The Hofstadter Change Continuation

Chapter 2

Penny, now feeling much happier, knowing that Leonard will be going with her back to Nebraska.

Suddenly remembered the magazine that Sheldon had given her, and handed it over to her husband. Saying as she did so, "Sheldon thought that you might find this useful?"

Leonard kissed her as he took the magazine and quickly flicked through it, wondering as he did so what was it that Sheldon wanted him to read?

The answer came among the snippets of news towards the back of the magazine.

It was reporting on the university of Nebraska's plans for building a dedicated science research facility towards the outskirts of the city of Omaha, where land prices would be much cheaper for building. It would be a united project between Lincoln and Omaha universities and the aim of this joint operation was that it would hopefully raise the ranking of the combined universities.

Leonard wasted no time in making inquiries if there might be a need for experienced scientists at this new facility. and on receiving a reply in the affirmative, He quickly emailed his CV over to them, in the form of a PDF attachment.

Then feeling a mixture of emotions between excitement and fear at this possible new assignment, he went across to 4B and thanked Sheldon for his kind thought, before returning to 4A where he busily prepared the evening meal for Penny and himself, while Penny saw to Honey Marie's needs.

Later as the couple sat close together on the sofa, Leonard showed Penny, the magazine article detailing the university of Nebraska's plans and informed her that he had submitted his application for a position at the new facility in Omaha.

"I'm sorry, I know should have asked you beforehand, but I did it for us.", He began nervously.

"You see all we can afford to buy at present is a similar place to this, with two bedrooms.

which really won't be big enough with our two babies due in a few months. As you know, house prices in LA are rocketing, and I thought if we all lived in that big farmhouse of Wyatt's, we can help your mom and dad to run the farm.

OK I know I don't know much about farming but I can learn.

So?, what do you think?"

Penny carefully considered Leonard's plan for them.

"Well Sweetie. Though I would have preferred you to tell me first," She said seriously, before adding, "You're right though. When I finally had a chance to think about our daughter as well as these two," She admitted, "I, Just as you did, could not possibly see how we could manage to live here, our combined wage, even if I was able to return to work would be under pressure with the rent for this place as well as child care for three children, which would be about $120 a day.

So as to saving for a bigger place, it would take half a lifetime on the money we would have left.

So Leonard yeah you did good. Moving back to my family home is our only solution.

And at least I already know it's a great place to raise a family."

"oh, and by the way Leonard. Would you mind us not telling our families yet about the twins? As I think it will be a nice surprise for my dad when he comes home," Penny pleaded suddenly.

Leonard smiled as he gave his approval, "yeah, that's a good idea, Penny. I'll wait until then, before I tell my Parents. After my mom's surprising reaction when we announced that we were expecting our little girl. Was a little overwhelming to say the least," Leonard replied.

"yes, I remember, it was crazy. A few days after we told her, this delivery driver shows up with a van full of expensive baby equipment and baby clothes. And what really bothered me the most, was that my daughter has more designer labels than I have", Penny noted ruefully. Before adding, "I Wonder, could you convince her when you tell her about the twins, that they are crazy about 24ct gold jewelry and diamond studded earrings?" Penny asked him hopefully.

The rest of the evening, (apart from one or the other getting up to see to Honey Marie,) was spent planning their move.

It was decided that Penny would go back first with their daughter, taking all Penny's and Honey Marie's clothes and personal effects, with her while Leonard, after enlisting the help of the rest of their friends would pack the furniture, arrange things with the removal company and ensure the apartment was clean and tidy, in order to ensure the refund of the deposit on the apartment. Which Leonard would split with Sheldon, after taking Penny's deposit on 4A into consideration.

As this arrangement, both Leonard and Penny hoped. Would ensure the shortest amount of time that the couple would spend apart from each other.

XXXXXXX

Leonard was delighted that all his friends wanted to pitch in and help.

And delighted also that Amy and Bernadette were quite determined to take Penny home in Bernadette's van, They said it would be their extended girls time together.

However a few days later, and very early one morning, Leonard could barely hide his sadness.

When he found himself standing on the sidewalk, along with Sheldon, Rajesh and Howard, who, with his children Halley and Michael.

Who were at that moment being vigorously hugged and kissed by their mother.

While Bernadette's van now loaded with Penny's and Honey Marie's things, and seemingly eager for it's journey to Nebraska.

Sheldon was there giving Amy some, (What he thought was vital counsel. Particularly in not getting distracted by any of those burly sun tanned farm hands, and the need to always wear a hat, and also to always use factor 50 sun cream while labouring at the age old task of corn-husking.)

