A/N: I am deeply sorry for the long wait. Real life got in the way but I'll try to update as soon as I can. Thanks to all my readers. This chapter is betaed by labellebeaucoup. Thank you!
Chapter 4: The Call that Changes Everything
Cameron was sleeping on her bed when she heard her cell phone ringing from the other room. Waking up she tried to feel her surroundings. For a moment, she was unsure where she was or what day it was. Her eyes scanned the room realizing that it was in fact her apartment and that she was in fact in her bedroom. Suddenly for a moment the ringing stopped only to pick right back up. Cameron dashed to the other room fearing it might be something wrong. She thought it was somehow linked to House…if only she knew how close she was to that feeling. She unplugged her phone and quickly answered the phone.
"Hello."
"Ally…"
"Jen? What's wrong?"
"Aunt Blythe called me today. She told me that…" Jen suddenly felt tears run down her face as she started to cry.
"Jen? Tell me what's wrong? What did Blythe say? Is she okay?"
"Blythe's fine. It's John…" Jen cried harder and Cameron didn't know what to do.
"What about John?"
"He's dead. He died of a heart attack a few days ago. Aunt Blythe called me last night but I couldn't call you till today…with everything that has been going on. I couldn't do that to you."
"Jen, you know I love you and care about you. You shouldn't have to do that."
"I know but I felt I had to. You've been through enough and plus I just couldn't come to terms with it all. I mean John was always strong you know?"
"Yes I know. So when is the funeral?"
"Tomorrow...late afternoon actually. Aunt Blythe changed it from today to tomorrow when I couldn't find a flight that late. I was wondering…"
"Of course…I'll go with you."
"I knew you would…"
Suddenly a knock was behind the door and Cameron went to answer the door. As she opened the door, it revealed Jen Cox on the other side. Her eyes opened wide in shock but she quickly ushered her in and closed the door. They both hung up their phone and hugged each other.
"What are you doing here?"
"I drove here late last night. I asked Aunt Blythe if she could push the funeral one day knowing you would want to be there. "
"Of course I would no matter what their differences were John was still House's father and a part of your family. Of course I would be there…if nothing more as support to you."
"I think you are coming for another reason." Just as Cameron was about to ask the question there was another knock on the door.
"Wow! I'm popular today." She went to answer the door and it revealed James Wilson and her sister Rachel Stevens.
"Cameron, I came here today to tell you about House's father but I ran across this beautiful woman here."
"I know about John, Wilson. Jen is here too. She's in the living room." Wilson and Rachel came in the apartment.
"Are you going to introduce us?" asked Rachel
"Rachel, this is James Wilson, House's best friend…"
"His only friend…as he would often say." Interrupted Wilson
"That's not true and you know it. But anyway, Wilson this is my older sister Rachel."
"Oh…the famous, James Wilson! It's great to finally meet you."
"Likewise…so Cameron spoke about me? Good things I hope." Wilson and Rachel continued to flirt while Cameron smiled as the couple was oblivious to everything around them. If House would be here he would try to bet how long Wilson and Rachel would end up together. She would have to tell him soon but in any case, Cameron believed it would not take long now that they had met.
"Hey! Why am I being ignored! I come here from New York and Jimmy here is flirting with Rach and I'm here wondering when I can get a word in." laughed Jen.
"Hi Jen." Both Rachel and Wilson spoke at the same time. The four suddenly burst out laughing.
"Alright then…"
"Jen was about to tell me why I had another reason for going."
"Going where?" asked Wilson.
"To Virginia for John's funeral. Aunt Blythe moved it to tomorrow so I booked a flight for Ally and I and quickly drove here."
"And you knew so quickly that Ally would go?" asked Rachel
"You know she will do anything for House. He doesn't even have to ask and she will do it for him." Replied Wilson.
"Thank you! That's your answer, Ally!"
"Thanks…"
"So when is the flight?"
"Around 8pm. I figured we have to be at the airport at 6pm just in case even though it's domestic. Airports in general are a pain…figured better safe than sorry. We'll be there within five to six hours."
"Okay, so I should pack then. But wait…what are you two doing here?" Cameron pointed at Wilson and Rachel.
"Oh I took my vacation time and decided to check up on my little sister. I told them there was a family emergency so they gave me two weeks off but in exchange I would be on-call for just this weekend as well every weekend when I come back."
"I wanted to check up on you as well, Cameron and to inform you about John House."
"Oh…okay. Rach, I'm sorry I won't be here but as you can see I have to fly to Virginia."
"Oh…that's okay I'll just come with you…if that is okay with you?" Rachel looked at Jen.
"Rach, you know you don't have to ask. You are also family. I was going to ask you too but you are so busy these days."
