Chapter 35

It was a Friday and the last day that Brian was to be in the hospital. He was going to be released the next morning and everyone decided to have one last meal in the room with him. The usual were there. Veronica also came. House was MIA as normal but the way that he'd been lately, Cameron decided he'd probably come at last minute.

Everyone settled in and was having a good time. After dessert almost everyone left. First to leave was Chase, Rachel, Foreman and Wilson. Then Justin and Yvonne left with Ruth and William soon following. Ruth was tired and decided that she'd like to get to bed early. Brian assured her that it was fine, that he would see her the next day. Cameron, Ethan and Veronica were left with Brian. They talked a little bit and Cameron yet again got that uneasy feeling when she saw how Veronica and Brian were with each other. Brian wasn't as obvious about it as Veronica was, but Cameron could tell that he had some feelings left for Veronica. She sat lost in thought and finally came to a realization. The uneasy feeling that she had been getting whenever she saw Brian and Veronica together wasn't that she thought that Brian would go back to Veronica. It was that she saw deep down, that he and Veronica were meant to be together.

"Cameron, what's wrong?" Brian asked looking at her. Ethan and Veronica were also looking at her and Ethan had a concerned look in his eyes.

"I just realized something."

"What's that?"

"Brian, I don't know how to really explain this but I need to get this out. First, I really care for you and I've really enjoyed our time together. I wouldn't trade it for anything. But I have seen how you and Veronica are together, how you look at each other. I know that you never would go back on your promise to me with our engagement. I also know that you do care a lot for me. But you have to admit to yourself that you and Veronica are meant to be more than we are. I guess what I'm saying is, you're free." With that she took off her engagement ring and put in into Brian's hand. She closed his fingers over it and wrapped her hands around his. He looked down at there hands and then back at her.

"Allison. Are you sure?"

"Yes I am. I just want you to be happy and I truly believe that you and Veronica would be." Brian looked into her eyes and nodded.

"Thank you."

"I want to remain friends. I really care for you and I've come to realize that what I feel for you is more a friend love then a romantic love."

"I would like to remain friends."

"Good." Cameron and Brian smiled at each other and then Cameron said, "Though we are agreed, this is still hard. So I am going to leave now. I'll see you tomorrow."

Brian told her goodbye and Veronica said "Thank you". Ethan gave her a hug and told her that he'd see her the next day. Cameron turned to the door and was surprised to see House standing in the doorway. He had come in when she was talking to Brian and heard the whole thing. He looked into her eyes and Cameron felt the old flip of her heart as she looked back into his eyes. She continued to the door and started through the threshold. House barely moved out of her way. She still had to squeeze past him and in the process rubbed against him slightly. Cameron blushed and a twinkle came to House's eyes. Cameron looked away and continued out. House watched her go before turning and talking briefly to Brian. They set up a poker night and then House left. He went back to his office and didn't see Cameron in the conference room. He thought about where she could be and then realized where to find her.

House walked into the chapel and saw Cameron sitting in the same place as the last time he found her there. As the last time, he walked up beside her and put a hand on her shoulder, though he didn't speak. She looked up at him and though she did have tears, this was different. She seemed lighter and though sad, not regretful of her decision. He looked down at her for a brief moment and then nodded before turning around and leaving, this time leaving her to watch him walk away.