Heya everybody - i come with an update - much longer than the last chapter too.
Thank you to my four lovely reviewers! I'm a little disappointed with the lack of feedback, considering the amount of time and effort i put into each of my chapters. smacks self -stop WHINING!!, sorry, i've become accustomed to feedback, and am now a feedback ho. But i'll live in the comfort that over 100 people are reading still :) so thanks for sticking by me you silent readers!!!
A little surprise in this chapter ... :P
Stella's stint as 'Stella the clown', or 'Bobo', as House and Wilson intermittently called out, was slowly drawing to an end. The puppet show had gone well – with the help of a few of the younger patients.
Her magic show was hilarious, and not because her magic tricks were fantastic, but because House had sabotaged her - tricks. They'd blown up in her face, and being a clown, she had to wing it.
Wilson was her first victim, followed by others after she brandished a face-painting kit. And Nurse Brenda, had so far escaped any catapulting pies.
Stella was tiring of the act, and her childish exuberance waning. She'd had enough of jumping around, and she'd had enough of the shrieking giggles. She'd had enough of magic requests, and she'd had enough of cheesy grins. Her patience was wearing thin and Uncles Jimmy and Greg were not helping. House could tell that she was ready to bite somebody's head off. His little side comments, and encouraging the kids to make requests were pushing her to the brink. All she wanted to do was curl up in a nice and comfortable chair, in her daggy old track-pants and her Moms old Michigan tee, re-reading the latest Harry Potter book – just like the teenage brunette in the corner of the room. But no, instead, she was standing there, her tongue poking out the side of her mouth in frustrated concentration, trying to twist the balloon into an animal without popping it.
The girl was older than most of the crowd, she looked about 15 or 16, and Stella wondered why she was sitting in on the show. Well, at least she was enjoying the show, when she wasn't engrossed in her novel. Stella grumbled to herself 'I'd like to be engrossed in a novel right now'. The girl had thoroughly enjoyed watching Stella's magic tricks backfire, and joining in on House's running commentary when she could slip a word in. Intrigued, she started to move towards her, still trying to twist the balloons into shape.
"Tada! A Giraffe!" Stella showed it off proudly to the crows, before holding it out to the brunette.
"Did Cuddy ever take her to the zoo as a child? Because that is not a Giraffe" Wilson whispered across to House, as he sniggered into his chip packet.
The brunette looked up, and bit her lip, trying not to laugh in her face. She'd watched on under her long lashes, as Stella struggled to turn it into some kind of masterpiece. Her stomach was so sore from suppressing laughter and the Wilson/House comments, and she couldn't help but snort. Stella's face fell upon hearing her.
"I'm sorry, but that is the weirdest looking 'Giraffe' I have ever seen!" Brunette chuckled,
Stella shot Wilson and House a pair of dirty looks, "Sure it's a Giraffe. Haven't you heard of 'special' Giraffes?"
"Only when you were 5 and drew lop sided animals and people" House muttered under his breath
Wilson laughed, and tried to look innocently at her while she narrowed her glare at him, "Well, if it's any consolation, I thought that it looked more like a Giraffe than the Zebra did, a Zebra."
The rest of the audience were in stitches laughing, and 'Brunette' had tears in her eyes. Stella had her hands on her hips, feeling not at all amused.
"Limpy is right, that's not a giraffe. It looks like….a mangulated balloon!"
Stella's jaw dropped, "Hey! I've been nice to you this whole time! Come, guys, use a little imagination," she tilted her head a little, holding the 'giraffe' up.
'Brunette' laughed harder, "It's still a mangled balloon, no matter how you look at it!"
"Well," Stella huffed, "If you think you can do better, the floor's all yours."
"I don't know if you noticed, but I only have one arm,"
"You don't need two arms, just a wrist and a hand. It word just fine for me,"
'Brunette' scoffed, "Yeah…um, no it didn't."
"What's your name?"
"Fi."
"Well Miss Fi, I like you. And may require your assistance later on."