"I'm sorry…these cases are a bit draining. I've actually decided to take two weeks off. Apparently, my partners agree it was long overdue."
"Oh fuck yea it was long overdue! You never take a vacation and you haven't visited me in years and how long since you've visited Ally here and you live in Philadelphia?"
"I know I know. It's the life of a psychologist. Now I'm making up for it. Can I see your tickets? I'm going to call the airline and see if they have available seats." Jen handed Rachel the tickets.
"Hey, I wasn't planning on going myself but Blythe assured me it was okay and now that I've thought about it maybe it would be a good idea to visit Blythe…to pay my respects as well." Wilson looked as Rachel as he was speaking the last word. Rachel was busy on the phone with the airline.
"Sure that's the only reason?"
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"You noticed it too?"
"Oh yea…you should have seen them when I opened the door. They could not stop looking at each other."
"Hey, we are standing right here you know?" exclaimed Rachel. She was about to ask Cameron a question when she heard both Jen and her sister talk about Wilson and herself.
"Uh…huh. Sure, Rach. So what is it you needed?"
"I was wondering if I could borrow one of your dresses?"
"Of course you can."
"Rachel, were you able to book a flight because I was wondering if there was another seat available?"
"I'm on hold but I'll check to see if there is another available." A voice on Rachel's cell phone came back on and Rachel moved to another area of the apartment for privacy. She came back a few minutes later. "I was able to acquire two seats from the same flight but we won't be seating next to Jen and Ally."
"Oh that's a shame…" replied Wilson. He looked at Cameron who was smirking and smiling at him.
"Perfect." whispered Cameron and Jen. Wilson gave his credit card to Rachel who insisted on purchasing their plane tickets.
"Thank you, James…for the tickets."
"You're welcome. It's the least I could do…" Both Wilson and Rachel continue to look at each other. They were drawn to each other. As their bodies neared closer, each looking at each other's lips, they were interrupted by the clearing of the Jen's voice and Rachel quickly turned her head to the direction of the noise. She blushed and quickly moved away from Wilson. Rachel went inside Cameron's bedroom opting to look for a dress for the funeral while Wilson went to the kitchen. Cameron and Jen immediately began to talk about the couple.
"Whoa! Those two are like freaking magnets."
"I know what you mean…"
"I guess you do."
"So what are we going to do with them?"
"Nothing, Rachel is my sister and Wilson is my friend. Besides I don't think it will take long before they are together…although he's Wilson. I may have to speak to him about hurting her."
"Exactly! Those two are perfect for each other but Wilson is on his what…fourth marriage?
"Whoa! Who said anything about marriage? They haven't even been on a date yet."
"Who are we talking about?" asked Wilson as he returned from the kitchen.
"Oh…Ally and House." Wilson did not really believe what the two women were talking about but decided to ignore it for now.
"Cameron, I hope you don't mind I went and grabbed a bottle of water. I was suddenly thirsty."
"I bet you were…" whispered Jen. Cameron smirked. Wilson was oblivious to it all.
"That's fine, Wilson." Cameron shrugged her shoulders as she told Wilson this. Wilson looked toward Cameron's bedroom mentally hoping for Rachel to come out. It was like Rachel was hiding from him.
Rachel didn't know what to think or what to say. She was so confused. She never felt this way before. She tried to keep busy hoping that she would not have to deal with what had just transpired a few minutes ago but alas it was not the case when both Jen and Cameron walked in the bedroom.
"Rach, are you okay?" asked Cameron
"Yea…I think so. I just never felt like that before. I mean when you used to tell me things about what went over with you and House, I thought you were insane but now that I have experienced it for myself I believe you."
"They were a bit insane…" replied Jen.
"Don't I know it…those two were out of control."
"Hey, when did we start talking about House and I? We were talking about you and Wilson."
"But yours is easier than mine."
"Honey, you only think it's easy right now but I know you have met my cousin. Nothing about him is ever easy and it seems our Ally here is willingly wanting to be with him."
"The things we do for love…"
"UH…Huh! Now we get to the juicy stuff! So what do you really feel, Rach?"
"I don't honestly know, Ally. I feel differently around him. I can't describe it. It's like I'm drawn to him. There's some kind of pull trying to bring me closer to him. Is that weird?"
"Honestly, no! It's how I've always felt with Greg. If his stupid head didn't interfere…"
"Oh Yes. My cousin does tend to over think." Responded Jen
"You think? He is so stubborn!" replied Cameron
"Look who is talking! Ally, we grew up together and you are just as stubborn as he is."
"I know right. Let's face it you and my cousin are perfect for one another." Just as Cameron was about to reply to Jen's comment, Wilson came into the room.
"Who are perfect for one another?"
"Oh…Ally and Greg of course, Jimmy! DUH!"
