A/N I don't own Kim, who is mentioned as attending the baby shower. Some of the old-timers will remember that Terriblewaitres does. But I thought I'd bring Kim back, to honor "Hello Kitty". For those newer readers, who haven't read it, it was one of the fanfics that got me started in fanfiction. If you haven't read it, look it up, and enjoy.

As expected, I didn't get a lot written this week. My wife is well and recovering and my carotid arteries only have minimal blockage, in fact, less than expected at my age, so that was good.

Also, the chapter I'm currently working on is proving difficult to write, in a number of ways. Trying to line up the chapter ending at a specific point is the most difficult. As a matter of fact, the next two chapters I'll be writing over the next week or so may have that problem also, but I don't think it will hold me up for too long. Anyway, enjoy.

Chapter 80

Saturday 13 June, 9:00 PM

Bernadette had sent Amy and Denise back to her house, to make sure the guys cleaned her place up before they left. She was now helping Leonard take down the decorations and clean up the kitchen and living room. Penny, meanwhile, was sitting at the table. Bernadette had told him the shower had been a huge success. Leonard told her he thought it was successful from the size of the pile of gifts and gift cards on the table, that Penny was sorting out. After they finished, Leonard took out two big bags of removed decorations and garbage.

He came back in just as Bernadette was leaving. They exchanged goodbyes and Leonard thanked her before he went to the front door to lock it. He walked back to the kitchen and asked Penny if she wanted some tea. She said no, so he made himself a cup of tea and sat down with Penny at the kitchen table.

"So, you look happy, I'll assume it went well," said Leonard.

"It was great Leonard," said Penny with a big smile. "Bernadette found some of my old friends at the Cheesecake factory, asked some from Zangen, and it was sweet of you to ask Louise to come. Bernadette told me you said there was a surprise guest, but I didn't think it would be Louise."

"I wanted her to meet Amy and Bernadette," said Leonard. "After all, she'll get to know them after she starts working for us."

"Well, they both like her already," said Penny. "And, she likes them. So, it worked out well, thank you. Oh, and your mother and my mother were here on Skype. Sheldon's mother was here the same way, but fortunately, she and Beverly were not here at the same time."

"So, what happened?" asked Leonard.

"Amy, Bernadette, and Denise started decorating. Denise and Bernadette went to get the food, around six everybody started showing up. I was surprised to see Kim and Cheryl and I was so happy when I saw Louise come in. The people I know at Zangen came, Karen was really sweet and Dan sent a card, along with all the other District Managers."

"Mostly I just sat and the guests came up and talked with me," said Penny. "I caught up the ones I hadn't seen in a while. Kim and Cheryl are both married and have kids, although Kim is as raunchy as she ever was. Terri was here tonight too."

"I don't think I remember her," said Leonard.

Penny smiled, "Yeah, I don't think you two ever met. She was one of my girlfriends that I brought over the night you guys kept playing the video game and didn't even see us."

Leonard just rolled his eyes, "Not that again."

Penny smirked and continued, "Let's see, I saw Louise, Bernadette, and Amy talking and all three were smiling and laughing, so between that and what they told me, it looks like they got along. Then Bernadette got her computer and I got to talk to your mother, my mother, and Mary."

"We had finger sandwiches and a vegetable tray," said Penny. "We also had a fruit tray, some pastries and I got a small cake. There was a bowl of punch, mostly for me, and wine for everyone else. Different women would go and get me a cup of punch when I ran out. Then we opened presents and cards. I had a great time."

"So, what did we get?" said Leonard with a smirk.

"Amy and Bernadette told everyone we really didn't need all that much, so get the gift cards," said Penny. "Most of them did, some from baby shops, but most of them from Target, that was Amy's suggestion. I think we got about $300 worth of gift cards. Those that didn't get us cards, got us pairs of onesies or baby blankets. So we'll be able to use those."

"Well, I'm glad you enjoyed yourself," said Leonard.

Penny smile, "I did. I didn't think I wanted a shower. I told Bernie I didn't, but I'm glad I had one now if only to see everyone." She went back to sorting things out.

"You can leave those until tomorrow," said Leonard. "Let get to bed. I have to get up to go to the farmers market tomorrow."

"Then I have to get up," said Penny. "I'm going with you."

"You shouldn't," said Leonard. "You need to stay home and rest, remember?"

Penny glared at him, "Dr. Samuels said I could go out for shopping and dinner. That would be shopping."

"But…"

"No buts Leonard," said Penny tersely. "I've been cooped up in this house since Tuesday night. I thought I was going to get out tonight but didn't. I really need to get out or I'll go crazy."

