A/N: so this is kind of a filler chapter. Setting the scene for what page everyone is on. To keep track of the dates the first part if chapter is 4/12 and the second part is 4/13.
Penny jumped at the sound of her sisters voice. "My goodness Bernadette you startled me. I thought you were still in the lounge with the other ladies."
Bernadette was sitting in the chair in the far corner. "No I came back early to check on my sick sister. Not to my surprise you weren't here. You seem to have been making a habit of running off for hours at a time and suddenly showing up again. With some excuse on where you were. So Penelope please enlighten me with your whereabouts this evening."
Penny was quick on her feet when it came to telling white lies said " I wanted to get some fresh air. To clear my head." She took a seat on the love-seat.
Bernadette nodded but then paused like she thought of something. "Interesting I wouldn't think there would be a lot of fresh air down in steerage. But you are the steerage expert."
Penny audible gulped. Bernadette continued "you're gulping trying to figure out how I knew where you were. Well that's easy dear sister I didn't trust you; so I had you followed. Much to my dismay ,but not shock, I find out your with that street rat. Really Penelope what are you thinking? What if it was Leonard sitting here and not myself. I can't even guarantee he doesn't know himself. Your behavior lately has been unsavory and you have lost the trust of the people who are important. You've hardly spent anytime with your husband. Have you've even shared the same bed with him since we've boarded?"
Bernadette pauses waiting for Penny to answer. Penny only says " he isn't my husband." It was so soft you'd think she only said it in her mind but no Bernadette heard her. " He is your husband in everyday except under the law."
Penny keeps her gaze on the floor. She has no fight because everything her sister says is true. She never thought of what would happen if she got caught sneaking around. The only thing she knew was she wanted to see Sheldon. She liked how he made her feel. How he made her think. And how he looked at her. Not as a prize to be displayed but as if she was the only girl in the room. Her wants and needs were more important to him then his own. She was pulled out of her thoughts by Bernadette talking again.
" You can't see that man again. You will jeopardize everything we've worked for. This is what's best for us Penelope."
Penny finally found her voice " I've worked for none of this. You know I don't want any part of this. I don't know what I want."
Bernadette shifted in her spot " that's your problem Penelope you don't know what you want. Your head is stuck in the clouds, or really the gutters. Leonard is a wonderful man who can provide you with everything you need and want. What can that steerage man do? Draw you a picture?"
"His name is Sheldon" Penny gritted through her teeth. " he is more then just an artist. He is going to be a famous scientist; who will uncover the secrets of the universe when we get back to the states."
Bernadette laughed " It's time to face reality Penelope. Leonard is your future. You are to not see that man again ever again." She finally rose from her seat which Penny followed suit. " Now get changed before Leonard returns. For if by some miracle he doesn't know where you were; it's best not to give him anything to be suspicious about." Bernadette briskly walked to her room not before she kissed her sister goodnight and reminded her that she loved her.
Penny was angry and confused. She slowly entered her room. Never see Sheldon again? How could she do that? But what did she expect to happen when they docked in New York? Perhaps keep in correspondence? She hadn't thought of the future. She was living the way she liked in the moment. Having fun like she wanted. She quietly changed into her nightgown. Maybe it was the best to stop seeing Sheldon. She climbed into her bed. She felt cold compared to when she was wrapped in his arms like earlier. She wasn't sure on what to call her feelings for Sheldon were but they were there. She softly cried herself to sleep.
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"I knew she was faking being sick." Leonard softly growled sitting in the same chair Bernadette occupied not an hour earlier.
"They were all over each other" Howard told him. Howard had told Bernadette first and she asked him not to say anything to Leonard. However he was ordered to do the same thing for Leonard and Leonard was the one to pay him. So the greedy little man spilled his secrets while the women slept.
"You mean they kissed?" Leonard's squinty eyes widened.
Howard widely shook his head. He didn't need to get himself in trouble. "No but you could clearly see they wanted to."
"How could she after all I've done for her. Making a mockery of herself and of me with that bastard." Leonard pounded his fist in the arm of the chair.
" I know sir. What are you going to do? If I maybe so bold in asking" Howard asked.
"No you may ask. You are my most trusted man. I am going to confront her tomorrow. My wife can't be galavanting with another man. Especially one who isn't even worth the nickel it is to polish my shoes." Leonard rose " I can always trust you to tell me the truth. Thank you Howard. Good evening."
