A/N This is officially the longest chapter so far, (by about 100 words). It has to do with how long the different sections are, within the chapters. if I moved something out of this chapter, then one of the upcoming chapters would be the longest. Bernie is trying her best here, but will it be enough?

Chapter 70

CalTech cafeteria, 11:30 AM Wednesday December 12th 2012.

Sheldon and Amy found a table, and sat down with their food. Howard and Raj were several people behind them in the line, and would be there shortly. Amy was still trying to get Sheldon to tell them what Leonard had planned, but he refused, saying it was up to Leonard. Howard and Raj arrived at the table, set their trays down, and then sat down themselves. Raj took out his bottle of cough syrup, and took a swig. They both then looked at Sheldon and Amy, with quizzical looks on their faces. Howard said, "So, what's going on, that you needed to tell us to be here?"

Sheldon looked at Amy, "Really Amy? You called them? After I told you I wouldn't say anything?"

Amy sighed, since Sheldon wasn't going to tell them anything, it seemed it was up to her to tell them, but she didn't have all the information yet. "Yes, I told them we had something to tell them," said Amy, in a frustrated voice.

"Fine," said Sheldon angrily. He looked back at Howard and Raj and said, "Last night, Leonard told us that he will be leaving Cal Tech, to go to work at another university."

Raj and Howard looked at Sheldon, with their mouth's hanging open. Howard, surprise in his voice, asked, "When did he decide this, and where is he going."

"Leonard is leaving?" said Raj, sounding just as surprised as Howard. "Why?"

Amy looked at Sheldon, hoping he would continue. But now, he simply shook his head, so Amy continued, "Leonard made the decision last week to ask for a sabbatical from CalTech, and is leaving to go to Oxford."

"Why is he..." said Howard, then his mind caught up, "never mind, I'm not thinking, this has to do with Penny, right?"

"I think you know the answer to that, Howard," said Amy.

"Well, I don't know why," said Raj, "but, I haven't heard all the latest news, since I don't see Howard much anymore. So, this is because of Penny breaking up with him?"

Howard and Amy looked at each other, then back at Raj and nodded.

"Yes, he says he's leaving," interjected Sheldon, "but he's not following the roommate agreement. So, I am asking you both to help me prevent him from leaving, so he lives up to the Roommate agreement."

"Sheldon," said Howard, "I think his problems with Penny are more important than your worries about the roommate agreement."

"As usual, due to your limited education, you simply don't understand," said Sheldon, crossing his arms, and sounding petulant. "I won't have anyone there to drive me to work, or take me around when I have to go somewhere, or any of the other things that he has to do because of the roommate agreement. Who's going to be doing all that for me? I tell you I'll keep him here, and you two will help me."

Amy decided this was the perfect time and she said, "Sheldon, I could move in, and do all that for you."

Sheldon looked at her angrily, and stood. "No, Amy," he said, "I am not prepared for something like that. Here's what's going to happen, he's not moving out, you're not moving in. Everything is going to stay as it is."

With that, Sheldon walked away, and out of the cafeteria. Howard and Raj just looked at him and shook their heads.

"When is he leaving, Amy?" asked Howard.

"I talked to him before I left their apartment last night, and from what he told me," said Amy, "he's leaving next week."

Howard was in disbelief, "Next week? He can't get everything finished that fast."

"He has to be there just after Christmas," said Amy, "to get signed in, get his rooms, the visa application, and several other things. He also said he's going to be making some stops on the way. Evidently he's been working on this for a couple of weeks, without telling us."

"If you'll excuse me," said Howard rising. "I have to call my wife, and let her know what's going on. Then I'll call Leonard."

He started walking away, when Amy called to him, "Howard, wait."

Howard turned, "Yes?"

"You won't be able to call him on his cell," said Amy. "He told me last night, he got a phone from Europe and he's getting rid of his old phone, and canceling his service and number here, today. If you want him, you'll have to call his office or the apartment, until he gives you his new number."

Howard nodded and started walking out of the cafeteria, going to the engineering lab.

As he did, Sheldon walked back in and right up to Howard, "Howard, you are going to help me keep him here, right?"

"No," said Howard, "I told you I have to call my wife, then I'll call Leonard. But, I'm not helping you. I may try to keep him from leaving, but not for the reasons you want." Howard walked out of the cafeteria.

Sheldon walked to the table and, ignoring Amy, said, "You're going to help me keep him here, right, Raj?"

