Chapter 19
Erin entered her apartment building coming from her morning shift at the restaurant. She went straight to the elevator, pressing the third floor button. After a few minutes, the elevator door opened and she saw a middle aged man and woman with a young girl, sitting by William's door.
"Hello." said Erin as she immediately recognized them. "You must be William's family!?" she said as they stood up. "Hi! I'm his neighbor Erin!" she said shaking Leonard and Penny's hand.
"Hi Erin. It's nice to meet you! I'm Leonard, this is my wife Penny and our daughter Sarah." he said.
"It's so nice to finally meet you guys!" said Erin. "Wow! You two really look alike huh?" she added referring to Penny and Sarah.
Sarah folded her arms and looked straight at Erin. "So you're Erin huh?" said Sarah as Penny gently nudged her daughter's side.
"Sweetheart." Penny said, telling her daughter to be polite.
"Uh yeah, I'm Erin." she said, a little puzzled by Sarah's tone. "William told me a lot about you guys." she said. "Why don't you wait in my apartment? I'm sure he'll arrive soon." she said as she opened her apartment.
"We don't want to impose really." said Leonard.
Erin laughed a little. "Come on, you're not imposing anything!" Erin said.
"Come on sweetie. Better in there than out here in the hall." Penny said, pulling Sarah's hand toward the apartment.
"Fine." said Leonard as he took their bags, joining his wife and daughter inside.
"Make yourselves at home guys!" Erin said as she went to the kitchen. "Can I get you guys anything? Water? Coffee? Beer maybe?" asked Erin.
"I'll have a beer if you have it?" said Leonard as they sat on the couch.
"Coffee would be nice." said Penny. "Sweetie, do you need anything?" she asked her daughter.
"Okay." Erin said as she opened the fridge, pulling out a bottle of beer. "I don't have any Pepsi or Coke, but we do have some Snapples!" she said while looking at Sarah.
Sarah smiled and ran up to her. "Thanks Erin." said Sarah taking the drink from her.
"You're welcome. Can you give this to your dad while I go get your mom's coffee?" said Erin.
"Yeah sure!" Sarah said as she went back to her parents, giving the bottle of beer to her father while she pours a cup of coffee for Penny. Erin went to join them in the living room, giving the cup to Penny.
"Thanks Erin, you're very kind." said Penny while taking a sip of coffee.
"You're welcome Mrs. Hofstadter." said Erin. "So, did you called William already?" she asked.
"Yeah, I texted him. He's on his way, maybe fifteen, twenty minutes." said Leonard.
"Great. Listen, I'm gonna go take a quick shower because I'm going out with friends tonight so you guys just stay put alright?" said Erin.
"No problem Erin." Penny said as Erin stood up and went straight to the bathroom.
Penny then put the coffee on the coffee table and faced her daughter with a stern look. "You cut it out young lady!" she said to Sarah.
"What did I do!?" Sarah said, trying to look innocent.
"Really? 'So you're Erin huh?'" Penny said to her daughter.
Sarah smiled a little bit. "You saw that huh?" she said.
Leonard put his hand on Sarah's shoulder. "Honey, just don't say anything that will embarrass your brother alright?" he said.
"Fine dad." said Sarah as she took a sip of her drink. After a few minutes, Erin came back to the living room wearing her robe with a couple pairs of shoes in her hand.
"Hey Sarah, which one do you think looks better?" Erin said showing her the shoes.
"Uh, are those your only shoes?" asked Sarah.
"No, I have more in my room." said Erin.
"Can you show me?" Sarah said.
"Uh sure! If you want you can come with me!?" Erin said making Sarah a little excited.
"Mom, can I?" Sarah asked Penny.
Penny rolled her eyes and smiled, amused by her daughter. "Sure sweetheart!" she said with a slight sarcasm.
Sarah jumped and ran to join Erin. "Thanks mom!" said Sarah. "What dress are you gonna wear?" she asked Erin as they disappear into the hallway.
"I'll show you." said Erin as Leonard and Penny heard the bedroom door close.
Leonard shook his head and took a deep breath. "She really is something else honey." he said to his wife.
Penny sighed. "You can say that again." she said.
Meanwhile inside Erin's bedroom…
"You have really nice shoes Erin." said Sarah as she picked out a couple from her closet.
"Thanks." said Erin as she pulled out a couple of dresses for Sarah to choose from. "What do you think?" she asked.
"What kind of party are you going to anyway?" asked Sarah.
"Oh, a bachelorette party. One of my friends is getting married to her high school sweetheart." Erin said.
"Really? Like wines and male strippers?" said Sarah surprising Erin.
"Hey! Where did you learn that!?" Erin asked.
Sarah laughed. "Relax Erin, my brother's not the only genius in our family." she said tapping her shoulder.
"If your brother hears about his, he's going to kill me." Erin said.
