A/n: I apologize if Sheldon is OOC in this chapter. Part of me feels that he is; the other thinks he isn't. You can be the judge. Again please forgive me for any grammer mistakes that I may make since it isn't my strong suit. R&R
Penny reached the mid-day café quicker then she expected. She would have much rather of stayed with Sheldon; but she was seeing him this evening.
Leonard smiled when he saw her. Was he really the bad guy? Sheldons question of do you love Leonard rang in her ears. She attempted a smile, but it was only a small one. She should love Leonard, he was her fiance. He hadn't don't anything to her other then keep her in the life she had always known.
That was the problem she figured. She didn't want the life she had always known. She wanted adventure, to be care free. She couldn't love Leonard for what he represented. Also for the fact that he could be a ass.
"Where did you run off to so early this morning" he asked as he took Penelopes arm.
"I went for a walk around the ships deck. The fresh air was very refreshing." Penny tried desperately to enjoy herself in Leonards company.
"By yourself? I would have joined you." He paused "no actually I wouldn't have. I don't like the sea air. Though I am sure Bernadette would have joined you."
She slightly shrugged, so slight Leonard didn't notice. "It is alright that you didn't join me. I wouldn't want to cause you any distress. She chose her words carefully.
Lunch came and went. Leonard only partially ignored her, which made her feel sort of happy. Also slightly guilty for spending so much time with Sheldon. However not guilty enough to not see him again.
Penny smiled as she thought of Sheldon. He was so handsome. He had his strong jaw and his determined blue eyes. She recalled how she felt with his arms around her as he pulled her over the railing. His arms weren't overly strong but she felt safe in them.
She looked over at Leonard; who was leading them to the first class lounge. He had a small frame, and he squinted his eyes even with his spectacles on. He just wasn't a strong man. It was a wonder to her how he got his foremen to actually work for him.
Leonard was going to sit with some other business men; while Penelope was to read. She didn't mind though, despite not liking school or her reading lessons, she loved to read. Now she wasn't the fastest reader or care for very long stories, but if it was the right one she enjoyed it. Some were just too dull and Penny was anything but dull.
Penny allowed Leonard to kiss her cheek before he left to join the men. She looked at the shelves of the bookcase, unsure of what she should read.
Was she in the mood for a love story? No. She had her own issues with love she could write her own novel. She skimmed to the next shelf. Was she going to read a science book? Not in her life. She despised science; even though it made her smile because she thought of Sheldon. She had finally reached the very last shelf with still nothing to read. This shelf was reserved mostly for children, but she looked anyway.
Her face lit up when she saw the novel 'The Wonderful Wizard of OZ'. Her parents gave her a copy for her 8th birthday. It had only become available for 6 months prior to get birthday in November. She and her mother has read a chapter each night until the story was finished. She missed her mother very much. Penny remembered wishing she had a pair of shoes like the silver slippers. She loved the idea that a pair of shoes could take her wherever she wanted. Her favorite character, besides Dorothy ,was the scarecrow. She liked how noble he was. Always making sure Dorothy was alright. Penny couldn't help but smile again; she had found herself a scarecrow for her Dorothy. Only difference was that her scarecrow had brains, a heart and courage all rolled together. She picked up the book and settled on one of the couches.
Two hours had past when Leonard returned to Penny. She was smiling as she closed the book after she had finished.
Leonard scowled "The Wonderful Wizard of OZ? I never understood the fascination with that story. A young girl runs away from her problems because she doesn't want to listen. Then she meets these misfits and finds trouble with them. I say forget it and do what you're told."
Penny's smile faded. "I love this story. It's about a girl who finds out what's really important to her." She rose from her spot to return the book to the shelf.
Leonard continued to criticize the story. " What should be important to her is listening to instructions. You can't run from your problems; you need to face them."
Penny didn't respond she knew his point was right. It made her sad he didn't like her favorite story. It frustrated her how she was trying to face her problems without it seeming she was running from them. Sometimes though running away was the way to face a problem.
XXXXX
"Raj I've been told I'm in love" Sheldon blurted as he entered their room.
"I was wondering when you were going to figure it out" Raj laughed.
"You knew?" Sheldon frowned as he sat on his bunk.
"I could tell by the way you spoke of her this morning. How did you figure it out? Does she know?" Raj asked.
"Well Mrs. Amelia Farrah Fowler helped me with my diagnosis. To the best of my knowledge, which you know is very great, no she is unaware of my feelings. I'm unsure on whether I should tell her. What do you suggest?" Sheldon rarely asked for help so Raj knew he was serious.
