Two Lines - Chapter 5 (December)
Le gasp! Chapter 5 has come! No, it's not a joke, either!
Title: Two Lines (5/9)
Author: bandbooktvworm
Rating: PG
Pairing: House/Cameron
Sub-Pairing: Wilson/OC
Summary: House and Cameron have been dating for nine months. They're moving in together. Now something happens that sends both of their lives off course.
Cameron woke up to a constant pressure on her bladder. The baby was starting to move around and she mostly went after Cameron’s insides. She looked over at the space next to her and found it empty. At least he had made his side up of the bed. She had made him stay to help her pull up the covers and make sure the bed was neat and tidy every morning. Smiling, she got out of bed and made her side of the bed as well. She walked over to make sure his side was even and noticed his bottle of Vicodin on the nightstand. She picked it up and looked at the date it was filled. Over a month ago, and it was still pretty full.
“Sorry, those aren’t safe for Baby,” House said behind her.
She turned around to face him. “This is an old bottle, yet it’s still full.”
“Yeah, so?”
“How many are you taking?”
“One…two…so?”
“A day? Are you not feeling as much pain as usual?”
“No. What’s the big deal?”
She kept on ignoring his questions and asked her own. “Are you happy?”
He shook his head quickly in a mocking fashion. “Wow, what a jump! First from my medication to my feelings.”
“Answer my question.”
“I will once you start answering mine.”
She rolled her eyes. “Greg, you must be seeing the connection I’m getting at.”
“Um…not really.”
“Endorphins.”
“What about them?”
“Well, when endorphins are released, people become happy. Endorphins also get rid of the feeling of pain.”
“Maybe I’m just healing.”
“All of a sudden after seven years?”
“You really feel I can get better, thanks,” House said sarcastically.
“I do, but it would be a gradual healing, and I don’t see you rarely using your cane. Do you feel you can use your leg without the help of your cane?”
“No.”
“Then you see why I’m leaning toward happiness?”
“Do I look happy to you? I’m a misanthropic bastard with a bum leg.”
Cameron frowned at him. “So, you’re not happy…at all?”
“I didn’t mean that I hate everything, I just…I’m not a happy person.”
“But what you’re saying is that you’re not even a little bit happy? Not with me or the baby or…anything?”
He sighed. “Fine, I’m a little happy. With…you…..and the baby,” he finished with a mutter.
Cameron grinned at him. “Good, you make me happy, too.”
“Is the mushiness over now?”
“Yes, it is.” Suddenly she scrunched her face and put her hand on her stomach.
“What? Did she kick again?”
“Yes. She likes attacking my bladder. Ooh…ok, so, conversation over?”
“I guess.”
“Good,” she said before she ran off to the bathroom.
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Cameron and House walked into the meeting room next to his office. They saw Foreman slowly sipping his coffee while Chase was chewing on his pencil, thinking of the word he needed for his crossword puzzle. “Good morning, boys; I’m so glad I pay you to sit around and look pretty. And may I say Chase, you deserve a raise, you’re just getting prettier by the day,” House snarked.
Foreman put his cup on the table. “We have a new patient.”
“Excellent. Cameron.”
Cameron looked at him. “What? I don’t know what’s wrong with the patient yet.”
“No, I mean, it’s time for you to leave.”
“What?”
“We’ve been over this before. You’re not allowed near the diagnostic patients until after you pop.”
She stared at him with her mouth open. “You’re kidding, right?”
“Do I look like I’m kidding?”
She glared at him before reluctantly leaving the room and heading for the clinic.
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Cameron walked into Exam Room 1 and looked at her first patient. The man, who was in his mid-forties, looked at her and grimaced. “Hello Mr. Treese, my name is Dr. Cameron. What seems to be the trouble today?” She sat down in a stool across from his table.
“Um…I’d like another doctor.”
“Mr. Treese, I may look young, but I assure you I am quite capable of helping you with your problem.”
“This is something that you can’t help me with.”
“If it’s a genital issue, and if you’re that uncomfortable, I can try to get someone else to take care of this, but I do know what I’m doing and I’ve seen many things already.”
“No, I just don’t want your help.”
Cameron slightly scowled. “I’m sorry, but that’s not a good enough reason for me to call in another doctor.”
“Look, I-“ He was cut off by a knock on the door and, before an answer, it was opened and House stepped through.
“Hello, thought you might need a consult,” he said simply.
“No, thank you,” she said to him.
“No, I want him to stay. You go.”
“Mr. Treese, I am the doctor that is on duty here at the clinic. Dr. House is just being a pest.”
“I don’t care. I only want a guy to help me.”
“Wait a minute, you don’t get to choose who treats you,” House said. “This is our clinic. You’re the person who wanted treatment. If you want it, talk to Cameron. No one else is going to help you.”
The man stood up. “Fine. I’ll go somewhere else, then.”
House moved to block the door. “No you won’t. You’re going to sit down and tell this nice, young doctor here your problem. If it’ll make you safer I’ll stay right here to make sure she doesn’t hurt you.”
“House…” Cameron warned about his mocking tone.
The man sighed. “My chest hurts.”
They were both silent for a moment before House said, “That’s it? I thought it was going to be worse.”
