A/N: Thanks to all my readers and thanks to LaBellebeaucoup and Multipleshadesofpurple for all their help and support. You two are awesome.
"Stronger than yesterday
Now it's nothing but my way
My loneliness ain't killing me no more
I'm stronger
Than I ever thought that I could be, baby
I used to go with the flow
Didn't really care 'bout me
You might think that I can't take it, but you're wrong
'Cause now I'm…"
(Britney Spears – Stronger)
Chapter 7: Topsy Turvy
House entered the room and saw there were seven people seated in a circle. He recognized a few from art and music activities. He stood in the corner as Patrickson went to talk to one of the staff members. The man went up to him and held out his hand for him to shake and Patrickson nodded to House before exiting the room.
"Welcome, Greg. My name is Dr. Jack Taylor. Did Dr. Patrickson explain why you are here?" House shook his hand.
"He wanted me to interact more with the patients."
"Can I ask you a question? Did you move a lot when you were little?"
"Yes. Why?"
"You have trouble with social relationships and sometimes are a loner?"
"I have a friend."
"Not judging but this group allows people to help each other with what might be troubling them. You see sometimes others might see what we overlook and it benefits them as much as they benefit from individual therapy. Keep in mind; you must want to be here."
"I'll give it a shot."
"Alright."
"Everyone this is Greg. Some of you might have seen him lurking about. Greg, why don't you tell a little about yourself?"
"Uh…is this necessary?"
"Greg, what did we just talk about?"
"Alright, I am or was a diagnostician in Princeton Plainsboro Teaching Hospital. I also have a specialty in nephrology."
"What's nephrology?" asked a patient named Pat.
"It is the study of the kidneys."
"Ooh! Awesome. If you are some smart doctor then why are you here?"
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"No disrespect but each one of us here have some kind of problem. I admitted myself for alcoholism. What about you?"
"Drugs."
"What kind?"
"Vicodin and morphine. I had an infraction years ago and it left me in pain on my right leg when they removed my leg muscle."
"So wait, you had a heart attack in your leg?"
"Kind of basically I had severe leg pains and the doctors could not find what was wrong. When they did, it was too late. Then at the time I was living with this woman who was my medical proxy and signed for the surgery I did not want."
"What? I'm confused. How?"
"I was in a medically induced coma so when I was under my ex and this other doctor, Lisa Cuddy, took out my leg muscle in hopes that it would stop the problem. The problem was it left a permanent limp because I was missing a muscle."
"But you are walking now. How is that possible? I'm sorry but I am just curious."
"Well, basically I had a nerve implant from a trial in Switzerland last week. Basically they got a nerve from a biopsy that they performed on a CIPA patient. Then they grew the nerve and implanted it in my leg. So far it is okay."
"So my question remains: what are you doing here?"asked another patient. Her name was Rose
"I used to take the drugs not just as pain killers but to dull the emotional pain. I didn't have the greatest childhood so…"
"So you basically push people away because deep down you hate yourself because your parents could not accept you for you."
"My step-father...well, he used to abuse me."
"That's a rough thing, dude but the thing is I get the feeling there is more. Like you came in here all fuming and shit. I couldn't figure out if you wanted to punch someone or throw a chair out the window or both." Replied Pat
"Yes. I heard some news while I was in Dr. Patrickson's office and I was upset."
"Can you tell us?" asked another patient
"My girlfriend was assaulted. Her estranged uncle tried to rape her and he also punched and slapped her. I was upset that I was not there to protect her and I can't be."
"I'm sorry to hear that. I'm sure she knows you would be if you could." The same patient replied.
"Yes and the thing is…he abused her for ten years before her older sister found out and now this happened. I just don't know what to do."
"Let me ask you something. Are you more upset you couldn't be there or are you looking for something to push her away?" asked Rose
"I would never! I love her."
"It is just I get the feeling that you tend to freak out when trouble arises and bolt."
"I may have pushed people away but I would never. The last time I did that…never again."
"What do you mean?" asked Pat
"We just got together and you see, she was my fellow and we fell in love but I was scared that she would never love me for me. Then things got out of control and here I am."
"OHH…" it was a guy named Sam who commented
"You two have so much in common." Another patient named Cassie replied. House nodded.
"Are you scared that one day she will leave and realize that you might not be worth it?" asked Henry
"Why would you say that? What kind of group is this?" He turned to Dr. Taylor but his face was too passive.
"I am just trying to understand what is going on but the thing is if you love each other and are meant to be, then things will work out."
"How can you be sure?"
"Love is never easy but the thing is when you meet the right person…you know," replied Rose, "All you have to do is believe. The thing is I get you are scared about the future and are trying to make sure that the past doesn't come back to bite you in the ass, but that is not a way to live your life. You have to live in the now and stop thinking so hard. Let your heart lead you with this one. Trust me on this."
"Speaking from experience?"
"Yes." Rose was in House's age group and her hand seemed to have a ring indent on her finger. "I was married until recently. He died and I drank."
"Oh…I get it. I'm just afraid."
"Fear is okay but the thing is, you shouldn't let fear dictate your life." House nodded.
"Unfortunately the time is up and the next activity is swimming. Why doesn't everyone go back to their rooms and change?" He turned to House and nodded to him. They left the room leaving House to ponder what he just heard.
Cameron remained unconscious as Wilson lifted her up onto a gurney. Wilson turned around to see Rachel on the phone talking to Cameron's therapist.
"Jo, yea. I get it. Just try to get here as soon as you can. She's still unconscious but I'm worried about her." She nodded as the woman on the other line told her she would be there within the hour. Rachel hung up the phone and turned to see her sister being wheeled out of her own office. "She will be here in one hour." He nodded. "I spoke to House and he was livid."
"Oh shit! That can't be good. I was thinking of having an alarm system installed in their condo just in case." Rachel nodded.
