A/N Thank you so much for your reviews. Sorry it has been so long for me to update this story. I still own nothing.

The next year brought a number of changes, some large, some incremental, but all affecting the group's lives.

JoAnn answered her phone, "This is Doctor Meadows."

"Hi JoAnn, this is Amy Farrah Fowler."

"Hi Amy, good to hear from you. What can I do for you? Is it about Dr. Cooper?"

"Yes. Do you have a few minutes?"

"Yes, how is it going?"

"Actually, it has been fine." Hesitates, "That is the problem."

She went on, "In fact, it has been wonderful. I haven't felt so happy since we were together before."

JoAnn sighed; this is what she had worried about when Amy had told her about working with Sheldon. But should she interfere? Maybe they could work it out.

Finally, she said, "I am glad for you, Amy. But don't forget what happened the last time you felt this way. And how about his wife?"

"I remember. That's why I called you. As for his wife, they are separated."

"I know how much you admire him. Are you sure this isn't just because you are working together?"

When Amy didn't answer, she went on, "Don't misunderstand me, I am glad you can still enjoy being together, but I hope you are not again expecting more. He has never shown he felt more for you."

Amy sighed, "I know. You are right. But I want it to be more. Maybe he has changed."

She went on, "After all, he and Penny have broken up. He must not have got what he needed from her." Pausing, "I also know now I am attractive to men."

"Are you physically attracted to Sheldon? Do you think he feels the same for you?'

"Yes, I am still attracted to him. I don't know about Sheldon, but at least I know he can be attracted to someone, after all, he was attracted to Penny."

JoAnn wasn't sure what she should say. Finally, she said, "I think you need to concentrate on the work. When you're finished, you should come home. You should be able to get a better perspective that way. You are a grown woman, but I don't want you to get hurt again. Don't forget how you were the last time."

"You're right, of course, JoAnn. Thank you. I won't decide anything now. I will just enjoy the work and when I get back we can talk."

JoAnn relieved, "I think that's best. Who knows, you may decide you do want to risk it again. It will also hopefully give them time to get their marital situation clarified."

Amy and Sheldon had finished up their work and were deeply satisfied with what they had accomplished. They decided they would each prepare a paper and compare the results. They would then decide whether to issue their own papers separately giving credit to the other, issue them together, or merge them together.

Amy said her goodbyes to the rest of the gang except Penny. They all agreed to keep in touch.

But then Amy realized she wanted to talk to Penny. After all, they had once been close friends. She realized she needed some closure.

Penny was stunned when Amy called her. They agreed to meet in Amy's hotel room.

Amy greeted her at the door and having been prepared by ordering a bottle of wine, poured them each a glass.

After an awkward silence, they both began to speak at once. Penny smiled, "Why don't you go ahead?"

"Penny, I am not sure why I wanted to see you. Both you and Sheldon hurt me deeply. In a way, I can understand about Sheldon. I can see where he would be confused about his feelings. And I of course thought it was obvious why he would be attracted to you instead of me."

Before Penny could say anything, "But you were my friend. You knew how I felt about Sheldon. How much I desired him. In many ways, your betrayal of my trust hurt me more than what Sheldon did."

Penny sat there quietly. She knew she deserved this and was afraid this was why Amy wanted to talk to her. After a long pause, "Everything you say is true, Amy. I don't know if I will ever really understand why I did what I did. I do know it had something to do with Leonard and me. I believe it also had something to do with my frustration about my career and my job. I just felt like I was standing still, that this was my life." She finished her glass, "That night I was really drunk and I don't know, he was like forbidden fruit. I gave no thought to what it would do to you, to Leonard… to Sheldon."

"Afterwards, I was ashamed, but I was caught up in the excitement of it. I didn't want to think about us getting caught. When we were, Sheldon and I convinced ourselves we were in love, that we were justified in what we did."

She sighed, "If it is any comfort at all, for most of the four years we have not been intimate. Once the excitement of sneaking around was gone, Sheldon really didn't want to be with me that often. We have come to realize our marriage had become a sham."

There was a long silence. Amy finished her glass and poured them each another.