"Oh God! You and Greg are really related aren't you?"
"Unfortunately yes. You don't agree then?" All the sudden all the women yelled at him.
"James, how could you?"
"Wilson!"
"Is that really how you feel, James?" Asked Rachel "Of course not. You all just jumped into conclusions. How did I not see this coming? Greg and his relatives always do this to me."
"I don't know what you are talking about." Smirked Jen. Everyone began to leave the apartment..all except Jen and Ally as Ally pulled on Jen's elbow.
"You totally did that on purpose didn't you?"
"Yes. Those two need an ice breaker. It was getting too tense."
"It seemed we have our work cut out for us."
"Oh yea. Those two are determined to stay away. I have a feeling what the problem is but I just need to confirm it before we do anything."
"Oh. I love a good matchmaking."
"Now we have to go before something happens." Just as the words came out, they heard yelling outside the bedroom.
Wilson and Rachel Cameron continued to look at each other, both determined not to say anything. It was Rachel who seemed to break the silence first.
"Did you mean what you said earlier?"
"Yes. I did but then again you can't really trust what I think."
"What do you mean?"
"Listen, I don't know how much your sister told you about me but I have a bad track record with women."
"What do you mean?"
"Listen, don't play coy! If House was here he would say something like you'll be the next Mrs. James Wilson…with me using HDA with women to lure them, date them and then marry them. Somehow I can't just break up with them I have to marry them first then cheat on them before cutting them loose."
"So you're a play boy is that what you're trying to tell me? Well, you're not getting a chance to do that with me if that was you're trying to say. And what the fuck is HDA?"
"I didn't say that. I barely know you. HDA is Hope,Dreams and Aspirations."
"So you trick women into telling them what they want and then use it against them? This just keeps getting worse."
"Why do you insist on thinking the worst about me? Am I that horrible?"
"Hey, you're the one who was telling me how you pick up women!" yelled Rachel.
"I didn't mean it that way. Oh jeez!"
"What?!"
"Am I just going to make you angrier?"
"Because you're being an ass!" Cameron and Jen entered the room while the yelling continued on between the couple.
"I am not. I'm just…"
"Wilson! Enough."
"What?"
"You are making it worse. Enough already!" With one look towards Rachel, Wilson walked away and towards the door. He opened the door and left. Cameron and Jen looked at Rachel who still had her eyes towards the door.
Wilson stood in front of the door and stared at the knob for a few minutes. He pondered on turning the knob back. He released the knob but instead put both hands against the door. He leaned his whole body against it. For a few minutes he did so and then he left the complex.
Inside Cameron's Apartment, Rachel walked towards the door, put her hands against it, and leaned her body into the door. A few minutes later she backed away and looked down. After composing herself, she took a breath and turned around. Cameron and Jen looked at each other before walking closer to Rachel and pulling her into a three-way hug. As they each pulled away slowly, Rachel began to slowly cry. Cameron and Jen pulled her into another hug.
"What's wrong?" asked Cameron
"What is wrong with me?" asked Rachel
"What do you mean? What did you and Jimmy talk about?" asked Jen
"Rach, what happened?"
"He basically implied that the only way I was ever going to get together with him was because he was going to trick me into being married to him. Who says that?"
"Huh?"
"What does that mean, Rach?"
"He started sprouting off about HDA and then said that's how he gets women. He proceeded to tell me he doesn't break up with them but instead marries them."
"What the…fuck? Why would he say that? That idiot!" asked Cameron
"I've known Jimmy for years and I just don't get why he would say that. Are you sure that was what he said?" asked Jen
"I'm going to talk to him later. What possessed him to say that is beyond me? I have a feeling I know why he said that though." Replied Cameron
"I don't know. He was looking at me funny and all of a sudden he started acting weird."
"Oh Damn!"
"What do you mean, Ally?"
"Ally, are you thinking what I think you're thinking?" asked Jen
"Yep. It makes sense. Why else would he do this?"
"But why?"
"Because he's in love and he's afraid."
"That idiot!"
"My thoughts exactly!"
"He's been spending too much time with my cousin."
"Hey!"
"Sorry, Ally. You know my cousin has issues!"
"Don't we all?"
"Unfortunately…"
"Seriously! This dialogue between the two of you is interesting but incredibly annoying! What the heck is going on?"
"You know for someone who studied psychology and treats patients you would think you would pick this up." Replied Cameron
"I know right. I would have thought she would do reverse psychology on his ass."
"Hm! That would have been funny! Can you picture both their faces?"
"I know right. It would have been hilarious!"
"Har har! Enough picking fun on me and tell me what is going on!"
"Obviously we need to break it down for her, Jen. I think her emotions are clouding her rationality and judgment."
"I think so too, Ally. Look at you, Ally! All psychological! Do you want to start or should I?"
