Ramona sat in the darkened living room listening to the silence. A plan, what she needed was a concrete plan that she could enforce to ensure this past weekends near disaster didn't happen again.
Since arriving home Sheldon had been his normal self. He had done his washing, completed his work and gone for a run. Watching him closely the only difference Ramona could see was he did not leave his phone lying around now. In fact thinking about it she realised he had been more cautious with it for a while.
Now, sat alone, knowing he was in bed and at least for now not being influence by anyone who may persuade him what he was doing was wrong, Ramona knew she needed to think fast.
Booting the laptop into life Ramona began reviewing the information she had gathered on Amy Farrah Fowler. Even reading it back now Ramona shrugged. How on earth this dull creature could be either an attractive proposition to someone as intelligent as Sheldon, or indeed a threat to her plan, seemed hard to believe. Maybe she had misjudged what she had seen. She would question Sheldon further in the morning.
Not wanting to take any unnecessary risks though Ramona decided to tighten up the hold she had on Sheldon, at least for now. A few emails later and a satisfied Ramona made her way through the darkened house to bed.
73
"I'm sorry I am not sure I understand." Sheldon said slowly the following morning.
"What's not to understand. Gablehauser called, he has spoken to the board and they are happy for you to call your lecturing duty finished."
"But why? Am I not still employed by Caltech?" A note of panic creeping into his voice Sheldon looked desperately around for a phone so he could call the university himself.
"Yes of course. And they are pleased with your work. I am guessing they just want to ensure you are fully focused and able to complete your work."
"But I only spoke to Gablehauser Friday."
"I am just passing on a message Sheldon. You should be pleased. No more pointless trips taking up your time. You can fully focus on your work."
Nodding Sheldon said a quiet "OK." And standing went to return to his room.
"Where are you going?" Ramona asked, she had been expecting the news to generate a barrage of questions not meek acceptance.
"For a run. I need to process this news then I can return and work. That's the whole point isn't it."
Waiting for Sheldon to change and leave for his run Ramona went into his room. It was spotless as always. Clothes neatly folded or hanging in order he proposed to wear them. Books, all science, neatly shelved. As she looked to the desk she saw his lap top but no phone. Frowning she moved to the bag he had by the side of the desk and with no thought to invading his privacy she began searching in earnest for his phone. 15 minutes later and still no phone she had to draw the conclusion he had taken it with him. But why?
Was he calling her? Or, and this was possibly worse, calling Gablehauser?
Making her way back to the living room Ramona knew she had to put a stop to this. On his return Sheldon went to take a shower. This time she saw he left his cell on the side. Checking the water was still running Ramona took the phone and moving to her room took out the memory chip and sim card; she replaced the phone carefully with a sim card that she knew was faulty.
Knowing he would now not be able to contact his friends, nor they him, she was able to fully focus on the next stage of her plan.
73
"Leonard have you heard from Sheldon?" Penny asked Tuesday evening as she sat next to her boyfriend in his apartment.
"No, but I guess we will see him tomorrow why?"
"Because Amy is worried. She has tried to call him and did not get a reply."
"Maybe Ramona was about. You know what she is like."
"I know and I suggested that to Amy too but she seemed really worried."
"Is she coming over tonight?"
"No, I asked her, told her Bernie was coming but she said she had work to do."
Shrugging Leonard moved to get some drinks ready just as the door opened and Raj, Howard and Bernie appeared.
"Hi guys!" Penny grinned shifting over so Bernadette could sit next to her, "You OK?"
"No! Howie you have to tell them."
"Bernie!"
"No Howard. I don't care what the circumstances where or how likely or unlikely the truth of the situation is, you have to tell them."
"Tell us what?" Penny asked curiously.
"Howard overheard Gablehauser on the phone. He is sure he was talking to Ramona."
"But I don't know for certain!" Howard interjected. "And if I am wrong and I misunderstood the whole conversation then we could make things a whole lot worse."
"What did you hear Howard?" Penny demanded
"Well I heard Gablehauser saying they were sorry Sheldon felt that way. That his sudden change of heart was unlike him. Then he said as soon as they had any news from the committee they would contact her."
"You definitely heard Sheldon's name mentioned?"
"Yes."
"You are sure?"
"Yes! Look why the sudden concern he was fine Friday."
"Because Amy is worried she hasn't heard from him."
"None of us have. For months!"
"I know but, and don't quote me on this, but I think Amy and him may have been talking?"
"Really?" Raj asked excitedly "So he hasn't given up on love!"
"Raj shut up!" Leonard said, then to Penny "Why do you say that?"
"Just a feeling I had, listen I am going to go call her from mine. Tell her what Howard heard."
Then leaving the others staring after her Penny crossed the hall to make her call.
73
"And he heard Sheldon's name? Definitely?"
"Yes, I checked. But Amy what does it mean?"
"I think Ramona has figured out I was talking to him."
"You were?"
"Yes," Amy admitted reluctantly. "Well kind of. He set up a new twitter account and I found it and although we had only exchanged a few messages I was hoping maybe I could find out if things were OK."
"So how the hell did she find out?"
"I don't know Penny" Amy sighed, "but if she has and has blocked that and any other form of communication then I think this is a lot more serious than Sheldon just wanting to get a Nobel."
"Do you think he is in danger?"
"Not really, but I think he is probably unaware of just how deluded she is. And it worries me what lengths she will go too to keep him there."
"What can we do?"
