Yay, finally. Here, we go. This is the much anticipated meeting of our lovebirds, Dr. Gregory House and Dr. Lisa Cuddy. Hold on to you seats. This is going to be a bumpy ride.

Many more SALAMAT's (THANK YOU's) for the lovely reviews/comments on my previous chapter.

DISCLAIMER: I own nothing. HOUSE, MD and its characters belong to David Shore and Company.

CHAPTER 11 – TO BE NEAR YOU

Meanwhile, that night after her conversation with Blythe House and their visit at the NICU ward to see her son, Lisa Cuddy went back to House's apartment with Rachel. She tried to invite House's mother to stay at his old apartment but the older woman refused saying that she will just stay at a relative's house.

After putting Rachel to sleep at House's bed, she went out into the living room to work on the Budget Reports she brought home from the hospital. The TV was left open on a local news channel while she engrossed herself with the various figures in front of her.

After an hour, she stood up to go the kitchen to make herself a cup of tea. On her way back, she heard an all too familiar name from the reporter's lips coming from the TV, "This afternoon, Manila, Philippines time at exactly 3pm, the whole Medical Board and staff of St. Luke's Medical Center mourned for the death of their Chief Administrator, Dr. Jacqueline House. The 35-year old Endocrinologist suffered from a respiratory arrest due a complication of her late stage of Colon Cancer. Dr. Jacqueline House who was one of the first and youngest female Chief Administrators in South-East Asia left a healthy new born baby boy into the care of World-Renown Diagnostician, Dr. Gregory House."

There was no mistake as to the vanishing figure being shown on the TV screen. Even with his back on the cameras, Lisa Cuddy knew that figure by heart. She didn't notice that she was staring blankly on the TV screen as it now switch to commercial break until she heard the smashing sound of her glass as it landed on the floor.

In shaky feet, Lisa Cuddy forced herself to move and stepping around the shattered remnants of the broken glass, she slowly approached the couch and sat there still staring at the TV screen in front of her. She can feel her heart beating faster now and tears are beginning to form in her grey eyes.

She couldn't believe that after 5 long lonely months, she finally had a glimpse of the one man she was longing to see every day since that fateful afternoon. But then, her mind is on overdrive mode after hearing the news from the TV Reporter.

Gregory House is in the Philippines? He chose to hide somewhere across the Pacific Ocean, somewhere that is a million miles away from her? Is he that intent to hide from her to choose to live in a Third World Country? Does he even know anyone from there? No wonder the International Medical Media haven't heard anything from him all these months. He's hiding in a perfect place where those reporters rarely go to cover some medical missions.

And what is his relationship with this Dr. Jacqueline House? God, just thinking that this woman could be his wife makes her airway constrict and she needs to take a deep breath before the heavy feeling that had set within her heart went away. And the woman delivered a newly born baby boy before she died?

House is only gone for 5 months. Surely, this baby can't be his, right? If the TV Reporter said that the baby was healthy, then it really can't be his. That is just simply impossible. On that thought, Lisa Cuddy released a sigh of relief. She felt reassured that it's not House's baby.

Now, all she has to establish is House's relationship to this Dr. Jacqueline House. The reporter also didn't say if they were married or not or if there was a relationship really. Because, if they are married, then surely, the reporter will not hesitate to mention that information, right? That is definitely a juicy tidbit to add on his report aside from the fact that they finally found the whereabouts of the missing famous Diagnostician.

So, what could it possibly be? How come they share the same last name? Is it remotely possible that House married her months after she is already pregnant, after knowing that she's dying so that the baby can have a legal guardian? That is not something House will do but who knows? Maybe, since he thinks that she really hates him, he did this another reckless thing just to spite her.

All these months that she was thinking of him every day, it never occurred to her that House might actually find someone else. Sure, that can't be that easy, right? They shared a long history between them and that 20 years of knowing each other, it won't be that easy to move on even if they tried their hardest to do so. That is just not simply possible. Well, maybe for her part. That might be the case.

