Thanks for the reviews. Again, I'm glad everyone likes it. As one commented, "don't let House go to Michigan." I debated that but him going to Michigan is pivotal to the story. You'll soon know why.

And yes, reviews – good or bad – are always welcome. Steph

CHAPTER TWELVE

The flight had been uneventful, but the anxiety he felt abated after three drinks he'd had in thirty minutes, not to mention the vicodin was the cherry on top. He kept looking out the window at the clouds below the plane; he felt like he was in space, the air getting thinner and thinner and it became harder for him to breathe.

His thoughts drifted to earlier that morning at the hospital. Chase and Foreman were still doing clinic duty, since Cuddy had not wanted House and his team to have a case until Cameron was up on her feet and well on her way to recovery, which was fine with House. He hadn't talked to Wilson since the night before when they had the fight. And he didn't really want to see him before he left.

The MRI done the day before showed slight damage in Cameron's left hemisphere that involved memory; it was the area that sustained the most impact and caused the bleeding in her brain. It wasn't that she lost her memory, she hadn't. It was as if her brain had 'recharged' and created another reality for her. Dr. Foreman reassured House and Chase that with any impact to the brain that a fantasy past is not uncommon, and that in 80 of the cases patients did revert to function as it was before the accident within three months.

He'd called his mom to tell her he'd be in at eight that night, then went to see Cameron once more before he left. She was sleeping when he walked in and didn't look as bad as she had the day before. Her vitals were strong, and yes, she was on her way to recovery. But what bothered him was the fact that she was delusional. She had woken up several times since her initial surgery and it was the same every time: she'd want to see House. But he avoided her as much as he could. He didn't know what he'd say to her. If it had been anyone else he would have told them the truth. But he couldn't with Cameron.

He'd reached into his coat pocket and pulled out an envelope, looked at her name in his handwriting and debated whether he wanted to leave it for her or not. After a few minutes he put it in the top drawer of the cabinet next to the bed. He took one last look at her and gently rubbed the back of her hand with his fingers. Something stirred within him, something familiar but scary.

He was torn between what his heart wanted and what his brain told him he didn't need.

Risks – House was used to taking risks, but not with his heart. He had once before and he gained nothing. Or, that was what he told him self over and over, whether that was the truth or not.

Back on the plane, it had just landed and he felt his heart beat harder and faster with trepidation. His mother told him that Debra, his cousin on his father's side, would meet him at the gate to help with his luggage. "Needing help with his luggage" was an admission of weakness on House's part, and he hated that. Weakness was not an option, neither was being compassionate nor sympathetic nor feeling love, all those humanly emotions that makes a person human.

He'd argued a little bit with his mom before consenting to it. After all, he hadn't even seen her since she was 11 years old, although he had seen pictures of her. But a person's picture never truly looked the same in person.

He walked out of the gate and looked around at the faces of his fellow passengers hugging their loved ones, some crying, some laughing, some kissing. He suddenly noticed a woman waving her hand in the air to get his attention. She looked familiar and was sure it was his cousin, Debra. She walked toward him with her arms out, as if to get a hug. He instantly and instinctively pulled away, but her hug was tight and felt somewhat, if strangely, reassuring.

"Scooter!" she exclaimed as she broke away from him and took his duffle bag.

"Hey," he simply said.

"Come on. I've got a close spot with dad's handicapped parking sticker. You're in luck," she said as they walked down the hall to the parking lot. Debra talked non-stop. It annoyed House but he let her talk, occasionally smiling to let her know he was listening. And we was listening.

"He's being released day after tomorrow. He's doing really well. Your mom is fine, since my mom's there. You know how close they always were, even if they didn't see each other often. My dad is great. He couldn't come because he had a big meeting with the board of directors at the bank."

"Why did you come?" House asked out of curiosity as they got in her car.

"I needed a vacation; I haven't done anything since the cruise in September. Besides, mom doesn't really like to drive so I came with her. I have to tell you, I'm not sure if I like that stubble on your face or not."

"Oh, the hookers love it."

"Oh, right. Aunt Blythe said you spend all your money on hookers," Debra said seriously.

House looked at her in shock and had to remember to close his mouth.

Debra bust out laughing then said, "Oh, calm down. I'm just joking. What happened to your sense of humor?"

House smiled and tried not to laugh. He'd forgotten her quick wit. She was the complete opposite from him: loving, funny, affectionate, sweet, fun to be around, at least a foot shorter and blonde hair. She took after her mom, Sharon. The only thing they had in common was their blue eyes, although hers was a bit more blue-grey that changed if she wore anything dark or navy blue.

After a few minutes of silence between them Debra turned on the radio and sang along with Carrie Underwood's new song. They didn't talk the rest of the drive.

They finally got to Blythe and John's place and parked in the street. Debra got out and took his bag from the back seat and waited for House to get to the end of the driveway. He stayed in the car and stared at her, wanting to take vicodin before he got out but she was watching him. It didn't bother him if she knew he took them, he just didn't want anyone else to know. He took the pills with the last of the water he'd gotten on the plane and met her at the driveway.

"They're vicodin," he told her as they walked to the front door. She held the door open for him and before he took the step up he said, "Let's just keep it between you and me, okay?"

Debra nodded her head and smiled. "Your secret is safe with me, but I might spill that you see hookers."

This time House really laughed. For a brief moment he was relaxed and calm. He'd remain that way until he saw his father the next day.