"Very funny, Jen." Cameron turned to her sister and began to speak. "Rach, Wilson is in love with you!"
"What? Huh? No! He's not in love with me!"
"Oh God! She's just as bad as he is." Replied Jen
"I know right. Denial! Rach, stop psyching yourself out!"
"What are you two talking about Jen?"
"Rach, you and Wilson need to stop psyching yourselves out and just let go."
"What?"
"Rach, STOP! Stop being afraid" Rachel cries.
"I can't…help…it! Ally, you know…you and I never had good…track…records with relationships." Hiccupped Rachel.
"Oh God! You four are perfect for each other!"
"Look who is talking. You and Robert are in the same boat as us, Jen" replied Cameron
"Fine…"
"Rach, I know what happened to our parents but that doesn't mean you should close yourself off with every relationship there is."
"What are you talking about?"
"Rach, all your life you put up walls because of how our childhoods were."
"I know, Ally. I can't help it. It's a defense mechanism thing."
"I know it is but look what it has gotten us. Fear is a powerful motivator but it can also hinder us as well."
"I know but I can't help it."
"Rach, if you don't stop this now, you'll grow up lonely and angry. Sorry, Ally."
"It's okay. It is what it is."
"Rachel, tell me how you feel."
"I think I love him, girls. I know it's weird but I do. Is that weird?"
"No, because we all have felt it. Ally with Greg and Robert with me."
"So what do I do?"
"Do you want to do anything?"
"No…Yes. I don't know. I just don't get him."
"Rach, most people are like that with the opposite. We often don't get what they are trying to convey until we talk to them about it all. We can't assume or presume what's right nor can we judge their past mistakes before entering into the new one. Rach, most of us are not mind readers like Edward Cullen. We actually have to speak in order to figure out what the fuck happened."
"Jen is right, big sister. You were always guiding me and protecting me when we were kids. Now, please listen to me. I know you are scared and I know you are confused but you have to give love a chance or end up alone. Listen, you can't be Greg and push all those people who love you away. You have to go for it."
"Ally, I know but I'm so scared."
"How about this, why don't you just try getting to know him first? Don't just interrogate him but genuinely ask him what he is like."
"Jen, that's a good plan. I think I will try that but what do I say? He makes me so nervous and weary at the same time."
"Well, just take it slow, Rach and whatever you do, do not analyze him or you'll psych yourself out over this whole thing before this thing even starts. You often do this without realizing it and it sometimes is your downfall."
"OMG! When did you two decide to tag team and treat me like one of my patients?"
"Well, Rach you seemed like you needed it."
"Was I that bad?"
"Yes, the both of you were. I mean you two were just standing there trying not to look at each other but you were. It was really weird."
"You mean pathetic."
"You said it not me."
"Alright, alright. What do we do now?" "I don't know about you but I need to pack. You two are all packed but I need to pack." Cameron began walking back towards her bedroom and the girls followed her.
As Cameron packed, she and the other girls continued to tell each other what they missed since they last talked.
"So yea, I still can't believe how ditzy your cousin is." Said Rachel.
"I know right. I mean I love Blythe but her niece is beyond slow. I'm starting to wonder about her mental state at this point." Replied Cameron.
"Don't get me started, the girl asked me what 50% of a hundred was while she was looking at a price tag marked 50%. Did I forget to mention how the signs listed all the original prices right below followed by what it would be afterwards? I mean it's as if she is not using her brain or she's on something." Replied Jen.
"She probably is. I still can't believe she went up to a stranger's car and started yelling at this poor lady while she had a toddler inside the car. What is wrong with her?" asked Rachel.
"No, I love the story where she was standing in front of the car and peering inside her own car saying look, "this car has the same stuff as I do. It even has that hotdog figurine on top of the antenna. The car even had the bobble heads in front of the dash." Responded Jen.
"How long was it again until she realized it was her own car? Asked Cameron.
"I think around 10 minutes. I remember you and I were standing there looking at her like she was crazy, Ally. We were so embarrassed."
"Oh yea! I can't believe she did that. Where does she get these ideas from?" Asked Cameron.
"I don't know but this is the same girl who tripped on the same pothole for the entire five years she was attending college." Replied Jen.
"I still can't believe she graduated college. I mean from what you two tell me it's a miracle she passed and graduated." Replied Rachel.
"I know right. I think that's why there were so many people attending her college graduation because they couldn't believe she had finished." Said Jen.
"And they called me slow. Just for being blonde. I mean seriously! I worked my way to getting my license. What was her major again?"
"I think it was political science or liberal arts or something. What does it matter? She and her husband opened up a restaurant and they are doing okay."
"I really hope she doesn't handle the math part."
"OMG! That is hilarious! I hope so too."
