CHAPTER 2---------------------

For the Далее two weeks, House acted normally, like he didn’t know anything other than what everyone else knew. The only difference was that he was a bit еще subtle and quiet when joking. He was also tentative and quick to leave any time he was alone with her. Cuddy was just glad that she didn’t have to hide her rapidly expanding midsection any more. She got a few looks and stares the first few days, but they were also followed by congratulations.

The looks only lasted for about a week, and then everything seemed to go back to normal. The initial shock had worn off and people didn’t care so much now. She was starting to let the happiness in and the worry go, and she felt good. The день of fundraiser Cuddy was going over her schedule in her office, it was January 18th. It dawned her just then, today was her daughter's twenty first birthday. She had also realized she had scheduled an ultrasound for later today. It seemed strange that everything was happening today.

She wondered what the tiny girl had grown up to look like, how she was, what she was doing. She thought back to the image of the little розовый bundle in her arms. She wondered what color her eyes were, if they were еще icy blue или gray blue. She thought about the color of her hair when she was born. She had a small amount of medium reddish brown hair then, did it get darker или stay lighter as she got older?

After a few minutes, she snapped herself out of it and got back to work. She had her appointment at five fifteen, so she left her office and headed up to OB. She could see the people already starting to set up for the night.

After the appointment she was in shock, it was a good shock, but still. She left the OB floor and got into the elevator. Her head was reeling with thoughts as she reached for the buttons. The doors closed and she just held the picture and stared at it as the car went down. When the doors opened, she looked up, thinking someone was getting on. She realized after a few секунды that she must have hit House’s floor by accident.

She wonder if she should go by his office and tell him. She wondered if he was even there still and then figured either way. She walked up to his office and saw him sitting at his desk, tossing his ball in the air. The light was dim and only his small стол письменный, стол lamp was on. She knocked on the glass and stepped in as House caught the ball and looked at the door.

“Hey, sup?” he asked, going back to throwing his ball.

After a few секунды of Cuddy just standing there, not knowing what to say, House stopped and looked at her. His face was slightly concerned as he looked at her.

“Cuddy, everything alright?” he asked.

“Um…I…” was all she could say.

She was suddenly feeling a little light headed, the realization sinking in. She put a hand to her head and tried to take deep breaths. Before she knew what was happening, there was a strong hand on her arm.

“Cuddy, are Ты okay?” asked House, real concern in his voice.

“Yeah, just a little dizzy.” she said, as House helped her into the sofa chair.

As she leaned back she saw House pulling his стол письменный, стол chair over to her and sitting down.

After a moment of looking at each other House asked, “What?”

“Nothing.” сказал(-а) Cuddy.

“Good, put your feet up.” he said, taking her wrist and looking at his watch.

After a moment he let go of her arm and leaned on the back of the chair, looking at her.

“So, wassup?” he asked.

“I had an ultrasound and blood work today.” сказал(-а) Cuddy.

“Oh, um, all good?” asked House.

“I’m a little anemic, but just barely. The reason for the anemia is because it’s twins.” сказал(-а) Cuddy.

House didn’t say anything, he just rubbed a hand over his beard for a moment. Cuddy could swear she saw a hint of a smile before though.

“Well, that explains the extra жопа, попка Ты put on then.” he сказал(-а) finally, looking serious.

“Shut up!” сказал(-а) Cuddy, slapping his arm.

“Sorry, I just couldn’t resist.” House said, finally laughing.

Cuddy just stared at him, shocked for a moment. Had House just actually apologized to her and meant it?

She quickly wiped the look off her face, hoping he hadn’t had time to clearly recognize it. He clearly hadn’t because he was smiled a bit longer and then became serious again.

“Let me see.” he said, holding out his hand.

“What?” asked Cuddy.

“The photo, gotta make sure they don’t have two heads или three legs.” сказал(-а) House.

“House!” сказал(-а) Cuddy, handing him the picture from her куртка pocket.

