Inquisition.
"Sheldon, I need to ask you something." Wyatt began. I looked up from my laptop resting in my lap and peered over at him expectantly. "I've heard a little bit about you. Mostly from Leonard, actually." I flinched and closed the laptop and set it aside. What horrible things did my roommate have to say about me? What horrible things had I made him say about me?
"Go on." I urged.
"From what I've heard you're not the kind of person to take care of another. You would rather sacrifice your best friend for your work. I know you don't date and you're not the easiest person to live with." He smiled and looked back at his daughter, who shifted ever so slightly in her sleep. "She tells me you are quirky but you are a good friend. She has told me about how you have helped her when she was in a tough financial situation, drove her to the hospital when she dislocated her shoulder even though you do not have a drivers license, you've tried to teach her about your, or rather, Leonard's work when she asked you to, and more importantly, she's told me everything you have done for her since the accident."
"These are not questions but merely statements." He laughed.
"Yeah, I've also heard you're impatient as well." He rubbed his face and then both palms together. He almost seemed nervous. "I'm getting to it, I promise." His eyes locked onto mine and the smile faded from his lips.
"The men she has dated in the past have always been after one thing. I am a man, I know what men want. I'm not blind that my daughter is very beautiful woman and she hasn't always made the best decisions. She could date people like the ones she's been with here in Nebraska; idiots with no future. But then she met you and Leonard and began a relationship with you and your friends. She began a relationship with Leonard and I was thrilled to think that she might be with someone who could better her as a person and someone who could look at her beyond her appearance. Since I've been here I see that Leonard never could see beyond her features. He saw her as all those other morons did only with a doctorate.
"Now, don't get me wrong, he cares about her and as a father that is all I can ask for. Someone that will not take advantage of her and treat her right. Someone to be a good friend to her and offer help when she needs it and help them when they- he needs it. It seemed to be a nice balance and I was at one point pulling for them to be together."
"Yes, I remember that. The ruse kept me up almost all night revising our roommate agreement." I grimaced.
"What are your intentions?" He bluntly asked. I looked back at him, shock surely registering on my face. Before I could answer he continued. "I hear conflicting information about you. I hear that your crazy, work driven, and self absorbed. But I also hear that you are thoughtful and kind and I'm more inclined to believe that than I am anything else. That little blond girl, Bernadette, wouldn't stop gushing about how cute you were acting."
"Well, she couldn't speak to what she's heard as she has not been here to see first hand." I countered.
"Raj has and he gossips more than Penny does." Well, he had me there. "Plus, I've seen and heard things myself. So I ask you again, what are your intentions?"
"Well, you are correct on a few things. One, I do not date. I find the idea of dating to be a distraction that one in my profession and with my goals that can not be afforded. I would put my work before anything else." I looked meaningfully at Penny. "Except when it comes to her." I was surprised to hear the words slip out of my mouth. I looked over at Wyatt who's whole body had shifted to face me expectantly, begging me to go on. I sighed and wondered how many people this situation would force me to have this conversation with.
"When she first moved in I was attracted to her but Leonard beat me to the punch so to speak. As it was, I was not looking to be involved with anyone. Soon, she became a part of our lives and she was involved with everyone from dinners to game nights, she was there. Each time she got closer I had to try harder to keep her away from me. I'm a scientist and I needed to be able to focus on work and the breakthroughs, however miniscule they might have been, that would lead me closer to a Noble Prize. However, when I needed her for anything she seemed to be willing to drop anything to help me. She even took me on this ridiculous date with a woman Raj and Howard set me up with through from dating website. Everywhere I seemed to turn she was there and she saw past who I pretended to be and saw me for who I was. No one, other than my Meemaw, has been able to do that. No one has cared enough to. I want to show her the same courtesy she has shown me and I do not trust the people in this hospital to take care of her the way she needs to be taken care of."
"Is that why she has an endless supply of tabloids and gossip magazines?" He chuckled pointing to the large stack of meaningless reading material on her bedside tray.
"Oh, heavens no. That was Raj. Though I might have suggested it. I have no idea what to look for when it comes to that hokum." I was silent for a moment considering my next words and I assume he believed I was finished speaking.
"So you want to take care of her to return a favor?" He asked. Skepticism dripped from every word.
"Not exactly. I suppose she deserves someone who 'cares for her' as you put it to be there for her through this. Breaking both legs is not something you can just bounce back from and who else could we trust to make sure her needs are met both here and at home. I was notified earlier today that they began working on the elevator in our apartment complex. When I mentioned it to Leonard the day you arrived he had not even considered that to be a potential problem."