“I just don’t trust women, is that a problem? Especially fat ones…”
Cameron opened her mouth but House beat her to the comeback. “Hey. Look, you sexist, blind, stupid pig. This woman is not fat, she’s pregnant. And you’re one to talk. Having fun standing in front of your fridge or do you just sit on your recliner all day drinking your beer, watching your sports, and telling your woman to fetch you some chips? Your chest hurts because you don’t exercise. When you move, it hurts because you’re not used to it. Get up and start losing some weight, and remember that we’re not in the 1800s anymore, we tend to give women some respect.”
The man became angry and stormed out of the room. House looked over at Cameron with a smug grin on his face. “Why did you do that?” she asked.
“He was being a stupid jerk. And stupid jerks need to be put in their place.”
“He’s going to complain.”
“Nah. Once he finds out the person who runs this place is a woman, he’ll run away with his tail between his legs. I meet those guys twice a month. It’s sickening, really.”
“Thanks.”
“No one insults my woman,” he said with a small smile.
“That’s very respectful.”
“I’m just Mr. Manners.”
“So, why did you come down here anyway?”
“I wanted to make sure you weren’t completely upset with me about me kicking you out.”
“A little, but I understand you want to protect us.”
“You’re fighting for two there, can’t keep up all the time,” he said as he slowly started pacing the room.
“Well, apology accepted.”
He stopped at looked at her. “I didn’t even say the words.”
“You don’t have to. Coming down here was enough.”
“You’re too easy.”
She smiled and suddenly said, “Greg, come here.”
“What?”
“Come here.”
He walked over to her and she grabbed his hand. She placed it on her stomach and after a few quick seconds he felt a thump come from the other side. “Did you feel that?” she asked.
“Was that the kid?” She nodded with a huge grin. “It’s about time she made her presence known. I was just about to think that you were making it all up.” He left his hand there a little longer then said, “She’s got a good kick, I think we can rely on her being a soccer player.”
“Or a kick boxer.”
“Are you kidding? If a child of mine can kick, that kid’s going into something way more dangerous. Soccer is definitely the way to go.”
She smiled at him. “Soccer isn’t that violent.”
“I’m sorry; have you ever seen girls play?”
Cameron rolled her eyes. “I hope she does this next week.”
House groaned. “Don’t remind me. Do my parents really have to come?”
“Yes. They still want to meet mine. And I haven’t seen all of my brothers together in years.”
“The house will be too crowded.”
“I know my family is single-handedly responsible for overpopulating the planet, but it’s fun to have such a big family.”
“Yeah, ‘cause then you don’t get noticed as much. You screw up as an only child and you’re the one that makes Mom cry.”
“Well, then we won’t make our daughter an only child.”
“So you’re going to have a kid with another man? Make it Chase. The kid will be too beautiful. It’ll be like Brad and Angelina all over again.”
“You’re sick.”
“You’re right, that kid turned out ugly.”
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“Do I have to do this?” House whined as Cameron was wrapping presents for her family at the dining table.
“Yes, and you’re going to be nice. Even to your father.”
He sat down across from her. “You didn’t get him a gift, did you?”
“Yes, and it’s from you, too.”
He winced. “Allison, I’ve never gotten a gift for my father. Ever. Not even for his birthday. He’s going to know that it’s really from you.”
“Would you like me to add my name?”
“I’d like you to replace my name with yours.”
She sighed and finally looked up at him. “Your father’s going to be around once the baby’s born, you know that.”
“Not as much as you think he is. He’ll start scrutinizing how we’re raising the kid, how unsafe this house is for a baby, et cetera. You’ll start to get annoyed with his caustic attitude fairly quick.”
“That’s not true. I’m still with you,” Cameron said with a small smile.
“Nice.”
She looked at how his arm was hiding behind his back and commented. “What are you doing?”
“Hiding your gift,” he said as he pulled a fairly large box out behind him.
“Sunday’s Christmas, not tonight.”
“I know, but I really don’t want to see the fam staring at me when I give this to you. They may become sickening.”
Cameron just smiled and accepted the box from him. She peeled away the paper and pulled off the lid. Inside, she saw a plain white shirt with the phrase “Baby in the House” written across it. She looked up at him. “Is my uterus a house for the baby?”
“No, well, yes, but I mean, you’re a House, well, close enough.”
She smiled. “So the phrase has a double meaning.”
“And is really the only thing I could think of for a shirt.” He looked at her. “It’s lame.”
“No, it’s sweet.”
“It’s not even funny.”
“Yes it is.”
“Did you laugh?”
“Well, no, but I did smile.”
“There you go. It’s lame,” House said while crossing his arms.
Cameron rolled her eyes and pulled the shirt out. “It’s great, and I’m going to put it on right now.”
“That’s even lamer.” She smirked at him and then noticed a black velvet box that was underneath the tee shirt. She looked up at him with a questioning gaze. “Or it could have been the distraction to the real gift,” he said as he looked at her.
She smiled at him and slowly opened the jewelry box. Inside was a three stone diamond pendant necklace on a silver chain. It came with matching earrings as well. “Greg, this is beautiful.”
“Yeah, Wilson really knows how to pick ‘em.”
Cameron grinned. “Yep, I guess that’s why I’m leaving you for him.”
He scowled. “Not funny.”
She stood up and made her way over to him. She leaned over House and lightly kissed him on the lips. “Now it’s time for your present.”
She walked as fast as possible and returned a few seconds later. It was a flat, thin box that was unwrapped. “Sorry I didn’t have time to wrap it. I just got it.”
