Chapter 8

Things that go bump in the night

3 hours after their wedding reception had finished, Leonard and Penny lay together in bed. Penny, as always spooned in front of Leonard and thinking of the past evenings events. although feeling sleepy, She still couldn't get to sleep though for her excitement that she was now Mrs Penny Christine Hofstadter. she considered her and Leonard's Recent Illnesses, Though unpleasant, She was so very grateful that ill health, Both Physical (Leonard) and Mental (herself) had really brought home to her what it was She really desired most in the World. Which was of course, Sharing the rest of her life with with a very special guy who loved her to bits. "Penny", Leonard whispered. "Honey I thought you were asleep?", Penny whispered back. "No I'm just too excited, I just can't believe I'm at last married to you, I still cannot believe that my dream has been realized" Leonard declared". No, I was going to ask you, do you remember when you sent me to get your chocolate and banana shake, was that to get me out of the way, so your Mother and yourself, could plan this secret Wedding?". "Guilty as charged Penny giggled, I had to get you to leave for a little while somehow didn't I, and the chocolate and drink were a nice bonus too". " Mrs Hofstadter, I love you so much", Dr Hofstadter told her running a hand over her stomach and upwards. Which immediately as usual resulted in an excited Penny who became very interested for some more Loving with Leonard.

She turned to face him and they began kissing passionately.
" And that is why I did not want you to go riding on Friday, If you got saddle sore it could deny me my conjugal rights on my wedding night, and you were definitely not getting away with that Dr Hofstadter". "Well Mrs Hofstadter, we have had two doses already, and I prescribe another dose just to make sure" Leonard said hopefully, "I Quite agree Dr", Penny replied, " we had better take this one immediately". And they resumed kissing and hugging.

After they had taken the third dose of the night. Penny, once more, Spooned in front of Leonard. Remembered a little exchange between Amy and Sheldon, Amy had been quite taken by how wonderful the barn had looked for the wedding, and she had asked Sheldon if it had given him any ideas?. Sheldon admitted that it certainly had, "The size of the barn would make a great laboratory for experiments and research", Sheldon then began to reel off a list of equipment that may be needed to carry out the various experiments. "Hmmm,then if I could get Leonard and Wolowitz to do all the donkey work, why I could have quite a nice little setup in a building of this size". Then Sheldon began to visualize how his lab might look. Amy, now in a huff, slapped him on the arm and looked completely exasperated with him. Poor Amy, Penny thought, will Sheldon ever get there. She thought he would, But he would certainly take a long time, She thought.

It would be interesting to see if Raj and Emily would tie the knot in the future, every time they danced together in the slow dances, Emily would lay her head on Raj's shoulder, they did look good together.

She remembered about the talk her father had had with her before they left together for the barn. He told her how relieved he was that her choice was not one of the yahoo's she previously liked to date. He revealed to her that his objection was that not one of them ever looked at her like Leonard does. Not one of them, could he see making her happy just because it made them happy. Wyatt, with tears in his eyes admitted his great regret of letting her leave here with Kurt. "Sometimes an older man with life experiences can see more clearly, and even though he had met Kurt briefly, Wyatt could immediately tell by Kurt's manner that for Kurt He himself, would always be the number one, as far as he was concerned. But Penny was so infatuated with him that he had to let them go.

"Daddy, I'm so sorry I never knew you felt that way, you were absolutely right, Kurt was an out and out pig", Penny said as she threw her arms around her Father, and fought mightily to hold back the tears.

"But if it wasn't for Kurt. I would never have met Leonard, would I?, so in a way, it all ended very happily for me in the end",

He also confessed to her how he had begged Leonard never to give up on her and to love and look after her again when she pretended to her Father, that She was still dating Leonard.

"Daddy Leonard would have never gave up on me even without you asking him. "well that's certainly the truth, I see it in his face whenever he looks at you and I am certain in my mind that Leonard has loved and cared for her in much greater measure than He could have ever dreamed Leonard would care for her. Penny wholeheartedly agreed with him.

Yes, that was Leonard, always concerned for her happiness, her dreams and her well being.

She reached out for Leonard's hand and gave it a loving squeeze and Leonard responded by pulling her closer to him, whereupon they drifted off to sleep.

Leonard felt Penny fidgeting behind him in the early hours as she tried to get herself comfortable and was about to turn to ask her if she was OK, when he suddenly came awake immediately as he realized that Penny was snuggled against his front and still wrapped in his arms.

