CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Several hours had past, and House was staring out the window in his office at nothing in particular. The pouring rain was a perfect screen to keep his thoughts focused on the task at hand.

Just as House had predicted, there was no improvement in Bella's condition after the transfusion. House didn't want to send her to surgery; he wanted to see her transform into a vampire.

First, though, he wanted to talk to Carlisle about his background. His crew had left for the night, but that didn't matter. He wouldn't need them anyway. House is selfish in that regard: He wanted it to be his experience, and his alone.

Wilson popped into House's office and told him Bella's family had come back and were waiting in her room. Wilson made House promise that he would call him at home if the 'inevitable' was going to happen—at least that's what House had told him.

Being a little surprised that Carlisle, Alice and Edward seemed to be expecting him, he cleared his throat as he walked in.

"Hi, Dr. House," Bella mumbled. "I'm not feeling any better."

"I didn't think you would be," House confirmed.

"Dr. House, we'll be checking Bella out now," Carlisle said firmly.

House snapped his head up. "Are you sure you want to do that?"

"What has to happen now is something we can take care of," Carlisle answered.

"She should be monitored and given morphine if she needs it."

"My father is a doctor. I told you that," Edward added.

"We can handle the situation," Carlisle told him.

"Dr. House, I can assure you Bella will be fine," Alice said resolutely.

"Hmm, Edward can read minds, and I assume you know the future?" House asked, taking a shot in the dark. "Will I have sex with Lisa Cuddy again?"

"This is not a game," Carlisle began to chastise impatiently.

"Carlisle, it's no use," Alice said with a heavy sigh.

Edward glared at House—more like snarled. "I don't want him anywhere near Bella while—"

"Stop. He's tried to help, Edward. Um, I don't think it'll be—" Bella was silenced then let out a blood curling scream.

"Bella, what is it?" Carlisle asked concerned.

"It's my side, near the back . . . aggh!"

Edward grabbed her hand and squeezed tightly. House approached her bed and pulled down the bed sheet. Pressing the spot that she indicated, he looked at Edward.

"It needs to happen now," House said. "Or she'll be dead by midnight."

"Her kidney?" Edward asked alarmed.

House nodded then Bella cried out in pain again. Pressing the nurse button on the wall, he asked for morphine.

"I'll get an O.R. prepped. It'll be as discreet as possible," House said. "I've got Cuddy under my thumb," he snickered.

"I'm curious about something, Dr. House," Carlisle asked.

"Ask away, as long as you answer all of my questions."

Carlisle shook his head in disbelief, but was more so because he knew House would eventually ask.

"Why are you so interested in seeing Bella change?"

"I'm curious about everything. I've killed lots of cats," House chortled.

The nurse walked in with the syringe and approached the side of the bed that Bella's I.V. stand was set.

"Wait, wait, Edward," Bella said in a panic.

"I'm right here. I won't leave you," Edward told her, hoping that would calm her.

"I . . . it's just . . . I don't think I'm ready," she whined.

"Bella, I know you're scared, but we'll be right here with you every step of the way," Alice told her. "Everything will be fine."

"Can . . . can I have a minute alone with Edward first," she asked hopefully.

Edward and Carlisle looked at one another; Carlisle nodded.

"Let's go wait outside," Alice suggested.

Everyone went out to the hallway. Carlisle and Alice leaned against the wall while House sat on the bench outside Bella's room; the nurse returned to the nurse's station.

"So, what's the story?" House asked.