"Goodnight sir" Howard bowed his head slightly. He felt very proud of himself. He had been able to unravel Penelope's lies and deceits. He fought the urge to go into Bernadette's room. As much as he wanted to he didn't want to lie to her so he thought avoiding would be the best option. If the opportunity arrived then he would take it.
XXXX
Sheldon walked back to his room in a haze. He didn't even remember getting there; and he remembers everything. All his big mind could think of is how Penny leaned into kiss him. She did turn away last second but she wanted to kiss him. He wanted to take her in his arms and kiss her passionately like he's read about. Never before has he had that urge. "Why must everything in my life be so damn complicated?" He thought to himself.
He wondered what Raj thought of her. Like the night before Raj was not in the room. Sheldon was too tired to wait up for him, so he quickly wrote in his journal and fell asleep.
The next morning he was awoken by the sound of the ships whistle and the strong scent of coffee. While he did not drink it ; Raj did.
Sheldon slowly opened his eyes, rubbing them softly with his palm to wake himself up faster.
"Before you say anything I got you tea. The coffee is for me. We have to talk." Raj held out the glass mug to Sheldon.
Sheldon didn't like Rajs tone. Every time his mother used that phrase, it meant two things; he was in trouble or someone died. Sheldon rose himself to a sitting position. Took the mug from Raj and in a calm even voice asked " what would you like to discuss?"
Raj understood with Sheldon he needed to be diplomatic. He had to present facts first. Opinions second. " We need to talk about Penny."
"What about her?" Sheldon remained stone face, not taking a sip of tea yet.
"I'm worried you ate getting yourself into deep."
"Did you not like her?" Sheldon asked after finally taking a sip of tea. He wanted to make sure his throat was nice and moist in case he needed to argue his point.
"No I liked her very much. She's pleasant and funny. An all around great girl. However I know what is going to happen. While you were dancing with Millie she and I talked." Raj slowly drank his coffee.
"What sort of conversation did you share with each other?" Sheldon was trying very hard to remain calm. He didn't like to be out of control with his emotions, but anything to do with Penny made everything up in the air.
"Well we talked about how your a great guy. How I'm the closest thing you have to family. A couple of other things. But I did ask her something. Now don't get mad when I tell you what I asked her."
Sheldon couldn't stay calm any longer. He frowned and very annoyed told Raj off. "Raj how can you tell me not to get mad. The statement itself implies I will be mad. Now if you just said what you asked, then I could decide if it would make me mad. But now I'm going in mad because you said don't be mad." He sighed " what did you ask her?"
"I asked her not hurt you" Raj said slowly.
"We'll what was her response?" Sheldon feared the answer. He had no doubt in his mind that she would, but he still was unsure on how she really felt about him. He understood that they would have to go their separate ways. He didn't like to think about it.
"She said she would never intentionally hurt you. I can tell she really likes you maybe even love you. She is unaware of it herself. She is fighting her own demons and you don't need that in your life Sheldon. She is very nice and a great girl/woman, but the odds are against you. It was fun while it lasted, but time to move on. There will be other girls, ones that won't already be engaged. Ones that..." Raj could have gone on but Sheldon stopped him.
"They won't be Penny. I love her and only her. You know that I've never felt like this before and I'm fairly certain it won't happen again. I'm aware of the odds but I'm fine with it. She is afraid and confused and I'm willing to help her. I can't and will not forget her."
"I've figured you would say that. I just needed to tell you how I felt. I am behind you in your decision, however stupid the decision maybe, I'm behind you because you are my friend. Are you planning on seeing Penny today?"
Sheldon nodded in thanks to his dearest friend, then shrugged. "I'm unsure on whether we are seeing each other. I left an open invitation for her to find me if she so wished."
"Oh I see. Well do you want to go to the common area and play a game of chess? To pass the time?" Raj stood and moved toward the door.
"Sounds very pleasant. Let me shower first, then I will meet you. Save us the good board. Perhaps Millie will be there and I can teach her to play."
"She would like that. I'll see you shortly" Raj said as he left.
Sheldon gathered the items he needed for his shower. He smiled at the thought of sweet innocent Millie and his beautiful Penny. He hoped that he would be seeing them today, especially Penny.