Chapter 61
The next morning, Penny opened her eyes and saw her stepdaughter beside her, still sleeping. She tried to pinch herself into thinking that last night's events was only a bad dream, that somehow her husband was in the kitchen right now cooking breakfast, dancing along to his silly music playlist in his phone. She sat up on the bed not knowing what to do next. She pulled the sheets and covered Sarah, letting her sleep more, knowing she didn't want to see her cry again.
Penny stood up and went straight to the bathroom to wash herself and freshen up. After the bathroom, she went to the living room, finding Bernadette and Howard in the kitchen, making some breakfast.
"Hey guys. What are you doing?" Penny said.
"Hey Penny. Howie and I decided to make breakfast. I hope you don't mind." said Bernadette.
"It's alright. Where is Sheldon and Raj anyway?" asked Penny.
"They had to leave and go back to their place." said Howard.
"Oh, okay. Guys it's alright if you wanna go back to your place. I can handle it." said Penny, trying to sound strong even if she still can't believe that her husband may be gone for good.
"It's alright Penny, we're here for you and Sarah." Bernadette said when they heard a knock on the door. Penny went and opened it only to see Beverly and Cathy standing at the hall. She immediately broke down and cried upon seeing her mother-in-law and sister-in-law.
Beverly quickly hugged her. "Oh Penny, it's gonna be alright."
"I can't believe this is happening. It was just a couple of weeks ago when we last talked and now he's gone." Penny said as she continued to cry.
"I know. He called me about the same time, telling me that I'm going to be a grandmother again." said Beverly. "It still doesn't feel right to me."
"What do you mean mom?" asked Cathy.
"I don't know. It's like I can still feel Leonard. It's like he's not really gone." said Beverly.
"I know what you mean." said Penny as she wiped her tears.
"Where's Sarah anyway?" asked Cathy.
"She's still sleeping." Penny said as they saw Sarah walk out into the hall. Sarah looked up and saw her grandmother and aunt, immediately crying and running towards them.
"Grandma!" Sarah exclaimed as she cried on her grandma's shoulder.
"Oh honey! I'm so sorry." said Beverly as she cried with her granddaughter, not knowing what to say or feel.
"Where's my daddy?" Sarah asked. Beverly sighed.
"I don't know dear. We're as lost as anyone else." she said as Cathy and Penny held hands. "Your aunt Bernie and uncle Howard made breakfast. Why don't we get something to eat, I'm sure it'll make you feel better."
"But I'm not hungry grandma." Sarah said.
Penny knelt down and faced Sarah. "Sweetie you have to eat, we don't want you to get sick."
"Your mom is right Sarah. Come on, me and your uncle Howard made plenty of food." Bernadette said, reaching out to take Sarah's hand, leading her to the kitchen island.
Sarah held Bernadette's hand as she got up on her chair while Penny followed close, joining her stepdaughter. Beverly and Cathy decided to join them, helping Howard and Bernadette in serving the food. They ate breakfast quietly as Penny and Beverly made sure that Sarah ate enough, giving the little girl the reassurance and attention she needs. After breakfast, Cathy and Penny decided to clean up, telling Sarah to sit with her grandmother on the couch.
"Grandma?" Sarah said.
"Yes dear?" said Beverly.
"Who's going to take care of me now that daddy's gone?" Sarah said, surprising everyone in the living room. Penny turned around and became emotional, running to her stepdaughter to console her.
"Sweetheart, I'm going to take care of you. You're my stepdaughter and I'm your stepmom remember?" said Penny. "And besides, I'm going to need your help in taking care of the baby."
Sarah kept quiet as she slowly hugged Penny, leaning her head on her shoulder. "I love you mom." she said as she cried again.
"Oh sweetheart! I love you too!" said Penny, who cannot help but feel emotional while hugging Sarah tight.
They then heard a knock on the door so Howard went and opened it, seeing Dr. Gablehauser and President Seibert on the hall.
"Dr. Gablehauser, President Seibert." said Howard. Penny stood up, facing Leonard's bosses while holding Sarah's hands.
"President Seibert, Dr. Gablehauser please come in." she said as the two gentlemen entered the apartment, greeting Beverly and Cathy before sitting down.
