Here it is! The sequel to my previous multi chap entitled The Covenant Observation. This will be set the same day right after the last scene in TCO where Amy and Sheldon got married. If you haven't read the prequel, make sure to read it as this story would be a bit confusing since I went the AU track in TCO. But first, a preview.
Sheldon and Amy are finally married—on a whim. No more outstanding contracts or agreement that has yet to be finished. No more parent who's always riding on their back. But what it entails is a whirlwind of secrets, opportunities, desolation, and estranged individuals.
THE MARITAL CONVOLUTION
Prologue: Hanover Hangover
December 13, 2014
The crackling of the wood fire resounded across the ample living room. Amy reclined back in her much-coveted La-Z-Boy, which came with the place, letting the soft cushion cradle her spine. A warm and cozy blanket—given as a thoughtful gift from someone very close to her—enveloped her across the shoulders.
There's no harm in wanting, she thought dreamily. If only she could just bring that recliner everywhere, she'll be most definitely in constant heaven.
The snowbound town oddly brought warmth into her introverted self. She promised to herself to visit this town once again when the time comes.
It was 3 PM on a cold winter's day. The snow had been welcoming since morning, but she managed to have some work done.
Half-day of work just concluded an hour ago. She still needed to punch in for work for a few more days before her winter break. Good thing was, the work she'd left was nothing but writing up a few undemanding reports and submitting her to the academic head. Nothing stressful.
In fact, she can always do it in the comfort of her home but her workplace was within the compound. More often than not, she would walk in the morning, feeling the winter breeze as it hit her face. To say the least, it was both rejuvenating and a bit nippy.
Now that she can think of, that week may be the last week before the temperature drops to low 20s. She witnessed how this breathtaking town transitioned from bright, autumnal leaves to snow-white branches. Day by day, she marveled at its subtle wonders.
In the meantime, the fireplace was giving her the much needed heat to survive the cold and, of course, the isolation from anyone she knew. With a warm mug cupped in her hands, she blew out the vapor coming from it, somehow obstructing her glasses. It was hot cocoa with tiny marshmallows. She partnered it with a few soft pretzels she bought on the way home.
Hot cocoa…
He would most certainly be delighted to share a cup with her. Also, a sanctioned one too since the month has an 'r' in it.
She couldn't fathom that year's intense figurative rollercoaster ride. She started working at Caltech on a grant, stumbled across Sheldon (even though they do have different work schedules), getting along with Sheldon again, Sheldon revealing to her he was obligated to find a wife (she didn't know what that meant at first), coincidentally had a date with Sheldon, Sheldon asking her to get married, and eventually her accepting his offer.
Amy chuckled at the very thought of Sheldon being an integral part of her year. Her first year back in California, after almost two years of estrangement, and she already got to experience all those things, not to mention her career propelling too.
It was a deeply consuming ups and downs that fueled her to be grateful for everything. For her new friends. For her job opportunity. For that specific someone who managed to be by her side.
It has been three months since her shift to this town. She couldn't, for the love God, figure out why she accepted to go to this place, let alone move in in it for the time being.
When she was still a student in Boston, it was alright; she managed to soldier through the winter wonderland of Harvard. She even made do of one winter break without even going back home to California. One of the best winters of her life.
Well, now, she couldn't fool anyone; she was much younger then. Everybody knows that physiology tends to alter through aging, and certainly, it really did take hold of her body.
And it seemed like Boston was not that cold for her, either. This, this was pretty much her threshold in terms of winter. She'll probably drag Sheldon to Texas so she wouldn't experience this kind of cold in the future. That is if she's able to get a hold of him.
But also, it was relieving that she was able to experience this town. This place was no way near the urbanized Pasadena, even less than the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles. No high rise infrastructure impeding the view. No extravagant cars lurking the city–not that she saw anything of that kind. Not even loudmouthed locals.
It was just a quaint, university town ensconced by college kids and a few locals, keeping the town running. Nature was her neighbor in this town. Never in her wildest dreams that she'll be able to survive in such a small town, much less in the winter.
It was an opportunity of a lifetime and she was not one to turn down that chance. That's when things got a little out of hand and unforeseen events seemed to separate the both of them farther and farther away. It was as though the distance between them physically was not enough, fate decided to pull them apart even further that she didn't know what their status was anymore.
She knew the communication dwindled down. He must have, too. Almost for a month now. She didn't have much information as to why. It just did. For all she knew, she did something to trigger their lack of communication.
Her trance was interrupted by the sound of something vibrating. Pushing herself up, letting the blanket slide off her body, she gently set her mug and looked around for that noise. She then looked at the coffee table, illuminated by the fire in the background, and grabbed her phone. It was odd to receive a call at that time of day, considering there was no important matter to be discussed with anybody.
A huge smile plastered on her lips as she saw who was calling. The display of his name initiated a series of emotion: from excitement to frustration, from peace of mind to worry.
