A/N I don't think anyone will see the surprise in this chapter coming. Also, there is a longer Author's note at the end.

Chapter 74

Apt 314 8:30 PM Monday December 17th 2012.

Penny had disconnected, but was still sad and angry. Dammit, why couldn't Amy just do what I asked of her? Now, Bernadette's mad at me, and Amy is confused. And, both of them are pushing me and poking their noses into my business. She was starting to tear up. Yes, I'm still in love with him, that's why I broke up with him. I slept with someone else, and being drunk is no excuse. I'm just a worthless piece of shit, and I don't deserve someone like him and he doesn't deserve the pain I put him through. But, they don't understand, they don't know what happened, and they think I'm dating Brent. It's going to be like this every time I talk to them, so why bother? And if I do talk to them, I may end up telling them what's going on, I almost told Amy tonight. Maybe I should have told Leonard and the two of them what happened, but I'm no good at talking about things like this. Maybe I shouldn't talk to them anymore. Oh man, what the fuck should I do?

She decided to put that thought to the side, and work on her script. The last taping of this year was tomorrow, and then they had two weeks off

Apt 4A 9:30 AM Tuesday December 18th 2012.

Leonard poured a cup of coffee in his travel mug, and prepared to leave the apartment, prior to driving to the University. Fifteen minutes later, he pulled in and went right to Dr Gablehauser's office. They greeted each other, and then chatted for a bit, Eric wanting to know when he was leaving and when he would get to Oxford. Finally, he handed the paperwork to Leonard, who looked it over and signed it.

Dr Gablehauser then handed a piece of paper to Leonard, and explained, "This is your request for a sabbatical. Since you'll be doing research at another university, we will release you, but there will be no pay involved, from us. You'll have to resubmit a copy every three years, if you want it to stay in force."

Leonard nodded, and signed the request. Now, all he had left, was to turn in his badge, and sign the final paperwork at HR. When he turned to leave, Eric said, "Leonard."

Leonard turned back, looking at Eric quizzically.

Eric looked at Leonard seriously, "I just want to tell you, you've done a great job here. Although you hadn't gotten tenure, your name has been on the list for consideration, for the last three years. President Siebert wanted me to tell you to keep in touch with us. If, at some time you wish to come back, we will be more than happy to have you back."

Leonard smiled, "Thank you, sir, I will do that. And, best of luck to you."

Eric said, "Best of luck to you, also."

With that, they shook hands and Leonard left, going to Human Resources, where he turned in his badge, and signed his final paperwork. He then left CalTech for the last time, stopping at a cafe he had seen, driving to and from work all these years, but had never been to before. He spent a relaxing hour there, having a nice leisurely lunch. Afterward, he drove over to the comic book store, to go over his list of items that Stuart was selling for him. Stuart had found buyers for over half his items already, and gave Leonard a check for what he had sold and told him he had other people coming in, over the next week, and he would send Leonard a list of things he had sold, and a check, each week until everything was gone. Leonard thanked him and they stood around for another half hour, talking and saying goodbye to each other.

After leaving the comic book store, Leonard went home and finished packing. He had the clothes out for tomorrow, but everything else was packed. He would pack the clothes he was currently wearing in the morning. He also had his passport, tickets, and travel paperwork, in a folder, in his messenger bag, along with his computer. He would be having dinner with Sheldon and Amy, and then saying goodbye to Amy tonight. He really wasn't looking forward to that, and and since everything was done, decided to take a nap. He went to his room and laid down, falling asleep quickly.

Studio 44 4:00 PM Tuesday December 18th 2012.

They had finished their morning and afternoon run-throughs, and the cast and crew gathered toward the right end of the camera bay. Kelli and Jim had a small Christmas Tree put up, in one of the unused set bays. After gathering everyone, they had small gifts passed out to the cast and crew, and they were given a couple of gifts by the cast and crew. Jim and Kelli both spoke, thanking everyone for their work on the series. The best present they gave them, was telling them the network had approved a back end order of another nine episodes. So, they would have a full season, and a job through, at least, May. There was a cheer at this, then Jim told everyone he had an announcement.