Raj looked at his friend and shook his head. "She is engaged to be another mans wife. It was fun while it lasted but it really can't go any further."
"But she doesn't love him. She told me that in not so many words today. We fit better together. I don't even mind when she touches me" Sheldon pointed out.
"It doesn't matter whether she loves him or not. She is still going to marry him. It is just the way these things work."
Sheldon didn't want to believe is friend. Though on a deep level he had known his friends words were true.
Raj looked at his friend "I'm really sorry that the first person you fell in love with has to already belong to another man."
Sheldon shrugged "first she wouldn't belong to me. I don't want to own her I want to be with her. Secondly this fits my life. Being so close to something I can almost touch it, taste it. To only have it ripped away because I'm not good enough." Sheldon laid on his bed, flipped away from Raj and curled himself in to a ball. He didn't want Raj to see him shed any of the tears that were burning in his eyes.
"Sheldon you are good enough. I'm going to go. I'll come back to get you for supper." Raj patted Sheldon's shoulder. Sheldon flinched at his touch. Raj sighed as he closed the door on his best friend.
XXXXX
Penny wasn't very hungry. She couldn't stand on having to eat 10 courses on filled her up for the night. She realized she needed to make an appearance at dinner or someone might suspect something. She was dressed in a blue beaded cap sleeve dress. Her hair curly and in a loose up-do. She took her seat next to Leonard ; whom she hadn't spoken with since returning from the lounge. It wasn't very unusual for them to not talk though.
"You look very nice this evening. I'm glad you dressed up for me." Leonard whispered to her.
"Thank you" Penny smiled. She didn't get dressed up for him; she did it for her. Though it was nice to be complimented.
Bernadette looked over at Penny and was glad at how her sister was acting. Bernadette hoped that this meant things will go smoothly now. Though she should of known the words smooth and Penelope don't go together.
The compliment Leonard gave her were the only he spoke to Penelope. Penny didn't mind; it just made excusing herself easier. Right before dessert was to be served she leaned in to Leonard. She whispered in his ear "I seem to have fallen ill. I
am going to return to our suite."
Leonard looked her up and down. He didn't think she was ill, but not wanting to make a scene he told her it was fine to leave. Penelope patted his arm softly as a thanks. She nodded to her sister before excusing herself. She forced herself to walk slow so to not attract attention. She was just excited to see Sheldon again.
XXXX
Sheldon had fallen asleep; much to his dismay. He hated sleeping during the day because it messed with his night time sleep. As he slept he had a vivid dream about Penny. When he awoke he felt better. He wasn't going to stop seeing her. He loved her. She had become part of his routine. He needed her in his life.
He was re-tucking in his shirt when Raj re-entered. "I was just coming to get you for supper. Are you going to be able to still eat with us. I mean after you ate all that fancy food last night" Raj joked.
Sheldon didn't pick up on the humor replied " of course I'll be able too Raj. One night doesn't change ones preference of taste."
Raj only smiled " alright then let's go, I'm starving."
Sheldon flattened his hair and was out the door.
Dinner was as expected ; gruel, biscuits and cheese. Sheldon didn't mind eating gruel every night. When your dirt poor you get accustomed to eating the same thing. It really help his stomach so he wouldn't have any issues in the restroom.
Sheldon took the time during supper to tell Raj that he invited Penny to join them in the after supper festivities; and that she accepted.
"Are you serious?" Rajs mouth dropped.
Sheldon frowned. " Yes of course I'm serious. You know I am not well versed when it comes to telling jokes. If she is to join us, I am to meet her upstairs in," he glanced at the wall clock. " In 15 minutes. She wants to meet you."
"But Sheldon..." Raj stammered. Sheldon rose his hand in Rajs face. " I have thought at great length about my situation. I can't lose her Raj. I know you are hesitant and care for my safety ; but please meet her before you make a decision. You are the closet person I have to family so in this moment your opinion matters to me."
Raj let out a deep breath. " Somewhere in that speech was a compliment to me. Get me a guiness so I can talk to her while I meet her."
Sheldon sighed in relief and smiled. " Thank you Raj. Now I must go so she won't be waiting."
XXXX
As Penny opened the door she spotted Sheldon. He stood with his hands behind his back. She smiled at the sight of him. He still had on the same blue shirt he had on earlier. Though he had the sleeves pushed up to his elbows now. She enjoyed the skin he showed.
"How was the rest of your day Penny?" Sheldon smiled down at her. He motioned for her to take his arm to lead them downstairs.
"Pleasant enough. I read a little after lunch."
"Oh really? What novel did you read?" Sheldon held open the 3rd class entrance door.
