A/N Hi all, I have a couple of comments, and/or clarifications. I don't mind critical reviews, if you don't like the story, by all means let me know, specifically what you don't like about it. However, several years ago, I decided that since I can't reply to guest reviews, to explain why, what you don't like about the story, is like it is, I don't approve negative guest reviews. If you're bold enough to tell me what you don't like about my story, please be bold enough to do the comment under your own account name. If you don't want to do it publicly, send me a PM. Another thing, one of those guest reviews went on for a bit, about a couple of specific things they didn't like. Interestingly, I also got a PM, praising those same specific things that the guest review didn't like. I learned a while ago, that I'm not going to be able to please everyone at all points (and quite probably, there will be others who like those points other don't like). I write the story as it comes to me (remembering that this is a prequel, so I have to keep to the timeline and events of the other story), and if you don't like it, what can I say? If I change it to suit you, then someone else may not like it, and I'm back in the same place. So, I write it to please me, and if other people enjoy it, that's a bonus. So far, it seems that there are quite a few of you, who are enjoying this, and for that I am very grateful. Finally, sorry for the length of the A/N, but I wanted to clear that up.

Chapter 54

Apt 314, 12:30 AM Wednesday Nov 13th 2012

Penny had just gotten home from work, the latest she'd ever gotten off from the show. It had been a whirlwind for the past 24 hours. Her and Jeanie had gotten back from Boston at 11 PM on Monday night.

Since it was the Veteran's Day holiday, there were fewer trains, and they had to take a later one. Boston had been a pleasant experience for Penny. Jeanie had kept her so busy with people, places and things that Penny hadn't had time to think about her problems, except at night.

Jeanie had taken her to various places where Jeanie had gone to school, and done things as a child. Saturday night they had gone to a community theatre where Jeanie had started acting as a teen. The people there were glad to see her, and almost everyone wanted to talk to her.

Jeanie had told Penny, that she supported the theatre, anonymously, giving them $50,000 a year, to give others a chance to become actors. That night, they had watched "Chapter Two" by Neil Simon. Penny felt embarrassed, as the actors were very good, better than herself, she thought. But, it was fun when the actors were excited to meet Jeanie, and her.

Sunday was visits to some of the Revolutionary War sites, along with a light dinner with Jeanie's parents. Monday was partially spent by Penny telling Jeanie's parents her story, and her parents telling Penny some stories about Jeanie. Penny was laughing through most of them, while Jeanie just looked embarrassed. They caught the 8 PM train, getting back to their apartments around one in the morning.

Tuesday was a long day, as production changes, due to the holiday, were in effect. The table read, for next week, would be done Tuesday afternoon. Pre-shoots for this week would also be done on Tuesday. Wednesday would be the taping day and Thursday and Friday would be blocking and the usual run-throughs.

They did their normal Monday run through in the morning, then, at 2 PM, they did the table read for next week's show. At 5 PM, they started pre-shoots, broke for dinner, then waited for darkness, as Penny and Dave were scheduled to do night shots on the back lot, with Jeanie.

Penny had done her pre-shoots, and then waited for Jeanie and Dave to finish theirs. Afterward, they went to their dressing rooms, gathered up their things and left for home. Jeanie asked if Penny wanted to come up to her apartment, but Penny declined, telling her she was too tired.

After unpacking everything, Penny remembered she had told Leonard she would call him tonight. But, right now, she was exhausted and just wanted to get to bed. Then, she realized that if her conversation with Leonard became overwhelming for her, she could use her exhaustion as an excuse to end it.

She sighed, then picked up her phone and selected Leonard's number. She heard it ring twice, and then Leonard spoke, sounding excited, "Penny, is that you?"

"Yeah," said Penny trying to sound tired, "it's me. I'm exhausted, Leonard, I've been going since 9 AM."

"I'm just glad you called," said Leonard, "it's been so long since I talked to you."

"I'm sorry," said Penny, trying to sound petulant. "I forgot my phone, then we didn't get home until really late last night, and now we had a late night. I'm just really tired, feel dirty and I'm looking for a shower and getting to bed. I'm sorry this isn't going to be a long call, I just wanted to check in, cause I said I'd call you tonight."

"I see," said Leonard, the disappointment in his voice very obvious. "I'm sorry you felt you had to check in."

"Don't be like that Leonard," said Penny. "You know how you get when you're tired, because you have to stay up two or three nights to get an experiment up and running. I'm just as tired, and I'm sorry you think your work is more exhausting than mine."

"I didn't mean it that way, Penny," said Leonard. "It's just I haven't talked to you much in the last couple of weeks and I miss talking to you."

That feeling of not being worthy of him started Penny's eyes to start tearing up. She missed talking to Leonard too, and knew she had to get off before she started crying. "Like I said, I'm really tired and I'm just checking in with you."

Leonard took a deep breath and started, "I get the feeling something is bothering you. You seem to be avoiding me…"

"Look Leonard, I really need to get a shower and get to bed, so I'll try to call on Thursday. Talk to you then."

