Chapter 23

Author's Note: Hi readers! I'm back with a new chapter. I made it EXTRA long to make up for the long wait. Thank you all for your favorites, follows, and reviews! I appreciate it so much.

Shoutout to the following users: MobyShamy4ever, redhead59901, thatAwkwardPotato, Aries1994, nabhrt0602(thanks for your comment on ch19), and to all the other guest readers who read and support my story.

Let's get on with it then. Enjoy Chapter 23!


"Dr. Fowler, I got the subject wired up for the sensory study."

"Thank you, Dr. Khan." She turned to the subject wearing an EEG cap, seated on the stool in front of her.

"Colin Castillo, right? All you need to do is sit still and relax."

"What do I do if I start to get claustrophobic?"

"Oh, the helmet will sense that and stop the experiment."

"Really?"

"No, but that would be cool, wouldn't it?" She looked at Faisal who looked equally amused.

"This is quite different from your previous projects, Amy. What do you plan on doing with this?"

"Oh. I'm tracking a subject's brain activity in real-time as we introduce olfactory stimuli."

Colin spoke, his voice muffled from wearing the helmet. "I'm smelling Jasmine... Wait. Maybe, Lime? It's men's cologne I'm sure of it."

"That's just my research assistant."

"Well, how about that? There are actually more fragrance notes to it but he's right. It's Acqua Di Gio by Giorgio Armani and there are hints of Jasmine and Lime in it."

"Oh, I know that cologne. Too expensive for my taste... But it smells great on you, Dr. Khan."

"Much obliged, Mr. Castillo."

Before Amy and Faisal could continue, Amy heard her phone ring.

"I'm sorry, it's my mother calling. Can you take over for a bit? I've labeled all the samples we need to test his olfactory receptors. The monitor to examine his brain activity is displayed on your right."

"Sure thing."

Amy stepped out of her lab for a bit and answered the phone. "Good morning, Mother. I'd love to chat but I'm in the middle of somethi- What? You and Dad are fighting again? Uh-huh... (sighs) Fine, you can stay at my apartment for tonight. You're already there!? I'm sorry, but I can't just leave and come over to unlock the door. I'm working on a very important project. Of course, you're important to me too... You're going to have to find something else to do until I come home. I don't know, get some breakfast at the mall or something. Okay, terrific. I can't drive you there! I'll get you an Uber."

After Amy was sure her mother was on her way safely to the mall, she went back inside her lab. "Now, where were we?"


Mrs. Fowler listened to her daughter and went to Glendale Galleria to get some breakfast. She ordered French Toast and scrambled eggs. The truth is, she wasn't fighting with Amy's dad- she just wanted an excuse to spend time with her. Amy's been ignoring her calls and she never got an update on her date with that Adam fellow.

She probably turned him away too. Just like the others. She should be grateful her mother cares about her enough to help her go on dates. I work so hard to find a decent man and this is the thanks I get? Spending time by myself at the mall, all alone? Why, when she was just a little girl, she couldn't say no to me.

It was all her fault. Sure, she's proud of her daughter for reaching her dreams and becoming a distinguished scientist. But she also hoped Amy would find someone who'd love her and make her happy.

Larry and I aren't getting any younger, you know?

Amy's mother was far from perfect. She regretted some of the things she put her daughter through when she was young. It took her years to realize that copying her mother's parenting style was not the right way to raise a child.

A 'sin closet'? What was I thinking? Now Amy hates me...

Now, she was doing whatever means necessary to make up for her shortcomings.

The sound of a plate being served on her table stirred her out of her thoughts. Just as she was about to dig in, she frowned and raised her hand to call the waiter's attention.

"Excuse me." The waiter approached her and asked her what was wrong. "Did I ask for ketchup on my scrambled eggs? I want another plate without it."

The server bowed their head, apologizing profusely. He got her plate and went to the kitchen to replace it.

This is turning out to be a terrible day... I should've stayed at home with Larry.

Mrs. Fowler looked at the table beside her after hearing someone cough in disgust. It was a man wearing a red T-shirt with a thunderbolt on it. His eggs also had ketchup on them. He wiped his mouth with a napkin and caught her staring. "I agree with you. This is disgusting."

She ignored the stranger's comment and looked away. She turned her head again to see that the man was still eating it even after he claimed he didn't like it.