They turned to see Lucas Douglas and Lisa Cuddy lingering by. Their faces were filled with a mixture of worry and shock.
"How is she?" Lucas asked Wilson. "How is my sister?"
"She seems to be okay. No broken bones and her ribs seemed okay. For the most part it will be bruising because of how he handled her. I still can't believe this happened."
"I know." Cuddy turned to the people outside. "I mean she seemed to have so much happening to her lately. I just don't get why this happened."
"Because our uncle is a sick man." Rachel turned to Lucas. "The man is my mom's brother and also a clergyman. It is sickening that he keeps doing this to her."
"What?" Lucas' faced turned into shock. "What do you mean again? This happened before?"
"From what she remembers, it started when she was seven and lasted for ten years when I caught him. She doesn't remember when really but my guess is it was earlier."
"That mother fucker. Of all the people!" Rachel looked down and her tears came crashing down as the shock came off.
"I don't understand why this keeps happening to her of all people! I mean I study behavior for God sakes but when it comes to this, I am completely baffled. Maybe it is because I am too close to this but I can't take it anymore. I am beyond upset and livid!" She was screaming and her hands were shaking as Wilson came over to her.
"Baby, stop. Stop, you're making yourself more upset." Cuddy and Lucas looked at each other and back at the couple. They mouthed to each other "Baby?" and looked puzzled at what was going on. "Come on, we need to see how she is. I don't want your parents going in there before she wakes up. It will upset her more." They started to walk but he stopped and turned to the people around them. "You two coming?" They nodded. "I need to call about that alarm system." He draped his arm around Rachel as she walked numbly out of the room. They walked to the elevator and clicked on the call button. He looked behind him to see that Lucas was talking to his mother. The woman named Caroline Stone walked past him to take the stairs to go out the hospital.
"She wanted to give us time but asked me to give her updates. She had to get home to see my stepdad, Paul, because my siblings will be coming home from school as well." Stated Douglas
They got on the elevator and as it opened to the second floor, they exited to Cameron's room. Security was already outside as they awaited the group.
"She is still asleep, Dr. Wilson." Stated Elyse, a nurse, assigned to Cameron's case. "She could be waking up soon but I am not sure." Wilson nodded.
"Why don't you go inside and sit with her? I'll be in there in just a moment." Wilson told Rachel. She nodded and went inside to Cameron's room. "She's not taking this well and I get why. I mean she's taken care of Ally since she was kid. She's protected her and got her out of her parents' when they didn't believe her. She stayed closer to home in her college years because she wanted to make sure Ally had her around. She's always…" Wilson shook his head and took a moment to process. He dialed his phone and called House's super and tell him that it doesn't matter what but there needs to be an alarm system installed and to do what is necessary. He hung up soon after. He turned to Cuddy and Douglas. "I have not known her for a while but I feel a connection to her and it's a deep one. This is not one of those flings I can assure you of that. I'm waiting for her to be ready but until then I'll be her friend." They both nodded as they stood thereunsure what to do. After a moment, Wilson started to go in the room but stopped. "Lisa, can you let us know when the police get here?" She nodded. "Thanks." He walked inside and closed the door. Cuddy and Douglas sat in the nearby chairs as they waited for more information. Even now, they were confused on what they could do with someone they knew. It was just a shock that had not sunk in yet. For now, they just sat and thought. It was all they could do.
Wilson sat down next to Rachel who took the seat closer to Cameron's bed. He grabbed her hand as more tears came falling down from her fair face.
"I don't think I can handle anymore. It is just that ever since we were little it was just us because of our family but after this I don't think I can ever forgive them for what they have done to her. It is not right. I don't even want to see them. As for my half-brother, I am just not sure."
"The answers don't have to come now but don't do anything rash. Because once you have made the decision, we can't go back. Time moves forward not backward. There are no do-overs and when you say things out of emotion we might regret them later on. Our actions, no matter how big or small, have consequences and repercussions. I'm not saying what they did is right because it is not! Not even close. I'm saying think before you do anything. Okay?" She nodded as she stared at her sister's unconscious body.
"I want to get her something else to wear. I don't want to give her a hospital gown. Can we give her scrubs instead? I want her to be comfortable."
"Alright. I think we can do that. What about the clothes she is wearing now?"
"Let's wait until what the police say. It would be a shame if she lost that set she is wearing now. She has a thing with lingerie."
"I noticed that." Rachel looked at him puzzlingly. "She was wearing this camise that was see-through in the back and she was wearing a g-string. I tried not to look as much out of respect." She nodded.
"After what happened with our parents, she started wearing them to make herself feel better and sexier. And apparently, your best-friend encouraged her so she wears them and usually that type now. My baby sister is kind of a nympho thanks to your best friend but she doesn't seem to mind. I think it's a turn on for her." She grinned for a moment but then became quiet. "I don't want them to judge her just because of what she wears underneath. It is her business not theirs."
"I agree. I mean if that is what she likes to wear then what is to stop her? She has a lot eh?"
"Yes. Drawers full. When I stayed with her it did not stop with sets but teddies, camis, corsets, and baby dolls."
"Wow! House is a lucky man."
"I don't know why she bothers wearing them when she loses them in less than 30 minutes but she said he likes to take them off of her and again…"
"Yes. Turn on." She turned to see her sister move and mumble something under her breath. Cameron turned her head and called out a name.
"Greg." She whispered
"Ah yes, their dream connection. Until she starts moaning and shit I think it's just a dream and not a connection."
"What?"
"From what I gather from both of them, they seem to meet in their dreams and well…yea."
"Sex?"
"A lot…but yea. She tells me they talk there and he hinted the same thing. I think it increased their drive for one another and their intimacy to be honest. It is creepy but it is kind of interesting too. They remember. When I was talking to House, he said he warned her about our family. I wonder what he meant. I didn't get to ask before he gave it back to Michael."
"He said to be alert and to be on guard. He said to not go unprepared."
