CHAPTER SEVEN

'Cameron, I'm sorry.'

House, is that you? House, talk to me. I don't blame you. I didn't see the bus…I was just…confused. Answer me! I've been seeing Chase for a few weeks now. Kissing you was the only way I could think of to get your blood. I didn't think you'd kiss back…why did I do it? Chase is gonna be pissed. Chase, I'm sorry.

"House, leave," Chase demanded sternly.

House sat up and stared him down.

"You can't make me leave," he answered as he rubbed the remaining sleep from his eyes.

"I need to be with her, alone."

"You've already been alone with her. So have I," House egged on.

"What are you trying to prove, House? Yeah, we're together. You jealous?" Chase egged him right back.

House stood, grabbed his cane and walked to the end of the bed.

"I've punched you once. I can do it again," House said.

"You don't scare me, House."

"You should be. This isn't over," House warned.

"Not by a long shot!" Chase promised as House walked out the door.

Chase walked to the other side of the bed and sat in the chair House had just been in.

"Allison, I know you did what you had to do. I'm not mad at you. Just come back. We need you here…I need you here," he said quietly as he rubbed his bent forefinger against her pale, clammy cheek.

House walked back to his office fuming inside, as if he was the one that iniated the kiss. What's the big deal?

He sat down heavily in his chair and looked at the phone. There was one message. He debated with himself over and over whether he really wanted to find out who called. But, as always, curiosity got the best of him.

He reached over, hit the 'message' key and waited for the message.

'Hun, it's Mom. Dad's had another heart attack. He's in surgery now. They're doing an angioplasty. Call me on my cell. It's on. Please, come if you can.'

He hit the 'erase' key and leaned back in his chair. He watched as Wilson walked into his office and sat in the chair across the desk. He didn't immediately start talking and the two men just stared at each other for a brief moment.

"So, how was it?" Wilson finally asked.

House frowned and asked, "How was what?"

"The kiss between you and Cameron."

"Not exactly something I want to brag about."

"Oh, come on, House! You are dying to tell me about it!"

"Yeah, well, if she weren't lying unconscious after kissing a bus, oh, crap! You meant when she kissed the bus. Wow, you're good," House snickered.

"House! That's not funny," Wilson said appalled.

House sighed. "Yeah, I know. Got a call from Mom. Dad's in the hospital."

"Is he okay?"

"He'll be fine," House said nonchalantly.

"You're going to go see him, aren't you?"

"No, no need to. Besides, Cameron needs me here."

"She does not. You should go…"

"Why should I?!"

"Because, he's your father."

"No, he's a sperm donor. That's it."

"That's harsh."

"So is he. Give me one good reason why I should," House said harshly.

"Uh, because he might die. Isn't that good enough?"