Amy wakes up. She turns around, tries to reach for Sheldon, but he is not in bed. She opens her eyes, to check if he is just lying on edge of the bed, and her hand is too short to reach him there. He is not in bed at all. Where is he? She gets up and rushes into the kitchen.
Sheldon smiles: Good morning, my love. I prepared breakfast with Stephen.
Stephen jumps of excitement on the kitchen chair.
Amy hurries to him, afraid he might fall. Stephen hugs her.
Stephen: I love you, Mommy.
He lays his head on her shoulder.
Amy: That is so sweet of you. What is the occasion?
Sheldon: We love you. And you were right yesterday. Meemaw is 96 and as she gets weaker and weaker, I have to face the truth, that she might won't be here much longer.
He sighs, tries to hold back a tear but cannot stop it from leaving his eye. Stephen turns around and hugs his Daddy.
Stephen: Don't cry, Daddy. I'm here. You won't be alone.
Amy: I get how hard it is. You grew up with her, she influenced you in many ways, that is why I think you will regret it when we won't go to Texas. But we have to fly soon, or it might be a risk for the baby.
Sheldon: She has always understood me when my parents couldn't. I loved when she drove me to Professor Sturgis and his lectures. She was the only one who was fascinated by his intellect, just like me.
Amy: Maybe not exactly like you, but go on.
Sheldon: She is a very smart woman, Amy. I mean she loves me. I am her favorite grandchild. She knew Missy and Georgie would never get anywhere in their lives. She just never told them. I guess she didn't want to hurt their feelings.
Amy: You should go and see her again. And Stephen probably wants to meet her as well, don't you, sweetie?
Stephen shrieks: Yes. I don't know how she can be any better than my Nana but she sounds amazing. Like a superhero.
Sheldon: Yes, that is who she is. Let's go to Texas. I will call my mother.
He rushes over to the couch table, picks up his phone and calls his mother. Stephen was wiggling on the chair, smiling all over his face.
Amy: You will soon see where your Dad grew up. Isn't this exciting? As sad as this trip is, I always wanted to go to Texas. Let's go pack.
She takes Stephen down from the chair and they go to the bedroom. Her phone buzzes, Amy answers.
Penny: You are leaving to Texas tomorrow, and you don't tell me?
Amy: We are leaving tomorrow? Oh... uhm. I just wanted to tell you.
Penny: I don't like getting such news from Sheldon. He just sent a text into our group chat.
Amy puts Penny on speaker, and checks her phone. Sheldon sent a photoshopped photo of him, her and Stephen in front of the Texan flag. "Going to visit my family in Texas. Leaving tomorrow. Won't be around for a while."
Penny: Why are you going to Texas now? You are pregnant. I am not sure if it's good for you two to fly.
Bernadette video calls her.
Amy: Hold on, Bernadette calls too.
Penny switches to video and they both appear on Amy's screen.
Bernadette: Why do you think you can go somewhere without saying goodbye? We will come over later to your "see you soon party".
Penny: I bring the booze.
Bernadette: I bring snacks. We are coming at 8.
Both hang up before Amy can say anything. Sheldon walks into the bedroom.
Sheldon: I just talked to my mother. She makes her guest room ready for us. I will book the flight, so we can go early in the morning.
Amy: I just spoke to the girls, and after your message they are planning a "see you soon party". They will come over at 8.
Sheldon sighs: A party? Oh I won't miss these spontaneous gatherings. But what can I do? I am just irresistible. The thought of not seeing me for a while must be shocking to them. Maybe I have to prepare a comfort speech and get ready for hugs. Argh.
Later, in the evening, Amy brings Stephen to bed, when she hears a knock. Another one and another one.
Penny: Amy and Sheldon.
Sheldon opens the door. Penny knocks on his chest. When she notices that, she immediately stops.
Penny: I wasn't done with your three-knock-thing.
Sheldon: I get that you want to touch me. But I have to tell you, Amy won't share me.
Penny: Ah no, I would become a lesbian before I'd choose you, sweetie.
Sheldon: Then why are you calling me, sweetie?
Penny walks by him and hugs Amy. Bernadette walks by Sheldon as well. Leonard and Howard stand next to him.
Bernadette: Where is my booze?
She walks over to Penny and Amy, hugs Amy. They both drag her into the kitchen.
Bernadette: What's going on? Why are you leaving so suddenly? And why haven't you told us?
Amy: I tried talking to him for a while. His grandma is about to die, probably soon.
Bernadette and Penny both sad: Oh no...
Amy: I had talks with Mary and she really insisted me to convince him to go, even she is concerned about the baby. I checked and asked my gynecologist and she said it's fine. Anyway, this is important to him but he doesn't want to think about it, doesn't want to admit it, because they have always been so close. He would be mad at himself for not saying goodbye.
Penny: I have only been to one funeral and I didn't even know that guy. I only went for Leonard. People in my life don't die.
Bernadette: Lucky you. I remember when my grandma died. She was tough and smart. And she always gave me money when I visited her with my parents.
Amy: I never got to meet my grandma. I see how happy Stephen is when FaceTiming with Mary. And she enjoys the talks too, and she sends presents, lots of toys and sweets, and not only for his birthday or Christmas. He always gets so excited. I guess the relationship between grandkids and grandparents is just unique and special.
