Chapter 51 In Which House Arranges a Surprise for Lisa
It was nearing the end of their vacation and House had given a great deal of consideration as to how to make sure that Lisa had a vacation, too. So far, she had cooked just about every meal and had cleaned up about every mess. Of course, Rachel was her constant companion. She wasn't a particularly easy baby and so Lisa ended up devoting a lot of energy to her. Had she complained, House would have figured that by adopting her she was asking for it, but the new mama did her best to answer Rachel's needs with a smile. House realized that she nurtured Henry and himself with the same level of commitment and he was truly impressed.
On Wednesday morning at an entirely unreasonable hour, House got up quietly and made a phone call.
"House, its 5:00 in the morning, what the hell are you doing calling me at this hour?"
"I need to get rid of the kids and you're the man with the skills."
"How does being an oncologist give me the skills to take care of a couple of kids?"
"You hold a lot of hands and you manage me."
"Okay, say that's true, why would I want to use my day off to drive and get kids that are your responsibility?"
"Only half of them are my responsibility. The other one is all Cuddy's.
"Does she know that you are trying to ditch her kid so that you can get into her pants?"
"No, she's sound asleep. I want to surprise her. Look, I know it's not in my character to look out for the needs of others, but this is her vacation and all she's done is take care of everyone else. The only way she's going to get any time to herself is if I make it happen. What I can't decide is whether I should stay or leave with you and the kids"
"You mean this isn't all about getting in her pants?"
"No, it's about taking care of our boss so that she doesn't turn into the bitch of the year when she figures out that her vacation wasn't really a vacation after all!" House sounded dead serious.
"Who are you and where are you holding House?
"Are you coming Wilson, or should I order Cameron and Chase to come?"
"How long will this last?" asked Wilson with a sigh.
"Just until we get back. That is, unless Cuddy sends me back with you and the kids. Then, I guess it will be just a ride to Cuddy's house. I can keep the kids with or without you. I just can't leave Lisa without a car if she decides to stay alone."
"Do you really think she'll send you with the kids?"
"I'm not even going there; it's her choice."
"I'm assuming that you want me there as soon as possible."
"Sooner; I don't know why, but this is making me a nervous wreck. Thanks Wilson."
"I haven't said yes, yet."
"But you will."
"Yes, House, I will. I'll throw some clothes on and pick up coffee and breakfast at a drive through. Is there anything that you can think of that you need?"
"You will need to call the daycare and see if there is room for Henry if you want to put him there Thursday and Friday. I'm sure that Cuddy's assistant has her sitter's number."
"I'll probably keep the kids at Cuddy's, if it's alright with her. My caseload is really light right now so I think that I can rearrange my schedule so that I don't need come into the hospital for the rest of the week. The place just isn't the same without you two."
"Our lack of a social contract prevents me from saying that 'I miss you too.'"
"Our lack of a social contract prevents me from saying 'I'm happy to do it for you.' I'll see you in a few hours, House."
"Thanks, Wilson." House breathed a sigh of relief as he disconnected.
The next task was making breakfast. House had looked around the kitchen to scope out what was available for him to cook with. He didn't have a large repertoire of things that he knew how to cook, but he figured that if there was a recipe he could manage. It was too soon to start cooking, but he did take the butter out of the fridge so that it could be softening and figure out what he would feed Rachel. He wanted to be ready for her when she woke up. Finally, House reset his watch alarm to go off at 7:00. That would give him time to shower and start breakfast before Lisa got up and Wilson arrived.
