Chapter 11

Nicky knew if she went home, House would turn up sooner or later, so she joined the freeway and headed towards Philadelphia. She'd lived there since she was married and had friends there, although she found herself turning into the street where she used to live. She pulled up opposite the house and caught a light being flicked on in the bedroom above the porch, she saw Michael's new wife pulling the curtains, shutting in the light. Must be putting the child to bed, Nicky thought. With a sigh she headed back to New Jersey.

Just as she'd predicted, House was leaning against her door post waiting for her.

"I don't think this is going to work out," Nicky said as she let him into her apartment.

"Why not?" House asked as he shut the door behind him.

"Didn't you think this was a really big thing to keep from me?" she looked at him accusingly.

"Yeah, but…"

"Look, I can't live with secrets, Greg," Nicky said, "I've been there and done that already. I couldn't take it again."

"I know," House replied, "I understand that now and I'm sorry."

She cut him off again, "When did you find out?"

"Friday."

"So why didn't you tell me on Friday?"

"Because I wanted you to have one more weekend without worrying," House said, he'd tried to touch her but she threw his hand off angrily.

"But I had a right to know," Nicky said, tears of anger filling her eyes. "Don't you realise that it's hanging over me whatever day of the week it is?"

"I know, but I just wanted you to have some peace first," House said.

She knew he was making sense, he was trying to protect her for as long as possible.

"Don't you understand that I'll never be at peace until I get the all clear and I'm in remission?"

She stared at him and then added, "I'm not as fragile as you think I am you know," Nicky said, bending a little.

"Oh yes you are," House said, "to me you are."

He walked over and she didn't resist as he pulled her into his arms. She broke down and he comforted her whilst she let it all out.

"I'm scared," Nicky said when she'd calmed down. They sat down on her sofa and she positioned herself so that she was facing him, he hugged her tight.

"I am too," House whispered.

"What did James say?" she asked, looking straight at him, her tear stained face begging him to tell her that it was all a mistake.

"Can't it wait until tomorrow?" House asked quietly.

Nicky shook her head, "I need to know."

He kissed her hand, "It's already on level four. He was going to tell you tomorrow and get you started on chemo by Tuesday."

Nicky took a sharp intake of breath, she didn't realise it had gotten this far. "Oh my God."

"I can call him and start tomorrow if you want," House said quietly.

She nodded slowly, realisation dawning on her that this was actually happening and House's heart went out to her.

"Hey," he said softly, "we'll get through this together, I promise." He pulled her in closer and rocked her gently, whispering that it would be all right.