"So, I don't need to worry about her anymore than I need to?" His voice was hopeful.
"She is strong. She will do most of the work on her own. But guidance and assistance will be given when required. I do not believe you need to worry about her." I concluded realizing I didn't actually answer his question. What I really wanted to say is that I would take care of her. But those words sounded foreign to me. He relaxed and turned back to her bed to watch her sleep.
"I'm glad she has you in her life. All of you, really." We didn't speak again until she woke. I returned to my work and he dozed in the oversized recliner next to her. The hospital staff wondered in and out but were careful to not wake her. Finally, around five pm she woke. She stretched her body and instantly regretted it.
"You really need to be more careful." She smiled weakly.
"How long have I been out?" She ignored my scolding.
"A few hours. How are you feeling?" Wyatt's hand was nearing the call button.
"Stiff. I would give anything to walk around." She gave another fake smile and I saw the sadness in her eyes. They met mind in a wordless plea to help her move. Without waiting for the words I stood and pulled pillows out and moved her legs in ways that were comfortable for her in the past. Her father critiqued my every move. She sighed and turned her hips to take the pressure off of her coccyx. "Oh, that is so much better. Thank you, sweetie." I gave her a polite nod and sat back down. She studied me as I did so, her father's presence was ignored.
"You know you don't have to stay here all the time. I know you have work to do."
"Yes, I know that and yes I do have work to do. That is why I have my laptop open and I am currently writing a paper regarding my recent experiment on the Higgs Boson Particle. The University has been quite understanding about the circumstances and has allowed me to take time off work. As you know, I'm never not working so I might as well work here while you sleep than back at the apartment with Leonard and all his inane questions." I glanced over at Wyatt, "Though I'm starting to think home might be better." He smirked at me.
"Dad, you haven't been bothering Sheldon have you?" She whined, finally acknowledging him.
"It's a father's duty. Besides, I have to go back to work in a few days so I am flying back home tomorrow. I just needed to know that my little slugger was going to be ok." He tapped her hand and gently held it.
"Forgive me, but I don't believe that nickname is endearing to her. I've heard on numerous-" Penny shot me a look telling me to shut up immediately. "Never mind." I turned my eyes back to my paper.
"It's fine, dad." She whispered to an unasked question. Before their conversation could continue a nurse popped in with a tray of food. I remembered I was going to find her something more appropriate than this hospital garbage.
"Glad too see you're finally awake!" Debbie beamed. "How are you feeling? Do you need anything while I'm here?" Penny fondled with her mug of water and asked if someone could get her some fresh water. Debbie smiled and took her mug and walked out of the door. Penny was instantly in tears.
"What's wrong?" I was thankful for her father at that moment so I wouldn't have to deal with the awkwardness of her emotional breaks.
"I need to use the bathroom again!" She sobbed. "I've never hated something so trivial more in my life than I do at this moment!" Wyatt and I exchanged glances and prepared ourselves to leave the room once Debbie returned. Wyatt seemed as uncomfortable as I was, if not more so.
"I'm going to tell your nurse before she comes back." He muttered and back out of the door. Penny continued to cry quietly. I walked over and touched her cheek.
"This will get easier. In the mean time you just need to push aside your embarrassment and let them help you with whatever you need."
"Oh, please! Could you do that? Push aside your embarrassment and let someone else take care of you?" She shouted as her eyes rolled.
"Yes, I could. I have, in fact. When I was sick and you took care of me. I was not embarrassed. It's not a sign of weakness to need someone from time to time. Even great minds need help."
Debbie and Rodney walked back in at that moment and began preparing as they had done so this morning; getting out the bedpan, wetting wash cloths, and putting on gloves.
"Would you like to get cleaned up when we're done here? Rodney can wash your hair for you and I have some cherry blossom body wash. We can have you at least feeling and smelling better by bedtime." Penny sniffled and smiled.
"That sounds amazing! How do you wash someone's hair in bed though?" She asked.
"Oh, these beds can move in all kinds of ways. I can have your feet pointed to the ceiling and your head practically touching the floor if I wanted to." Rodney smirked. "But it's really easy, I've done it hundreds of times before. I'll just lower the top of the bed, put a few absorbent pads under your head and use a pail to wash your hair. I'm an expert with my hands you'll love it." His choice of words made me uncomfortable but I believe the idea of being clean was more of a priority than this man's professionalism.
"Why don't you step outside while we get her cleaned up and then when he washes her hair you can come back in." Debbie suggested leading me to the exit. I didn't want to leave her. I wanted to stay with her, watch how they took care of her and memorize every detail. Afterall, I planned on doing this myself if need be.
