A/N: I was a bit uncomfortable with where I left the last chapter. Here's a little coda.

69

Penny is still with her therapist

"Penny, I'd like you to think about something."

"Okay."

"You've told me you think that there's a possibility for something real and lasting with Sheldon, a kind of relationship you've never experienced before."

"Yeah, I thought that was what I had with Kurt and it blew up in my face and then with Leonard and we know how that worked out."

"And you've told me that sex was a big part of the foundation of both of those relationships."

"Yeah."

"Maybe it might be better to try to stay away from that for a while. Maybe concentrate on building your friendship with Sheldon to give your potential relationship a better foundation."

"I guess that makes sense. But I know me. Sooner or later…"

"Actually, Penny, I don't think you know yourself at all right now. For the first time in your life things are actually looking better. You're supporting yourself doing something you enjoy. You have a better sense of self-worth. You have some wonderful opportunities coming."

"Okay."

"I get that you enjoy sex but up till now it was possibly the most enjoyable part of your life, the only thing you knew you were really good at. Do you understand what I'm saying?"

"I think so. That maybe I shouldn't let old Penny literally screw things up for new Penny."

"I'm not sure I would have put it that way but yes. Old Penny was insecure except in the one place she knew she did well and received validation. Now that you receive validation in other parts of your life perhaps you could consider…"

"Holding off. Waiting until I know for sure whether Sheldon is the one."

"Actually, it's more about you. I'd like you to give new Penny a chance to figure out who she is and what she wants before you let old Penny's needs become so important they start affecting your actions."

"I guess that makes sense. It's not like there are guys beating down my door."

"There will be. But I'd like you to seriously consider what you do. I also have another question."

"Okay?"

"How much did alcohol have to do with your sex life?"

"Um, a lot. When I was dating around it involved going to bars and bringing guys home, most of whom I never saw again."

"And you still aren't drinking, right?"

"I'm not and I guess I'm okay with that. I wasn't very happy with my life before and it helped me cope. Now, except for the craziness with Leonard, things are pretty good. My new friends don't drink as much or at all. And I guess I don't miss it."

"So that's another thing to think about."

"Okay."

"What I'm asking you to do is try to accept the changes in your life and see where they take you. I'm here to help and from what you've told me I can see there are others who also want to help you. Try to get centered. You're barely back in your own apartment, which you can now afford. Your job is still pretty new and your other job hasn't started yet but will soon. Your circle of friends has changed somewhat and that's still settling. Leonard and Amy are now out of your life, at least for the immediate future. Breathe. Accept. Don't try to do more than you can. Try to figure out who Penny is now and who she wants to be. And please don't feel you need to be defined by another person. That's something only you can do."

"That's a lot."

"It is, but I think you are absolutely capable of it. Though you've been through a bunch of jarring changes to your life it seems to me that you have adjusted and will continue to adjust. Please don't rush things."

"Okay. I think I get what you're saying. Thanks. See you next week."

"And if you run into anything where you need to speak to someone, please call."

"I will."