The Big Bang Baby [The Big Bang Theory]

Chapter 20

"For he's a jolly good fellow, for he's a jolly good fellow. For he's a jolly good fellow, which nobody can deny!" Everyone sings as we walk through Amy and Sheldon's apartment, smiling and congratulating Gregg on his win.

The drive back here was fascinating. If Leonard knows something is up between Gregg and me - which he probably does after the storeroom thing - he did not question it during the drive here. Before we left, Gregg had to go back to the venue to discuss last-minute things, including getting his trophy and officially signing some papers.

As we walked up the stairs to the apartment, Gregg grabbed my hand and interlaced our fingers. I couldn't stop smiling on the way up the stairs, and I could feel Gregg's eyes on me, only making my face flush red.

Everyone in the friend group, including Sheldon, comes over to hug Gregg and congratulate him on his win. During this interaction, Gregg tried so hard to keep ahold of my hand, but soon we couldn't hold on much longer, making us lose our grip.

"Hey, everyone!" Amy calls out as we walk into the apartment. Her pregnant belly is now showing, which is a weird sight to witness. "I made dinner! I hope you're hungry!"

"Uhm, before we eat," Gregg says, clearing his throat, "I would like to make another big announcement," His eyes travel around the room before it lands on me, a smile gracing his face.

"Sure, go ahead," Gregg walks over to me, wrapping an arm around my waist.

"Halley and I are dating," he announces, his eyes not leaving mine as he says the words. The room is dead silent, and I can feel everyone's eyes on us. Gregg squeezes my waist before continuing. "We've been dating for a while now, and we're happy. I know it might be weird for some of you," he says, looking around the room for any response, "because we are practically kind of family, but we love each other, and that's all that matters." There are a few murmurs and some congratulations, but mostly everyone is shocked.

"When did all this happen?" Penny is the first to speak up.

"It started like a month ago," Gregg replies, looking at me and then back to his mom. I can't help but smile at him; he's so cute when he's nervous.

"More specifically, it happened while we were on the working holiday with you in Mauritius," I say, my voice soft, unsure if I should have revealed that much. I feel Gregg squeeze my waist, telling me it's okay.

"Huh," Penny says, putting her hand on her hip, and thinking.

"Did any of you know about this?" she asks as she turns to the rest of the group standing in the living room.

"No," Raj says, shaking his head.

"I had my suspicions," my mom announced, throwing a glance in my direction. I can't help but smile; she's always been so nosy. My breakdown in my room and the many phone calls to the house from Gregg the first few days helped her figure this mystery out.

"Leonard?" Penny asks, looking at him.

"I just found out 2 hours ago," he defends. I try not to laugh as I think about it. Yeah, and not how a dad would want to find out his son is dating someone.

"How did I not notice this? It literally happened under my nose!" Penny exclaimed, throwing her hands in the air.

"It's not like we were trying to hide it. Back then, we weren't sure what was happening between us." Gregg says.

"Well, we are glad the two of you are happy and found each other," Amy says, walking toward me and engulfing me in a hug. "Can we eat now? This little one is starving," she says, rubbing her belly.

We all sat down for dinner. Well sat down in the way only this group knows how to - on the couch and the floor. I didn't mind, though. Gregg and I sat next to each other on the floor, eating up the delicious noodle stir fry that Amy had learned how to make. She told us she had been watching some YouTube videos on how to cook so that when the baby is here, there will be plenty of homemade food in the freezer.

It seems like everyone has accepted Gregg and I relationship. Sure, they were all shocked at first, but I think they are all happy for us.

"So, you two, was the talk at school today helpful as to what you want to go and study next year?" my mom asks just as I take another spoonful of the noodle stirfry. I look over at Gregg, silently telling him he can go first.

"I think so, yes. Dr. Siebert came and spoke to us. I might apply to the Physics program there as I know it's good," Gregg announces.

"And you, Halley?" my mom asks. I smile and look at everyone in the room.

"Yeah, I think I might also apply at the California Institute of Technology," I announce. I can see the look on my mom's face turn into confusion with these words. "They announced today that they will be introducing a Department of Design," I look around the room for a second time. Whispers between the group erupt. I can see the look on my mom's face turn into confusion.

"How is that even possible? Dr. Siebert will never do anything without consulting me first," Sheldon speaks up. I can understand why he is confused about this. He is never good with change, no matter what. That's why he always has some agreement with everyone - always in contract form that he draws himself. I am surprised he has not written one up for the pregnancy yet.

"Sheldon, this is a good thing. The University can do with some creative people. Think about it this way - they can help make all your inventions come to life by giving them the best look," Amy assures him. I can see Sheldon's brain work, thinking about Amy's statement as I take another bite of the noodles.

"Fine," he says, sighing, "but we need to tell her about the fund," Sheldon quirks up when he mentions this, looking at Amy, then at my mom and dad. They all look at each other, probably secretly debating if they should reveal this.

"Fund? What fund?" I ask, also quirking up with the mention of the word. This is the first time I am hearing about a fund that supposedly has to do with me.

"Back in the day, Sheldon opened a college fund for the firstborn of Bernadette and Howard Wolowitz," Amy announces when they all agree that this is the correct time to reveal this. "That means that you, Halley, can study anything and won't worry about where the money comes from to pay for the course."

I can't believe what I am hearing at this moment. I look around, my eyes landing on Sheldon. Sheldon, who rarely gives anything, decided to set up a college fund for me.

I look over to Gregg, who is already smiling at me as I give him a quick peck on the lips. I jump up to my feet as quickly as possible and make my way over to Sheldon, sitting on the couch in this iconic spot. I wiggle myself in between Amy and Sheldon, making myself comfortable.

"Halley, what are you-" Sheldon asks, moving his body away from me, clearly not linking my sudden intrusion in his personal space.

"Can you just let me," I say, cutting him off as I wrap my arms around his waist. "Thank you." He doesn't respond for a few moments, and I can feel the stiffness in his body. But eventually, he relaxes into me, and we sit there like that for a while, just taking it all in.

I can't believe this is happening. I will be able to go to college and study whatever I want! I glance over at Sheldon, who is watching me with a smile on his face.

At this moment I am happy. I have a fantastic boyfriend and people I can call my family, even though we are not blood related. Dinners and get-togethers like this one tonight make me happy and grateful to have these people in my life.

I guess the universe is expanding as well as our friend group. Amy is expecting, Raj is going to propose, and Greg and I are going to university next year. I guess that's the entire point of The Big Bang.