10 minutes later.
"Oh, do you hear that? That's my Clown-mobile calling me! I've got to run guys!" The noise was an incessant squeaking honking, which was her signal that her time was up – thank god.
"It's been an absolute blast, and I'm pretty sure you guys had a fantabulous time!"
A chorus of affirmative shouts rang out, and Stella motioned for Fi to come on over.
"Right Miss Fi, you get to help me with the Grand Finale. Right Kiddies, who's our target? Nurse Brenda?!"
"NOOOOOO!!!!!"
"ME?!"
"NOOOO!!"
"FI?!!!"
"NOOOOO!!!!"
"DR. CUDDY?!" Cuddy was standing in the doorway, watching the last few minutes of the show, and she shook her head 'NO' vigorously,
"NOOO!!!!!!"
"Well then!! WHO!!!"
The kids all pointed at House and Wilson's retreating backs, "THEM!!!!!"
Stella looked at her mother, who merely shrugged, and stepped out of the way.
Before they knew what had hit them, Stella and Fi (with her good arm) both ditched the shaving cream pies at their backs. Fi had gotten House in the back, and Stella had caught Wilson in the chest as he spun around. The cream splattered all over their clothes, and had somehow gotten into their hair.
Everybody in the room had doubled over with laughter at their shocked expressions, Cuddy was holding onto the back of a chair to support her, she was laughing so hard.
"You little,"
"Lang-uage House!" Cuddy managed to splutter,
"Witches"
"Uncle Jimmy, Nooo!" Everybody spun their heads around towards the squealer.
Wilson had started coming after Stella, his arms wide open,
"No! You can't – this isn't my – ahhhhh"
He managed to trap her and picked her up in a hug, smushing the cream into her costume. The kids in the ward were in absolute hysterics, and Fi had fallen back into her chair, holding her stomach. What a great end to the show.
House's office
"Who's idea was the cream pies?"
"The clown company – I looked on the net, apparently it's a show stopper. And since SOMEBODY, killed my magic tricks – It's SO your fault that they were used. Oh and Uncle Jimmy, Sheela's gonna murder you – right after Callie finds out she has to take this to the dry-cleaners tomorrow morning."
Wilson winced, he'd accidentally woken Callie early one morning when they were a bit younger. He was taking them to the theme park, and they wanted to spend the day there. What they hadn't counted on was Jimmy's enthusiasm at getting up at the crack of dawn (8 am – but still). Callie had glowered at him for most part of the morning.
"Eh, well shouldn't have thrown it then. Anyway, how did you get such a good throwing arm? You're completely lousy when it comes to aim – and you really do throw like a girl."
Stella rolled her eyes, and stood up, "Practice makes perfect," and she started to clomp out of House's office. She stopped and turned back around, and went to say something, House looked at her expectantly. But instead, she squirted them both with her long range flower water shooter. Giggling, she hurried out of the office, tripping over her feet a little, headed for the cover of her mother's office. She'd protect her. She'd done a fabulous job of Clowning about, but all she wanted now, was to sleep – and not be harmed by the now soaking wet Wilson and House.
"Oh. My. Vishnu"
"Ohw, Bite me."
Callie fell into step with her best friend, as they headed for Cuddy's office.
"What ever happened to 'I'm never donning that clown suit EVER again!' And is that cream – Stella!"
"NOT my fault! And what ever happened to brushing you hair in the morning? You look like you just woke up,"
"Because I just did, and besides, I'm allowed to look icky today, I'm not the one that's supposed to be looking presentable for the future boyfr-." Stella clamped her hand over her mouth, talking over her muffled protests,
"You just woke up, it's like 4 in the afternoon. And no he's not,"
"Not yet he isn't, I had a Nana nap, go get changed."
Callie pushed her towards the bathroom in Cuddy's office, "I'll wait right here."
"Do not do whatever it is that you're thinking,"
"Whatever, GO!" she sat down and picked up a magazine from the table.
"Oh! I met that Dr. Cameron you were telling me about the other day,"
"And?"
