Chapter 1: Here Comes the Godfather

~ 1964~

A five year-old boy sat alone on a swing set. He had run away from home. The boy didn't know where he should go but somehow he had ended up in the park. He continued to slowly drag his feet so that the swing would move from side to side. Hours went by and the boy's stomach began to growl. He was tempted to go home but he knew once his father came back from overseas that his dad would beat him. He was his dad's favorite toy. Someone to torment and someone to constantly hit without fighting back. He was too scared. It was that very thought that kept him in the park even though he was hungry and very cold. He felt someone sit on the swing next to him and as he looked up he saw that it was his mother.

"I have been looking for you everywhere. Are you okay?" asked the woman.

"Yes."

"Are you coming home?"

"I don't know."

The woman stood up and for a minute the boy thought that his mother was about to leave him there but the woman draped a jacket over her son and slowly sat back right down.

"Greg, I know our family isn't perfect but…"

"But what Mom? I can't keep doing this. Dad keeps hitting me and I get the feeling that I've done something to him but I just don't know what. What could I have done to him except being born? Can you tell me mom? Or is that it; I was born and he didn't want me?"

The woman opened her mouth but quickly closed it once again. She knew she needed to think of an answer quickly but what? The boy didn't know what she had done to protect him. She didn't know that he was suffering from her mistakes. Her son was smart but she also wanted to protect him. He was only 5 years old for goodness sake.

"Greg, your father loves you. He may not be perfect but he does love you."

"I don't know Mom. I get the feeling he hates me or he's punishing me for something."

"He's not punishing you. Your father loves you. He drove me here to help me look for you."

"He's back? I thought he would still be with his marine buddies by now? You told him didn't you?"

The woman looked at her son and wondered if she should tell him the truth but at the last second decided not to.

"Yes, I called him and told him. He's your father. He loves you."

"He doesn't love me. He never treated me like his son. He treats my cousins better than he treats me. It's as if I'm not his s…"

It was then that Greg finally realized that his mom was talking about two different people: the man who drove her to the park and the man who Greg called his father. It was also then that the boy realized that the man he called his father was not his father but the other man was. Greg didn't know how to make sense of all of this. As thoughts kept entering his mind, his mom shook him to reality.

"Greg, are you okay?"

"Yes, Mom. I'm okay."

Greg knew that there was no proof to his theory and he had no choice but to go home. He couldn't stay in the park forever. He was cold and he was hungry.

"Greg, are you ready to come home now?" The boy hesitated for a few seconds and before he could reply his mother continued. "Everything will work out, Greg. I'll talk to you father."

"Okay Mom."

Mother and son stood up from the swings and Mrs. House draped her arm around her son. She kissed him on the forehead and they slowly walked back to the car.

As they neared the vehicle, a man was in the driver's seat. From what Greg could tell, the man was tall and had brown hair. His hair was average length for a man. He wore a black leather jacket that had red and orange coloring around the arms. Greg and his mom reached the car and Mrs. House carefully placed her son on the backseat. She placed a seat belt around him before closing the door. She then went over to the front passenger seat and sat down.

"Greg, I'd like you to meet Mr. James Davidson. He's a friend of the family. He was your dad's best friend when they were kids. He's your god-father."

The man turned around and held out his hand to shake Greg's. It was then that Greg knew that how he had received his middle name. Greg stared at an older version of himself.

It was also then that he realized why his dad constantly beat him. His father couldn't take revenge over his best friend and his wife so he did so with Greg. Again, for the second time that night his mom shook him out of his reverie.

"Greg, don't be rude and shake the man's hand."

Greg extended his hand and shook Mr. Davidson's. The man's hand was warm. It was not like his father's. He slowly drew his hand away and placed it on his lap.

"I didn't get to make dinner yet so we're going out to eat. Your father is meeting us at Ming's Chinese Cuisine."

Sweat and trepidation immediately came over the boy's forehead. His initial reaction was to run away and never come back but there was no turning back; the wheels had already begun to spin. The car came to a full stop and the boy saw that his father's car had already arrived and was parked by the restaurant.

The trio got out of the car and slowly walked over to the restaurant. Greg lagged behind as he saw his mother and Mr. Davidson enter. He stood there trying to make a decision of what to do. He turned around and looked up at the sky and prayed. He felt a tap on his shoulder but as he turned around to see who it was…

Mr. Davidson slowly turned Greg around.