"Penny, would you mind if I stayed?" I asked her sheepishly. "You know how much of I gentleman I can be. I-" Once again I couldn't find the words and I shuffled my feet from side to side, my head cocked slightly. I chanced a glance at her face and her expression was unreadable.
"Sheldon, I- I don't know. Just let me go to the bathroom and you can come back in, ok?" I nodded, accepting a small defeat and left the room. I listened for the grunts, screams, and confirmations they were done, as I always do when I stand outside her room. Her father had vanished, probably to find food for himself. I sent Raj a text asking him to bring us our usual Thai order. We obviously wouldn't be going to the Cheesecake Factory tonight. Debbie opened the door and stated that she needed to go get some body wash and would be right back. I stepped slowly back in the room and eyed Penny's bag.
"You know, I brought all of your own products from home."
"I know, but I love cherry blossom." She smiled.
"You used to use it often when you first moved in. I have to say it was always my favorite." Rodney was still in the room getting everything together to clean her up and wash her hair. Debbie returned holding a small sample bottle and waved it in the air triumphantly. Penny never took her eyes off of me. She seemed shocked that I would remember that. I shrugged and sat down on the couch and watched as they prepared to give her a sponge bath.
Debbie untied her gown and pulled her arms out of it. The blankets were pulled back and exposed her bandaged covered legs. To give her a bit of modesty they pulled the gown up to cover her breast, not just because of me but Rodney was still in the room. Debbie retrieved some warm water and a few wash cloths and towels. She dunked one of the clothes in the water and poured the body wash on it and lathered it up. Rodney lowered the front of the bed so that Penny head was down and her legs were up. Both began working simultaneously to clean her. Debbie raised her arms and wiped them down as Rodney poured warm water over her hair. Penny had a serene smile on her face and would occasionally whimper but it sounds far from painful.
When it came time to wash her chest Debbie pulled the gown up, still blocking the men in the room view of her bare chest. I was grateful for her decency. Rodney paid no mind to anything other than her hair and he rinsed away the soap and began wrapping a towel around her head. Debbie began to towel dry her body and smiled when she was done. She handed her a clean gown and helped her tie it on, discarding the old one in a linen hamper.
"How's that? Better?" She asked as her bed was righted and Penny was laying flat. She smiled up at Debbie and nodded. "Good. However, I have saved the worst for last. Now that you are clean we need to get these sheets changed." Penny's face paled and I was instantly by her side.
"How do you plan on doing that with her in the bed?" I demanded worriedly.
"The best thing to do is pull it down from the top to her waist and then roll her on her side to get them out from under her. We'll be really quick but I can promise this is going to be painful. I'm sorry." Debbie did seem truly sorry. Penny looked terrified and reached out for my hand which I gave her without a second thought. They began to pull the sheets back at the top of the bed and replace the corners with a new one. As they pulled the old one down the new one followed. Once at hips they stopped and gave her a sympathetic look.
"Do you want to move to your right or left?" She asked. Penny looked to me, on her right, and pointed in my direction. They nodded and counted to three. On three Rodney pulled her hips and her legs followed. Penny screamed out and before I could even offer her a comforting word they were done and she was flat on her back again. Tears streamed out of her eyes as she struggled to catch her breath. The monitors were screaming as her heart rate skyrocketed and Debbie offered soothing words to calm her. Her hand loosened on mine slightly but did not let it go.
Finally, the two left the room and she turned her attention to me. Fresh tears slipped down her eyes but she didn't sob. She just looked apologetic. I ran my hand down her face and sat down next to her on the bed. The need to comfort her was back but my mind refused to form words that could even remotely assist. I sighed and gave into instinct.
I bent down, my face nearing hers, and kissed her forehead and her cheek and the salty stains that ran down them. When I looked in her eyes they seemed to sparkle. She reached up to return the gesture on my cheek but before I could allow her lips to touch my skin my face turned into hers and our lips met. It was soft and short. Shock echoed on both our faces and my body seemed to warm at the tingle that lingered on my parted lips. I wanted to feel them again but this was not the time or the place.
"Later." She whispered, her thoughts seemingly mirroring my own. I nodded and felt a buzz in my pocket. Checking my phone I saw that Raj was on his way up with Wyatt and our dinner. I kept my position next to her until they returned, afraid that if I let her go the memory would end with our connection.
I believe I could get used to this. Screw homeostasis.
AN: Bacon, Gun, and Nate, love you guys!