Everyone gathered around to hear him, as he said, "We are happy to announce that Penelope, has won the People's Choice Award for Best Newcomer." Jeanie hugged her and there was a yell and applause, until Jim raised his hand to quiet everyone. "Penelope, we'll have to shoot your acceptance, here, as you won't be able to attend. It's in LA, in January, and we'll be shooting that week."

Penny forced a smile and nodded. The award wasn't a big deal with her, just like the People Magazine award a week or two before. She just didn't feel she had either earned or deserved them. And, now, with her not being happy with show business, or her life in general, the award didn't mean anything to her. They were all released and Penny and Jeanie ate, then Jeanie walked Penny to her dressing room. She told Penny she would be back around 5:15, so they could both get their makeup and hair done, so they would be ready for the start of the taping at 6:30 PM.

In her dressing room, Penny was restless. She had been upset for most of the day, with Amy and especially Bernadette, for pushing her about that box and she was now trying to calm herself down for the taping. Why couldn't Amy have just tossed it, before Bernadette saw the box? Now they want to tell me I'm still in love with him, and what I should be doing. They don't have any idea what it's been like for me, these last two months and I know I didn't tell them and…awwwwww, just fuck it.

Penny sighed, while she was still upset, she needed to study her script and notes. She looked at the clock, finding she had a half an hour before she had to be in makeup. She walked over to her couch, picked up her script, sat down, and started looking it over.

Apt 4A 9:30 PM Tuesday December 18th 2012.

Amy and Sheldon had gotten Chinese food for the night, and they had sat in the living room, with Leonard, talking while they ate. They asked Leonard what he knew about what would happen when he got to Oxford, with him explaining what was planned for him. After dinner, they had cleaned up, and Leonard had taken Amy into the bedroom, so she could measure the room, to see if her things would fit. Her and Sheldon were going to have to figure out where some of her stuff would go, and what went into storage, but they had some time to talk about that. Amy's lease would run until the first of the year, so she had some time.

Afterward, they had been talking about Sheldon's and Amy's work and a few other things, when Leonard looked at the clock and realized he needed to get to bed. It would be a busy day for him tomorrow. Although, he thought, I can get some sleep on the plane. Sheldon was going on about a new idea for Fun With Flags, when Leonard interrupted, "Hold on Sheldon," Leonard said, "I'm afraid I'm going to have to stop you, I need to get ready for bed, so I'm ready for the flight tomorrow."

Sheldon looked stricken, but recovered and said, "Of course Leonard."

Leonard walked toward Amy, who stood, and he looked at her. "Amy, I want to thank you for everything you've done for me over these last few months."

Tears were welling up in Amy's eyes, "I used to think you weren't all that bright and rather boring, tedious, I think I called you. But, you're really quite kind and helpful, and I've seen how you deal with Sheldon. That's helped me, and given me some insight, so for that I thank you."

"Hey…" started Sheldon.

"Be quiet Sheldon," said Leonard with a slight grin. "Well, I thought you were judgmental, sanctimonious, and just plain obnoxious those first few months. But, you've opened up, are caring in your own right, and have really became a wonderful woman. Take care of Sheldon for me. I'll miss you."

"I'm going to miss you too, Leonard," said Amy. "I'll think of you every time I hear that stupid chicken song." She took a step in, gave him a hug and whispered, "I'll take care of Sheldon, you take care of yourself, and keep in touch."

"I will," Leonard whispered back, "I have your numbers and email, and I'll be sending Sheldon my experimental results, so yeah, I'll keep in touch."

As they broke their hug, Amy was smiling through her tears. Leonard smiled back at her and said, "Take care, I'm sure we'll talk, sometime."

He took a step to her, giving her another hug, which she returned. After a few Mississippis, he broke the hug, said, "Goodbye, now," and turned to walked toward the bathroom, to prepared for bed, although he would be sleeping on the couch.