"Have I done something wrong?" Leonard asked flatly.

The question brought Penny to tears again, "No…no, you haven't done anything wrong, it's just the way this weekend went, really."

"Maybe, I should come to New York," said Leonard. "That way you could have someone there, if you needed to talk."

"No, no, you don't have to do that," said Penny quickly. "If I need to talk to someone, I have Jeanie, so you don't have to worry about it."

Leonard gave in, for now, "OK, talk to you Thursday. I love you, bye."

"Bye," was all Leonard heard from Penny, and the line went dead.

She didn't say it again, thought Leonard. I wish I knew what was going on. She's not saying I love you, she's avoiding me, something has to be bothering her.

Penny sighed I hope he didn't notice I didn't say I love you. Awwwww, who am I kidding, he notices everything like that. I wonder what's going through his mind right now. I'll wait until the morning to get my shower. What I really need, right now, is a glass of wine.

Penny started toward the kitchen, to get a glass. She stopped, and decided it wasn't worth it tonight, as the next day was a taping day and it would be a long one. She turned, and went to her bedroom, to get ready for bed.

Studio 44, 11:30 AM Wednesday Nov 13th 2012

Penny was in her dressing room, going over her script. She had gotten page changes for the afternoon run-through and she was going over them. She smiled as she thought how easy it had been to change out the pages, rewrite her blocking and camera angles.

It had taken her less than ten minutes to do all that, and that gave her almost two hours to study. She smiled thinking about her first few weeks here. For the first time in a couple of weeks, she felt good about herself, at least as an actor, and thought of how far she had come in the mechanics of acting. She knew she really ought to thank Jeanie for that, but she was still feeling good.

There was a knock on her door, and she rose to go answer it. She was surprised to see Jeanie there and she invited her in.

"What are you doing here?" said Penny. "You hardly ever come up here."

"I know, I should come more often," said Jeanie. "I was just checking on you and wondering if you wanted to come with me to Boston again, this coming weekend."

Penny shook her head, "No, I got through last weekend, I should be OK."

Jeanie looked closely at her and didn't see the sadness she had seen last Friday. "You don't look as sad as you had been looking, what's causing that?"

Penny sidestepped that one, "I was just thinking how quickly I made my changes, and how much time this gives me to study, and I have you to thank for that. But, even knowing that, I was still proud about getting it."

Jeanie smiled, "I told you, you would get it. But, thanks for giving me credit."

"It's been getting easier and easier, and gives me more time to concentrate on my acting."

"Well, stop that," said Jeanie, "you were getting all that credit without knowing what you were doing. You're going to make us all look silly now."

Penny looked shocked and worried, "I don't want to do that…"

"I'm kidding, Penny," said Jeanie quickly. "Anyway, I said I was wondering if you wanted to go. But, to be honest, I was checking on you. If you are as bad off anytime this week, as you were last Friday, I'm going to give you the same choices."

"Nope," said Penny, "I'm doing better. So there is no reason for you to worry about me."

"OK, like I said, you don't look as sad, as last week."

Penny thought, It's because of my acting, I'm still a no-good, trashy, lying, cheater, who really shouldn't be happy. To Jeanie, she simply nodded her head.

"But, if I find you crying, you're going, or I'm going to Kelli. It's obvious something has you all tied up in knots, and you're aren't talking, so I worry. And, don't forget, you promised to tell me what is bothering you, by next week."

Penny smiled weakly, "Well, you were at the table read, I don't have much to do in the next episode. With only one scene in each half of the show, I'll be spending most of my time in my dressing room. So, while you're here, do you want to run to the commissary for lunch today?"

"Sure," said Jeanie, "I need to get my purse, how about you meet me at my dressing room, in say, about five minutes?"

Penny nodded and Jeanie left. I'm going to have to make sure Jeanie doesn't see my becoming upset. I don't need to be a bother to her and her parents. She put down her script, grabbed her purse, and started down out the door, going to Jeanie's dressing room.

Jake's, 11:30 PM Wednesday Nov 13th 2012

They had been at Jakes for over an hour, and Penny had thought about ordering a third glass of wine, but a stern look from Jeanie, who still hadn't finished her second, stopped her. Brent was there, and Penny managed to sit in a chair behind the table, so Brent couldn't bother her, but Jeanie was still watching Penny closely.

Penny looked at Jeanie and winked, "Hey, Kelli, did my mistakes finally catch up with me?"

Kelli looked puzzled, "What are you talking about?"

"I only have two scenes this coming week," said Penny. "So have you limited my appearances, so we don't waste time and I cause the show to cost more?"

"Not at all," said Kelli. "It's simply a result of the Jeanie being gone, and having to catch up on her storylines. Besides, you haven't been messing up all that much. You have to put that silly article out of your head. You know it was just false information…"

"I know, I know," said Penny with a slight grin.

Kelli realized Penny had got her, and just waved her hand at her.

"But, thanks for the compliment," said Penny.