Leonard didn't want to get her upset, so he said, "Okay, you can go tomorrow. But, for now, let's get to bed."

"Thank you, sweety," said Penny. "I'm sorry, I just need to get out. Dr. Samuels recommended that I stay close to something I can hang onto. I promise I'll hang on to you the whole time we're there." She smiled.

Leonard couldn't help but, smile back.

"Come on, let me start up the stairs," said Penny. "You can go lock everything and turn off the lights."

Leonard nodded and turned around, while Penny started up the stairs.

Sunday 14 June, 10:30 AM

Leonard and Penny were walking along the vegetable section of the Pasadena Farmer's Market. Penny had kept her promise and was holding on to Leonard's arm as they walked. Dr. Samuels was right, thought Penny, I am having trouble walking. It's only been since I've been here and walking more. I didn't notice it at home, where I don't move around much.

She also noticed how much more her belly was sticking out today. They must both have moved down, cause I can breathe a bit better, but man, am I sticking out.

Leonard had again tried to dissuade Penny from coming, but she had been insistent on getting out of the house. And, now, she felt like she should have stayed home. She felt like she was waddling, her feet hurt, she felt enormous and uncomfortable with her belly and just overall irritated.

They had picked out their final fruits and vegetables when Penny said, "Sweety, can we go home now. You were right, I should have stayed home."

Leonard was immediately concerned, "Are you okay?"

"Just feeling huge today and irritated," said Penny. "I feel like I'm pissed off at the world, and I just want to get home."

"Okay, we have everything, we can leave," said Leonard. "And, try not to be irritated, it's not good for your blood pressure."

They started walking down the main aisle in the market, Leonard keeping Penny to his right, close to booths, protecting her from some of the faster shoppers. Suddenly, a larger woman tried to get past Penny, between her and a booth displaying fruit. She bumped into Penny, who didn't move very far before bumping into Leonard. Because she didn't move much, the woman didn't get past Penny but ended up hitting the side of the open booth and falling, knocking over some apples, blueberries, and bananas that were on display.

Leonard and Penny turned and watched as the woman, helped by a man, slowly get up, holding her right hip. She looked at Penny and said, "Why don't you move your fat ass lady?"

This angered Leonard and he started to say something, he knew Penny was mad also because she was squeezing his hand, actually hurting it, so all that came out was a muffled, "Ow". She stared daggers at the woman, who finally recognized that Penny was pregnant.

"Oh, you're pregnant," said the woman. "No wonder you have a fat ass. Damn you're huge, do you have twins in there or something?"

"Avis, that's enough," said the man.

Penny's grip relaxed on Leonard's hand. He didn't know what that meant, but it couldn't be good, he thought. Then he looked at Penny and while she continued staring at the woman, she now had a satisfied smirk on her face as she said, "Actually, I am carrying twins and I'm due in a few weeks, what's your excuse?"

The woman didn't say anything, but Penny continued, "You know, Avis is an interesting name. Do they call you that because you can be rented and ridden by anyone?"

"You bitch," the woman yelled. Leonard started to move in front of Penny, but the woman took her first step, which was onto one of the bananas. She crushed it, slipped, and fell flat on her back.

As she lay there groaning, the man kneeled next to her, asking her how she was. Penny said, "Come on, Leonard," and they both turned and walked away. Just before getting to the entrance, Leonard looked back and the woman was still laying there. Penny never looked back.

Sunday 14 June, 11:30 AM

Their drive home, so far, had been in silence. Penny still looked upset and Leonard felt it better to let her break the silence. They had just passed the Altadena City limits when Penny said, "I'm sorry, Leonard."

"For what?" asked Leonard turning to Penny.

"For what I said to her, that was uncalled for," said Penny, looking sad.

"No, I think it was called for," said Leonard. "She did almost knock you over, called you a fat ass, and implied you were bigger than you should be. So, I can see why you did it."

"Still, I've had others ask if I was having twins," said Penny. "It didn't bother me before. So, I'm not sure why it did today."

"Well, I don't think any of the others called you a fat ass," said Leonard. "And, you did mention you were irritated, that may have had something to do with it."

"It shouldn't have," said Penny. "That comment about her being a hooker was over the line."

"Penny, don't get upset with it," said Leonard. "She pushed you, made some nasty comments, and you replied. She's the one that took a step towards you and fell. We're likely to never see her again, so don't worry about it. Please don't get upset, it can raise your blood pressure. If it bothers you, just remember it, and if it happens again and react differently."

Penny didn't say anything, she just nodded. There was silence for the rest of the ride home. After Leonard pulled into their garage and turned off the car, Penny leaned over and kissed his cheek.

