The Big Bang Baby [The Big Bang Theory]

Chapter 19

Even though it wasn't a long drive, I fell asleep on the way to the Science Centre. I look around the bus with tired eyes and see that the once unoccupied seat has someone occupying the one by the aisle.

I eye the blonde guy sitting next to me, trying to figure out why he is now sitting next to me. I don't remember him climbing onto the bus.

"It's part of a bet," he informs me without even asking. I give him a knowing, but awkward smile as the bus stops before the building. After quickly getting up, the guy returned to his friends in the next row.

As I step out of the bus, I am immediately drawn to the modern building. There are big windows on the side of the building and cement pillars dividing the sections of the center.

"Listen up, everyone!" the teacher who came with us today shouts over the crowd that stepped off the bus. "The event is held in Venue B. We will be meeting here again at 5 pm sharp. Those of you not riding back on the bus, see you tomorrow. Have fun!"

I walk into the building, taking in the sights and sounds of the different exhibits. I stop at a display of planets and admire how they are lit up so beautifully in the dark exhibit area. After a few minutes, I make my way to Venue B.

I know that Leonard mentioned that he would try to attend. I search the venue as I step inside the doors of venue B. Many students from different schools and parents already occupy most of the seats. They have built a stage at the front with spotlights pointing toward the tables with 20 chairs surrounding it situated on top of the platform. All the older people look the same, mainly wearing suits and ties or very formal business dresses.

I make my way to an open seat at the back of the hall as I don't spot Leonard immediately. I shimmy past a few parents and small children, smiling at them as I make myself down the row.

I drop down on the cushioned seat and place my bag on the floor by my feet. It's about 30 minutes before the event starts. A lot of chatter erupts as more people arrive and the venue fills up. A few minutes later, I see Leonard walking down the aisle. He spots me and walks over with a smile on his face.

"Hey, I was looking for you." He takes the seat next to me.

"This place is packed." I nod in agreement as I take a look around. 'It's amazing how much has changed since my last visit here."

"I didn't think you would come today, but I was glad to see you were sitting here," Leonard says, adjusting his seat to become comfortable.

"I thought I would be busy with some art stuff," I give him a reassuring smile, hoping he buys my lie. The truth is I didn't want to come. The thought of seeing Gregg and looking at him messed with my mind. But after Angie's constant reminder to talk to him and because he's my friend, I decided to climb on that bus today. "But it seems like I was ahead of my work, so I decided I would come and support Gregg."

"Right," Leonard comments, looking back to the front where some older gentleman is starting to gather things, putting some papers on the wooden podium off to the side. Even though the light is pouring through the windows, the person responsible for the lighting inside the venue is playing with the lights on stage as if it's the most crucial thing in the world.

"I'm glad you decided to come," Leonard says after a few minutes of silence, shifting uncomfortably in his chair. Something tells me he knows that Gregg and I have some problems. Not necessarily about our relationship, because I don't think Leonard knows about that. But he knows something is happening.

"When was the last time you talked to him?" he asks out of the blue, making my head snap in his direction. Leonard doesn't move his head towards me as his gaze is locked in front of him. I peel my eyes to look where he is staring, noticing Gregg make his way up the stage and take a seat at the table.