"Please tell me she'll be there."
"Yep. She loved John even though John was annoyed at her. She did everything to please him. I think there is this rumor that John had an affair with Jessica."
"She's Blythe's younger sister."
"OMG! This family just keeps getting better and better. So let me guess she thinks that John was her father but we don't know since Jessica was a slut right?"
"Yep. Jessica told her that but John was convinced it wasn't him but more like Steven who did it or was it James."
"James?"
"Yep. James Davidson. He's Greg's real father and the love of Blythe's life."
"OMG! John is not Greg's real father?"
"Nope. Mom told me when I was 16 and I think Ally found out the same time from Blythe right, Ally?"
"Yep. Blythe always knew I loved Greg and knew how he felt about me so she would tell me stories. I guess it was her way of soothing my heart and softening what Greg would do when he would try to drive me away and in a way it worked."
"So what changed?"
"I realized that I could not allow him to do that anymore. The more he pushed his feelings away the harder it was for the both of us. It only angered and frustrated us both."
"How do you think he's going to feel when you tell him that?"
"He'll be angry and try to say I'm trying to control or change him but I'm not budging. He's stuck with me."
"God you two are so stubborn!"
"Tell me about it! Try living with her for years."
"I did. For four years remember? College?"
"Oh right…"
"Yes. You and Greg…"
"What?"
"You two are more similar than you two realize."
"How so?"
"OMG! Jen, I think I know what you mean. I totally agree."
"I know right. No wonder it took them this long to get together."
"I know what you mean. These two are scarily similar but at the same time different."
As Jen and Rachel continued to have the conversation, Cameron looked on as if unsure of what to do or say. As she was about to interrupt, a loud KNOCK was heard from her front door. Cameron got up from her bed and walked from her bedroom, towards her hallway and to the foray. She opened the door to find a FED-Ex courier with a large brown envelope. Ironically, the man recognized Jenifer Cox and simply nodded hello. Cameron took the envelope and opened it. She quickly looked at her companions and perused her documents. She quickly signed it and gave it back to the package handler. Jen approached the messenger.
"I want you to make sure that fed-ex overnights this to Dr. Robert Chase." Jen quickly walked over to the kitchen nook, grabbed the notepad that was next to the phone, and quickly wrote down Chase's address. She tore the page and gave it to the messenger. "Here is the address. I want you to make sure this is properly delivered or ELSE."
"Yes. Ms. Cox. I understand. I will personally handle it and see it to it right away. I will email you the confirmation number as soon as I have finished the process. Should I make sure it is a signed parcel?"
"Yes. Please do. Make sure only he will be the one to sign for it and add extra so that deliverer will have an new envelope. Dr. Chase can peruse it and then he will sign it and give it back to the delivery person."
"Okay. No problem. May I suggest something, Ms. Cox?"
"Sure thing. Ben."
"Why not email a copy of the documents to Dr. Chase so that he can peruse and then so when the real documents come he will just need to sign? It would be a quicker process."
"That's not a bad idea, Jen. I say go for it." Exclaimed Rachel.
"Alright. Thank you, Ben." The boy left and Jen walked to where her belongings were and she opened up her laptop. She looked under scanned documents. She had scanned a copy for Cameron but in hindsight didn't think to an email copy to Chase as well. She quickly emailed the document with a quick message to read it over and if he had any questions to ask her. Cameron and Rachel both looked at each other as Jen emailed Chase. They were both looking at Jen and were smirking. It was at that moment Jen looked up from her computer screen.
"What?"
"Is that all you are going to write him?" asked Rachel
"What do you mean? Is there something I am missing?"Jen tried to think if she forgot anything. She reread her message and clicked send.
Cameron and Rachel looked at one another for a moment but then turned towards Jen. The confused woman looked at her companions and tried really hard to figure out what they meant. Her face began to shift as Jen began to realize with great trepidation what the two women meant. She looked uneasy towards them as she didn't know what to say.
"Listen, you don't have to write anything if you don't want to whether you are ready or not, Jen. We were just joshing with you. I know you are scared. We all are, but if I learned anything it's that love and time do not stop just because we are afraid. Let me ask you something, when you found out I was engaged to Robert what did you feel?"
"I was heartbroken and I knew then I couldn't tell you or him how I really felt. I felt trapped and confused. I felt lost. I didn't know what to do. It was like a part of me was ripped from me and I didn't know how to mend it back together."
"Yea…I think I know what you mean by that. So, you know where I am going with this right? I'm hoping you do. Listen, I love you and I am not trying to push you to do anything you don't want to do. I'm just trying to give you advice."
"I know you are not, Ally. I know you are just trying to help me but I'm just so scared and I don't know what to do. I don't know how he feels about me and I am afraid of rejection."