Amy and Sheldon watched him go, and when she turned to Sheldon, he looked anxious. Amy walked over to him and hugged him, and was surprised to get a hug back. After breaking the hug, she got her purse, said goodnight to Sheldon and left. Tears were streaming down her face as she walked down the stairs. It's going to be different around here, without him.

Apt 4A 8:00 AM Wednesday December 19th 2012.

Leonard was standing at the kitchen island, drinking coffee out of a travel mug, waiting for Shledon to get up. It suddenly occurred to him, that this was his last cup, here in the apartment, and a feeling of sadness came over him.

Just then, Sheldon came out from the hallway, tying his robe. He stopped, and stared at Leonard. "Well, I suppose I won't ever see you standing there drinking coffee again."

"No, you won't Sheldon," said Leonard. He put his cup down and walked toward Sheldon. "I've got all my luggage in the car, except for my messenger bag. I'll drive over and leave my car for Howard to sell. I'll also have him return the mug."

He paused, then said, "I'm going to miss you Sheldon."

"I know," said Sheldon, …

Well that was typical Sheldon, thought Leonard, but then he heard

…"and I'm going to miss you."

And that wasn't, thought Leonard.

They both stood there, looking at each other, not knowing what to say. Finally, Leonard said, choking up, "I didn't think it was going to be this hard."

Although he didn't appear to show it, Leonard could tell Sheldon was affected also. "I…I'm not sure what to say Leonard," said Sheldon, "I've gotten accustomed to you being here. It will be difficult with you not here."

"You'll have Amy," said Leonard. "She'll be taking you where you need to go."

"But, she won't argue about Superman cutting Lois Lane in thirds when she fell, or about Wolverine's prostate, or any of the other things we've argued about over these nine years."

"I'm going to miss that also," said Leonard, "at least you still have the apartment here and I'm sure there will be things you two talk about."

"That's true," said Sheldon with a sad look on his face, "and you gave me the couch, with my spot on it but, it will be different without you."

Leonard was starting to tear up, and could even see tears starting in Sheldon's eyes. Sheldon was taking this harder than Leonard had imagined. Leonard was going to miss Sheldon. As much as he complained about Sheldon, he was his best friend, and leaving him was just one more hurt for Leonard.

"I'm going to miss you buddy," said Leonard walking to Sheldon and giving him a hug. Surprising Leonard, was the tight return hug Sheldon gave him.

"I'm going to miss you Leonard," said Sheldon. "I'll expect emails, and calls."

"You got it," said Leonard. "and I'll expect the same thing. Don't forget, we'll also be sending you info on the reflection shapes, and hopefully you will be able to work it out."

Leonard broke the hug. "I've got to go."

Sheldon nodded, "Of course."

Leonard could see the anguish in Sheldon's face, something he wasn't used to seeing. He walked over to the couch, picked up his bag and mug, then walked to the door. He stopped and turned, "Goodbye, Sheldon."

"Goodbye, Leonard," said Sheldon softly.

Leonard turned back, walked out of the apartment, and closed the door. He looked at 4B, sighed, and sadly started down the steps.

LAX 10:00 AM Wednesday December 19th 2012.

Leonard got the last of his luggage out of the trunk of Howard's car. Bernadette was standing next to him. He closed the trunk, and turned to Bernadette.

"Take care, Bernadette, and take care of Howard," said Leonard. Bernadette already had tears in her eyes, saying, "I will. I'm sorry all this had to happen."

"It's not your fault," said Leonard, "You tried to help, but the important thing, now, is to support Howard as he works to get his PhD."

"I know, and I will," said Bernadette, smiling through her tears, "You know, I'm really proud of him."

"I know," said Leonard, "I have to get going, so goodbye Bernadette, I have yours and Howard's emails and phone numbers, so I'll keep in touch."

Bernadette nodded, "Good, we'll get in touch with you also."

"You better go get Howard out here, before…"

Bernie practically jump on him, and gave him a very tight hug, sobbing. Leonard felt the tears forming and just hung on to Bernadette. After a few moments, Bernie broke the hug, and looking at Leonard, with tears running down her cheeks, said, "Goodbye, Leonard."