“I love how you waited until the last minute to get me a tie.” She rolled her eyes and sat next to him while handing him the gift. “It’s ok, I need a new one.”
He opened the box and removed the tissue paper that covered it. He pulled out the thin pieces of cardboard. “Two tickets…to the Rolling Stones?”
“Look at the seats.”
“Third row…center floor.” He quickly looked at her. “Allison…”
“Don’t worry; the seats are on the end of the aisle so you don’t have to worry about your leg. Just your ears.”
“This is too much.”
“It’s ok; I have a friend who got these tickets for me. He owed me.”
“What did you do, save his life?”
“Actually, yes. Knowing the Heimlich maneuver does come in handy.” She saw his still doubtful expression. “Greg, this is my Christmas gift for you. You have to take it.”
“Oh, I’m taking it, but the concert is in February.”
“So?”
“There are two tickets, and you’ll be seven months by then.”
“I know. I won’t be going. You can take Wilson.”
“They why did you get two?”
“Because I wasn’t planning on being pregnant when I talked to Steve about them. I only picked them up today, though.”
“Gotcha. So…you want me to take Wilson to go see one of the greatest bands ever?”
“Yes, and get me a shirt, you know how I adore Mick.”
“Really. I always pictured you as a Keith-type.”
She grinned at him. “Just make sure you have fun there.”
“You’re too good for me, do you know that?”
“Yes, but you make me happy.”
“Can’t argue with that logic.”
She leaned over and kissed him lightly. “Thank you for the gifts.”
“Thank you for the life-changing opportunity.”
She grinned as she came in closer again. “You’re welcome.”
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The next morning, House sat in his office staring off into space and ignoring Foreman and Chase. Cameron had stayed home to get the house ready for their incoming guests, and the only thing he could do was go to work. He saw the door open out of the corner of his eye and saw Wilson sit down on the chair across from him.
“I don’t deserve her,” he said simply.
“I already know that. What’s different this time?” House silently tossed the tickets in front of Wilson. He picked them up and said, “Whoa! You really don’t deserve her!”
“Have you seen where the seats are at?”
“Holy crap! House! You have the greatest woman in the world!” He paused. “Does she have a sister?”
“No, all she has are brothers. Although one is gay, so it’d work out perfectly.”
“Thanks, but I’m still married.”
“Aren’t you also in a relationship with that doctor with the kid?”
“It’s not a relationship, per say. It’s a close friendship.”
“Have you nailed her, yet?”
“I’m sorry; did you just say ‘nailed’?”
“Maybe. I think you’re avoiding the question. Was she any good?”
“Is Cameron good?”
House was silent. “I see how it’s going to be. I thought we were best friends, Jimmy. Best friends tell.”
“I don’t kiss and tell.”
“Fine, but are you going to go to the concert with me?”
“Don’t you think it’s a little early to be taking me to such a huge concert? What would people think?”
“All right, this has passed a new line of creepy that even I can’t snark my way around,” House said as he got up with the help of his cane. “I should probably go, Allison’s parents should be arriving soon, and I want to make a good first impression.”
“I don’t think that’s going to happen even if you try.”
“Tell the children I ran home to Mommy,” House said as he exited his office.
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When House arrived, there was already a nice BMW Z3 parked on the side of the road in front of the house. He hoped it was one of Cameron’s brothers, and not her parents. He opened the door and when he made it to the living room, he saw two men sitting near Cameron laughing and talking. “Party started without me?” he said as his opening line. Cameron stood up and kissed him lightly on the lips.
“Greg, this is my brother, Ethan, and his partner, Jake. Ethan, Jake, this is Greg,” she said with a huge grin.
Ethan and Jake stood up and both shook House’s hand. When they all sat down House was staring at them. “How long have you two been here?”
“Um, only a few minutes,” Ethan said.
“Ok. You’re from New York?”
“Yeah. I have a studio there. Well, Jake and I do.”
“A studio?”
“Yeah, we’re both composers. I mostly write for piano, and Jake does almost every other instrument.”
“Greg plays piano, you know,” Cameron said.
“Really. Do you write at all?”
“No, I just play.”
“How’d you learn?”
“Lessons, and the occasional listening to music and teaching myself.”
“That’s cool,” Jake said with a nod.
They all fell silent again and suddenly the doorbell rang. Cameron stood up to answer it. “You’re not going to be doing that all night, are you?” House asked her.
“Probably, yes.”
He rolled his eyes and stood up. “Sit down, I’ll get it.”
She smiled and resumed her seat as he left the room. He opened the door and saw a man, a woman, a little toddler, and a baby in the woman’s arms. He stared at them without a smile and said, “I bet you’re Frank,” House said as he let them in.
Frank smiled. “Right you are. This is my wife, Trish.”
“Greg,” he said quickly shaking their hands.
He felt a tug at his pant leg and looked down to see a little boy of about two looking up at him with a shy smile. “I’m Gary.” Except it sounded more like Gay-we because the little boy didn’t have a grasp for his ‘r’s yet. He gave the kid a small, crooked smile and led the way into the living room so the siblings could have a reunion.
