Penny struggled to hold in a yawn, as she waited for a table to stop bickering about their order. They had ordered a lasagna to share, and were now arguing whether to order iced teas or strawberry milkshakes.
Just order already.
Penny thought to herself as she remembered the small pile of work waiting on her desk. It was Sunday, and she needed to hand in a couple of assignments on Tuesday. She had been procrastinating lately, and the work had piled up. But it was just so hard! She had to work, cook and clean the apartment, attend her classes and do the assignments as well. On top of that, she had had a large order for Penny Blossoms this week, which had her fingers and back aching. Add to that the expensive Pilates class she had joined on a whim, and had to walk to every single morning. And her fridge was truly and completely empty now; she had eaten the last 2 slices of bread and cheese for breakfast. So, after her grueling shift ended, she needed to make a run to the grocery store as well.
She sighed as she walked away, her table finally having settled on the milkshakes. College was so much harder than she had expected. And Sheldon was nagging at her to take on an internship for extra credit. Where on earth was she supposed to find the time for that? That tall piece of brain didn't have to spend his time waiting for people to order, now did he?
But he did have a point. No one was going to offer her a job on a silver platter. She needed to work her ass off for it. She shook out her head, and pasted a bright smile on her face, as she went to greet the people who had just arrived at one of her tables. That tall piece of brain could help her figure out how to get everything done.
She came home to Sheldon waiting in her apartment for her. She raised a questioning glance at Natasha, who shrugged and disappeared into her room.
"Penny, I need your help with an important decision."
Sheldon said, wringing his hands.
"Help me put away the groceries."
Penny said. Sheldon took the heavy bag from her, and followed her to the kitchen, explaining his problem.
"I have to choose a team for an important project, and I am confused about it."
"What is the confusion?"
"Should I choose Leonard, Raj and Howard, as they're good friends of mine, or should I hold a small application exam and take on those who are actually the best?"
Penny stopped and stared at him; her hand half extended into the fridge with a carton of milk.
"Don't leave the fridge open for too long, Penny."
Penny didn't pay him any attention. The Sheldon Cooper she knew would have never been in this dilemma. He was sharp and blunt when it came to his work, and if there was a possibility that someone else would be better, he would never take his friends. But here he was, squeezing a potato, looking all confused.
"Why are you thinking of taking them?"
She asked, finally closing the fridge.
"None of them have anything big going on at the moment. If I choose them, it could be a possible boost for their careers. Even if the experiment fails."
"That's quite a selfless thought."
"Also, the experiment is in the North Pole. It would be comforting to have friends around in such harsh climates."
"The North Pole?"
"Yes, for six months."
Once again, Penny was shocked into silence. Sheldon wouldn't be here for six months. He wouldn't even be here when her course was completed. But no. Those selfish, selfish thoughts could wait. Sheldon needed advice. She thought for a bit, mechanically putting a frozen dinner in the oven.
"Sheldon, would you expect to be the leader of the experiment, since you're choosing them as your teammates?"
"Of course, Penny. I could take anyone I want, but instead I'm taking them."
"Sweetie, you're going there as a team. And tell me, how much of a comfort will you be to each other when you have been bossing them around all day, for six whole months?"
"But I'm choosing them. I get to set the rules."
"At any point has your manager specified that you are the leader?"
"No, but—"
"Sheldon, its clear that you think you are doing the others a favor, and in return you expect them to follow everything you say on the experiment. That is not how a team works."
"But I am the smartest. I know what is best for the experiment."
Aah, here was the ego she hated.
"If you are the smartest, why have they asked you to form a team instead of going alone?"
Sheldon looked stumped. Penny continued,
"You should consider them as your equals. Select a few people who you think can be good for the experiment, and set a test for them. The top three get to come with you. This way, you won't be doing anyone any favors."
"But I don't want to spend six months sharing a cabin with strangers!"
"Not even for science?"
Sheldon looked torn for a moment, but then straightened.
"I will set the test."
"But first, help me figure out a way to get all these assignments done before Tuesday."
Sheldon let out an excited squeal, and rushed to her desk. Penny looked at him, wondering whether phones worked at the North Pole. And if Sheldon would even want to talk to her when he was busy making ground breaking discoveries.
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