GREGORY HOUSE, MD (An Alternate Story)

Chapter XV

House

I rushed out of the apartment and drove as fast as I can. When I arrived, I saw the lights were off but the kitchen was lit so I knocked. After three knocks, the door opened and I saw her. She looks like a mess. Her eyes were puffy. She smells like she's drunk too much alcohol. We were still at the door when she hugged me. It was so tight and I can feel her tears on my shirt.

"What happened?" I asked

She lifted her head and I can see how sad her eyes are. I know that I am giving her as much space as I can but I can't leave her like this.

We walked to her living room. I sat her in the sofa and went to the kitchen to get some water. Before I got out of the kitchen, I took a deep breath in and prepared myself for what's to come. I know that I am not the best person for situations like this but there probably a reason for why she called me. I mean, I think that she wasn't able to reach her first options and she doesn't have a choice but called me. Nonetheless, I will still be here for her. I will not mess this up. I walked out and hand her the glass of water.

"Here you go", I said

"Thank you"

"Uhmm—you seemed to have set the table, have you eaten yet? Do you want me to get you some food?"

"Yeah. I was supposed to eat with Lucas and then—uhm—"

"It's okay. Go on"

"He cheated on me"

I couldn't respond. I don't know what to say. All this time I thought they had the perfect relationship. I even gave her space so I won't be in the way. How dare he?

"I just finished setting the table then I went outside to call him then I heard him talk to someone on the phone. He seemed to be flirting with her. After the phone call, he turned around and saw me. I asked who it was but he wasn't able to answer. All he could say was sorry"

She was crying while telling me the story. It didn't occur to me that Lucas can do that. He seemed to have taken interest in Cuddy since the time he saw her. I remember a time, when Cuddy even gave a fake address just to avoid me ruining a dinner with her family and Lucas. I thought that sealed the deal. I didn't say anything because I was trying to find the right word to say then she apologized for calling me.

"I'm sorry I called you, I just needed someone and I tried calling everyone and no one was answering. So I called you"

I was right. I expected this answer but somehow it still hurts. I bow my head down just to gather myself then I looked at her then smile.

"No. That's fine." I answered

"So, what are you planning to do now? Are you going to talk to him and fix things? I mean you guys are getting married right?"

"After this, I don't even think I can look him in the eyes. It's over"

"Oh. I'm really sorry this happened. I don't know how you feel right now but I will be here if you need me"

The night ended with me tucking her in the bed. She was really tired from crying. She was drunk and tired. I'm sure she'll have hangover tomorrow so I find some Advil and put in her side table then I also put some water. I left a note about the Advil. Before leaving, I checked on her again then on Rachel. I drove to my apartment with jagged thoughts. Maybe I just need a rest. Maybe tomorrow's going to be better.

I am driving to the hospital with Malayna since she has some last things to arrange for her project. Being with Malayna for the past months made me realize that she really is my friend, a close friend. She never judged me with everything I shared to her. She never rationalized. She just listened. And that is what I need, someone who listens. It also made me consider her to be my person. I don't love her romantically just like I used to but we connect on a deeper level. I can tell when there is something wrong with her and she can tell when there is something wrong with me, just like now. I am silent this entire time I am driving and she is too which only means she knows something is wrong and just waiting for me to tell her. Then she decided to break the silence.