The Game The Started the Change

Chapter 7: Stage 4: Revealing

Penny walked back toward her train cabin five hours after she had left. She was hoping to catch Sheldon before he woke but based on the angry Texan twang coming down the hall she had missed that opportunity.

"I told you, I do not know where Penny is. Yes, she was here when I fell asleep but she isn't now." Sheldon agitated voice flowed over Penny as she paused outside the cabin door. She hated hearing him so upset. "How would I know?"

There was a long pause in the conversation. Penny could see his shadow pacing under the door. She could almost feel the waves of anger coming from Sheldon on the other side. She saw his shadow get close to the door.

"I know." Sheldon released quietly. Being this close she could hear exactly what Leonard was saying over the phone.

"She isn't your type. She doesn't do crazy." Leonard spoke loudly to his roommate.

Penny waited for Sheldon's normal "mother had me tested" comeback. But it never came. Instead, she heard an almost sobbed "I know".

"And how did she take the gift?" Leonards smug voice was just loud enough to hear.

She felt Sheldon hit the door and slide down it. The bottom of the door quickly showed someone sitting there.

"Again... you were right. She didn't like it." Sheldon voice filled with so much pain she was sure even Leonard could make it out.

"What gift?" Penny racked her brain but couldn't figure out a single gift she hasn't liked from Sheldon.

"I would have asked for money... or sex." Leonards's voice carried again. "Lucy is very hot."

Penny's eyes bulged. "NO... NO..." her mind screamed. She loved it! How could he think...

"As I said. You two would never work. Besides she's mine now." Leonard finished in a voice that reminded her of Wolowitz. "So once you get there... get her a hotel room and leave her the hell alone. I am sure your company is driving her nuts. Oh, and replace her phone. It's the least you can do for trying to steal my girl."

"I would do no such thi... Hello?" Penny heard the phone call ending abruptly. She stood still not knowing what to do. She wanted to rip Leonard a new one but that would have to wait. Right now... Sheldon was hurting.

Penny pondered a moment longer before quietly knocking on the door.

Knock knock knock... "Sheldon? Move away from the door please..." Penny asked softly.

She heard scrambling before the cabin door opened. "How-" Sheldon started only to stop at seeing Penny's face.

She quickly pushed past him to set her stuff down before storming off. Sheldon collapsed on his bed and hung his head in his hands. He was sure she was pissed at him and that the trip was now ruined.

He didn't even bother to look up upon her return. He knew he knew! Their friendship was over. There's no way it couldn't be. He knew how it must have sounded to her. How her voice shook with so much repressed anger. He finally looked up at the nudge of his leg.

Penny stood beside him holding out a to-go cup and had a soft smile on her face. He gulped before taking it.

"It's tea, sweetie." Her eyes twinkled at their shared joke as she shrugged. "Non-optional."

"Penny..." Sheldon didn't really know what to say.

"Why did you think I didn't like the gift?" Penny sat down next to him. Angled so she could see his face.

"You were quiet." Sheldon took a sip of tea. Mint, honey, with a slight touch of lemon. He smiled slightly before taking another drink.

"Oh, honey..." Penny sighed. She turned his face so he was looking at her. "I love it. More than I can ever figure out how to express in words."