GREGORY HOUSE, MD (An Alternate Story)

Chapter VIII

At Princeton

Cuddy

I was about to walk into his office hoping his back. As I approach his office, I notice that there are only three of them.

"You guys have a case?"

"Yes" Foreman replied

"His not back yet?"

"No. He didn't tell you?" Chase asked

"Wilson told me his going to be gone for days but I didn't expect it to be this long. It's been a week since that message and he hasn't texted me yet so I was hoping he texted any of you"

"No. He didn't. We filled out time helping in the E.R but today we got a case from them so we took it" Taub answered

"Okay. You guys looking for a temporary replacement for Thirteen?"

"We are reviewing some applications and we've already narrowed it to five. We're just waiting for House's approval" Foreman explained

"You can narrow it down to one"

They all looked at me with questioning look

"You can't just sit here and wait for House to appear without having another hand for help. Go find a woman doctor and tell me when you have one I'll do the final interview. I will tell House about this when he gets back"

Foreman nodded and I went out of the office. I went to Wilson's office but I didn't find him there. I went down in my office and saw Lucas in my office waiting.

"Why are you here?"

"Well, you don't answer my calls and I can't catch you in your house so I figured the only place to catch you is in your office"

"I'm sorry I just got busy with----"

"With the wedding preparation? It's still on right?"

A long pause before I answered, "Yes"

"Okay then. Next time just answer your calls."

He gave me a kiss and got out of the office. My heart feels really heavy. I don't know what to do. It's not fair for Lucas to have me feeling this way and it's not fair for me to wait for him. But I just need to know if we could work out.

House

We went in this diner and my mom roamed her eyes and saw someone and immediately walk towards him.

"Hi" my mom said

"Hi" he turned his head to my mom and smiled. Then he looked at me that made him smile wider.

"Hi!" he said as he turned to me

"Hello" I replied

"Maybe we should sit and order food to eat" mom said

"I agree" he seconded

We ate the meal quietly with him and mom chatting away asking about how life has been. Then he asked me out of nowhere

"So... you're a doctor?"

"Yes I am"

"What is your specialty?"

"I have a specialty in infectious diseases but I lead a team of diagnostic which we diagnose cases that other doctors can't find an answer"

"That is great! You have a gift."

"Uhmm. Thomas I have something to tell you" my mom interrupted us. I guess she sensed that I was getting impatient and nervous.

"Greg is my son...."

"Yes he is" he jokingly said

"... and he is also your son"

He looked at me and our gaze met. He had these eyes like mine. It's weird. It also feels warm

"Nice to finally meet you son"

He took my hand and shake it.

We finished the meal exchanged words and ended with hopes of good connection along the way. The drive home was silent and warm but it still feels empty. Why do I still feel like this?

"You fine son?"

"I'm good mom"

"Doesn't feel different, does it?"

"Uhmm. It still feels the same"

"That's because despite you having a different biological father, your father is still John. He raised you. He instilled that values in you. He made you a warrior in his way. It wasn't a pleasant way but he made you who you are which at first was admirable to watch until I saw you slip away. You became tough. All you wanted was greatness"

"Mom..."

"You are already great son. Stop looking for perfection because you are already great"

She smiled at me, gave me a tight hug and went to her bed.

Morning came and it dawned on me that what came here for is done. Somehow I found pieces of me I couldn't find anywhere. I found my dad, make appease with my legal dad and found my childhood friend. Question already answered. I think it's time to move forward. I went downstairs to eat and saw my mom already eating

"Mom, I have to go back to Princeton. I wouldn't be that great of a doctor you think I am if I stay here while my patients and my team are waiting for me to fix them"

"Well I guess you're better now. Go fix others" she smiled.

After breakfast, I pack my stuff and drive back to Princeton hoping that I'll be able to face the world waiting for me.