The Girl In 3A (A Sheldon Cooper Fanfic)

Unpack your BB8 Backpack & Wait.

It was nearly the end of the day and the Comic Center was just recovering from an unusual mid-day rush. It had finally quieted down enough for Andy to actually look up at the clock. She knew she hadn't been extremely upbeat for the past few days, but she couldn't shake what had happened at Apartment 4A just a few nights before.

"You alright, buddy?" asked Stuart while they were unpacking a new shipment. Andy, not at all enjoying the fact that she was no longer busy enough to ignore her thoughts, was yet again downing herself for the decisions she had made in the past month as she unwrapped each shiny, new Kylo Ren figurine.

"Andy?" Stuart said again. Andy realized he was speaking and looked up at him. 

"Huh? Oh...am I alright?" 

Stuart nodded awkwardly, with a look of genuine concern.

"It's a long story...

"I've got time..."

"Actually...I...I hate to leave in less than two weeks, but I'm moving back to Texas," Andy replied in a melancholy tone as she continued, "I know it's really rude and you probably hate me but..."

Stuart tossed aside a BB8 backpack and walked to her side, interrupting her. He put his hand on her shoulder with genuine concern. "Whoa, it's fine, I have plenty of people that can help me here if you're gone, but..." Even with his kind words, Andy began to feel even worse.

She knew that she shouldn't rush off. Maybe she should even try to win Sheldon back. But she felt scared...she wanted to run. All of this happened so quickly and all of this was a mistake. The truth was, Sheldon scared her...or maybe how much she had fallen for someone in so short of a time scared her the most.

Stuart sensed her sadness and continued "Andy, it isn't a problem if you need to go! I promise. Just, slow down...what's the deal? You're being strangely cryptic. Think this through."

"To make a long story very, very short and extremely less complicated...I can't live in the same building...or maybe even the same state as Sheldon Cooper anymore."

"Ok, well, join the club! We all just tolerate him for...well...I'm actually not sure why," Stuart answered with a blank look.

"He has a pretty solid movie, video game, and comic book collection," Andy said attempting a smile.

"No, it's not that...we've all got that," Stuart said back, walking back to his pile of boxes to unpack.

"Whatever the case, my decision is made. That being said, you're my only friend at the moment, so can you come help me pack my stuff up this weekend?"

Stuart look genuinely sad, but happy that someone actually made plans with him. "Of course."

-------

It was a cloudy evening in Pasadena and the guys were trudging upstairs to Apartment 4A, finally home for the weekend. As they were passing the third floor, they both noticed a few stacks of boxes outside of Andy's apartment. The door was slightly ajar and there were voices coming from inside.

"Thanks again for helping me pack, Stu."

"I can't believe you're moving this soon...you really don't have to do this. The comic store is definitely more busy with you around."

"Aww, I know it's sudden..." Andy paused, considering if she was making a mistake, "It's just...I have been really lonely. Things started off really well, but I think I'm better off moving back closer to my family and finishing my PhD closer to home."

"Is that really why you're moving?" Stuart asked in disbelief.

Sheldon twitched but pushed himself to keep walking as if he noticed nothing. Leonard, however, was already knocking.

"Hey, it's Leonard...can I come in?"

Andy felt almost relieved to see him, hoping that Sheldon was nearby too. She didn't really want to move. She just wanted to do the right thing. She was sick of seeing people hurt because of her own mistakes.

"Hey, buddy." Andy said, genuinely happy to see him. Stuart smiled and said his usual awkward hello.

"You're moving?" Leonard asked with a disappointed tone, already knowing the answer.

"I just..." Andy looked around for a second, feeling like she was making a mistake.

Before she could finish, Sheldon - against his better judgement - decided to invite himself in. Absolutely no self control as usual, Dr. Cooper, he had already scolded himself.

"Sheldon..." Andy said, unable to contain the butterflies that had started fluttering in her stomach.

Sheldon stared at her, unable to find the right words. Let her go...you don't need a woman interfering with your work...you don't need notions like love and relationships...you only need physics and quality films and maybe Halo and Andy and...

"Andy, it would be wise to reconsider transferring universities in the middle of completing a PhD," Sheldon said as straight-forwardly as he could manage. "That is, if you are still planning to complete one."

Leonard, attempting to break the tension as usual added, "Maybe Sheldon has a point...plus we would miss you!"

Andy sighed and smiled, contemplating things for another moment before adding, "I get it...I'm overthinking things as usual." She paused to contemplate, leaving all of the guys staring at her in silence.

"I guess I should to go call our landlord and see if I can renew my contract."

"Someone is watching over our store," Stuart said, nodding his head in approval. "In Stan Lee we trust..." Leonard said, looking at Andy. They shook their heads and laughed.

Sheldon held back a smile. Just admit it to yourself, Dr. Cooper, this isn't the end and you know it, he thought to himself. He wanted to kiss her...but he wouldn't let himself.

Andy smiled shyly at him. He gave a nod as solemnly as he could manage and turned to go back to Apartment 4A. If anyone was going to admit anything...it wasn't going to be him.

~

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Guys, I am SO sorry it has taken me so long to update! I finally caught up on the Big Bang Theory again and I must admit, I'm totally on board with ShAmy at this point. Still...ShAndy is still my baby and I am GOING to finish this fanfic.

I'm posting another chapter directly after this. All of you have waited quite enough. Thanks for all of the love! :)

xxxx