Wilson's Girl

Part 2

The lyrics kept ringing in his ears, flowing through his thoughts, distracting him beyond measure. He wanted, no, needed to keep his distance to wrap his head around things. He managed to avoid Jo and Wilson and leave the apartment before they rose.

As the inky blue of night bled into the dawn, he hit the road on his motorcycle. The open face of his helmet allowed the bitter bite of the crisp morning air to sting his cheeks, keeping him alert and on edge. Taking advantage of the quietness, he scythed through the urban streets, out of Princeton to the more rural outskirts.

The miles and minutes passed by and the city once dormant around him began to awaken and come to life. At a stoplight House glances at his wristwatch, 8:34 am. Far too early to even think of going to the hospital, he didn't need the questioning.

The light turned green and he pulled away, indecisive of his next move. He spotted a gas station and a Starbucks and pulled in, refuelling both himself and the bike. The caffeine injection gave him a boost of clarity, he hit the road again with a destination in mind, Mayfield.

-x-x-x-

It felt weird to go back, catching the eyes of faces familiar and unknown. But in truth, he didn't know where else to turn. He couldn't exactly turn to Wilson given the nature of the topic.

"I need to see Nolan."

"I'm sorry, he's not available. We can schedule you an appointment, Mr?"

"House. Look, I've already got appointments booked with him, but this is urgent. I need to talk to him now."

He could feel himself getting riled up and frustrated. Deep down he knew to try and keep it contained, the last thing he needed was them to lock the doors on him for another spell inside.

"It's okay, I can see him." Came the voice of reason. House turned and Nolan held out his hand, "come this way, House."

Nolan led House through to his office, he wasted no time in making himself comfortable on the leather easy chair and stared off into the distance. Nolan picked up his leather-backed notebook and pen and took the seat opposite and patiently waited.

And waited.

And waited.

25 minutes went by with House still staring out of the window in stoic silence, jaw tense and ticking much like the clock. Nolan didn't want to press him, knowing the kind of guy House was, it was always best to let him open up of his own accord but he was very aware of the time and lack thereof.

House sensed Nolan tensing up and let the words tumble out.

"Wilson has got a new girlfriend. Guess he started seeing her shortly after I came here..."

Nolan gently nodded, subtly prompting for House to continue and began taking notes, observing House's facial expressions and body language as he did.

"I met her two days ago. There was a fire in my apartment block, some moron was playing with matches so I went over to Wilson's and she answered the door. She's beautiful..." House closed his eyes, "really beautiful. It was weird, I don't connect with people, least of all those I've just met. But something clicked. She's easy to talk to, didn't shrink back at my sarcasm, it was like she got me."

"Sounds like you've made a friend House, that's great. The more support you have-"

"I don't want her to be my friend! I want her! I hate the fact that Wilson found her first! She's got these beautiful hazel eyes but in a certain light, they're green, especially when she smiles. It should be me she's smiling at, not him! Me!"

House stood up quickly, his chest heaving with deep, shaky breaths from his rant. He moved over to the window and rested his furrowed forehead against the cold glass pane.