A\N I tried to abandon this story, but my OCD wouldn't let me. I finished the story over a year ago. I just didn't have the time to continue to edit, but with the lockdown and working from home, I had spare time to continue as it was always at the back of my mind. Two chapters left. So here goes.
Penny and her family spend the next two days getting to know each other and exploring the town. Leonard took a back seat and just left them to their own devices. He smiles as he watches their interaction. It felt strange but normal in a way because the family ties were so strong as if they and Penny had known each other all their lives in his world. Leonard had arranged and planned the day for all to see the best of Pasadena has to offer. Sure, he had work to do regarding Sheldon, but Penny insisted she wanted him here today, and Leonard had no choice; he couldn't say no to Penny. The connection between them was so strong before he knew it, he had agreed. Those puppy and Hazel eyes have struck again.
Penny noted it looked a lot like back home, restaurants, cute shops, and the side streets in old Pasadena packed with people. There was even a cheesecake factory that Penny wanted to visit but was disappointed that Leonard had already booked them a table at a different restaurant.
They explored the local cathedral and the science and history museums, Leonard was excited to show them around Pasadena town center, it was a short walk to The Huntington, the cultural center with its gardens and galleries. The city hall, with its beauty and well-preserved architectural history, was similar to the one back home, it was interesting with little changes to Penny. On the second day, Leonard accompanied them again. He took them to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory he had visited on numerous occasions, but never got old. To him, anyway. They toured the facilities and were moved by the technology; they didn't need reservations as Leonard knew a lot of people from his days at Caltech who still worked there. The also visited The Colorado Street Bridge, which held a lot of Pasadena history and the Arroyo Seco. As the evening approached and the sun sets on the horizon, they settled at the Arroyo Chop House. A well-known, established meat heaven. Penny's eyes lit up as she spotted the restaurant. She grabbed his hands and whispered, "Thank you" in his ears. Leonard wondered what that was for. He soon found out. They got a table overlooking the beauty that is Pasadena. It wasn't too busy inside, and it was a good spot for people-watching.
"So, what would everyone like to eat? I'm paying." Leonard asked.
"Oh, you don't have to do that, I tell you what, we will split the bill," Wyatt replied.
"I don't mind…" Leonard tried to say.
"It's settled, Leonard; I wouldn't have it any other way." Wyatt grinned at him.
"Leonard, if I know Wyatt and if he is like my dad, you are fighting a lost cause," Penny interjected.
They all nodded, and Leonard muttered "Okay." and backed down.
"So, Penny, do you like steak?" Susan asked.
"I love steak," Penny said in a deep voice.
The group put in their orders and two bottles of red wine to go with the meal.
Penny went for the porterhouse 2½ Lbs for two. She was supposed to share it with Leonard, but he only had a handful, and when Leonard came back from taking a call, the plate was empty.
"Thanks for sharing." Leonard front a brow, he now knew why Penny got excited by the restaurant, she definitely loves steaks.
"Oh, did you want some?" Penny asked sarcastically, blinking her eyes at the same time.
"We were supposed to share. I guess you were hungry." Leonard signaled for the waiter.
"Sorry, I was starving." Penny grinned at him.
"Just like our Penny, you have a big appetite," Susan said.
"I'm a growing girl." Penny counters as she licks her fingers and rubs her belly in satisfaction.
She spied her brother's plate. "You're going to finish that." She asked.
He moved his plate slightly more toward him and asked. "So, Penny, what's was your family like?" He tried to get penny's attention away from his food.
Penny looked at Wyatt and thought for a second. "They kinda like you guys. I don't know, but it is scary how similar we all are. I feel like I got my family back," Penny said. She wanted the family she lost, but to her, it felt no different.
Wyatt nodded in agreement and said. "Yeah, I feel like I have known you all your life too."
"So, what is your world like?" Susan asked?
It's not too different from this world; we have the same things, everything looks similar but for a few differences. Lots of vegetation, unlike my world which is dying, compared to yours."
"Sorry to hear, why is that?" The sister chimed in.