"You're awake." She nodded.
"You talked to him? When? Is he okay?"
"He's fine. I'm guessing that was a regular dream not those other ones?" She shook her head no. "He was angry but he was okay. He is doing what he promised you. Don't worry." Cameron sighed. "What's wrong?"
"I guess a part of me wanted him here but another part of me thinks he did the right thing. It's okay."
"He was set to leave but I told him you wanted him to stay. You do don't you?" Cameron nodded. "Okay then. Listen, there are some things you don't know."
"Okay."
"We have a brother…half-brother actually and apparently you know him."
"Who? I can't believe it. Who cheated? It was mom wasn't it?"
"No. It was Dad. Our brother's name is Lucas Douglas."
"What?"
"Yep. He's outside if you want to see him. He's with Cuddy." Stated Wilson.
"I don't know if I am ready to see another family member. I am just not ready."
"Okay." The door opened and a woman came in. She was Rachel's height and seemed to be her group. She was blonde with layered hair and a slick black suit with a white dress shirt and flats. She carried a satchel over her arm as she walked over to the bed. Rachel got up from her seat and went to welcome her co-worker and friend, Josephine Landon.
"Jo, it's good to see you again." She hugged her and proceeded to lead her to Cameron. "Ally, this is Josephine Landon. She and I went to school together like Mike did."
"Mike? As in Mike Patrickson? What does he have to do with this?"
"He is the director where Ally's boyfriend is getting his treatment."
"Okay. This is interesting." Rachel nodded.
"Why don't I leave you two be? I'll be outside okay Ally?" Cameron was hesitant but she nodded nonetheless. Wilson got up from his chair and joined Rachel to leave the room. They exited as Dr. Landon took a seat next to her bed and got out a notepad to take notes on what Cameron relayed to her.
"So, why don't you tell me what happened?"
"Didn't Rachel tell you?"
"I want you to tell me. I'm not here to judge. I'm trying to help you and I'm trying to understand so if you would please. Remember it was you who asked for my help." Cameron nodded.
"You're right. I did. Where should I start?"
"Where ever you want. I'm here to listen."
"My uncle…he assaulted me and hit me today. He tried to rape me again and when I tried to fight him, he hit me. He slapped and punched me. But that was not the first time."
"Go on. Please continue."
"I think it was when I was seven years old when he barged in my room to make me do oral sex and then soon after that it got worse when he would rape me. Each time I tried to get away, he would hit me and grab me."
"When did your family find out?"
"When I was seventeen years old. It was Rachel who caught him that time and we told our family and they didn't believe me. They called me names, actually and believe I ruined the family. Rachel has always taken care of me. I remember her staying home for college to take care of me. Then when it happened she took me with her and we found an apartment but I was never the same."
"Because of your family? Because of your family's lack of acceptance and belief over what happened?"
"Yes. For years, I was unhappy and I never truly accepted who I am. I hate myself to a degree and I doubt myself. Greg says I shouldn't but I do. I fear one day he will leave me."
"Do you think he will?"
"I don't know. He says he won't. He gave me this promise ring but I am not sure anymore." She pointed to the ring.
"I don't know about that, but typically promise rings mean a promise of a future. Let me ask you this: is he the type to actually do this?"
"Actually no. He used to hire hookers but he said he hasn't for a while."
"Hm! Did he tell you why?"
"No."
"What about you?"
"I just got my second marriage annulled. The first, Christopher died of thyroid cancer. It metastasized to his brain, killing him. The second was a mistake who I tried to replace Greg with. I regretted it soon after I said my vows and asked for an annulment soon after."
"Wait, are you saying that you were recently married?"
"Yes. I didn't want him. Honestly, I thought I could get over Greg but it was a mistake. I regret saying yes because of how much drama it caused. I caused pain and misery because of my choices."
"What did Greg say when you were getting married?"
"He was in shock. Then I realized he was overusing his pain meds. I realized soon after he was trying to cope with his life because he was unhappy."
"So basically he was unable to deal with what happened between you and the other aspects of his life?
"I guess. I mean he had a touch life but our lives are almost similar. I guess it is why we mesh so well."
"Like attract like. Do you two talk?"
"We talk but we're still getting adjusted to our lives so he told me that marriage will not be right now. He said it will definitely be in the future but at the moment it is on hold."
"Well, I get that since you two need to work on yourselves first as well as make it work as a couple before being in a marriage. I don't doubt your love for one another but from what I gathered you two doubt the future because of your pasts. What I am getting is that you are fearful of it because of all the emotional and physical pain you experienced throughout the years." Cameron nodded. "Let me ask you this: how much does he know?"
"He knows more than I told Christopher or Robert. Robert was my second husband."
"I see. That might work in your favor. It shows you trust him. Does he tell you stuff?" She shook her head. "Maybe it is because he doesn't want to worry you more than you are. To give you stress that you already endured."
"It makes sense but I want him to communicate with me more."
"Tell him that. Now I want to backtrack to what happened today. Why didn't you run when you saw him?"
"My uncle…I didn't know it was him until he looked up. He was looking at my picture of Greg and me. I didn't notice the similarities until it was too late then I clammed up and I felt like I could not move. I panicked and then I moved to the wrong position of the wall and here I am"
"Do you have nightmares?
"Yes. The only time I don't is when I dream of Greg and when I don't I feel like I can't get away. I thrash about in my dreams and feel trapped. It is like I keep relieving it over and over. I feel like no matter how long ago it happened, I can't let go."
"Is it partly because of your family's inability to recognize the events that happened?
"Maybe. I mean almost two weeks ago, our mother called to yell at us for not giving her money. She believes that since we are doctors we make more money so she is entitled to get it. She spent the other time belittling me and making me feel like trash."
"Do you still feel like that? Do you still feel unwanted and unloved?"
"Not when I am with Greg. I mean when I am with him, he makes me feel like I am the center of his world and that he would do anything for me and I, him. I mean it is the same for me. But I wonder if it won't end like before?"
