GREGORY HOUSE, MD (An Alternate Story)

Chapter XIX

Cuddy

Gathering everyone in the auditorium to finalize the number of doctors to join Dr. Smith's project. I am seeing everyone gather in the hall but my eyes are focused on one person. He walks in with Wilson. They seemed to have a good conversation. I have seen his eyes smile like that after the diagnosis. As soon as everyone settled, I went on to the stage to talk about the project. Everyone was paying attention except for House.

"So. The project will be needing 2 doctors and 5 nurses. We have to a decision that this will be voluntary so it is on you to decide. I will be needing your decision as soon as possible since this project is about to start. If possible, you can give your decision this afternoon until Monday of next week. Thank you."

With that announcement, House's eyes suddenly focused on me. Is he thinking of going? That can't be. He loves what he's doing here. He has puzzles and power, two things he loves the most. And with what he said earlier I think he has more reasons to stay. Yes earlier. I heard him and Wilson talking in the office. It wasn't on purpose of course. I was trying to check if Wilson knew about the assembly but then I heard them. The last thing I heard was how he blew his shot with me and I left after I noticed that it's almost time for the assembly. But I'm pretty sure he said he loves me. Isn't that reason enough for him to stay? Do I sound selfish for saying that?

House

I went into the assembly with a little laughter in my face because of my little chat with Wilson. It was a conversation I surely needed. I sat down without really paying attention to Cuddy until I heard about the deadline for the decision. It's already the weekend and the deadline is nearing. With what is happening with Malayna I want to be there for her as much as possible. I have to make up my mind. I went out of the hall with only one thing in my mind. Be a friend to Malayna.

I went out for lunch and I saw Malayna so we went out for lunch. I invited her out and she agreed, I guess she's done with the paper works.

"So, you're done huh?" I asked

"Well, not really done completely but I only need the confirmation from Dr. Cuddy about the final list of doctors and nurses going

"About that—"

"What?"

"I think I'm going with you"

"What? Why?"

"Because----"

"Look. If you're concern about me going alone, please don't be. I'm going to be fine. I have been doing this a long time and---"

"But it's different now. You are sick Malayna and I don't want to waste time because what we have is limited"

"Greg. You can't do this just for me, you know I can't let you do that, right?"

"No. I am doing this for me. I am doing this so I'll have time with my best friend and also help people"

Her eyebrows went up as soon as I finished the latter excuse.

"Helping people out of just helping doesn't sound like you"

"Uhmm well, this is what staying near you made me."

We both laughed. Then she smiled and continued

"Well. If that's your choice then I'm not going to stop you. But how about Cuddy?"

Then I stayed silent

Cuddy

It was late in the afternoon. People are leaving and in a hurry since it's the weekend. But here I am still trying to finish papers. The only thing you can hear in my office is keyboard typing at a speedy rate. Then the door opened but I didn't bother to look up because I am too occupied with my work

"I'm going"

I didn't understand what that meant but the voice sounds very familiar. I look up and I saw his eyes. It was sad but firm.

"What?" I asked

"I volunteer as one of the doctors coming for Dr. Smith's project"

"Are you sure about that?"

My heart sank with every word he said. I thought about this but I didn't bother putting a serious hold on it since there was no puzzle or power involved very unlikely of him. But now he's standing here with finality in his eyes. He seemed very sure about his decision.

"Yes. I am volunteering for this project"

"But you won't have anything to solve there. No puzzle, no mystery"

"The fact there that there is a medical dilemma and there is no known cure for this disease, I think that's the biggest puzzle. I am also helping people get the---"

"Helping people? I don't buy that"

"Well, I am sorry to tell you that I am no longer the person you think I am. I've changed Cuddy"

"But people don't change, do they? That is the biggest motto you have in life"

"Apparently people can change sometimes we just chose not to for self-convenience and others"

He looks at me with intensity in his eyes. I am not sure what he meant by that but I felt that he meant it. Is he leaving because of the puzzle he said or is it because of Malayna? There was a long pause then I took a deep breath and try to establish my authority between us.

"You can't go. You will risk the lives of every patient whose going to come here expecting that Dr. House would solve their unknown problem. That is what being a good doctor is House. You told me when you got back that you wanted to be the best doctor in this hospital. Then stay to prove that"

I didn't know if I sold that lie well. I just don't want him to leave. I -----

"But you said it's voluntary. You can't control me if that's the case"

He interrupted me with his stern but confused voice. Damn, he really isn't buying this.

"Well, I can't let my hospital lose it's the best doctor just because he doesn't want to leave his dying best friend"

I immediately regretted everything I said. House looked at me with disbelief. He was as shocked as I am.

"I am sorry. I didn't mean to bring in Malayna. I just---"

"I quit."

After what he said, he left my office. I was stunned by what happened I never wanted that to happen. Now I don't know what to do.