Evaluation (House/Cameron) - Chapter 16
House got home still thinking about what Cuddy had said. He really had to do something and if that letter could help, he was up for it. The problem was what to say and how to say it, how to put in words what he had in his mind. He was tired, they had just solved a very tough case, he needed to focus and that’s why he headed straight to the shower. Under the spray, his mind was assaulting him with questions. They are not together anymore, when did that happen? Had they already split up when she came to my office? Do I really want to do this? What if she doesn’t feel what she used to feel about me? Am I that worthy? What if she is my last chance to happiness? The shower didn’t help him much. He put his pajama pants and a plain tee and headed to the kitchen to fix himself a drink. After a few sips of the amber liquid, House took a seat and started to play the piano. Maybe music could help him how to start, he played involuntary, why couldn’t I do the same with words? Maybe I should write her a song instead of a letter. How to start? I haven’t written a letter for… how long? When was the last time? Gosh, that’s what happens when Cameron takes care of my mail. Once again, back to her. Why I keep calling her Cameron, I just call her that way at work, she’s always been Allison, my Allison. Damn it, Elle! Why did I agree to do this? He took a deep breath and went to grab some paper and a pen.
Dear Allison… “That’s crap and something I’d never say” House thought as he took another piece of paper. “Allison, “ That’s better!” House thought and continued writing
The following day, House went to Elle’s office which was nearly in the darkness except for the desk lamp. Elle was seated in her desk giving him the back and was talking on the phone and crying.
“I know, but I couldn’t wait to tell you” Elle said and then she let go a nervous smile in between as she dried her tears. “Oh, God, what a day! I don’t know if I should tell her” House was listening at the conversation. “Yep, it’s better that we do that, you’re right. How’s Violet doing? Ok, I won’t take long. Don’t burn the house” Elle let go a little giggle “I love you, bye” And she hung the phone and took a deep breath. “Come in, Greg, I can see your reflection through the window”
“Are you okay?” House said concerned. “You’re… crying”
“PMS”
“Hey, I’m the master of avoiding questions, not you”
“You got it?”
“You know I’m a stubborn person and I won’t let this go” Elle looked at him deeply. “Yes, I’ve done my homework, ma’am” House said as he took an envelope out of his inside jacket pocket
“Very well” Elle said as she was about to take the letter.
“No, no, what’s going on?” House said and Elle took a deep sigh
“I’m having a bittersweet day, Greg. Lots of things have happened today, I wanted to call you this morning and tell you to postpone our session but I couldn’t fail you” Elle paused. “Violet’s grandmother has passed away early this morning and I’ve passed the whole day trying to explain a little girl that her nana has gone to Heaven and will never see her again but that she will look after her from there from now on”
“I’m so sorry, how’s V?”
“She’s ok, she’s still too little to understand all this. Will is with her now while her parents are taking care of the whole funeral arrangements” House nodded and gave her the letter.
“Thank you, Greg” Elle said as she put the letter in one desk’s drawers and locked it.
“What are you doing?” House asked
“I’m keeping your letter”
“You’re not going to read it?”
“No”
“Aren’t you curious?”
“I am but the purpose of the exercise is not fulfilling my curiosity but helping you, taking your load off or…making that load a good thing” House was puzzled. “Come to see me on Thursday, I’m not myself today. You’ll get the answers you want. Trust me, Greg, please. It’ll be worthy”
“Ok, I’ll come on Wednesday”
“Thank you” Elle smiled
After that, both House and Elle headed to the parking lot.
“You said you had a bittersweet day. I know the bitter, what about the sweet?” House said as they walked together
“I’m pregnant” Elle announced with a smile. “Just got my blood tests results”
“Congratulations!”
“And I feel so bad because I want to announce it with a great fanfare to my whole family and I can’t. I was crying of happiness and at the same time, I feel kinda guilty. I should be mourning now and not having this silly smile in my face all the time. Deep inside, Will and I knew it but we wanted to know for sure. We want to wait a bit before breaking the news. Cuddy doesn’t know yet, we haven’t told Violet either, so I’d really appreciate that…”
“That I keep my mouth shut, I know, I get it” House finished.
“You think you’ll be able to hold yourself?”
“You know way too much about me so that turns you into a dangerous person”
“I’m lethal”
“You are and more now that your hormones will get crazy”
“True” Elle said with a big smile
“So, I think that I should keep you happy because otherwise, I’m doomed” House said as they arrived in front of Elle’s car.
“Thank you, I really appreciate it”
“I’ll see you on Thursday” House said and Elle nodded.
“Um, Greg!” Elle yelled as House headed to where his bike was. “Here’s a puzzle for you so you cannot sleep again tonight”
“How do you know I didn’t sleep tonight?” House yelled back.
“You are not going to make me believe that you wrote that letter in 5 minutes” Elle said with a knowing smile
“Shoot!”
“I take you know the song “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” by the Stones, right?”
“Hell yeah!”
“Analyse the chorus…. It’s very interesting. Thanks for the letter again” Elle winked him and left