I'm the one who invented it.
There was silence following this as House and Wilson exchanged a glance before continuing to stare in disbelief. Then, after several moments had passed, Greg leaned back in the chair and passed his cane from side to side while breathing in a sigh.
"If what you say is true, I just want to know one thing."
"Alright, go ahead."
Silence returned at this moment as the diagnostician tried to form his thoughts into words. He could feel Wilson's intense glare baring into the back of his head but House knew it was only out of concern.
"What results have your other pain patients been getting with these chocolates?"
A valid question but not the one Julie had been expecting. After lacing her hands so that the fingers were intertwined, the good doctor leaned in and thought to herself a moment before giving an educated answer.
"That depends on the extent of the injury and how long the body has had to become used to a narcotic. The longer the time the higher the number of chocolates."
That's when Wilson spoke up with skepticism and annoyance in his voice.
"What is it about this product that makes it work like this?"
"Because of the herbs in the chocolate, the body will recognize the narcotic as a foreign object and will there for flush it out of the system. (Pause) Which, I'm sure you must have read Dr. Wilson seeing as how you brought it up."
The use of his professional title brought James out of his tirade with a jolt while rubbing the back of his neck.
"I'm just concerned."
"That's what makes you a good friend but, right now I'm going to have to ask you to leave so Greg and I can talk privately."
Furrowing his brow at this request, Wilson was about to protest but was stopped by House's sarcastic yet honest remark.
"I'll be fine daddy, after all, I am a big boy now. You have absolutely nothing to worry about."
After watching the oncologist leave the room, House turned back to face Julie while arching an eye brow.
"Why the smoke screen?"
"I didn't want anything getting in the way of this matter. (Pause) I need to ask you a question and I need you to be honest. How many pills do you take a day?"
This question was met with a shrug as House subconsciously started to rub the damaged thigh muscle with the palm of his hand.
"Depends on how bad the pain is. A good day? maybe 5 or 6 but on a bad day well, that's a number I'd rather not discuss."
"I see." Julie understood, that question had been part of standard procedure used to judge a patient's tolerance but, Greg was more then a client he was a friend.
"So what now Jules? Can you give an old cripple a break?"
Smiling at her friend's choice of words, Dr. Rumsfeld smiled warmly towards House while crossing her arms.
"Your not that old Greg. Yes, I can help you but its not going to be easy."
Smirking to himself, House leaned in, while still rubbing his leg.
"Anything you'd be able to do would be a god send. (Pause) Of course, I am an atheist so you might have your work cut out for you doc."
"Right. Now, I'm going to make some suggestions, your not going to like them but, their necessary in order for this to work. Got it?"
"Yeah yeah, yeah I know. Anything you say goes. Get on with it before my foot falls asleep."
Julie had noticed the tight grip the diagnostician had placed upon his leg, the white of his knuckles had been an early sign.
"You can ease up on the reins a bit there Greg. Its okay to feel it some times."
"What if I don't want to? What if I just want the pain to go away?"
"That's what I'm here for."
Out in the hallway, Wilson had looked up from his magazine only to see House emerge from the office looking distant.
"How'd it go?"
House didn't respond at first, just continued to tap his cane feverishly on the floor. Soon this action began to irritate Wilson as he grabbed the wooden walking stick out of the older doctor's hand which earned him a sneer.
"Why Jimmy, I had no idea you were a fan of the hard wood."
"Damn it House, I've been waiting out here for over an hour and the last thing I want to hear is another one of your colorful comments about sex. Now, I want answers and I'm not leaving here without them."
Clearly defeated by his friend's outburst, House nodded while gesturing over to two arm chairs located just a few feet away. If he was going to do this the diagnostician needed to at least be physically comfortable. When they were seated, Wilson crossed his arms and waited for an explanation.
"Well?"
"Alright Fine, I'll be Frank. (House leaned back in the chair and raised his legs so that they were now resting on the foot rest.) You better get used to eating lunch alone for the next couple of months Jimmy unless, you want to join me in group."
That when everything clicked into place and Wilson couldn't help but gleam with satisfaction. It seemed House was finally ready to admit the truth and seek help.
"Oh wipe that goofy grin off your face. I'm not doing this for me or you I'm doing it because if I don't get clean they'll…"
"Yeah, Yeah, Yeah they'll take away your medical license. I've heard it all before House and even if that is true, its not the only reason and you know it."
Before this conversation could continue, a tall burly man wearing a white shirt with tan pants walked over. His strong demeanor and no nonsense attitude indicated clearly that he was one of the center's top guards.
"Group's starting doctor House."
Nodding his head at this comment, the department head got up from the chair and followed the guard down the hall but not before shooting Wilson one last look.
"Send everyone on the outside my regards."
"You just get better and you can insult them in person."
House was about to retort but he couldn't deny the truth. He had become known for having a rather harsh attitude when dealing with people but that would change, he would change.
(What do you think will happen while House is in rehab? Any suggestions would be sincerely appreciated. Thanks again for reading and have a great day.)