A/N: I'm sorry for the late update! I tried my hardest to patch this chapter up during my extremely short breaks. Again, I would like to thank everyone who read and reviewed the last chapter! You don't know how happy I am when I read your thoughts about my story.

I hope you'll like it, please tell me what you think about in the reviews.


CHAPTER THREE: THE DINNER ANTICIPATION


Green.

The cars, the buildings, the billboards, all of them were enveloped in a certain shade of green.

Sheldon blinked, trying to get a grasp of reality. He looked around once more, hoping that everything will return to normal. However, it didn't. Everything still looked the same.

Everything was still green.

He squeezed his temples as he resorted to his final option. He shut his eyes, leaving all of the traces of green behind. Now, he couldn't see anything but pitch black.

A few minutes in, a light slowly approached him. It was like the sun, the only thing is that it wasn't of the same color. He focused more closely as he identified the source of light.

Closer.

Just a bit closer.

Sheldon tightened his grip on his pants as he looked closely at the two orbs which were staring back at him. Emerald. Just like her eyes.

In numerous instances, Sheldon had always boasted the privileges that only his eidetic memory could bestow him. Throughout the years, this remarkable memory had been very beneficial to him, both in his personal and professional life. He could recite pi in any place value he wants without even trying, he could remember how much Penny owes him for all the food she had at their apartment and most importantly, he could memorize all formulas and equations with just one glance. "Life is easier with eidetic memory" has been his mantra for as long as he could remember. Much to his dismay, those good old days already ended today. For the first time, Sheldon Cooper admitted that having an eidetic memory is both a blessing and a curse.

Sheldon slowly opened his eyes. Good lord, he mumbled. No matter how hard he try to forget it, those green eyes still find its way to crawl back to his mind.

His eyes traveled left, relieved to see Leonard sitting beside him. Because of the intrapersonal dilemma that he was battling, he didn't even notice that Leonard was listening to the radio. He wanted to turn off the music and tell him that he violated section 1, article 6 of the roommate agreement, but he believed that he had more important things to attend to. With shaky hands, he reached out for his phone and opened his email.

If I just allowed the lock of the door to click, then I wouldn't have to be in this miserable state.

He knew well that his mother didn't raise a coward who isn't true to his words. With a defeated sigh, he started to compose a message to Amy Farrah Fowler, as he promised.

Well, it's now or never.

Despite of his reluctance, he still pressed send.

He glanced at his phone, waiting for her to reply. A part of him wanted her to decline and say that she has other things to do. He wasn't ready to face her again, especially after how Leonard did most of the work for him when they went to visit her. Sheldon leaned forward and reached for the volume button of the radio. He pressed thrice, successfully lowering the volume of the current Jonas Brothers song that was playing.

"Oh, sorry if I opened the radio. You were too deep in your thoughts so I didn't bother you." Leonard apologized.

"It's fine. I would want to ask something of you."

Leonard turned his face to Sheldon, bewildered that he didn't nag him for playing the radio. Thank goodness for the traffic, or else they could've swerved lanes because Leonard took his eyes off the road.

"Sure buddy, what is it?"

Sheldon looked at his best friend, whose eyes were closely watching his every move. "Is it okay if we suspend new comic book night and just head home?" he asked softly. Leonard bulged his eyes upon hearing his plea. Earlier, he left the office 20 minutes later than his usual schedule and now, he wants to skip their weekly new comic book day? He couldn't believe it, not only once, but twice did Sheldon deviate from his normal routine today.

Leonard stared at him blankly for another ten seconds. The bespectacled driver only came back to his senses when he heard several angry beeping sounds from the cars behind them, signaling that they must start moving immediately. He turned away from Sheldon and started driving once again.

Sheldon grunted, showing his displeasure upon the recent interruption. Leonard still owed him an answer. He cleared his throat to ask him once more. "Well, what do you think?"

"I don't mind. Besides, we can always drop by the comic bookstore anytime we want. On the other hand, it's not every day you invite someone at our place for dinner." Leonard smirked. Sheldon felt heat radiate through his ears because of how his best friend naughtily delivered his statement. As much as Sheldon hated to break his tightly bound schedule, it was already 5:45 in the afternoon and he deduced that they would be late for dinner if they proceed with their usual ritual of gathering at Stuart's shop. Knowing their awkward history, Sheldon didn't want to ditch Amy for the second time around.