What a weird man... And why is he wearing those childish clothes?

Her attention shifted back to the waiter who returned with her order. "I'm very sorry, Ms. Here's your meal and the bill."

"Thank you." Mrs. Fowler opened the check presenter and noticed something wrong. The waiter, expecting her response, went to the restaurant manager to ask for help. The manager understood and promptly went to her table. "Is there a problem here?"

"There seems to be a mistake. It looks like I'm being charged twice for ordering only one meal."

"I understand that Ms., but considering how the meal specifically has the eggs with ketchup on them, you technically asked for another meal. So, we had to give you a new one catering to your specific request that you should've made the first time."

"How was I supposed to know there was ketchup on those eggs?"

The manager showed her the menu. "All our meals have a picture beside them."

Mrs. Fowler tried clearing her throat, embarrassment slowly overcoming her. "Well, would you look at that- it is there."

She was about to concede and pay for the bill when Sheldon got up from his table and interrupted their conversation.

"If I may interject here... Why are you giving this lady a hard time?"

"And you are?"

"Dr. Sheldon Lee Cooper. And I'm not seeing the issue here. She sent a meal back because she was unsatisfied. It is your establishment's responsibility to make sure she's provided with high-quality food service."

Mrs. Fowler raised her eyebrows. He's a doctor? I never would have guessed.

"But Mr. Cooper..."

"Dr. Cooper."

The manager sighed. "Dr. Cooper, that would be the case, but like I said, she saw our menu- she couldn't have missed it."

Mrs. Fowler tugged on Sheldon's sleeve. "You don't have to do this, really. I can just pay for the bill..."

Sheldon leaned in and whispered to her. "Nonsense. Sit back and let me help you."

"Are you claiming that there's no possibility of her missing that picture on that menu you speak of?"

"Yes."

"Have you ever heard of change blindness?"

"What is that?"

"A perceptual phenomenon that occurs when a change in a visual stimulus is introduced and the observer does not notice it. It's usually common in driving, but in this particular situation, it also applies." Sheldon gestured towards Mrs. Fowler. "This woman right here read the text that clearly says 'French Toast with scrambled eggs' and did not expect any ketchup on them. If there was a picture, then she failed to see it. And how dare you? Looking down on this poor old woman. Am I right?" He asked the customers around who were watching the entire exchange. They nodded in agreement.

Mrs. Fowler saw this as an opportunity to go along and acted in distress. "You think I'm just some stupid old woman, do you?" She tried faking her tears and pretended to wipe them with the table napkin.

The manager noticed some cold stares directed his way and gulped. It wasn't looking good for him. "No! No... Not at all. I didn't mean to offend you."

Sheldon got the check presenter from the table and handed it to the manager. "Then how about you fix this and come back with an apology and a bill that charges her what she's rightfully due?"

"I'll get right to it, Dr. Cooper. Again, I apologize." He looked at Mrs. Fowler and bowed his head, leaving to settle the issue right away.

Humorously, the customers clapped for them in response. Sheldon was proud of himself, nodding his head at them in thanks. He sat on the chair across from Mrs. Fowler, who was still gobsmacked that a complete stranger would go out of his way to help her.

"Unbelievable." She shook her head. "You really tore them a new one."

"Please. If I had to tell you how many times I've argued with restaurant managers, we'd be here all day."

The manager came back with her bill and Sheldon took some money from his wallet to place it there.

Mrs. Fowler noticed this and waved her arms. "Oh, you don't need to do that..."

"Allow me. Think of it as thanks for giving me the opportunity to 'tear them a new one'"

What a charming young man. "...Thank you, Dr. Cooper."

"No need to thank me. You remind me of my mother, and I wouldn't want her to be in that kind of situation."

She was touched by the man's honesty and she couldn't help but smile- which was a big deal because she would rarely do that. She felt bad for misjudging him too quickly.

Amazing. He's tall, handsome, smart, a gentleman, and a doctor... What a catch!

She glanced at his hands. And it looks like he isn't married too.

"Oh, pardon me. It was rude of me to sit with you without your consent." Sheldon got up. "I'll get out of your hair. I hope you enjoy your meal."

Mrs. Fowler wanted to know Dr. Cooper a little bit more and she really didn't want to be alone.

I can't let this man leave! He might be my one chance of seeing my princess live her happily ever after.