"You fear that he will leave you alone and unloved?"
"Yes."
"Maybe that's something you should ask him and find out."
"He tells me it is impossible that he would leave me but my irrational thoughts make it hard for me to stop thinking that way."
"Because you have been conditioned to make yourself feel that way."
"So what do I do?"
"We'll work on how you think about yourself but I will prescribe you some anxiety meds." She took out her prescription pad and wrote a script for Serax. She shook her hand and asked Cameron to call her if Cameron needed to see her. "I'll see you Wednesday as scheduled then?" Cameron nodded and Landon left.
"Everybody's got a dark side
Do you love me?
Can you love mine?
Nobody's a picture perfect
But we're worth it
You know that we're worth it
Will you love me?
Even with my dark side?"
(Kelly Clarkson – Dark Side)
Rachel and Wilson were talking outside with Cuddy and Douglas but as soon as they saw Landon coming they stopped. She told Rachel that she was finished and nothing more other than Cameron will be keeping her appointment for Wednesday. Rachel agreed and then thanked Landon for coming. Landon said goodbye and left the hospital. Cuddy and Douglas decided to leave but Wilson and Rachel went inside to find that Cameron had fallen back to sleep. Wilson left the pair of clean scrubs for Cameron on a nearby chair just in case and handed one to Rachel as she decided to stay with her sister. He gave her a blanket and said he would check on both of them in the morning. While Cameron was with Jo, Rachel called her work and told her what happened and they agreed to give her more time off. She just needed to call them back if anything changed. Wilson checked Cameron's vitals one last time. He said goodbye to Rachel with a kiss on her cheek and left without another word. Rachel watched her sister as she knew her sister would be dreaming about her love. She would wait to wake her up to change her as she did not want to wake her sister up from her much needed nap. With that, Rachel too fell asleep.
Cameron was in a bedroom similar to the one in her and House's condo. She was wearing what she wore earlier and was surprised she did not change her outfit in this dream. She turned around when the door opened to see House enter. He was wearing his sleep wear. He closed the door and she ran after him to hug him close. He kissed her on the head before looking in her eyes. He scanned her everywhere to see if anything was wrong. He knew it was foolish in a dream but he did it anyway. He straightened himself and tilted her head once more to give her a deep and passionate kiss.
"How are you, Baby? What did he do to you?" He led her to the bed and they sat down on the bed.
"I had just come back from lunch with Cuddy, Douglas, and Wilson. I had walked back to my small office when I noticed someone was there. He was looking at the picture of us. It was the one that Jen took." He nodded. "I had it framed and placed it on my desk. For some reason, I felt the need to leave the door open as I approached the man in my office. I didn't notice who it was until it was too late. I was frozen and he was leering at me and I just stood there in shock. I haven't seen him in years and I moved to a wall but not the right one." He nodded.
"You panicked and you got scared. I get it. Breathe. It's okay. He's not here, Baby. I wouldn't let him hurt you if he was." She nodded. He kissed her forehead and urged her to continue.
"He backed me to the wall and I tried to leave but he slapped me each time and somehow he backed me into the wall and lifted up my dress to see what I was wearing and he pressed himself against me as I tried to get away. He punched me then as I tried to get away but I kept trying. His right hook knocked me out." House looked livid. "You know something don't you?"
"He tried to rape you." Cameron blanched and started to panic. "No. Baby no. He didn't get to this time. Wilson stopped him. Just breathe. Jesus! I'm so sorry." He picked her up and pulled her to his lap. "Better?" She nodded. She laid her head on his chest.
"I don't understand why he keeps doing this. Why can't he leave me alone? Why?"
"Because he is a sick man, Baby. He has a sick obsession with hurting women and children."
"I just want it to be over and move on. I can't take much more of this." Her tears fell down her cheeks.
"I get it. It upsets me that you were hurt while I was here. I'm sorry."
"I know you are. I asked you to stay there and you kept your promise."
"I told you I would do anything and all you have to do is ask." She nodded.
"You know it goes both ways right, Greg?" He looked confused. "You can tell me anything and ask me anything." She cupped his cheek and gave him a sweet kiss. "I don't like that you don't share as much as I do. It isn't fair. Can you do that for me? Be open?"
"Okay. I just didn't want you to worry."
"I worry even if you don't tell me."
"Okay, I'm sorry. What do you want to know?"
"I want to know everything. I'm not a mind-reader. I want to know how you feel and what goes through that gorgeous mind of yours. I want to know it all. Is that okay?"
"It's okay. Alright, I was in group therapy and it made me realize so many things about you and me."
"Like what?"
"That I am afraid one day you will get tired of it all and leave. That I am not worth all the trouble and I'll be alone. That you don't really want me." She looked shocked. "What?"
"I have the same fears. I was telling Landon that earlier. I'm afraid that one day you'll end it all and tell me you never loved me." He shook his head and sighed.
"That is never going to happen. You know that right?" She nodded.
"Do you?" He nodded. "I mean it made me realize how irrational I was but at the same time because of everything that we have been through it remains in the back of our minds. We just have to stand together and not apart. Tell each other when something bothers us and what scares us. Okay?"
"Okay. I see it now. Want to know more?" She nodded. "Okay, well, I have these sessions with Nolan and sometimes he irritates me. He just sits there asking questions and taking notes. It's like he's judging me. I know he's not but sometimes the tonality of it seems off somehow. Make sense?" She nodded. "I think it's because I want to go home and I don't like having to stay here anymore especially with what happened to you but I get I have to stay here. It just doesn't make it easier."
"Thank you for telling me. I know it wasn't easy."
"I told you before. All you have to do is ask and I'll do my best to give it to you." She grinned. She hugged him close to her. "What else is bothering you?"