"Hello…"
December 13, 2014
"Uh-huh…" Sheldon jadedly replied with the phone on his left ear.
"Yeah…"
He unconsciously fiddled with the hem of his shirt. He limply laid across his bed with a forearm across his forehead.
"No..."
"No…"
He groaned, exhausted.
"Uh-huh… still no…"
"Buh-bye." he dropped the call, sighing as he did so. That was the most tedious call he'd ever received since last year's holidays.
Christmas and New Year's were right around the corner and as usual, he couldn't care less. Why would he anyway?
It was his mother who just called. Just out of the blue, the phone rang despite him not anticipating anyone to call. And of course, with the holidays coming, it was no doubt that Mary Cooper would beg his son to go home for Christmas.
Mary called and asked him if he was going home for the holidays. And like he said quite a few times throughout the past decade, he would not celebrate it with them. The only exception was when his sister gave birth just in time for Christmas and he was obligated to be present in his brother-in law's stead.
He came for the impending birth, and not for the holiday festivities.
Speaking of holidays, he didn't know what to do if Christmas came. He was oblivious.
He reckoned he could shut out from the outside world. He might be able to formulate a groundbreaking achievement in that given time. It had been a while since he had a physics marathon.
With Leonard and Penny going to Nebraska; and Howard, Bernadette, and third wheel Raj spending the holiday an hour away to Bernadette's parents' house, he's left there, in his apartment, nowhere to go, and no one to be with.
Another thought was flying to where Amy is and spending Christmas with her.
But he was dubious about talking to Amy. It has been a while and he didn't know if she wanted to talk to him after what he did or, rather, what he said.
Sheldon was caught in between his desire to sort it out with Amy or just sulk in his apartment while she was miles away and spending her time with God knows who.
It was a repulsive thought. More than he can imagine.
Amy spending her winter nights alone, that was what he was thinking. Or maybe she found another intellect to keep her warm on those frigid nights. Another man paying her a visit just to keep her company. Things he'd never done before will be done by another.
Sheldon shook his head aggressively, attempting to push away that repugnant thought prowling its way into his system. "Why'd you think she would do that, Cooper?!"
He never understood why Amy would rather stay in that dull, deserted place rather than stay in the comfort of his home. He can provide for her! He can be what others want him to be!
He always assumed that she'll be spending the holiday with him seeing that she will definitely get a winter break. It'd be harsh if she didn't. She can always return back there as soon as the holidays die down and continue with her work. He thought she'll be able to think of that.
Winter break has officially commenced. The burden of being a professor lifted away, just for a short while that is.
His classes took their final exams that very week and he was grateful that he'll be able to rest from the caprices of his students. He never thought he would enjoy not working. He'd rather do research work after the classes were finished but Seibert asserted that he should be enjoying the break. He couldn't argue; those youngsters drained the life out of him.
It was a Saturday afternoon. He heard Penny and Bernadette were doing their last-minute Christmas shopping, which didn't surprise him at all. After hearing that, he knew it would only be seconds before the guys would force him into doing something.
His friends invited him into an afternoon of board games at Howard's place, but he declined profusely at the disguise of his laundry night. Sheldon said that the invitation would impede his intricate process of doing his laundry.
The guys were worried. Not only did he refuse but leading up to that day, he did nothing but eat and sleep. He didn't even care about the exam he was supposed to supervise on behalf of a colleague. Leonard was called instead to take charge and let Sheldon get on his way.
But they knew they couldn't do anything unless they're Mary Cooper or Amy Farrah Fowler, who both were thousands of miles away.
Sheldon was a force to be reckoned with, and they wouldn't even try to stop him. From all they've experienced in the past, they already knew what they'll do. Their best shot was to just to keep Sheldon under observation and not do anything that would make him lose his mind.
Sheldon pushed himself up from his bed and threw his phone inside his messenger bag, lying limply on the floor. He halted for a while contemplating if what he'll do was the best for him.
With all thought, he decided he needed to get out at that very place before anyone else leave him there. He doesn't want to see his friends' pity faces when they leave him.
He packed his bag, bringing all the necessary clothing he needed. He thought he would just wing it, just like his train adventure. A lot has come forth from that trip. Who knows? He'll probably get some sense into him if he goes away again.
But this time he'd bring his belongings with him to have a foolproof journey. Robbers wouldn't even have a chance.
With a small suitcase and his messenger bag slung across his body, he made out of his room, still confused if he'd eaten already or not; food was the last thing on his mind. He just grabbed his passport, a few cash hidden in various inconspicuous places, in the likes of action figures, a pack of granola bar, and headed his way out.
All itineraries with be dealt with on the way. What he wanted was to have an escape from that place.
A very special treat for a very special day. Happy 12th birthday Big Bang! Chapter One in a few hours. And leave a review, it helps a lot.