A/N: First of all, I would like to thank everyone who read the first part of this story! I was so glad to see that a lot of people are already anticipating my updates. I just want to ask for your patience for I might not be able to update regularly. However, I have already outlined the entire story plot so rest assured that updates will keep coming your way.

I hope you enjoy this chapter, please tell me your thoughts about it in the reviews!


CHAPTER TWO: THE SCHOOL BELL SALVATION


Mary Cooper had taught his boys, Sheldon and Georgie, to always be kind and considerate to people. Georgie might have been led astray from this principle over time, but Sheldon made sure to live by this teaching despite of his reluctancy to interact with other people. He wasn't a sociable person, but he attends to other people when they're in dire need of his help. Even as an adult, Sheldon had always instilled his mother's teaching in his day to day life. Unfortunately, seeing the woman he ditched two years ago made him ponder if he was still the same Texan gentleman that his mother worked so hard to raise.

"Amy Farrah Fowler? As in, the Amy Farrah Fowler?" Howard asked, still shocked at her presence.

Raj turned to Howard. "She can't be that woman! I can't let future Mrs. Koothrappali get away from me!" he exclaimed. The thought of her remembering the incident and confronting them about it drained the blood in their faces. Raj, Howard, and Sheldon became fidgety, like earthworms squirming in a bowl filled with salt.

Leonard, on the other hand, had no idea why his friends acted strangely after the arrival of Amy Farrah Fowler. How did the three of them know her? Was she Howard's ex? Was she a scientist who competed with Sheldon in the past? And finally, the million dollar question, why were they looking at her as if they'd seen a ghost?

Curiosity is one of the greatest strengths that a scientist has. Sure enough, Leonard Hofstadter was one curious scientist. He would never let this slide, not until he knows about what happened between them and the woman who was recently introduced by the president.

Leonard cleared his throat, aiming to tame the vehement air surrounding them. "What's the matter? She looks like a lovely woman." he commented.

"Leonard, you already have Penny. May I remind you that one cannot row a single boat in opposite directions." Sheldon blurted. Leonard felt the wrinkles in his forehead multiply because of his statement. He reminded himself that in order to get the answer he wants, he needs to be patient. He took a deep breath and crossed his arms. "I didn't mean it that way." the bespectacled man started. "I felt like there's something going on with you and that girl and… I wanted to know that it is."

The three of them just looked at Leonard, who was now bowing his head because of embarrassment.

"Look, Leonard, we just didn't want you to be included in this mess." Raj admitted. "But if you're still curious, let us tell you a story."

"Two years ago, we enlisted Sheldon to an online dating site because we thought that if he gets preoccupied with someone, he'll finally stop being such a pain in the ass." Howard narrated, with eyes still on Leonard.

"We answered the questionnaires the way Sheldon would and we found a match for him. Her name is Amy Farrah Fowler. Unfortunately, Sheldon—" Raj turned to Sheldon. "Ditched the girl on their supposed date on a coffee shop."

Leonard let out a soft "oohh" sound after hearing their story. He knew Sheldon's aversion to physical interaction and intimacy, but he never thought that he was capable of actually ditching someone because of it.

Sheldon pursed his lips as he glanced at Amy, who was now roaming table to table with President Siebert. With panic written all over his face, he signaled his friends to leave the cafeteria before they reach their table. They finished their lunch as fast as they could then stood up and grabbed their trays. Just as they were about to leave, their pathway to escape was blocked by President Siebert and his companion.

"Now, I'll introduce you to the men of the Physics department! Here's Dr. Rajesh Koothrappali and Engineer Howard Wolowitz of the Astrophysics department." Amy extended her hand to the two men in front of her and shook their hands. "Also, Dr. Leonard Hofstadter of the Experimental Physics department." Out of courtesy, Leonard reached out his sweaty and shaky hand to meet Amy's own. President Siebert then turned to the tall figure beside Leonard. "Last but not the least, the undisputed star of Science Today, none other than Dr. Sheldon Cooper of the Theoretical Physics department!" he proclaimed proudly. When it was time for her to shake Sheldon's hand, she tightened her grip, causing him to twitch a little. An overwhelming spark of electricity flowed into Sheldon's entire body when his skin touched hers.

Amy locked her eyes with Sheldon, who was now feeling his legs turn soft as the jello he was eating earlier. He didn't know what her look meant. Was she happy? Sad? Angry? Given his lack of social interaction with other people, it was almost impossible for him to decipher what she was trying to imply.

