Nobody Except For Her

A Surprise Meeting

"Shelly!" A small child of about six could be heard yelling around the apartment complex in Pasadena, California. Accompanying this small child was a fairly short woman with a bright smile and even brighter blue eyes. "That's right baby. We're going to go see Shelly." The woman said in a thick Texan accent, smiling at the child who was clearly her daughter. Almost an exact copy if the child didn't have red hair instead of brown. Once they walked up four flights of stairs they came face to face with a group of three women that they didn't know.

Curious, the group of three watched the woman and child stop in front of the door of a certain doctor. Taking a deep breath, the woman knocked on the door in a certain pattern of three short raps, two dragged out, and another three short raps with her knuckles. Only seconds later did the door fly open for the two of them to be swept up in a hug. "Now Shelly Belly, you best let me go. I need a shower." The woman smiled as three men from inside the apartment watched on, just as the three women were doing.

As if he was reluctant, Sheldon finally let go. Only to sweep the child up and hold her while this woman walked straight in past everyone, going into his room. "Uh. Care to explain?" A short man with curly hair and glasses asked. "Everyone, that was Clara. This delightful girl is Astrid." Sheldon informed him. The child named Astrid happily waved her greeting and clung to Sheldon. An "Ah-ha!" was heard from his room moments later as the woman darted into the bathroom.

"Clara! Please be gentle with my things!" Sheldon called, distracted by the child he was holding. "Shelly, we've shared more than bathrooms. I think I know how to treat your things!" Clara called back as water could be heard.

"What the frack?" A Beatles look-a-like asked, watching the man who seconds ago was an Android in human skin interact with a child much like an experienced father would. Minutes passed and Clara walked back in, wearing Sheldon's shirt and sweatpants that were ridiculously big on her. "I don't think you should be wearing that." A studious looking brunette told her, eyeing the new comer wearily.

"Why not? Shelly do I need to change?" Clara asked, turning to Sheldon. He looked up at her and shrugged. "No." He said, earning a gasp from everyone.

..::*::..

After everyone was properly introduced, things started to calm down. "So, Clara, You knew Sheldon from back in Texas?" Penny asked, still in shock that this young mom was friends with Sheldon. "That's right. Bathed with him until he turned eight and said, and I quote, 'She gets bubbles everywhere and claims that I can't be bubble King because she's Queen'. Silly child he was." Clara bustled about the apartment, mindlessly touching Sheldon only things.

Everyone turned to a slightly red Sheldon. "Now hold on! I'll have you know-" He started but was cut off by Astrid's delighted squeal as she jumped into his lap and curled up to him. Clara stopped and turned around, looking at the two. "She missed you Shelly." Clara whispered as Astrid started to close her eyes. "I missed her too." He smiled down at the sleeping child, oblivious to everyone else's staring.