Penny: Sounds like they can give you all the love and spoil you. Why did I never care about my grandparents? I only saw them as old and boring.
She takes a sip from her wine glass, that Bernadette just poured in.
Bernadette to Amy: I have grape juice for you.
She pours Amy a glass, and herself some wine. The men approach.
Sheldon: Wonderful, you are ready for my speech. Let me do that.
Everyone sighs. Sheldon looks at them confused, ignores the reaction and starts talking.
Sheldon: I have to say, it was my delight being here for so long to entertain you, and teach you valuable lessons.
He looks at Penny and then turns to Howard.
Sheldon: You two challenged me the most. I thank you for that. I used to think you wanted to annoy me, but nobody can actually be this retarded.
Penny: Hey. I am an actress, have you forgotten about that? I am just very good at it, unlike you, who cannot even lie.
She empties her glass.
Howard: And I am the best magician you will ever meet.
He pulls a rose from his sleeve and hands it over to Bernadette who giggles.
Sheldon: It's not acting, when you play yourself. Your career stopped before it even started. Now you have a better job and I won't be mad that I still haven't received your thank you note.
Bernadette: I gave her the position, if one should get a present, it's me.
Penny: I am your friend. Isn't that present enough? Others would be happy.
Leonard: I am.
He smiles, gets close to Penny and kisses her.
Leonard: Let's make another baby.
Penny: Now?
Howard: I can watch and give you some tips. I am the perfect sex teacher.
Penny looks slightly disgusted: Eww. No thanks.
Bernadette: Maybe we should make a new baby, too.
She takes another sip from her glass, gets closer to Howard and kisses him.
Howard: Anytime, mon amour.
Amy: We want to go to Texas and you want to start having babies again? I wanted my kids to grow up with them, but now it won't happen.
She runs away to the bedroom, closes the door. Sounds of sobbing can be heard.
Sheldon: I won't miss you playing with Amy's feelings. Shame on all of you for making her cry, and I have to take care of it again.
Penny: Don't blame this on us, you want to go back to Texas.
Leonard: When will you come back?
Leonard to himself: Did I seriously ask that out loud?
Penny taps him on the shoulder.
Penny: It's okay, Leonard.
Sheldon: We will visit my grandma, know that she is fine, let Stephen finally meet her, and then come back.
Howard: But then, why does she think she won't be around to raise her kids with ours?
Raj and Julie walk in, holding hands.
Raj: Thanks for leaving the door open. Wait, have you already started without Julie and me?
Sheldon: There is not much to start. I just said that we will go and visit my grandma, like we did before Stephen was born. We have to fly now, because of Amy's pregnancy. The closer to the due date, the more risky it will be for the baby.
Penny: You thinking of others and actually having a family. I must have taught you some valuable lessons. You have been such a challenge, but I am just this good.
Sheldon looks at her, irritated.
Raj: I'm sorry about your grandma, but think of all the great times and memories you have of her. She will never fully disappear from your life. See her with your eyes one last time.
Sheldon sighs: She has been here all my life, she cannot... she would not... leave me.
He sobs, runs into the bedroom and closes the door.
Leonard: It's a very emotional time, and hard for him, as he wishes to have no emotions at all.
Penny: Hey, I got him this far, which is more than anyone could have possibly imagined.
Bernadette: I think we should give them some space. They will leave early in the morning, and we will see them again in a few weeks.
Howard: Yes. I know how hard it was when I lost my mother, and could not really say goodbye. It haunted me. He was there for me in some way I never thought he could.
Bernadette: Let's go.
Howard and Bernadette walk with sad faces out of the apartment. Then Bernadette rushes back in.
Bernadette: The rest of the bottle is mine. Mama needs it.
She grabs the bottle, and rushes out of the apartment again.
Penny: Go girl.
Leonard: I think we should leave, too. We can make ourselves comfortable, snuggle a bit.
Penny drags him on the sleeve out of the room.
Penny: Let's do it.
Raj looks at Julie, while she is standing there watching Penny and Leonard leaving.
Raj: I thought this would be a couple's night. I thought we could play a board game or something, like in the good old days.
He sighs. Julie hugs him.
Raj: Why do things change? I mean, now I am finally in a happy relationship and I cannot do the things I always dreamed of. I always felt left out, because I was the only one running solo.
Julie: But now you have me. Let's grab something to eat and have dinner at our place.
Raj: Sometimes I just wish back the good old days. I love these guys.
Julie: I know. I wish I had a group of friends like that, but mine are spread all over the world. I wish I had more friends here, but now I have some, thanks to you. When Sheldon and Amy will come back, they will be probably in a better mood and we can have a couple's game night.
Raj: I love you. Our wedding will be unforgettable. I want to party a whole week like we do in India. I want all the colors and all the flowers, lots of rose bouquets and music. Oh, we should start planning. There is so much to do. This is so exciting.
Julie: Yes, let's plan our wedding.
They smile, kiss, leave the apartment and close the door.
Thank you so much for reading!
Sorry that I could not update earlier. I was busier than expected at my job for the past couple weeks, so I could not really focus on how to continue here. I want to be happy with the story, which I am now, and hope you will like it too. Thanks for your support and patience and taking time to read my story. It means so much!
I would appreciate to read your thoughts as a review!
I will try to update Daddy Sheldon every Friday :)
Take care. XO Sanny