The Hofstadter Change Continuation
Chapter 3
Leonard whistled happily as he mailed his acceptance letter to Dr Wilhelm Schmidt. and later as he drove to Cal tech. He went over in his mind on what he wanted to say to Professor Siebert, regarding his resignation.
Then he considered which outstanding tasks needed to be done. In order to expedite his move to Nebraska. And more importantly for Leonard, the sooner these were carried out. then the less time he would have to be apart from his wife.
For Leonard was a deeply sensitive man probably due to his upbringing. And the feeling of being isolated from his wife was causing him to suffer an almost obscure pain.
So as soon as Professor Siebert reached his office, Leonard was already there and nervously waiting for him to arrive.
Siebert, feeling a little vexed that he had yet to get his morning coffee, before tackling the required issues of the day. Motioned for Leonard to enter his office.
And as soon as they were seated. Leonard, after handing Siebert his letter of resignation, began to explain, while wringing his hands through his nervousness. His urgency in wanting to leave as soon as possible in order that he may join his wife, who was pregnant with twins, as well as his daughter, in Nebraska.
Siebert leaned forward and fixed Leonard with his keen gaze.
"Dr Hofstadter, may I remind you, that some weeks ago you stood there in that spot, demanding that I assign you to a position of team leader on a plasma investigation group. and I assigned you to be a co-leader on a photon entanglement team. Which you agreed to.
Now you stand there and tell me that you are resigning. Unfortunately this will take me some time to assign a new co-leader, and he will need at least six weeks or more for you to get him up to speed on this project.
Therefore your resignation is accepted. But as to you leaving in a week's time. I'm afraid Dr Hofstadter, that is simply not possible. So please close the door on your way out, he said, ending any further discussion. Then he rose to make his much needed coffee.
XXXXXXX
Leonard, now feeling utterly deflated. listlessly roamed the corridors of the science building. And shuddered inwardly at how Penny was going to take the news.
She had revealed to him after their marriage at how it had affected her, when he left for the North Pole, and markedly, even more so when he went on the science expedition for Professor Hawking. and now, how quickly will her anxieties move from angst to a vocal broadside against her husband. Especially now she was under the stress of, not only pregnancy, and taking care of her daughter. But also now having to run the family farm into the bargain.
Leonard usually loved to hear his wife's voice, but now he was dreading her telephone call to him later today.
XXXXXXX
Leonard's Dreaded call came as soon as Penny reached Denver. And the moment he heard her, "hi, Sweetie", Leonard quickly explained his predicament. But apart from "What!", Penny said nothing until with a terse, "Just get to the farm as quick as you can." Before Penny furiously hung up on Leonard.
The girls then went to a diner for a meal, and as they were walking back to the car Penny in attempting to open a small carton of drink for Honey Marie. Broke the straw in trying to insert it into the hole, and with a screech of rage, she hurled the carton down onto the sidewalk, which immediately burst open on impact.
Immediately Honey Marie burst into tears.
Amy then quickly left to buy the little girl another carton. And not having knowledge of Siebert's making difficultys, wondered at Penny's extreme reaction in her inability to open a drink carton.
Bernadette, at once knew that there was something more to Penny's upset than met the eye, and she then carefully asked her friend if anything was the matter.
Penny now felt ashamed at causing her daughter to be upset through her own frustration, meekly told Bernadette all that Leonard had told Penny in his call.
"Was Leonard OK?, only I imagine he would be pretty upset himself," Bernadette asked, out of fear it could somehow unsettle her dear friends marriage.
Penny sighed, as she considered, "No, well not too much. I could tell by the tone in his voice, yes, she sighed, I guess he was very much upset himself."
"listen could you take care of Honey Marie for me please? I had better ring Leonard back. Though what I am going to do without him for six weeks or more, I just don't know", Then Penny hurried off to find a quieter place away from the traffic.
By the time Amy had returned, Bernadette had got Honey Marie safely strapped into her seat and Honey Marie, now recovered from her fright, sat there happily drinking her juice.
While they waited for Penny's return. Bernadette related to Amy why Penny had got so upset.
Amy sat there for a while in contemplation, before suddenly getting out, saying as she did so, "I've just remembered, I've got to ring Sheldon."
Then a few minutes later. A much happier Mrs Penny Hofstadter returned. And at Bernadette's questioning look Penny told her, "It's OK, we're good. He's so sweet, he told me if I didn't care about him then I would not have got as upset as I did. So, anyway, he's going to talk to Howard and see if they can put their heads together, they may come up with something."
