Chapter 9
Titania walked into the busy cafe that was within walking distance to PPTH. She heard her name called out and walked to the waiting Wilson. She waved him at to remain seated.
"Thank you for joining me for a cuppa. I really do appreciate your time."
"It's my pleasure. Though I must say, I don't hear people use the term Cuppa that often."
She smiled at him saying, "It's a lovely old term. We use it a lot though in our family." One of the baristas came over, took their order and returned with it as Titania continued.
"I was hoping that we could discuss Greg. Anything and everything that you feel comfortable discussing."
"All right. Where do you want me to start?"
"How about your friendship. How did you meet?"
Wilson laughed and Titania raised an eyebrow, saying, "Sounds like this will be amusing."
"In the least. Well it wasn't that long after medical school. There was this convention in New Orleans. House had seen me one day. I was distraught that day because I had received my divorce papers. He saw the envelope I had been holding and had a hunch that may be the reason for my being visibly upset. Later that night, he found me in the hotel bar."
"Uh oh."
"Yeah. He decided to try to get to me and repeatedly played 'Leave a Tender Moment Alone'. There was a small fight; I ended up breaking an antique mirror. I then ended up in jail and his curiosity led to bailing me out and hiring an attorney to clear my name. We've been friends since."
"So he pretty much has been ticking people off and starting fights for most of his life."
"Pretty much."
"And you've been able to stay friends with him. Says a lot about your patience."
"Oh believe me, I am not that patient. I've been through a lot with him."
"Like what, if I may ask?"
"Well over a year ago House got drunk. I was working when he called for a ride home. I was living with my girlfriend, Amber. She was home and went to get him. They took a bus home. There was an accident. Amber was injured badly. She ended up dying. I couldn't forgive House at first. It took some time. We're still getting back to where we were before."
"Oh James. I'm so sorry." Titania reached out and took his hand.
They were silent for awhile, both in their own thoughts. Then Wilson cleared his throat.
"It's time to start moving on. It's tough but has to be done. And part of it is forgiving him the best way I can."
"It can be really tough forgiving someone. But I guess you have to take into consideration just how he is and accept all of it about him."
"Sometimes unfortunately so."
Titania gave a light chuckle.
"So what are some of his good qualities?"
"He will do anything for his friends. Most of the time it's hard to see that he has good intentions. And he'd never admit it if he can help it. He also will fight and try all that he can to save his patients."
"That's nice."
"I know a lot of people think that he is self absorbed and egotistical. He is but as weird as this sounds, he is in a good way."
"I think I get what you mean. I haven't been exposed to him for long, but I get it."
They were silent again for a minute before the ring of Titania's cell broke the silence.
"Excuse me please." She answered the cell and Wilson concentrated on his coffee.
"Yes.... Is it really necessary?....All right then....Of course....See you then." She hung up the cell and looked out the window for a moment. Then she turned to Wilson.
"If you don't mind, I'd like to continue this another time, soon though. I have some...business to attend to. Do you mind?"
"No, of course not. How about you come for dinner Friday night?"
"Sure that sounds nice."
Wilson took out his card and wrote his address on back.
"Does 7 o'clock sound good?"
"Lovely." They stood up and walked out of the cafe together.
As Titania stepped out into the bright sunlight she turned her face up into the rays and warmth. Wilson watched as she soaked it all in.
Then she opened her eyes and looked at him, smiling.
"Summer is my favorite season. There's so much to do and the suns warmth is revitalizing, healing."
"Yes it is."
Titania started to say something but a huge yawn replaced her words. She laughed lightly and said, "I think that is my cue to head back to my room for a nap. I hope you have a great rest of the day. And I'll see you Friday if not before. I'll bring wine"
"Sounds like a deal."
"Good day James."
Wilson watched her hail a cab before turning and walking back to the hospital. He found himself turning his face to the sun and absorbing the warmth and thought about the warmth and energy that flowed from Titania.
He smiled as he walked into the hospital and decided that he'd take his patients who where able, on a walk around the grounds to enjoy the suns warmth.