After a few seconds. Amy finally let go of Sheldon's hand. The president sensed familiarity between the two of them, like they have met each other before. "By any chance Dr. Fowler, have you met Dr. Cooper already?" he questioned, trying not to sound as if he was prying about their private lives.

The president's inquiry caused Amy to let out a small smile. "Yes, I believe that we know each other." Amy replied curtly.

President Siebert clapped in delight. "Wonderful! At least adjusting here would be somehow easier for you."

Sheldon grunted at Amy's response. He had to leave, or else she might say something about the date. He was about to lose hope but the bell suddenly rang, signaling that the lunch break was over. The pathway to escape had finally shown itself.

"Excuse us, but we have to go back to our offices since lunch break's over." he said in a fake apologetic voice. Sheldon used his koala face and turned to Amy, who was still looking at him with undecipherable intent in her eyes. "It was wonderful finally seeing you, Dr. Fowler. See you around the university." he remarked as he and the boys hurried to their respective offices.

No one dared to talk about their encounter with Amy during their walk. As Sheldon reached his office, he immediately locked the door and leaned on it.

That was close, Sheldon thought. Thank goodness for the invention of school bells.


Sheldon did everything in his power to forget everything that happened during their lunch break. However, with his eidetic memory, he still can't erase the look Amy Farrah Fowler gave him earlier. Her emerald orbs haunted his mind, forbidding him to accomplish anything. Thoughts about their encounter filled his mind until he eventually lost track of time.

"Sheldon?" asked Leonard as he opened the door of Sheldon's office. His train of thought was interrupted by his roommate's arrival. "Pardon me, what is it Leonard?" he replied.

Leonard glanced at the clock above Sheldon's head. "It's 20 minutes past 5 pm, we were supposed to drop by the comic book store for new comic book night." Leonard stated with a hint of concern in his voice. For the past few years that they've been together, he was very certain that Sheldon never forgets his schedules. It bothered Leonard that he was not adhering to his normally strict schedule, given that his roommate is the poster boy for punctuality,

"Yes, right." Sheldon nodded. He stood up from his chair and wore his belt bag and windbreaker. "Let's go."

Although he loved Sheldon's silence during their walk to the car, Leonard knows that something is not right. Leonard glanced at him through his peripheral vision. He was just walking. Just walking, not complaining about a mediocre problem or an annoying co-worker who ruined his mood.

With his uneasiness getting the best of him, Leonard convinced himself that had to intervene.

"Would you want to talk to about what happened with Amy earlier?"

Sheldon gasped upon hearing the question. He suddenly stopped walking. "Now you're referring to her by her first name? Wow Leonard, I never thought you were that kind of guy." he grunted. Leonard's grin grew wider with his response. Yes, that's it. Let's get that old Sheldon back.

Leonard tried to played dumb and innocent. "Don't mind me, I was just curious. Given your problems in dealing with closure, aren't you bothered with how things ended with you and Dr. Fowler?"

Leonard knew he hit the right button with his last statement. Sheldon stared blankly at him, with Leonard's words ringing into his head.

Closure.

Dr. Fowler.

Closure with Dr. Fowler.

Sheldon gripped Leonard's arm and lead him to another direction. He dragged him towards the exit of the Physics building. "Sheldon, what are you doing?"

"Closure, Leonard. I'm giving her the closure that she deserves."

Mission accomplished. Leonard smirked in triumph as they reached the door of the newly renovated Biology building.

Sheldon looked at each door that he and Leonard passed by. He was unsuccessful in finding her name engraved in one of those doors. When they were about to leave the building, they saw a delivery man carrying a small package. After looking closer to see the consignee, shock filled their faces.

Amy Farrah Fowler.

They followed the delivery man discreetly, trying not to look suspicious. He led them to the last door of the long corridor. They waited for a few minutes for the delivery man to leave before they made their way in front of the door.

"You knock the door." Sheldon ordered Leonard. The other shook his head in response. "Why would I? The reason why we're here is because of you. Plus, I barely know the woman." he insisted.

Sheldon rolled his eyes in annoyance. "This was a bad decision. Let's go, Leonard." he said as he tugged Leonard's arm again. Leonard removed Sheldon's hand with brute force then turned his face towards him. "Averting the problem won't solve anything. You have to finish what you started."

Feeling defeated, Sheldon let out a long sigh. He took all the courage he could muster to knock the door before him.

*knock knock knock* Amy Farrah Fowler

*Knock knock knock* Amy Farrah Fowler

*knock knock knock* Amy Farrah Fowler

Sheldon felt his heart beat rapidly, as if it was about to escape from his rib cage. He clutched his pants tightly as he and Leonard waited for the door to be opened.