"She seems nice,"
"Bah, she's annoying as hell."
"Well she was nice enough to tell me where you were, and direct me to where I was before. She seems kind of afraid of you actually,"
"One – anyone would have given you directions if you asked nicely, two, You've been here how many times? And three, afraid. Of me? I'm not scary."
"I dunno. But she got all harried when I said I was looking for you, like she couldn't get away fast enough. Oh and excuse me, but this is the first time I've been here since you got back,"
"Hmm, someone must have said something to her. I heard that she as nosing about a couple of weeks ago."
Stella stopped re-applying mascara when she didn't get a reply
"Callie?"
No answer.
Outer office
"Oh, you must be James, nice to meet you,"
"Hi. Have we met?"
"No, but we share one thing in common. You've met my best friend Stella, of course."
"I'm going to kill her. I am. Going. To kill her!" She quickly finished re-dressing, and rushed out of the bathroom, shoving the Clown suit into Callie's arms.
"Cailyn. Atlas. Whatcha talking about?" she said through her teeth and forced 'I'm really very happy' smile.
"Oh nothing. Just everyday chit chat" Callie smiled back sweetly, 'about you'
"Right."
"Well anyways, it was nice talking with you James. Hope I'll be seeing you around –" At Stella's glare, she quickly added, "I hear Dr. Lisa's a pretty tough boss,"
"She's not so bad. Just, particular."
"Cailyn."
"Rightio! I'm off, got to get to the dry cleaners while they're still open."
"What you're not hanging around?" she looked at her friend suspiciously,
Callie grinned, "No, so much to do, so little time. Have fun, I'll call you tonight." Outfit in her arms, she pressed her hands together in front of her chest, and gave a slight bow,
"Namasté," with a cheeky grin, she spun around, and waved over her shoulder, and quickly left the hospital before Stella came after her.
Stella turned her attention to James, and continued to look at him silently.
"Erm. She's quite the character,"
She pressed her lips togther, "Mmmhmm."
"Nice girl. Friendly. Um. Loyal."
She rolled her eyes, and put her hands on her hips, "Yah, I know, she's great. What did she say to you,"
Before he could answer, Stella's phone started beeping. She held up her hand,
"Wait."
Hun, he is SO into you! Talk soon. You're crazy if you don't want to date him.
She couldn't help but smile, so caring her friend was.
"Stel-la!!"
The both turned to see Harper and Nikki running towards them.
"Hey, what are you two doing down here?"
"We're going home with you, Mommy and Aunt Lisa said that we can have dinner at your house before we go home!"
"Oh excellent! I was craving a Twin Roast just earlier. I think you two look just about ready for eating. What do you think Mom?"
The twins looked at Cuddy in horror, as she came up behind them carrying their backpacks,
"Hmm, " she leant down and pinched their cheeks,
"Yup, just right!"
"But! You said we were having – "
"REAL food!"
"But you ARE real food, well at least for cannibals," Stella grinned down at them,
"Which. We are not, come on let's go, I'm hungry. James, I think I can trust you to finish up here. Don't forget to lock up the office, and get those files to legal as soon as your done." He nodded, and she continued to finish shutting down the computer and packing her briefcase.
Stella stopped playing around with the twins and looked up at James, "I guess I'll talk to you later. Atlas. You're lucky these guys have bad timing."
"What-"
"I'll explain later mom, right after I have a good talking to my devious best friend."
The Cuddy women, plus an extra two stowaways left together through the Hospital entrance in good moods, poking fun at the twins and each other.
The days before the impending doom of being employed by her mother were fast approaching. She cursed her decision to return for the entire summer, rather than spending that extra month with her Uncle. She only had one month left before she had to return to school. And that, even, she wasn't sure she wanted to go back. Or at least back to Princeton High. Wilson had called it 'running', she liked to think of it as 'Non-confrontational'.