Raj shook his head, and Sheldon snorted, turned and walked out of the cafeteria.

CalTech, Howard's office 12:30 PM Wednesday December 12th 2012.

Howard got to his office, and closed the door. He selected his wife's work number, and pushed call. He heard the ringer, the connection, then, "This is Dr Rostenkowski-Wolowitz, how may I help you."

Without preamble, Howard said, "Boy have I got some big news."

Bernadette noticed the excited in Howard's voice, "Hi Howie, what's up?"

"I just talked to Amy and Sheldon," said Howard. He paused, sighed, and then said, "They told me that Leonard is leaving CalTech."

"What?" said Bernadette, sounding shocked. "When, and where is he going?"

"They said he's going to Oxford, and he's leaving next week."

Bernadette gasped, "Next week?"

"Yeah, that's what Amy said."

"I can't believe he did it," said Bernadette, in shock.

"You knew about this," said Howard, sounding surprised.

"No, no," said Bernadette, "I was talking to him a couple of weeks ago, I think. He mentioned quitting CalTech, and moving somewhere else to get away from the memories."

"Why didn't you tell him to talk to one of us, before doing something like that?" Demanded Howard.

"Howie," said Bernadette defensively, "I told him don't do anything stupid and talk to me if he felt that way." She added sadly, "But, he never talked to me."

"Don't feel bad Bernie," said Howard, "It's not your fault. I just can't believe he didn't say anything to me. I'm going to try to talk to him."

"OK, Howie," said Bernadette, "maybe I'll call him."

"You can't," said Howard, "he's got a new phone and a new number. You'd have to call his office phone, but he's not there right now. He'll be in later."

"OK, Howie, call me after you talk to him,"

"I will, Bernie," said Howard. "I love you, goodbye."

"I love you too," said Bernadette, "Goodbye"

They both disconnected.

Zangen, 4:45 PM Wednesday December 12th 2012.

Bernadette was getting ready to leave work, she had packed her bag with her work. She was still thinking about the second call from Howard. He had tried to call his office, but wasn't getting through. He finally talked to Leonard when he went to his office and Leonard told him his office phone was disconnected. He had talked to Leonard about everything that had been happening, and then had tried to talk him out of leaving, without success. After leaving Leonard, Howard had called Bernie, and told her everything he now knew. Bernadette told him she was planning to go to Leonard's tonight and try her hand at talking him out of leaving.

It was near the end of the day, and she just had a couple more emails to answer. She started on the first one, when her phone rang. She picked it up and said, "Hello, this is Zangen, Dr Rostenkowski-Wolowitz speaking."

"Bernadette, this is Penny."

"Hi Penny," said Bernadette, thinking she heard sadness, in Penny's voice, "what's going on?"

"Nothing much," said Penny, trying to be nonchalant, "but, I have a question for you."

"What is it?"

"I tried to call Leonard earlier," said Penny, "and I got a message saying his phone had been disconnected, and his office number is busy all the time. Do you know what's going on? Is he having problems with his phone?"

Bernadette paused, she knew why his phones were disconnected, after talking with Howard, but she wasn't sure if Leonard wanted Penny to know. Bernadette thought about asking Penny why she was calling first, "Why were you calling him?"

"I had thought of something," said Penny, "and wanted to ask him about it. It's private, so don't ask."

So, Penny wasn't going to open up, again. This made Bernadette slightly angry, so she decided to just tell her. "Penny," she said, "Leonard had his phone disconnected because he's got a new phone. He is leaving Pasadena, and going to another college."

Bernadette could hear a gasp from the other end, "Why?"

Bernadette wasn't going to be easy on her, "He's crushed by the breakup and says there are too many memories for him here. His phone is disconnected because he has a new one, one that will work where he's going."

"What do you mean, where he's going," said Penny. "His phone should work anywhere."

"He's leaving and moving to England," said Bernadette. "He's going to teach and do research, at Oxford."

Bernadette heard another gasp and a sob, then a little girl voice said, "When?"

"He'll be leaving next Tuesday," said Bernadette.

Penny thought about it quickly, I have a taping next Tuesday, and he'll be gone by the time I get home. To Bernadette, she said, in a defeated voice, "Then there's no reason to call him."

"Why were you calling him?"

"It doesn't matter now," said Penny, "I'm struggling with some things. I thought I'd get away from here."

Bernadette could hear the distress in Penny's voice. Maybe if I encourage her, she'll come home, "That's a great idea, Penny," said Bernadette. "Get away from there, maybe it can clear some things up for you."

