A/N –Here is chapter 2, I hope that it is ok…just another step on Penny's journey.

Also I updated Chapter 1 because I read through it again and found loads of mistakes. J Oops.

Chapter 2

It's 9:45am and she is actually doing this.

She was up until midnight booking her flight and packing her suitcase. She fell asleep dreaming about the perfect engagement ring, only it wouldn't be for her.

She looked up at the store in front of her and drew in a sharp breath between her teeth as she stepped inside nervously.

The store wasn't too posh or expensive looking but she was grateful for that because she didn't have that much money to begin with; especially after the plane tickets.

As she walked around the small store and scanned the different jewellery and watches, she thought about how far she had come since meeting Leonard.

Her business was still going strong and she was actually getting a good solid income from it. Leonard helped her get an online market up too; her own website with customers asking for Penny Blossoms every day. She makes her flower burettes in her store, along with her friend from Omaha, Kate, who is her first employee. It started as an extra pair of hands but soon Kate needed the job so Penny took her on full time. She realised that the more she advertised, the more customers she will attract, and so Kate was her only option, plus she was helping out an old friend.

She got a glimpse of one ring that she thought looked acceptable. More than acceptable, actually. It was mainly silver but the edge was lined in gold. The silver centre was engraved with a braided pattern which made the ring look more masculine. It was perfect and in her price range. Although there was something about it that didn't quite fit with Leonard. That thought crossed her mind for a split second before she realised that she had to go, so she just had to settle for this ring.

After buying the ring she got in the first taxi that ground to a halt after her loud whistle. It took twenty minutes to get to the airport and now she was waiting to board the plane.

The whole time wondering how Leonard would react and what he will say. Surely he would say yes. Omg! What if he doesn't? Penny thought as she moved forward with the line.

''Hi'' Penny greets the elderly women who sits next to her on the plane.

The lady spared her a glance and an awkward smile whilst shifting in her seat.

''I'm going to propose to my boyfriend'' Penny blurted out. She controlled herself and smiled warmly at the old lady. She was really just looking for someone else's view on her plan, to see if it was the right thing to do.

''That's wonderful dear'' the women finally spoke but it wasn't what Penny was looking for. The elderly women's smile was fake and it didn't convince her or give her any sort of comfort that her plan was a good choice.

Penny nods her head and she leans, looking expectantly at the lady, silently asking her for another answer or anything. When she doesn't get another reply she internally snorts and rolls her eyes. She was just trying to be sociable and make polite conservation.

''We have been together for four years'' Penny tries again looking hopeful and innocent at the old lady.

All she earns is a simple ''that's nice'' and a slight smile.

''Yeah, he's an experimental physicist'' she said casually whilst nodding her head up and down, acting as if it's nothing.

When she doesn't get a reply she thinks, awkward….then turns to look outside the window for the rest of the journey.

About 1 hour into the flight the captain came over the loud speakers, ''hello, this is your Captain speaking. There may be some slight turbulence occurring in the next few minutes. Please sit back and relax and it will be over in a few minutes.'' His voice sounded convincing and calm so Penny dismissed the threat immediately.

Just as the Captain had said, a few minutes later the whole plane shook mildly, resulting in a few gasps and wide eyes from the passengers. The next shake was much more violent which resulted in screaming and the passengers gripping their arm rests for stability. Penny cursed the Captain for his deceiving words from only a few minutes ago but kept the concerned look on her face.

After another even more violent shake, the breathing apparatus came down from the ceiling and spread even more panic throughout the plane.

''Hello, this is your Captain speaking. I may have misjudged the magnitude of the storm. Unfortunately we will have to land because of the dangerous flying conditions. We will be landing in San Antonio in Texas as they have granted us a landing opportunity. We apologise for the inconvenience that this natural event has caused.''

''What!? Texas! How am I supposed to get to New York by the weekend now?'' Penny seethed.

She huffs in annoyance as she climbs off the plane. The clouds were grey but the humid Texan air didn't calm the situation remotely. It has been 3 and a half hours since she left California, and she was hoping that her luck would pick up. After retrieving her luggage, she headed for the information desk at the San Antonio airport.

''Hello, excuse me. When is the next flight to New York leaving?'' Penny asks with a forced smile.

''I'm sorry ma'am, but due to the hazardous conditions, all flights have been cancelled'' The blonde women chirped from behind the desk.

''How am I supposed to get to New York then?'' Penny said absentmindedly as she turned to walk away. She was beginning to let her irritation show under her forced smile.

''I can help ya'' a bearded, middle aged man said to her right.

''Really, how?'' She said with a small amount of sarcasm in her voice because of her irritated state.

''I'm headin' over to Galveston, to spend time with my family. I can give ya lift as far as there but I am sure that some kind soul will take ya to Houston. Once ya get there, you can call for help or get a flight once the weather's clear up a bit'' the nice man said with a welcoming tone.

''That's the best plan so far. That would be really nice of you, thank you'' Penny smiled and sighed with relief. She was feeling a bit nervous to be accepting a lift from a stranger though. ''I'm Penny, by the way.'' She says as she reaches out her hand to him.

''Chris'' he says as he shakes her hand. ''come on, my sister will be here soon to pick us up'' he smiled and nodded his head towards the doors.

Penny followed Chris to the car park to wait for his sister to pick them up. She was feeling much more relieved about having another women in the car with them. Chris seemed like a nice enough fellow, but she happy to know that it wasn't just the two of them.

''Hey Susan, it's good to see you'' Chris said whilst he hugged his sister when she stepped out of the truck.

''Hey Chris, whose your friend?'' Susan said when she looked over his shoulder.

''Oh, this pretty, little thing is Penny. She is havin' a bad day. She's tryin' to get to New York, so I thought that we could help her on her way.''

''Oh that's terrible news, we will be happy to help ya. Darn storms. I'm sure the skies will clear up soon enough though'' Susan smiled at Penny. She instantly felt more relaxed after listening to Susan's thick, Texas accent.

Penny jumps in the back seat and gets comfy for the journey. Susan turns on the radio, and off they go to Galveston.

Soooo…yep. Second chapter complete. I hope you liked I and I am currently typing up chapter 3, so you will see it at the weekend probably. (Chapter 3 = Sheldon!) Spoiler alert!