Sheldon woke early the next morning. Although he knew his mother was already awake. Nobody could wake up earlier than Mary Cooper, not even himself. The delicious aroma of freshly breakfast cooked even came through the closed door. It smelled like pancakes and freshly brewed coffee. The young physicist closed his eyes for a moment, enjoying the delicious smell, like when he was a child. He lowered his gaze. Penny was snoring very gently on his chest, sound asleep, hugging him as his favourite teddy. The young physicist sighed between resigned and angry, but finally he could not help but smile. He did not know at what time had been used to sleeping with chaos around him, whose epicenter was obviously that blonde girl. The sheets appeared completely disordered and bedspread had been dropped. Sheldon remembered perfectly that he had slept on the left side of the bed, and now he was crooked, almost cornered by a menacing and sleeping Penny. For a moment, he felt a flutter of concern. What the hell had happened there for explain that the bed had become such a vortex of entropy? But he breathed somewhat relieved to see that he was dressed, and Penny too ... assuming that this definition could include those tiny pyjamas. He looked again at the girl and swallowed. His infallible memory couldn't forget the last thing he said yesterday. Penny had asked, half asleep, if he loved her, and he had replied with a terrifying "yes". He knew that the girl hadn't heard him, overcome by sleep. But that did not reassure him enough. He cursed his subconscious for take control when he should not. It's not that he did not want to tell this ... Well, okay, actually, he didn't want and didn't can tell this. He was not at all prepared for such... conversation. The young physicist took a deep breath, swallowing. He felt that ... he could never be prepared for that.

Suddenly, Penny moved a little and seemed to smile in dreams. Her voice murmured very softly.

- Moon ... pie...

The young physicist froze. Perhaps... Was she dreaming about him? He saw puzzled the beautiful face, on which appeared her lovely smile. His heart skipped a beat. Sheldon clenched his eyes tightly. He wanted to ignore that feeling so damn intense, but it was too hard. His brain wanted to silence it, but deep inside, his limbic system shouted that he loved her with all his strength and he would do anything for her. He squeezed his eyes even more, forcing his brain to think again with logic, returning to be rational again. The reason and knowledge always gave him all strength, and he wanted to feel strong, because when he warned his feelings for Penny, he felt so helpless and vulnerable like a five years old who suffers again the taunts of the other children.

He managed to regain his control and took a deep breath. He looked around the room and then looked at the empty mattress on the floor. He had to get up, otherwise, his mother could suspect that he had not behaved like a gentleman with her. If Mary found out he had not slept on the floor ... He swallowed. Yes, it was much better to get up now. In addition, he also had to do a few things related to his string theory. His brain immediately began to form numbers and hypothesis. The young physicist frowned as he sank into his thoughts. He raised his hand and wrote in the air for a second. His eyes lit up. He started to get up, but first he had to get rid of Penny. Carefully, he held the girl, trying not to dwell on those sinuous curves barely covered with mini pyjamas. Finally, Sheldon managed to slip out of bed. Penny was still sleeping peacefully. The young man looked at again vulnerable and gently covered her with the bed sheet. Finally, he left, closing the door carefully.

Sheldon went to the kitchen. His mother and grandmother looked up at him. Eleanor gave him a sweet smile.

- Good morning, Moonpie. Did you sleep well? I hope you have been able to rest on that old mattress.

The young physicist seemed a little uneasy. Lying never would be his strong point, that was clear, but lying to his beloved grandmother ... He lowered his eyes, trying to sound convincing.

- Good ... morning. - Looked a moment at his mother. - Don't worry, Meemaw. I slept... well.

Eleanor silenced the giggle that struggled to get out, as she read his grandson's face like an open book. She winked, but said nothing and continued having breakfast quietly. The young physicist took his cup and served himself his breakfast. He sat next to his grandmother and approached the laptop, ready to work. Mary shook her head.

- What a hobby! Youth couldn't leave these gadgets of devil. - Said his mother, bringing him a pancake.