“Cuddy!” he said, mocking her tone as he looked at the black and white photo.

She watched his face wile he examined the picture. He was discerning and studied the фото thoroughly for a few minutes. Then his faced softened, only for a few seconds, before going back to the analytical House. He handed the фото back to Cuddy and took a deep breath before speaking.

“Feeling better?” he asked.

“Yes, good as new. I had better get going.” she said, standing up slowly.

She walked over to the door and opened it a crack as House rolled his chair back to his desk. “House, thank you, that was nice.” she said.

“Yeah, see Ты later.” he said, with ever the slightest smile.

Cuddy paused a moment and then left, the door closing softly behind her. That was an oddly, yet pleasantly strange encounter with House. He hadn’t even сказал(-а) anything sarcastic when she сказал(-а) it was nice. As Cuddy was leaving, she decided to check in on the set up.

Everything was going up nicely when she heard a loud voice, not quite yelling.

“Did Ты just not get the opposable thumb gene during evolution или something? You’re barely better than a monkey, and I’m almost positive that you’re a step down from a trained monkey!” she said.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t…” сказал(-а) the guy who was sitting on the Пианино bench.

“No, Ты didn’t, did you!” сказал(-а) the woman bent over the Пианино and looking in it.

After a минута of silence the lady took a few deep breaths and stood up. She was wearing tattered jeans and an old t-shirt. All Cuddy could see was her back, and from what she saw, she prayed that she hadn‘t made a mistake in letting House procure the music. When she turned to the side, Cuddy caught a glimpse of her face which was partially obscured by messy tendrils of hair falling into her eyes. She could tell from here that she also had Татуировки on her wrists and again, Cuddy prayed for a miracle.

“No, I’m sorry, you’re doing just fine. It’s just a bad день for me. Keep going, you’re doing well.” she said, bending back into the piano.

“If that’s our musician, I see why House gets along with her.” сказал(-а) Cuddy, turning and leaving the hospital.

She took a quick душ and got ready for the event, putting on a full length black and white dress. She also decided to wear heals, since she probably wouldn’t be able to for much longer. Besides, she was going to be spending most of her time sitting down tonight anyway.

Cuddy got back to the hospital at about seven thirty. The event didn’t start until eight, so she had some time to make sure everything was running smoothly before people started to arrive. After going over the Список with the planners Cuddy had about ten минуты before the doors opened. That’s when House walked in from the hallway.

“Wow, Ты look, uh…good.” he said, walking up to her.

“Well, I’m glad I made it all the way to the step above eh.” сказал(-а) Cuddy, sarcastically.

“No no no, Ты miss understand. There are three levels above eh, ok, alright, and pretty good.” сказал(-а) House.

“Oh, well in that case.” сказал(-а) Cuddy, dryly.

“Really, Ты look…stunning.” сказал(-а) House, a little softly and looking around.

“Thank you.” сказал(-а) Cuddy, not knowing how to respond to a compliment like that from House.


CHAPTER 3------------------------------------

Eight o’clock rolled around quickly and things started to take off. Once all of the guests were accounted for, the speeches for the night started. By the time all of the important things that needed saying had been сказал(-а) it was almost nine.

Finally, at exactly nine, the MC came out and announced Megan and the band. Both House and Cuddy were up front, waiting to see Megan, even if it was for different reasons.

“House, I caught a glimpse of your musician earlier. I hope she cleans up well.” сказал(-а) Cuddy.

“Cuddy, let the dime drop and relax, she’s good.” сказал(-а) House.

Cuddy just looked at House with an agitated and almost surprised look for a moment before saying, “Well she had better look good too.”

As people clapped for her Megan made her way out onto the stage.

She was wearing a deep blue dress that came to just above her ankle. The back was a plunging v and the front was a low cut, gathered, swoop. She was probably just a bit taller than five ten in her heels, and built like some kind of supermodel или Greek goddess. Her skin looked creamy, like молоко или a фарфор doll, except for the slight freckles that ran across her nose and cheeks. Her face looked like something Ты might find on a painting of an Энджел and her lips were full and red. Her hair was a dark brown with a flash of red when the light hit it. It fell in soft wavy curls down her shoulders to just above the middle of her back.