Ever since the accident, she'd been outcast by many students in her grade. Things only served to get worse when she continued her path down the dark lane. Her closest friends had stuck by her loyally, and for that she appreciated, and respected them so much more. But that still did not make things easier with the rest of the grade. Especially the cliquey group. They'd never really gotten along in the first place, but there used to be a line that was never crossed. Her group of friends ignored them, and visa versa – all was well. Until everything spiraled out of control, and PHS' Basketball Varsity teams' Point Guard was dead and buried.
Sighing, she continued to rummage around amongst her shoe boxes, in search of her gold strappy heels, that wove themselves around her feet. They were lightly dusted with a sort of glitter that shimmered in the light, making them sparkle . Finally, finding them in the back somewhere, she re-introduced them to her feet, and admired them in front of the mirror.
"Where are you off to?" Cuddy was leant up against the doorframe of her bedroom, watching as Stella disappeared again into her wardrobe
"Out. Have you seen my bolero?"
"Which one, and I meant where?"
"Um, either my gold one with the square sequins, or my black fitted jacket with the skull and cross-bone on the back of it. Joe's brother's band is playing at some event, and has managed to get us on the list to the after party. We're meeting up at Steph's and getting dinner before we head off."
"Black on Black? And on a Thursday?"
"Mmm, I'm changing tops," she pulled the black Victorian style blouse off, and pulled on a white sleeveless top, with champagne-gold colored ribbons replacing the shoulder straps. She tied them into a bow, and shrugged on the black jacket, taking a look in the full length mirror before picking her jewelry,
", and we're on summer break There's nothing wrong with Thursday. It's not as if it's a school night. Besides, haven't I told you what's on my agenda for the weekend? I'm pretty sure I left you a memo."
"Well, if you did, I didn't get it. Now, speaking of school nights, we need to have a chat about what you're going to do about school. You're still enrolled at PHS-"
"Um. How about we talk about that later? I'm not going to be home until Sunday night."
"What?!"
Stella looked up from the jewelry box at Cuddy's bewildered expression, and grinned
"Yahh. Three day fiesta. The entire gang is back from 'family vacation', and Joe is throwing a three day reunion at his place because his aren't coming back from Vanuatu until next week. You know, I'm pretty sure that I've told you this. Anyway, we're having a little dinner gathering at Nando's before hitting the party scene."
"For three days,"
"And nights."
"You're kidding me –" Stella cut in before Cuddy started ranting about 'excessive' partying,
"Well duh. I have a little tradition to carry on. A torch passed down to me by my mother – Party Pants. There are duties and responsibilities to uphold you know. Besides, I think that it's about time that the crowd knows that Party Pants is back home, and for good. Don't you think?"
Cuddy rolled her eyes and laughed. Trust her to throw her youth back in her face, using the 'how could you be so hypocritical' card. Before going back into 'Mother mode',
Where are you all going to stay? And how are you getting to Joe's? Do his parent's even know about this fiesta?"
"Of course his parents know. He and his brother spent the entire day today moving all the breakables, and locking 'do no enter' rooms. You forget. Joe's house is huge. 10 friends plus the extra stragglers will fit in there easily."
Cuddy muttered, 'oyvey'
"Well, I don't know how you're getting there. But I want my car this weekend."
Stella pulled out her little wheelie suitcase, and started cramming more clothes in it, "That's ok. Luca's picking me up! Isn't that fantastic! Luca's back in town!"
Cuddy grinned at her enthusiasm. She considered both Cailyn and Luca her honorary children. The trio really were like siblings, growing up together and spending every minute possible at each others homes. The girls had met Luca in the 4th grade when his father was promoted and transferred to the Jersey office.
They had befriended him over a vicious match of dodge ball, and were instantly intrigued by the newcomer, his personality, and strange accent – which had become more American over the years, his Australian accent becoming more of a slight lilt. When he decided that he wanted to study fashion design, rather than follow his fathers footsteps in architecture, the girls stuck by him, and when he came out a few months later, the girls supported him every step of the way, the Cuddy and Maple family giving him a place in their homes to escape to, seeing as his father did not take the news very well.