"Besides the fact that my uncle tried to rape me and my family is probably thinking it was my fault once more despite that it was Wilson to witness him with his pants undone? It bothers me that you are there and I'm here. It bothers me that I can't let go of the past and it scares me even more that it keeps coming back to haunt me. It bothers me that he thought that just because I like to look sexy that it was okay to touch me. It bothers me that he was leering at me when he saw what I was wearing underneath this very dress."
"This is what you wore, Baby?" She nodded. "Can I see? Would it bother you if I wanted to see?" She hesitated. "You know I'm not him right? You know you don't have to wear those. If you want to wear them so be it but if you don't then don't." She tried to interrupt him. "Let me finish, okay." She nodded. "I am not him because I don't take advantage of unsuspecting women and children. I won't cheat on you and I certainly will not share now that I have you. Fuck hell no to swinging and hell no to threesomes…not that you do that anyway. You're just as territorial with me as I am with you." She nodded. "My point is you can always tell me no. I just want to love you and take care of you. I want to be the one you run to and the one you wake up to. The one who will be the father of your children. I want all of the things we want in our future but are not ready for. I want it all. There's no going back for me. It's up to you. This is your decision as much as mine."
"I want it all too but it's just… I'm scared. I'm scared of what will happen later on with the police. I'm scared of what my family will do…though it probably won't be any different from what they are doing now. I'm scared of what I keep seeing in my dreams when you are not in them. I am scared that he will come and do it again."
"I'm sorry, Baby. I really am. I'm sorry I wasn't there. I know it is might be insensitive of me to say this but I'm here now. And as for the future, I will never leave you and I will make sure you feel safe. Understand?" She nodded. She curled into him for a moment.
"Wilson had the super install an alarm system in the condo."
"Good. I want you to feel like you can come home without feeling scared." She grinned.
"I like that. You said 'home'."
"Isn't that what it is? Our home?"
"Yes."
"Okay, then." She grinned some more.
"Baby, when we get married I want to take your name. I know it is too early but I want to be tied to you in every way I can be."
"I'll be honored if you do. So no hyphenated? Not Cameron-House?"
"No. The only reason I didn't go back to Stevens is because I didn't want to be tied to my family. Besides, they never knew Christopher's last name. They didn't go to the wedding either." Her face was sad and regretful. "But if you don't want me to use your name then I'll continue using 'Cameron'. I just thought when I become your wife then I want to be a "House" too." She felt him grab her chin.
"Like I said, I would be honored if you did. It would be fun to torment the hospital with two of us roaming around." His eyes turned into an evil glint. "But like I said, marriage is a bit long for us right now. Okay?" She nodded. "How do you feel? Why don't we lie down for a bit?" She walked to remove her shoes but then suddenly decided on something else. She pulled her hair to the side and unzipped her dress. Her back was facing him as he turned suddenly from where he was lying down. The dress slid down her legs and he saw what was under her dress. She walked towards him with her heels still on and straddled him. She yanked his shirt off of him as she maneuvered her body in that position. "This is what was underneath?" His face was shocked then suddenly severely turned on. "I get why now but under no circumstances does he get to touch what is mine. What did I say?"
"You belong to me and I belong to you."
"Exactly." He trailed his hand over the very revealing chemise set she wore and trailed his hand down her stockings. "Leave them on for now. Okay?" She nodded. "This is too hot. I can't believe you wore this. You have more of these?" He touched the chemise to ask if she had more of this type of set. She nodded "Can I see?" She nodded.
"I'll wear whatever you want."
"I told you. Wear what you want. I'll love you in trash bags. You'll probably still look hot in them but you get my drift." She agreed. "If you like how you feel in these, then keep wearing them. Okay? No pressure." She nodded. "This really is incredibly hot and sexy. I can't believe you wore this." He kept trailing his hand over her back, loving the fact that the whole back was completely open. The back was held together with a bra strap and the stripped design left the observer imagination on what the wearer might be wearing under as well. Like before, it was a tiny little string that blended to the stripped design. He became harder once he learned that. She felt him as she got off of him and pulled his pants down until they were removed. She tossed the pair next to her dress. He was now nude. "Come here." She shook her head. She unsnapped her stockings from her garter and asked him to come to her. He crawled to her and pulled her close. "You know as much as I love this set, I love you more without it." With a small tug, he lifted the chemise off of her. Trailing his hand over the string around her waist, they looked at one another as he started to pull it off of her. "You okay?" She nodded. He nudged her legs open wider and drove into her. Neither moved as he remained inside her. "You ready?" She nodded.
"It's okay, Greg. I'm okay. I want you as much as you want me." She pulled him close to her and gripped his hair as they started to move. "Faster and harder." He pulled out of her and rammed himself back in before she could protest and moved her legs up to his shoulders. He then increased his movements and she followed suit. "Yes, like that, Baby. God! We just fit. I just can't get enough, Urh! More! More! There! Right there!" He groaned too as she yelled what she wanted. She took his hands and placed her fingers in both of them. As they reached their rapture, their breathing slowed down. Her feet slid from his shoulders as he rolled over and took him with her. He began stroking her lower back as she did so and they moved to put the blanket over them.
"You okay?" She nodded her head as it was on his chest. "Feel better?" He felt her head move in agreement. "No matter what I'm not him, and I will never do anything you don't want to do. I'll never for you okay? Remember that. Because I love you, I would not do that to you. When you love someone, you put them first against your needs."
"I know I do too."
"I know you do but I won't fault you for trying to do what is best for you too just like you won't fault me for what I am trying to do because in the end, it's you and me not them. In the end, we're at the end of the finish line okay? I just want you to feel okay and feel like you don't have to change yourself for me. I fell for you not who I want you to be."'
"It is the same for me too so I agree when for now we try to do what is best for us. You in there and me here and when we're ready we'll get onto our future."
"Agreed."
"Baby? Remember when I said I have a lot of these things?"
"The chemise?"
"No, I mean lingerie."