"OOOH…the big bad-ass lawyer is afraid of a little thing called love? Come on, Jen. You graduated top of your class in Yale University and when people believed that you could not what did you do? Tell me what did you do?" replied Rachel.
"I worked harder and tougher. I proved that I could do it. I proved that I could accomplish my dreams even if I only make the first step."
"Exactly. Now, you're one step closer to being partner of the firm. Now, it seems that you are two different people. You are not that Jen. It's like you've reverted back to this scared little girl."
"Thank you, Doctor for the analysis. I'm just afraid that this will be all a dream and I'll wake up in a few minutes in my bed with tears falling down my cheeks."
"Take a chance and from the words of 'Basil King, 'Be Bold and the Mighty Forces Will Come to Your Aid.' Don't be afraid and allow love in. You never know what will happen."
"Is that what you are going to do, Ally? I mean the quote seemed to fit you more than it did me."
"It fit all of us actually but yes I do agree with Jen."
"We are talking about Jen here and it's not gang up on Ally day." The two women looked at Cameron. They gave her a look. Cameron hesitated. She opened her mouth and then closed it. She thought for a moment and then proceeded to try again.
"In response to the question, I am not sure. I love him. I do but I feel like we have so much to deal with before we talk about where we are or where we could be. He's not even in a place where I can talk to him right now."
As if fate were working to help them, the phone rang. The three women looked at one another to see whose phone it could be.
"It isn't mine. They sent me home remember?" declared Cameron
"Mine is on vibrate." Replied Jen.
"Oh…it's mine. I am on-call this weekend in exchange for this little adventure." Rachel excused herself to answer the phone. She went into Cameron's bedroom for privacy. She closed the door and answered her phone.
Cameron and Jen turned to one another and then turned back to the bedroom. After a moment, they turned back to one another.
"Listen, I know all three of us are scared but if anyone deserves happiness it is you Ally. You deserve it after everything that happened. Are you going to tell Greg about your past?"
"I know there is so much House and I need to talk about but for now I have to put that part of the conversation in the back of my mind. At least for now I have to wait. It's not like I am deliberately trying to keep it a secret but for now he needs to be better. His drug addiction is out of control and if we ever have a chance I need him to make sure he gives this treatment the best he can. All I can do is hope and believe he will."
"If you talk to him and make him believe. If you give him an incentive, Ally. What more of an incentive than love? You two love each other so believe in that love. Both of you need to trust in that."
"OMG! This is what Rachel and I mean. This message applies to all of us too. All three of us. Just believe too Jen."
"I know. I know. I am just unsure when the appropriate moment to bring up my feelings is and what I should do to prove it."
"I get what you mean. Just wait until he gets back. He was supposed to be on our honeymoon. We were supposed to go to Hawaii but I changed it to Australia."
"He told you." Cameron nodded. Cameron looked down feeling suddenly feeling more guilty.
"Ally, listen. It is what it is."
"I just feel guilty. I broke his heart. When he called and left me a message earlier, it made me cry because of how much pain I caused him."
"Listen, I think he knew from the beginning but he just didn't want to believe it. He was infatuated with you but I think he wasn't in love with you. You're a good person but I think you wanted comfort. You're scared. You've always been selfless. I mean really, did you even tell Robert that you didn't want to go to Hawaii?"
"I liked it but it felt wrong you know?"
"Oh…you didn't want to go with him. You wanted to go with House." Cameron suddenly felt a little flushed. She refused to look up. She was nervous and embarrassed.
"Oh Ally. It's okay. You dreamed of going on vacations with House. It's actually very cute." Jen snickered.
"Hardy har har. Laugh at my expense. I'll remember that when things change between you and Robert."
"Go right ahead." The two women laughed and leaned into each other as they continued to laugh over the irony of their situation.
Rachel was sitting on Cameron's bed as she listened to Dr. Michael Patrickson speak to her about the situation in his facility.
"Listen Rach, I trust you. I am just wondering about the ethics and rules that I would be breaking."
"I know but I think it would help both of them out if they did talk to one another. How is he?"
"He is detoxing but damn, Rach. What was he taking?"
"From what I heard from Ally, he was taking six pills or more of vicodin and she said when his leg pain was excruciating he would inject himself with morphine."
"Is he out of his mind? He could have overdosed and died. I'm starting to see where the problem lies. He self-medicates and compensates for what lacks in his life doesn't he?"
"From what Ally tells me I think so. He is incredibly depressed. I know he drinks too."
"Oh dear Lord. Is there no end to this? He was screaming and hallucinating and we had to sedate him because he was having delusions."
"Oh dear God! Well, I know the root of it has to do with his step-father, John. From what I heard from Jen, his cousin, John abused him physically, emotionally, and psychologically."
