CHAPTER SEVEN – Gotta Love God's Sense of Humor

"But I CAN'T leave work! You KNOW how important work is to me!" House pleaded, while using his best pathetically boyish expression on his face that he could muster. "You CANT' do this to me!"

"House, you know there is nothing more I'd want to do than to say 'no' to you, but you know how much I love to say it. I live for it. And since when has clinic duty ever been that important to you?"

"What about my entourage? You know they can't be left alone … "

"House, knock it off. They're not children. They'll be fine without you although, I'm sure you'd like to think otherwise. And I'm not buying your little attempt here."

"All you have to do is mention that I'm a drug addicted, narcissistic, pathetic excuse for a man and that I am the last person that needs to be on any jury!"

Cuddy simply stared at him.

"Oh, come ON! Who are you going to put in charge? Don't tell me Foreman again."

"Well, no, actually, I was thinking more on the lines of Chase," she answered seriously. House stared at her blankly while a smile slowly crossed Cuddy's lips.

"I am legally bound to make you attend that trial. There is nothing I can do. My hands are tied."

"Oh, you'd like that, wouldn't you?"

"Like what? To make you attend that trial? That's the last thing I'd want you to do, especially if it were my own trial," she replied with a smirk.

"No, I mean being tied … up. I can do that for you if you … "

"House, shut UP!" she shouted impatiently. "If you have a problem with my answer I suggest you visit the hospital lawyer. But they'll tell you the same th … "

Cuddy was met with the back view of House as the door slammed shut behind him.

A few minutes later he approached the lawyer's office, took a deep breathe and softly knocked on the door.

"No."

House opened the door and walked in.

"No," came again from the man sitting behind the desk.

House frowned. "No, what? I haven't asked anything yet."

"I know. No," he answered bluntly.

"Ok, so, wait, how much did Cuddy offer to pay you for saying no?"

"Fifty bucks."

"Figures."

House left the lawyer's office extremely irritated.

I hate my life.

He'd hate his life even more when he faced his fellow jury members.

HOUSE MD HOUSE MD HOUSE MD

House entered the secluded room next door to the court room and stared at the eleven faces that stared back at him. Some had smiles, some had frowns, some even appeared angry. But one smile in particular caught his eye. He met her eyes and walked over to her, set the cane against the wall and sat down.

"Guess we are one of the chosen few," she said.

"Unluckily chosen few, yes," House replied.

"How have you been, Greg?"

"Fine, Stacy."