Chapter three - Ten hours earlier

Thirteen

This evening has got to be the worst in a while. First Foreman doesn't show up at the bar, makes me worried sick, and then realises he left his phone off and texts me to say he forgot to meet me and he'll see me at work tomorrow, and now I've gone and left my cell on the bus.

The phone starts to ring. I glance at the clock. Who'd be calling at 11:30? I start towards the phone, but then my leg starts to tremble and gives way beneath me. Shit. Is this my Huntington's or am I just drunker than I thought...?

And now the lights have gone out. Of course they have.

Power cut? The phone's stopped ringing, and I can't hear the soft hum of the computer. Why now? I think someone's out to get me tonight.

I manage to pull myself up onto the sofa. I guess I'll just sleep here tonight.

One hour earlier

"Anybody seen Thirteen?" Asked Foerman.

House feigned shock. "You mean she's not with you? How is this happening?" Foreman rolled his eyes.

He was starting to worry about Thirteen though. She was already a half hour late.

Thirteen

My head throbbed as I pulled myself upright. Yawning, I looked at my watch, and jumped up when I realised that I was going to be late for work. 'It's already 9am! Why didn't my alarm wake me up?

Ah, the power cut. It must have reset my alarm clock.' I raced to the bathroom, pulling my shirt over my head as I went. After a quick shower and an even quicker coffee, I headed out the door.

My hands started to tremble again, and I wondered if I'd be OK to drive. But as Foreman wasn't there to give me a ride, I dismissed these thoughts and got into my car.

Cameron

The X-rays of Thirteen's neck and spine came back break-free, thank God. Although she has fractured three ribs so we'll have to monitor her closely in case of any bleeds her fractured ribs may have caused.

After a quick physical examination, I called in one of the nurses.

"Page Dr. Foreman here please?" I asked her.

Foreman

I was in the throes of doing an ECG for House's patient when my pager started beeping wildly. I glanced briefly at the message, expecting it to be House trying to annoy me. I then read it again, and again. I thought I must have read it wrong or something.

"What's wrong?" asked Taub.

"It's Thirteen" I answered, stunned. "She's been in a car accident."

Cameron

Foreman came crashing through the double doors to the ED just as I was updating Thirteen's file. He grabbed my arms, his eyes wild.

"Foreman, it's OK-" I started, but he cut me off.

"No! It's not fucking OK! She's been in a car accident!"

I shrugged his grasp off, and patted his arm sympathetically.

"I know, I know... But it'll be alright, you'll see. Come on, come and see her." I lead him over to Thirteen's bed and drew the curtain aside.

He flinched when he saw her, bruises down one side of her face and all sorts of machines attached to her arms, legs and chest. Tears started forming in his eyes.

"Why... Why isn't she up in ICU?" he choked, moving beside Thirteen to hold her hand.

"It's really full at the moment... And as ED is so empty we decided to keep her down here for the time being."

"Is she... Well is her... Is she still... there?"

It took a moment for me to understand what he meant.

"She hasn't responded yet, and we can't tell for sure, but her head CT was clean for any damage. She did sustain injury to her ribcage and her breathing status isn't great... But we're doing our best, Foreman. You have to have faith in that."

He nodded, running a hand over his head. He sat beside her, cupping her hand between his own and stroking her fingers gently.

I took that as my cue to leave, and on my way back to the nursing station I was sidetracked by a flustered Cuddy.

"I only just heard... How is she?" she asked, twisting her hands together.