- Mom, I have to work. I have to send the study of vector fields in string theory to doctor Gablehauser. - Sheldon replied, typing without looking away from the screen.

Mary sighed, as always, not understanding anything of what his son said. Eleanor gave him a loving smile.

- And Penny? - Asked his mother again. - She's still sleeping?

He nodded, concentrated on his work. Mary smiled.

- Poor girl, it sure she was exhausted. Why do not you carry her breakfast when she wakes up?

Sheldon looked at her mother, with a raised eyebrow.

- Why? Is she sick?

Eleanor could not help but chuckle. Mary gave him a stern look.

- For the God sake, Shelly! Penny is your girlfriend, and you, you must have details with her, like a good boyfriend. As buy flowers, or jewellery, or take breakfast in bed. - the woman stood before him, arms akimbo. - Are you listening to me?

The young physicist suppressed a sigh of irritation. He stopped his work a moment. His mother continued to stare angrily.

- Perhaps you've bought something to her? A gift? Any detail?

- Mom, I think Penny can't have any complaints regarding the fulfilment of my duties as boyfriend. - Said with a grimace. - I go with her every Thursday at rehearsals of the theatre group, and even when she goes shopping. I think all this is already a great gift.

- But ... If is she who takes you in her car! - His mother exclaimed indignantly.

- True, but I accompany her. Penny asked me to do it and I do. Furthermore, considering that more than once she has used my credit card, my money, my wifi, my milk, my softener, my sofa and so on ... We could say we're balanced enough on gifts' issue.

Mary shook her head.

- Frankly, Shelly, you know I love you, but do not understand how a girl like Penny has been fixed to you. You better worry about her, or she will leave again for Leonard, who always does anything for her.

The young physicist looked at his mother puzzled. Oh, yes, of course, Leonard had always done "anything" for Penny ... until he managed to sleep with her. He snorted angrily, but chose not to answer. After all, his mother did not know many of the things that had happened in the apartments 4A and 4B. Then, he began to feel a little bad for thinking about Leonard in such a way. The experimental physicist was his friend, his best friend. But he could not help feeling that he would die only thinking about...any reconciliation between Leonard and Penny. He couldn't resist it. In addition, Leonard had never really loved Penny. It wasn't Leonard who supported her and comforted her in her worst days. Sheldon gritted teeth.

- If Penny leaves me for Leonard, then she will prove scientifically that she's not intelligent at all. - Said firmly. - For your information, I have found that, although her IQ is not particularly bright, it can be considered that Penny is not at all asshole.

Eleanor smiled at her grandson's response and sipped breakfast, without breaking her prudent silence. Mary gave up and continued to collect the kitchen, grumbling. At that moment, the door opened. A smiling Penny appeared with a small housecoat that barely covered her shapely legs.

- Good morning. - Said cheerfully.

Sheldon swallowed. Yes, he was really grateful that Penny were appeared wearing that housecoat instead of the mini pyjamas, but it was clear that Penny hadn't knowledge of clothes that could hide her thighs or neckline. Mary was a little amazed to see her in such way. Eleanor tried again not to break out laughing and hid behind the cup. The girl seemed to understand the look of horror of Mary and tried to close the housecoat over her chest.

- Good morning, honey. - Eleanor smiled at her. - I trust you slept well.

- Oh, I did. - Penny approached the elderly lovely and she could not resist kissing her on the cheek. - Good morning, Meemaw.

Eleanor's smile widened more. She loved so much how affectionate were this girl. She stroked her cheek tenderly, as she often did with her grandchildren when they were children. Penny enjoyed the caress, happy. Sheldon just grunted. True, last night he had suggested sharing Meemaw with Penny... though now that he saw it, maybe it was not so funny. The girl and the old woman exchanged a fun and conspiratorial look, seeing the young man's frown. Penny approached him.

- Good morning, Moonpie. - Said in her most irresistible smile, resting an arm on his shoulder.

