Living Proof
Hi !
Thank you all for the lovely review ! PlatinumNib made a interesting comment about the dialogues in italics, having the sensation that the characters were always whispering. Most of the time, it's the kind of atmosphere I want to create. Do you find it strange ? I've been thinking about it since then ...
This new short story is for my friend, House-less. The main idea is hers.
I also know that I made mistakes - when Rachel is talking. But since she is five, I think it's fair.
Thank you all.
Juliette
Living Proof
8.
Holding firmly his cane, House limped slowly until he reached the living room and sat on the edge of an armchair. The softness and freshness of the fabric on his bare skin made him thrill. He stayed in the dark a moment before switching on the lamp on the small bookshelf. His breath was deep and loud as he started massaging his thigh again with the palm of his hand. His scar was half hidden by a pair of black boxer. Sleep has been avoiding him for hours now and tiredness was all over his face. It was one of those nights when the pain was almost unbearable. He couldn't stand lying down even if Cuddy's warm body was curled up against his. A cramp distorted his lips as its burst into his thigh, went down his leg and seemed to explode in his knee. House clenched his teeth and closed his eyes.
He saw her small silhouette in the corner of his eyes, at his right. He glanced quickly at her, annoyed by her presence. House could hear his blood rushing through his veins and wished he were alone to deal with that pain. Rachel was looking at him with her big dark eyes, following quickly his gesture when he put one hand on his scar, hiding it from her. Can I have water, please ? she demanded in a sleepy voice. Can't you just go to the kitchen and take whatever you want yourself ? he shot back roughly. House immediately regretted his reaction when he saw her, pressing her lips together, obviously fighting back her tears. The smile she's offered him has frozen. Rachel stared at him then stepped back, lowering her head. You always hurt, she said quickly. House flinched and swallowed, looking away. For months, he's tried to keep her away from such a scene, protecting her from what he knew would be his first reaction – rejection and anger. He raised slowly his right hand, opening his mouth to say whatever he could find.
Rachel bit her lips and frowned. House stopped and inhaled deeply. She seemed to realize it wasn't what she wanted to say and made a step forward. Your leg hurts ? she asked, stepping even closer. House felt his heart skipped a beat in his chest, confused and uncomfortable. Rachel gestured to his thigh. Her young voice sounded like Cuddy's and the same attention was burning in her eyes. She scrunched her nose, biting her lips. At that exact moment, she looked like her mother in a way he couldn't think possible. He spent almost every night with them, he was part of Rachel's life as surely as she was part of his. She cared for this fussy, but more often funny man. They looked at each other. He knew he had no right to lie to her. And as she put one hand on the armchair, House nodded. Silence surrounded them.
I can give you a magic kiss. That always help, she offered. No, it doesn't, House answered softly, suppressing quickly the tiny smile he felt rising in his chest. Rachel made a step forward, standing in front of him. Mummy say you have to believe in magic ! Her smile enlightened her eyes as she said those words. House didn't even know what he was supposed to tell her. Minutes have passed since he's left Cuddy and he was no longer focused on the pain, despite it was still crushing in his thigh. She tells me to close my eyes. And look.
He was about to ask what he was supposed to look at when Rachel stepped closer and left a tiny kiss on his right thigh, just beneath his scar. It lasted less than a second but the sensation survived a thousand more. His throat tightened as he swallowed, looking at her in total disbelief. For a second he's closed involuntarily his blue eyes. It's better ? she asked with a proud smile. There's been no sign of disgust or hesitation in her action, she has barely looked at his scar anyway. Millions of chills were running along his leg up to his heart. Lips half-opened House simply nodded, failing to find words.
One hand on his knee, Rachel smiled at him. Yeah, House whispered, I'll get you some water. He stood cautiously while she waited for him. No, it wasn't really better. But he knew he could deal with it. Because it was now the kind and maybe the only magic trick he was ready to believe in.
Thanks.