But, it seems like on House's part that's not the case. Clearly, he found someone else in that short period of months that they were "separated". She felt her tears flowing like a river more with the thought that the one man whom she truly loves seem to be lost to her already. His mother, Blythe House was wrong then. Her son forgot all about her just after 5 months and now has a huge responsibility to this dead woman's baby.

Baby. She thought about their baby, their son now still fighting for his life and the image of House holding another woman's baby is just too much for her to take. God, why is this happening? For a month now, after her baby was born, she was happy and very hopeful that she will see the father of her son soon. But now that she knows where he is, she doesn't know what to think anymore. She doesn't know if she'll ever have the courage to go to him and tell him about the beautiful tiny person they created together.

Maybe, it's better if she'll just put all of these aside and pretend that she still doesn't know where House is. Knowing isn't gonna bring any good to anyone, not for her, for her baby and certainly not for House. But, can she actually do that? Can she really just pretend that her heart didn't beat faster just seeing a glimpse of him even if it is just on TV? Can she actually make herself believe thinking about him now doesn't hurt? Can she delude herself from believing that all she ever wants now was to see his blue eyes staring back at her and to be able to lock him again on her embrace; to be able to feel him near her; to be able to feel his warm lips on her own? Can she actually go back into thinking that she can survive a day without seeing him and being in his arms again? Can she really deny both her kids, Rachel and now Aaron the time that they could spend with their father? Is it really better for all for them?

Lisa Cuddy, the fearless Dean of Medicine is now left with all these conflicting thoughts running a mile faster on her mind. Her sobs are really clearly audible now within the four walls of House's apartment. She doesn't know what to do. She doesn't know what's the right thing to do. Hell, she doesn't know what was expected of her on this situation. This is too much for her.

Her exhausted mind was telling her to give in and to just let go while her stubborn heart was telling her to go for it and fight for her happiness, to go after her man because there's no one else but House.

And then, her blurry vision since more tears are streaming down her face caught the screen of her laptop and her eyes suddenly lit up. She has to stop her mind first from all these paranoid thoughts. She has to know something first before she'll decide what to do once and for all. She has to know who Dr. Jacqueline House is in House's life.

With full determination now, she opened her Google browser and type Dr. Jacqueline House. What she saw on her screen made her heart swell all the way more.

Twenty-four hours after Jacque's death, everything was set. The ever perfectionist Chief Administrator managed to arrange everything even her own funeral services through her legal counsel, Atty. Luis Mariano. It was her decision to be cremated instead of following the usual 9 days interment and followed by the burial services that this warm country is usually practicing.

Instead, her ashes were placed in an antique urn and was brought home to their house and placed in her room. The baby since he was perfectly healthy was immediately brought home, too and is now sleeping at his mother's room.

Dr. Gregory House along with Nana Sela find themselves now sitting on the living room with Jacque's legal counsel in front of them.

After sipping his tea, the lawyer placed his cup on the center table and began to speak, "Dr. House, yesterday afternoon, I believe after your talk with Jacque, she called me and asked me to prepare the necessary documents appointing you as her son's legal guardian. I have the said documents with me now and all you have to do is to sign it and I'll be the one to process it in court."

Upon hearing this, Nana Sela turned to look towards House and with a trembling voice asked him, "You knew she was sick, Gregory?"

House could do nothing but to take a deep breath first and then, answered her honestly, "Yes, Nana. She just told me yesterday morning after I found her crying in her office. She has no intentions of telling me also until I forced her to do so. I'm sorry. I couldn't betray Jacque's trust. She had me promised not to tell you because she doesn't want you to worry since there's nothing that we could have done to help her."

The older woman who was once again crying just nodded her head and said, "I know. She is that stubborn really. I just wish, I knew."

"I'm sorry, Nana." House said so again. Then, he addressed the lawyer, "Where do I need to sign now?"

The lawyer laid out the documents needed and House just signed it and returned it to him. They were told that Jacque named the baby as Christopher Jordan House. House just nodded and then, he stood up and excused himself to go to his room.