Sheldon swallowed. He looked with fear of his mother, who at this time was bringing a cup of coffee for Penny.

- Take it, honey, I hope you like it.

- Thank you! Smells delicious and I love pancakes! - Said, sitting next to Sheldon.

Mary gave her a smile and turned to continue her housework. Penny seized that moment to lean towards Sheldon swift, grasp him by the neck of the pyjamas and give an intense kiss on the lips. The young physicist gasped at such attack. Suddenly, Penny released him and adopted her more natural pose, in the same moment that Mary turned back toward them.

- Well, have you thought about what you going to do today ... - Mary seemed puzzled momentarily, looking at his son. - What is wrong with you Shelly? You are very red. Do you have fever?

Sheldon swallowed. Eleanor had to force herself not to break out laughing, seeing on the one hand to a completely normal and natural Penny and, on the other hand, a very flushed Sheldon. Penny placed a hand on his forehead, her expression serious.

- No, he hasn't. - Said unconvinced.

Mary shook her head and continued talking, as she took a chicken out the fridge. Sheldon glared at her and Penny stuck out her tongue, funny.

- Missy has gone to buy a dress for the anniversary of your promotion. It would be a great idea if you also were going to the party, Shelly, and Penny could go with you.

Sheldon frowned. Penny listened with interest.

- Does the anniversary of your promotion? - Asked the girl, looking at her boyfriend.

- Mom, it's anniversary of Missy's promotion. I do not anything on this stupid party.

- Oh, come on, son, you are twins and, obviously, it's your promotion too.

The young man looked at his mother.

- I left the first course high school to enter in college, so I have hardly any links with him. And of course, I am not anxious to see my dear classmates sixteen years after and to see how far his stupidity has worsened.

- Shelly, the more reason for you to go to that party. You hasn't had a prom and now might be a good time to ... Well, to remedy this deficiency and try to make up a bit with the neighbourhood. - Turned to the girl. - Penny, help me.

Sheldon shook his head. Penny blinked, finding suddenly involved herself. She knew that to suggest to Sheldon go to a party was as to suggest to renounce science. But on the other hand...

- I don't know ... Sheldon. It could serve to make that your "dear" classmates realized in what has become the target of their mockery. - Said, looking at him, proud. - Would not it be great?

Sheldon looked at Penny. In a way ... yes, the girl was right. In depths of his being, he always wanted to take revenge for all the humiliations. He had become a brilliant scientist, and he knew that this was already a great revenge, when all his classmates were simple people living a simple life and making simple jobs. But, appearing at that party with a dazzling Penny at his side ... That would be the coup de grace. Everyone would be astonished and angry. For a moment, he was recreated at the thought, but then, his gaze was lost in Penny's eyes. He shook his head.

- I'm not going to that stupid party and I will not take you like a trophy to show. - Said firmly.

Penny felt her heart was melting, driven by an immense love. Sheldon was the only one who did not treat her as a beautiful ornament. She looked at him adoringly. How could she love him so much? She didn't know. She only knew her heart was beating for him, for her adorable weirdo. She recalled the dream she'd had that night. Sheldon said he loved her in her dream. If it could come true..! Although he always proved he loved her. Right now he was doing it.

- Sweetie ... - she stroked his dark hair with infinite tenderness. - That is not that. I very gladly go with you to that party. And I could never feel like a trophy next to you. Never.

Sheldon felt a chill in the neck. The young man frowned.

- We need not go if you don't want, Moonpie. - Penny said sympathetically.

He stood for a moment motionless, staring. He had always shunned occasions like this, because they always had affected him. Sheldon took a deep breath. Maybe it was time for that does not affect to him anymore. No, he was enough proud of himself for pass that test. Actually, he felt strong, powerful, especially seeing Peeny next to him. His blue eyes flashed in defiance.

- Perhaps it is time to ... eliminate some ghosts of the past.

Penny smiled. Oh yes, that sounded very interesting...