"It's slightly childish, but it was 'The Wonderful Wizard of OZ" Penny said softly. She couldn't take it if another person made light and judged her favorite story. However she had nothing to fear with Sheldon.
"Ah Frank L Baums masterpiece. While not my favorite story; I do find it very creative and enjoyable."
Penny's heart swelled at his words. She heard music getting louder as she descended the stairs. It was a fast beat and she immediately wanted to dance.
They entered a huge room that was filled to the brim. Everyone was shouting, laughing and just having fun. Penny was amazed. She looked up at Sheldon; he looked more uncomfortable to be near all these people, then he was at supper last night.
"Is it always like this?" she asked.
"Penny. As you may or may not know the Irish like to have a party. So yes it has been like this for the past three days." Sheldon said in a matter of fact tone.
"Wow. A party to the people upstairs is who has the nicest china and talking behind each others back. This is just fun." Penny looked around the room and noticed a man was walking over to them. He was of Indian descent so Penny figured it was Sheldon's friend Raj. Sheldon noticed Raj and relaxed a little. "Penny I would like to introduce you to my best friend Rajesh Koothrapali. You may call him Raj." Sheldon introduced the two of them.
Raj took Penny's hand and kissed it. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you." She could smell alcohol on his breath but thought nothing of it. She blushed and replied " thank you. Sheldon has spoken very highly of you."
Sheldon was going to say more when a young girl of only 5, with bright blue eyes and blonde hair that even Penny could be jealous of ran over calling his name. "Sheldon!" He turned towards the girl and a huge smile formed on his face. " Mildred."
The girl jumped into Sheldon's arms and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Sheldon you know I like to be called Millie."
He laughed "I apologize Millie." He tickled her stomach which made the little girl giggle. Penny watched the scene in joy. Millie tried to stop laughing when she noticed Penny standing next to Sheldon. " Who is your friend Sheldon?" Millie pointed to Penny.
"Millie this is my good friend Miss Penny. Penny this is Millie Ryan she is the running to be my best friend" Sheldon joked. Raj was proud of his friends small profess. Penny laughed " it's nice meet you Millie."
Millie made Sheldon look at her face. "She's really pretty Sheldon." She had tried to whisper but being only 5 didn't do it that well. Penny saw Sheldon blush before answering "I know."
A couple, who were Millie's parents, came over. "Millie leave poor Sheldon alone" her mother warned.
"Aw mama" Millie whined. Her mother eyed her to tell her not to whine. "I do not object to her being with me if that's what your worried about." Sheldon intervened as he put Millie down.
"Yay! Dance with me Sheldon." she dragged him to the middle if the room. The four reaming people laughed. Millie's parents went back to the side of the room they originally were. Penny watched Sheldon dance with Millie. Sheldon was hunched over, but didn't look uncomfortable. Penny smiled, Leonard would've turned the child away. He wasn't very good with children. Most likely because he was never a child. His mother shipped him off to boarding school at an early age and he had to grow up fast. Penny wasn't sure if Sheldon was really comfortable around children or only Millie. She was going to ask. Curiousity always seemed to get the best of Penny.
Raj crept next to her. "He is a great guy. A very loyal friend, never leaves anyone behind." Raj indicated to the dancing Sheldon, who was doing the waltz with Millie.
Penny didn't look away from Sheldon " I know he is wonderful."
" As his best friend and the closet thing he has to family it is my job to make sure he doesn't get hurt."
Penny turned to face Raj, he saw the warmth in his eyes. " He's lucky to have you in his life Raj."
Raj took a sip from his glass. " I need to know you aren't going to hurt him" he said bluntly.
Penny stared at at Raj, then Sheldon and then back to Raj. She knew Raj was looking out for his friend and she was glad Sheldon had someone like that in his life. She slowly answered " I will never intentionally hurt Sheldon." They both knew what the meant but they didn't dwell on it. A pretty girl came over to them and offered Penny a pint of beer. She kindly accepted, she had never had anything other then wine. Raj followed the girl in hopes to speak with her.
Sheldon finished bowing to to Millie, who did a small curtsy. It was a very cute sight for Penny to witness. He looked over in her direction and saw that she was alone. He swiftly scooped up Millie in his arms and carried her over to her parents. Penny made her way over as well to meet him there. She stood next to Sheldon and she could hear him saying good night to Millie. He handed her to her father.
"But I'm not sleepy Sheldon." Millie fought a yawn and rubbed her eyes. She laid her head on her fathers shoulder. Sheldon went to rub her back but changed his mind because he didn't want to touch her father. He just smiled at her " your drooping eyes say differently. If you don't get the proper amount of sleep we won't be able to play together tomorrow."
