ACT 3: Getting to Know the New You

SCENE ONE

House's office. House is standing by the white board. The team, Chase, Cameron and Foreman are sitting around a table rattling off possible diagnosis. Occasionally House writes one on the board.

VOICEOVER: Ah, the good doctors are hard at work. Looking in on them one would think everything is status quo, but if we look more closely, something strange is going on. Let's listen in and you will see what I mean.

HOUSE: That's a good one, Dr. Chase. Do you have any ideas Dr. Foreman?

(Foreman and Chase look at each other, while Cameron slides down in her chair in embarrassment.)

FOREMAN: I think we should start with the methemoglobinemia. It fits the symptoms. Let's put him on oxygen and see if that helps.

CHASE: And if it's histoplasmosis and we don't administer the antifungal medication in time he could die.

CAMERON: Well, lets put him on antifungal medication and give him oxygen. Poof, he's cured.

HOUSE: Or it could kill him.

CAMERON: He could walk out of this hospital and get hit by a car. That could kill him too. Maybe we should do him a favor and do nothing, and let him die here. It's so much more convenient.

(Chase and Foreman look on in amazement)

HOUSE: Don't you have any concern for human life?

FOREMAN: (can't take it anymore. He has to break it up) OK, let's put him on the oxygen for a day. That should be enough time to see if it will have an effect. If he shows no improvement, we will put him on the medication for histoplasmosis. The oxygen is less damaging, and should be tried first.

CAMERON: Excellent idea Foreman. Let's do it.

(They all look at her)

CAMERON: I mean, don't you think that's a great idea Dr. House?

HOUSE: Yes, good idea. Thank you Dr. Foreman. Let's go with that plan.

(A lot of shuffling as they all get up and leave.)

SCENE TWO:

Cuddy's office. She looks up as House walks in.

HOUSE: You wanted to see me?

CUDDY: Yes. There is a diagnostic conference coming up, and they asked to have you as a guest speaker. I tried to tell them you weren't interested.

HOUSE: (cutting her off) I'd love to. Do they have any specific topic in mind, or should I do a case study?

CUDDY: (looking reticent) Are you alright House?

HOUSE: (Oblivious) Sure. This will be great. I just finished a case that I think will be perfect. Tell them I'll be there.

CUDDY: Uh, OK. (She picks up the phone while House turns and leaves, a spring in his limping step.)

SCENE THREE:

Cameron, Foreman and Chase are walking to the lab.

FOREMAN: What was that all about?

CAMERON: That was all about finding a cure for a sick patient. Or aren't you into that sort of thing anymore?

CHASE: What's with you Cam? You've been acting kinda funny all day.

CAMERON: You'd start acting funny if you had to spend this much time around the two of you. Trust me.

(The two men shake their heads.)

FOREMAN: It this is your latest attempt to impress House, I don't think it's working.

CAMERON: Oh, I am so over that. I heard he's a little limp (she nudges Foreman with her elbow) if you know what I mean. (she winks at Chase)

(Chase starts laughing, but Foreman looks perplexed)

FOREMAN: Did something happen between you two?

CAMERON: (thinks for a minute) You know what, I really think it did.

(She runs off ahead of them. Enjoying stretching her legs)