A/N Hey, do all of you remember way back to the prologue, where Leonard fell into a reverie about what had gone wrong? Well, this chapter, finally, reconnects back to the Prologue. There are a couple of things that are mentioned there, that are mentioned here. Feel free to go back and reread it, to refresh your memory. One other thing, I've started writing my next story. I had been jotting down notes and ideas, but I actually started writing this week. And since its from season 12, I've been re-watching some episodes, at least those that fit into my story.

Chapter 77

Apt 314 2:30 PM Sunday December 23th 2012.

Penny was finally feeling better. She had woken up with another hangover, and had taken a couple of aspirins, and drank several bottles of water. She then made the coffee and while it was brewing, went to get a shower. Now, three cups of coffee later, she was at least functioning. I've got to stop drinking so much. She got up and poured another cup, and took it back to her couch and placed it on the coffee table. Then she sat down on the couch, and picked up her phone. She was sure her dad would agree to her coming home. She selected the number and listened to the ringtone, and then a male voice answer, "Hello."

"Hi Daddy," said Penny.

"Hi Slugger," said Wyatt happily, "Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas," said Penny. "Is mom there?"

"No, she's out, doing some last-minute shopping," said Wyatt. "How's the big star doing?"

Penny winced, "I'm doing OK, I guess."

"Something bothering you?" asked Wyatt, sounding concerned.

"Yeah, but it's not important," said Penny.

"Does it have to do with you breaking up with Leonard?" asked Wyatt.

Penny was stunned, "I…er…I…um…a how did you know?"

"He was here a few days ago," said Wyatt. "He's on his way to England. He's leaving out of New York, on Christmas Day."

Penny was silent, as she didn't know what to say. It was a bit of a shock to know Leonard stopped and talked to her dad.

"He was pretty tore up about it," said Wyatt. "He asked if you had mentioned any problems you were having, or if I had noticed any change in you. I told him I didn't."

"Well, I hadn't called."

"Uh-huh, after he asked," said Wyatt, "I went back to when he said you stopped calling him, and I noticed you had quit calling us too. I didn't notice, until I checked because it was during harvest and right after, when we were scrambling around, trying to find buyers for our crops…"

"Um…yeah, I guess."

"So, what is going on?" asked Wyatt.

"I'd rather not talk about it, Daddy," said Penny.

"Why not?"

"Because I…I don't want to think about it, and I don't want to talk about it."

"Come on Slugger," said Wyatt, "let it out, you'll feel better."

"NO, Daddy," said Penny, "I told you I didn't want to talk about it. Can't you just leave it alone? My girlfriends keep after me about it and all we do is fight when they call. I don't want to fight with you. Besides, if you knew we had broken up, why did you let Leonard stop and see you?"

"He told me you two had broken up," said Wyatt. "I was just trying to find out what was going on, because I hadn't heard from you. And, like I said, he was pretty broken up about it."

Again, a wince, "Well, I wasn't too happy about it myself."

"So what happened?"

"Daddy, I told you I don't want to talk about it."

"I mean," started Wyatt, "he was very good for you. He's intelligent, kind, and he was so patient about you two getting married. You even straightened your life up. So, what was so wrong that you broke up with him? And, I have to say, that not telling him directly, was really terrible. A letter, really?"

Tears started forming in her eyes, "Daddy, please…"

"I'm sorry Slugger," said Wyatt, "there's something going on here, that you're not telling me. I could tell you were hiding things when you were living here and I can tell now."

"I can't, Daddy," Penny choked out, "I just can't."

"Why not?"

Penny suddenly realized that if she went home, her dad would continue asking questions, pressing her for answers, or keep telling her how good Leonard was. Her mother would also be trying to find out what happened, thinking it would help. Penny felt she just couldn't face the constant questioning, or worse, her breaking down and them finding out she cheated on Leonard.

"I've got to go, Daddy," said Penny, holding back the sobs. "Tell Mom, I love her, and to have a Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas to you, I love you."

"Hold on Slugger," said Wyatt, "can't you stay on for a bit longer? You could always come home for Christmas, so you don't have to be alone."

"No, I'm sorry, I have to go," said Penny. "Jeanie will be here, so I won't be alone."

"Please sweety," said Wyatt, "just come on home, we'll take care of you. Maybe even help you work though whatever's bothering you."

Penny didn't feel she could chance them finding out, "No, Daddy, I'll be fine," said Penny. "I have to go."

"Well, I guess, if you have to," said Wyatt, sounding puzzled. "Merry Christmas to you then, and you take care of yourself, OK?"

"I will Daddy. Merry Christmas, and tell Mom Merry Christmas. I'll give you a call after New Year's day. Goodbye."

"Goodbye."

Penny disconnected and then let the phone drop out of her hand. She covered her eyes and broke down crying.

Harvard Square Hotel 6:30 PM Sunday, December 23th 2012.