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All of Cameron’s brothers and their significant others had arrived; they were just waiting on Cameron and House’s parents to cram the already full house even more. Dinner was simmering on the stove, and they were all waiting for the elder guests to finally grace them with their presence. As they sat there with the small talk dwindling down, the doorbell finally rang. House leapt up as fast as his leg would allow, and rushed over to the door. Cameron was on his heels, just for support in case her parents answered the door. He opened it, and saw the two people he was not ready to see: Cameron’s parents. They looked only a few years older than him and very surprised to see a man close to their age standing next to their very large daughter. “Mom! Dad!” Cameron exclaimed pushing the door open wider to let them in. They cautiously entered and she hugged them both quickly. “I haven’t seen you both in so long.” They were still staring at House. “Um, Mom, Dad, this is my fiancé, Greg. Greg, these are my parents, Gary and Naomi.”
They awkwardly shook his hand and they still stared at him. “Um…how old are you?” Naomi asked.
House slightly frowned. “I’m going to be 48 next month.”
“How nice, I was starting kindergarten when you were born.”
“Mom, it’s not important how old he is,” Cameron said.
Her mother turned to look at her. “Allison. Why on earth did you never tell us you were going to have a baby?”
“I wanted you to meet Greg before you found out I was pregnant.”
“Honey, you’re getting so big! How far along are you now?”
“Five and a half months. Mom, I’m having a girl,” Cameron said with a smile. Naomi grinned and hugged her daughter.
Gary was still sizing up House and he finally said, “You take good care of her?”
House was slightly surprised that he had spoke. “Well, she can take care of herself, but everything she doesn’t have I got covered.”
Gary nodded. “You love her?”
“If I didn’t, I probably wouldn’t have asked her to marry me.” Gary stared at him. “I don’t give straight answers, just so you know.”
The older man nodded again. “So, you’re a good man?”
“I don’t know what you mean by ‘good,’ but I you daughter seems to be grinning.”
Gary stared at House before he smiled. “All right, then.” House took this as his way of accepting him.
Naomi looked at House again and sized him up. “Why do you use a cane?”
“Well, you know, when you get older, your bones get weaker…” Naomi scowled at him. He rolled his eyes and started again, “I’m missing about half my thigh muscle in my right leg.”
“How is that possible?”
“Easy. You have horrible pains in your leg and your doctors don’t figure it out what it is until you suggest it’s a clot three days after the fact. Now, when the blood flow stops going to one area, that muscle dies, so, I had them remove the clot, not my leg, and later they took out all of the dead muscle.”
Naomi’s mouth was wide open. “My goodness, that’s horrible.”
“Yeah; luckily I got tenure for it.”
Cameron rolled her eyes as her mother raised an eyebrow. “Say, don’t we have some other offspring sitting in that room over there?” Gary suddenly said.
He and his wife led the way into the living room as Cameron and House stayed behind. “Greg, why can’t you just be nice to my mother? She doesn’t like you cracking all those jokes.”
“Are you kidding? I am being nice! I haven’t said anything rude to her, yet.”
“Yeah, that’s what scares me-the yet part.”
House gave her a half-smile before heading into the living room.
Gary and Naomi had said their hellos to everyone except Ethan and Jake, who wouldn’t stand up. Jake looked as though he did seem eager to greet the newcomers, yet he was waiting for Ethan’s reaction toward them. Gary looked over at them. “Hey, boys, why don’t you come over here and say hello? We haven’t seen you in ages.”
“We’re not boys,” Ethan said.
Gary frowned and walked up to them. “Look, son, I’m sorry for what happened when you told us about everything. Can’t we make amends and spend some time all together?”
Jake stood up and Ethan looked at him with a shocked expression. “I’d like that,” he said while sticking out his hand to shake Gary’s.
The older man shook his head and wrapped his arms around the younger man. “We’re all family here.” They stepped away from each other’s embrace a moment later and he said, “Want to help me bring in the gifts?”
“We were supposed to bring gifts?” Chris asked. Everyone looked at him. “Just kidding, guys.”
Gary and his sons all headed out to their cars to retrieve the presents. “You know, I might like this Christmas thing after all,” House said as they waited for everyone to come back inside. Cameron smiled at him.
“Hello my little Naomi,” they heard Naomi say in a baby-like voice.
“Oh, sure, she likes the kid,” House said under his breath.
Cameron glared at him. The men returned with bundles of gifts under their arms. “There now. It’s a holiday!” Cameron’s father said. After all the gifts were put under the tree (that Cameron made House get) they all sat down.
“So, where are your parents, Greg?” Naomi asked.
House shrugged. “I don’t know. Maybe my father decided he didn’t want to come.” The doorbell rang. House winced. “Spoke too soon.”
Cameron stood up and answered the door. She was greeted by his smiling mother and scowling father. “There are a lot of cars outside,” was the first thing he said.
“It’s great to see you, too, John,” Cameron said as they removed their coats.
“How’s my little granddaughter?” Blythe asked.
She smiled. “Kicking and squirming around.”
“Just as she should be.”
Cameron led them into the living room and introduced everyone. “Two ‘Gary and Naomi’s? That’s confusing,” John commented.
“Dad, I don’t think the little ones will be talking,” House said.
“You never know, Greg, they could be old enough to talk.”
“Yes, the three-month-old baby can really tell you how life’s been going.”
Cameron broke up the upcoming battle. “Ok! Let’s get dinner on the table. Mom, Blythe, would you help me, please?” The women left the room and got everything settled. Everyone sitting in the living room sat in silence.
Soon, they were all led to the dining room where they each dug into their meals and talked lightly over the beautiful house and complimenting Cameron on her great cooking skills. Of course, the moment was ruined when House said, “It’s my recipe.” Other than that, they enjoyed their dinner and figured out where to sleep after the meal.