"We came here because we have more information on what happened with Dr. Hofstadter's trip." said Gablehauser while keeping a straight face.
"Where's my daddy?" asked Sarah as she clutched Penny's arm.
Seibert cleared his throat before speaking. "Well, it appears that the boat they used for the expedition had some sort of engine trouble. They said there was a fire in the engine room so the captain immediately called for help." he said before continuing. "Fortunately there was a vessel nearby, a fishing vessel that came to the rescue. But the strange thing that they can't figure out was why Dr. Hofstadter wasn't in the rescue vessel with them. Some of the guys in the team saw him get out of their bunk beds but they said that maybe in the middle of the confusion, they lost track of him."
"I'm so sorry Mrs. Hofstadter." said Gablehauser.
"My daddy can't be dead! I know he'll come home to me and my mommy." Sarah said as she started crying again while Penny held her close to console the young lady. Seibert and Gablehauser looked at each other, not knowing how to respond to Leonard's daughter.
"Sweetheart." Penny said, trying to calm her stepdaughter down.
"We're so sorry but that's all we have for now, and the moment we receive any news about Leonard, we'll be sure to inform you immediately." said Seibert.
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For the next two days, Penny and Sarah stayed at the apartment, not wanting to go to school or work since they haven't heard anything new about Leonard from the university. Penny saw a different Sarah since learning of her father's accident. She was more subdued and quiet, speaking only when someone talks to her and only eats whenever Penny tells her to eat.
Her teachers and classmates came to visit as soon as they learned of Leonard's accident but Sarah only gave them a blank expression, not even acknowledging their visit. Sarah's teachers and classmates assured her and Penny that they are here for them, reassuring Sarah that she has friends.
Sarah then stood up and quietly walked back to the bedroom. "I'm tired mom. I'll just get some sleep." she said.
"Uh, okay sweetheart. Just call me if you need anything alright?" said Penny, giving her a weak smiled before turning back to face Sarah's teachers and classmates. "I'm sorry about that. She's been quiet ever since..."
"It's alright Penny. It's just hard to believe that something like this would happen." said Ms. Sanders.
"We didn't want to believe it too but it's been three days now and we still haven't heard anything new from them." said Penny as Beverly and Cathy brought a tray of drinks for Sarah's teachers and classmates.
"Thank you." said Principal Rogers.
"Thanks for being here for my granddaughter." said Beverly.
"Don't mention it. I mean Sarah's been nothing but a breath of fresh air ever since she joined the school." said the principal.
"She's right. I even asked her to check my homework once just to make sure that it's correct." said Casey.
"I think we all did that at some point Casey. I mean, no offense Ms. Sanders but I think Sarah's smarter than some of our teachers at school." said Jon.
Ms. Sanders laughed a little. "Don't worry Jon, I don't disagree with you." she said as they continued to talk for another couple of hours until they decided to say goodbye to Penny and Beverly.
After Sarah's teachers and classmates left, the gang dropped by the apartment to see how Penny and Sarah were doing.
"Hey Penny, we came by to see how you're doing." said Amy as she hugged her friend.
"Thanks for coming guys." Penny said as she hugged Bernadette and Lucy.
"How's the little princess doing?" asked Bernadette.
"She's sleeping in our room." Penny said. "Her teachers and classmates came by earlier to check up on us."
"That was nice of them." said Howard.
"Is there any news?" Penny asked the guys.
Sheldon shook his head. "No news Penny. I'm sorry."
"No problem Sheldon." said Penny. "Amy, help me make some tea for everyone." she said as Amy went with Penny to the kitchen to make tea for everyone.
"I'll help you." said Lucy as she joined Amy and Penny in the kitchen.
"Thanks Lucy." said Penny.
"So, how is Sarah doing?" Howard asked Beverly.
"Well, she has been quiet ever since we received the news." said Beverly.
"God I wish we could do something!" Raj said.
"We all want that Raj but what can we do?" said Sheldon.
"We can't do anything but to be here for them." Cathy said.
"I guess you're right." Raj said.