"No, no," said Penny, her voice starting to crack, "I can't make it there before he leaves. Besides, if he has to leave there, because of the memories, then seeing me won't help."

"You could try Penny," said Bernadette pleadingly.

"No, if he has to do that, then I've hurt him too deeply to try to talk to him. I've caused some really bad problems, that I don't think I can't fix," said Penny in a teary voice. "I've screwed it up, it's my fault. I don't want to hurt him anymore, it's best if I just leave him alone."

"No, Penny, you should try," begged Bernadette.

"No, Bernadette," said Penny now openly sobbing, "it just doesn't matter. He'll be gone by the time I can get there."

Bernadette, still begging, said, "Then come home and see us. Let us try to help you through those things."

"No," said Penny, "I'm just a stupid idiot, who hurts people. I don't want to hurt you, and I'm done hurting him, it's not fair to him. Goodbye."

Before Bernadette could say anything else, she heard Penny disconnect. Bernadette stood there, holding her phone. She had to talk to Leonard, he needed to know. She quickly signed off of her computer, grabbed her purse, put on her coat, and left, heading to Leonard's apartment.

Apt 314, 8:00 PM Wednesday December 12th 2012.

After Penny hung up, she went straight to the fridge, pulled out a bottle of wine and opened it. She felt totally defeated and depressed, and needed some wine. She found a glass, filled it half way, and then took it to her table.

Leonard is leaving Pasadena, and it's all my fault, thought Penny. Why wouldn't he leave? He's probably going crazy seeing places we went together, or just places or things that remind him of me. I destroyed Pasadena for him also. I understand, I break down every time I'm reminded of him. Penny you stupid, fucking, bitch. You've destroyed your relationship with him, and now he's not even going to be there to talk to if you went back. I destroyed the city for him, because I've destroyed his memories.

I'm sure my apartment reminds him of me every time he leaves his place. Penny finished the first glass and walked over to the counter to pour another. She brought the bottle with her to the table, so she wouldn't have to get up every time. She took half the contents of the glass in one gulp.

My apartment? A new thought appeared. Do I really need it anymore? If Leonard's not going to be there, why even go back? Oh, I'll go back to California when I need to, but I don't need to stay in Pasadena, it's too far from the studios, Burbank would be closer. She gave a short ironic laugh, I would have the same problem now also, too many memories in Pasadena. How would I even pack it up? I guess I can call a moving company tomorrow, and if they can do it, call Bernadette, or Amy. Yeah, Amy. Bernadette might not want to talk to me. Oh, and that box, I don't want that box. She finished off the rest of the half-glass, and poured a full glass.

Apt 4A 6:00 PM Wednesday December 12th 2012.

Bernadette was walking up the steps to apt 4A, trying to organize her thoughts, on what she was going to tell Leonard. Between Howard's call, telling her what Leonard had planned, and Penny's call to her, she needed to do something to get those two together.

She knocked on the door, and waited. Leonard opened it, and looked surprised, "What are you doing here?"

"I need to talk to you," said Bernadette, "can I come in?"

Leonard opened the door and Bernadette entered. She walked over to the couch and sat in the middle seat. Leonard closed the door and walked back to his chair, and turned off the TV. "Do you want something to drink?" he asked.

"No thank you," said Bernadette.

"So what do we need to talk about?"

"I asked you to talk to me before doing anything silly," said Bernadette. "Why didn't you say anything before taking the job in England?"

"Precisely because of this," said Leonard, moving his index finger back and forth between them, "along with Howard earlier. I didn't want anyone to try and change my mind. I can't stay here Bernadette."

"Well, what about Penny?"

"What about her?" said Leonard. "She broke up with me and evidently has a new boyfriend. I don't think I need to include her in my plans."

"I think you do," said Bernadette. "I'm not so sure about her having a boyfriend."

"How would you know?" asked Leonard.

"I talked to her earlier today," said Bernadette, "she didn't know you were leaving. She said something about coming home for Christmas. Then said something about not coming home, because you were leaving."

"What does any of that have to do with her having a boyfriend?" asked Leonard.

"I think it means that she wants to talk to you."

Leonard though for a minute, he knew he tended to overthink things, but this? He shook his head and said, "I don't think that means anything."

"Dammit, Leonard," said Bernadette, sounding frustrated, "I told you before, you shouldn't have let her go alone. I told you she wasn't ready. You need to go get her, and bring her back here."