"Yes, so. I told you wear what you want underneath and fuck everyone."
"I know and I will but I meant something else. I have drawers full of not just bras sets."
"You mean like the baby doll you wore in our last dream meeting?"
"Yes. I bought them for us."
"You didn't have to. I'll pull them off of you anyway but if you want to then go ahead."
"Well, I do prefer you sleeping naked…"
"Done. When I get back, I'll sleep naked but when we have our kids…I'll wear my boxer-briefs?"
"Okay." As she pulled her leg over his hip, she said the next line. "I meant there was this one I have been meaning to show you."
"Oh…"
"And why are you bringing this up now?"
"I wanted to show it now, if it's okay?"
"If you want to then go right to it." He gave her butt a small pat as she went to check to see if they might be in the closet or the drawers.
"I hope they are in here I mean this is not really home but I had hoped…" She opened the closet to reveal a walk-in closet. She went to the drawers and found what she was looking for and put them on. She removed her stockings and garter as she did.
"If not, then Baby it's no big deal. We're okay. Just come back here. I'll wait when I am physically home. Baby?" She stepped out of the closet and his mouth dropped. She came out in a very revealing lacy black baby doll with another matching underwear she always wore. The baby doll was held together by a large black bow that was tied around the chest area leaving her belly button bare for him to see. "I like it…I love it. It's fucking hot, Baby," as he came to her. He started to kiss her and untied the bow. He shrugged it off of her once more leaving her in her skivvies. He backed her into a wall and lifted her off the floor not stopping their heavy kissing. He pulled the last remaining clothing off of her and once more had her wrap her legs around him. Their hot little dance began once more as the thrusting began.
"I knew you would like this one. I have another one I wanted to show you later. It's my other favorite but I figured you would like this one more." She said this in between moaning and groaning.
"Uh…I do, Baby. I do but like I said. I prefer you naked like you do me. Though, removing sexy articles of clothing has become hotter and hotter. It's fun." And then the talking stopped as their movements went deeper and so much more faster. After a few more movements, their joint orgasm came and he put her back on her feet. "Feel free to show me anymore of those if you want, Baby. That was fun and sexy." She grinned as he led her to the bed. They lied down with his hand on her back. "Baby, when are the cops coming?"
"I suppose when I wake up. I know they are probably talking to Wilson first then to Rachel, Cuddy, Lucas Douglas but we will see." She was hesitant to tell him the next line. He picked up on it.
"What are you hiding from me?" She looked up at him. "Baby, tell me. It's okay, whatever it is we will deal with it together."
"But you're not here."
"I know but whatever it is you are hiding is bothering you so why don't you tell me? You told me you wanted me to be honest. Can I ask the same from you?"
"I'm sorry. It's not that. It's just I haven't had time to process it. Rachel just told me and I am not even sure what to think of it and what to believe."
"Okay, so what is it?"
"Lucas Douglas is my half brother. My dad cheated on my mom and had a secret affair resulting in my brother." His mouth dropped. He tried to speak but did not. "We put the fun in dysfunctional family dynamics eh?"
"I'm sorry but whoa! I mean come to think of it, you two have the same eyes and I never realized it until now."
"You never realized? That's new from you."
"Well, I was a little distracted," as he poked her sides.
"I know. But what do I do?"
"Well, if I had a secret brother then I wouldn't know what to do either. Just take one step at a time."
"Okay."
"Go slow and don't rush into things you might regret later on okay?"
"Alright." A thought came up to her. "How have you been coping in the facility? Have you made any new friends?"
"Well, I'm not sure I classify them as such because I may never see them after I leave here but yea I hang out with some now."
"Good. I don't want you to feel alone and lonely. I want you to be okay too just like you want me to be okay."
"I know you worry because I worry about you too. We worry because we care and love each other. It's okay."
"When did you get so sentimental?"
"Sh…Don't tell anyone. It's a secret." She laughed. "You." She looked confused. "You're the reason I'm this way. You bring that side of me: the one that wants to be better and be a better person; the one who wants to make better choices, and the one who wants to live. I never thought I would get that with anyone until you."
"I know as cliché as it sounds, 'You Complete Me'." He laughed. "I mean I love you for everything even the bad quirks, crankiness, rudeness, and emotional pain you put me through. I just did. I couldn't shake you off."
"And I wouldn't want you to and I don't want to shake you off either so I guess we're stuck with one another." They laughed. "Two peas in a pod." They laughed more. "It's almost time for you to wake up now. Promise me something?"
"Anything."
"That you take care of yourself until I get home. You get a dog if you have to? Anything?"
"You want me to get a dog?"
"If you want to, someone to watch over you until I get back. A small dog would be too yippy but can be less cleanup with poop and you can carry it wherever you want but a big dog can be a watch dog but more clean up. It is up to you. I just worry about you. I don't want to come home and something happened okay? Do you get what I mean?"
"Yes, be careful and get a dog."
"Hardi har har, smarty! You don't have to get a dog but it will help protect you if you want."
"But Baby, we are barely home how is that going to fit? We are doctors. Puppies need a lot of free time to go to the bathroom."
"I'm not sure…oh ask Wilson to put a chain on the door on top of the alarm."
"Okay, you really are worried."
"What do you expect? I don't like hearing from your sister that you were hurt while I was not there to protect you when I promised I would. It doesn't take away the regret, guilt or worry. By the way, tell your sister thanks for telling me. I really appreciate it. Tell Wilson to stop coming on to your sister long enough for him to do what I asked him to do which was to protect you while I was gone. So far, he failed so tell him to expect a cane shoved up his ass."
"Baby, I know you are upset but calm down. I can feel your anger radiate and if you're upset then I'm upset. I don't like seeing you this way. Please." He nodded and willed himself to calm himself. "Don't blame him. He is doing his best but I'll let them know you said hi."
"Baby, that is not what I said to tell them." He gave her a stern look.
