GREGORY HOUSE, MD (An Alternate Story)

Chapter XVIII

"You'll have me"

I stopped and looked at her meeting her gaze. She has a genuine look in her eyes. She smiled at me but I am speechless. She continued

"House, for better or for worse, you are part of my life not just an employee but also as a friend. We may not a bond as you and Wilson have but we have our own connection. I know things about you that no one else knows and you know things about me that other people don't. If you know what I mean" she looked at me then giggled a little bit then she continued

"Just know that you have me to talk to when you need someone, okay?"

"Thank you. I know that I haven't treated you nicely but you're still here. I promise I will be a better doctor to this hospital. I will truly be your best hospital resource. Thank you again. And I should probably go because other people might need you. You know this hospital will burn down without your full attention so yeah.... I'll go"

Cuddy

"Okay. See you around"

My eyes followed as he walked out of the office. He was still limping but not the usual where you can feel the pain just by watching him walk. He walked lightly, with ease. I have noticed this change for a couple of months now and it started when Dr. Smith came. She really means a lot to her. And they haven't even seen each other in years but she has this effect on him like she's the only person who can make him better. And with that I feel jealous. Yes. I will admit it. Even though, they always say that they are just friends but their connection is different. It's like they are one. That's probably why he calls her his person. And I have been with House for a long time and we had our moment but he was never like this with me. He never lets his guard down. I was deep in my thought and still looking at him when I saw Dr. Smith talked to her then hugged him. It was a long tight hug. Then I felt a sting. It hurts a bit. Then I noticed Dr. Smith coming in my office so I had to fix myself.

"Dr. Cuddy?" she opened the door and asked

"Oh! Yeah. Please come in. I am sorry it took us longer than I thought."

"No it's fine. I know Greg needs that especially now."

She had a sad smile on her face. Then seem to drift in her thoughts so I asked her.

"How are you Dr. Smith?"

"Well, apart from me feeling sick and tired most of the time, I think I'm fine"

"I'm sorry about the diagnosis if I could do anything to help just tell me"

"Well, I think we should start with finalizing the doctors and other hospital staff to come to the project"

"Oh yes."

With our finalization, we came up with 2 doctors and 5 nurses. We also decided to have this voluntary since it's going to be a long and far trip. After our talk, she tidy up her things and started walking. Then she paused and looked at me.

"Oh. There is one more thing I need help on"

"What is that Dr. Smith?"

"When I'm gone, can you take care of Greg? I know that may seem a lot but at least be there when he need someone to talk to. Well, not the late night talks because you have a daughter but just a simple talk once in a while—"

"Dr. Smith—"

"He needs it Dr. Cuddy. I know you know that. He changed a lot from what he was for the past 20 years and I genuinely believe that he is doing it to really help himself but I am fearful of what's going to happen if I pass"

"Malayna"

"Please"

I looked at her intently and can see genuine love in her eyes. She has a pleading look that I cannot refuse. After a while I answered

"Sure. I will be there for him"

"Thank you Dr. Cuddy. This means a lot to me. I will forever be grateful"

She walked out of the office quickly living me a bit reflective of what I said. I mean it. I will be there for House even if she didn't asked me to.

House

Malayna hugged me after I talked to Cuddy. She told me that it was a brave thing to talked Cuddy. She thought that I was being brave by being open and fragile. She also said that she's proud of what I've become. And to be honest, instead of me being happy with what she said, I felt sad. It feels like she's saying goodbye and I don't want that. I'm not sure if I'm ready to say goodbye. As I was walking towards my office, Wilson pulled me to his office and I don't know why he's doing this but I didn't protest because I feel like I needed my best friend right now.

"Why did you drag me here? I thought you might have some hookers for me" I asked then laughed

"Well? What's Malayna's plan?"

"Uhmm. Nothing"

"What do you mean nothing?"

"She's not planning to do chemotherapy or any other kind of treatment"

"Why?"

"To be honest, I really don't understand. She seemed to be contended with what she has and says she already had a fair chance in life and that's it for her"

"Oh. Well. How about you? How are you holding up?"

"I don't know. To be honest, I'm just here trying to support her in whatever she wants to do"

"And how about Cuddy?"

I looked at him with a confused look. This is so out of topic.

"Well. She seemed to be very supportive and consoling. I've seen you guys been talking a lot lately"

"Well she's just trying to be a good friend"

"Is that what you want? For you two to be friends?"

"Look. I know that you know that I love Cuddy. I will not deny that. But I had my shot and I blew it. Now, it depends on her on what she does with it. Now I'm just going to be here, be a good doctor and a friend to her. But...... Malayna is my priority now. She is the one that needs me the most. I want to be there for her as much as she's with me"

It took a while before Wilson replied. He stared at me for a while then smiled.

"You really have changed House. I am proud of you. And I'm here when you need me. You know that, right?"

"Thanks Wilson"