Here is another chapter! I was debating on whether or not to do a sequel to this one; after all, "Just Once" was a sequel to "Music," and that went over well. Considering how many people are reading and reviewing this one, I might do a sequel if enough people request it. So, just let me know if you want this story to continue later on! I was going to tack it on to the end of this story, but then it would get very long and my own attention span wanes when there is more than 20 chapters or so...
This is the last chapter in Heart Of A Fool! Thanks so much for getting this far!
For all you Cameron-haters out there, you're going to love this. For all the people who love Cameron, I'm sorry. (I know I shouldn't apologize, as someone said, but I can't help it! I don't like to make people mad, but I love writing angst when it comes to her.)
Onward!
The Funeral And A Promise
The day of the funeral was as cold as ever, thick snowflakes coating the world in a frosty blanket. The cemetery was as ghastly beautiful as a cemetery could be, granite tombstones bearing their weight in snow that rested on top of them, artificial flowers ragged with the harsh conditions. Statues of angels struggled to emerge from the snow, robes twisted in an unearthly breeze, faces turned to the sky, arms outstretched. Trees, their branches twisted and gnarled and coated in snow, lined the path through the cemetery, the large trees catching snowflakes before they hit the ground or came to rest on the mourners. The ground was not quite frozen, allowing Allison Cameron to be buried before winter truly began.
The hearse led the procession, the ebony coffin following the car. Mrs. Cameron followed her daughter, weeping. Cameron's brother and father carried the front of the coffin, Foreman and Chase following with the end. Cuddy and Stacy walked together, muttering in low voices, Cuddy wiping away a tear that had escaped and ran down her face before she thought anyone saw. Family followed directly after Mrs. Cameron, a small group of aunts, uncles, and cousins. Finally, at the end of the procession was Wilson and House.
They reached the grave and the proper procedure was taken care of, a prayer for Cameron echoing through the graveyard. As the black casket was lowered into the ground, Mrs. Cameron had to be led away by Mr. Cameron, who shot House a look of disgust as they passed by the doctor. House hung his head, unable to meet his eyes. Had he known his daughter had seen the gun the same time he did? That she didn't jump out the way, but instead clung harder to him, never moving as the bullet whistled through the air?
It was still unknown if she had jumped in front of House or if she had simply been in the path of the bullet, the gunman a poor excuse for a gunman. He had been caught, Mr. Deleyney's son, and was now in prison, awaiting a sentence. House supposed he would have to go and testify or something, depending on what charges were being brought up. He didn't know a thing about court dealings and didn't want to pretend.
The rest of the family started to leave, eager to escape the cold. House kept his head bowed as they passed by, glancing up only once. He came face to face with a slender old man, a cane in his own hand.
"Are you Allison's boss?"
House nodded, never making eye contact. He wasn't surprised at the slap he received, his cheek stinging as the old man, with tears in his eyes, hobbled off, a family member taking the old man's arm and helping him down the path to where their cars waited. He had deserved that. He deserved that a thousand times over.
"House, are you-"
He just nodded, cutting Foreman's words short. Chase sniffled behind Foreman, taking one more glance at Cameron's grave before following his co-worker down the path as well. Cuddy and Stacy walked by, Cuddy pushing something into House's hand. It was that envelope, the purple envelope Cameron had run out of the hospital with.
"My own was an apology, House," she said softly, anger in her voice, but tinged with sadness. "She was having some trouble and we never even knew. Love makes people do stupid things. Don't worry, I didn't read it."
House flipped the envelope over in his hands, his name written across the top, faint watermarks where snow had melted, and a dab of deep maroon on the bottom corner; it was blood. Her blood. House nodded slowly and, for a brief second, he thought he was going to lose control, to let the dam burst and- No, he wouldn't be that weak. House took in a deep breath and blinked rapidly, pushing his lips together. No. He wouldn't show Cuddy. Cuddy understood and patted his arm, none too gently, and walked off with Stacy.
"House, it's time to go, you're going to catch your death of cold."
Wilson realized how improper his words had been when he saw fire flash in House's eyes. Wilson muttered an apology.
"I'll catch up with you in a little bit if you could wait in the car."
"How long?"
"Just long enough to say good bye."
Wilson nodded and started the walk to the car, casting one final glance at Cameron's grave. House hobbled to the headstone and brushed off the snow.
"Allison Cameron. Beloved Daughter, Faithful Wife. We will never forget you," House read out loud from the etched granite. That's right, she had once been married, her husband dying just months after marriage, an illness that brought death. She must have been strong to have dealt with that, losing the one she loved. But, what was he talking about? Now, the hospital staff would have to be strong, to deal with the loss of a great woman. Now, he would have to be strong.
House took a rose from the bouquet by the graveside, the envelope in his other hand. He shook his head and looked around quickly, making sure he truly was the last one there. Then, he whispered, "I'll come back, Cameron. I'll come back."
He walked away, his cane leaving small indentations in the snow, his footsteps following in the others who had also loved Allison Cameron.
There it is, the ending! I wanted to make it sappy and sweet at the end and to leave it open enough that I could do a sequel, if I wanted to. House isn't sure if he really has any feelings for her or not, but he cares about her enough to promise her he would come back. (I always wanted to use that line, so I found this the perfect opportunity!) If it was too sugary for you, sorry; just let me know. No flamers, though, please. I don't think I have to worry; everyone here is very polite, as far as I can tell! Thank you again for being such loyal readers and I hope I get a few reviews telling me what you all think!
Other stories call and I must answer! Thank you again and you will see many more stories from me! Thanks!
