After literally running away from Sheldon and the others Amy found a chair in a corner and sat crying. She couldn't believe she was walking away from her life. She held tightly to the rabbit and tried to calm her breathing down. She needed to compose herself before she got on this plane.

Spotting a sign for the ladies bathroom Amy stood and made her way through the people into the bathroom. Taking one look at herself in the mirror she groaned not exactly the last image of herself she wanted Sheldon to have! Fishing for wipes in her bag Amy quickly removed her smudged make-up and began tidying her hair. She was going to have to be stuck on this plane for over 11 hours so she might as well make herself comfortable. Face now clean of make-up, Amy tied her hair back. Sighing she returned to the lounge to go and check details of her flight. She had put the rabbit in her bag which she carried over her shoulder but she left one ear poking out and even as she stood checking the flight info on the boards she played with the fur.

Knowing she had plenty of time to kill before going to her gate Amy wander round the shops. She bought a magazine and a bottle of water . Sitting at an empty table Amy pulled out the photo album Leonard had given her. Opening the first page Amy smiled. Someone had captured the look of pure shock on her face as they shouted surprised. The next few pages were her with various groups of people, she smiled when she noticed Sheldon in the background of each one, sat with his friends but his eyes on her. The next page was the two of them, she couldn't remember anyone taking this picture, she had her arms around Sheldon's waist and he was smiling down at her. Amy realised she had tears rolling down her face again. Closing the album she put it away. She couldn't cope with the pictures now. Seeing Sheldon even in a photos made her want to grab a cab and go home.

73~73

Sheldon didn't talk at all on the drive back to Los Robles Avenue. After parking the car in her normal spot Penny turned to look at him

"Sheldon do you want to go back to yours or come into mine for a while so we can chat?"

"I will go home thank you Penny. I have washing to attend too and I have neglected my work."

Frowning Penny said "OK but if you want to talk sweetie, you just come get me. Don't sit on your own being lonely."

Nodding curtly Sheldon got out of the car. "Thank you for bringing Amy's cases and the ride home Penny."

Penny watched Sheldon run up the stairs. She knew he was in pain but she really wasn't sure what to do to help him.

Sheldon had let himself into his apartment walked straight past the others who were sat on the sofa and into his room. Shutting the door behind him he began unpacking his bag and loading up his laundry basket. Adding clothes from the previous week, his detergent and folder, Sheldon turned on his heel and passing the others again without a word descended the stairs to the basement.

Penny, having returned to her apartment was surprised when 5 minutes after returning home there was a knock at her door, opening it she found Leonard Raj ad Howard stood there.

"What's up guys?"

"Its Sheldon."

"Oh god is he OK?" Penny moved to rush past them but Leonard held up his hand.

"He is downstairs doing laundry! We came to see if he had said anything in the car on the way home?"

"No he didn't say anything. At all. He sat staring out of the window with tears running down his cheeks, it was heartbreaking. I didn't know what to say. I asked if he wanted to come here to chat and he said he had work and laundry to do and ran off"

"Do you think we should call his mum, she might know what to do for him." Leonard sounded genuinely worried and hugging him Penny said "Lets give him a few days, see how he does at work, if he hasn't spoken to anyone by Wednesday I'll call Mrs Cooper and ask her advise. Also if he has spoken to Amy by then he may feel better about things."

Agreeing the group all moved back across the hall and turned on the TV. While the were in a Sheldon free zone they settled down to watch Americas Top Model, with Howard replacing Sheldon in giving a running commentary.

By the time Sheldon returned Raj and Howard had left and it was just Penny and Leonard together on the sofa. As the door opened they broke apart and turned toward s him

"Hi sweetie, laundry all done?"

"Yes."

That was it. Nothing else, he just walked straight past them and back into his room.

In his room Sheldon crumpled. Putting the washing basket down he grabbed the item of the top and curled up in a ball on his bed crying. It was like this Penny found him half and hour later curled in a ball with a glimmer of pale blue silk sticking out of his hand.

"OK Sheldon, I cant leave this. You need to talk to someone, if not me then Leonard. If not us shall we call your mother."

"No!" Sheldon shot up. His face white and tear stained. "Penny you cant call mama she wouldn't understand."

"OK sweetie but perhaps I will understand if you tell me. I know you are going to miss Amy, but Sheldon in 6 months she will be back and you can carry on as before."

"Penny it'll never be as before. We both know that. This weekend changed everything. Penny I just need to be alone so I can get over it then move on."

73~73

Amy was surprised to discover she had been seated in first class. She hadn't checked her tickets when UCL had booked them, and she had only given them a cursory glance when they arrived. Now sat in a comfortable seat she realised they must really want her if they were prepared to spend all this money. She had stowed her bag overhead but had placed the rabbit on her knee. It had earned her a few strange looks form the business men type passengers also in first class but she really didn't care. Smiling as she traced her finger over the Flash symbol Amy remembered the first time she had seen Sheldon in his t shirt and how she had said 'hoo'. Closing her eyes Amy waited for the safety instructions to be over and the flight to take off. She was grateful she did not have anyone sat next to her. 11 hours of small talk she couldn't deal with today.

Once in the air Amy drifted off to sleep hugging her snuggle bunny. Who knew what tomorrow held in store.