On his way to his room, he passed by Jacque's room and he couldn't help it but he opened the door and went inside. He quietly approached the crib where the baby boy was peacefully sleeping.

Tracing the baby's features with his eyes, he noticed that he was the spitting image of his mother. She has Jacque's grey eyes and nose. House finds himself wondering what it was like to see his and Cuddy's baby. He knew that even though Cuddy didn't mention anything during the time that they were together, she was still hoping to conceive and have her own baby.

Now, seeing this baby boy in front of him, he couldn't stop himself from imagining how was it like to see Cuddy holding their own baby in her arms. Will it have his blue eyes or that of Cuddy's grey ones? He can already imagine how smart and intuitive their baby can be having to share their combined high IQ's. He also wasn't able to stop his mind from conjuring an image of a very pregnant Cuddy just like he saw in his dreams. God, he knows she'll be more beautiful and radiant knowing that her eyes will glow and sparkle from the joy of having to carry her own baby in her womb.

The Diagnostician didn't realize that with all those lovely scenarios he came up with on his mind about Cuddy and their own baby that he lifted his right hand to caress the baby's cheeks until he felt its smooth skin on his palm. He let it lingered there for a few seconds and then, closing his eyes to take a deep breath, he let go of his hand and turned his back to go to his own room.

With full determination now, Cuddy opened her Google browser and type Dr. Jacqueline House. What she saw on her screen made her heart swell all the way more.

She felt her heart swell with happiness. The first article that pops out from her search gave her the explanation she needed. It said that Dr. Jacqueline House was born in the Philippines with that given name on 1976 and became the first female Chief Administrator in the country and one of the first in South-East Asia. There were more that was said about her and then, somewhere below an all too familiar name was written.

Wiping her eyes with both her hands, she continued reading, "The death of the beloved Chief Administrator led to a surprising discovery regarding the whereabouts of the missing World-Renown Diagnostician, Dr. Gregory House. The famous doctor who was known for his unorthodox methods of treating his patients were reported to leave Princeton Plainsboro Teaching Hospital five months ago and since then, there was no single news about his whereabouts. He was practicing medicine for over a decade at PPTH working under the supreme reign of the fearless and tough Dean of Medicine, Dr. Lisa Cuddy. It was reported that Dr. House after leaving the US chose to practice medicine in the Philippines under the supervision of the late Dr. Jacqueline House. Furthermore, it was rumored that these two doctors actually shared the same father, Col. John House who was stationed on the tropical country in 1978. No definite confirmation was gathered but accordingly, before the Endocrinologist died, Dr. Gregory House was appointed by her as her son's legal guardian."

The article ended but Cuddy still can't believe everything that she had read. So, they might be siblings? She wondered if House knows about Jacque before he went to fly over there. She also wondered if it was Jacque's doing why they never heard of House's practice after he left the country. It's possible that through the late doctor's influence, he was able to secure all the needed documents without alerting the International Medical Media. Knowing that they really never had any idea as to his whereabouts, then she really did a great job at keeping House's practice in silence.

So, what now? What is she gonna do? She knows that House wasn't married and that it's not his baby. She also knows where House is actually working. From there, it will be easy for her to track down where he lives. Will she really go after him now? Will she cross half the world to see him only to be rejected by him? Can she take it? How about Rachel and her son? How about the hospital? She can't just leave just like that, right? She has so many responsibilities here. She can't just abandon them to follow the one man she constantly thinks about. That is just plain stupid and irresponsible. Even House will call her on that.

Her mind was giving her all these rational scenarios why she can't just jump into the plane to go see House across the Pacific Ocean. But, maybe her heart has a mind of its own because without consciously realizing it, she booked for a first class flight to the Philippines scheduled first thing in the morning.

She must really be insane and out of her mind. Lisa Cuddy who never does anything without weighing all pros and cons first finds herself approaching the front desk of St. Luke's Medical Center.

After booking her flight to this tropical country the night before, she immediately called Wilson and told him to take charge of the hospital as she will be gone for 3 days. The Oncologist was still very confused about her sudden decision but stopped probing more questions when she told him that she will bring House home with her. She didn't give any other explanation after that.