"Don't you think I wanted to?" asked Leonard, sounding frustrated. "I was ready to go, before Howard showed me that article."

"Then why didn't you go?"

"What was I supposed to do, rip her away from her new boyfriend?" said Leonard. "Besides, what happens if I bring her home? Huh? She has a contract, she has to perform. If I do that, she would never work again, and I can't do that to her."

"So, you don't do anything, and just forget about her forever, huh?" said Bernadette sarcastically.

"Look, either way, I'm going to feel guilty about it," said Leonard. "If I don't go get her, we stay broken up, and I feel guilty and unhappy, but I would have a chance at a new life. If I go get her, I feel guilty about ruining her chance at being a star."

"But, you would have Penny."

"Would I? She's got another boyfriend, remember?" said Leonard, "You were part of making that clear to me, remember?"

"I told you, I may have been wrong," said Bernadette, continuing in a pleading tone, "You need to go get her, get back with her, the hell with her career."

"No, no, no," said Leonard, his voice cracking, "I can't, I can't. All that would do would be to wreck her career. I would feel guilty about that, and she would resent me for doing that, not a good combination for a couple. She moved here from Nebraska, to fulfill her dream of being a star, I wasn't part of her dream."

Bernadette could see the tears in his eyes. Looking at him, she said softly, "You want her to succeed, don't you?"

"More than anything," said Leonard. "I want her to be happy, and to actually reach her dream of being a star. All I can do is to get in the way of that, now. So I have to let her go, so she can be happy."

"So you love her," said Bernadette.

"Of course I do," said Leonard, his voice rising.

"Yes," said Bernadette, "you do. You want her to be happy, even if it makes you miserable. I'm sorry Leonard." Bernadette looked at Leonard, with pity. She had come to his apartment, all fired up to tell Leonard what he should be doing. But, now, after talking to him, she realized that his love wouldn't let him destroy Penny's dreams, even if it destroyed his dream of being with her. Trying to get him to go get her, was useless, she now saw. All she could do was try to help him, in the little time he had before he left Pasadena.

"OK, Leonard," said Bernadette softly, "you do what you think is best. I'm sorry I can't be more of a help"

"You've been a great help," said Leonard. "I didn't take your advice, but I do know you're trying. We just don't see the problem in the same way. Do you have anything else?"

"No, I don't," said Bernadette, getting up "I should get home and get dinner started. Howard won't be home until 7:30, he's working with his advisor ."

She started walking to the door, with Leonard following. She opened the door, and Leonard, said, "Bernie?"

"Yes,?"

"You don't mind taking me to the airport next Tuesday, do you?" Leonard asked. "Howard said it was fine, but I want to know if you are OK with it. I don't want to put Amy through all that with Sheldon at the airport. I think it might be too much for Sheldon." Then he added softly, "It might be too much for me."

"Sure," said Bernadette looking at him sadly, knowing how much this was hurting him. "If I have anything, it will just have to be cleared off of my schedule. I'm sure Howard thought the same thing. We'll be there for you Leonard."

"Thanks," said Leonard, "I'll talk to you later, goodbye."

"Bye, Leonard," said Bernadette, walking out.

Leonard closed the door, and headed toward his bedroom, to do some packing.

Apt 314 8:30 AM Thursday December 13th 2012.

Penny's alarm went off, and she reached over and shut it off. She slowly got up, glad she stopped at one bottle last night. She made her way to the kitchen, took two aspirins, and drank a full glass of water before putting on the coffee and then going to get ready. She was sitting, studying her script, when Jeanie arrived. She packed her bag, put on her coat and grabbed her purse, before leaving the apartment. Walking to the studio took them the usual 15 minutes, before going off to their dressing rooms.

They spent the morning doing their blocking. As usual, they got through the entire show, and were also able to work on some of the scenes, before the break for lunch. They would finish those this afternoon, then do a run through. Lunch was called at 1 PM, and Penny went to Craft Services and picked up a salad, which she took to her room, walking with Jeanie. Penny explained to Jeanie, she would eat as she made some phone calls. After getting Penny to her dressing room, Jeanie left, heading back to the Craft Services table. She smiled because Penny had had no problems with Brent, since Jeanie had been walking with her. After getting her lunch, Jeanie went back to her dressing room.

Penny ate her salad, then dialed the number she had looked up last night. She heard the ringing on the other end, then someone picked up and said, "North American Van Lines, how may I help you?"