"Listen Sheldon,….. yes I know I called you ten minutes ago. Look Professor Siebert refuses to let Leonard leave for another two months. Apparently he told Leonard that he needs to get the new co-leader up to speed on the project.
And that is only after Professor Siebert finds a new co-leader.
I think Siebert is playing hard ball with Leonard as some kind of revenge.
But I think I know how to change Siebert's mind for him.
Now then there is a university fund raising evening in a months time, so I want you to lay it on the line to Professor Siebert that we will not be attending his fund raiser unless he let's Leonard go to be with Penny", "… Yes I know it's blackmail…..and I know we need a serious upgrade on the mainframe Sheldon.
but Professor Siebert is hurting our dearest friends and this is the only way I can see, that will make him let Leonard go.
OK, Thank you Sheldon. I love you. I will call you again when we arrive at Big Springs, goodbye," and Amy smiled to herself as she walked back to the car.
XXXXXXX
Sheldon sat and drank his chai tea as he considered Amy's plan. He had certainly married a brilliant strategist.
For the attraction of, not one but two Nobel Laureates to potential patrons of the university was huge and any lack of the appearance of said Nobel Laureates would drastically affect the numbers of affluent patrons attending the fund raiser.
And after all, as Amy had taught him. nothing is more important than our friends, and Sheldon was forced to admit, he himself, would be unpleasantly affected to a great degree.
Then this uncharitable action by Professor Siebert could potentially result in a rift between Leonard and Penny. Which would certainly affect Sheldon's homoeostasis.
XXXXXXX
Penny sat in the back of the car. And as Honey Marie was dozing in her seat. She tried to work out how it was that the more the years passed, the more she craved Leonard if they had to be apart from each other for more than a couple of weeks, 'I'm sure Sheldon could explain that math,' She thought.
Before their engagement, each and every time they broke up, she would inevitably be back in his arms again inside a month.
And it was not as if it was one sided either. For she knew Leonard would get quite down if she was away.
In fact, the time she went home for the Xmas holidays to be with her family, only for extreme weather to hit that area, when it was time for her to return back to Pasadena. Which delayed her return for the best part of a week.
A few days later, Bernadette had revealed how in just those few days, Leonard had been quite tetchy and unsettled, and he did not revert to his usual self until she had safely returned.
Penny placed her hands on her tummy, which was now becoming more than noticeable.
And smiled as she came to the conclusion that Leonard and Penny were always meant to be. There was simply no other explanation.
She hugged herself in delight at the results of her own reasoning and then moved onto the thought that if she wanted to surprise her parents with her pregnancy, then Penny had better go shopping the moment she came across a woman's clothing store for some roomier dresses. Though she was sure her mother Susan would be bound to notice.
But her dad would still be cock-a-hoop though, when she makes the announcement that she is expecting his twin grandchildren.
Bernadette, riding shotgun. Was feeling pleased that Amy was taking her turn at driving. And after Amy, then Penny would drive, so Bernadette's turn would not come round for another three hours.
She was finding the journey a lot harder than she planned. It just didn't seem that long as she looked at the map when planning the route at home.
They really had overdone the travelling on the first day. Which made them all so fatigued that evening. Resulting in the girls leaving much later the next day, And now they would be pushed to reach Big Springs for an unplanned stop for the night. making it a day later to reach their destination.
Bernadette then considered the return leg. This time with only Amy and herself sharing the driving. And worse still, when she finally gets home, will be Howard. Who would no doubt take great pleasure in telling her, "I told you so. And knowing Howard. Telling her several times over."
And that will be the hardest thing for Bernadette to cope with. That is Howard being proved right.
About an hour later they pulled into a gas station to fill up when Amy, in noticing that Penny had joined her daughter in counting sheep.
Beckoned to Bernadette to follow her a little way from The car.
"Have you thought about the drive back? as there will only be you and me. And the return journey will be a lot more arduous." Amy grimaced as she added, and I have had enough of this trip as it is. How do you feel?) She asked Bernadette.
"Well, I still want to take them home. But Yeah I have had enough of this too," Bernadette admitted.
"Excellent! then this is what I propose. I will purchase the mini-van from you. And give it to Penny when we arrive at the farm. I will ask Leonard to give his car to you, then he can fly out to join Penny and his daughter. Penny gets the mini-van she will really need, to transport her three children rather than a battered farm pick-up, then Leonard, who will now be flying, instead of driving. Will be with Penny a lot earlier than either expected.