"I figured something happened in his life." Right then, someone tapped him in the shoulder. Rachel heard bits and pieces.
"Listen Rach, I have to go. I really shouldn't do this but I have a feeling that this might actually do them good or it would be bad for them. I'm taking a chance because I trust you, Rachel."
"Thank you, Mike. Thank you. You don't know how much it means to me."
"Just don't let me regret it." The call ended and Rachel looked down at her phone. She put it down on the bed next to her and plopped herself down on the bed. She closed her eyes and laid there for a few minutes. Her phone suddenly rang once again and without looking she answered her phone.
"Doctor Rachel Stevens"
"Rachel Elizabeth Stevens, it's been a month since I spoke to you." Rachel quickly sat up and massaged her temples. She felt a migraine coming on.
"Hello Mother. What do you need?"
"Do not talk to me that way. I expected it from your Allison but not from you. I called to check up on you and this is how you speak to me?"
"I'm sorry, mom."
"That's better. Listen, I need…"
"I knew it."
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"You never call me unless you need something. How much is it this time?"
"I expected this from your sister but not you. After everything you have done this is how you treat me."
"Mother, I do not have time to deal with you right now."
"I am your mother. I demand respect."
"In blood only but let's face it you and I both know that you have never been maternal to Ally and I."
"How dare you speak to me that way?"
"What's the matter Mother? Can't handle the truth?"
"I swear you and your sister. What did I do wrong?"
"Mother, you and I both know that ever since you found out…"
"Don't even mention about those lies of your sister's. It's in the past."
"It is the past and it is the future, Mother. You betrayed your daughter…"
"I did no such thing. She is a liar. She makes a mess over her life all on her own."
"If you are going to bash Ally then I am going to hang up. Goodbye, Mother." She hung up the phone and allowed the tears to fall down her cheeks. She lied back down on the bed and brought her knees up to her chest. She allowed more tears to come down her face as she realized that her family drama is one big mess.
Cameron and Jen looked at one another and wondered if one of them should go into the room to check on Rachel. Before they could make a decision, there was a knock on the door. Cameron looked into the peek hole and realized it was Wilson. She opened the door and ushered him in.
"Hey Cameron. I left my bags in the car. I figured I should leave it in there for long-term parking just in case."
"Okay. Thanks Wilson. Let me get my bags. It's in my room." She walked towards her room and saw her sister on her bed.
"Rach? Wilson is here."
"Okay…I'll be there in a minute."
"Rach, what's wrong?" Cameron sat down on the bed near Rachel's head. Rachel sat up once again and looked at her sister.
"Our sweet mother was on the phone…"
"Oh…and what did she have to say?"
"Oh Ally." She suddenly cried harder. "I don't understand why they have to be this way. I mean. I just don't understand why our family is the way it is. I mean they couldn't even support you. Hell, they didn't even believe you."
"Rach, our family is just one of those families who were not meant to be close. They distrust one another and try to one up one another. We are lucky that we are not like them."
"Oh Ally. I am so sorry about what happened. Did you call Dr. Landon?"
"Yes, I did but I only got a message."
"I want you to promise to try to work with her. I want you to move past this and be healthier. You and House need it and in order to do so, you need to work on yourself too."
"I will try Rach. You're right. It is not just House who needs to stop hiding from the past and making excuses. We need to work on ourselves to allow for a better future and if we don't we won't survive."
"Yes. After everything, you and he do need that. You need each other. Ally, I have a feeling Mother will be calling us when we get to Virginia. I'm preparing you because she may be calling you too."
"What do you mean?" Rachel told her sister what transpired over the conversation she had with their mother and as the words continued to come out of her mouth, she looked at her sister. Her sister's face looked troubled and unsure. She continued to look down and saw tears falling down her sister's jeans. Rachel used her index finger to lift her sister's face.
"Oh Ally."
"It shouldn't bother me anymore but it does."
"I know it does. They don't know if they will ever see anything more than their misconceptions and misconstrued perceptions but that's the thing, sweetie. You don't have to give them more ammunition. You can be more."
"I know. I'm just sad. You know I had hoped that they might change their minds after a while but I guess not."
"Oh sweetheart. There's nothing wrong with hoping and wanting things to be different. I'm sorry it had to be this way. You know I love you right? You know I'll always be here for you?" She kissed her sister on the forehead as she waited for her reply.
"I know you do. You have always taken care of me. Even when I was younger you stayed closer until I left for college. I was incredibly grateful for that."
"Of course. You're family. I just wished our family would see it that way."
"I wish it too but they can't. They…" Before Cameron could finish her sentence, Jen and Wilson knocked on the door.
