Amy found herself missing Sheldon over the next two days. Her work kept her busy during the day, but loneliness set in over the evening hours. To take her mind off her solitude, she scrubbed her kitchen and bathroom floors, organized her closet, and learned a new song on her harp.
Wednesday night she was sipping tea while watching a Little House on the Prairie DVD when her phone vibrated, signaling an incoming text.
S: Hi Amy. This is Sheldon.
A: Hi Sheldon.
S: I have the contact written up. Are you free tomorrow night?
A: What time?
S: 6?
A: That works for me.
S: Excellent! Tomorrow is Thursday, and Thursday is pizza night. Don't worry, I won't ask you to pick it up this time, as I promised I would give you notice before performing additional tasks, but you're welcome to join us.
A: I'd love to. Thanks.
S: I will see you tomorrow. Goodnight.
A: Goodnight, Sheldon. Sweet dreams.
When Amy arrived at 4A the next day, she overheard Sheldon shouting at his roommates to wait until Amy arrived before stuffing their faces with pizza. This was followed by Leonard's and Penny's muffled voices. Not wishing to eavesdrop, she knocked to alert them of her arrival.
"Good evening, Amy," Sheldon greeted her with a smile, opening the door wide to allow her entry into the apartment.
"Hi Sheldon." Amy exchanged pleasantries with Leonard and Penny then asked, "Is everyone else coming?"
"Bernadette is feeling under the weather and insisted Howard stay home to take care of her. Raj broke up with his girlfriend on Tuesday and is probably at home sulking." Sheldon divulged, shaking his head.
Amy was a little disappointed the petite microbiologist wouldn't be joining them but was relieved she would not have to see Raj so soon after his breakup.
"Leonard picked up three different types of pizza." Sheldon informed her. "I hope you find something to your liking."
Amy selected a slice of cheese pizza then took a seat next to Sheldon. Penny was seated in the armchair to Sheldon's left, and Leonard pulled up a chair to Penny's other side.
Penny turned to Amy. "So Amy, tell us more about your job."
Amy swallowed a bite of pizza then demurely dabbed at her lips with a paper napkin before responding. "I'm currently working on a nicotine addiction study with Capuchin monkeys. I just traded Ricky's menthols for a low-dose nicotine patch, so he wasn't a picnic to work with today."
Sheldon made a face. "Ugh, picnics. Picnics are no picnic. Where should we go for lunch? Oh, I know, the ground."
"I concur with your sentiments of the literal definition of a picnic, but the adage seemed fitting."
Leonard and Penny exchanged a look. The similarities between their roommate and his new friend were striking.
As soon as the group polished off their dinner, Sheldon raced over to his desk. He returned to his spot on the couch and handed Amy a neatly-typed three-page document in a protective sleeve. "I present to you The Obligation Agreement."
Amy admired the front cover title, which was perfectly centered. "What is this font? I don't believe I recognize it."
Sheldon beamed at her proudly. "I created it myself; I call it Shelvetica."
Leonard and Penny rolled their eyes in unison.
"I saw that!" Sheldon remarked.
Amy began perusing the document. She suddenly stood up so she was standing in front of Sheldon, glaring down at him, hands on her hips then read aloud, "Dr. Amy Farrah Fowler, herein referred to as 'the offender', and Dr. Sheldon Lee Cooper, herein referred to as 'the offendee'?! You refer to me as an offender? Now I'm offended! I didn't commit a criminal act; it was an honest mistake."
Sheldon had the decency to look guilty. "Fine, I'll change it." Sheldon walked over to his laptop and opened the document. He did a find and replace for the offensive words.
"Before I print another copy, I'd like you to view the rest of the contract electronically." He rolled Leonard's office chair to his desk and motioned Amy to have a seat. He moved his chair slightly to the left so they could both read the screen.
Amy plopped down in Leonard's chair and reread the paragraph. "Dr. Amy Farrah Fowler, herein referred to as 'Dr. Fowler', and Dr. Sheldon Lee Cooper, herein referred to as 'Dr. Cooper'. That's much better." She continued silently reading through all the legal jargon, taking in every word. Sheldon watched her intently as Leonard and Penny cleared the dishes and wiped down the counters.
The contract would begin on Sunday, February 14. When Amy reached the portion concerning the length of her obligation, she turned to face Sheldon and once more glared at him. He noticed how her eyes went from a bright emerald to a much darker shade of green.
