Disclaimer: I own nothing from Big Bang Theory, only my characters and story line.
Chapter 9: Shopping With Penny!
It was around noon and Nancy was sitting on the couch in Sheldon's apartment arms around her knees, the house phone sitting next to her. She hadn't moved much today, since Sheldon had to go into work until one today, in order to take the next two weeks off to stay with her. She'd called detective Maxwell earlier that morning, and was waiting on his call. She had the TV on, but on a quiet volume because it was serving as mostly background noise for her. She was extremely nervous about meeting her birth father, whom she didn't even know existed until two days ago.
She only remembered for so long being with her abuser. Now that she had time to think about it, she wondered if he killed her mother, and thought he'd killed her father...why did he decide to keep her?
The phone rang making her nearly jump out of her skin as she was brought back to reality. She checked the caller ID and it said Art Maxwell. "H-Hello?" She said trying to calm her thumping heart to a normal pace.
"Is this a bad time?" The detective asked hesitantly.
"No, the phone just gave me a bit of a scare." Nancy replied. "Were you able to contact him?"
"Yes...he actually lives in the same area you grew up in," Maxwell said. "He said whenever you feel you can make the trip, he won't mind."
"O.k. thank you so much for all this detective," Nancy said gratefully.
"No problem miss," he said his tone light. "We'll be calling within the next few weeks again, to let you know when the trial date is."
"O.k. thank you," she said again. "Bye."
"Bye." She hung up the phone feeling relieved, that hopefully this would all be over soon, and she could move on with her life. She stood up and walked into the small kitchen to make a pb&j for a light lunch, because she wasn't all that hungry. Since she hadn't really moved from the couch all day, while in the kitchen she was surprised to find a short note on the island for her, from Sheldon.
Nancy,
Don't let the past few days get you too down, I know it's a lot to handle, just remember I love you. And that you always have friends that are here for you, no matter what. Keep that smile on your face whenever you can, your life is for the better now.
Love Sheldon
She couldn't help the smile that spread across her face after she read the note, it was so sweet of him to say all that. She made her sandwich and poured some milk for herself, before sitting back onto the couch, in Sheldon's spot since it gave her some comfort since he wasn't home. She actually turned up the TV and watched something.
She was so engrossed in watching the ID channel, that she almost had a heart attack when she felt arms wrap around her, she did let out a squeal as she turned to find an apologetic Sheldon staring at her.
"I'm sorry, I thought you heard me come in," he said.
"I was so into the show, I didn't." She said her hand to her heart. "It's o.k. the show just made me jumpy I guess."
"Why are you watching ID anyway?" He asked curious.
"I don't know, I was just interested in seeing bad people put away for bad things," she replied shrugging. "Detective Maxwell called, he said my birth father lives in the area we grew up in, and that they'll call soon to tell me when the trial is."
"Not that I don't have complete faith in you," Sheldon began, coming around to sit next to her. "But are you completely sure you can face him again?"
"Sort of," she replied. "I just want this over with, I want to move on...and be happy." She replied with a small smile. "Besides you'll be there, that's all the comfort I need." He pulled her into a side hug, and kissed the side of her head. "I got your note by the way."
"Every word I wrote is true," he replied. "I want to see you smiling as much as possible." She smiled at him.
"So when do you think we should leave for Texas?" She asked relaxing against the arm of the couch, her legs resting across his lap.
"Why don't we leave tomorrow after noon." Sheldon said. "It'll give Penny a chance to say good bye for now." She thought for a second then nodded. "How long to you want to stay?"
"Hmm...I was thinking a week," she said.
"I'll call my mother, let her know we're coming...she'll probably want us to stay there," he said thoughtfully, Nancy handed him the phone. He stood and walked from the room dialing, not wanting to talk in front of her, for a small fear of embarrassment. She giggled at him as he walked away from her. He came back ten minutes later, blushing. "It's all set...she can't wait to meet you."
"Well it's more of a re-meeting," Nancy said with a small giggle. "I'm technically packed since I don't have much," she said. At that moment Penny came in after a single knock.
"Hey Sheldon, Nancy, I've got great news." Penny said smiling hugely. She turned to Nancy fully. "I'm taking you shopping!"
"Really?" Nancy asked eyes lighting up.
"I mean I don't mean to intrude on your alone time...but girl you need more clothes...not to mention shoes." Penny said happily. "And I just got paid today, so get ready we leave in five!" And she was gone again.
"Wow, I haven't been shopping since I turned 15," Nancy said excited, she turned to Sheldon. "You don't mind do you?"
"Of course not," he replied walking over to her, taking her hand and pulling her up. "Just the look on your face is enough to let you go," he said with a laugh. "You're really adorable when you're excited." He said kissing her nose, she was blushing brightly at this as he released her and she hurried to the bedroom to get ready. She decided to wear one of her cuter outfits, a purple strapless tube top, and dark wash jeans.
When she came back out, a pair of black flats in hand she smiled at her boyfriend. "How do I look?" She asked.
"Wonderful as always," he said smiling at her appreciatively. Penny burst back in the apartment.
"Are you ready girl friend?" She asked winking at Nancy who slipped on her flats.
"Yep, lets go!" Nancy said with a fist pump, which caused Sheldon to chuckle at how cute she was.
"I'll see you when you're release from the shopping bug," Sheldon said kissing her lightly as she passed him.
"Okay, see ya!" And both girls were out the door.
Nancy sat at a table with Penny in the food court at the mall, drinking a smoothie provided by the blonde. They were surrounded by bags most of which were Nancy's, but a few were Penny's.
"This was so much fun," Nancy said smiling still. "I haven't done this with another person before."
"I have a few girl friends I go with sometimes...but they usually have a full schedule, and can't make it most of the time." Penny said taking a big sip of her smoothie.
"By the way, Sheldon and I are heading to Galveston tomorrow...he said in the afternoon." Nancy said. "It would give us time to hang out before we left, he's probably making or made arrangements already."
"So are you nervous to meet your real father?" Penny asked.
"A little, I mean I kind of remember my mom...but I've always thought that He was my father...so I have no memory of anyone else filling that role." Nancy said softly. "It'll be nice though, to have someone who doesn't want to constantly hit me or put me down...but genuinely cares about me." She paused. "Other than Sheldon of course," she blushed a bit.
"I understand what you mean," Penny said smiling. "You guys are really great for each other," she added. "I've never seen Sheldon so happy before."
Nancy blushed. "I never thought he'd love me the way he does, especially with my past."
"But that's the past, he cares about you, not what you've been through." Penny said. "That's the mark of a truly good man."
"I know, and that's what makes me the happiest." Nancy said smiling. "You're a great friend Penny, I'm glad we got to meet."
"Me too." Penny said. "Now let's get a move on, the boys will be wondering what's taking so long." She joked as they each took a couple handfuls of bags, and left the mall.
