Today is the funeral. As I pulled up to the temple or what ever it's called, I seen Rachel. Oh yeah, Rachel. I totally forgot about her. For as long as I could remember Cuddy wanted a child, more than anything. I myself gave her fertility injections. Then almost three months ago, she had adopted Rachel. I never saw her so happy in my life, she finally had what she had always wanted. She looked so tiny in Cuddy's sister's arms. She would never remember Cuddy. When I was looking at her, Rachel looked right at me, and I swear I saw her smile, but babies don't smile, at least that young. I looked away and walked into the building and took a seat in the second row next to Wilson. The sight I saw next took my breath away.
There she was, I thought I had seen her for the last time. I obviously knew she would be here, but I thought they wouldn't have an open casket. She looked like she was asleep, there was no evidence of the injuries that took her life. She looked like she could just sit up at any moment, she looked at peace. Her face had no expressions, all of the countless times I had seen a frown or a smile, but now there is no evidence of those times. I am the only one who remembers that, and in 20 years, those memories will fade away from my memory.
She's all I can focus on. All of the people who are talking, but I hear none of their words. Now, the moment that I have been dreading comes, the rabbi walks towards the coffin, and says a quick prayer, before closing the coffin, for the final time. He closes it. Now, I will never be able to see her again, she is gone from my sight forever. Then everyone stands up, I follow. The coffin is slowly rolled out of the building, and then put in the back of the hearse. Next is the burial, but before I have the chance to get to my car, Cuddy's sister comes running up to me. She approaches, with tears in her eyes.
" I'm glad I caught you before you left. Tomorrow is the reading of Lisa's will, and you were on the list to at the law office at 10 am tomorrow." She walks away before I had time to say anything. Why would Cuddy want me at her will reading? I know she admitted her love for me, but still. Curiosity has got me wondering. I decided that I didn't want to go to the burial, to many people. I'll just stop by tomorrow, right now I just need to be alone.
The next day I arrived at the reading of the will. There were only a few people there, Wilson, Julia, Cuddy's mom, and Rachel. When I arrived we immediately went into a conference room. Then the lawyer walked in and took a seat at the head of the table.
" We are gathered here today to read the will of Lisa Marie Cuddy. First off, Ms. Cuddy wrote out what she wanted to be said, so here we go. ' I would like to leave all of my possessions, house and car included to Gregory House. And as far as the money, I leave it all to Gregory House and Rachel Cuddy. As for the next thing, I ask that you won't be mad. The choice was hard to decide on who to leave my daughter Rachel Cuddy to. I have thought long and hard about this and I have came to a decision. I give full custody of my daughter, Rachel Lisa Cuddy, to Gregory House, and House before you say no, read the letter I wrote you. I have also left letters to all of the people present at this reading. For the handover of custody, I wish for it to be carried out immediately after the reading of this will" I can't believe it, she left me her child. I don't think that I am capable of this, but Cuddy thought I was. The lawyer tapped me on the shoulder and handed me a blue envelope. I motioned to it and he nodded. I tore it open, and inside was a familiar handwriting.
House,
I know that this was the last thing you would ever expect.I'm sure you are wondering why I did this, and I have a life changing reason for you. I wanted to leave you something that would help you move on, and Rachel is just that. I trust that you will raise her and make sure she has a bright future. If you still have doubts at least give it a try, but remember I believe in you. Like I said, this will help you live on, and if you think your life has lost meaning it hasn't. You gained something that will change your life, trust me, and remember, I will always be with you.
Love, Cuddy
This is something that I never expected. She was basically just giving me her child. How could she possibly think that I am capable of being a good parent? Suddenly my thoughts were interrupted by Julia standing next to me, with Rachel in her arms.
" Here, I know Lisa must have a reason, and if she trusted you, I trust you." She placed Rachel in my arms, where again her eyes met mine, and again, a smile. Julia let out a laugh.
" See, she already loves you." She also handed me the car seat and diaper bag. Wow.
" Well, that is all I have." The lawyer said, but Arlean, Cuddy's mom jumped in her seat.
" Wait a minute! Why are we all here if he got everything?" The lawyer looked confused.
" I'm sorry Ms. Cuddy. I just brought in everyone who was on the list that Lisa Cuddy gave me. She probably just wanted you to hear where everything was going." Arlean looked at me with a death glare.
" Well, I guess there is no reason for me to be here then." She got up from the table and stormed out of the room. I smiled, she was pissed. Julia smiled awkwardly and walked out, then it was just Wilson, myself and the baby. Wilson walked up to me and looked at Rachel.
" I can't believe that Cuddy gave you custody of Rachel."
" I know, I have no idea what to do. Any suggestions? " He rolled his eyes, and then looked confused.
" Well I would suggest moving into Cuddy's house. Rachel is used to it, so she might be used to it." He made a valid point.
" Hey, Wilson, would you move in and help me for a few days?" He sighed.
" House, you don't even have to ask." I nodded.
" Well, we better get packing." Wilson laughed.
I lowered Rachel into into her seat, and together Wilson and I left the office.
On the drive home I was just thinking. Cuddy left me Rachel, hoping that it would help me move on. I don't know if it will work. I still feel empty, but now I have a reason to keep on living.