"When did he get back into town?"
" Last night, his Dad picked him up from the airport. I'm so glad that they've worked things out."
"So am I, he's a good kid.."
"Exactly, so you don't have to worry about a thing. Callie and I have Luca to protect us."
"And suss out the straight guys from the gay guys in the crowd?"
Stella finished packing, and grinned cheekily "It's a win-win for all of us."
Cuddy rolled her eyes, "Well don't go getting yourselves arrested, or picking you up in the middle of now where, or even from the hospital. Because A, I won't be bailing you out, and neither will your godparents. And B, Party Pants will find herself locked up in the dungeon."
"Gah, you're so dramatic. Don't worry, that only happens when Grandma is in town."
Knock, Knock, KnockCuddy pulled the window open to look out and see who was at the door.
"Guess who's here Stella,"
Stella leapt to the window and stuck her head out,
"Luca!!!!!" she squealed.
Luca grinned up at her, before holding his arms out towards the window, calling out,
"STELL-LLLAAAAAAA!!!!"
But she was already halfway down the stairs, yanking the door open, and running towards him. As soon as she reached him, she jumped into his arms, and wrapped her legs around his waist.
"You're back! You're back! Did you make any new designs? Did you meet anyone? Did you meet anyone for me and Cal?!"
"Woah, slow down Smella!" He laughed, hugging her back before putting her back down on the ground.
"Well!" she asked impatiently, messing up hi hair a bit more – there. Perfect.
"What was wrong with my hair before?"
"It wasn't sitting right. So. You're not answering my questions." She said over her shoulder as she pulled him into the house.
"Yes, I'm back, Yes I made a few new designs – Traveling hath inspired me, and a double no to the last two."
"Oh you are SO lying about the last two. How could you not have met anyone! You're gorgeous,"
Luca blushed lightly and said hello to Cuddy who was pouring him a glass of water.
"Hi, Doc."
"Welcome back hun. You've been missed."
"I've noticed, How have you been?"
"Luca! Stop using my mother to avoid answering my questions!"
They all laughed, and he held up his hands, "All right! I give! I did meet someone – for me, don't get your hopes up. It was nothing more,"
"Than a soul searching romance" she sighed dreamily.
Luca snorted, "How about you, You spent a couple of weeks in the city of 'Free Love' and in 'La Ville D'Amour', you're not seriously telling me that you walked away with no new names in your little black book."
Cuddy raised her eyebrow at Stella, "Now this is interesting, I don't recall you mentioning this in any of your calls."
Stella groaned, "Because I didn't mention it, and because I did walk away with no new names. I feel so proud. Abstaining from the charms of delectable European guys. "
"What about Jean- Marcel?"
"Ew! He was the grandson of one of Grandma's friends. Are you forgetting one of the Cardinal rules?"
Luca looked at her blankly and shook his head,
"Never date the relatives of Abigail Cuddy's friends, or anyone else she knows. She'll never let you live it down, and if it all goes wrong," Stella shuddered at the thought.
"You don't even want to go there," Cuddy finished off for her.
"Ahh. Well. We'd better get going, you can tell me about everything else in the car. There are certain things a girl needs to discuss with her best friend that her mother does not need to hear, am I right?" Luca looked at Stella expectantly.
She was miffed for all but 5 seconds before the name hit her like a freight train. 'James Atlas'
"Callie TOLD you?!"
"Of course she did, and I'm a little hurt that you didn't tell me yourself."
"I was going to tell you today, you know, face to face. Not that there is much to tell."
"Mhmm, sure. Where's your - stuff?"
"Call yourself a designer, you should know better than to call works of art 'stuff'. My outfits are upstairs in my wheelie suitcase. Accessories, cosmetics and toiletries are in my Lady bug back pack."
Luca rolled his eyes and got up to go and retrieve her 'stuff' to put them in the car.
"Stella, go put them in the car yourself!" Cuddy was horrified that her daughter would just send her best friend up to fetch her bags like a bellhop.