Leonard's plane had landed at 4:00 PM, and instead of renting a car, he had taken a cab to his hotel, arriving around 4:30. After taking a shower and doing a bit of unpacking, he called his brother. They had talked for about ten minutes, arranging for Leonard to come to the house tomorrow, late in the morning. The hotel was only about two blocks from his brothers house, which is why he chose this hotel, and taken a cab, instead of renting a car. He would walk there, talk for a bit, then he would go to lunch with his brother and his family, and then would go back to his brother's house for the rest of the afternoon.

He was looking out the window and couldn't help but notice the snow. The snow brought to mind the snowflake he had gotten Penny and he couldn't help thinking about it. Not really wanting to go out into the snow, he decided to order from room service for dinner, and just stay in and try to watch television for the night. He knew he would now be thinking about Penny, for the rest of the night.

Apr 314 NY 9:30 PM Sunday December 23th 2012.

Penny poured the last of the second full bottle of wine, into the glass. After the phone call to her dad, she had continued crying, hating herself for what happened with Brent, for not talking to Leonard, for not telling Amy and Bernadette, and now for not telling her dad. She also felt all alone. And, except for Jeanie being in Boston, it was all her fault. She's the one that screwed everything up. It was her fault, no one else's and all her friends and especially Leonard were better off without her.

She tried to stay away from the wine, but after dinner, when her thoughts were still the same, she couldn't take it any longer and took an opened bottle out of the fridge, to try to drink enough to forget. She finished the first half-empty bottle after two quick glasses, and knowing she needed more, she opened up a second bottle and then a third. By the time she finished the third bottle, she was quite drunk, but still thinking. The problem was she was now drunk, and wasn't thinking right.

Why can't Amy, Bernadette and my dad just let this be? Why do they have to keep pushing me, yelling at me to tell them? Jeanie doesn't push me, she tried to let me work it out, but now she's helping. Walking with me to work, staying with me, so Brent and his friends don't bother me. And she doesn't yell at me, like Amy and Bernadette do. She's so good to me.

In her drunken stupor, she had forgotten Jeanie had also pushed her, much more than her other friends had. Pushed her enough that she had told Jeanie what had happened.

I even forgot to get Jeanie a Christmas present. I can go tomorrow. Wait, she's coming back tomorrow, or was it today? Penny shook her head trying to remember, but her train of thought went back to the presents. I can get her some body-wash, candles and a couple of other things. She's been so good to me. Teaching me everything, showing me how to do things on set, all of that. Why is she so nice to me, when I'm such a stupid bitch and a nobody?

Penny finished off the glass, and was really feeling the alcohol now. Between being drunk and also feeling tired, Penny decided to go to bed. She brushed her teeth, took off her clothes and fell onto the bed. She was asleep within minutes.

Harvard Square Hotel 6:30 PM Monday December 24th 2012.

Leonard hung up the phone after ordering dinner from room service. He took a beer from the small fridge and sat on the couch to wait for dinner, thinking over his day.

As expected, it was an awkward day. They had different interests when they were younger, this was the main reason they had not interacted much when they were younger. His brother had also picked up a personality like his mother, cold and distant. Although, he was not outright mean, like their mother. Also, from their discussions, he liked their mother even less than Leonard did. Interestingly, he had bonded with their father, much more than Leonard had. His wife was more welcoming, and his niece and nephew were inquisitive, since he hadn't met them before. They talked for a couple of hours about where Leonard was going, along with Leonard catching up on his brother's family's life.

They had gone for lunch, came back and talked for a while. The snow had stopped overnight and now it was clear and warm for December. They took a walk to Cambridge Common, and let the children play for a bit. After returning, Leonard noticed their conversation had become even more stilted than it had been, and Leonard decided it was better if he left. He said his goodbyes, the kids and his brother's wife giving him a hug. He reached out to shake his brother's hand, but his brother enveloped him in a hug. This was a surprise to him, but his brother wished him good luck, before giving him a handshake when Leonard left.

Leonard was thinking about what he needed to pack before leaving in the morning. He had already checked his carry-on, making sure all his paperwork, and his passport, were in there, with his computer. He was glad he had his laundry sent out when he arrived, it was now back and was packed. There was a knock on the door and he opened it. His dinner was brought in and set up. He tipped the guy who brought it, sat down to eat and while he ate, again went over his itinerary for the next day, and thought about the long flight he had tomorrow night.

Apt 314 9:30 PM Monday December 24th 2012.

Jeanie Corbett left the elevator on the third floor, pulling her bag after her. She had just gotten back to New York, after spending some time with her mother and father in Boston. Remembering what had happened when she didn't check on Penny the previous week, she wanted to stop and see how she was doing. She stopped in front of her door, and knocked. There was no answer, so she knocked harder. She could hear the TV, and was now worried Penny had been drinking.

She rang the doorbell and knocked harder. She heard a 'thump', and then a loud, "Fuck, just a minute." It was a few seconds later that the door opened and Penny was standing there, holding her shin.

"Oh, Jeanie, you're back," said Penny, as she fell onto Jeanie, wrapping her up in a hug. Jeanie was surprised, and hugged back for a few seconds, but Penny didn't let go.