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Meanwhile in Penny's bedroom…
Sarah opened her eyes after sleeping for almost two hours. She sat up on the bed and rubbed her eyes, hearing some people talking in the living room. She went down from the bed to go to the bathroom to relieve herself when she heard Penny's iPad ring. She took the iPad from the nightstand and saw the name Noah Jorgensen calling on Skype. She thought the name was unusual so she went out the bedroom to show Penny the iPad.
"Mom, someone named Noah is calling you in Skype." Sarah said as she stood on the hall.
"Who is that?" Penny asked as they all look at the young lady.
"I don't know." said Sarah as she pushed the green icon on the tablet. She then froze when she saw the face that she's been wanting to see for the past several days. "Daddy! You're alive!" Sarah screamed as she sat on the floor, crying at the sight of her father.
Penny jumped from her seat and ran towards her daughter, sitting quickly beside Sarah and looking at the iPad, seeing her husband's face on the screen.
"Oh my god! Oh my god! " Penny exclaimed. "Oh my god!" she said as she cried, hugging Sarah close. "Why are you alive!?" she exclaimed as the gang joined in along with Beverly and Cathy. They were all surprised and shocked in seeing Leonard on the screen, looking rough and weary.
L: "Hi guys! Oh my god I miss you so much!"
L: "Why did you ask if I was alive?"
P: "They said your boat had an accident and you were not in the list of people that were rescued!"
Sa: "We thought you already died daddy!"
L: "Oh that? Yeah our boat had an explosion and a fire and it was pretty scary so we had to get ourselves in one of those inflatable boats to get away from the burning boat."
P: "Why were you not in the rescue list?"
L: "Oh, those guys were rescued by a large fishing boat but I got left behind. It was a good thing there was a smaller boat there to rescue me instead."
P: "Then how come we never heard any news about you!? Sarah and I have been worried sick back here!"
L: "I'm not sure. Maybe because everybody got confused while trying to escape the burning boat. It was a good thing this small trawler came and got me off before our boat exploded."
Sa: "Is that it?"
L: "Okay, so here's the strange part of the story. There I was being rescued by this small fishing boat so I asked them to take me back. They told me that they just started on their fishing trip and is not scheduled to dock until after two days. So they told me to sit back and enjoy the ride."
"And then what happened Leonard?" Sheldon asked.
L: "Oh? So the captain of the fishing boat, Frederik told me to that since I'm there, I should help him and his sons on the deck so I could learn how to fish. So for a couple of days I was basically a deckhand on a trawler fishing for cod, mackerel and sturgeon. How cool is that!?"
P: "And where are you right now?"
L: "I'm in Thorsminde Havn!"
P: "What? Is that even a place?"
L: "Honey, I'm in Denmark right now!"
Sa: "Denmark!? But daddy shouldn't you be in England right now!"
P: "Why are you even in Denmark?"
L: "Well this is where Frederik and his family lives."
P: "And when are you planning to get back here?"
L: "I don't know. I mean I lost everything on the boat. My passport, my phone, my wallet. I don't even have an ID right now. But tomorrow, Noah and his cousin is gonna bring me to the American Embassy in Copenhagen and ask for their help to get me back home."
Ho: "We're so glad that you're safe Leonard!"
B: "He's right. At least you're out of harm's way now."
L: "Thanks. I'm telling you, I never thought this would happen to me, being out in the open ocean doing science, almost dying in a sinking ship and being rescued and becoming a fisherman. I mean, who would have thought that I would get to experience an adventure like this!?"
Penny and Sarah then looked at each other while folding their arms before giving Leonard a stern look.
L: "Honey, you're awfully quiet. Is something wrong?"
P: "So let me get this straight, Sarah and I have been stressing ourselves thinking you were dead but actually you weren't. We had to bring Sarah to the hospital because she fainted and collapsed when we heard that your boat sank, thinking you died at sea. And there you are having the adventure of a lifetime, fishing for cod and god knows what, completely forgetting that you have a wife and a daughter that's been worried sick about you!"
L: "Are you kidding me? Of course I thought about you two, but what was I supposed to do?"
P: "You were supposed to be a little devastated about almost dying at sea you jackass!"
L: "Honey please. Do you think I wasn't terrified when our boat caught fire. All I could think of was you and our daughter and our new baby!"
