Companion piece to "The Double Date Aftermath", what happened to Penny? Penny rides a horse and considers her future.

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Three months later Penny and James are horse riding on the family farm.

"Yes Penny, this is the life. Life is good in Nebraska."

"Looking good there Cowboy."

"So did you ever do this in California with Dr. Hofstadter?"

"Leonard on a horse, Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha. No we didn't do this in California."

"Are you still in contact with your California friends."

"Not at the moment, can we please change the subject James."

"OK, sorry for bringing up the subject."

"So how is Physics at the community college?"

"It is a challenge, but an interesting challenge. Every time I get a student to stop being scared of Physics it makes my work seem worthwhile. One of the first students I ever taught thought Physics wasn't for her, she persevered and went on to get a degree at University of Nebraska, now she is a high school Physics teacher. She came and gave a guest lecture last month."

"Glad that someone is getting some job satisfaction. In California I served food at the Cheesecake Factory, now I serve coffee to people. I want to do something more interesting than food service."

"Well come over to the community college and see one of the student advisors. Maybe there is a route to a more interesting future through the college? I can make an appointment for you if you like. What's the worst that could happen?"

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Five days later.

"Good afternoon Dr. Thomas."

"Good afternoon Mrs. Delaney. This is my friend Penny, she is thinking of coming to the community college to improve her future but she isn't sure what to do. Penny, this is Mrs. Anna Delaney, she is a student advisor. I will leave you in her capable hands."

"Good afternoon Penny, I see that you have already filled in a questionnaire."

"That's right. I currently work at the coffee shop across the street."

"Oh yes, I go there some times. A nice place, I thought that you looked familiar."

"Would I be able to study here part-time."

"Yes you could. What I would like you to do first is take this online aptitude test to see what your strengths and weaknesses are."

"Great, let's do this."

Half an hour later.

"So Penny, how would you like to learn to be a secretary?"

"How long would the course take?"

"Well if you do it full time it would take 6 months, part-time a year. The course will start in just over a month, so you don't have to make up your mind today. Here is all the paperwork, you have 2 weeks before registration closes."