Chapter 6
Title: Two Lines (5/9)
Author: bandbooktvworm
Rating: PG
Pairing: House/Cameron
Sub-Pairing: Wilson/OC
Summary: House and Cameron have been dating for nine months. They're moving in together. Now something happens that sends both of their lives off course.
Cameron woke up to a constant pressure on her bladder. The baby was starting to move around and she mostly went after Cameron’s insides. She looked over at the space next to her and found it empty. At least he had made his side up of the bed. She had made him stay to help her pull up the covers and make sure the bed was neat and tidy every morning. Smiling, she got out of bed and made her side of the bed as well. She walked over to make sure his side was even and noticed his bottle of Vicodin on the nightstand. She picked it up and looked at the date it was filled. Over a month ago, and it was still pretty full.
“Sorry, those aren’t safe for Baby,” House said behind her.
She turned around to face him. “This is an old bottle, yet it’s still full.”
“Yeah, so?”
“How many are you taking?”
“One…two…so?”
“A day? Are you not feeling as much pain as usual?”
“No. What’s the big deal?”
She kept on ignoring his questions and asked her own. “Are you happy?”
He shook his head quickly in a mocking fashion. “Wow, what a jump! First from my medication to my feelings.”
“Answer my question.”
“I will once you start answering mine.”
She rolled her eyes. “Greg, you must be seeing the connection I’m getting at.”
“Um…not really.”
“Endorphins.”
“What about them?”
“Well, when endorphins are released, people become happy. Endorphins also get rid of the feeling of pain.”
“Maybe I’m just healing.”
“All of a sudden after seven years?”
“You really feel I can get better, thanks,” House said sarcastically.
“I do, but it would be a gradual healing, and I don’t see you rarely using your cane. Do you feel you can use your leg without the help of your cane?”
“No.”
“Then you see why I’m leaning toward happiness?”
“Do I look happy to you? I’m a misanthropic bastard with a bum leg.”
Cameron frowned at him. “So, you’re not happy…at all?”
“I didn’t mean that I hate everything, I just…I’m not a happy person.”
“But what you’re saying is that you’re not even a little bit happy? Not with me or the baby or…anything?”
He sighed. “Fine, I’m a little happy. With…you…..and the baby,” he finished with a mutter.
Cameron grinned at him. “Good, you make me happy, too.”
“Is the mushiness over now?”
“Yes, it is.” Suddenly she scrunched her face and put her hand on her stomach.
“What? Did she kick again?”
“Yes. She likes attacking my bladder. Ooh…ok, so, conversation over?”
“I guess.”
“Good,” she said before she ran off to the bathroom.
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Cameron and House walked into the meeting room next to his office. They saw Foreman slowly sipping his coffee while Chase was chewing on his pencil, thinking of the word he needed for his crossword puzzle. “Good morning, boys; I’m so glad I pay you to sit around and look pretty. And may I say Chase, you deserve a raise, you’re just getting prettier by the day,” House snarked.
Foreman put his cup on the table. “We have a new patient.”
“Excellent. Cameron.”
Cameron looked at him. “What? I don’t know what’s wrong with the patient yet.”
“No, I mean, it’s time for you to leave.”
“What?”
“We’ve been over this before. You’re not allowed near the diagnostic patients until after you pop.”
She stared at him with her mouth open. “You’re kidding, right?”
“Do I look like I’m kidding?”
She glared at him before reluctantly leaving the room and heading for the clinic.
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Cameron walked into Exam Room 1 and looked at her first patient. The man, who was in his mid-forties, looked at her and grimaced. “Hello Mr. Treese, my name is Dr. Cameron. What seems to be the trouble today?” She sat down in a stool across from his table.
“Um…I’d like another doctor.”
“Mr. Treese, I may look young, but I assure you I am quite capable of helping you with your problem.”
“This is something that you can’t help me with.”
“If it’s a genital issue, and if you’re that uncomfortable, I can try to get someone else to take care of this, but I do know what I’m doing and I’ve seen many things already.”
“No, I just don’t want your help.”
Cameron slightly scowled. “I’m sorry, but that’s not a good enough reason for me to call in another doctor.”
“Look, I-“ He was cut off by a knock on the door and, before an answer, it was opened and House stepped through.
“Hello, thought you might need a consult,” he said simply.
“No, thank you,” she said to him.
“No, I want him to stay. You go.”
“Mr. Treese, I am the doctor that is on duty here at the clinic. Dr. House is just being a pest.”
“I don’t care. I only want a guy to help me.”
“Wait a minute, you don’t get to choose who treats you,” House said. “This is our clinic. You’re the person who wanted treatment. If you want it, talk to Cameron. No one else is going to help you.”
The man stood up. “Fine. I’ll go somewhere else, then.”
House moved to block the door. “No you won’t. You’re going to sit down and tell this nice, young doctor here your problem. If it’ll make you safer I’ll stay right here to make sure she doesn’t hurt you.”
“House…” Cameron warned about his mocking tone.
The man sighed. “My chest hurts.”
They were both silent for a moment before House said, “That’s it? I thought it was going to be worse.”
