28

Missy left the baby with Sheldon while she and Penny visited a few different therapists that afternoon and had some very interesting conversations. When they got back to Sheldon's apartment they reviewed their findings.

"So, what did you think, Penny?"

"I think that there were a couple of folks there that need therapy even more than I do."

"Yeah. The one with the puppets was particularly creepy."

"Don't remind me. But I really liked the married couple. I think I kinda clicked with her. I really didn't want to leave."

"I know. I felt the same way about him."

"So Melanie and Bob Anderson are gonna be our therapists. I guess I'm a little surprised we were able to find people so quickly."

"Well, maybe we just lucked out. So, do you want to think about the other thing?"

"The other thing?"

"The drinkin'."

"Yeah. I'm trying to cut back."

"Penny, you shouldn't be tryin' to do this by yourself. Have you said anythin' to Leonard?"

"Um, not really, no."

"And does he still pour you glass after glass of wine when you're home?"

"Well, yeah."

"Penny!"

"Listen, one step at a time. Let me set up an appointment with Melanie and I'll talk to her about it. Maybe she'll be able to help."

"Okay. But if you don't do somethin' soon I'm gonna start draggin' you to AA meetings."

"I'm not that bad, Missy."

"Penny, when was the last day that you didn't have a drink?"

"Um, uh, I don't remember. I guess it's been a while."

"Still think it's not that bad?"

"Okay, I guess maybe you have a point. I'll definitely talk to Melanie about it."

"So when are you going to set up an appointment?"

"Now, okay. I'll call now. Are you happy?"

"Well, I'm not unhappy."

"You're starting to sound like your brother."

Penny took out her cell and dialed.

"Hello, this is Penny Queen. I was in earlier and I'd like to set up an appointment with Melanie Anderson.

You have an opening tomorrow? Great.

"Yup. See you tomorrow at 3."

"Fine, I'm all set for tomorrow. What about you, Missy?"

"I'm gonna need to coordinate with child care and Sheldon and work. I'll take care of it later. But I will take care of it. I promise."

"So Sheldon told me about the little dinner party you guys are having."

"It's not a big thing. Shelly just wants to bring the people together that he's going to be working with so me and Junior can meet them. We just want to make sure he doesn't make any wrong choices like last time."

"I dunno. So far he's cut more people out than he's included."

"Penny, you know what happened to him. And you know what that Amy's been tryin' to do since he got back. She wants everything back the way it was. I can't let that happen. He can't let that happen."

"I guess you're right. I just can't believe I didn't see any of it. Especially Amy."

"I think that once you start meetin' with Melanie you'll start figurin' some of that stuff out. You know that it is you that has to figure it out, right?"

"Yeah, I know. So what are you guys gonna be serving on Saturday. Which one of Sheldon's preferred restaurants will be catering?"

"None of 'em. Shelly and me are cookin' some good ol' Texas specialties. And y'all should be ready for spicy."

"You're kidding. Sheldon never cooks. He bakes sometimes or he might do breakfast but dinner has always been delivery."

"Penny, why do you think that is?"

"Well, probably because Leonard is lactose intolerant, can't eat corn, melon and most grains and hates spicy food."

"Yeah, well Sheldon likes all of those things and is a pretty good cook. And everyone in Texas knows their way around barbecue. To be honest, if you're gonna bring Leonard along, there probably won't be a lot he can eat."

"Oh, he can eat it. You just may not want to light a match anywhere near him for a few hours. And you'll want to keep the windows open and break out the scented candles."

"Penny…no, never mind."

"What?"

"No, I was gonna say something that's probably better unsaid."

"Missy, I thought we were friends."

"We are, but what I was gonna say wasn't particularly friendly."

"Spit it out."

"Are you seriously considering having kids who could inherit the same problems Leonard has?"

"I've thought about that. I just don't know. We just barely started talking about kids and we are definitely not on the same page."

"How's that?"

"Leonard seems to think I want a big family just like him."

"And?"

"I was thinking one or two. And lots of animals. Dogs. Cats. Maybe even horses someday."

"And Leonard just wants lots of kids."

"He's allergic to most animals. And he's scared of horses. And spiders."

"And you get to take care of all those kids."

"I guess."

"Penny, why does Leonard get to fulfill all his fantasies and you don't get to realize any of yours?"

"I don't know."