Chapter I: RSVP

Lisa Cuddy, Dean of medicine of Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital, wasn't surprise when the head of the Diagnostic Department came bugging her around 1:30 pm. If she was right, and with Gregory House she was rarely wrong, he most likely was coming to complain about clinic duty.

"What is it House? Complaining about your clinic hours?"

"Sorry to disappoint you, Oh mistress, but no I'm not here about those horrible hours of clinic duty."

He took an envelope out of his jacket and handed it to her.

"What's that?"

"An invitation, stupid!"

Cuddy sighed before adding. "I can see that it's an invitation, but for what? Are you throwing a pity party for yourself or is it an invitation to Wilson's fifth wedding?"

"A pity party? Come on Cuddy, you know me better than that!" He sounded almost hurt. "And as for Wilson, poor Julie is only his third wives. No this invitation is for a graduation… down at Ann Arbor."

"Already? But… it's only been…"

"It's been 6 years already and now…"

"But… she's… God she's what? 21?" She couldn't believe how fast time has passed.

House went to the couch and sat on it, putting his bad leg on the coffee table. He then answered her interrogation.

"She's turning 22 in September."

"I can't believe it! Emily is graduating from Med School. Greg you must be so proud of her!"

"You bet I am! But don't tell her I told you."

The Dean of medicine sighed at her diagnostician last sentence.

"Come on, you're her dad, she sure know that you're proud of her. I mean, she graduate from high school at such a young age and now she's out of Med School…"

"Hearing you it's difficult to tell which one of us is her parent."

"So when it is? I will have to buy her something!" She made a pause, thinking of the perfect gift. "Do you think she would like to have her own med bag?"

The diagnostician got up before answering.

"She will like it, but not as much as my present!"

"And what did you buy your daughter this time? Another Vespa? A Harley Davidson?"

"No, cooler than that: A brand new Porsche!"

"Gregory House! If I didn't know you better I would think that you're trying to buy your daughter's love!"

"Well lucky you, you know me better to know that nothing is good enough for my princess."

He went to the door, but before leaving he turned around and told Cuddy.

"It's this week-end. Wilson already RSVP'S and he got us three plane tickets leaving tomorrow morning. Are your coming?"

The hospital administrator smiled, then told him.

"Sure. I wouldn't miss it for anything."

"Thanks… It would mean a lot to Emily…"

And as he closed the door he said.

"And to me."

TBC