“I just don’t trust women, is that a problem? Especially fat ones…”
Cameron opened her mouth but House beat her to the comeback. “Hey. Look, you sexist, blind, stupid pig. This woman is not fat, she’s pregnant. And you’re one to talk. Having fun standing in front of your fridge or do you just sit on your recliner all day drinking your beer, watching your sports, and telling your woman to fetch you some chips? Your chest hurts because you don’t exercise. When you move, it hurts because you’re not used to it. Get up and start losing some weight, and remember that we’re not in the 1800s anymore, we tend to give women some respect.”
The man became angry and stormed out of the room. House looked over at Cameron with a smug grin on his face. “Why did you do that?” she asked.
“He was being a stupid jerk. And stupid jerks need to be put in their place.”
“He’s going to complain.”
“Nah. Once he finds out the person who runs this place is a woman, he’ll run away with his tail between his legs. I meet those guys twice a month. It’s sickening, really.”
“Thanks.”
“No one insults my woman,” he said with a small smile.
“That’s very respectful.”
“I’m just Mr. Manners.”
“So, why did you come down here anyway?”
“I wanted to make sure you weren’t completely upset with me about me kicking you out.”
“A little, but I understand you want to protect us.”
“You’re fighting for two there, can’t keep up all the time,” he said as he slowly started pacing the room.
“Well, apology accepted.”
He stopped at looked at her. “I didn’t even say the words.”
“You don’t have to. Coming down here was enough.”
“You’re too easy.”
She smiled and suddenly said, “Greg, come here.”
“What?”
“Come here.”
He walked over to her and she grabbed his hand. She placed it on her stomach and after a few quick seconds he felt a thump come from the other side. “Did you feel that?” she asked.
“Was that the kid?” She nodded with a huge grin. “It’s about time she made her presence known. I was just about to think that you were making it all up.” He left his hand there a little longer then said, “She’s got a good kick, I think we can rely on her being a soccer player.”
“Or a kick boxer.”
“Are you kidding? If a child of mine can kick, that kid’s going into something way more dangerous. Soccer is definitely the way to go.”
She smiled at him. “Soccer isn’t that violent.”
“I’m sorry; have you ever seen girls play?”
Cameron rolled her eyes. “I hope she does this next week.”
House groaned. “Don’t remind me. Do my parents really have to come?”
“Yes. They still want to meet mine. And I haven’t seen all of my brothers together in years.”
“The house will be too crowded.”
“I know my family is single-handedly responsible for overpopulating the planet, but it’s fun to have such a big family.”
“Yeah, ‘cause then you don’t get noticed as much. You screw up as an only child and you’re the one that makes Mom cry.”
“Well, then we won’t make our daughter an only child.”
“So you’re going to have a kid with another man? Make it Chase. The kid will be too beautiful. It’ll be like Brad and Angelina all over again.”
“You’re sick.”
“You’re right, that kid turned out ugly.”
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“Do I have to do this?” House whined as Cameron was wrapping presents for her family at the dining table.
“Yes, and you’re going to be nice. Even to your father.”
He sat down across from her. “You didn’t get him a gift, did you?”
“Yes, and it’s from you, too.”
He winced. “Allison, I’ve never gotten a gift for my father. Ever. Not even for his birthday. He’s going to know that it’s really from you.”
“Would you like me to add my name?”
“I’d like you to replace my name with yours.”
She sighed and finally looked up at him. “Your father’s going to be around once the baby’s born, you know that.”
“Not as much as you think he is. He’ll start scrutinizing how we’re raising the kid, how unsafe this house is for a baby, et cetera. You’ll start to get annoyed with his caustic attitude fairly quick.”
“That’s not true. I’m still with you,” Cameron said with a small smile.
“Nice.”
She looked at how his arm was hiding behind his back and commented. “What are you doing?”
“Hiding your gift,” he said as he pulled a fairly large box out behind him.
“Sunday’s Christmas, not tonight.”
“I know, but I really don’t want to see the fam staring at me when I give this to you. They may become sickening.”
Cameron just smiled and accepted the box from him. She peeled away the paper and pulled off the lid. Inside, she saw a plain white shirt with the phrase “Baby in the House” written across it. She looked up at him. “Is my uterus a house for the baby?”
“No, well, yes, but I mean, you’re a House, well, close enough.”
She smiled. “So the phrase has a double meaning.”
“And is really the only thing I could think of for a shirt.” He looked at her. “It’s lame.”
“No, it’s sweet.”
“It’s not even funny.”
“Yes it is.”
“Did you laugh?”
“Well, no, but I did smile.”
“There you go. It’s lame,” House said while crossing his arms.
Cameron rolled her eyes and pulled the shirt out. “It’s great, and I’m going to put it on right now.”
“That’s even lamer.” She smirked at him and then noticed a black velvet box that was underneath the tee shirt. She looked up at him with a questioning gaze. “Or it could have been the distraction to the real gift,” he said as he looked at her.
She smiled at him and slowly opened the jewelry box. Inside was a three stone diamond pendant necklace on a silver chain. It came with matching earrings as well. “Greg, this is beautiful.”
“Yeah, Wilson really knows how to pick ‘em.”
Cameron grinned. “Yep, I guess that’s why I’m leaving you for him.”
He scowled. “Not funny.”
She stood up and made her way over to him. She leaned over House and lightly kissed him on the lips. “Now it’s time for your present.”
She walked as fast as possible and returned a few seconds later. It was a flat, thin box that was unwrapped. “Sorry I didn’t have time to wrap it. I just got it.”
“I love how you waited until the last minute to get me a tie.” She rolled her eyes and sat next to him while handing him the gift. “It’s ok, I need a new one.”