And then, she gave her sister, Julia a call telling her she will drop Rachel the following morning at her house and to take care of her for 3 days as she will have to do something urgent and important. Her sister must have known from her voice that it's about House because she didn't ask more questions and when she saw her when she drop Rachel, she just gave her a hug and wished her luck.

On her way to the airport, Blythe House also called after informing Cuddy that the ever meddling James Wilson called her about Cuddy's plans of bringing House back home. The older woman was just too overjoyed upon hearing the news that her son, Greg is in the Philippines. In fact, it was Blythe who informed her that for sure, her son was staying at his Nana Sela. The call ended with House's mother also wishing her luck and promised her that she will be staying at Princeton to keep a closer eye to her grandson.

And so, after 22 hours of being in the plane, Dr. Lisa Cuddy with a ready smile on her face went to speak to the Nurse at the front desk. "Hello. Good Morning. I'm Dr. Lisa Cuddy. I'm wondering if you can direct me to the office of Dr. Gregory House."

The young Nurse returned her smile but she can tell that she was indeed a bit surprised upon her arrival. Cuddy was sure of herself that House must also be known on this hospital as the biggest jerk and not really among the most liked among the staff and patients. Then, she heard her voice, "I'm sorry, but Dr. House is currently on leave."

Of course, why didn't she think of that? House must be at home now because his sister just died and maybe, he's with the baby. Cuddy tried to force another smile and then said in a sweeter voice, "Oh. May I have his home address, then?" She knew that it was a long shot for her to get his address. That was against hospital policy. But, no harm in trying, right? Afterall, she did travel across the Pacific Ocean just to see him.

As expected, she heard the Nurse say, "Pardon me but we're not allowed to give that information."

Cuddy was about to try to appeal to her again when she heard a familiar name behind her, "I'm sorry for your lost, Nana Sela. Your daughter, Dr. House will truly be missed by all."

She turned around to see an old woman being hugged by a female doctor in a lab coat before she was released and then, went on her way.

Lisa Cuddy thanked the Nurse and then in a faster stride went to follow the older woman. A few feet from her, she called her attention, "Excuse me, maam."

The older woman stopped and then turned to her. With curious eyes, she heard her say in a low voice, "Yes? Do you need anything?"

Cuddy approached her and then extended her hand while saying, "I'm Dr. Lisa Cuddy. I overheard you a while ago. I was wondering if you know Dr. Gregory House?" She said this in a firmer voice but in reality her heart was beating faster knowing that this woman was the Nana Sela that Blythe House mentioned where House was staying.

The older woman studied her first for a few seconds before enveloping Cuddy into a warm embrace instead of receiving her extended hand. And then, after a second or two, she released her saying, "Oh, you're Lisa."

The Dean of Medicine just stared at her in shocked confused by the older woman's actions. She must be staring at her longer than she thought because the older woman went to talk again, "I'm Nana Sela, dear. And I know you by name because I heard many great things about you from Gregory." She was smiling at her now with a bit of a teasing tone.

Cuddy though still confused felt herself blushing from what the older woman was implying. Then, she finally found her voice again, "Ahmm, nice to meet you, Nana Sela. Well, ahmm.. I…" She heard herself stuttering because she honestly doesn't know how to continue. Then, she was saved from further embarrassment by the older woman in front of her.

"Relax, dear. I don't bite." Nana Sela managed to joke with a teasing smile to the attractive woman in front of her. "Why don't we go our way now so you can see Gregory? I'm sure, he'll be surprised to see you." With that, she placed her right hand at Cuddy's left arm as if asking her to assist her and then, she took her first step. The Endocrinologist was left with no other choice but to slower down her pace to follow where this older woman will lead her. She knows she's one step closer to the man of her dreams.

House, once again finds himself at the baby's room. He cannot quite comprehend why there seems to be a magnetic pull calling him towards this baby. Maybe, because his mind still kept those unwanted thoughts concerning Cuddy and their would be baby.