"Thank you, Leonard," she said. "I'll remember it for next time."

Leonard smiled at her, "Okay, how about I heat some of the roasted chicken for your salad, for lunch?"

Penny smiled back and nodded.

Monday 15 June, 10:45 AM

Leonard watched his ops team scurry around the machine. They were taking out various modules, leaving holes in different places within the machine. The modules they had taken out were stacked neatly on one side of the lab. On the other side of the lab, were another set of modules, also stacked neatly.

Once all of the modules, due to be replaced were out of the machine, the team would start installing the other modules. It would be six different modules to get 10, 14, and 18 entangled photons. In addition, there was another module, the control module that would be installed.

The installations, along with all the tests would be done this week, and Leonard was planning on doing the actual experiment, using the new control module, next Tuesday. For now, he was leaving everything for Keith and Tom, as he was taking the rest of the afternoon off. To have lunch with Penny at home, go to Penny's doctor's appointment, and then go home with Penny.

Monday 15 June, 1:05 PM

Penny and Leonard were waiting for Dr. Samuels to call them back to her office. Penny was happy as they only took her blood pressure twice today, and she was wondering if that was good news. Dr. Samuels came out and called them back and they follower her to her office.

After sitting down Dr. Samuels said, "I've got a patient, George and Sally, remember them from class?"

Penny and Leonard nodded and Dr. Samuels continued, "They called in and said they would be at the hospital around 2 PM, so I want to get your appointment in before I leave. She did her usual shuffling of the paper. The good news is your blood pressure is down, it was 145 over 90. Of course, that is still too high, but it's better than going up. Are you having any problems?"

Penny sighed, "I'm just waddling around, my belly is sticking out more, and I'm peeing almost as much as I was earlier in the pregnancy. I just want this over with."

Dr. Samuels chuckled, "Yeah, you probably do want this over with, but you probably have a few more weeks left."

Penny groaned.

"How about we check on the babies?" said Dr. Samuels, getting up from her chair.

Leonard rose and helped Penny up before both of them walked over to the exam table. While Dr. Samuels started the machine, Penny got up on the table, pulled down the top of her pants, and pulled up her shirt. Dr. Samuels put gel on the wand and then started moving it around Penny's belly. She stopped several times, changing the settings and continuing. Finally, she stopped, changed the end on the wand, and had Penny roll onto her side. Penny was going to ask why then remembered what had happened last week. After a few minutes, Dr. Samuels turned off the machine and passed the towels and wipes to Penny before leaving the office.

When she returned Penny and Leonard were already sitting in front of her desk. She looked at the papers and said, "Okay, Sally and George may get to the hospital early, so your babies are 18 inches and 17 inches long. They weigh four pounds twelve ounces and four pounds four ounces. Those are all within the normal. She gave Penny a wry grin, I think I found the reason for your peeing and larger belly. They are both head down, just where we need them to be, so that's a good thing. We just have to hope they stay there."

"Were you checking on my placenta?" asked Penny.

"Yes, and I still can't see anything on the ultrasound, mostly because they are both in the way," said Dr. Samuels. "That could mean there isn't anything to worry about, or there could be, think of them as roots growing through the uterine wall. We still might not be able to see that and if it was growing into the wall, but not through it, it still could cause problems. One other bit of good news is there is no indication that your placenta is calcifying."

"I want you to watch for some signs of possible preterm labor," said Dr. Samuels. "You are in your 35 week, and with twins, early labor could be this week. If you have what feels like menstrual cramps, or lower backpressure, diarrhea, or vaginal discharge, call me at once. These can be indications you're are starting labor and early labor at that. On a lighter note, make sure you have a large supply of sanitary pads. You may have a few days of discharge after giving birth. You can't used tampons, so get a supply of pads. Do you have any questions?"

Penny thought, and nothing came to mind, but Leonard spoke up, "Can Penny go to our friend's houses for dinners? We go there on Wednesday nights and I was wondering, because of the bed rest thing."

"I don't see a problem, as long as you don't overdo it," said Dr Samuels. "I mean Penny can go out for dinner twice a week, so going to a friends house for dinner isn't that much of a difference."

"Okay, thanks," said Leonard.

"Just remember, don't overdo it. Now, if you have no other questions," said Dr. Samuels. "I have an appointment with a baby. Go ahead and make next weeks appointment, and we'll see you tomorrow night."

Leonard and Penny told Dr. Samuels to give good wishes to George and Sally for them, then said goodbye. Leaving the office, they made their appointment for next week and left the facility. Penny was going home, as was Leonard, as he was taking the rest of the afternoon off.