"Wait!"

Sheldon sat back down to hear what Mrs. Fowler had to say. She decided to play matchmaker and tried to think of a way to make him stay a little longer.

"I would love to return the favor and buy you some dessert. Anything you'd like."

Sheldon furrowed his brows, unsure of how to respond. That's odd. Usually, strangers don't want to be around me. What else does she want from me? Is this what happens to pretty boys in the big city?

"You don't have to do that Ms...?

"You can call me Kathy."

Sheldon nodded. "Kathy. And I have all sorts of other plans to attend to, so I must respectfully decline..."

Shoot! He's not taking the bait. What do I do? Mrs. Fowler saw his apprehension and reacted quickly by faking her tears once again.

"That's okay..." She sniffled. "I understand that no one wants to spend time with me. My husband, my daughter... Not even you."

"Umm..." Sheldon could feel the cold stares from the other customers headed his way this time, with the manager shaking his head and smirking.

It wasn't normal for Sheldon to care about others, let alone a complete stranger he met at the mall. He also had difficulty reading emotions, but it was different this time. Seeing Kathy reminded him of his mother when she was sad. It didn't help that she also reminded him of Amy whenever she was having a bad day.

His brain started reasoning with him. You hardly even know this woman and she's weepy. You don't like weepy, remember? Just run away as fast as possible.

Sheldon looked at the Flash symbol on his shirt and was ready to leave until he remembered something. He thought back to his C-Men session with Leonard yesterday.


Sheldon shook his head and continued talking. "All my life, I've considered myself to be of a superior species who was way above his own emotions. It turns out, I was just fooling myself."

"Sheldon..."

"It's true. I find myself struggling to comprehend other people's emotions. I can't always tell if someone is joking or laughing at me. Or if they're mad at something I've done or just in a bad mood. I wish I had the power to read their minds because if I could, life would be so much simpler. It's incredibly stressful and I always manage to hurt the people who mean a lot to me. And I was perfectly okay with it staying that way. Or at least that's what I thought."

"Go on."

"Ever since Amy came into my life, I've never considered putting anyone's needs before my own. She's turned my entire world upside down and every time I imagine a world without her, I feel completely void of all joy and happiness. Why does she make me feel this way? How is she an exception to everything I once considered irrelevant in my life? It frightens me, Leonard. When I look in her eyes, and she's looking back in mine. Everything feels not quite normal. Because I feel stronger and weaker at the same time. I feel excited and at the same time terrified. The truth is, I don't know what I feel except... I know what kind of man I want to be."

Leonard could feel himself tearing up. "Sheldon, that was beaut- wait a minute. Did you just quote Spiderman?"

"Only the last part but yes, it's what Peter Parker said to Mary Jane Watson in the first Spiderman movie. No matter how many romantic comedies Raj and Penny recommend me, nothing beats a classic superhero film." Sheldon smiled.

"Now that I agree with... Sheldon, if you want this to work, you're gonna have to be completely honest with me. And if at any point you feel uncomfortable, just tell me."

"Roger that, Magneto."

Leonard grinned at Sheldon's eager response. "I'll go get my clipboard. It's time to unpack a lot of baggage."

"Baggage? Did you plan on going somewhere?" Sheldon furrowed his brows.

"No. I meant emotional baggage, Sheldon."

"Oh. You should've made that clear then. Speaking of which, as much as I want to help you, Leonard. I don't have the luxury of listening to you talk about your depressing childhood like last time."

"Yes, I'm sorry about that. It won't happen again, I promise."

"I mean, we could talk about it in our next sessions if you're up for it. I know it must've been difficult for you growing up in a household where no one loved you, but imagine how great your life turned out."

Leonard sighed. "This is gonna be a long day."


Leonard gave Sheldon an assignment to try exercising empathy by putting himself in Amy's shoes. Sheldon took this literally and cleared his schedule the next day to try and understand his roommate's advice. That's when it hit him. Is his chance encounter with Kathy the universe's way of testing his ability to empathize with others? He really wanted to call Leonard to confirm his current thoughts.

"You know what, Kathy? Those plans can wait and I will have that dessert."

In an instant, Mrs. Fowler's face lit up. "Great." She raised her hand to call the waiter.

"Feel free to order anything you like, Sheldon." Time to reel him in. "Oh. I'm sorry, we're not close enough for me to call you that yet, Dr. Cooper."

