Title: Bridge Over Troubled Waters

Author: Tu

Disclaimer: I don't own House.

Author's Notes: This is a short chapter. Reviews are welcome.

Cuddy made her way to Alex Reed's room. She knew that in a matter of hours, she would be fielding phone calls from the local news stations, magazines, and more than likely international news organizations. It didn't hurt to check and see that the person she would be fielding calls about was comfertable. Cuddy nodded to the nurses and doctors along her way. Alex was in trouble. Ever a first year med student would be able to pick that up. Cuddy may not know what was wrong with him, but she knew he wasn't going to die in her hospital if she could help it.

Cuddy slowed and took a moment to calm herself, before entering Alex's room. The smile on her face fell away at the sight of the boy before her. Alex Reed was, in all since the All-American boy. He was an Honor role student, hard working, charitable, and good at sports. He was the envy of every kid and girls wanted him. The boy in the bed before her was none of these things. The boy before her looked as if someone had punched him tell he fell then kicked him while he was down. Even with the shades closed he looked horrible. Yet, Cuddy could see something familiar about him.

Cuddy felt a flicker of worry at the untouched tray of food before Alex. She knew that he had had a ruff night, but a lack of appetite in a 16 year old was never a good sign. Cuddy nodded to the worried looking nurse beside his bed.

"Dr. Cuddy, I'm having trouble taking his blood pressure." She said.

Cuddy walked over and took the cuff from her and tried to get Alex's blood pressure.

"It won't work right." Alex said looking p at her.

Cuddy could hear the exhaustion in his voice. She smiled down at him.

"My name is Dr. Lisa Cuddy. I'm the Dean of Medicine here."

Alex smiled up at her. "Either I get the boss to treat me or you're here to introduce yourself before my doctor gets here."

Cuddy laughed at his comment. She looked at the dial and began to worry. She had tried to get a reading three times and so far nothing.

"Your doctor will be here shortly." She said

As if on cue, the door opened and Chase and Cameron walked in. Cuddy smiled at the two of them and went on working.

"I'm Doctor Cameron and this is Doctor Chase." Cameron said introducing them to Alex." I would like to ask you some questions about your medical history."

"I need to get some more blood from you." Chase said moving to Alex's right arm. He looked up at Cuddy and saw the worried look on her face.

"Is everything alright, Dr. Cuddy?" He asked.

"Alex has a very low blood pressure. So low, that I can't get a reading." She said.

"I told you it wouldn't work." Alex said as Chase helped him sit up.

Cuddy smiled." Well, I'll let Dr.'s Chase and Cameron do their jobs." She said as she left. Cuddy had the feeling that this was just the beginning of a long and hard week.

Cameron smiled as she pulled out her pen to start writing. She nodded to Chase as he left the room with the samples of blood for testing.

"Let's get started. Are you on any medication at this time?" she asked.

"I take some aspirin every once in awhile for aches and pains. I was prescribed some pain killers two months ago but I refuse to take them." Alex said. He had to really focus to keep her from blurring. His body ached and the muscles in his calf felt as if they where on fire. He listened as Cameron asked him another question. He tried to answer but nothing came out.

"Alex?" Cameron asked worriedly when he didn't answer.

Alex tried to answer but nothing came out. It was getting hard for him to breath. He grabbed at his throat. Cameron grabbed the oxygen mask and put it on him. Alex watched as the blackness filled his vision once again. He could hear Cameron talking but she faded out as blackness over came him.

Alex could feel his muscles begin to jerk.