Still, the most brilliant sight were her eyes. They were an extremely vibrant and icy blue, surrounded by long dark lashed that accentuated their color. (Come on, this is fiction after all. She had to be hot!)

“Whoa.” сказал(-а) House, looking at her standing there.

“Holy crap!” сказал(-а) Cuddy.

“Yeah, that too.” сказал(-а) House.

“Ok, she looks good.” сказал(-а) Cuddy.

“I’m glad we agree. Now let’s go sit down, get out of the people’s way.” сказал(-а) House.

The first час of Музыка was a mixture of upbeat jazz and some slow oldies. The band took a quick fifteen минута break and then came back with some еще modern numbers. Everyone was enjoying themselves and having a good time.

Finally at about eleven Megan announced that she was going to be Пение her last song, one she wrote herself. She informed everyone that the band would be staying on though. The man that had been at the Пианино all night got up as Megan walked over. She sat down on the bench, got situated, and then started playing a slow and sad melody. Then she began to sing and people started to quiet and listen.

“Middle of nowhere, finally Ты can breathe. Nobody knows your name, it’s easier. Shut your eyes tightly, clench your fists till they almost bleed. Cautiously lightly, gently expose what’s underneath. And all Ты feel now, is the scarlet in the day. Even if it’s real, Ты can’t stay. So, there Ты go, you’re gone for good. There, Ты go, you’re gone for good. Your mind is swollen, from months of thought, without release. They’ve taken their toll on you. And this very moment, of timid and fragile honesty. It’s precious and rare and fleeting. And all Ты feel now, is the scarlet in the day. And even if it’s real, Ты can’t stay. So, there, Ты go, you’re gone for good. There, Ты go, you’re gone for good. There Ты go, you’re gone for good. There Ты go, you’re gone for good.” she sang.

When she had finished everyone was silent, almost entranced by her. After a few секунды people started clapping and a few whistles went out, House of course starting it. Megan thanked everyone and let them know that the band would be back on in thirty minutes. Then she walked off the stage and left the party for a while. She finally came back to the party when the band started up again. She made her way over to the bar and sat down.

When House saw her sitting there he started making his way over to her. He was met halfway by Cuddy who joined him.

“So, are Ты going to introduce me to this Megan James?” asked Cuddy.

“I don't know, are Ты going to embarrass me?” asked House, feigning shyness.

They walked up to the bar and found Megan with her head resting in her hand.

“Megan?” asked House.

She looked up at him and smiled, “What's up doc?” she asked.

“You good?” he asked.

“Just swell.” she said, with just a touch of sarcasm.

“Good, Megan, this is Dr. Lisa Cuddy.” сказал(-а) House.

“Megan, it’s nice to finally meet you.” сказал(-а) Cuddy, shaking her hand.

“So, what’s everyone having? It’s on me!” сказал(-а) Megan.

“It’s an open bar.” сказал(-а) Cuddy.

“Exactly.” сказал(-а) Megan.

House laughed at that and Cuddy just smiled, happy to see someone besides Wilson that House actually got along with. Strangely, Megan just weakly smiled at her own joke.

The bar tender came over and they placed their drinks. бурбон for House, сельтерская вода, seltzer, сельтерской for Cuddy, and Megan ordered a double of whisky. They found an open таблица near the bar and went to sit and wait on their drinks.

“If everything is all good, what's with the www? You've never drank before.” сказал(-а) House.

"The what?" asked Cuddy.

“The wonderful world of whisky, and I’m fine, it’s just a headache. Today’s just not a good день for me, bad things always seem to happen.” сказал(-а) Megan, as the bar tender brought their drinks over.

“So what makes today so special?” asked House.