A half hour later, they were all walking toward the door when the sound of glasses breaking was heard behind them. Everyone turned to look, and when Penny turned back she saw everyone else still looking behind her. Brent, who was in front, wiggled his eyebrows at her, and smirked. The smirk disappeared as the others turned back around.

Penny could feel the guilt and hatred rising, but tried to push it down. She didn't want Jeanie to see her upset. She got outside, said her goodbyes, and quickly started walking toward the apartment. Jeanie caught up and they were soon home.

Penny was quiet on the way home, commenting that she was tired. She said goodbye to Jeanie at the third floor, and was soon in her apartment, preparing for bed.

Studio 44, 2:00 PM Thursday Nov 14th 2012

Penny was in her dressing room, getting ready to leave. She had finished blocking her two scenes, done the run- through and Steve had been told her she was finished. Jeanie had quite a few scene changes and she was going to have to stay longer. She told Penny to go ahead home, and Penny was packing up her things and getting ready to leave.

She locked her door and walked down to the floor. Kelli noticed her and called her over.

"Yes," said Penny walking up to Kelli.

"You have an interview tomorrow," said Kelli. "'Variety' wants to talk to you tomorrow. They are coming in at three, and were pushing the run-through up to two PM, so you'll be finished and able to meet with them."

In her current mood, she wasn't really happy about it, but nodded. Kelli must have seen or sensed something because she said, "Is there a problem with that, Penny?"

"No, no," said Penny, "just feeling a bit tired and grouchy, I'll be ready tomorrow."

"Good, good," said Kelli, "see you tomorrow." Kelli turned and walked away.

Penny sighed, turned and started out of the studio, on her way home.

Apt 314, 8:00 PM Thursday Nov 14th 2012

Penny was flipping through the channels. She had gotten home, and tried to take a nap. Her thoughts about the last few weeks kept her from actually falling asleep, so she got up and started studying her script.

Jeanie stopped by around 6 PM, asking Penny to dinner, but Penny declined. She was feeling tired, and wasn't in any mood to go anywhere or talk to anyone. Jeanie was concerned but Penny was able to allay her concerns, insisting she was just tired.

After she made her dinner, she took a quick look at her script, but realized, after looking at it this afternoon, that with only two scenes, there wasn't much more to look at. Around 7:30 she watched Wheel of Fortune, and when that ended, went to the bathroom and then got another glass of tea.

When she returned, she found her show was on. As she found after watching the first one, it wasn't a good idea to watch herself. She was searching for the remote to turn the channel, and before she found it, she realized the show that was on was the show that was taped, the night she went to Brent's.

With that realization, tears started forming in her eyes and soon she was sobbing uncontrollably. She struggled to find the remote and was able to finally turn the TV off, but the events of that night and the next morning, along with her feeling and thoughts over the last few weeks were brought sharply back to her memory.

The tears continued as the guilt and shame weighed on her. As she sat on her couch crying, she felt helpless to do anything. She couldn't confront Brent, as those who had seen his actions at the studio, would back him, not her. And, she was avoiding talking to Leonard, because she worried she would blurt out what had happened.

Face it Penny, you're just a slut who will jump into bed with anyone. It was early, but she just wanted to crawl into bed, so she got up, turned off the lights, and then prepared for bed. She was still sniffling when she finished her preparations and crawled into bed.

She wanted to drink, to drive out those thoughts. But, if she was hung over, that might give Jeanie an indication that there was any kind of problem. She laid in bed for over an hour, trying to clear her head and fight the urge to drink, so she could get to sleep. It was two hours later, before she was finally able to get to sleep.

Studio 44, 2:00 PM Friday Nov 15th 2012

It had been a rough day for Penny, she had not slept well, tossing and turning all night. She had to have been careful around Jeanie, as she was trying to keep her problems from her, so she wouldn't try to force her to go to Boston.

She was also feeling guilty about not talking to Leonard for several days. She was supposed to have called him last night, but between her mood and her crying, she felt it was better for her to go to bed. On top of all that, Penny was feeling worthless, because of her actions.

Then, the interview she had today, didn't go very well. She was distracted and wasn't very responsive to the questions. She had finally asked for Kelli, and she arranged for the interviewer to come back next week, explaining Penny wasn't feeling well.

When she was getting ready to leave, Jeanie had told her to go ahead, as she still had some scenes to go through. She gathered her things, locked her door, and walked down to the set. Finding Jeanie, she told her to have a good trip and she would see her Monday. Then she started out of the studio.

On the way, she saw two of the crew walking towards her. She was wary, because she had seen them with Brent, and was hoping nothing would happen. Just as they passed her, one of them said, "I hear you're a hot piece," as they kept walking.

Penny didn't stop, it was said low enough that only she could have heard it, and with two of them, she assumed they would support each other's denials. She hurried out the door.

On the way home, she stopped at the store, buying several bottles of wine. Once she got home, she opened the first bottle, filled a large glass and took her first drink, a large one, hoping to forget what had just happened at work.