House had noticed that ever since the day Cameron walked in on him taking a nap in his office, that something wasn't quite right. Cameron was pretty reliable, loyal, hard working and full of compassion.
Lately though, she came in every morning, did her usual daily duties, like checking his mail, making his coffee, but other than that, she kept pretty much to herself. She didn't even contradict anyone's possible diagnoses during the daily white board meetings. House couldn't figure her out. 'What else is new?' he thought to himself one day. 'No man's ever been able to fully figure out a woman, why should I be any different?'
Yet, as each day went by, he grew more and more concerned. He didn't know if he was worried more for her, or for himself, for being so preoccupied with her. He knew she'd heard him mumble Terry's name when she caught him sleeping on the sofa, but what else did she hear? Had he murmured "I love you" or some other intimate detail? Should he say something to Cameron? Why did he always feel like he had to explain/defend himself to her? Was it because he thought she was important to him? He didn't know. Or maybe he did know and was afraid to admit it. Denial was bliss.
One particular evening, with nothing else better to do, he decided to go for a walk. The nights were getting cooler, and he turned his collar up against the New Jersey air. He limped aimlessly, counting cracks in the sidewalk. When he decided to look up, he realized he was standing in front of Cameron's apartment building!
'What the hell?' House mumbled to himself. Before he knew what to do next, he heard a female voice and then girlish laughter filtered from her apartment upstairs. One of her windows was slightly open, and the sound of her voice made House stiffen. What was he doing there?
He heard a door creak open, and as fast as he could, House limped behind a large oak tree. It was the only place to hide, or risk being scene. He watched as a tall, lanky young man with dark brown hair appeared at the apartment's entrance, Cameron walking behind him. She stopped at the entryway, as they talked a few more minutes, then she put her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek. He kissed her cheek back. She smiled warmly and waved, as he waved back and got into a little convertible and sped away.
House stood there, transfixed. Cameron, a boyfriend? She hadn't mentioned anything about a boyfriend! No one in the hospital was gossiping about her, and even Wilson hadn't told him anything. Then again, it wasn't his business. Cameron didn't have to tell him anything, especially since he so clearly stated his feelings or lack thereof, for her, at that horrendous dinner date. What did he expect?
Yet, there he stood, almost in shock, as he replayed the scenario over and over in his head. He decided he may as well go home. He limped slowly down the sidewalk, not bothering to count the cracks this time, because his mind was on other things.
to be cont'd.