"Sheldon is fine... And thank you." He said, hoping that doing all of this would cheer her up.

A small glint appeared in Mrs. Fowler's eye. She just had to get to know the future husband of her child.

I did it. Don't worry, Amy. By the time you see me, I'll have his phone number in my hands and a wedding ring in your future.


The waiter came with Sheldon's peach cobbler while Mrs. Fowler was interrogating him about his life. Sheldon didn't mind any of it. He liked talking about himself and was flattered that someone was interested in who he was- not that it was a surprise.

"Tell me more about your life as a doctor, Sheldon. How does it feel saving lives every day?"

"Saving lives? Oh. You must have mistaken me for an actual doctor..." He snorted. "No, I would never. I actually have two doctorates in the field of physics."

So, he's not a doctor... Mrs. Fowler felt a tinge of disappointment. Wait.

"Physics... You mean like, Albert Einstein?"

"Yes. Excluding the infidelity of course." Sheldon joked.

She gasped in intrigue. He's a scientist just like my Amy... That's even better!

Not being able to contain her excitement, she couldn't help being straightforward with the next question. "Are you single?"

Sheldon was taken aback. Wait a minute. Is that what this is? Is this like Leonard and that benefactor from the fundraiser a few years back? She's offering me food, asking me personal questions, and now she's asking if I'm single. Oh, boy.

"Uh... Kathy, I'm very flattered but you're not..."

Kathy understood his reaction and chuckled heartily. "No, no, no. I'm not interested in you, Sheldon. I'm married. I'm talking about my daughter."

"Oh." She did mention her husband once or twice... Hold on, her daughter? What in the-

"How old are you by the way?"

"31," Sheldon said, hesitating a little bit.

"Oh, thank heavens, you're both the same age! Isn't this wonderful?"

Sheldon was speechless. I came here to be a better man for Amy not for someone else's mother...

"What's the matter, Sheldon? Do you have a girlfriend?"

"Yes! I mean, no. Not exactly... More like a girl slash friend who I am very fond of." Sheldon liked to emphasize.

"So? What's the problem?"

"I-I intend to make her mine eventually."

At that moment, Mrs. Fowler's hopes and dreams were crushed. "Ah... I see."

I knew it was too good to be true! Mrs. Fowler's eyes were downcast, feeling dejected. Wait. She's not his girlfriend yet. Amy still has a chance!

"Where is this girl slash friend of yours? Did she come with you here?"

"No... My roommate drove me here. She's busy working... We work in the same university, but I got suspended for a week so..."

Mrs. Fowler didn't hear the 'suspended' part, elated that his girl slash friend had no time for him. Ha! They'll never work out.

"What brings you here then?"

Sheldon tried treading carefully, Kathy was a stranger after all. He realized he was divulging too much personal information. He decided to hide Amy's identity from her.

"Well, my girl slash friend- Elizabeth... Unlike you, always puts ketchup on her eggs. I wanted to try and get to know all her different interests, so I can understand her more and become excited by the things she's excited by." At least that's what Leonard said...

Elizabeth... What a boring name. She scoffed.

"She must mean a lot to you."

"Yes. She's my best friend and I love her."

"You love her?" Mrs. Fowler reacted violently.

Sheldon nodded firmly. "I do. More than she knows. But before I can tell her how I feel, I need to be the man she deserves. My assistant gave me a list of all her favorite things to do and I plan to try each one of them. That's why I came here."

Oh no. He doesn't just love her, he's in love with her... What do I do? He'd never agree to meet Amy...

Just as she was about to give up, an idea popped into her mind. Sheldon was with her and Amy was going to pick her up in the next few hours. They were bound to see each other. But she needed Sheldon to stay until Amy arrived.

"Sheldon... Would you mind if I joined you for today in your... activities?"

"I'm perplexed. I thought you wanted me for your daughter."

"Well, if you love Elizabeth so much, who am I to go between you two?"

Sheldon recalled Kathy saying she was just here to pass the time. He felt bad for her, picturing her getting lost in the mall, all alone and frightened.

He sighed. Gee, this empathy exercise is getting really difficult. I hope I'm doing the right thing, Leonard.

"Okay then. I wouldn't mind at all."