He opened the box and removed the tissue paper that covered it. He pulled out the thin pieces of cardboard. “Two tickets…to the Rolling Stones?”
“Look at the seats.”
“Third row…center floor.” He quickly looked at her. “Allison…”
“Don’t worry; the seats are on the end of the aisle so you don’t have to worry about your leg. Just your ears.”
“This is too much.”
“It’s ok; I have a friend who got these tickets for me. He owed me.”
“What did you do, save his life?”
“Actually, yes. Knowing the Heimlich maneuver does come in handy.” She saw his still doubtful expression. “Greg, this is my Christmas gift for you. You have to take it.”
“Oh, I’m taking it, but the concert is in February.”
“So?”
“There are two tickets, and you’ll be seven months by then.”
“I know. I won’t be going. You can take Wilson.”
“They why did you get two?”
“Because I wasn’t planning on being pregnant when I talked to Steve about them. I only picked them up today, though.”
“Gotcha. So…you want me to take Wilson to go see one of the greatest bands ever?”
“Yes, and get me a shirt, you know how I adore Mick.”
“Really. I always pictured you as a Keith-type.”
She grinned at him. “Just make sure you have fun there.”
“You’re too good for me, do you know that?”
“Yes, but you make me happy.”
“Can’t argue with that logic.”
She leaned over and kissed him lightly. “Thank you for the gifts.”
“Thank you for the life-changing opportunity.”
She grinned as she came in closer again. “You’re welcome.”
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The next morning, House sat in his office staring off into space and ignoring Foreman and Chase. Cameron had stayed home to get the house ready for their incoming guests, and the only thing he could do was go to work. He saw the door open out of the corner of his eye and saw Wilson sit down on the chair across from him.
“I don’t deserve her,” he said simply.
“I already know that. What’s different this time?” House silently tossed the tickets in front of Wilson. He picked them up and said, “Whoa! You really don’t deserve her!”
“Have you seen where the seats are at?”
“Holy crap! House! You have the greatest woman in the world!” He paused. “Does she have a sister?”
“No, all she has are brothers. Although one is gay, so it’d work out perfectly.”
“Thanks, but I’m still married.”
“Aren’t you also in a relationship with that doctor with the kid?”
“It’s not a relationship, per say. It’s a close friendship.”
“Have you nailed her, yet?”
“I’m sorry; did you just say ‘nailed’?”
“Maybe. I think you’re avoiding the question. Was she any good?”
“Is Cameron good?”
House was silent. “I see how it’s going to be. I thought we were best friends, Jimmy. Best friends tell.”
“I don’t kiss and tell.”
“Fine, but are you going to go to the concert with me?”
“Don’t you think it’s a little early to be taking me to such a huge concert? What would people think?”
“All right, this has passed a new line of creepy that even I can’t snark my way around,” House said as he got up with the help of his cane. “I should probably go, Allison’s parents should be arriving soon, and I want to make a good first impression.”
“I don’t think that’s going to happen even if you try.”
“Tell the children I ran home to Mommy,” House said as he exited his office.
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When House arrived, there was already a nice BMW Z3 parked on the side of the road in front of the house. He hoped it was one of Cameron’s brothers, and not her parents. He opened the door and when he made it to the living room, he saw two men sitting near Cameron laughing and talking. “Party started without me?” he said as his opening line. Cameron stood up and kissed him lightly on the lips.
“Greg, this is my brother, Ethan, and his partner, Jake. Ethan, Jake, this is Greg,” she said with a huge grin.
Ethan and Jake stood up and both shook House’s hand. When they all sat down House was staring at them. “How long have you two been here?”
“Um, only a few minutes,” Ethan said.
“Ok. You’re from New York?”
“Yeah. I have a studio there. Well, Jake and I do.”
“A studio?”
“Yeah, we’re both composers. I mostly write for piano, and Jake does almost every other instrument.”
“Greg plays piano, you know,” Cameron said.
“Really. Do you write at all?”
“No, I just play.”
“How’d you learn?”
“Lessons, and the occasional listening to music and teaching myself.”
“That’s cool,” Jake said with a nod.
They all fell silent again and suddenly the doorbell rang. Cameron stood up to answer it. “You’re not going to be doing that all night, are you?” House asked her.
“Probably, yes.”
He rolled his eyes and stood up. “Sit down, I’ll get it.”
She smiled and resumed her seat as he left the room. He opened the door and saw a man, a woman, a little toddler, and a baby in the woman’s arms. He stared at them without a smile and said, “I bet you’re Frank,” House said as he let them in.
Frank smiled. “Right you are. This is my wife, Trish.”
“Greg,” he said quickly shaking their hands.
He felt a tug at his pant leg and looked down to see a little boy of about two looking up at him with a shy smile. “I’m Gary.” Except it sounded more like Gay-we because the little boy didn’t have a grasp for his ‘r’s yet. He gave the kid a small, crooked smile and led the way into the living room so the siblings could have a reunion.
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All of Cameron’s brothers and their significant others had arrived; they were just waiting on Cameron and House’s parents to cram the already full house even more. Dinner was simmering on the stove, and they were all waiting for the elder guests to finally grace them with their presence. As they sat there with the small talk dwindling down, the doorbell finally rang. House leapt up as fast as his leg would allow, and rushed over to the door. Cameron was on his heels, just for support in case her parents answered the door. He opened it, and saw the two people he was not ready to see: Cameron’s parents. They looked only a few years older than him and very surprised to see a man close to their age standing next to their very large daughter. “Mom! Dad!” Cameron exclaimed pushing the door open wider to let them in. They cautiously entered and she hugged them both quickly. “I haven’t seen you both in so long.” They were still staring at House. “Um, Mom, Dad, this is my fiancé, Greg. Greg, these are my parents, Gary and Naomi.”
