Chapter 12

It was Leonard's last day of recovery from his injuries before going back to work at the university. The gang decided to throw him a small party to celebrate and be thankful that he survived the ordeal. Everyone was there including Stuart from the comic book store, Bert the Geologist, Barry Kripke and some of their colleagues from the university. Mrs. Wolowitz couldn't come so she just cooked her famous brisket for Howard to bring.

Leonard picked up Abby from her place to bring to the party.

"Is Penny gonna be there?" asked Abby.

"Yeah I guess." He said. "But don't worry, it's not my problem if she can handle it or not." He reassured her.

"I hope so. I mean, I don't want the party to be weird or something." said Abby.

"Trust me it won't." he said, giving her shoulder a light squeeze as they drive down the road towards his apartment.

They arrived at the apartment as everyone yelled "Happy Recovery!" when Leonard stepped in the apartment. "Thanks guys! I really appreciate it." he said as Raj handed him a bottle of beer.

"Honey, you're still taking your meds." Abby said, concerned about Leonard consuming alcohol.

"Don't worry, it's non-alcoholic." Raj said.

Leonard looked at the bottle and nodded. "Thanks Raj." He said.

Barry stepped forward, looking at Leonard and Abby. "So, Dr. Abigail, if I get wun ovew by a car or mugged wike Hoftadtew hewe, can you maybe hook me up with a hot doctow wike youwself?" he said, smiling at Abby.

Leonard stepped forward. "Okay Barry, cut it out. We don't need you weirding-out my girlfriend." he said.

Barry nodded and slightly raised his hands. "Okay, just asking." He said then turning to Penny. "I guess youw avaiwable now huh?" he said winking at her.

"Not on your life!" Penny said, shutting down Barry.

"Okay, I got it. I guess me being hewe would be weird enough than you seeing Hoftadtew with his new giwl." he said. Everybody kept quiet and didn't react to what Barry said.

Abby stepped forward and decided to intervene. "Okay, I don't know who you are or what your deal is, but you need to back off buster!" Abby finally said, surprising everyone.

Barry was speechless and didn't know how to respond to Abby. He quietly walked back to where he came from while everyone at the apartment went back to their drinks.

"Okay, I guess the weird part of the party is over huh!?" said Leonard making everyone laugh and return to what they were doing.

Penny went over to Abby and touched her arm. "Thanks Abby." she said.

"Hey don't mention it." Abby said, touching Penny's hand. "I hope it doesn't get weird between us Penny." she added.

"No. It's fine." she said giving her a weak smile. "You don't have to worry." Penny added.

Abby's face lit up. "Great!" she said. "Thanks Penny." said Abby as Leonard went over and held Abby's hand.

"Hey?" he said. "Looks like you two are getting along?" he asked.

"Yeah, I was thanking Abby for shutting down that creep Barry." said Penny.

"Yeah, sorry about that." he said. "I'm gonna have to lay it on Wolowitz later for inviting him." Leonard added then turned to Abby. "Do you wanna get something to eat? You should try Mrs. Wolowitz brisket." he said pulling her to the kitchen island.

Abby smiled at Penny. "Bye Penny. We'll talk more later." she added while Penny gave them a wave.

Penny looked around and saw how happy and confident Leonard was as he introduced Abby to his colleagues. She can't help but feel left out among her friends. Amy and Sheldon's relationship were slow but was still stable. Howard and Bernadette just reconciled with each other as Howard made a promise to change his ways for the better. Raj was the same as before, only sociable when drunk. Stuart was sad and depressed while Bert was awkward and weird.

She can't help but think, is this really her world now? A few years ago, she would rather die than find herself in the company of nerds and academics but now here she is, the odd one out. Leonard's constant presence in her life before they became a couple led her to this, mingling and socializing with intellectuals and academics although she rarely catches up with whatever topic they are discussing. She sighed as she drank the last of her beer and decided to quietly go back to her apartment, knowing that she won't be missed. She took a last glance at Leonard who saw her leave, making eye contact with her as she gently opened the door before stepping outside, closing the door behind her.

She went straight to her bedroom and slumped on the bed, pushing her face against a pillow crying. She couldn't help but think that this what Leonard must have felt during that fateful night when he got mugged and stabbed. Leonard must have really loved her to feel that kind of jealousy even if they agreed to stay as friends after breaking up. She thought this must be how karma works. Before Leonard's accident, she was happy with what she and Leonard had - trying to stay as friends although they somehow both knew that they still had feelings for each other. She never gave any thought about how he felt after their breakup even if Leonard tried to get back together with her a few times. Now Leonard has moved on with Abigail, smarter, equally pleasing to the eyes and makes him happy all the same while she lay in her bed with no one to talk to.

Penny heard her phone beeped and saw a message from Amy.

A: [Penny are you in your apartment? You suddenly disappeared.]

P: [Yeah. I'm in my room.]

A: [Do you need any company?]

P: [Yeah sure.]

She then heard a knock on the door. She opened it and let Amy in, sitting on the couch beside each other.

"Are you alright?" Amy asked.

Penny nodded while looking at her. Amy pulled her and wrapped her arm over her shoulder while Penny leaned on her and started crying. "I miss him Amy." Penny said, wiping her tears.

"I know." said Amy.

"You should probably go back in there. Sheldon's gonna be looking for you." said Penny.

"No he won't. I told him I'm going over here to be with you." said Amy.

"I should be happy for him Amy. At least he finally found someone who makes him happy." Penny said.

"I know I shouldn't be saying this but Abby is just a delight. Everyone in that party loves her." Amy said.

Penny sighed and sat straight up. "At least she can keep up when you guys talk about science and nerd stuff huh?" she said.

"Don't say that Penny." Amy said. "You're my friend and it doesn't matter to me if you're an academic or not." she added.

They stayed quiet for a while until Amy decided to speak again. "Penny, can I ask you a question?" she said.

"What?" Penny said.

"Why didn't you tell him?" Amy asked.

"I tried Amy. I really did." she said. "But then I realized that I don't want him to get hurt anymore. I thought that if we got back together, I'll do something stupid and break his heart again." said Penny. "I don't want to do that to him again." she added.

"You really love him huh?" Amy said.

Penny nodded. "I do. That's why I decided to let him go and find his own happiness even if it breaks my heart when I see him every time." she said before crying again. Amy hugged Penny to console her.

"Don't worry Penny, I'm sure you'll get over him." said Amy.

"Thanks Amy." Penny said hugging her. "You're really great. You should probably go back in there before they start looking for you." she added.

"No. I'll stay here and keep you company." Amy said.

Penny decided to open up a bottle of wine so that Amy and her would have their own 'party'. They continued talking for about an hour when they heard the guests at 4A leaving the apartment, signaling the end of the party. Amy also decided to call it a night and head home, reassuring Penny that she has a friend in her.

After Amy left, Penny decided to wash up and go straight to bed, thinking that Leonard is probably doing the same with Abby in his room. After dressing in her pajamas, she laid on her bed, thankful for the wine that will help her sleep.