Chapter Twenty-One Confrontations

It was pouring rain outside, turning the late December snow into slush as House stepped outside. That was it. He tried talking to Wyatt and instead he got socked in the jaw and released from the program. The rain fell heavily on to his jacket soaking his shoulders. The doors opened behind him. House turned around to see step out with his son, opening an umbrella up for the both of them.

"House!" he called walking over to him. "Wyatt told me you're off the program. What happened?"

House looked down at Robert. The kid looked back at him, his blue eyes filled with pain. House knew he was silently pleading for House to not say anything to his father. House wanted to confront chase. How could he hurt his son like this? The kid almost died! Robert may have gotten lucky this time but what about next time? What about the next beating? What if Chase ends up killing his son when he's gone too far? House stared down at the kid,the question forming into his mind and he had to force his sore jaw to stay shut to prevent him from saying it out loud.

Would you rather live a life full of pain or no life at all Robert? You practically chose death when you told me not to help you.

"House?" Chase's voice interrupted House's thoughts. He stared at Robert for a few seconds until the kid looked away. House stared at him for a moment until he looked up at chase.

"I .." he stopped. Obviously Wyatt didn't tell him what happened.

"I got to go home. Family emergency, my mom had a stroke."

"Ahh, I hope she's okay."

House nodded, "yeah.."

Chase gave a brief nod and began to lead Robert away towards the parking lot. House watched their retreating backs, a battle of wills going on in his head.

You promised the kid you wouldn't tell his father!

Yes but he's getting the crap beaten out him everyday!

You promised!

Yeah but the kid is conflicted he doesn't know what he wants! Once he's away from his father he'll realize it was for the best!

You promised not to tell and what good will it do if you confront chase?

But the kid is in pain! I have to stand up to him! I have to do something!

You promised!

Confronting chase is the right thing to do. I have do something ...

"I should have you arrested!" House suddenly shouted.

Chase stopped walking his hand on the back of his son's neck tightened. House could tell chases grip was hard by how tense Robert's shoulders became. He instantly knew shouting that out was a mistake.

I'm such an idiot! He groaned as Chase gave his son the umbrella telling him to stay there. He stalked over to House, anger etched clearly into the lines in his face.

"And if you do report me, they won't believe you House. Go on report me I dare you. With your bad report, let's see who they will believe."

House glared at Chase as he turned and walked back to his son, not even waiting for House to reply, not even giving him a chance. House watched him take back the umbrella; he grabbed Robert by the back of his neck and led him to the car. The rain poured harder echoing the hollow disappointment in House's stomach as he realized what he done. He didn't manage to help the boy... He failed.

Poor Robert =( what's going to become of him now?

Chase'sGirl19