Finally, Penny said, "I am so sorry how I hurt you and Leonard. I know you can probably never forgive me. I am glad you have come back, that you have been able to see your friends. I am glad you and Sheldon can work together."

"I hated you, Penny. I never wanted to see you again. You're right, I don't think I can ever completely forgive you, but I have heard how the others talk about you. They told me how you helped Leonard when his wife died. They told me how you didn't go to Paris because you were afraid it would hurt her family. That is not the Penny I hated. I don't know if we can ever be friends again, but I plan to stay in contact with the others and would like to have you be part of that."

Penny was stunned, she had never expected to hear anything like this from Amy. "I would like that too. It is much more that I deserve."

They spent time talking about Penny working on the soap and Amy's new life. Amy was stunned when she found herself talking about her romances. It was almost like old times when she confided in Penny that she was no longer a virgin. She found herself gratified at Penny's reaction. She realized how much she had missed talking with Penny.

Then Penny took a chance, "How has it been working with Sheldon?"

Amy looked like she wasn't going to answer and Penny was about to apologize, when Amy smiled, "It has been wonderful. I had forgotten how much I admire him, how well we work together."

She hesitated and then shocked herself when she said, "I have also found I still wonder about him and me." Why was she talking to Penny this way? It shocked her when she realized, that just like Sheldon, there was something between her and Penny. That was why Penny had hurt her so badly.

Penny stared, amazed at what Amy was sharing with her. She realized how much she had missed her.

"Do you think Sheldon feels the same way?"

Suddenly they both realized how strange this was, they were talking about Penny's husband. But at the same time, it was like it had been before it all happened.

Amy smiled, "I don't know." She smirked, "After all, it is Sheldon."

Then they shocked each other when they both laughed and cried, seeking each other out in a big hug.

Penny sobbed, "Oh Amy, I am so sorry I hurt you. I will never forgive myself."

Amy was also crying, "I know, Penny. But I do want you to be part of my life."

Penny pulled back and looked her in the eye, "You do?"

Any met her eyes, "Yes, I do."

They talked a little longer, Amy telling Penny she was getting ready to leave but would keep in touch with her and the others.

They then hugged and said goodbye, both shocked yet gratified with what had happened. For the first time, Amy began to believe she had put the past behind her and was ready for whatever came next.

For her part, Penny was stunned what had happened. She realized how much what had happened meant to her. She was beginning to feel like she was ready to move forward.

Amy was all packed and was on her way to the airport. She stopped at Sheldon's apartment to tell him goodbye.

After he let her in, they stood looking at each other. Finally, Amy said, "Well, I had better get going." She hesitated, "It was great working with you again. I think we have accomplished a lot."

"I agree. And it has been wonderful to work with you." He paused, "I will look forward to reading your paper."

Amy smiled, "And I yours."

They stood there awkwardly for a few minutes and then Amy turned toward the door, "Goodbye, Sheldon."

As she headed for the door, Sheldon stopped her by saying, "Amy."

When she turned, he shocked her, "I would like to kiss you goodbye."

Amy finally managed to say, "You do?"

"Yes."

"I would like that too."

"You would?"

Smiling happily, "Yes."

He moved forward and pushed his lips against hers. He had just meant to give her a peck, but then their lips pushed together. They stood like that for some time.

When they broke apart, they were both a little flushed. Amy finally said, "That was nice."

Sheldon nodded, "It was."

Amy turned, "I need to go, I don't want to be late. Goodbye, Sheldon."

"Goodbye, Amy."

Penny and Sheldon agreed that they should file for a divorce and were pleased to find they could still get along. In fact, their relationship was the best it had been for a long time.

After what had happened with Amy and her filing for divorce, Penny decided she was going to talk with Leonard. She decided they needed to figure out what was going on between them. How they were going to relate to each other. She knew it could turn out badly, but did not want to leave things as they were.

They met at Leonard's apartment. After Penny talked and played with Warren for a while, she helped tuck him in. They returned to the living room and sat on the couch.

Leonard spoke first, "Can I get you anything?"

"I could go for a cup of coffee."

Leonard made a pot and with both taking a sip, Penny began, "I wanted to see you because I wanted to talk to you about the trip to the Zoo."

Leonard was surprised for a moment and then realized he needed to discuss what had happened as well.