And you can buy another mini-van when you are back home in Pasadena.
And also we can stay longer with Penny, before we fly back to Pasadena in comfort.
Bernadette meditated on Amy's proposition for all of ten seconds, before telling Amy, "Agreed, but only if you give me half the cost of the van. After all Penny is my dear friend too.,"then Bernadette ruefully admitted. Though when I do get home to Howard. I will have to eat crow and dress up like a Catholic schoolgirl again. But Penny will be so happy. So I guess it will be worth it." And the two women hugged. Both now blissfully looking forward to flying back in comfort in business class.
XXXXXXX
Knock, Knock, Knock, Professor Siebert.
Knock, Knock, Knock, Professor Siebert.
Knock, Knock, Knock, Professor Siebert.
At which Professor Siebert responded with an incredulous, "Come in?."
Sheldon entered, to be regarded with a weather eye by Professor Siebert.
Ah, Dr Cooper. I find I am in rather a hurry and I am in no mood for a two hour lecture by yourself on the rules and regulations of this University for whatever problems you are having.
Rules and regulations I note, that you seem to quote only to your advantage," Siebert warned.
"Then I will get straight to the point. I understand that in a Months time. You have an open evening to attract Patrons in order to gain financial support for this University.
. My Wife and I wish you to know, that we will refuse to attend this function, which will no doubt discourage said patrons due to your lack of regard for the importance of this event.
unless of course you allow my friend Dr Leonard Hofstadter to join his wife in Nebraska.
As soon as possible," Sheldon informed him unequivocally.
Siebert's mouth gaped open in astonishment at Dr 'upright' Sheldon Cooper using blackmail to achieve his own ends.
"I'm surprised at you Dr Cooper. You do know blackmail is wrong? And for your information Dr Hofstadter's services are needed in order to acquaint his replacement on the current state of the project?.
So in answer to your, er, request, I have to say NO!" Professor Siebert declared.
"Sir I am well aware of right and wrong, My mother taught me more often than I liked from the Bible how Jesus felt about certain issues. And you know as well as I do that Dr Monk, the other Co-leader on the team, is quite capable of providing the sufficient knowledge that your replacement requires.
You must be aware that Dr Hofstadter's father in law, has unfortunately been taken ill and is unable to run his farm. Necessitating His daughter Penny, Leonard's wife, to step into the breach and manage the farm for her father.
Also her responsibility is made heavier as she has to care for not only, her and Leonard's four month old daughter, but she is also pregnant with twins. Therefore I make request out of compassion. Not for my own gain," Sheldon explained earnestly.
"Professor Siebert leaned forward on his desk. "Dr Cooper. My concern is to this University. And not other people's family problems. So I look forward to seeing you and Dr Farrah Fowler on the sixth. And now I bid you good day."
Sheldon though seemed unfazed by Professor Siebert's abrupt dismissal. And did not move.
"I am afraid Professor, that I cannot accept this decision. You see, I have a colleague and good friend, who is an expert in electronic communications. And he has recorded this entire conversation for me.
No doubt you would not like this recording sent, not only to every affluent Patron.
But also to every staff member of this university too. And I am sure Mrs Davies at Human Resources., will be most disturbed by your lack of compassion.
So. Good day to you too Professor." and Sheldon exited Professor Siebert's office, singing to himself as he left.
Half an Hour later Leonard received a message on his cell to report to Mrs Davies at Human Resources.
XXXXXXX
The exhausted girls finally arrived at a small hotel in Big Springs and Penny almost ran to find out if Leonard and Howard were able to change Professor Siebert's mind. She nervously typed in the number and waited for Leonard to pick up. Then as Leonard's cheery voice answered, Penny squealed with delight, "He let you go, oh Sweetie I'm so relieved…... Sorry I could tell by your voice. How soon before you can set off?"…. Two or three days?
Oh Leonard that's so much better than two months. My God Leonard I just love you so much. And Honey Marie is missing her lovely daddy too.
Please Leonard try and come to me as soon as you can. But be safe Leonard, Please drive safe?
The couple then talked for some time. Before Penny with her stomach growling with hunger reluctantly ended the call.
Though not before sending dozens of kisses down the phone to her Leonard.
Then she bubbled over with happiness as she related to Amy and Bernadette the wonderful news that Leonard was now able to leave Cal Tech as she ate. Later as Penny got her daughter ready for bed.