Mrs. Fowler paid for Sheldon's cobbler and they left the restaurant. She felt triumphant with everything going her way.

She also realized that tagging along with Sheldon would help her be able to figure out what kind of woman Elizabeth was. If she could find some flaws, maybe she'd be able to convince Sheldon that he deserved better- specifically her daughter.

"So, where are we going first?"


The first favorite activity on Elizabeth's list was going to the bookstore. Sheldon went inside as Mrs. Fowler followed closely after.

So, she likes reading books... Sheldon did say they worked at the same university, she must be smart too. But not as smart as my baby. What kind of books does she read? Heh. She might be the type who reads those icky romance novels with either the man or woman dying in the end.

Sheldon found the sections he was looking for and started scanning the shelves.

"So, what books are Elizabeth a fan of?"

"Well, she loves medieval literature. Chaucer's works are her favorite. I plan to read all the books on this list, so I could talk about them with her."

Chaucer... That name is familiar.

After Sheldon collected all the books Amy liked, he brought them to a nearby table and sat down with Mrs. Fowler beside him.

"I won't take too long, I have an eidetic memory. You can read a book from this pile too if you'd like. "

Mrs. Fowler looked through the pile and one, in particular, caught her eye. The front cover had the words, "The Canterbury Tales" on it and she drew in a breath.

That's the book I bought Amy when she was a young girl. She remembered Amy talking about it all the time, wanting to read every page to her. She had a faint smile on her face as she was going through each page.

Sheldon wasn't all too amused if he was being honest. Pride and Prejudice? Amy's taste baffled him sometimes. She called him lame for reading comic books when she reads comic strips like Garfield and Marmaduke.

How am I supposed to like all of this?

He turned his head, seeing Kathy with a book that looked familiar. "Hey, that's A- I mean Elizabeth's favorite book! May I?"

"Oh, sure. Go ahead. I was just thinking about my daughter. She used to love this story growing up..." Mrs. Fowler's words drifted off and she became silent, forgetting what she had to do for a moment and missing her daughter very much.

"You really love your daughter, do you?"

"Of course I do. I raised her, I took care of her... Maybe I was too strict at times or a bit overprotective, but I just didn't want to see her get hurt. She's very precious to me and her happiness is all I want. She's the only one I have aside from my husband. I feel like she's slowly slipping away from me and I don't know what to do." She was shedding real tears this time, wiping her face with her sleeves.

"There, there..." Sheldon said awkwardly. He didn't know if he could touch her considering their relationship. "She probably has her reasons... Maybe you can talk about it when you finally see her."

"I guess you're right. I'm sorry, I must be bothering you right now."

"It's fine. Your daughter's lucky to have a mother like you who cares about her that much."

"Thank you, Sheldon. That's so nice of you to say."

"How about this? I'll buy all these books and I'll give them to you after I've finished reading them all. Maybe you can give them to your daughter."

Sheldon flinched when he felt Mrs. Fowler's arms around him. He disliked anyone hugging him but somehow... this hug didn't feel weird at all. It felt familiar in fact.

That's preposterous. Amy doesn't hug like an old lady... We've established that Kathy reminds you of your mother... or maybe Meemaw. But not Amy... That would be weird.


Sheldon placed all the books in his satchel, thankful that they all fit inside. After Sheldon comforted Mrs. Fowler, she was more determined to have him as her son-in-law. She'd be an idiot to let a man like him go. If he was able to get into her good graces, why not Amy?

However, she had yet to find a flaw with Elizabeth considering her favorite book was the same as her daughter's. They passed by another store where Sheldon bought a quilting kit because Elizabeth loved making them. A bookworm and a woman into making crafts... She was really turning out to be a formidable opponent. The next activity on the list was watching a movie.

Her hidden agenda was long forgotten when she found out that they were watching, "Amélie", a film from 2001. She watched it with Amy when it first premiered and they couldn't get enough of it.

She whispered to Sheldon in the middle of the movie. "Don't you just love how they talk?" She could see his mind was elsewhere though. She left him alone and continued watching the movie.

Sheldon couldn't focus on the movie. He felt like something was missing. All he could think about was Amy and wishing she was with him right now. (No offense to Kathy...) It didn't help that the main character's name sounded similar in a sense. The movie ended with a gleeful Mrs. Fowler and a distracted Sheldon.

