GREGORY HOUSE, MD (An Alternate Story)

Chapter II

House

As I went down to eat, I saw the receptionist who looked petrified when she saw me last night. I guess I really looked like a mess. Well, probably because I really am. She smiled at me and asked me what I want to have for breakfast. It looks like there are only a few personnel in this inn. She went back with my toast and coffee. She left the tray on my table and gave a little smile. As I was about to stir my coffee, I found band aids on my tray and looked at the receptionist only to find her looking at me. Our eyes meet and I mouthed a "thank you" to her and she smiled and looked away.

This is new to me. People being nice to me because they don't see me an ass. It feels kind of good. This is place isn't that bad. I could enjoy the solitude of this inn. Plus there's no one else is here so ... that's a relief.

While I'm enjoying my breakfast, my phone rang and saw Wilson calling me. Immediately, all that happened last night came back and I notice that my leg started to hurt. I didn't bring any Vicodin with me. I just have Ibuprofens. The phone stopped ringing for a while then it rang again with Foreman's name on it. Then Chase, Thirteen, Taub. I didn't answer all the phone calls. I just let them rang. This time a name I didn't expect to call me. Cuddy. My leg pain flared up. It took me a while before I rejected her call.

I finished my meal, went to my room and packed my things which are only Ibuprofens, wallet, phone and keys. Checked out of the inn and drove home.

He drove his motorcycle to a flower shop and bought some white roses. A few more miles and he got to the place. He walked a few meters and stopped to put the flowers and sat down on the grass.

House

"Hi Dad. I hope you don't mind I'm here. I just feel like this is the place I should be right now".

I don't know why my mind told me to be here. But maybe because I really do need fixing. I feel like going back to where it all started will somehow make it right. I don't really like the man. Hell, he is not even my biological father but I feel like I still owe him an explanation. An apology.

"I'm sorry. I know I wasn't the best son. But believe me I tried. I really tried. I tried to be the best at what I do and... I hope I made you proud"

"Happy birthday Dad".

.

.

.

"I didn't expect you to be here"

A familiar voice came behind me.

"Mom"

"Greg"

She hugged me and kissed me on my cheeks. She put the white rose she brought him.

"James called me and asked if you went home"

"What did you tell him Mom?"

"I said I am not expecting you to come home since you never come home for any of our birthdays"

"I'm sorry Mom"

"No, don't be. I understand that you're a doctor and you really don't have control of your time. Your patient needs and emergencies are not on schedule"

"Thanks Mom. Thanks for understanding"

She paused and looked at me with gladness with a hint of sadness and concern

"What happened Greg?"

I was lost for words. I didn't know what to say. I know I can't lie to her. She's a human polygraph.

"I... am lost Mom"

"Come home for a while son"

"Mom...."

"Just come home"

She smiled. A smile full of sorrow