A/N: For this story, Penny lives in a 2 bedroom apartment.


Another night of coming home dog tired after a long shift. Another night of climbing four flights of stairs in a ridiculously high pair of heels. Another night of tolerating the guys' sexist remarks and creepy stares while she mooched off their takeout. When Penny finally closed the door behind her, she collapsed against the door and slid down. Putting her hands around her knees, she hugged herself, a world weary sigh emanating from her tired lips. She had no idea what the fuck she was doing. If she had wanted to be a waitress, she could have done that back in Nebraska. After a year of being rejected at every single audition she had been to, Penny knew that her dreams of being an actress were dead. She had the looks, but no real talent. She had paid off all her bills this month, leaving her with almost no money for food and gas. She still had a week till her next paycheck. Maybe if she walked to work and looked around the house for loose change, she could survive on one and half meals a day. A few tears of frustration slid down her cheeks. She had never imagined life would be so hard on her. Penelope Ross had been brought up well, and it was the thought of what her parents would think of their favorite child letting strangers ogle her in return for food that made her break down into hysterical sobbing.


Penny woke up at 7, feeling refreshed. Lack of money meant she hadn't had a drink for two weeks, which in turn didn't leave her feeling hung over. She ambled over to the kitchen, rubbing the grit from her eyes. Last month there had been a sale in the shopping mart and she had picked up a large bag of instant coffee. She almost started to head over to the boys' apartment for milk, but stopped. She could drink black coffee. She didn't want to mooch off anyone anymore. This thought brought a small, content smile to her face. She settled on the couch with her coffee. It was Sunday, which meant she didn't have a shift at the Cheesecake Factory. Downing her coffee, she entered the shower, forgoing her morning run. Exercise meant working up an appetite, and she really didn't want to do that. Although walking to and from work meant she was going to need more sustenance. She was beginning to despair when inspiration struck. Her car. She could sell it! That would mean money for food and she could even take the bus to work. Quickly, she toweled off, and got dressed. It took her an hour to locate the car papers. She needed to clean the apartment. Penny was looking for her apartment keys when Sheldon knocked on the door. She waited till he had completed his knocking ritual before opening the door.

'Good Morning, Penny.' He said, holding a carton of milk in his hand.

'Good Morning, Sheldon.' She enthused.

'You're dressed.' He said.

'Excuse me?'

'You're dressed. Even though you have been waking up around this time for the past few days, you're never dressed this early.'

Penny was touched that he noticed. 'Yes sweetie, I woke up at 7 today. I'm headed out. Did you want anything?'

'I heard noises from your apartment, but you haven't come over for milk.' He held up the carton he was holding.

'Oh, I don't need it. I drank black coffee.'

'But you don't like black coffee.'

'I can't afford milk right now.'

'But you always use my milk in your coffee.'

Penny was embarrassed. Had she been using her neighbor's milk for so long that it had become a routine for Sheldon? 'Sheldon, I won't be using your milk any longer. I'm sorry I have done it for so long.'

Sheldon didn't say anything. He was looking at her with an expression she didn't recognize. Finally, he spoke. 'Very well. I shall no longer buy extra milk.'

'Okay.' A sudden rush of affection for her friend came over Penny and she asked 'Would you like to come with me? I'm headed to the dealership to sell my car.'

Sheldon frowned. 'Penny, I would be glad to lend you money to tide you over till your next paycheck. You don't have to sell your car.'

Penny smiled a sad smile. 'Thanks Sheldon, but I'm trying to start over and borrowing from my friends isn't a part of the new beginning.'


Penny drove slowly. This car had been her first big purchase as an adult and she was trying to savor this last hour of driving it. Instead of his usual car games, Sheldon had quizzed her about her plans. He had suggested that she could acquire a roommate, which would lessen her share of the rent. Rather rudely, he added that she should spruce up the place before inviting prospective roommates for a viewing. She scowled, but agreed.

At the dealership, she had ended up with a tidy sum. Patting the car goodbye, she stepped outside and hailed a cab. Sheldon frowned, but made no complaints, surprising her.

'I thought you hated cabs.'

'Yes, but I can tolerate them when necessary.'

Penny deposited the check the dealer had handed her in her bank and then proceeded to drag Sheldon to the shopping mart. Selecting the cheapest frozen meals, she quickly paid for them. It was almost 1 o'clock by the time they climbed up to their respective apartments. As much as Penny would have liked to laze around, she had a small meal and began cleaning her apartment. She wanted a roommate as soon as possible.