Mrs. Fowler shook her head, realizing that she was getting carried away again from her true goal. Elizabeth liked this movie too? What sorcery is this?


After the movies, Sheldon and Mrs. Fowler went to see a magic show that was starting in 5 minutes.

Sheldon wasn't a fan of magic. He had some bad experiences associated with it. Billy Sparks, his childhood bully, stuck a Mexican peso up his nose. And he never got it out. Now it takes him 45 minutes to get through airport security. But if Amy liked it, maybe there is something good about it after all that he hasn't seen yet.

Mrs. Fowler sighed. Not a magic show...

Larry took her to a magic show once when they were dating. She wanted to point out all the inconsistencies and complain about how predictable it was. But she kept quiet so as not to ruin anything.

She saw the children already gathered around, seated on the carpet. A small stage with curtains right in front of them. There was a sign that said: The Great Howdini

She saw Sheldon look around like he was trying to find someone. "If you can excuse me for a moment." She saw him go behind the stage. She wanted to follow him, but she decided not to and looked for a seat nearby. The carpet wasn't going to cut it.


"Howard?"

"Sheldon?"

"I thought you and Raj were planning the bachelor party..."

"P-Please don't tell Bernie. This was a favor I had to do for my cousin and she'd never agree to let me do it."

"Who's planning it now? It's scheduled for tomorrow, right?"

"Uh-huh. Don't worry, it won't interfere with the sessions. It'll start late at night anyway. Raj is planning it now with Alex filling in for me."

"Really? Alex is planning our stag night with Raj?"

"Well, it would help to get a female perspective. Bernie said no strippers and I don't know what else she'll find unacceptable, so..." Howard tilted his head. "Wait. Why are you here?"

"Leonard told me to practice empathy and I'm trying to involve myself in the things Amy enjoys doing."

"Oh, I get it. That's pretty thoughtful, Sheldon. Didn't know you had it in ya."

"Thanks... As much as I hate magic, I appreciate the compliment."

"Why do you hate it so much?"

"Please. It's an inherently deceitful proposition. This is an ordinary top hat. You've chosen that card freely. I do not have a set of lock picks lodged in my keister." He tried mimicking a magician.

"Can't you just enjoy the wonder, Sheldon?"

"If we poison the critical thinking faculties of children by telling them that rabbits come out of hats, then we create adults who believe in astrology and homeopathy and that Ryan Reynolds was a better choice for Green Lantern than lovable rogue Nathan Fillion."

"Sheldon, I'm just gonna do a few magic tricks for some kids. I really don't think they're gonna end up liking the Green Lantern movie."

He shook his head. "You never know. They might even become engineers in the future." Sheldon snorted.

Howard started getting annoyed. "Is this empathy of yours selective then?"

"What do you mean?"

"I don't know, Sheldon. I respect the fact that you're trying to become a better man for Amy but what about your friends? The ones who also stick by you even when you're being a jerk? The ones whose feelings you disregard and belittle every day as you see fit?"

"I'm sorry... I didn't know you felt that way. I didn't mean to-"

"That's the problem. You never mean to. That's why we all put up with you. If you hate magic shows so much, why are you forcing yourself to like them? For Amy's sake? Next thing you know, you'll say you're a fan of Neil Diamond. She'd see right through that."

"Then what do you suggest I do? Leonard told me to be excited by the things she's excited by... What if what she does simply doesn't excite me?"

Before Howard could answer, the organizer told him that the show was about to start. Howard straightened his outfit and took a deep breath. "You're going to have to figure that out on your own, Sheldon."

"Howard."

"Yes?"

"I don't know when your launch is, but I have to admit that you being an astronaut did surprise me."

"I know, I know. You're gonna say it's because I'm not good enough and that I don't deserve it."

"Quite the opposite actually. You're a great engineer, a fine institution like NASA offering you the honor of going boldly where no man has gone before has proven that. You going to space takes a lot of guts. And I'm proud... and a little envious of you for that."

"...Thanks, Sheldon."

"No. Thank you for opening my eyes to the truth. I haven't been the friend all of you deserve and I'll work on being not just a better man for Amy but also a better friend. So, good luck with the show." Sheldon held his hand out for a high-five.

"Oh, come here." Howard went to hug Sheldon.

Two hugs in one day? I'm really knocking it out of the park with this empathy thing.