They awkwardly shook his hand and they still stared at him. “Um…how old are you?” Naomi asked.
House slightly frowned. “I’m going to be 48 next month.”
“How nice, I was starting kindergarten when you were born.”
“Mom, it’s not important how old he is,” Cameron said.
Her mother turned to look at her. “Allison. Why on earth did you never tell us you were going to have a baby?”
“I wanted you to meet Greg before you found out I was pregnant.”
“Honey, you’re getting so big! How far along are you now?”
“Five and a half months. Mom, I’m having a girl,” Cameron said with a smile. Naomi grinned and hugged her daughter.
Gary was still sizing up House and he finally said, “You take good care of her?”
House was slightly surprised that he had spoke. “Well, she can take care of herself, but everything she doesn’t have I got covered.”
Gary nodded. “You love her?”
“If I didn’t, I probably wouldn’t have asked her to marry me.” Gary stared at him. “I don’t give straight answers, just so you know.”
The older man nodded again. “So, you’re a good man?”
“I don’t know what you mean by ‘good,’ but I you daughter seems to be grinning.”
Gary stared at House before he smiled. “All right, then.” House took this as his way of accepting him.
Naomi looked at House again and sized him up. “Why do you use a cane?”
“Well, you know, when you get older, your bones get weaker…” Naomi scowled at him. He rolled his eyes and started again, “I’m missing about half my thigh muscle in my right leg.”
“How is that possible?”
“Easy. You have horrible pains in your leg and your doctors don’t figure it out what it is until you suggest it’s a clot three days after the fact. Now, when the blood flow stops going to one area, that muscle dies, so, I had them remove the clot, not my leg, and later they took out all of the dead muscle.”
Naomi’s mouth was wide open. “My goodness, that’s horrible.”
“Yeah; luckily I got tenure for it.”
Cameron rolled her eyes as her mother raised an eyebrow. “Say, don’t we have some other offspring sitting in that room over there?” Gary suddenly said.
He and his wife led the way into the living room as Cameron and House stayed behind. “Greg, why can’t you just be nice to my mother? She doesn’t like you cracking all those jokes.”
“Are you kidding? I am being nice! I haven’t said anything rude to her, yet.”
“Yeah, that’s what scares me-the yet part.”
House gave her a half-smile before heading into the living room.
Gary and Naomi had said their hellos to everyone except Ethan and Jake, who wouldn’t stand up. Jake looked as though he did seem eager to greet the newcomers, yet he was waiting for Ethan’s reaction toward them. Gary looked over at them. “Hey, boys, why don’t you come over here and say hello? We haven’t seen you in ages.”
“We’re not boys,” Ethan said.
Gary frowned and walked up to them. “Look, son, I’m sorry for what happened when you told us about everything. Can’t we make amends and spend some time all together?”
Jake stood up and Ethan looked at him with a shocked expression. “I’d like that,” he said while sticking out his hand to shake Gary’s.
The older man shook his head and wrapped his arms around the younger man. “We’re all family here.” They stepped away from each other’s embrace a moment later and he said, “Want to help me bring in the gifts?”
“We were supposed to bring gifts?” Chris asked. Everyone looked at him. “Just kidding, guys.”
Gary and his sons all headed out to their cars to retrieve the presents. “You know, I might like this Christmas thing after all,” House said as they waited for everyone to come back inside. Cameron smiled at him.
“Hello my little Naomi,” they heard Naomi say in a baby-like voice.
“Oh, sure, she likes the kid,” House said under his breath.
Cameron glared at him. The men returned with bundles of gifts under their arms. “There now. It’s a holiday!” Cameron’s father said. After all the gifts were put under the tree (that Cameron made House get) they all sat down.
“So, where are your parents, Greg?” Naomi asked.
House shrugged. “I don’t know. Maybe my father decided he didn’t want to come.” The doorbell rang. House winced. “Spoke too soon.”
Cameron stood up and answered the door. She was greeted by his smiling mother and scowling father. “There are a lot of cars outside,” was the first thing he said.
“It’s great to see you, too, John,” Cameron said as they removed their coats.
“How’s my little granddaughter?” Blythe asked.
She smiled. “Kicking and squirming around.”
“Just as she should be.”
Cameron led them into the living room and introduced everyone. “Two ‘Gary and Naomi’s? That’s confusing,” John commented.
“Dad, I don’t think the little ones will be talking,” House said.
“You never know, Greg, they could be old enough to talk.”
“Yes, the three-month-old baby can really tell you how life’s been going.”
Cameron broke up the upcoming battle. “Ok! Let’s get dinner on the table. Mom, Blythe, would you help me, please?” The women left the room and got everything settled. Everyone sitting in the living room sat in silence.
Soon, they were all led to the dining room where they each dug into their meals and talked lightly over the beautiful house and complimenting Cameron on her great cooking skills. Of course, the moment was ruined when House said, “It’s my recipe.” Other than that, they enjoyed their dinner and figured out where to sleep after the meal.
Chapter 6