Finding a chair close to the bathrooms, Cameron slowly eased into the seat, one hand on her belly and one on the arm of the chair to support her gradual descent. Another pregnant woman was sitting next to her, reading a gossip magazine. She was rather young and didn't look at all like she belonged in a hospital. The woman was dressed as if she was ready to go to a dinner party with diamonds in her ears and on her fingers. Around her neck was a mother of pearl necklace. The image of a sophisticated woman was betrayed by the fact that every once in a while, she'd make a bubble with her gum and pop it loudly. Cameron guessed that she was sitting next to a living and breathing trophy wife.
The younger woman noticed Cameron looking at her and put down her magazine. She stuck out her hand and waved her fingers, "It's beautiful, isn't it? It's a 2.5-karat blue diamond; and it's not even my wedding ring. My husband gave it to me when we found out that I was pregnant."
"Wow. Your husband must've been really happy."
"Yeah," the other woman said, popping her gum, "his first wife didn't want kids. Me, I don't mind. And it's not like I'll have to take care of the little squirt by myself, anyways. Do you know what kind you're having?"
"Excuse me?"
"Boy or girl?"
"Oh, we're having triplets. One boy and two girls."
"Wow. Three at once. Good luck with that, honey. My friend just had twins a few months ago, and let me tell you, she has not slept in years. We haven't had lunch together in a long time. Trust me, if you want a social life, get a nanny."
"Umm...thanks. I'll keep that in mind," Cameron replied, amused.
The other woman continued, "So, what are you here for?"
"Oh, I'm just waiting for my husband. He's in exam room one."
"Really? The one with Dr. House? I feel sorry for your husband."
"You do? Why?"
"Well, I'm not the one to spread rumors; but, I heard that Dr. House is one of the rudest doctors in the hospital. He even made one of my girlfriends cry. She came in here because she thought she had breast cancer, and House was completely mean towards her. I mean, he is crippled; but that doesn't give him the right to be so cruel. I even overheard the nurses saying that one of his employees calls him a..." She looked around before whispering into Cameron's ear, "A manipulative bastard." She leaned back again and regarded Cameron with a sympathetic look. "Oh, your poor husband. Hopefully, I'll get another doctor. I know it's terrible of me to say that, but who in their right mind would want a doctor like that?"
"I have no idea," Cameron responded, trying to not to laugh.
"And can you believe that someone actually married him?"
Cameron looked back at her, pretending to be shocked at the news.
"I know! She must be a very brave woman to take on a man like him. Why, I'd love the meet the woman who was finally able to put him in his place."
Cameron was about to open her mouth and confess when the exam room door opened. A man in a business suit walked out. The other woman turned to Cameron, expecting her to stand up and greet him; but Cameron made no move to get up. The patient walked right past Cameron and the other woman without a glance.
The other woman asked, her voice filled with curiosity, "Is your husband mad at you? He just walked right by us and didn't even come to help you out of your chair! You shouldn't let him treat you like that, you know."
Cameron just smiled. A few seconds later, House came out of the room. He set down the file on the front desk and told the nurse that he was signing off. Then, he limped towards Cameron, leaned down, and kissed her on the cheek.
"You ready to go, little mama?"
"Yes, I am."
The other woman, stared at the couple, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment and her mouth slightly ajar.
Before leaving with House, she looked back at the woman and said, "I forgot to tell you. I'm the wife. And I'm not brave, just very lucky." With laughter in her eyes, she faced back towards House, who was looking at her with his tilted to one side as if to say, What was that about?
Cameron took hold of his cane-free hand and interlaced her fingers with his. "Oh nothing. Just another person telling me about your charming qualities."
House scoffed and gave a knowing smile. Then, the couple, whose relationship no one else could understand besides them, walked out the hospital doors, their joined hands swinging between them.
FIN