After getting past the horrendous traffic, the two physicists finally reached Los Robles avenue in no time. A sudden wave of nervousness hit Sheldon as he started unclasping his seatbelt. His pants showed that his hands have been evidently perspiring non-stop upon their arrival. They walked towards their apartment floor with only a tense, quiet air accompanying them. Leonard grabbed his keys from his pocket and opened the door. Just as they were about to enter, the door behind them opened, revealing a tall, blonde figure emerging from the inside.

"Hey!" Penny remarked as she went over to kiss Leonard on the cheek. "What took you guys so long?" she questioned. Leonard gazed at Sheldon, his eyes asked if he could tell Penny everything that has happened today. Sheldon rolled his eyes in response. "Do as you please. I don't even care, Leonard." he replied as he closed the door and rushed to his spot on the couch.

Penny shot her boyfriend an unknowing look, which Leonard returned with a small smile. "You won't believe what happened today." he grinned, reminiscing every single thing about their encounter with the mysterious Amy Farrah Fowler. "I'll come over and tell you everything."

Penny escorted Leonard to her apartment, looking forward to hear about his story. Before they could enter 4B, Leonard remembered something and ran back to his apartment.

"Sheldon?" he said as he knocked on the door. "What would you want for dinner?"

Leonard heard him pause the television. A brief silence filled Sheldon's room.

"For god's sake, I don't even know. My schedule for tonight is already wrecked so I won't mind if you pick what's for dinner."

Strike three. Leonard flickered his eyes in disbelief. Sheldon Cooper allowed him to pick a food for dinner? What the heck got into him today?

He turned at Penny who was watching him in anticipation. "What would a girl like for dinner?" Leonard asked.

Penny was unsure how to answer his question. Was this based on what I would like, or on what I think another girl would like?

"For a fact, most women appreciate fancy dinner dates. But if it's dinner at home, I think takeout or pizza's fine." Penny knowingly stated. She emphasized the "women appreciate fancy dinner dates" part, hoping that Leonard could take a cue for their next date night.

"Very well. Sheldon, is pizza okay with you?"

Sheldon huffed. This day had already been disastrous, so he was convinced that there's nothing left for him to lose. "Pizza it is." he replied. After Leonard made the call to their favorite pizzeria, a giddy Penny tugged Leonard's arm and dragged him with her, eager for him to spill the beans.


Dr. Wackadoodle is having a girl over for dinner! Make sure to swing by at 7 so you won't miss this momentous event. – P

Wait, a girl? Like, an actual girl? – B

Yes, she recently just moved to Caltech today. You won't believe what Leonard told me earlier about her and Sheldon! – P

Oh my god, spill the tea! – B

Seems like our little Shelly had an affair with this girl two years ago. Now that she's back, Sheldon can't get himself together. – P

Holy freaking crap! Fill me with the details later. Also, put the kettle on, I'll be there at 6:30. – B

The news of Sheldon inviting a woman over for dinner spread like wildfire in their small social group. Penny, given her inclination to gossip, became the sole catalyst of the fire.

It was already 6:11, but Bernadette was still in the middle of work. She was ought to leave the laboratory at 7 since she still had several papers to file for the new drug that she has been testing. The blonde twirled her locks and contemplated the pros and cons of ditching her work to come over at Sheldon's for dinner. After a few moments of thinking, Bernadette wore her coat and grabbed her sling bag. She concluded that if it meant seeing the girl Sheldon was romantically interested in, she'll wholeheartedly go to work early and face the mountain of paperwork that will welcome her the next morning.

Excitement and enthusiasm filled her veins as she hastily went downstairs to fetch her car. Aside from the fact that she wanted to somehow pry with Sheldon's newfound romantic interest, she was also genuinely happy that this dinner could lead to something magical for her friend. That might sound unbelievable coming from the harsh and blunt Bernadette that their social group was accustomed to, but it was genuinely true. Despite of her harsh words, deep down, she also wanted him to find someone he can spend his entire life with.

Upon reaching her parking spot, Bernadette hopped inside her car. Her phone chimed a few times, but she didn't mind picking it up. She just smiled to herself and drove faster, yearning to hear from Penny everything that she needed to know.

6:30 pm.

A sudden knock sent shivers down Sheldon's entire body. Could it be her? Sheldon stood up from his spot, feeling an incredible weight upon his shoulders. His shaky fingers latched to the door's handle, slowly opening it. He closed his eyes for a second, afraid that he might faint at the sight of her. Unfortunately, it wasn't the smell of cherries that welcomed him. It was the meaty smell of pizza.