“My birthday, twenty first.” сказал(-а) Megan, taking her drink.

Cuddy’s сердце skipped a beat when Megan сказал(-а) that. For a second, just a second, she thought Megan might be Lily. However, the chances of that were nearly impossible. Even if Megan did have those icy blue eyes, and some of his mannerisms. It just couldn’t be, it wasn’t logical, and wouldn’t happen. So Cuddy put the thought right out of her head.

“Well then, happy birthday!” сказал(-а) House, raising his glass.

“Happy birthday.” сказал(-а) Cuddy, a little distracted.

“Yeah, happy frickin’ birthday to me.” she said, swallowing the whisky in two gulps.

She put the glass back on the таблица and swiped her hair to one side. Cuddy nearly chocked on her сельтерская вода, seltzer, сельтерской at what she saw and had to cover her mouth to stop from spitting it out.

“Cuddy, Ты alright?” asked House, placing a hand on her back.

It took her a минута to recover and try to slow her heart.

“Yeah.” she said, catching her breath.

She was, of course, lying, because she had seen the small mark that looked like a Lily on the back of Megan’s neck.

“Just went down the wrong way.” she said.

Things settled down and there was a lull in the party for a Cuddy and House were watching Megan. She looked pale and her head was her hand again, her other hand wrapped around her glass. Her brow was furrowed and the knuckles of the hand holding her glass were turning white. It looked like she was in a lot of pain.

“Megan, what the hell is going on?” asked House, getting annoyed at how stubborn she was being.

Before she could respond, the glass in her hand broke and blood trickled onto the таблица cloth.

“Jesus!” exclaimed House, jumping a little.

She quietly got up and grabbed a huge wad of the paper napkins off the bar. Then she made her way out of the party an into the hall outside. She was followed by House and Cuddy, and they all sat down on a bench together. Megan began to pull the glass out of her hand as they all sat there quietly. After a few минуты Cuddy brought out a pair of tweezers from her clutch.

“Let me.” she said, taking a napkin from Megan and using the tweezers to get the small pieces out.

“Megan, what the hell is going on?” asked House.

“I have a pretty good idea.” сказал(-а) Megan.

“Well, I can’t read minds.” сказал(-а) House.

“I have CVID, I get polyps in my sinuses. Every few years they have to take new growths out.” сказал(-а) Megan.

“That shouldn’t cause that amount of pain.” сказал(-а) House.

“It’s because of the multiple surgeries, thin bone, exposed nerves.” сказал(-а) Megan.

“When was the last time Ты had the surgery?” asked House.

“When I needed it last.” сказал(-а) Megan, with a biting tone and glaring at House.

“How many years?” asked House.

“Too many…” сказал(-а) Megan, suddenly grabbing a stack of the napkins.

Her hand flew to her head as she screamed in pain for a moment and then suddenly stopped.

“Megan, what happened?” asked House.

“Shit.” she said, throwing her well lined hand up to her nose as a rush of blood started pouring out.

“Shit.” сказал(-а) House, echoing Megan and jumping up.

Before he got two steps Megan went limp. She slumped вперед and fell to the side, ending up in Cuddy’s lap. Cuddy quickly took the napkins and put pressure on the nose bleed.

“Go, hurry.” сказал(-а) Cuddy.

As House left to get help Cuddy sat there holding her bleeding, very possible, daughter. This is not how she had imagined meeting her daughter. Actually, she had never really thought she would ever meet her, but this was not what she would have imagined. House came back with his team and a nurse with a gurney. They got Megan onto the gurney and wheeled her down the hall. Cuddy didn’t even realize it, but she was crying as she stood up and looked at House.

“Cuddy, she’s gonna be fine.” сказал(-а) House in a half annoyed tone.

“I know, it’s just…nothing.” she said.

House came closer to her, only a few inches away.

“You should go get cleaned up.” сказал(-а) House, a bit еще gently this time.

Cuddy just nodded, not able to look at him and walked away, heading for her office.