Penny too had a lump in her throat and the awful empty feeling in her stomach, as she tightly held Leonard's hand until it was time to leave, not even letting go, as she said goodbye to the guys.

And when the moment finally came when Bernadette told Penny, "OK girl mount up, it's time to roll."

simultaneously, Leonard and Penny with their tears brimming at their impending separation hugged each other tightly, and begging each other to, "Please, take care.", and after many I love you's they regretfully parted.

Penny, then forlornly got into the van and as it began driving away, Leonard, as he sadly waved to the love of his life. Vowed to himself that this will be the very last time he will ever be parted from Penny again.

"OK kids, let's see your uncle Leonard home and then we'll go to McDonald's", Howard told his offspring. And in the process defying Bernie's strict instruction for Howard to make them a healthy pasta salad when he got home.

Sheldon though was still standing there, mouth agape in amazement. And when Rajesh asked him if he was coming back to 4A,

Sheldon could only mutter to himself incredulously, "Penny really does love Leonard, doesn't she?"

"Wow dude, A Nobel prize winner and you've only just figured that out?"

Then Rajesh Added, "Yep. Penny is, who she is and Leonard is who he is, and yet love still happened between them. those two are utterly crazy over each other, It's really beautiful to see."

And at this even Sheldon agreed, saying simply, "yes, it certainly is".

then they all somberly returned to 4A.

XXXXXXX

With her pregnancy hormones running riot, Penny had felt more keenly than ever, her utter sadness at leaving dear friends and the memories of the events in her life in Pasadena flooding back to her mind.

And then her emotions markedly increased all the more, as she looked back at her dear sweet Leonard, as he faded into the distance as they drove away.

And suddenly, it all became far too much for her to cope with. And Penny was unable to stop herself sobbing uncontrollably as they left Pasadena and headed for Interstate 15 to Omaha.

Which Shocked Amy and Bernadette to the core, as they had never witnessed Penny to be so acutely distressed. Leaving them feeling utterly helpless as to how they could help her.

Bernadette had decided to make it a seven day trip. Two days to get there. With the girls taking turns at the wheel, three days staying at the farm to see Penny settled.

before the return leg on the remaining two days.

When they reached Las Vegas, and stopped in a restaurant to eat.

Penny immediately seized the opportunity to have a very long and tearful phone call to Leonard, with the couple reminiscing on their wedding in the city.

"I can't believe we were so stupid to almost sabotage our nuptials. I know I could never ever be as happy as I am now I have you, my strawberry pop tart," Penny lovingly reminded Leonard, which immediately sent him weeping too, as he agreed.

And indeed Penny would have still been on the phone to her Leonard, had not Amy reminded her firmly that Penny needed to eat for the sake of that precious little cargo she was carrying in her tummy.

Penny sadly ended the call with an impassioned I love you Leonard, and promising to call as soon as they reached Denver, Colorado. Where they intended to stay for the night. Before continuing early the next morning

So, while Bernadette fed Honey Marie with some propriety baby food, as she teased Penny with, "Good to know. So Leonard is Penny's strawberry pop tart?". Penny just glared at her as she ate. Knowing full well that Bernadette will from now on be frequently bringing that up, every time they talked. Things like, "Hi Penny. How are you?, and how is your strawberry pop tart?"

XXXXXXX

Leonard, now numbly sat, and hated the oppressive silence, which had now fallen on 4A, and stared sadly at his phone, almost pleading with it that he might hear his wife's voice again.

Half an hour later, Howard returned, because he knew how his friend hated being alone and he convinced Leonard to come and stay at his place.

Leonard was at first puzzled as to where Howard's children were?, until Howard had revealed that he had left them with Stuart and Denise, who were round at Howard's place.

As he sat in Howard's lounge. Leonard,, now feeling a little happier with familiar faces around him. Was rather puzzled that, once the furniture had been removed. Then Stuart and Denise would happily clean the apartment for him.

Leonard, at once touched by their kindness. Immediately had his illusions shattered when Howard informed him that Stuart and Denise were hoping to become the new tenants of 4A.

And if Leonard could put a good word in for them to the letting agent, then they would be very grateful.

Then later, after the couple had left. Howard explained their reason for wanting to move to 4A Los Robles.

Denise's, (very strange,) housemate had categorically refused to move out.

So it left Denise with no choice but to move to another apartment with Stuart.

Leonard broke into a smile as he imagined what Sheldon's likely reaction would be towards his new neighbours.