"Alright! Alright I'll tell, Cranky!"
"Yes, I'm cranky but I'm your Mr. Cranky like you're my lobby-art."
"Yes." Her smile lit up as she did that and he leaned over to give her a searing kiss as her dream ended and she woke up.
Cameron woke up from her sleep to find she was still in a hospital bed. She turned her head to see that her sister was just waking up. It was barely seven in the morning.
"Good dream? How is Mr. Cranky-butt?"
"He's okay. He said for me to tell you thank you for telling him what happened to me. He's really worried." Wilson walked in the room and immediately checked Cameron's stats and then proceeded to note it in her chart.
"Who is worried?"
"Greg. Oh…by the way, he said for your actions at failing to watch over me, you have been rewarded with a cane shoved up your ass. I paraphrased but yea."
"Wait what? When did you talk to House? On the phone?"
"No. Remember I said they have their dream dates? They just had one" Stated Rachel. "By the way, it woke me up again." Cameron turned red and refused to meet anyone's face.
"Alright. I'm a little confused. I missed something. First, so you talk to House in your dream?" She nodded. "That is different but not unlikely because you two have that twin souls thing." The women looked at him funny.
"You didn't notice?" They shook their heads.
"You two are soul mates."
"Oh yea. I figured but I just didn't know that's what twin souls meant. Oh by the way, Greg said he wants you to install a chain on the door and I'm to get a dog. I think he prefers a Boston terrier actually." She thought as she listed off what her beloved said. "I mean I can't believe he wants me to get a dog. I mean what if it ruins his precious piano and it pees everywhere? I mean I am not even home half the time and he works more than me." Rachel and Wilson looked at her and laughed. "What? What am I missing?"
"Even when he isn't here, he is being a smart-ass and a pain in my ass. He's worried and panicking so basically he's saying he wants you safe."
"I gathered that but what if the dog ruins the condo? I just moved in."
"I highly doubt he would kick you out for the dog. As for the piano, I think you take precedence over that thing. It has been demoted."
"What? But he loves that thing."
"Not as much as you, apparently. Are you going to get one?"
"A dog? I don't know. I guess but how will I train it? I just got back. And who will take care of it while I am working?"
"Well, given the circumstances, Cuddy thinks you should take time off. She thinks you should stay and return when House does. She'll make sure you have your position in the hospital but given everything happening she wants you to rest and take time. You have endured so much stress lately."
"But I just got into that department and what about my office?"
"Cuddy can give you another one if you want. One that doesn't make you rehash what happened?"
"I don't know. I don't want to be of any inconvenience."
"I'll speak to her about it." Cameron just laid in the bed unsure what to do. She just nodded.
"Ally, listen I'm taking some time off too. They said I should given the circumstances. I'll stay with you and we can look at dogs if you want?"
"You will? Oh Rachel that would be wonderful. Thank you! It would be like old times." Rachel looked at her sister and saw so much light despite the darkness that loomed her way.
"That must have been some talk. How many times?"
"Times? I'm confused. What is your sister talking about?" Cameron didn't say a word but held two fingers without looking at either of them.
"Oh hot damn! You two…I can't wait to see how this happens when he gets here. You two get handsy actually. It would be interesting."
"You mean…you" He pointed at Cameron "And House in a dream but not really a dream have…"
"YEP..." It was Rachel that replied. Cameron's face remained deep red as Wilson realized what the two women meant.
"OH…Damn. Even when he's not here he's getting more game than me." He pouted, feeling dejected. Rachel looked at Cameron and vice versa. They then looked at Wilson for he did not realize what he just said. "I'm going to check on my patients. Cuddy said we will check you out at noon. I'll drive you home and Cuddy will drop your car off okay?" Cameron nodded.
"Thanks Wilson." He nodded and looked back at Rachel before leaving the room. "I don't think he realized what he said."
"Me either. He told me he's giving me time to think about what I want so for now, I'm his friend."
"What do you want Rach?"
"I want to trust him but I'm scared."
"You know he's a good guy and he's not Dad or Hal."
"I know but he did cheat before and was married before."
"But he's waiting for you and that makes his act honorable because he's giving you the power. Most men are not like that."
"Yours is, Ally."
"Yes he is. He tells me I can make him stop anytime I want and I could walk away. But in both cases I refuse. As much as I am scared, I don't want to be without him. He may not be here right now but he will be."
"I know I know. He's different with you. He's still an ass but with you he's not so much. He has this loving look when he looks at you and you give him the same thing. He's hypnotizing but makes me jealous and envious. I mean the man told you to get a dog and he knew it would ruin his piano but he doesn't care. He only cares about you. Both of you are long gone. The point of no return. I think it's been that way for a long time." Cameron nodded.
"We were foolish and we lost time for that but no more. He's the one I want and I'm the one he wants. So I won't let anyone or anything stand in our way."
"Good for you."
"Rach, take it from me when you find something worth taking the chance for, go for it." Rachel nodded but her face looked so far away. Her mind kept thinking about all the things her sister said. Cameron sat on her bed not knowing what else to do or say to her sister. So she got up and went to change. "I'm going to change out of this dress okay?" Her sister nodded.
Cameron moved to the bathroom and removed her dress. She figured she would need to keep everything else on since she did not want the whole hospital to know what she wore under. Her family might have heard by now but she rather not risk where she worked. What she wears is her business not theirs, just like Greg says.
When she came out the police were there. They wanted her to give a statement of the events that happened and so she did. She told them how she entered her office and what occurred before she hit the floor. She told them that her uncle had abused her when she was young and for ten years before it was revealed and to this day her family pinned it on her. She mentioned that despite being the victim, her family blamed it on her and called her names.