"Don't worry, I won't tell him." said Sarah as she picked out a couple of dresses to match the shoes. "These look cute together!" she added while showing them to Erin.
"Or, how about this one?" Erin said putting a dress beside the shoes.
"That looks nice." Sarah said.
"Okay, I guess that's it then!" Erin said as they put the other dresses and shoes back in the closet. Erin then sat in front of her dresser to do her hair and makeup. "So, how's Halley?" she asked.
Sarah was a little surprised. "William told you about her?" she asked.
"Yeah." said Erin. "Why? Is there something wrong?" Erin asked.
"Nothing." said Sarah.
"Don't worry Sarah. I'm not trying to steal your brother from Halley!" said Erin, smiling at Sarah.
"I never said something like that." she said.
"Hey don't worry about it. It's fine really." Erin said. "William and I are just friends." she said.
Sarah smiled at her. "Okay. I'm sorry." Sarah said.
"Don't be." said Erin as she began to apply her makeup. "If you want, we could be friends too? I mean, I never had a younger sister to talk girl stuff with." she added.
"Really? Are you an only child?" asked Sarah.
"No. I have an older brother. But he's married with kids now and my younger brother just started high school. He's probably the same age as you." said Erin.
"Well, I'm almost fifteen but I'm graduating high school soon." Sarah said.
"Wow, you really are a genius." said Erin, amazed by her advancement. "So how's Jason?" she asked.
"You know about Jason?" asked Sarah.
"Well yeah, William told me about you and him." said Erin. "Tell me, is he cute?" she said.
Sarah smiled and pulled out her phone, showing Erin a picture. "That's him. We were on our first date at the New Year's eve party at my neighborhood." said Sarah.
"He's cute huh!?" said Erin.
"He's alright." Sarah said.
"So, did you guys kiss yet?" Erin said, teasing her.
Sarah smiled and nodded a bit.
"Oh my god! That is so exciting!" Erin exclaimed. "Don't worry, I won't tell Will." she added.
"Thanks. If my dad finds out, he's gonna kill me." said the young lady.
"My lips are sealed." said Erin.
"How about you, do you have a boyfriend?" asked Sarah.
"No." said Erin.
"Why not? I mean, you're pretty cute. Guys must hit on you all the time." said Sarah.
"They do but I know they only have one thing on their minds and I'm not that kind of girl that goes around dating one guy after another." said Erin.
"But you had a boyfriend before right?" Sarah asked.
"Yeah, a couple of years ago but we kinda drifted apart you know, realizing we were different people." said Erin.
"I'm sorry." said Sarah.
Erin smiled at her. "Hey it's alright. At least we didn't get married or anything right?" she said.
"You're right I guess." Sarah said, nodding her head.
"So, how do I look?" she asked about her makeup.
"You look nice Erin." Sarah said as Erin started to put on her dress, looking at herself in the mirror before putting on her shoes.
"Ready?" Asked Erin.
"Yeah. Let's go!" said Sarah as Erin put some stuff in her purse before following Sarah out the bedroom.
They went back to the living room where Leonard and Penny are waiting.
"Well Mrs. Hofstadter, how do I look?" said Erin.
"You look very nice Erin." said Penny, somehow remembering the time when she was her age, going out to parties with her friends. She can't help but feel a little sad at how fast time flew by with her life. She got married with Leonard and then they had William while she got the part in her TV show, not to mention doing a few minor roles in movies along the way. When she got pregnant with her daughter, she decided to stay home and raise their children, letting Leonard be the sole provider in their family. She was glad that they didn't have to pay for their children's school fees with them being scholars which was a welcome relief, especially with their finances. Somehow she wished that she could turn back time when she could go out for the night and get drunk and crazy, dancing the night away. She tried to push those thoughts away and decided to focus on the present and how happy she is with her family.
They heard a knock on the door so Erin went to open it, finding William standing on the hall.
"Will, come on in! Your family is waiting for you!" Erin said as William stepped inside.
Penny ran up to meet her son, hugging and kissing him. "Oh my god sweetheart! I missed you so much!" Penny said as she hugged her son tight. She then put her hands on his cheek to take a closer look at him. "Look at you, have you been eating!?" she asked him.
"Mom I'm fine." he said as Leonard and Sarah went to greet him. "Hi dad. What brings you guys here?" he said as Leonard hugged him.
"Well, someone has trouble sleeping at night thinking about her son." said Leonard, referring to his wife.
"Hi little sister!" William said, hugging Sarah. "I see you guys met Erin huh?" he said.
"Yeah, Erin was kind enough to let us wait here." said Penny. "Although, a certain young lady seems to be best friends with her already!" said Penny.
William sighed. "Oh my god what did you do?" he asked Sarah.
"Nothing!" said Sarah. "I just helped her pick out her dress and shoes!" Sarah said.
