Occam's Razor - House M.D.

Part 11- Optimism at its Finest

Later that day, the team split for their lunch break, and Madelyn headed off to the cafeteria while the other four had their own, different plans. Thirteen invited her to come along with her to a diner down the road, but Madelyn wanted to familiarize herself with the hospital more. 

Her stilettos tapping the floor like dice, Madelyn entered the cafeteria earning many looks in her direction. She wondered if everyone somehow knew that she was brand new, or if it was her bright pink heels. Nonetheless, she ignored the looks and helped herself at the salad bar, the coffee station, and to their seafood options. Salmon was her favorite. 

Madelyn walked towards a small table beside one of the corner windows, until she heard her name. She looked to the side and saw Wilson. He flagged her down and the two of them sat together in one of the booths. 

"How's your second day going?" Wilson asked looking at her with his full attention. He always made sure to give people his full attention–– he cared about people. 

"Great, actually. Dr. Cuddy told us some amazing news!". Wilson raised an eyebrow, curious. 

"Yeah? Does it have anything to do with the Northeastern Medicine Conference?" He mumbled in between chewing. Madelyn looked at him, stunned at his correct guess. 

"Yes! You know too?" 

"Absolutely, it's a huge deal. Plus, it's the first time it's been held in New Jersey in at least a decade." 

Madelyn agreed, and explained how Cuddy had basically said the same thing. Wilson pushed his food a little to the side, and rested his elbows in the table, learning forward. 

"You know, you couldn't have started here at a more perfect time?" 

Madelyn smiled at Wilson's statement because she agreed. Yes, it was only her second day on the job, but it was clear to Madelyn that Princeton-Plainsboro was an environment beyond its profession, but where community was fostered. Pondering more on those thoughts, she also realized that it was no wonder why her friend James Wilson loved it here; he's the perfect fit. 

Suddenly, a raspier voice was heard by Madelyn and Wilson that interjected with,

"Perfect time for what?".

It was House. He took a seat beside Wilson and stole what was left of his sandwich. 

"House, nice to see you." Wilson greeted him, sarcastically. House chewed silently. 

"I'll say." Madelyn chuckled keeping her gaze on Wilson, and still feeling nervous around her boss. Wilson furrowed his eyebrows, 

"What do you mean?" He replied. 

"Well, Dr. Cuddy wanted to announce the conference with him present, and Taub mentioned  something about him missing clinic hours too." Madelyn confessed, awkwardly watching House who was seemingly not paying attention. House finally finished chewing and responded,

"Oh yeah, you gotta be careful around Taub. Don't trust him... that should be obvious. His nose grows each time he opens his mouth."

Madelyn made a confused expression, but couldn't help but smile at the nonsense. Wilson, on the other hand, sighed, less apt to accept House's nonsense. 

"Now, what's this about perfect timing?" House repeated. 

"I was just telling Madelyn that her job acceptance here worked out well, timing-wise, because she's starting out just when we're preparing for the NMA conference." Wilson informed House who could be surprisingly aloof. House's blue eyes bugged then he proceeded to clap obnoxiously loud. 

"I mean it sounds pretty cool to me, too." Madelyn admitted looking at House who puckered his lips in contemplation. 

"What? You don't?" Madelyn added, somewhat sassy. Wilson sat back letting her take the reins. House exhaled, 

"Well sure, I enjoy a medical shindig as much as the next guy, but let's say I've been to quite a number of them over the past many years. They aren't as exciting as you might think, Madelyn." 

Madelyn was stunned to hear him call her by her first name, and by the looks of it, so did Wilson. 

"Oh my bad. I thought we were calling each other by first names." House gasped, fake blushing. 

"That sounds more like the fact that you're burnt out from them, not that they aren't exciting." Madelyn said matter-of-factly. House nodded his head saying, 

"Yeah maybe, and there's also considering the fact that I no longer need the extra validation from those other doctors who only agreed to go to the conference to escape loveless marriages and excuses to work overtime because they hate their lives." 

"Gregory House, optimism at its finest." Wilson said to Madelyn who gave him a laugh in return. House reached across Wilson and took his drink in his hands. 

"You know I'm right, Willy." 

"I know the words 'you' and 'right' don't sit well with me." Wilson responded, snatching his cup back. 

"Well, I hope you change your mind, I think each of the team members want to win that research opportunity." Madelyn said, somewhat discouraged. Wilson watched her eyes dim a bit at House's negativity. 

"You'll love it, trust me. It's an experience that should be on every doctor's bucket list. I know I'm excited to go." Wilson assured his friend, with a warm smile. House noticed Wilson's warmth towards Madelyn, too. He saw how his friend felt so calm around her, as if there was something deeper there. 

"You're going too?" Madelyn questioned, her voice perking up. 

"By requirement," House added, "Princeton-Plainsboro is hosting it, so that doesn't leave much of a choice. Does that include you?" 

"Does what include me?" Madelyn replied, quickly gulping her iced coffee. 

"Wanting to win the research opportunity. Same offer every year, but it's legitimate and stands out on your resume." 

Madelyn detected genuine tone in House's voice just then, and she wanted to cease her opportunity. She looked at Wilson, then back at House, nervously. 

"Yes, I do. I think I could come up with something that would give me a fair chance at winning." she said, her confidence piquing House's interest. 

"Well, when you have an idea bring it to me, and we'll weigh your options." House responded, his gaze stuck on his new team member whom he couldn't quite figure out just yet. 

"Wait, seriously?" Madelyn blurted. 

"Just trying to be optimistic, right Willy?" House annoyingly exclaimed. 

House got up from the booth and walked away leaving just Madelyn and Wilson together. 

"He's not serious about me, is he?" Madelyn asked looking to Wilson for affirmation. She trusted him. 

"Are you kidding me?" Wilson said, his tone alert, "Sarcasm aside, House never encourages people to apply for the research gig. He's curious about you. 'Think you'll give it a try?" 

"I think I will!" Madelyn stated, this time actually convincing herself of her confidence. 

Whether or not she wanted to admit it yet, she was curious about House too. And just maybe, submitting a research proposal for the conference would allow her to find out more about the mysterious, unorthodox, and surprisingly charming man that was her boss.