"Are you alright son?"

"Yea. I guess."

"I know John can be a little high tempered but he's a good man. He's saved me numerous times."

"I know who you are. Don't worry. I'm not mad." Greg looked at Mr. Davidson and slowly walked inside the restaurant.

Mr. Davidson knew right then what the boy had said. Greg knew who he was. He walked inside the restaurant and sat down.

"Oh, there you are. We were just about to order." said Blythe House.

He gave Blythe a look. He hoped she understood what he meant but if she didn't he would have to find a proper time and place to talk to her. He hated that he kept lying to his best friend but he felt that if John knew the truth then it would hurt him more than anything since he had always thought he and John were like brothers. It was a betrayal John would never forgive him for. James had no living family. John was his family. James would do everything for John and he knew John would feel the same. He was shook by his reverie by Blythe.

"James, are you alright?" asked Blythe.

"Yes I am. I'm remembering the past."

"The good old days?"

"Yep. Those were the days."

"When are you set to leave?" asked John

"Tonight. I need to be in Chicago in two days."

"What's the new job this time?"

"Don't talk like that John. Do you remember Mike? Well, he knows someone who can sell us motorcycle parts for less. You know how much I wanted to own my own shop."

"I know but I also know that you can be reckless. How much is this going to cost me this time?"

"Can you please be supportive?"

"Of course I can, you're like my baby brother but like a baby brother, you tend to be a little impulsive. So how much, Jimmy?"

"Just $4,000. You can be a silent partner if you want to."

"Okay, but I want monthly reports on the progress of the shop."

"Will do. Thanks John."

"Anytime."

James glanced at Blythe and he realized how badly this would affect John. He suddenly didn't know what to do. He slowly got up and excused himself to the bathroom. Blythe slowly got up and excused herself. She followed James and pulled him to the side.

"What are you up to James?" asked Blythe.

"Sweetheart, I'm not up to anything."

"Don't give me that James! I've known you long enough to know that you are up to something and do not call me sweetheart!"

"Calm down, Blythe."

"Calm down? Calm down…my past lover comes to town for God knows why and you want me to calm down?"

"Alright. Alright, my love. I'll stop."

"Thank you! Ease up on the sentiments."

"What? That has never bothered you before so why now?"

"Greg is very perceptive and I already feel bad about all of this."

"I thought you loved me!"

"I do love you but I am also married and I have to be realistic as well as honor my vows."

"Um…sweetie it's a little too late for that." Blythe sighed and thought on how to proceed.

"Listen, I am devoted to my family. Maybe if we met before John we would been married by now but I am married to John and I have to respect my vows."

"I know but I can't help how I feel. If I was only ten minutes earlier I would have met you before John."

"You can't do that to yourself. You can't keep thinking what if. What's done is done. We can't change the past."

"A guy can hope but I guess…"

"Guess what?"

As John and Greg waited inside for Blythe, the awkward silence continued to linger.

"Greg, why don't you go check on your mother?"

"Dad, she's fine."

"Just do what I ask and see what is taking so long."

"Dad, Mom can take care of herself."

"Why you ungrateful little brat!"

John took a hold of his son and as he raised his hand up in the air. The clock CHIMED loudly as the big hand and the little hand set letting other customers know that it was now seven o' clock.

James and Blythe continued to talk unknowingly not seeing what was taking place behind them.

"James, you have to stop this please."

"I can't help how I feel, Blythe. I love you and I will always will."

James placed his left hand towards her waist and pulled her close to him. Blythe instinctively leaned towards him as he used his other hand to lift her chin up. James leaned in forward and their mouths touched as they began to passionately kiss. Both constantly dueling each other with their tongues and seeking dominance. Finally, she slowly pulled apart but leaned her forehead against his.

"James…" Blythe sighed.

"Blythe, I love you. Tell me what to do."

"You can't do anything. I love my family."

"How you say something like that to me but kiss me like that?"

"James, I'm not saying I don't love you because I do but I am also married."

"Blythe, then leave him. Please."

"I can't."

"Why not? We could be together."

"Because of Greg."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"He's my son and deserves the best opportunity I can give him. John can give him that."

"So, you're using John?"

"No. I love John but…"

"But what, Blythe."