"Is everything okay?" asked Wilson. Cameron and Rachel looked at Jen. The three women seemed to have a silent conversation as they all remained silent. Wilson looked at the three of them and debated if he should leave and give them a moment. After a pregnant pause, he got his answer.
"Hey Wilson. I'm sorry for the delay." Cameron got up from the bed and moved to where her two suitcases were. She turned to her sister. "Rach, I packed some of your clothes too. I wasn't sure if you brought anything with you so I went ahead and packed some of the clothes you left behind here."
"Thanks, Ally. That will be fine. I will just be a moment. Excuse me." She slowly walked to the bathroom
"Is everything okay? You two look upset, Cameron. What's wrong?"
"It's nothing. It's just family drama."
"You know if you need anything you only need to ask. House would kill me if something happened to you."
"Thanks, Wilson" Just then, the door opened and Rachel came out of the bathroom. She was better composed as she stood next to her sister.
"Ally, you might want to fix yourself up."
"What?"
"Sis, your face is red and there's snot coming out of your face." She turned to Wilson "We still have time before we leave right?" Wilson looked at Rachel and nodded his head. "See, go ahead. Take a quick shower."
"Okay." Cameron walked towards the bathroom and she slowly moved to close the door. She was hesitant. She turned to each person and each gave her a small nod. She closed the door and the sound of the water from the shower reverberated through the quiet apartment.
"Thanks. She needed time to compose herself. I spoke to the director and he is willing to allow us in. I forgot what time did you book the flight?"
"Our flight are booked for 9 tonight. It is non-stop. I contacted Blythe who said Joyce would be picking us up when we land. The flight is about 2 hours."
"Oh great. Thanks." Rachel looked at her watch and saw that it was 4 o'clock in the afternoon. She realized how much time flew and they skipped lunch. She turned towards the bathroom door and wondered if her sister had anything to eat today. She turned to Jen and she too realized the dilemma.
"Um…Jimmy, do you think we could stop somewhere?" asked Jen
"What's wrong?" She looked down at her watch and then glanced at the door trying to convey to the man what she meant but he did not understand.
"I don't think Ally had anything to eat all day and maybe we can have dinner as well."
"We can get take out and maybe get a ruben for Greg? We can eat there while we see how he is."
"I'm not sure if that is allowed because they might think we are trying to slip him something. I'll give the director a heads up so let me call." Rachel quickly moved out of the room and called the director. She quickly spoke to him and asked. She walked back into the bedroom after her call. She stood in front of Jen and Wilson.
"He said he will allow it and will tell the staff just in case they suspect." stated Rachel
"Okay. I'll call it in now so we can pick it up on the way. What do you ladies want to get?"
"I'll have a chicken cheese steak with fried onions, ketchup, peppers, and mushrooms in them." Replied Jen
"OOH…I'll have a chicken parmesan sub." Replied Rachel
"Hm! I'll order a spinach artichoke wrap." Wilson turned to Rachel. "Do you know what your sister would want?" The door opened and Cameron came out wrapped in a robe.
"Ally, what do you want for dinner and don't give me you are not hungry because I know you didn't eat anything all day?" Asked Rachel
"Um…I guess I'll have a hot Chile grilled cheese sandwich." Cameron turned to Wilson. "It is from that restaurant you usually order in right?"
"Yes. It is. Okay...do you want fries with that?" They all snickered as they left Cameron to dress. After a few minutes she came out in an oyster tank top and light blue jeans topped with a light pink slouch cardigan with two front pockets. She added a small studded pink earring with a pink feather necklace and pink flats. She had one a touch of tinted moisturizer and a little lip-gloss and mascara. She blow dried her hair, allowing natural loose curls to fall on the front. She pulled on her over beige crossbody bag. She walked out of her room. They stared at her for a moment and one by one filed out of the apartment. Cameron picked up her apartment keys on the way out and turned to lock her apartment door. They went inside Wilson's car with Jen in the passenger seat and Rachel and Cameron in the back. They picked up the food and drove to the facility.
Princeton Psychiatric Hospital – House's Room
House lied on his bed as the door opened and the orderly named Jefferson Madden came into his room.
"You are needed at the front."
"What?"
"I don't know. Just do as you are told and walk to the lounge." The orderly left the room before House could answer. House thought for a moment. He was baffled but was curious. He slowly walked out of his small room and saw what awaited him.
"Hello Greg." House stood there as his cousin, Jen stepped forward and placed her arms around House. Greg stared into Cameron and vice versa. Both were unwilling to say something to one another. House's beautiful cerulean eyes first turned surprised then fear then all of a sudden completely cold. Cameron shook out of fear and looked down. She didn't expect anything less as she broke both their hearts with her actions. She slowly met his eyes as his following statement was directed at her.
"Shouldn't you be in your honeymoon with the Wombat?" he sneered at Cameron.