The Big Bang Theory FanFic
Christmas at the Hofstadter's
Chapter Two
Beverley Hofstadter was a funny sort of female. Her two eldest children had had a somewhat 'normal' upbringing, but everyone knew that Leonard had been born solely for the sake of research. It had taken nearly forty years of Leonard's life for him to realise and stand up to his family. That was nearly seven years ago and the visits since had been tense.
Beverley couldn't really understand why Leonard was so upset about the situation. She thought that as a fellow scientist he would love the chance to be involved in the research and the subject of many books.
Penny did not enjoy the journey to New Jersey at all. Alice had screamed the whole flight and Megan and Elliot had spent it at each other's throats. When they arrived Juliet had been her normal over baring self, she meant well, trying to make up for all the years where Leonard had felt second best. But Penny felt it was too much.
"Welcome, little brother" Juliet almost sung, irritating Penny almost immediately "how was the flight"
"It was fine" Penny forced herself to give Juliet a hug "how are you?"
"I'm good" Juliet pulled Megan and Elliot into a big bear hug before smothering baby Alice in kisses "you okay, Penny? You look pale"
"Yeah fine" Penny lied, fighting the urge to throw up "just a little travel sickness"
When they got back to Juliet's house Leonard's mom, had let herself in, much to Juliet's surprise and disgust
"Hello, Leonard" Beverley tried to be enthusiastic, but failed miserably "Penny, Megan, Elliot, Alice"
"Hi, Grandma" Penny was always so proud of Megan, and the way she tried so hard with her grandmother "how are you"
"oh, you're just like your mother" Beverley sighed "asking needless questions"
Penny silently fumed. Over the years she really thought they had made some progress, starting with the second wedding, but now Penny thought they were back to square one. Fortunately Megan wasn't phased by the way Beverley had treated her, in fact she was used to it
"Okay" Megan shrugged before turning to Penny "can I go play?"
Penny couldn't answer the question, she had held it in for too long, she ran to the kitchen sink and threw up all of the food she had consumed in the last 24 hours. After she had nothing else in her she turned to see Beverley, Juliet, her husband James, her nephews Neil, Jeffrey, Scott, William and Richard and Leonard, Megan and Elliot looking at her
"are you okay, Mommy?" Megan asked, obviously very concerned "I don't like being sick"
"I'm fine, baby" Penny smiled "just a bit of travel sickness"
"you don't get travel sick" Sheldon's voice came as a surprise to everyone
"Sheldon, Amy," Leonard didn't even try to mask the relief in his voice, he knew that with Amy here, Penny wouldn't be so on edge "what are you doing here?"
"I invited them" Beverley smiled smugly "I thought it would be nice"