Penny had gone on, "I know that after what I did to you, I have no right to feel this way." She took a sip and wished she had asked for something stronger, "But I sometimes I felt like we were… like a family."

Leonard absorbed what she had said. He thought for some time before he answered, "I know what you mean, I felt a little of that myself." He hesitated and then went on, "When we were walking, I had this crazy idea to hold your hand." He paused again, "And I had the feeling you wouldn't mind."

Penny was stunned, she finally got out, "I wouldn't have. In fact, I had the same feeling."

They sat awkwardly for a time. Finally, Penny broke the silence, "Sheldon and I signed our divorce papers."

"I know. Bernadette told me."

Penny finally got up her courage, "So what do we do now?"

Leonard ran his fingers through his hair. He then smiled ruefully, "I don't know."

Penny sighed, "I don't know either."

Leonard sat down his cup, "I don't know about you, but I could use some wine about now."

Penny smiled, "So could I."

After Leonard returned with a bottle and filled their glasses, they both took a good gulp.

Finally, Leonard spoke up, "I think we need to put off making any decisions. He sat back, "I don't think I am ready for any kind of relationship right now." He looked in her eyes, "I know it has been a long time, but I still remember how you hurt me."

Penny was saddened, but nodded, "I know. I understand." She finished off her glass, "But I still think we could have a chance."

Leonard was quiet for a long time. "I do, too." As he saw her expression, he quickly added, "But we need to go slow. Maybe we could do more things like the zoo with Warren. It is also true we can do things with the others."

He paused, "I need to somehow know I can trust you not to hurt me again."

Penny was stunned, he was saying they could maybe get back together. At the same time, she knew it was a long shot. She had hurt him so badly. Could he ever think he could trust her again? But then she decided to just be grateful for what they had and just enjoy whatever time they did spend together.

"I understand, Leonard. I know it will be difficult to believe it would be different. So, let's just agree to appreciate any time we can spend together and see what happens."

"I would like that."

She got up, "Well, I had better head home. I have to go into the studio early tomorrow." She hesitated, "Thank you for listening, Leonard."

"Your welcome, Penny, I am looking forward to spending time with you." He smiled, "And I know Warren likes to see his Auntie Penny."

Penny felt herself tearing up, "And his Auntie Penny likes to be with him."

Leonard walked with her to the door. She turned toward him, "Goodnight, Leonard."

As Leonard said goodnight, she leaned over and kissed him softly on the cheek. She then left.

Leonard had come to the conclusion he would like to look into getting back to work. He was surprised and gratified when he contacted Caltech and they were willing for him to gradually return. He started by going in a few days a week. It was made easier for him when he was able to get Warren into the same Day Care as Michael and Halley.

At first when Leonard returned to work, he and Sheldon avoided each other. But with the urging of Raj and Howard, they all started to meet for lunch. Although it was awkward in the beginning, everyone was gratified when they soon were able to enjoy being with each other again. They didn't get anywhere near being together away from work as they had before, but did make an occasional trip to the Comic Book store.

Penny decided she would like to do something she had been thinking about for some time. She started to try out for parts at the local Pasadena Theater.

When she did get a starring role, everyone, including Sheldon, decided to go to the opening.

Afterwards they went out and celebrated. It almost seemed like old times.

Everyone was thrilled when her performance received rave reviews.

Leonard later took Warren to a matinee and they and Penny went out for ice cream afterwards. Penny and Leonard had to smile seeing how excited Warren was about seeing her on stage.

Sheldon and Penny's divorce became final.

Sheldon and Amy finished their papers and submitted them together.

Leonard and Penny spent time with the group. Everyone was glad and surprised when Sheldon would often take part as well.

When Warren celebrated his third birthday. Leonard also had a Skype party with the Goddards. He knew he needed to think about taking a trip to see them.

Then, in the span of only a couple weeks, three events occurred that held the possibility of more changes for the group.

After they had published their papers, Amy and Sheldon were stunned at the excitement they generated, there was even talk they could be worthy of a Nobel prize.

Penny was told by her agent that they wanted to have her audition for a part in a Broadway play.

An international flight from Paris, carrying Claudette Monet, touched down at Los Angeles International.