Amy took her turn to ring Sheldon. "Hi! Sheldon. Great job, thank Howard for me…..Yes Penny was so happy. It just made it all worth it.
It will be interesting to see what she does when Leonard surprises her at the farm. She still thinks he will be driving up there…...Yeah we should arrive sometime late tomorrow Afternoon. So I will ring you then. Bye Sheldon, I Love you.
At 19:10 the next day. The girls finally arrived at the farm to be greeted by Penny's mother Susan, who squealed with delight as she took her little granddaughter from Penny's arms.
"Come in, come in all of you. I have a pot roast all ready. Oh!, And Penny, Joe Galvin will drop by on Monday afternoon to see you for the manager's position, OK.
Penny groaned, she felt she needed at least a week to recover from her journey from Pasadena.
"Honey all you have got to do is to hire him, I've rung round everyone and they have all agreed that Joe is a hard working and capable guy. I'm sorry to have to leave it to you, but I have to go to the Hospital Tomorrow, and see how your father is and to tell him you have arrived safely," Susan informed her. Then she turned her attention back to Honey Marie.
At 08:30, Monday Morning. Everything was all ready for the removals company,
And Leonard, after ringing Penny to tell her he was leaving now. Said goodbye to Denise who was already measuring up 4A.
And to everyone's surprise. Sheldon, seemed happy about who would be his new neighbours, because.
1) they played video games.
2) they will be going to Comic-con.
And 3) Sheldon was already imagining the long stimulating conversations he will no doubt enjoy over comic books.
Leonard sadly left Apartment 4A for the last time as it's tenant,
He then, assisted by Howard, Rajesh and Stuart, with Sheldon supervising, piled his luggage into the elevator.
As the doors opened, at the bottom. Howard then asked Leonard for his car keys, and exited the building, while Leonard with the rest of the guys collected Leonard's cases and bags, and carried them outside.
Leonard began walking towards his car, and wondered where Howard had gone to, and why had he not yet opened the trunk on Leonard's car,
When Leonard, at that moment heard Howard call, "Hey!, over here,"
from the drivers side of a panel van.
"You're not driving me to Nebraska as well are you?" Leonard asked him in puzzlement.
"Nope, just the airport," was Howard's reply. Bernie's parents have only got the kids for the Day."
"But what about my car?", Leonard asked in some bewilderment.
"It's alright Leonard, Everything has been taken care of, Sheldon told him.
Once Leonard's things were all loaded into the van, Leonard said goodbye to Stuart, saying as he did so, "I hope everything goes well for you and Denise, Stuart."
"Stuart looked up at the window of his new apartment and replied, "Now I have Denise, I have no doubt the future is looking brighter, even my Analyst is a lot happier to see me these Days," then turning back to Leonard, he said, "And I know things will be great too for you and Penny, and your little family. Goodbye Leonard. Take care."
Then after climbing aboard the van, Leonard, along with Rajesh, Sheldon and Howard headed for the airport.
XXXXXXX
Penny spent the Monday Morning unpacking, and then she showed Amy and Bernadette around the farm, and related to them, all the little events and incidents she experienced while growing up on the farm.
In the afternoon Amy and Bernadette decided to see what the stores had on offer in Omaha, Leaving Penny free to get ready for her meeting with Mr Galvin.
She wished with all her heart that her Leonard was here, he was always did have that magic touch for her, whenever she needed to feel that wonderful calm feeling whenever she was stressed.
She retrieved from her wardrobe her favourite pink matching business jacket and skirt, that Leonard had bought for her and went to have her shower while Honey Marie was asleep in her crib.
She was only half finished in the shower when her Daughter began to cry.
So, still dripping wet she grabbed her robe and a towel and went to comfort the little girl.
Penny quickly found she was unable to put her daughter down for more than five minutes at a time, for as soon as she left her a bit longer than that,, Honey Marie would start to cry. Even when Penny placed her on her play mat with her toys.
So Penny had to struggle to dry herself and dress and all the while having to frequently pick her crying daughter up to try and comfort her.
Penny briefly put the little girl down again, while she hurriedly put on her skirt, only to find that her pregnancy had increased her girth and she was unable pull the zip up.
Penny hastily looked in drawers and found to her relief, a large safety pin with which she pinned her skirts waistband together, and then piling her hair into a messy bun before fixing it in place with a hair grip.
Penny carried her fretful daughter and had only got halfway down the stairs when Joe Galvin rang the doorbell.
Penny quickly opened the door and asked him to come in as she rushed into the room where her father had his office of sorts.