Leonard gently shook Penny's shoulder. "Leonard , I'm sorry darling. I'm just too tired now", She mumbled in her sleep.

Leonard shook Penny's shoulder again, "Leonard please, I want to sleep".

Leonard was feeling very uncomfortable as Penny and himself too, were wearing only what god had given them.

Leonard felt he really had no choice he had to alert Penny and on the third shake of her shoulder Penny turned and asked him what was the matter. On being informed by Leonard that there was a third occupant in their bed. Penny picked up her phone and then leaning over Leonard she pointed the screens glow towards the unknown person.

"It's old Aunt Olivia", Penny whispered, then added, "she's a bit dotty but very sweet, my guess is she needed the bathroom and became confused, probably thinking she was in her own house, and thought she was climbing into her own bed. Sorry darling we'll just have to sleep in her bed. As she could well have a heart attack if we were to wake her up now".

Using the glow from their cellphones they struggled to locate their robes, then silently opening the door they crept out and made their way to the small guest room, where Aunt Olivia was staying. The big problem though was the fact it was a single bed, and unfortunately for Leonard, Penny as soon as she fell asleep, grabbed the lions share of the mattress leaving Leonard pressed up against the wall behind him and laying on a strip of mattress about 8 inches wide, Leonard though, loved Penny too much to wake her again, as long as Penny was alright then everything was alright with the world itself, as far as Leonard was concerned.


Lake House

Leonard finally managed to doze off about 5 AM only for Penny to shake him awake as Leonard thought, about 10 minutes later

Leonard rolled and checked the time on his phone it read 06:30 AM he looked at it in disbelief as Penny never rose till 10:00 A:M or later if she could help it, Then Penny entered the room.

She had already showered and dressed and was packing their clothes into a large holdall
then She went to get their toiletries from the bathroom and again urged Leonard to get up and get washed and dressed. Leonard was beginning to think he was having a bad dream until Penny returned, packed their toiletries and then without further ado pulled the bedclothes from off of him.

"Penny?, What's going on?", he asked her rubbing his eyes and desperate to return to the land of nod. "It's our Honeymoon Leonard and we are going to be leaving soon please honey", She informed him.
"I thought we were staying here?", he puzzled "Leonard sweetie I want to remember these days when we are old and gross, also I want two whole weeks with you all to myself. So please honey can you get up", She pleaded.
Leonard groaned, his back felt stiff from being pressed up against the wall all night and he felt as if he could sleep for a week at the moment. Though Leonard did want to please his new Wife But it was with a supreme effort that he rose and went to have his shower while struggling mightily not to complain to Penny, then when he had got into the shower he had to get out again now soaking wet in order to retrieve his Star Wars shower gel and razor that Penny had packed away in the holdall.
When he returned, Penny had laid out his clothes on the bed, kissed him passionately and left him to get dressed. Leonard wearily looked at the clothing wishing he could don some Pajamas instead.

Once he was dressed, (with the encouragement of more urgings from Penny ringing in his ears).

Wyatt knocked entered, wished him good morning and took the holdall down to the open top rental car he had hired for them.

Penny came outside and squealed with delight at seeing the sports car then grabbing the keys she kissed and hugged her father said goodbye and thanked him for all he'd done for her, at the same time Leonard was getting another bear hug from her Mother also her sister Jan had too come to see them off, (despite her banging hangover), hugged Leonard and sternly warned him to take the most special care with her sister and then she hugged Penny too. Then Penny hugged her Mother thanking her also while Wyatt shook Leonard's Hand. before Penny jumped into the drivers seat. "Uh! Honey, Are you sure you're OK to drive?", A rather concerned Leonard asked her, as he was familiar with how much Penny usually drank and thought Penny would consume even more as it was a special day. "Leonard, sweetie I did not drink much at all yesterday, Because I wanted to remember our special day forever, Especially the look on your face when I walked down the aisle, I wanted to remember it all forever", Penny replied, a little miffed with him. Leonard sheepishly sat in the passenger seat and Penny drove down the farm track towards the highway. where Penny headed Westwards, and Leonard snored.

And As Wyatt, Marcia and Jan watched them leave. Jan could not hold it back any longer and began to laugh, "Did you see Leonard?, I think our Penny's had him working all night by the looks of him". And she laughed even more. Wyatt turned a deep shade of red, while Marcia rebuked her eldest daughter and then Marcia turned back and watched the dust slowly settle back down onto the ground. Though Marcia could not have wished for a better life partner for Penny than Leonard she would still be worrying something awful.