"You're right Will, I just tied a couple of my shoes at the end of a line and I had no trouble reeling her in!" said Erin making them all laugh as Sarah stayed quiet, feeling misled.
"I told you didn't I?" William said.
Erin turned to Sarah and put her hand on her shoulder. "Aw come on Sarah, we're just teasing you!" said Erin.
"Why do people always make fun of me!?" said Sarah as she folded her arms and pouted.
"Honey, we're not making fun of you." said Leonard, kissing Sarah's cheek. "It's just you're a little bit...predictable and impressionable." he said.
"I'm sorry Sarah. I didn't mean to make fun of you." said Erin. "If you want, we can hang out here in my apartment so we could have some girl talk, like sisters?" she added.
"Really?" said Sarah. "Mom, can I do that?" she asked her mother.
"Uh, yeah, sure." said Penny.
Sarah squealed and hugged her mother. "Ugh, thanks mom! You're really the best!" she said.
"Okay! I guess I should be going then!" said Erin.
"Party?" asked William.
"Yeah. Bachelorette." said Erin. "One of my friends is marrying her high school sweetheart." she said.
"Aww, that is so romantic!" said Penny.
"Yeah. Let's get back to my apartment so you guys can rest a bit." William said as they exit Erin's place, saying goodbye to William and his family. "Bye Erin." he said as he opened his door, letting his family inside.
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
The next day, the family went over to Beverly's house with William.
"William! Come in!" said Nancy.
"Mom, dad, this is Nancy, Grandma's nurse." said William.
Nancy shook their hands, glad to finally meet them. "It's nice to finally meet you Leonard, Penny!" she said. "And you must be Sarah!?" she said while smiling at the young woman. "Come on in, Beverly's in the living room." she said letting them inside the house.
"Nice to meet you too Nancy!" said Penny as they make their way into the living room. Sarah immediately ran up to her grandmother as soon as she saw her.
"Grandma!" Sarah said as she hugged her grandmother tight.
"Ugh, it's so nice to see you dear! I've missed you so much!" said Beverly as she kissed her granddaughter while Sarah snuggled to her side, never letting go.
"I missed you too grandma." said Sarah.
Leonard and Penny then hugged Beverly. "Hi mom!" he said.
"Beverly it's so nice to see you again!" said Penny while hugging her.
"I'm gonna make some tea in the kitchen." said Nancy.
"Thank you Nancy." Beverly said as they all settle in the living room.
Leonard held Beverly's hand, while looking at his mother. "Mom are you alright? How are you feeling?" he asked.
"I'm quite alright dear. You don't have to worry about me." said Beverly.
"But grandma, you look pale and weak." Sarah said looking at her closely.
Beverly smiled and touched Sarah's face. "You are so sweet but you don't have to worry about me dear. I'm quite alright. William's been visiting me every chance he gets." she said.
Penny was moved by her son's kindness. "That is so thoughtful sweetheart." she said to William while touching his hand.
"But mom, have been to a doctor lately?" asked Leonard.
"I've asked that many times over dad." said William.
"I've visited the doctor but what more can they do to an old woman like me?" said Beverly, hugging Sarah close as Nancy came back from the kitchen with the tea for them.
"I'm gonna be in the kitchen if you need anything." said Nancy, turning back around to give them some privacy.
They took their cup and drank some tea. "Mom?" Leonard said.
Beverly sighed. "Leonard, I am an old woman. We both know that my time is near." she said while touching his face. "I'm ready." she added.
"Grandma!" Sarah said as she started to cry after hearing Beverly's words.
Beverly kissed Sarah and hugged her tight. "Come here my dear princess." she said. "Don't be sad, it's gonna be alright." said Beverly, reassuring the young lady.
Leonard put his face on his hands, trying hard not to break down while Penny put her arm over his shoulder to comfort her husband.
"Grandma please don't say that!" Sarah said while wiping her tears.
"Look at me, at least I get to be with your grandpa." said Beverly making the young lady cry more.
"Mom please!?" said Leonard.
Beverly smiled at her son and touched his hand. "Leonard, I know we haven't had the best mother-son relationship and I'm sorry for that. I guess I got caught up with my career and being a famous psychiatrist that I lost focus on my own family." she said before continuing. "But when you got married and had your children, I realized that maybe it's not too late for us to mend our fences, especially at how well you two raised these two here. I learned so much from William and Sarah here about the value of family and I was glad to have them as my grandchildren." she said.
Leonard moved to his mother's side and hugged her tight with Sarah and William doing the same, showing Beverly how much they love her. Penny can't help crying and joined her family, saddened by her mother-in-laws' words.
Beverly smiled and grunted a little, feeling her family's affection. "Don't worry dear. I'm happy with how my life turned out." she said. "All my children are successful and happy with their lives, I have wonderful grandchildren, what more can I ask for?" she said as they released their group hug, wiping their tears.