She quickly placed her daughter in her play pen with her teddy bear and to Penny's relief. the little girl stopped crying and cuddled her teddy.
Penny gave a sigh of relief and sat down at the old desk.
Then Joe entered, and rather to Penny's surprise, also his wife Stella. Who, for some strange reason had accompanied her husband.
Penny stood up and introduced herself to the couple.
While Joe accepted her friendly handshake, Stella ignored Penny's greeting.
"I don't suppose you remember me, do you", Stella began, coldly.
You see I went to the same high school as you," Stella illuminated.
And as Stella lowered her gaze after this revelation, she noticed, for the first time that Penny was wearing her wedding ring.
Penny was immediately on guard, 'Holy crap on a cracker.' she thought.
Going by Stella's demeanour, Penny guessed that she had possibly incurred Stella's wrath back then. Possibly by stealing a boyfriend of Stella's.
Which Penny had done frequently, and without too much concern of who was affected by her behaviour.
And, as it seemed here some of those wronged girls had long memories.
But before Penny could point out that she was a little wild in her teenage years as a possible excuse. Honey Marie began to cry again.
Penny moved towards her daughter and picked her up exposing the gaping zip, Penny was unable to close.
"It's OK sweetie, Mommy's here." Then speaking to Stella, "I'm sorry she has been fretful all night, I just don't know what to do for her?," Penny told her, feeling somewhat fretful herself.
Stella suddenly came to the realisation that the Penny she knew in her high school years no longer existed, Instead the Penny that was here now was a harassed wife and mother, and judging by the little bump on Penny's tummy, (as any woman could immediately tell,) she was also expecting another little bundle of fun.
Stella's heart melted at the sight of the little girl. "Here let me help", Stella invited.
Then as Penny handed her crying daughter to Stella.
"Hello sweetie. you're a little cutie, what's your name", Stella asked the little girl.
"It's Honey Marie, My husband Leonard and I just felt it fitted her perfectly," Penny informed her, beaming with pride.
Honey Marie immediately stopped crying as she became enamoured by Stella's shiny silver necklace.
"What a lovely name," Stella gushed. "And aren't you lucky to have a mummy and daddy to pick that lovely name for you," then turning to Penny, Stella agreed. "It really fits her doesn't it?". And Penny's smile grew a mile wide.
Then Penny picked up a photograph from among a group of photographs on Wyatt's desk.
"This is me and my husband on our re-do wedding, we eloped for the first one you see," Penny told her as she proudly showed Stella the wedding photo.
Stella was somewhat surprised, for Penny's husband was not as Stella expected. He was neither tall, or muscular, nor athletic even. Which was the type Penny the teen always seemed to choose.
But instead there standing beside Penny, was a rather cute bespectacled man, and Penny appeared in the photograph to be blissfully happy.
And in that moment Stella's opinion of Penny changed. She decided she really liked the Penny that stood before her today.
XXXXXXX
Just at that point Penny spotted a cab pulling up and stop. And as the occupents alighted, there came a squeal of surprise mixed with utter joy as Penny rushed outside and almost sent Leonard flying with her enthusiastic embrace of welcome and reunion before covering his face with her kisses.
Joe, was to say the least utterly bewildered. He had come to, what he thought was an interview for the farm managers position. Then was rather concerned at Stalla's insistance that she accompanied him. And then fearful, at Stella's seeming hostility to Mrs Hofstadter.
And then surprisingly, the women form a bond over babies and wedding photographs.
And now this guy shows up and he did not think that Usain Bolt could have bettered Mrs Hofstadters time.
And as he stood there in some bemusement, Amy and Bernadette drove up just in time to see the moment of the couple reuniting.
"Look at them!, Why do they insist on telling people that bullcrap that Leonard wore her down?. She's like a kid in Macy's toystore?" Amy observed.
"I guess it's because she's tired of trying to convince stupid people that she is utterly nuts over Leonard," Bernadette reasoned.
"yep, and Leonard's just as crazy over her", Amy added.
XXXXXXX
Joe, feeling as he was a mere spectator in all of this, helped the cab driver bring Leonard's luggage into the house and once introductions had been made, Joe asked when the interview was going to start ?.
Penny Giggled with happiness. "I'm so sorry Joe, Don't worry your hired she said," then she invited the couple to come in for a coffee.
Then Twenty minutes later her heart felt as if it could burst with happiness, as her mother returned and to Penny's joy, accompanied by her father.