After traveling sometime, (Apart from a rest stop where Penny bought an armful of Celebrity magazines, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire and Elle. While Leonard was still producing Z's. They then passed a sign for Lake McConaughy. "is that where we're going then", Leonard asked, as he had just woke up.

"Yes sweetie, I must say you've been fine company so far", Penny replied, but after Leonard had given her a grovelling apology Penny relented. "Dad has rented a house by the lake for a couple of weeks".
"That was nice of him" Leonard said, then thought "I wonder if I'll get any mail from a woman in the future in the mailbox, after all it is Lake house", Leonard said, giving Penny the cheekiest of looks .
"You had better not honey, you're already taken, unless you want me to go all Nebraska on your tushy".
"I'd better pass on that then", Leonard conceded.
"Now that really would be using your intelligence", Penny replied giving him, a stern look.

they pulled up beside a two bed Cabin right on the Lake with its own jetty and screened off Jacuzzi and a 20' Glastron boat tied up to the jetty.
"Wow, this is great!", Leonard told her, Noting with approval the fact that the cabin had WI-Fi internet. "Do you want to go out in the boat once we have cleaned up?", he asked Penny.
"No sweetie although you were born earlier than 1985 we are going on a boating course tomorrow, to get our certificate, I didn't marry you just to have you drown on me.
"Leonard considered her point "I guess you're right honey, I wouldn't touch a laser without the proper training, So school tomorrow it is".
"Anyway tonight Doctor, you are taking me out to dinner" she informed him, placing her arms round his neck and kissing him.

They got changed and drove a short distance to a fish restaurant and bar which was named aptly "Something Fishy", where they entered and were shown to a table. "All the fish they serve here are from this lake" Penny told him.
Penny ordered Fisherman's Delight and Leonard chose the oven roasted Striped bass with French fries, Then he rose to get the Drinks.

As he made his way to the bar he was bumped into by a man coming in the opposite direction, Leonard apologized even though the other guy was in the wrong, In fact the guy seemed unsteady on his feet and reminded him of the school bullies in his stature and manner, Leonard then proceeded to the bar.

Penny was looking out the window when she became aware of a man leaning on her table. "Can I help you?, Penny asked, not liking the look of the man at all.
"how about we go for a little ride huh and you can be nice to me all friendly like" He said looking at her straight in the bust.

"Sorry I'm afraid I can't, I am here with my Husband", Penny informed him holding up her left hand to display her wedding ring.
"That's OK Honey, let's leave now Before he gets back, then we can have us a real nice time together huh. Then he reached out to take her hand.

Penny was scared and seeing the jug of water in the middle of the table she threw it at the man in a panic

The drunk took the jug square in the nose and losing his temper he grabbed her shoulder and pulled his arm back to strike her when he found his wrist held in a vice like grip, then turning to punch whoever was poking their nose into his business, changed his mind as a giant of a man stood there and warned him, " Now you just hold on there Mister, I take exception to you insulting my customers and now you are going to leave and I don't want to see your stinking carcass in here again, Comprende", and with that the proprietor picked the drunk up with ease and threw him out.
"Are you OK Penny?, Sorry about him I should have never let him in there, Janey told me he looked like bad news when She saw him, Now please have your meals on the house"

"Yeah I'm OK. Hi Pete long time no see", Penny greeted him and thanked him for his kind assistance, but She had turned white as a sheet after the ordeal and worse still she seemed to become irrational, Penny suddenly began laughing and giggling at things that weren't even funny, Then She became fearful as She observed what she assumed was an angry look on Leonard's face

He put the drinks on the table and sat down and wondered what on earth he possibly could do to comfort Penny, as her demeanour now alarmed him greatly.
"I didn't encourage him Leonard, please believe me, please don't be angry with me, She said beginning to cry.
Leonard put his hands in hers "Oh Penny darling, I'm angry with myself not you, I should have protected you from that jerk".
Penny relaxed slightly as She then pointed out to Leonard that She'd rather he didn't as he did not know if the guy had a knife or gun.