73~73

Sheldon didn't come out of his room again that day. He slept straight through til Monday morning. Turning off his alarm he got up, showered, ate his cereal and sat on the sofa waiting for Leonard. The ride to work was silent and once at Caltech Sheldon went to his office shut the door and didn't come out until Leonard called for him to take him home.

Sheldon had actually been very busy. He had pulled up the lectures he had given in Harvard and reviewed them, making adjustments to account for some recent discoveries he had made. He then made notes on the presentations themselves. He would discuss these with Penny at a later time. He was surprised when Leonard knocked at the end of the day and although quiet on the way home Sheldon was happy to join Leonard and Penny for Thai food. Raj had gone to visit Lucy and Howard and Bernadette had gone to visit Mrs wolowitz.

Not wanting to flaunt their relationship in front of Sheldon when he was obviously very sensitive Penny made to sit in the chair and Leonard on the sofa. The evening was pleasant and as Penny got up to go back to her own apartment Sheldon said

"thank you Penny, for your sensitivity. I do appreciate it. Would it be possible after you finish your shift tomorrow if we discussed my lectures?"

Kissing his forehead before he had time to move away Penny said "Sure thing sweetie, see you tomorrow."

Shaking his head Sheldon ignored Leonard and went to bed. Checking his watch he knew Amy had landed and would probably be in her accommodation now, he considered texting her but knowing she might be suffering with jet lag decided to wait until tomorrow.

73~73

Amy's flight had been uneventful. She had been met at the airport by a driver and taken to her new apartment. Looking around Amy could see it was well appointed and she would only need to stock up on food and household essentials. Knowing if she sat down she would fall asleep again she picked up the keys she had been given and retraced her steps. She had seen a shop on the corner and if she only bought milk and coffee it was a start. She would worry about the rest tomorrow. She looked at her watch, she wanted to call Sheldon and tell him she had arrived, it would be the early hours of the morning in La so she would wait until later.

Having returned with a few bags of shopping, and very grateful that Sheldon had changed some money up for her, Amy sat in her new flat and looked around. 6 months she would be here. It wasn't home but it would do. Deciding she needed to try and operate on British time Amy changed her watch and began unpacking, once finished she set up her laptop and fired a quick email to Penny.

To: Penny

From: Amy

Hey Bestie! I am here and sat in my new 'flat'! It is small. The view out of the window is nice though, across a square surrounded by beautiful old buildings. I haven't met any neighbours yet, or seen where I am going to be working but i will do that tomorrow.

Penny I want to thank you for everything you have done for me. You really are my best friend. Please thank Leonard for the photo album. I started looking at it at the airport but it made me cry (more than I was already!) so I stopped. I will get it back out in a few days though and relive that party!

Once I have got used to the time difference I will Skype you. It may take me a few days to settle at work so until then I will email and let you know what is happening.

I am going to go find some warm clothes to put on as it is freezing here and I have no idea how to work the heating!

Talk to you soon Bestie

Axxx

Grinning, feeling better now she had made some contact with home, Amy also emailed her mother to let her know she had arrived, then as she told Penny she would, she found some warm clothes to put on. Deciding to explore her surroundings a little, Amy put on her boots and coat and went for a walk. She took the maps Prof. Green-smith had sent her and began the walk to her new job.

It took her about 15 minutes to walk to work, today she just stood outside and looked at the building. She hadn't realised how old some of the building here would be. The people however were all young business people or students, rushing around to get to their next lectures or meetings. Concentrating on dodging people and looking out for cars that were on the wrong side of the road Amy was exhausted by the time she got back. In LA she got in her car, walked to her office or lab then drove home. This really was going to be a brand new experience.

To: My Bestie

From: Queen Penelope

Hey Ames!

So excited to see your email! I hope you took a camera with you as I want lots of pics!

I am sorry the album made you cry, I hope in a few days you can look on it and smile at least.

What did you think of Sheldon's rabbit, I didn't know he had it in him to be so cute! He was so sad all the way home from the airport. I am going to help him with his lecture stuff after work tonight. I will try to convince him against train travel!

I have to go now Ames I promised Leonard I would cook for him tonight and unless he wants wine and yoghurt I had better go shopping!

Take care bestie

Pxx

73~73

After work that night Penny waited for Sheldon and Leonard to finish eating so she could ride home with them. It had been busy shift tonight so she hadn't really had a chance to chat.

Sitting down next to Leonard she said

"I got an email from Amy this morning, have you heard from her?"

Sheldon looked up then down at his plate quickly

"No."

Penny didn't miss the shock and hurt on his face.

"Well it was only a quick message to say she had landed really. She will probably call you later to hear your voice."

Sheldon just nodded, keeping his head down. Penny grimaced at Leonard and changed the subject.

"Penny" Sheldon interrupted. "I know we had said we would work on my lectures but I have some work proposals to go over so can we reschedule to Thursday night?"

"Sure sweetie, whatever suits."

In the car on the way home Sheldon was quiet, playing with his phone, eventually as he listened to Penny and Leonard chatter on he sent the text he had been on the point of sending all day.

"Amy I trust your flight was uneventful and you have arrived safely, I missed you tonight at the cheesecake factory S x"

Closing his eyes Sheldon let the voices in the car wash over him. 6 months felt an awful long time!

73~73