"Howard! What are you doing? Get out there and entertain those kids."

"Sorry." Howard let go of Sheldon. "That was my cousin by the way."


Howard's words got Sheldon thinking. Why was he doing all of this in the first place? Was Leonard's advice wrong? Or did he not understand it properly? He was hoping that wasn't the case since he understood everything.

His friend was right. Amy would see right through all his attempts to please her. He'd be lying to her and that would make him a hypocrite.

He heard Mrs. Fowler's voice calling him to sit with her.

"Hey, Sheldon. I saved a seat for you. Is everything okay?"

"If I had to be honest with you, Kathy. I have no idea whether or not I'm doing the right thing, trying everything on this list."

Interesting. Is he having second thoughts about Elizabeth?

"Did your husband have any hobbies you didn't like?"

"Oh. Larry?" Sheldon nodded. "Of course I did. He puts ketchup on his eggs, likes watching silent films, and enjoys watching these dreadful magic shows."

"Seems like we're on the same boat... (sighs) I want to make Elizabeth happy by enjoying the things she likes. I'm just scared that I won't after trying all of it and acting as if I do will only make things worse.

Are Amy and I just too incompatible?

"Do you think my Larry doesn't know that I hate some of the things he likes doing?"

"Well, it would hurt if he did, right?"

"You're looking at it the wrong way, Sheldon. Larry and I don't see eye to eye most of the time, but there is one thing that makes both of us look past all that."

"And that is?"

"Seeing each other happy."

Fascinating. "So, it isn't about being excited by the things he's excited by?"

"Of course not. If that was the reason, why would I marry him? Why do you think you're doing all of this now? Don't focus on Elizabeth's interests and whether or not you enjoy them. What is it about Elizabeth that you enjoy?"

Sheldon thought about it for a second. Well, I do enjoy how engrossed she gets reading her favorite book- her eyebrows raised every time she gets to the exciting parts. I enjoy how her eyes sparkle when we watch old French movies, and I love how harp music makes her fingers dance as if she's playing along...

Suddenly, a short, bespectacled blonde, comes in with an angry look on her face. Mrs. Fowler saw her glaring at the magician.

Howard gulped, unprepared for the wrath of his fiance. The kids all looked at Bernadette and the show was interrupted by her walking toward Howard.

"Howie! Why didn't you tell me you went through with the magic show?"

"Because you'd get mad that I chose this instead of planning the bachelor party, which Raj is doing by the way... And I know you don't like magic so..."

"I do think it's dumb, yes. But you shouldn't have lied to me. I thought we were in this together..."

"Are you saying you would've allowed me to perform my 'Great Howdini' tricks for the children?"

"Of course, I would. And I'd offer to be your assistant too."

Howard smiled. "Well, how about you come over here and continue the show with me?"

"But I don't know your routine."

"It's okay. Just smile, wave your arms in the air, and hand me the things I need." Bernadette nodded and the show went on.

After watching his friends' exchange. Sheldon finally understood what Leonard, Howard, and Kathy were trying to tell him.

"You're right. I have been looking at it all wrong. I love Amy exactly the way she is, and all her different quirks won't make me love her any less. I was worried for nothing-" Sheldon turned his head to find no one beside him. "Hey, where'd she go?"

He turned his head, his eyes searching until he spotted Kathy on the phone with someone. That must be her daughter.

Mrs. Fowler came back in a hurry and pulled his arm. "Come with me."

"Where are we going?"

"My daughter's here. She wants to thank you properly for accompanying me today. I told her we'd wait for her at the fountain by the mall entrance."

"Don't tell me this is one of your schemes to find your daughter a suitable mate. You already know I'm in love with-"

"I know, I know. But it would be rude not to introduce yourself as the man who went out of his way to help her mother."

"Alright." Sheldon finally relented. There was no harm in meeting Kathy's daughter anyway. She'd say thank you, he'd give the appropriate response, and they'd all go their separate ways. No big deal.


Minutes later.

"What time did she say she'd be here?"

"5 PM."

Sheldon checked his watch. They've been waiting at the fountain for about 15 minutes.

"I'm so sorry about this, Sheldon. She's normally on time."

"It's alright. Something must've held her up at work. Or maybe it's the traffic..."

Amy would never do this. This is why I couldn't imagine myself being with another woman, especially someone who'd inconvenience her mother like this...

