CHAPTER FIFTY ONE

As promised, Cuddy threatened Dr. Yang and was sent home that afternoon, against his wishes. House promised to take care of her, but Dr. Yang had his doubts about House's being able to take care of anything above a house plant, so he repeated his instructions to Vala which, after meeting her didn't seem the best idea, so he called Dr. Wilson in as well.

"Stop fussing over me!" Cuddy was laying in the comfort of her own bed, four people hovering over her like flies on a carcass. It was not a pleasant feeling at all.

"Do you need more water?" Vala grabbed the half full glass and rushed to the kitchen.

"This is NOT relaxing!" Cuddy protested as Wilson once again fluffed her pillows.

Lizzie was sitting on the end of the bed holding a book. She kept trying to read it to her mother, but the constant interruptions were making that impossible. She'd finally had it. She stood up on the end of the bed, wobbling precariously. "Everybody get out! Mommy needs some peace and quiet."

"Thank you," Cuddy smiled at her thoughtful daughter.

"And for me to read her a story."

Cuddy frowned. What she really wanted was just to be left alone for a while. She didn't have the heart to say it though, because she knew they all meant well, and were only annoying the crap out of her because they cared.

Vala hurried in with the water just as the men were leaving. They each took an arm and pulled the stubborn woman out of the room. "But I want to hear the story too," Vala protested, kicking her feet as she was being led off.

"No." Lizzie snapped. "Just me and Mommy." She watched as the adults shut the door behind them, then she turned her full attention to her mother. She sniffled lightly, and dropped to her knees. She crawled across the bed until she was face to face with her mother. "I love you Mommy." She curled up next to her mother, stretching one small arm across her mothers shoulders in a hug.

"I love you too Lizzie." Cuddy kissed the top of her daughters head.

After a long silence Lizzie finally moved, looking up at her mother. There were tears in her eyes. "Are you really going to be okay? You're not lying to protect me or anything?"

"I'm not lying. The surgery went well. I only hire the best, and Dr. Yang is the best."

"Like Daddy," Lizzie smiled proudly.

"Yes, like Daddy."

"He's the best Daddy in the whole word." Lizzie was off on a child's tangent.

"Yes, he is. I couldn't be more proud of him." She looked at her daughter with love in her eyes. They had done pretty good, her and House. Lizzie was an amazing little girl.

"Mommy?" Lizzie looked nervous.

"Yes? You can tell me anything." Like a good mother, Cuddy picked up on her daughter's hesitance.

"I'm sorry I pestered you about giving me a little brother or sister." Lizzie looked down at nothing. "I really don't need one. I have you and Daddy and Uncle Jimmy and Aunt Vala and Rufus and...well, I've got enough family and I didn't mean to..."

Cuddy grabbed her in a big bear hug. "Don't ever think for a moment that my wanting another child meant I didn't love you. I only wanted another because you came out so perfect." She was crying.

"Don't cry Mommy." Lizzie reached up and wiped a tear off her mother's cheek. "Dr. Yang said you shouldn't be stressed. It won't help you get better."

Cuddy smiled away the tears. "Promise you won't tell him."

"I promise." Lizzie buried her head in her mother's chest. "Mommy?"

"Yes dear?"

"Maybe we could get a dog instead? Like a little puppy. That's kinda like a baby."

"Not really. Besides I think your father might have a heart attack if we brought another dog into the house."

"He loves Rufus. Besides, if I ask him for a puppy, he'll get me a puppy." Lizzie smiled a devilish little smile.

"While you're asking for that puppy you might add that Mommy wants the kitchen remodeled." Cuddy smiled. She really was lucky. She had a great family. It was smaller than the family she'd dreamed of having, but it was perfect in it's dysfunctional, unconventional way. Maybe it was time to give up on her childhood dreams and embrace a new one.