"Grandma, I don't want you to die." Sarah said who can't stop crying.
Beverly smiled and touched Sarah's face, wiping her tears. "Do you wanna know a secret?" she asked.
"What?" Sarah asked.
"You are my favorite granddaughter." said Beverly, smiling at her.
Sarah frowned. "But grandma, I'm your only granddaughter!" she said making them all laugh.
"Aww, don't be sad dear." said Beverly. "Now, can you tell me something?" said Beverly.
"What is it grandma?" Sarah said.
"Tell me about your boyfriend Jason. Is he cute?" asked Beverly as Leonard, Penny and William paid close attention.
Sarah nodded. "Okay." she said while pulling out her phone to show her grandma a picture. "That's him." she said while showing her phone to Beverly.
Beverly adjusted her glasses to focus her vision. "Hmm, he is cute isn't he?" she said while looking at her granddaughter.
Sarah nodded. "He's alright." she said.
"He's alright? You practically jumped around the house when he asked you out to that party!" said William.
"No I did not!" Sarah snapped back at her brother.
"Don't worry dear, I'm sure your brother is just messing with you." Beverly said, calming the young lady. "So, did he kiss you yet?" she asked surprising Sarah while Leonard and Penny kept quiet looking at their daughter.
Sarah became a little uncomfortable, trying hard not to feel awkward.
"William told you didn't he?" Sarah said to Beverly.
Beverly smiled at her.
"Ugh, why did you tell grandma!?" Sarah yelled at her brother. William kept quiet and didn't answer her.
"Don't be scared princess, I'm sure your mom and dad won't mind. Right Leonard?" said Beverly.
Leonard sighed. "Fine. I promise I won't get mad." he said.
"So?" Beverly asked Sarah.
Sarah bowed her head and took a deep breath. "We only did it once." she said softly.
Beverly smiled. "Now why do I find that hard to believe?" Beverly said, giving her granddaughter a sly look.
Sarah sighed. "Okay twice! Maybe three times." she said.
Penny pushed her face on Leonard's shoulder. "Oh god!" she exclaimed.
Sarah turned to her father. "Dad you promised!" she said.
"I know." said Leonard.
"I'm sorry daddy." said Sarah as she looked at William smiling, trying hard not to laugh. "I hope you're happy now! Why are you laughing anyway!?" she asked her brother.
William then gave his grandmother a high five. "I didn't tell grandma anything! But you just did!" he said surprising his parents.
Sarah looked at Beverly, unable to understand what just happened. "What!?" she asked.
"I told you, I never told grandma anything. I just told her that you have a boyfriend named Jason. That's it!" he said.
Sarah stood up and stomped her feet. "That's not fair!" she said folding her arms. "So you were just misleading me!?" she asked them.
Beverly smiled and adjusted her glasses. "Sarah, dear, I think you may have forgotten that I was once a world-renowned psychiatrist. I may be old but I can still extract a confession out of anyone." said Beverly surprising the couple, realizing that Beverly has never lost her edge in playing mind games.
"You tricked me!?" Sarah exclaimed.
Penny stood up and tried to console her daughter. "Aww come on sweetheart, your dad and I have always known." she said kissing her cheek.
"You did?" asked Sarah her parents.
"We do honey." said Leonard. "You're our daughter. What do think is the reason for my hair turning gray so fast?" he said.
"I'm sorry daddy." said Sarah.
"Come here." said Leonard, pulling his daughter and hugging her. "It's alright honey, don't be sad." he said as Sarah started to calm down.
Sarah looked at her brother. "I hope you're happy now!" she yelled at William.
"So happy!" said William giving Beverly another high five.
Beverly reached out her arms to have Sarah sit beside her. "Come here princess." she said as Sarah sat beside Beverly, hugging her tight.
"I love you grandma. I wish you weren't sick." she said, sad for Beverly's condition.
"Aww, you're so sweet." said Beverly, feeling her granddaughter's love. "I told you I'm happy. This is a part of life and we all have to go through this one way or the other. I'm just thankful that I get to have wonderful, smart and loving grandchildren like you and your brother." she added.
"You said I'm you favorite right?" asked Sarah making Leonard and Penny roll their eyes.
Beverly patted her on the shoulder. "Of course!" she said.
"And you're not just saying that?" asked Sarah.
"No." Beverly said making Sarah hug her tighter.
Leonard and his family stayed until dinner at Beverly's house, promising to visit her again for the duration of their stay at New Jersey. Beverly was glad to be spending much quality time with her son and his family with Sarah telling her all about her friends, school and all the fun things she does back home in California. Penny tried her best to console her husband and children, knowing that it was just a matter of time until Beverly meets her inevitable mortality. Beverly for her part assured them that she was happy with her life and that they needn't be sad, telling Leonard and Penny how proud she was of how well they raised their children.