This feeling was new to him, for he had never felt this nervous in his entire life. His eyes watched in anticipation as a woman opened the door for them.

Amy looked different from the first time they met her. Her hair was in a tight ponytail while her incredibly thick layer of clothing is now covered by her long-sleeved laboratory gown. She smiled at sight of them. "Can I do anything for you, gentlemen?" she inquired.

Leonard glanced at Sheldon, who was now stunned. Since he wasn't going to talk anytime soon, he took the initiative to state the reason why they paid her a visit.

"Uhm, we would like to talk to you, in private."

Amy ushered the two of them inside her lab. Leonard's eyes roamed the entire room. There wasn't much inside, only a few piles of unopened laboratory stocks and equipment. He turned back his attention to Amy, who was standing in front of them.

"I-I think you remember my friend right here, not just from your recent interaction with him but because… well, of another reason." Leonard said in a shaky voice as he pinched Sheldon back to reality. "I wasn't really involved with what happened, but I would like to explain Sheldon's side to you. You see, the other two men you met earlier, Dr. Koothrappali and Engr. Wolowitz, set up Sheldon in a dating site without his consent. They meant no harm, they just wanted him to meet someone who can, you know, make his steel heart collapse." Leonard narrated.

Amy let out another smile. "I do appreciate the sentiment, but I also want to hear some words coming from him." The brunette pointed her index finger to Sheldon, who was quiet the entire time. Sheldon felt another pinch coming from Leonard, telling him that it was about time for him to say something.

Sheldon took a huge step forward, almost filling the gap between him and Amy. He remembered his mom's advice in dealing with awkward situations. Be calm and respectful. Own up to your mistakes. Say sorry when you know you're at fault. Now feeling confident as ever, he locked his eyes with Amy's. "I'm sorry if I ditched you. I never meant to hurt your feelings. Personal interaction and intimacy are just not my cup of tea." he said with seriousness and sincerity in his voice. "I hope this incident would not taint our professional relationship." Sheldon added.

Amy shook her head as she accepted his apology. "Certainly, Dr. Cooper. Thank you for clarifying your side.

Leonard tapped Sheldon's shoulder, indirectly saying that he did a wonderful job in handling the situation with Amy. If only his mom could see him, she would be so proud.

After reaching a conclusion to their dilemma, Leonard told Amy that it was about time for them to head out. Still smiling, Amy opened the door for her visitors. "Thanks for stopping by. I hope to see you two around."

"Thank you as well, Dr. Fowler." Leonard replied as they stepped out of her laboratory. They exchanged glances one last time before she started closing the door. Just before the lock clicked, Sheldon's hand stopped the door from fully closing.

"Dr. Fowler, I think it's necessary for me to make amends for my behavior." Sheldon firmly stated. "Dr. Hofstadter and I are roommates, so I think he wouldn't mind if I invite you over for dinner."

Amy was shocked by the sudden invitation. She had never been invited to dinner by anyone before. As excited as she was, she was afraid of going to a stranger's house. Her mom never let her play with other kids in their neighborhood, for she insists that it is not safe to interact with people she just met. This attitude of her mother was the reason she ended up having no friends until now.

Amy contemplated about their offer. Hmmm, the two of them seemed nice and reputable people, she thought.

Maybe one dinner with them wouldn't hurt.

"I see no reason to refuse. Thank you for the offer, I'd gladly accept it."

Sheldon grinned upon hearing her answer. "Dinner starts at 7 pm. Given that I still have your email from the dating site, I will email you our address later."

"In return for my acceptance of your offer, I want you to drop the formality. After all, we are colleagues. I would want the both of you to call me by my first name."

Sheldon and Leonard shook their heads. Sheldon gripped his belt bag as he gazed at her. "Well then, see you later, Amy."

When they started to walk away, Amy shut the door. She returned to the microscope slide that she was observing prior to the arrival of her visitors. Only a few moments later, her phone vibrated.

1 New Email

From: Sheldon Lee Cooper (sheldonleecooper )

To: Amy Farrah Fowler (affowler )

Greetings!

As promised, here is our full address: 2311 North Los Robles Avenue, Apartment 4A. Note that the parking in front of our apartment is free of charge, so you can park if you want to (that is, if you own a car).

I will be anticipating your arrival at exactly 7 pm.

Yours Truly,

Sheldon Lee Cooper

Amy felt giddiness enter her system after reading his email. She placed her phone back to her pocket, with a wide grin painted on her face.

Well, it seems like her move to Caltech wasn't a bad idea at all.


A/N: I hope you liked it. See you next chapter!