Millie sighed sleepily in defeat " okay goodnight Sheldon. See you tomorrow." She closed her eyes, but quickly opened them " oh it was also nice meeting you Miss Penny." She smiled and closed her eyes again.
Penny looked at the sleeping child, and she smiled "it was nice meeting you as well Millie." Millies parents nodded goodnight and left for their room.
"Millie is so sweet. You must be an important person in her life the way she adores you" Penny observed.
"Honestly I'm not sure why she clings to me so. I've only just met her family the other day. We sat together during supper on the first night. I normally am not comfortable around children, but Millie is special. She is smart for her age. We play games during the day such as cards or word games that I come up with for her. I can see her going far in life, despite being an immigrant." Sheldon leaned against a wall.
"That's amazing, that you've only just met. If you had never told me I would of assumed you her uncle."
Sheldon smiled then noticed the dark liquid Penny had in her glass. "Where did you get that?"
Penny pointed to no one in particular "a girl gave it to me. Raj went after her." Penny twirled her drink around.
"Well don't feel obligated to drink it. I never drink what they offer to me."
Penny looked down at her drink " but I want to. I've never done anything this crazy before. Yes I used to play rough when I was a little girl, such as climb tree with the boys. Also at school the girls and I stayed up later then our curfew but this is different this is like really forbidden territory and I rather like it." she took a sip of her dark beer . it had a distinct flavor, she didn't completely hate it.
Men and women began to gather around them to watch the pretty girl in the beaded dress chug her drink. Everyone knew she wasn't on of them but no one said anything. Penny raised the glass to her lips again, she tilted her head back, and let the liquid slid down her throat. The people were cheering her on as she gulped it down. After her last gulp she slammed the glass on a table "ah."
"woohoo" one man said. "This young lady has talent" another said. Penny smiled and laughed. She took Sheldons hand and led him to the floor to dance.
"Where did that come from? Surely they can't teach that at finishing school" Sheldon smirked down at Penny.
Penny looked up and Sheldon and laughed "No they don't. That is taught after the head mistress is asleep and the older girls sneak out and get wine. Come on Sheldon dance with me." She moved to the beat of the music. She never felt so free.
" I don't know this dance" Sheldon stood perfectly still.
"Neither do I Sheldon. You just move to the music." Penny took his hand in hers, she felt him tense at her touch but then relax. She began to move her feet in a jig. Sheldon quickly picked up the steps. He took her other hand and they began to twirl.
Neither of them could contain their laughter. Sheldon twirled Pennt into his arms and dipped her. Their eyes met. His brillant blue looked deep into her enchanted green. The world seemed to stop when they looked at each other.
They were so wrapped up in each other, they couldn't tell that they were being watched. They weren't being watched just by anyone but by Howard. He stood on the stairs watching them spin and laugh. He had been sent by not only Leonard, but by Bernadetter. " Follow her, I want to see where she is going. I know she isn't ill" they both said. Neither of them knowing the other had asked. Howard smiled wickedly, he had so much to share. Howard quickly retreated up the stairs before anyone could spot him.
The night was dwindling down and Penny had to return her life. Sheldon escorted her. They walked slowly, standing so close to one another they almost touched.
" I had a wonderful time this evening Sheldon. I'm glad I was able to meet Raj."
" I'm glad you enjoyed yourself. I normally wouldn't have participated as much as I did. However with you these types of social gatherings are very tolerable."
Penny smiled and looked up at the sky. " Look at all the stars!" she was in awe. " Oh look a shooting star. Some people say that a shooting star means someone is dying and its their soul. Others say you are to wish upon it. I perfer the latter."
Sheldon joined her and looked up at the sky. " Both notions are hokum, however they wish making is much less gruesome. If wishing on a star was real, what would you wish for?" Sheldon looked down at Penny and stared into her eyes.
Penny returned his stare " for something I can't have. What would you wish for?"
" The same" Sheldon whispered.
They arrived once again at the 1st class entrance. "Will I see you tomorrow?" Penny wondered.
"That's is for you to decide. I do not object to seeing you though. I will be around if you wish to find me." Sheldon kissed her hand " goodnight Penny."
Pennys heart fluttered. "Good night Sheldon." She went to lean in to kiss him, but quickly turned and ran through the door. Once on the other side she sighed. She was getting herself deeper and deeper into a hole and she didn't want to get out.
She made it back to her room before anyone was supposed to return. She pushed open the door to a voice calling out to her. "How are you feeling Penelope?"