He heard some footsteps coming closer since he left the door to the room open but he didn't bother to turn around knowing that it was his Nana Sela and maybe, with her friend visiting the old woman. He kept staring at the sleeping baby in front of him.

And then, he smelled a very familiar scent reached his nostrils. His mind must be playing tricks with him again because he knew that scent no matter where he goes. That is unmistakenly her unique scent blended with the perfume she wears. No, his mind is once again bringing him to the memories of one Lisa Cuddy, his woman and his one true love. He closes his eyes to try to escape her memories but all he achieved by doing that is to feel her presence more as if she is with him in the room just a feet away from him.

Lisa Cuddy was led to a room where a light can be seen through the open door by Nana Sela after saying to her that she will just go to her room first to change. She was told by the older woman that Gregory must be in there and that she can go ahead to talk to him.

Feeling her heart beating faster as she comes nearer that opened door, she saw House's silhouette. He was giving her his back but there was no mistake that is it was indeed the man she so longed to see. Stopping at the door, she saw House quietly looking down on a crib and Cuddy instantly knew that it was the baby. Tears begun to form in her eyes as she sees how engrossed he looked, how content he seems to be in this new place that he now considered home. She couldn't keep her thoughts from questioning what was she doing here trying to ruin his life again. She knew that House even if he tried his best was never this content with her. It hurts to see him now on this condition knowing that her presence might only put a strain on the peace he seem to finally found on this foreign country.

What right does she have just to suddenly appear here to demand for his presence with her back home, back with their own son? With Rachel? Isn't it better if she just let him go? Her heart was telling her to approach him and to finally envelop him again into her safety embrace but her mind was once again telling her to do the rational thing here. Let go and let him be.

In the end, when she saw him take a deep breath and looked up, she got her answer. She loves him so much that she's willing to sacrifice for him to be happy. And so, with one last look on the man she will forever love and the father of her son, she quietly turned around and left him in peace.

In a faster pace but keeping her heels from soundly clicking on the wooden floor, she saw her way out to the front door while her tears keep on streaming down from her face.

Nana Sela after changing her clothes went to check if Lisa found her way to Jacque's room where she knows where Gregory was. She was surprised to find the man alone still staring at the baby in the semi-darkness of the room. Then, she called his attention, "Where's Lisa?"

House upon hearing the all too familiar name from his Nana Sela's lips suddenly turned around and asked her in evident confusion, "Who?" He felt his heart beating faster. Just a few seconds ago, he was thinking of Cuddy and even felt her presence with him in the room and now, Nana Sela just mentioned her name.

"Lisa Cuddy. I showed her way here telling her that you'll be here." Nana Sela answered. "You didn't talk to her?" The older woman was also wearing a confused expression now.

"Nana, what do you mean?" This is it, House. You're losing it again. House heard his subconscious mind taunting him again.

The older woman seeing the confusion and hope on the man's face explained further, "I met your Lisa Cuddy at the hospital. She came looking for you. I brought her here and told her that you'll…."

Then, they heard the front door closing and House as if being woken up from a dream suddenly finds himself walking as fast as his limping leg will allow towards the front door. He opens it and then, his heart stopped beating.

Because, his mind this time around wasn't playing tricks with him. Standing a few feet away from him, with her shaking back towards him was the one woman he was longing to see all these months.

Without much conscious thoughts, he called her name in a low but sure voice, "Cuddy…"

Lisa Cuddy through her sobs heard her name being uttered from the lips of the man she was longing to see and touch. She turns around to see House staring directly at her. The last thing she remembered before her body succumbed to exhaustion and fatigue of the previous months was his name and that finally, she was in the arms of her beloved. "House…"

House seeing her eyes roll and her knees buckle finds himself at his woman's side in seconds to catch her petite frame before it falls to the ground.

Tada.. Yay, finally. Our lovebirds are in each other's arms again. But, is it going to be that easy? We'll find out soon on the next chapter.

Also, this is my longest chapter with more than 4, 600 words. Show your love and appreciation on the reviews? Hehe, thanks for reading.

Helen