But inside her still damaged mind her anguish was steadily increasing. She had upset Leonard, She had hurt Leonard again. "You stupid fool Penny you shouldn't hurt Leonard. You must stop it now", Her inner voice berated her

Then Penny's hysteria built up and up until finally unable to control herself any longer, She ran sobbing hysterically from the restaurant.
Leonard ran after her cursing the stupid drunk for upsetting His dear Penny, Oh, God. Please don't let her slip back inside herself Leonard silently begged.
Leonard began gasping for breath as Penny easily outstripped him for speed, and blindly running with no thought of direction until fortunately for Leonard, she stumbled and lay prone on the ground sobbing bitterly.
Leonard tenderly put his arms around her and brought her to himself holding her close to him but Penny tried to push him away declaring "please Leonard, I'm just no good for you, I don't deserve you" she stammered through her distress.
"Penny, I beg you Please. Let me be the one to decide if you are good enough for me, Honey you are the only one in this big wide world I want to be with, I placed that ring on your finger myself, I chose you Penny, No one else and I want nothing more than to live the rest of my life with you by my side always". At Leonard's words finally Penny began to calm down, certainly things were indeed better but only as long as Leonard was with her and loved her dearly. Then she just might find the strength to overcome this nightmare.

The Proprietor helped Leonard to bring Penny back to the restaurant and thence to a small staff sitting room whereupon a Doctor was called who gave Penny some tranquilizers and also a mild sedative to help her sleep, Then Leonard still fretting over her, drove Penny back to the cabin and held his beloved Penny close in his arms all night.

The next Morning Penny insisted that they keep their appointment on the boating course, "Honey I'm not having a honeymoon where my only memory of it was a drunken jerk", She said determinedly.
Leonard reluctantly agreed though she still looked Very pale and quite nervous.
Though the boat course passed without incident and they both obtained their certificate without too much trouble.

The next day Pete popped round with something that made Penny squeal with delight,
two fishing poles, Then later that day, She got Leonard to purchase two non resident three day fishing permits online.
"So Penny, how is your dad these days , since I bought the diner I haven't had time for much fishing, I must invite him down for a couple of weeks, It'll be just like the old days. So what do you think of the cabin?"

"My dad's fine thank you and he sends his best by the way" Penny replied "And the cabin's great, I didn't think that these rented ones would be this good inside", She added
"Well this isn't a rented one it's mine, I bought it when I retired from the force", Pete told her.
Then Penny put her hand to her mouth in consternation, "I'm so sorry , I got excited over the fishing poles.

Here, Pete let me introduce you to my Husband Leonard", "Leonard this is my Dad's best buddy Pete", She hastily introduced them. The two men shook hands and Pete smiled at Leonard, "I've been hearing some real good things about you from Wyatt, Scientist eh?", he told Leonard. who then blushed at being praised by this giant. Then Pete turned to Penny "By the way I rang some buddies of mine about the incident with that Bozo yesterday, and from the description I gave them, It seems he was wanted for a couple of robberies and they picked him up in Oglallala, he was trying to buy more drink would you believe. so he won't be bothering any other pretty girls for some time. And I sure would like for you two to eat at my place as you were so rudely disturbed before your meals?".
Penny felt enormously relieved at hearing of the capture of the drunk, and smiled at Pete "We would love to Pete, how about this evening?
"That will be be great Penny, Janey and I will look forward to it" Pete beamed at her , then he left to return to the diner.

Penny and Leonard then turned their attention to having some fun in trying out the boat, And Leonard was very pleased at the opportunity to put his boating training to good use, Whereas Penny who had often accompanied Her Father on fishing trips when younger and was quite familiar with boating.

Later they got changed and made their way back to the diner where Penny reordered The Fisherman's surprise and Leonard decided to have the same as Penny. Their meals were delicious and went well with the white wine that Penny had ordered, though Leonard stuck to mineral water as he was driving. Later Pete and Janey came out when it the diner had got less busy and delighted Leonard with adventure tales of Penny as a young child, and when Wyatt and himself would camp out for a week's fishing.

Leonard decided he liked this old friend of Wyatt's and was now glad he came here, The boat was more fun than he thought it would be too, and he was pleased to see his Penny laughing and talking, she was in her element laughing with Janey at the stories of peculiar and odd customers they had met. Penny's tales while at the cheesecake factory and Janey with her tales of the diner. And Janey laughed uproariously when Penny began to relate to her about the antics of a certain Dr Sheldon Cooper. Leonard smiled as he watched Penny, she had seemed to have calmed down and to Leonard's great joy she resembled more closely the beautiful, vivacious Penny he met and fell in love with.