"Dr. Sheldon Cooper? Here's your pizza delivery." the delivery man smiled as he handed him four boxes of pizza. Sheldon took his wallet which was sitting beside their key bowl and gave the exact amount to the delivery man. After receiving the money, he took his red cap off and bid Sheldon goodbye.

Sheldon placed the pizzas in the center table in front of the couch. He stared at the boxes as she felt the rapid beating of his heart.

Holy freaking goodness, that was a close one.

6:45 pm.

Sheldon anxiously looked at the clock, watching closely the movement of each hand. He tried watching Star Trek to ease his nervousness, but it didn't work. All he could think about was how dreadfully close the clock was to reach 7. Feeling hopeless, he turned off the player and placed the CD back to its respective box. He was already done, but before he could return the box to its place in their shelf, he was rattled by the sudden opening of the door.

"Hey, Sheldon!" Bernadette greeted, with Penny walking alongside her. The both of them seemed to be in such a good mood. "Looking tense, aren't we?" she giggled, turning Sheldon's face upside down.

"Oh no, moonpie. This is a big night, you can't frown like that!" Penny said as she approached him.

"It's just a dinner, Penny. A casual dinner. The only reason I invited her tonight is because I was feeling guilty about what I did to her before. My mother had raised me to become a Texan gentleman, and that is what I am trying to do with this gesture." Sheldon insisted firmly. Despite of his honesty, Penny and Bernadette can't help but give him a mischievous smile. Leonard might've argued in the past that Sheldon does not possess hormones, but they all know that beneath his emotionless nature, there still lies a man inside him. Penny and Bernadette was certain that with the help of the right woman, his so-called "non-existent" hormones would get going like of a rowdy teenager.

As Penny approached him, she noticed how uneasy Sheldon had been since their arrival. In an attempt to console him, she went closer and held his sweaty hands. "Calm down, Sheldon. Everything's going to be just fine, trust me." she assured him. Penny led him to the couch and sat down with him.

Bernadette, who was sitting in the lone chair, also gave her encouragement by tapping Sheldon by the shoulder. Sheldon let out a small smile, appreciating the kindness that his friends have given him. "It's just a dinner, there's nothing to worry about." he said, but this time, with conviction. Bernadette grinned upon hearing the change of tone in his voice. "You're Sheldon Lee Cooper, what's the worst thing that could happen?"


7:00 pm.

The clock's hands finally reached 7 and 12. The gang was curled up on the couch, with all eyes intensely glaring at the door. Sheldon made cranking sounds as he tightly gripped his water bottle. Where is she? What is taking her so long? He wanted to message her that it was already one minute past 7, but he stopped himself from doing so. If he endured several hours of waiting earlier, he was sure that waiting for a few minutes more would be just a breeze.

Sheldon glanced at everyone, who was sharing the same nervous look in their faces. He didn't want to admit it, but he felt really grateful for the support that his friends had showered him the entire day. Inviting Amy over for dinner with his friends was certainly a better idea than having to face her alone in a fancy restaurant.

He looked at the clock once again. 7:10 pm.

He opened his phone to check for new messages coming from her, but he didn't get any.

Maybe she isn't really going to come. Maybe she wanted to return the favor by ditching me as well, the same way I did to her.

When the clock hit the 7:15 mark, Sheldon stood up to grab another bottle of water.

"Look, Sheldon. I'm sor—"

"Don't be, Leonard." he interjected. "I deserve it. I stood her up two years ago, so I can't expect her to forgive me with open arms." Sheldon said as he twisted the cap of his bottle.

He felt a mysterious pang of guilt and sadness hit him. He initially wanted her to decline his offer but on the back of his mind, he also wanted her to accept it, for he wanted to learn more about her in order to feed his curiosity.

With a disappointed look painted in his face, he walked back to the couch and opened one box of pizza. "I think we must consume this before it gets col—"

His sentence was cut short when a loud knock resonated inside the room. All of them turned at each other, verifying if the sound they heard was not just a fraction of their imagination. They were stunned when the knock occurred again. Howard let out a warm smile to Sheldon, who was currently standing like a statue in front of them.

"Open the door, Sheldon. She's waiting for you." he whispered softly. Without a word, Sheldon walked to the door and clutched the handle. He let out a deep sigh before he opened the door.

His eidetic memory served him well. He was right, she did smell like cherries.


A/N: Thank you for reading until here! Next up, the dinner at 4A.