As they continued to argue, Greg slowly walked up to them unsure of what to do or say.

"Mom?"

Blythe suddenly turned around to see her son standing there but equally unsure of what to do or say. She walked up to her son as James remained where he was.

"Greg, what's wrong?"

"Mom, Dad sent me here to come get you."

"Greg, tell your father I will be right there."

"Mom…please."

"Greg."

Blythe stepped closer to her son and saw a red mark against her son's left cheek. She looked behind her towards James. James continued to stand where he was fumbling with his shoes unsure of what to do. Blythe sighed.

"Come on Greg. Let's go back inside. Your godfather was just about to leave."

"Blythe, wait!"

James grabbed her elbow and tried to pull her closer to him.

"James, I've said all I need to say. Please let me go."

"Never, Blythe."

"I don't know what else to say."

Blythe struggled to release her elbow from his strong hold

"Let me go."

"No!"

"Mom, what is going on?" asked Greg

"Nothing, baby. Let's go back inside."

James resigned. He let go of her elbow and Blythe turned around and without saying another word to James walked back inside the restaurant.

"I know who you are."

"Who am I?"

"You are not just my godfather."

"What do you mean?"

James looked at Greg but didn't say anything. He took off his leather jacket and handed it to Greg.

"Here I think you are going to need this more than I do."

Without another word he looked up towards the restaurant as Blythe looked towards him and then suddenly turned her head back to John. Blythe laughed. Taking it as a sign he slowly turned back towards his motorcycle and hopped right back on.

"You're leaving?"

"Yes I am. Listen to me Greg. Protect your mom."

"What do you mean?"

"Nothing."

He started his motorcycle but Greg took hold of his elbow and James turned off the machine. James sighed.

"What do you mean?" asked Greg

James thought for a few minutes. He opened his mouth but then closed it. He finally spoke with a simple sentence.

"Just please do as I ask. Can you do that for me?"

"Yes. You love her don't you?"

"Who?"

"Don't play coy with me. I may be young but I know what I saw when I walked up to you two."

"Listen kid. Just let it go. You're father is a good man."

Greg scoffed. "Ha. I find that hard to believe."

"Kid, he is a good man but sometimes we do things that are out of our control and sometimes we often have no way of taking it back."

"You're not talking about the same man are you?"

Without saying another word, James turned on the motor and placed his helmet on his head. He turned his head towards the restaurant one more time and sped up towards the street away from the scene before him and his broken heart leaving semblance of what just occurred.

~2009~

House walked towards the entrance of the hospital. He knew that this was what he must do but felt scared. He continued to walk until he reached the steps. He turned around and yelled to Wilson.

"Don't forget to feed Steve!" yelled House.

"Don't worry House. I'll take care of him."

Wilson continued to remain standing where he was. Even though he was compelled to walk up to House and drive him out of the hospital, he knew it was something House needed to do. For the sake of his sanity and his life he would have to remain in the psychiatric hospital. House walked up the steps and entered the facility. Wilson went back to his car, climbed inside, and drove away.

Cameron and Chase stood in the middle of the gazebo. They stood in front of their family and friends to say their vows of love and devotion. Their friends, co-workers, and their family congratulated the happy couple.

Cameron stood in a strapless A-line dress and Chase in a matching grey suit. They looked totally in love.

"No second thoughts?" asked Chase

"Nope. I love you."

They smiled at each other lovingly and walked to where a small tent was held for the reception. It was a night of pure romance and happiness.

Foreman danced with Thirteen. Wilson brought one of the pediatrics nurses for his date and Cuddy brought Rachel as hers. Taub brought his wife

At the end of the reception, it was then that Wilson told Cuddy about House. He told Cuddy that House asked him to keep his "problem" a secret. No one was to know where House was.

The night went on and the newlyweds needed to leave for their honeymoon. They were off to Hawaii and then to Australia. Mr. and Mrs. Chase wouldn't be back at PPTH for two months.

The couple needed to leave for the airport so they quickly changed. Cameron was wearing a yellow dress with pink and purple flowers on the hem. The dress was a V-cut dress along the breast line. It was very demure but very sexy. To match her outfit, she wore a cream color wedges. Chase changed into a blue collared shirt with khakis with a brown shoes to match. The group said their goodbyes and the couple got into a car where the driver was to drive them to the airport.

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