The Big Bang Theory: Legacy

CHAPTER 1: Nobel Laureate

"Hey, monkey. I did it! I got a nobel. Crazy, huh?", Amelia said as she puts the flower in the grave. Now more than ever, her hand wanted to trace the name carved in the gravestone. She doesn't care if it's dirty. She had a Purell in her car for that. She just wanted to savor this moment.

A single tear fell from her eye. She's not good in recognizing emotions, just like her father, but she knew this one—longing.

"I told you I would get one. I promised you I would get one. I hope you are proud of me", Amelia said.

She gave in and traced the name written in the gravestone. It was cold at first, but she lets the warmth of the day settle in her hand as she traces every letter engraved in it.

Elliot Cooper. Her twin.

The wind blew and she shivered from the familiar sensation she felt in her body.

"Well, that's enough of that", Amelia said as she rushes to her car to disinfect her hands.

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"Leia, stop making a fuss out of this!", Amelia said over the phone.

"Why not? You are going to be in 'Ellen'! How dare you stop me from making a fuss?"

Leia has always been like this. Leia Hofstadter has been Amelia's cheerleader ever since they were kids. Just like her Aunt Penny, she is a beautiful lady and bright as a sunshine. They grew up together, as their parents are best of friends. There are also the Wolowitz, Halley and Michael. The four of them are a collective force to reckon with.

"This calls for a celebration! Pajama party, here we go!", Leia went on as she grabs her other phone to text Halley and Michael.

"How come we didn't have a pajama party when I won the Nobel?", Amelia asked.

"Well, sweetie, I was not surprised when you won a Nobel. But to be interviewed in 'Ellen', hmmm, that's much more interesting! So when I say there would be a pajama party, there would be a pajama party!"

Amelia can't help but smile. Sometimes she wished she can be as energetic as Leia—as pretty, as bubbly. But all she is, is a bundle of awkwardness. She remembered how his father always tell her mother that being awkward is their thing. When she tries to remember her childhood, she can't help but agree. Oh, I'm awkward, alright.

She knew they are a peculiar family. A family with four Nobel prize? That's somehow peculiar for a lot of people. Her parents had their first nobel together. They had a breakthrough on their wedding day that's why they call it their first baby. Her father had won the second one after seven years. Three years after that, her mother won the third. And now almost 20 years after, their family had their fourth nobel. It was Amelia's.

"Hey, A, are you still there?", Leia asked on the other line. That broke Amelia from her reverie.

"Yeah. Fine, I agree with the pajama party. Just don't tell dad about this! I don't want a lecture on why you should send me a 48 hours' notice about this party first!", Amelia knows her dad too well. Everything should be on schedule. She's had enough of those lectures when she was still a kid.

"I'm also going to have a lecture on that, so trust me, I won't tell Uncle Sheldon."

"Okay. But I won't cook. This party is your idea. You do all the preparations", Amelia said.

"Aww Amelia, you are a party pooper sometimes. Fine, fine. Even if I am tired from doing this movie. I'll do the preparations. Fine, fine", Leia acted as if she's hurt.

"Nice try. You know, as an actress, I find it difficult to believe you", but contrary to what Amelia blurted, she really believed that Leia is a great actress.

"Amelia Cooper. How dare you hurt my feelings! Aunt Amy will hear about this!"

Amelia laughed. They have been like that ever since.

"I need to take a nap now. I had a long day. Just open the door and wake me up when you get home."

Amelia took a quick shower before going to bed to take a nap. It has been a long time since she's had a pajama party in her apartment. And it has been a long time since the four of them slept in one house. They have been busy, she guessed. Leia is now an actress. From her parents' stories, her Aunt Penny wasn't as successful as Leia when it comes to the world of show business. She also got a bachelor's degree in Chemistry but chose to pursue her dreams as an actress, nonetheless. It has its perks, Amelia thought.

Halley Wolowitz is now a detective in the 99th precinct. Her height lies under the average height of Americans but she's just as scary as a giant. They all know she has a mean streak but would usually use that on perps. Well, used that for people who gets under her skin, Amelia admitted. She remembered how sarcastic Halley tends to be and it drove her father crazy. His father, albeit having a brilliant mind, can't detect sarcasm even if it hits him directly in the head.

Neil Michael Wolowitz, now a professor in Harvard, is nothing like his sister. Well for other people, Amelia thought. He can woo women with his smooth language and manner. Maybe he's trying to live the life that his father wanted for him when he was his age. I got creepy stories about Uncle Howard, alright, Amelia almost shuddered from the image. But she finds it easy to talk to her Uncle Howard. She loved his magic and his love for music.

She grew up with a large family. She considers her Uncles and Aunts, and of course their children, her family. She liked their routine of celebrating holidays and important days together. She also liked her parents' stories of their friendship. Sometimes, she thinks that being friends with Leia, Halley, and Michael is reliving their parents' friendship. Legacy, indeed.

As she drifts off, her phone rang. She answered it and smiled automatically when she heard the voice on the other line.

"Hey, koala", she heard her mother say. She's the koala, her twin's the monkey.

"Hey, mom", she answered.

"Did I wake you?"

"Not really."

"Will you make it this Saturday? Your father's making brownies. You don't know how happy he is about your television engagement."

"I know. And I'll be there on Saturday. I wouldn't miss it for the world."

"Is that Amelia?", she heard her father ask on the other line. Her mother replied "yes" and puts her on speaker.

"Hey, dad", she greeted him.

"Dr. Cooper, have you been napping again at this hour? What did I tell you about proper sleep?"

Here we go again.

"Dad, I have to. Leia just called and she wanted to have a pajama party, so I need to stay awake later", she argued but something was off. She knew it.

"'Just called'? You mean she did not send you a 48 hours' notice before planning this pajama party?"

Uh-oh. Amelia knew. She was doomed. And she must save herself. She pretended to yawn.

"Oh my, I'm really tired from all the experiments and calculations I've done today. I really need to sleep. I'll be there on Saturday. I can't wait to see you. IloveyoupleasetellmomIlovehertoo", she almost choked from talking too fast then hang up.

Before she went to sleep, she texted Leia first.

Be prepared for a one-hour lecture.

After an hour, Amelia was still in her deep sleep, so she was not able to see Leia's reply.

AMELIA COOPER, WHAT DID YOU DO?????