CHAPTER THIRTY SIX

"I thought I'd be seeing you two this evening." Truman Winchester was sitting at his desk. He looked up when the House's walked in. He smiled warmly. "Would you like some tea?"

"No!" House snapped, dropping into a chair.

"No thank you," Cuddy replied more politely.

"I want that man fired." House shot out.

"What did he say?" Truman leaned back in his chair. He loved a good story.

"He said Lizzie is disturbed." House snapped.

"That's not what he said House." Cuddy reminded him. "He thinks she's got too much time on her hands, that she's learning faster than the other kids in her class."

"Did you want to move her up another grade?" Truman sounded open minded.

"No. She likes where she is." Cuddy answered while House sat and grumped. "But I did suggest that she participate in some extra curricular activities, perhaps music or a sport?"

"Ah, that's a great idea." Truman clapped his hands together excitedly.

"But that trained ape you hired said she was too young." House grunted.

"I didn't hire him!" Truman looked horrified at the thought. "But he is right, the rule here at Winchester is that a student must be in fifth grade to qualify for any extracurricular activities." Truman frowned for a moment. "It's mostly for the child's safety in sports. Some of those kids can get pretty aggressive. Lizzie is a tiny girl. I wouldn't want her to get hurt."

"She can take care of herself." House snapped.

"I know that," Truman responded calmly, "but I can't guarantee that the kids on the other teams wouldn't target her.. It could be dangerous. But perhaps music. Would she like to play an instrument? Or there's always our dance program, or theatre."

"If she does want to pursue any of these, will she have your support?" Cuddy wanted to make sure before bringing it up to Lizzie. "Mr. Dubin seemed to think you would say no."

"Mr. Dubin is an idiot." Truman smiled across the desk. House grinned back. This was much more like it. "You know," Truman added to House. "I mean, he's fine with the low maintenance kids, but give him a Lizzie and he freaks out."

"Are you saying my daughter is high maintenance?" House took offense to that.

"Only in the best possible way." Truman quickly corrected. "She needs a teacher that will keep her engaged, not the by the book teaching of the Dubin's of the world."

"Then that's a yes?" Cuddy was used to dealing with suave negotiators. She wasn't going to be satisfied until he specifically said he was on their side.

"Whole heartedly. I would love to get Lizzie involved in some of our extracurriculars. Our band could really use some fresh blood, or as I said, there is always dance and theatre. I would, however, prefer she stay away from sports, at least until next year."

"That's completely acceptable. Thank you Mr. Winchester." Cuddy stood up to leave.

"My son is in the band you know. He would be happy to help Lizzie in any way."

"Oh, I bet he would," House snided. Truman just looked puzzled.

"We'll let Lizzie decide." Cuddy hurried House out of the office before he made a scene.

"That went well." House joked as he pulled the car out of the lot.

"You think?" Cuddy replied sarcastically.

"Oh yeah. We found out our daughter is a pain in the arse..."

"We already knew that." Cuddy smiled proudly. She loved her little pain in the arse, both of them. She leaned over and kissed House's cheek.

"What was that for? Not that I'm complaining."

"For being you. For helping me make the most beautiful little girl in the world." She put her hand on her stomach. "For possibly making another."

"Not another girl." House groaned. "Anything but a girl."