They told her that Hal told them she wanted it and with the way she dressed she was asking for it. She once reiterated that what kind of lingerie she wears is not anyone's business but her own and they agreed. Everything was apparently collaborated from Wilson who witnessed what had transpired. They said it was possible they might need a psych evaluation from their psychiatrist to collaborate their mental state to which she readily agreed. They told her though given that he had no priors that he would likely be charged with lewdness, sexual contact, and sexual assault. It was likely he would receive only six months of jail time and a fine of a grand. As for her child abuse and rape, because the statute of limitations was between three to five years, he could not be charged for what happened in the past just what had happened recently. They also said, it also depended if it all occurred in New Jersey and since Cameron was not in New Jersey before then it was a moot point to begin with. She processed her news and was unsure of how to think and feel about what transpired. She felt sad that she could not do anything about the past but knew that her family did what they did. She knew she had to deal with it and move on. She knew that with therapy she could finally let go of the past. As for the recent events, she hoped it would be how the police said it would be. She needed to feel safe. She asked what her chances of a restraining order would be and they said pretty well. They told her that she needed to file for an emergency one and then after her court date and hearing for the order, they would give her a final restraining which did not have an expiration date and could go to multiple states as her case went under federal law.
Around noon, Cameron was discharged and her prescription was filled. The trio was on their way back to the condo. They had stopped over at Rachel's apartment in Philadelphia to get some things before going back to Princeton. They had stopped over for something to eat as the trio was now going back to the condo. When they arrived, the super gave Wilson a letter containing the codes for the condo which was from the alarm company. He also told Wilson that he did put the chain on the door as per requested. They were playing monopoly until they heard the door knock to reveal Cuddy and Douglas. She let them in as she went back to sit on the floor near the coffee table. On top of the table was the board game.
"We just wanted to check to see how you were. We moved your stuff out of the old and into the new office right after the police finished checking to see for possible evidence." Cameron nodded. She and Rachel were quiet because they still did not know how to deal with the news of their newly found brother.
"I know you two are not ready to talk yet but I just wanted to let you know that if you need me I will be here. You're family and even though we just found out about our relations to one another, I already consider you as part of the family. I know you are weary of me and you have a right to be. I am sorry for what happened and I just wanted to tell you that." The two women nodded but did not say anything.
"How are you doing, Cameron? You doing okay? This has been a rough couple of weeks."
"I am doing okay. I am just trying to deal with all of this." She turned to her guests. "Would you like to play too? We were just about to order pizza. You are more than welcome to stay." The couple nodded and squatted down to play as well. They played and ate their pizzas. There was one meat supreme and the other vegetable delight.
Cameron got up to put water in the kettle to make some chamomile tea and waited a few minutes before she heard the whistle. She poured two cups and gave one to her sister and the other for herself. She added honey for extra and brought it back to the table along with a coaster. Around ten, Cuddy and Douglas decided to leave and Cameron went to hug both.
"Remember what I said, Ally if you need us you just let me know." She nodded and the couple left. Wilson decided to stay and sleep on the couch as Rachel went to go in the other room to change. Cameron brought an extra blanket and pillow and started to make her guest a make-shift bed on the couch. When Wilson came back from the bathroom that was next to the main room, Rachel went in and finished getting ready. Cameron said goodnight and went to the bedroom. She locked the door and took a shower. She changed into a sheer black baby doll with white lining in the breast. It contained lace and flower designs and a matching panty set. It was short that came up to just barely below her butt as the back showed literally the back of her tiny little g-string underwear. She did not want Wilson seeing her ample ass as she slept but wanted to wear what she wanted for bed. It was the reason why she locked the door as well as she was not comfortable having another man so close despite feeling Wilson was her brother. She pulled the comforter back and got on the bed. She fell asleep soon after. The slip rode up higher as she slept on but she did not seem to mind as she was once again on a dream date with her love.
Wilson and Rachel were outside and turned to the door to hear the lock within the main bedroom.
"She doesn't feel comfortable around me does she?"
"She's like that to most men. She'll be fine after a while and knows you are more like her brother but as of right now she is a little skittish. Plus, her little sleepwear is not something she wants anyone to see except House."
"Oh…that revealing?"
"You don't know the half of it. You see our parents made her feel less worthy and ugly for years and lately she's feeling the opposite thanks to her boyfriend. Besides, their dream dates are not exactly PG."
"I forgot about that. Are you okay with me here?"
"Yes. I mean we're friends right?"
"Yes but you and I both know I want more. I'm not pressuring you but I just wanted to let you know how I feel."
"I just think…"
"Stop thinking just feel." He leaned up to her and grazed her lips. The kiss turned passionate as they continued to kiss. He broke the kiss. "I am not looking for a booty-call or a fling. I'm looking for something they have." She knew which they he was referring to and suddenly became jealous. She too nodded. She did not know what else to say so she turned around and left the living room.
The next morning, Cameron woke up rested and donned her red robe. She opened the door and saw that Wilson was not on the couch sleeping. She put coffee on and went to wake up her sister. When she got there, she found not only Rachel but Wilson cuddled on the bed. It did not seem like anything untoward happened so she closed the door back from the other room. She went to make breakfast and as she went to check her phone to find she had one message from an unknown number. She listened to the message as it played the following message:
"I can't believe you, you ungrateful whore! Haven't you done enough to this family? What is it going to take for you to stop being so selfish and stop making up these lies? God help you because you are going straight to hell!" She could not hear anymore as the tears trickled down her cheeks. She sat on the table as Rachel and Wilson came out.
"What happened?" asked Rachel. Cameron passed her phone to her sister and when her sister heard the message of the caller, her face turned from frustration to confusion to pure anger. Whoever the caller was it had upset both women. Wilson stood next to Rachel as she listened to the rest of the message.
A/N: How did you like it? I researched NJ law and sadly after going through several places that is what I found.
Story Recs:
Scandal – The Power of Love by MultipleShadesofPurple (A must read for all of you Scandal fans. An Olitz story.)
House MD – Misery Hates Company by LTB3105 (She's another writer I loved.)