XXXXXXX

Despite taking frequent stops for them all to stretch their legs and take toilet breaks. After traveling for about 840 miles, things began to get rather tense.

And when Penny was unable to calm her fretful daughter, they all decided to find the nearest place they could stay at for the night.

They eventually found a reasonably nice hotel in Glenwood Springs and booked two double rooms.

One room for Penny and Honey Marie in which Penny was able to obtain a crib for Honey Marie.

While Amy and Bernadette had the other double room.

And as soon as the girls entered their rooms they all made a headlong rush for the bathrooms, and a shower. However it was quickly realized that someone had to stay with Honey Marie while the other two showered, so Penny took the opportunity to wash Honey Marie using the sink, and put her in her pajamas, letting Bernadette use her shower while Amy used the shower in the other room.

Then Bernadette, (after taking, as it seemed so to Penny, an eternity to shower,) before finally Bernadette took over the babysitting duties while Penny took her turn in the shower.

As they were all feeling very tired, having been on the road since 5 AM. They ordered their dinner through room service, having it delivered to Penny's room, and after all had eaten Penny cleaned Honey Marie's face, before placing her in the crib with her white teddy bear. Then Penny quickly let Leonard know they were all OK, with apologies for the brief phone call. Telling Leonard that she would doubtless fall asleep on him if she had to talk longer, so after sincerely telling Leonard that she loved him very much and wished he was here with them both, Leonard told her that he loved her very much too, just as sincerely.

Then Penny settled down for the night, and was soon sound asleep.

XXXXXXX

Penny awoke the next morning and yawned as she stretched as she sleepily asked Leonard who was still slumbering behind her if he would like his coffee yet.

The answer in the affirmative though came with a voice that sounded like Bernadette.

Penny was immediately awake and puzzled as to why Bernadette had seemingly changed rooms for the night.

"You must have known that Amy tends to bite during the night. Why didn't you tell me?" she said, now in that voice that was uncannily like Howard's mother.

Suddenly a distant memory of sharing a room with Amy returned to her, but all Penny would say in her defence was, "Oh!". So while Bernadette ordered coffee and breakfast, and checked on Honey Marie. Penny after using the toilet, then made a bee line for the shower.

She showered for about four minutes then she suddenly had to make a headlong rush to the toilet and shout for her friends Ralph and Hughie.

Bernadette, at hearing the sound of vomiting entered the bathroom to see if Penny needed help, took one look and then quickly fled back to the room, while shouting through the door, "You could have warned me you wasn't wearing a stitch?".

Later, Penny emerged after having her shower, and washed the vomit out of her hair in the process explained.

"I'm sorry, But I was in too much of a rush".

"Yeah, OK, It was just too much, your Leonard might like to see it, but it does absolutely nothing for me."

"I'm sorry Penny. I should know, I have been through it myself. Are you going to be OK for traveling today?"

"I'll see how I feel perhaps after a little bowl of cereal," Penny informed her.

Soon breakfast and Amy arrived together.

"Now that's what I call good timing." Then turning to Bernadette Amy said, "You should have stayed with me, instead of getting up so early and waking my bestie up. That girl really needs her beauty sleep with those twins, you know," Amy chided Bernadette.

"yeah! As if I had a choice," Bernadette muttered inaudibly.

After a small bowl of cereal and some apple juice, and while she ate. Amy washed, dressed and fed little Honey Marie, and Penny felt much more able to continue her journey home.

And half an hour later, after Penny had once again declared her love to Leonard, smiling broadly as he declared his love to her and wished him good morning and to take care.

Then they were back on interstate 70 headed towards Denver.

XXXXXXX

Leonard, his worries now eased a little after his telephone conversation with Penny, began preparing his breakfast, and as he ate, he read through his letter of resignation to Professor Siebert.

Then he read again the email he had received from The university of Nebraska,

It read

Dear Dr Hofstadter,

I Professor Wilhelm Schmidt, of the board of Nebraska University, have carefully examined your Curriculum Vitae.

And I find that I am particularly impressed by the letter of gratitude from the esteemed Professor Stephen Hawking for your valued service towards the advancement of science.

It is therefore my great pleasure to offer you the tenured position as team leader on a plasma investigation study group.

While the construction of the buildings is nearly complete. I am afraid it will take an estimated seventeen months to receive and install all the equipment required.

If you are willing to aid us in the installation and setting up. then could you be available to assume your tenure in say four Months time. With your agreement therefore, we will set aside a day nearer the time to discuss with you your duties, salary, healthcare, and vacation days, etc.

Yours faithfully

Professor Wilhelm Schmidt, PhD.