"Sheldon, do you know where the restroom is?" Mrs. Fowler asked, looking like she couldn't hold her bladder in for much longer.

"Oh. If you move East of here, there's a women's bathroom beside Macy's. Would you like me to show you?"

"No, it's okay. I got it. Plus, I wouldn't want my daughter to worry if she didn't find me by the fountain."

"I see. Well, be careful then."

Mrs. Fowler walked as fast as she could, following Sheldon's directions. He got bored waiting and eventually turned around to watch the fountain and observe the people passing by. Some people were taking pictures and some were throwing pennies.

He chuckled. Those people really think throwing those round pieces of metal will make their wishes come true...

Ironically, he took a penny out of his wallet. Maybe, I could try it just for fun. I have nothing better to do... What should I wish for?

A wish is a desire for something to happen- usually it's something unattainable like massive wealth or happiness... It's all a moneymaking tactic anyways. But I have read that some malls give most of their earnings to charity.

He clicked his tongue. Let's see... Something I want to happen right now.

He wanted to see Amy, as crazy as it sounds. They message and call each other every day, but he hasn't really seen her since their little fight in her lab.

He wished she was by his side, whether it was eating breakfast, reading books, or watching movies and magic shows...

"I wish Amy would-"

"Sheldon?"

"That's strange... I didn't even make my wish yet."

"Sheldon, it's me. Amy."

What in the- Sheldon dropped the penny he was holding out of surprise. He felt his heart pounding. He slowly turned around and saw Amy Farrah Fowler. He couldn't believe it. His wish came true.

Relax, Cooper. This is all just a coincidence.

"What are you doing here?"

Shoot! I have to think of something quick.

"I-I..."

"Amy!"

He recognized that voice. Sheldon turned his head to see Kathy walking toward them with both of her arms extended.

Sheldon: Kathy?

Amy: Hi, Mom.

Sheldon: Mom!?

Amy: Wait. How did you know my mother's n...

"There's mama's girl." She embraced Amy with all the warmth and love a mother could give while Amy stood there awkwardly.

Sheldon looked back and forth. His eyes got wider and wider as it happened.

Mrs. Fowler let go of her daughter and saw the look on Sheldon's face.

My, my. He already looks so smitten with her... My plan is working.

"Amy, this is Sheldon Lee Cooper." Mrs. Fowler grinned. She saw Sheldon shaking his head, not wanting her to share anything, but she misunderstood.

"Oh. I'm sorry. Dr. Sheldon Lee Cooper. He's the man I was telling you about."

Amy covered her mouth in shock. Sheldon and Amy started connecting all the dots with a clueless Mrs. Fowler who thought it was just love at first sight.

Before anyone could say anything, someone interrupted them.

"Amy, I apologize but I couldn't wait any longer in the car to meet your mother- Dr. Cooper?"

"Faisal?" Sheldon furrowed his eyebrows.

Mrs. Fowler's smile turned upside down. Her excitement was replaced with confusion. "Amy, who is that man you're with?"

Everyone was unsure how to proceed. But they all had the same question in their minds.

What the hell is going on?

End of Chapter 23.


Author's Note: AHHHH! I finally finished this chapter. It took a lot of rewrites since I was gonna focus on the C-Men sessions for this chapter, but adding Amy's mom into the story was a last-minute idea that came up while I rewatched Seasons 11 & 12. I love the fact that she helped Sheldon realize just how much he loves her daughter without even knowing it. Expect her appearance and the bachelor/bachelorette parties in the next chapters. Would she become an honorary member of Sheldon's C-Men? Leave a follow to find out.

Notable episodes I used: The Bowtie Asymmetry, The Shiny Trinket Maneuver, The Raiders Minimization, The Planetarium Collision, The Consummation Deviation, and the rest I leave for you to guess.

Again, let me know what y'all think. I'd appreciate some insights on how you think my story will play out. It might give me some suggestions on where my story's gonna go. I apologize for the long wait. Life happened but I finally found the time to continue this story.

If you haven't read "Falling for the Homo Novus", I sincerely hope you check them out. I also have a new multichapter fic I just started working on called "The Rival Recurrence", so expect updates from each of these stories.

Please continue leaving a review! A fav and follow would also be appreciated, so if you haven't, what are you waiting for? Until next time, Shamy fans!