P: "Well you better get your ass right here right now mister or you'll never see me and Sarah again, you got that!" Penny yelled as she ended the call, putting the iPad down on the coffee table as the gang looked at her and Sarah.
"Good doing mom." Sarah said, giving Penny a high five.
"Well at least now we know that Leonard's alive, right?" Amy said as they all sighed with relief, smiling and hugging each other, glad that Leonard is safe and sound.
Penny gave Sarah a tight hug. "Oh sweetheart, I'm so happy!" she said kissing Sarah on the cheek.
"Me too mom! I'm so happy daddy's alive!" Sarah said, hugging her stepmother tight. Beverly, Cathy and the gang joined in on the hug, laughing and cheering for the two.
Beverly then stood up and walked towards the bedroom.
"Where are you going grandma?" Sarah asked.
"I'm going to pack my things." said Beverly.
"Pack? Why?" Penny asked.
"Well now that we know that my son is alive, there's no point with me or Cathy in being here!" said Beverly as Cathy stoop up, joining her.
"Mom is right, and besides, I have to get back to my store in New Jersey." said Cathy.
Penny sighed and looked at Sarah, realizing that Cathy and Beverly are right. "They're right sweetheart. Now we know that your father is alive, they can go back to New Jersey now." she said.
"But…" said Sarah.
"Sweetie, I know you like spending time with your grandma and aunt Cathy but they have to get back to their work. Do you understand?" said Penny.
Sarah sighed. "I guess you're right mom." she said.
Beverly and Cathy smiled and faced the little girl. "Don't be sad dear, at least we know that your dad is alive and well." said Beverly.
"She's right, and it will only be just a couple of weeks until Leonard arrives." Cathy said to Sarah.
Sarah nodded. "Okay aunt Cathy. Thank you for being here." she said while hugging her aunt.
"Aww, you're welcome honey! We're all very proud of you, remember that okay?" said Cathy.
After an hour, the gang also said their goodbyes to Penny and Sarah, telling them how happy they are that Leonard is out of harms way.
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Meanwhile, back in Thorsminde Havn, Denmark…
"Gentle Moses Leonard! Your wife is really something huh?" said Noah, the owner of the tablet computer that Leonard borrowed to call his wife and daughter.
"You can say that again." he said smiling, relieved to see them again.
"Tell me, is she really mad or is that just the way she normally talks?" Noah asked.
"I wouldn't worry about it. I'm sure she's just glad to see me again." said Leonard.
"Don't go down with the flag Leonard, me and my cousin's gonna bring you tomorrow to Copenhagen so we could get you a new passport and send you home." said Noah while handing him a bottle of beer.
"Thanks Noah. I don't know how to repay you guys." Leonard said.
"Don't worry about it, now what do you say we get you withered huh?" Noah said, clinking his beer bottle with Leonard's.
"Withered?" asked Leonard.
Frederik laughed, joining them on the table. "It means getting you drunk Leonard!" he said, toasting his bottle with him.
"Oh, that makes it non-confusing." said Leonard.
"Just relax Leonard. Until you get your new passport, you're gonna stay here and come help us when we go out to catch fish in the sea again." Frederik said, surprising Leonard.
"Are you serious? I almost died at sea and now you want me to get back out there to help you catch fish?" said Leonard.
"Don't be such a cry baby Leonard. It's perfectly safe and besides, you don't have any money, you don't know anyone from around here so you might as well join us, right?" said Frederik.
"Father's right Leonard." said Noah. "And just to let you know, we've been through situations much worse than you did."
"Worse than being in a sinking boat?" said Leonard.
"Yeah, like sinking boat in the middle of a storm kind of worse Leonard." said Frederik.
Leonard sighed. "Okay. I guess I could use the distraction while I'm here."
"That's the spirit Leonard." said Noah while tapping his shoulder. "We won't let anything happen to you. I promise and before you know it, you'll be in the first flight back to your wife and daughter."
Leonard raised his beer and clinked it with Frederik's and Noah's bottles. "Thanks for saving me guys. I owe you my life." he said as they continued drinking, thankful for the second life he was given and looking forward to seeing his wife and daughter again.