Jeanie maneuvered them into the apartment, bringing her bag in, then reached back and closed the door. Penny finally let go, and said, "Come on in. I thought you weren't getting back until after Christmas." Jeanie watch Penny stumble and weave into the apartment, pause, then turn to the right, before turning around, and almost falling, trying to get to the couch.

Jeanie pulled her bag behind her as she followed Penny to the living room. She could see three bottles on the table, but she didn't know if Penny had drunk three bottles or had finished one, and had more in another. Either way, Jeanie felt she had to stay here tonight, and watch Penny tomorrow, and try to get her off of the wine. Jeanie had gotten Penny a few small gifts, and would give them to her tomorrow. But for now, she was going to have to get Penny to bed. So, she sat down, and looking at Penny, said, "So, what's bothering you tonight?"

Boston Logan Airport 11:30 AM Tuesday December 25th 2012.

Leonard was eating lunch in Terminal 2, he had another hour and a half before boarding started. He was going over his schedule, that he had written it out. The flight would be getting into New York around 3:00 PM, and he would have to get his luggage and then check in for the evening flight. He would have just over a four-hour layover, before his flight to London. He was thinking about calling Penny, but he wasn't sure there was any reason to actually call her. He finished his breakfast and was drinking coffee, waiting for his check. He waved at the waitress at the next table.

As she approached, he notice she was attractive, blond, with high cheekbones and green eyes. He asked her to get his waitress. She mentioned that his waitress was on a break, and if he needed anything she would get it for him. He asked for some more coffee and the check and the woman left. She was back shortly, laying the check down on the table, then she started pouring some more coffee. As she poured the coffee, her hair fell over her face, causing her to miss the cup she was pouring in. She spilled coffee all over the table, soaking the check. She apologized to Leonard telling him she wasn't very good as a waitress, and brushed her blond hair out of her face saying she'd write out another check. As she walked off, Leonard looked sadly at her, having been reminded of Penny. He sighed, then shook his head to clear it, and went back to studying his schedule.

Apt 314 3 PM Tuesday December 25th 2012.

Jeanie had spent last night in Penny's apartment, after finding Penny very drunk. She had tried to talked to her, but she was crying and really incoherent. She got Penny to bed, then made up the couch herself. As she laid there, she thought how much easier it would be, if they were at Jeanie's apartment. After all, she had an extra bedroom.

Penny had been hungover this morning, but after some water, aspirin, and a shower, she seemed to be functioning. Jeanie and Penny had traded gifts. Jeanie had to laugh when they found they had gotten each other the same gifts. A pair of earrings each, the same basket of bath soap, and gift certificates, for a manicure and pedicure. After the presents they had made breakfast, and watched a couple of Christmas movies.

For dinner they were planning on going out for Chinese food. Although she wasn't Jewish, Jeanie started explaining about Jews, Chinese Food and Christmas, but Penny stopped her. She had learned all about that from Howard. After dinner, they were planning on coming home and watching some more Christmas movies, until they went to bed. It appeared to Jeanie that she would be able to keep Penny from drinking today, but she was going to stay the night again.

JFK 5:00 PM Tuesday December 25th 2012.

Leonard shook his head and looked around, realizing he was in the first class lounge where he gotten a beer two hours earlier. After arriving from Boston, he checked in and checked his luggage, with British Airways. He gave a short laugh as he realized the reverie, had come to an end. He remembered getting through security, finding the first class lounge, and ordering a beer. He then walked to a table, and had been watching the planes land and take off. But now, it was almost dark and he could only see the lights of the planes, not the entire plane.

He called the waitress over to order dinner. He figured he better eat, as there was only a snack around ten PM, this time, and breakfast around seven AM, English Time, before getting in at nine, the next morning. He ordered a steak dinner, baked potato, a salad, and another Guinness. While he ate, he was thinking about tomorrow. He had been told he would be spending the night in a hotel, then on Thursday, Geoff would pick him up and take him to Oxford, but Geoff hadn't been specific about either the hotel or what was next after that. I suppose he'll take me to get my paperwork done, show me my rooms, where I can eat, all that. Hopefully, I'll get my office and I can start setting that up, start planning for my courses, and just get settled in.

He had finished eating, then saw German Chocolate cake was on the desert menu, and ordered it. He finished his cake and looked at his watch, and found it was 6:30 PM. He had about 30 minutes before they would start boarding, so he called for his check and when the waitress brought it, he paid for it with his credit card, added a tip and got up. He picked up his bag, then walked toward the entrance of the lounge.

As he exited, he noticed the ad board he had ignored earlier on his way into the lounge. Then, the ad was for the musical, Cinderella. This time, on the reverse side of the board, he saw a large picture of Penny, as Jessica Rogers, with an ad for the new CBS series "Major's Tales", and touting Penelope Jensen, as the "Favorite New Star". Leonard stopped and looked at the picture, and started to choke up, tears forming in his eyes. He wiped his eyes, wanting to stay and just look at her, but knew he had to go. Before leaving, he took a last look at the picture, and said, "Goodbye Penny, I'll always love you. I just can't be with you." Tears were falling from his eyes, as Leonard turned and hurried away from the board, heading toward his gate.