Penny looked away from her sister and looked to the ground. "Years of global warming and pollution has taken its toll on my planet; the air is thin. The forests are nearly gone as they cut them down to accommodate the growing population. The icebergs are melting at a rapid rate. It took years to get the world governments to acknowledge the damage and finally began to take action to combat the destruction, but it might be too late." Penny said sadly.
"It's that bad?" Her brother asked.
"Scientists do not know the extent of the damage entirely, but all indicates global disasters at some point, which will be on a massive scale. Frequent earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, temperature raising, which is happening already in some places and has become inhabitable."
"We are helping them to monitor the situation. We have our top scientists working on an action plan to minimize the effect and reduce the damage, hopefully." Leonard said.
They chatted as they ate, drank, and told stories and just getting to know one another. It was amazing how their lives and worlds were so similar. The food and drinks were excellent! The waiters were friendly and were very accommodating. Excellent service and experience all around.
The last day before Leonard and Penny had to go back was hard for Penny and her new-found life. It was an emotional moment with everyone crying and hugging. They didn't want this to be a goodbye forever. Penny was now part of them and will always be welcome, but they had to let go, they talked about a happy reunion sooner rather than later.
"I will see you guys soon, I promise." Penny cried in the group hug.
"We really hope so, the last few days have been fantastic, emotional, and simply wonderful getting to know you and Leonard. It has been so great. Please do come back." Susan begged.
"You have my word; for me, it has been the best few days of my life. I don't know what to say, but I have spiritually connected with all of you, and I don't want it to end." Penny sobbed.
The group hug brought tears of joy and the feeling that this wasn't the last time they would meet. it felt so real.
Leonard and Penny got home late evening just before the rain came. Exhausted, Penny went to use the bathroom. Leonard got undressed and climbed into bed. He heard the water running from the bathroom. He listened to the sound until it stopped. She emerged in only her panties and bra and stood at the door looking at him.
He inhaled and exhaled deeply as he rubbed the side of the bed that Penny slept.
" You okay?"
"Yeah," she said softly.
"You look worried. Wanna talk about it." Leonard asked
"Actually, I rather not." She launches herself at him and starts kissing him.
20 minutes later, they both panting over and over, trying to catch their breath. Leonard asked.
"Did I take your mind off what was on your mind?" He teases
"Nope," Penny breathed shakenly and rested her head on his chest, her heart beating faster, always the way when he touched her. Penny was far from home, and the spell of Leonard was upon her. She was happy, and Leonard was part of that happiness. She felt safe and secure with him.
Leonard held Penny. He felt love for the first time in his life; it felt good. He wanted more of this feeling.
Penny was worried that something might happen that will take away her happiness.
"Leonard, are you sure you want to stay when all this is over," Penny asked concerned.
"I want nothing better than spending the rest of my life with you. I count the days when this will be all over so we can move our relationship to the next level."
"Aww, that's so sweet, me too. Do you think your bosses will let you stay?" Penny was still worried they might force him to leave when all this is over. She wanted to be with Leonard at all costs, but it will be hard for her to leave this world with him if he couldn't stay. With all that is going on. It would not be the right time to leave. Penny thought.
"It's not up to them, anyway if that happens, I'll just quit, and I can be a stay at home kind of guy and devote all my attention to you." Leonard grinned.
"As much as I would love that, you will need to get a job, not having you sit on your lazy bum all day."
"Hey, I worked very hard to get to where I am in life. An unemployed experimental physicist."
Penny couldn't help but smile inside. "Leonard, you are not funny." She retorted.
Penny couldn't imagine life without him now. She smiled to herself as she remembered how comfortable she was with her new family; it was all thanks to Leonard. The thought of Leonard not staying here when all this is over flashed through her mind. She didn't want to think of that right now. She closed her eyes to the beat of the rain. In the twilight, she could hear the pounding on the windows, the rain was violent as the storm raged on, but as quickly as it started, it began to fade against the clearing sky and the first stars of the night began to emerge.