"Twelve weeks?! You think my error entitles you to 12 weeks of my services?"
Penny snickered and nudged Leonard, but the neurobiologist and theoretical physicist just looked at her oddly, the double entendre going straight over their heads.
Sheldon looked back at Amy and opened and closed his mouth several times. Had he gone too far? He couldn't bear to have her disappear from his life forever.
Amy watched Sheldon intently, trying to interpret his actions. She looked into his eyes and saw stubbornness, uncertainty, and fear. Fear? What was he afraid of? She didn't think she raised her voice that high. Perhaps he had a flashback to his childhood when his parents fought?
She gently laid her hand on his forearm. "I'm sorry I yelled at you, Sheldon. That was uncalled for. I was just surprised at the timeframe. I will continue perusing the contract, and if I have any issues with anything, we can discuss them rationally."
Sheldon let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. "Thank you, Amy."
"Did you see that, Leonard? Amy touched Sheldon, and he didn't pull away or even flinch," Penny whispered.
"We'll give you some privacy," Leonard said aloud, signaling his wife to follow him across the hall.
"It was good to see you both again," Amy responded, giving them a little wave. Free from interruptions, she began reading aloud again:
Section 1 - Recurring Commitments
Sunday - Funday
Dr. Fowler will transport Dr. Cooper to the train store, whereupon she will assist him with his internet show 'Fun With Flags'.
Monday - Thai food night
Dr. Fowler will transport Dr. Cooper to Siam Palace, whereupon she will assist in carrying the purchased items and accompany him to 2311 North Los Robles Avenue.
Tuesday - Cheeseburger night
Dr. Fowler will transport Dr. Cooper to The Cheesecake Factory, whereupon they will dine with the Hofstadters, Wolowitzs, and Dr. Koothrapalli.
Wednesday - Comic book night
Dr. Fowler is excused from any recurring commitments.
Thursday - Pizza night
Dr. Fowler will transport Dr. Cooper to Giacomo's, whereupon she will assist in carrying the purchased items and accompany him to 2311 North Los Robles Avenue.
Friday - Chinese food and vintage video game night
Dr. Fowler will transport Dr. Cooper to Golden Dragon, whereupon she will assist in carrying the purchased items and accompany him to 2311 North Los Robles Avenue.
Saturday - laundry night
Dr. Fowler is excused from any recurring commitments.
She looked up at him. "That sounds reasonable."
"There is one more page."
Section 2 - Nonrecurring Commitments
The following tasks will be performed by Dr. Fowler only if scheduled. Scheduled is defined as a minimum of 48 hours notice.
Appointments - Dr. Fowler will transport Dr. Cooper to and from scheduled appointments, including, but not limited to, doctor, dentist, haircut.
In the event of an emergent appointment, Dr. Fowler will be excused, and Dr. Leonard Hofstadter will assume tasks.
Miscellaneous errands - Dr. Fowler will transport Dr. Cooper to and from various errands, including, but not limited to, shopping for groceries and household items.
Events - Dr. Fowler will accompany Dr. Cooper to social events, including, but not limited to, university fundraisers.
Amy sat back and thought about her feelings on the matter. Twelve weeks was more time than she felt necessary to pay off her debt, but the extra time could be used to her advantage. She would wait a little longer before revealing her plan to him.
Sheldon looked at her expectantly. Would she sign the contract as is or ask him to make more changes?
"I need some clarification about the last item on your list. It says I will accompany you to social events. Would you like me to stay with you or just drive you to and from them?"
"I would like for you to drive me as well as keep me company. Leonard and Howard bring their wives and Raj always brought Emily to events, leaving me to my own devices. With you there, I could fulfill my obligations while having an intellectual conversation rather than fending off anyone wishing to engage in unsolicited small talk. Even though Raj is currently unattached, I fear he would just whine about his status making for an uncomfortable evening for myself."
She looked him in the eyes and declared, "I agree to the terms."
"Excellent. I will print a new copy and collect our signatures then scan and email you a copy for your files."
They shook hands to seal the deal then Sheldon walked her to her car again. She unlocked the car door then stood facing him. "I guess I'll see you on Sunday. What time would you like me to stop by?"
"Does 1 p.m. work for you?"
"Yes. I will be here promptly at 1 p.m. Goodnight, Sheldon."
"Goodnight, Amy," he replied, once again watching as she disappeared into the night.