"Goodbye, Bernadette."

Bernadette turned and walked to the driver's side, let Howard out, and then got into the driver's seat.

Howard walked up to Leonard, and held out his hand, Leonard shook it, and said, "Ten years, Howard. You've changed, and you have a great wife, you take care of her, OK?"

"I'm going to miss you, Leonard," said Howard. "You let us know when you get to the different places, OK?"

"I will," said Leonard, "I don't want to let this go on. Between you two and Sheldon, I'm a wreck already."

"Got it," said Howard, "I have your car and the paperwork and as soon as I sell it, I'll send you the cash, same with your furniture. I hope everything works out for you over there. I guess this is it, goodbye, and take care."

"You too," said Leonard, "but a handshake is not going to do." Leonard enveloped him in a hug, which Howard returned. They broke, and Leonard walked up on the sidewalk, while Howard got into the car. Howard and Bernadette waved at him, he waved back and started pushing his cart into LAX. Howard and Bernadette, both with tears in their eyes, drove off.

Wolowitz Apartment 12:30 PM Wednesday December 19th 2012.

Bernadette answered the door, to find Raj there.

"Is Howard here?" he asked.

"No, he's not," said Bernadette. "He's at CalTech, working on some research for his thesis and project."

"Oh, OK," said Raj, "can I wait here until he gets back."

"No, sorry" said Bernadette, "in a few minutes, I'm leaving to go to my parents, so there won't be anyone home. I don't know when he's going to be back."

"Well, then tonight?"

"No, Howie and I are going out for dinner and then to a movie," said Bernadette.

"Oh, I guess I'll try tomorrow."

"I guess," said Bernadette, "but I'm not sure of his plans."

"I'll still try, maybe I'll call, first. Bye, Bernadette," said Raj as he walked away.

3:30 PM Wednesday December 19th 2012.

The plane had landed and Leonard had gathered his bag, and waited patiently as those in front of him exited the plane. He came out of the jetway, then tried to find a map of the airport. He had been there before, but that was a while ago and he didn't remember the path he took to get to his luggage. Finding a map, he looked it over, and finally started off in the right direction.

He took the escalator down to ground level, found the baggage carousel, grabbed a luggage cart, and waited for it to start. When it finally did, he quickly found his bags, loaded the cart and looked for the exit. Finding it, he walked outside, and started looking around. It wasn't too long before he saw a tall guy with a baseball cap, and graying hair waving at him. Leonard walked up to him, saw him extend his hand, and heard him say, "Leonard, my boy, it's so good to see you."

"Hello Wyatt," said Leonard, shanking his hand.

A/N Now, for something completely different, concerning reviews.

I (like all fan fiction writers) love reviews, good, bad, or indifferent. It's how we get "paid", so to speak. Quite a few of you seem to enjoy my writing, for which I'm extremely grateful. I would like to point out that this is a prequel, so some of the things, in the story, have to be there because of what is in the original story. If you have a question about why something is happening, drop me a PM, and I'll try to explain it, as long as it doesn't give anything away.

However, when it comes to reviews, I do have one rule. A negative or bad guest review, that doesn't at least try to be constructive, gets tossed. I don't mind bad guest reviews that are constructive, or helpful. Or, if you want to rant or complain about the story, just sign in and put your name on it. But if you want to just call me out about how bad you think my story is, and you don't have the balls to put your name on it, I don't feel the need to read the whole thing, or approve it.

I've been getting some complaining or ranting guest reviews about some of the actions and reactions in this story ("Action A is just stupid." or "You're an idiot if you think Action A is realistic). and yes, note the quotation marks). I don't claim to be anywhere close to an award winning level (we're talking Golden Globes and Emmys), when it comes to writing. Interestingly, for me, a TV show (and a couple of movies) I saw this week, that have those award credentials, used some similar, or even the exact same actions and reactions that I've been getting complaints about, which has given me a few laughs.

Thanks for reading, a special thanks to those who review, and sorry for the length of what I guess is a rant?