"Hey! I didn't tell him to, he just kept walking towards the bag."
"You didn't exactly stop him either-"
"It's okay Dr. Lisa, it's the gentlemanly thing to do right? Besides I wouldn't want Stella tripping over her own feet with her arms loaded with stuff because she doesn't want to make a second trip, and we all know how clumsy she is."
"Hey!"
Luca just dropped the backpack into her lap, "And regarding your work of art, I'm betting you've shoved all your clothes and shoes there haven't you."
"Well what other way is there to packing?"
"See you later Doc."
"Have fun, and be careful!"
"I'll make sure she is ,"
"HEY!!" Stella glared at them both, Luca just shrugged and headed for the car.
"You know – I can stay and have dinner here if you want. Because like, I'll be gone for three days."
"And nights. I think I'll survive. Go and have fun. But I mean it, no funny stuff. And definitely keep an eye out for each other –" She went through the motherly checklist, thinking to see if she'd forgotten anything, while ushering her out the door.
"And don't accept drinks from strangers, or go to the bathroom alone. Got it. Besides – not drinking remember."
"Good girl."
Stella gave Cuddy a one armed hug and a kiss on the cheek before throwing her bag in the backseat.
"Fabulous. Now, no wild parties, or burning down the house, and no flooding the bathroom and no living out the weekend at the hospital. I'll see you Sunday night!"
Cuddy waved them off, and with a 'honk' and wave, Luca and Stella were off to pick up the third Musketeer to join their friends and commence their Fiesta.
Once back inside, she dialed a number that she was beginning to grow familiar to.
"Hey…yeah, I have the next three days completely child free… No of course I still have the hospital to tend to. It's where we Doctors go to get paid…oh really. Sounds interesting… well, I guess you have the weekend to convince me. soft laughter I'll see you tomorrow night…ooh , my, aren't we out to impress. more laughter No I will not…Ha. Mister, you haven't seen fun yet. I'll see you tomorrow."
With a soft coy smile, Cuddy hung up, and grabbed her keys and a light jacket, heading over to Sally's house, where she and Angela were waiting.
She let herself in and found them both in the kitchen and a glass of wine waiting for her,
"Lisa, you're glowing." Angela stared at her accusingly as she sipped her wine.
"Am I?"
"Well, she can't be pregnant. She's drinking wine, and she hasn't - " Sally put down her glass,
"Or have you?"
Cuddy kept a straight face, "No, but-"
Angela, forever the impatient one, "Oh cut the stalling crap, you're getting some this weekend aren't you."
"What? Lisa! Spill!" Sally nearly spat her wine across the table,
Cuddy couldn't help but grin, "Well, Stella's not going to be home until Sunday night –"
"And you have the house to yourself for the weekend, to do whatever you want,"
"To entertain whoever you want-" Sally chipped in,
"God I miss that. You know. Not having kids around, and having to keep remembering to lock the door."
"Mm, one of the perks of having a teenager who makes herself scarce at the most appropriate times."
"So she knows about him then,"
"Uh, not exactly-"
"Ooh, she's going to be SO mad at you," Angela smiled evilly. Stella was going to give Cuddy hell – wait,
"Oh, absolutely Ange, my girl is going to be calling you both about why you two didn't tell her."
"Why don't you just tell her now?" Angela asked,
"She doesn't want Stella to get hurt as well incase things don't work out." Sally answered for Cuddy.
Angela rolled her eyes, "She's a big girl Lisa. Stop protecting her, she'll deal. Now. What has he got planned, and what are you going to wear?!"
Both Angela and Sally leant forward, and a huge grin and blush broke across Cuddy's face as she thought back to the her conversation earlier,
"He's taking me to…."
Bum bum buuuuuummmm : Cuddy's got a booooyyyfriend, and Stella doesn't knoooow it!!
:D Hope you enjoyed that chapter. I know i enjoyed writing it :P
Concrit and feedback would be muchos appreciated, Prinnie