Cuddy took a quick shower and got dressed. She actually had the time to do her hair and makeup (nothing fancy of course since she was just going to the hospital) due to the fact that it was way too early for even the kids to be up. Once she was ready, she hurried to the kitchen to make a quick cup of coffee. Chris was already there with a fresh pot made and a cup set aside for her.

"Good morning"

"Good morning. You're flight leaves in two hours right? I'm so sorry I didn't get the chance to talk this morning. I didn't think we would be this rushed" Cuddy sat down with her coffee. Chris put the pot back and did the same.

"Hey, don't worry about it. I'm just going to finish getting my things together and then I'll head to the airport. I'll give you a call sometime later this week to make plans and see how House's doing" Chris took a sip of his coffee while Cuddy smiled weakly.

"Thank you"

"Don't mention it" Chris reached into his jean pocket and took out a folded piece of paper.

"If you need to reach me and can't get through at home, here's my cell. Don't hesitate to call" Cuddy grabbed the paper and smiled.

"I won't don't worry." Chris got up and went over to Cuddy. Cuddy stood and gave him a hug.

"I hope not, I don't want to lost contact again. No matter what happens at mom and dad's" Cuddy smiled. It was exactly what she wanted to hear.

"Me either." Satisfied, Chris nodded and headed off to the direction of the guest room. Cuddy took one last gulp of her coffee and grabbed the phone to call Julie.

…

Wilson was hurrying to get dressed and ready when the phone rang.

"Hello"

"Wilson? Can I talk to Julie?"

"Yeah sure give me a minute" Wilson hurried to the bedroom and knocked tentatively.

"Julie? Phone" Julie opened the door and smiled. Wilson was glad that she seemed in good spirits but refrained from saying so. After she had grabbed the phone, Wilson hurried to the bathroom to finish combing his hair.

"Hello?"

"Julie it's Lisa"

"Hi Lisa, how are you?"

"Not so great. I need a favor"

"Oh. What's wrong? What do you need?"

"House is really ill. I need to take him to the hospital for the day and possibly over night. I was wondering if you could watch the kids for me?"

"Sure Lisa i'd be glad too. I'm guessing that's where my husband is headed?"

"Yes. He's overseeing the procedure. Congratulations by the way! I hear you're going to have a baby! That's such good news!"

"I know I'm so excited! I never thought it would happen!" Julie giggled and Cuddy smiled from her end of the line.

"I'm really happy for you guys"

"Thank you. When do you need to bring the kids over?"

"A half hour? I know it's short notice, I'm really sorry I didn't realize…"

"Lisa don't worry about it. I'll be ready when you bring them over. See you soon"

"Thank you. You don't know how much we appreciate this"

"Of course. Bye" Julie hung up the phone and hurried to get ready. She was happy that Cuddy had called today; a day with the kids was just what she needed.

…

House struggled to get up and grab the t-shirt Cuddy had left for him on the chair earlier. He slowly and weakly pulled his own shirt off and put the new one on and then looked at the jeans sitting on the chair. He didn't even want to face that obstacle. Forget it. House limped slowly back to the chair and sat back with his eyes closed. He tried in vain to stop the nausea that was coming back with vicious force. Please just let it stop. House grabbed his leg thinking about the rapid detox and the freedom that would accompany the absence of his pain once he started the new meds. He stared at a Vicodin bottle sitting on the coffee table that he had taken out earlier, and pitched it at the opposite wall. Letting out a growl of frustration he watched at the cap opened and a dozen of little pills fell out and onto the floor. He then hung his head and lay there waiting for a moment of peace.

…

Cuddy went into Emily's room and began to pack some clothes and toys for her while the little girl slept soundlessly. She only awoke once Cuddy had the bag zipped up and ready to go.

"Mommy?" Emily rubbed her eyes and sat up.

"Hi baby. Get up and have breakfast and then we'll get you dressed. You're going over to aunt Julie's." Cuddy gave Emily a big hug and then grabbed the bag and headed out of the room.

"Why?" Emily followed quickly, very curious.

"Because mommy and daddy have to go to the hospital for the day. You might sleep at aunt Julie's too, won't that be fun?" Cuddy took out Emily's favorite cereal; Nestle quick. She only kept the cereal for special occasions since she believed in a whole and healthy breakfast, but today seemed like that kind of emergency. Emily sat down and looked at the cereal suspiciously.

"Where's daddy?" taking the spoon she began to eat while watching her mother for an answer.

"He's in the living room and he's sleeping so you shouldn't wake him" Cuddy hoped her daughter wouldn't see through her lie. She didn't want Emily to see House like that.

"Can I say goodbye before I go to aunt Julie's?" Emily looked up and Cuddy turned around. She didn't want Emily to see House before the detox but she didn't have a valid reason to give the girl for refusing it.

"You can give him a big hug and a kiss when we come home sweetie" Cuddy didn't turn around to face Emily but wiped a tear as she awaited the inevitable question.

"Why?" Emily put her spoon down and Cuddy quickly turned around. Emily got up and went to run but Cuddy got there first and grabbed her holding her in a bear hug with tears streaming down her face.

"Please sweetie, please wait for mommy" Emily went limp and started to cry holding her mother tightly.

"I want daddy!" Cuddy held her tighter.

"It's ok Emily I'm right here" House stood at the doorway leaning heavily on his cane. His eyes watered, his face was pale and his hand holding the cane was shaking. Emily let go of her mother and ran over grabbing House's good leg. She rubbed her tear-stained face against his leg and he patted her back. Cuddy noticed him sway slightly and hurried over to his side.

"House I don't think…"

"Emily, you need to stop. I need you to do me a …favor" Emily looked up and House cringed. He hated the sad look in her eyes.

"What daddy?"

"I need you to help your mother…get Abby all ready. And…I need you to be good for aunt Julie and help her take care of your sister. Can you do that…for me?" House leaned against the door frame.

"Yes" Emily's voice was small and frightened.

"Don't worry… everything's going to be alright. Now go get dressed ok?" Emily hurried to her bedroom and House sighed. Cuddy hugged him burying her head into his chest.

"Oh god I can't wait for this to be over"

"You and me both" House gave her a quick squeeze and turned to go back to the living room. Cuddy went to Abby's room to get her up and ready.