Excluding Symptoms {House M.D}

[3] The Standard Operating Procedure

"I'll keep that in mind, thank you," I laughed lightly at Dr. Wilson, as I placed my hand on the cold metal handle of the door. A cool breeze blew my hair from my shoulders when I pushed open the door. My eyes swept the room as I took notice of the slim build of my sister behind her desk, as well as the gentle swish of a cane as a man twirled it within his hands. He seemed bored, yet intrigued all at the same time as he peered back at me with pale blue eyes.

"Ally!"

The exclamation of my childhood nickname drew my attention towards my sister as she rose from her chair.

"Lisa, I've missed you!" My smile widened as I glided across the room to accept the hug being offered.

"I've missed you too," she pulled back enough to look at my face, "How have you been?"

"As well as I can be, how about you?"

"About as much as a person can be running a hospital," Lisa's light laughter filled the room, "I'm so glad you accepted the offer."

"Of course! I couldn't turn down an opportunity to be closer to my sister," this time it was my light chuckles that filled the space.

Lisa's eyes spied the man behind me, "I can see you've already met Dr. Wilson."

I too glanced back at him, smiling lightly, "Oh yes, he's been a tremendous help."

Wilson just smiled in good nature. My eyes were once again drawn to the blue eyed man with the cane, and the subtle swoosh of the sofa when he rose from the chair.

"Ah, and this is Dr. House," I noticed Lisa did not seem to regard him with the friendliness as she did for Wilson, "He is the head of the diagnostics department."

Wanting to be polite I reached out my hand to shake, but noticed he did not return the gesture. I simply retracted my hand, unbothered, and peered at him with a singular eyebrow raised.

"Alexandra Cuddy," was my only remark to him as I turned back towards my sister. I could see the amusement in her eyes, making me believe he didn't receive that response often. "Would you be able to show me where I'll be working?"

"I'm afraid I can't, unfortunately I have a meeting with the board in a few minutes," Lisa gave me an apologetic smile before turning to Dr. Wilson, "And also unfortunately, they request you be in attendance Dr. Wilson."

"Oh that's alright, I'm sure I can find it," I waved the apologies off.

"Nonsense, you'll be working just down the hall from House, and I'm sure he would be delighted to show you the way, wouldn't you House" Lisa speared him with her gaze, giving him no other choice.

House just rolled his eyes, and once again the high-pitched perky tone came to his voice, "Oh of course it will be an absolute pleasure. Just follow me." He turned and hobbled out the door without another glance.

I turned to Lisa with amused and questioning eyes, which she returned with an eye roll. "Well I guess I better go before he disappears, thank you for your help Dr. Wilson and I'll see you later Lisa."

They both smiled in response, and I opened the door to follow the tall frame currently limping down the hall.