"I don't know. If he isn't going into work even then I am not sure how we contact him. Let me think about it, and if the guys have any thoughts let me know."
"OK, but Amy don't sit on your own worrying. You can always come here."
"I know bestie," Amy smiled, "but I really do have work to do." Saying goodbye Penny went to tell the others what Amy had told her.
"I bet she saw Amy leave here Saturday!" Penny said, banging her hand in frustration onto Leonard's knee causing him to jump and glare. "If she came to collect Sheldon and saw Amy leave she may have thought Amy and Sheldon were together. She will not like that and it would explain why she wants to keep him away."
The tone for the rest of the evening was muted as they contemplated just how to get round Ramona's plans.
73
Sheldon was not aware of his phone not working until the following day. He had completed his work early and was sat contemplating whether or not to broach the subject of Caltech again with Ramona. He really did want to continue going, even if only to keep some contact with his old life. Reaching for the phone on the side he hit the icon to connect him to the internet but nothing happened. It was after several attempts Sheldon realised it was the phone, not the network, that was the problem. Trying to send an email then a text all proved fruitless. Hitting the phone icon he tried to call the house phone. Nothing. Leaving the room and entering the living room he took the main phone and tried calling his cell. Nothing.
"What are you doing?" Ramona asked entering the room and seeing Sheldon with 2 phones in his hand.
"My phone seems to be broken. It was fine yesterday."
"Well next time I go into town I will take it in to get fixed, luckily for you you are working here full time so you can use the main phone." Ramona replied casually.
Sheldon nodded, unable to deny the logic in her argument and not wanting to say he really wanted to tweet Amy. As the thought went through his head he realised his laptop would suffice for now at least, so smiling at Ramona he said, "Thanks. You are right. And I guess it is one less distraction." Then placing the broken phone on the work surface he returned to his room.
Once there he quickly logged onto the internet and sent a tweet.
LittleMothsSurprise my phone is not working so I cannot communicate as I was. I hope biology is treating you well.
Looking at his message he realised how lame it sounded but to write 'I keep waking up thinking of you,' or 'I thought I heard your voice' sounded worse so he hit send and just hoped she saw and understood.
He was meant to be calling Meemaw today too. Deciding he would not email but call from the house phone later Sheldon set about organising his notes. With the majority of his research complete he wanted to make sure each and everyone of the stages were catalogued and in order should anyone question the legitimacy of his findings. So happily filing his paper work into colour coordinated folders, Sheldon was surprised when 2 hours later Ramona knocked on the door.
"You look happy." She noted, amazed a grown man could indeed look so happy sat cross legged on the floor putting paper into coloured folders.
"Yes I am!" Sheldon smiled.
"I just came to tell you lunch is ready."
"Oh, OK." Placing the paper in his hands down Sheldon stood and followed Ramona back to the kitchen. Sitting eating in companionable silence Sheldon said "How long have you lived here?" He realised he had absolutely no idea about Ramona's background.
"2 years." Ramona answered, "after I won I bought this house."
Nodding Sheldon said "That makes sense. Do you not get lonely here on your own though?"
"I am not on my own, you are here."
"Yes for now I am, but what about before."
"Well I did live with someone before. And it was OK, but things change and it was time to move on."
Nodding Sheldon made no further comment. The living arrangements of other people did not really interest him, although the thought of living alone always fascinated him. Amy did it and seemed happy. He liked having a room mate, someone to share his interests. Amy, he realised, had a balance. She was able to fit into his world seamlessly but was happy to have her own space too. As he sat chewing he contemplated what it would be like living alone. Maybe it was just a case of having a bigger room. His space now was his bedroom. He could choose to enter or leave it when he sought company. Living alone would be like that, choosing to leave that apartment to join others when you so desired. Maybe that was not so bad.
Rinsing his plate Sheldon returned to his room. Sitting back down on the floor he continued sorting papers. It was only hearing the front door close that made him stand and look out of the window. Seeing Ramona getting into her car Sheldon decided now would be a good time to call Meemaw.
"Moonpie! I thought you had forgotten me!"
"Meemaw you know I could never forget you. I am late because my cell phone is broken and I wanted privacy to chat."
"How did you break your phone?"
"I don't know," Sheldon sighed, "it is inconvenient but as I am here now all the time I can use this phone."
"You are not going to work?" Meemaw sounded more than a little surprised. "You love your job Sheldon, don't give it up."
"I wont give it up but I am close Meemaw."
"Its just a prize Sheldon. There is more to life than prizes. We have spoken about this before."
"I know." Sheldon admitted quietly.
"Are you seeing your friends still?"
"Yes." Sheldon grinned "I stayed at the apartment at the weekend. We had fun, I slept in my room we played games and went to the comic book store."
"Did you see Amy?" Meemaw asked gently.
"No she was with Penny."
"But you keep in contact? She is still talking to you."
"Yes. We communicate. Well we did until my phone broke."
"Sheldon don't let that be an excuse for breaking ties. If this works and you win your precious prize you will still need friends, maybe more so."
"Meemaw do you not want me to win?" Sheldon sounded hurt and confused. Meemaw had always been his biggest advocate yet now she sounded disapproving.
"Sheldon I just want you to be happy and I am worried."
"I am OK Meemaw. I really am."
73
A/N: OK before I run for cover I know this chapter is Ramona heavy; but for Sheldon to come to his senses and realise what is going on I am afraid she will feature a little bit more in the next few chapters.
Now I am going to duck behind a rock and wait for the hating on me to end ;-)
Ali x