Chapter 8 : a new step in the story, hope you still enjoy it. Sorry for my poor english

Bip-Bip-Bip. House looks at his pager. It's time to go. He was lost in his thoughts in Wilson's office. He needed a quiet place to think about a plan, about what he would do if his worst fears came true. He must be very careful; Cuddy mustn't notice that he follows her. House is already on his bike when Cuddy finally comes in the parking garage. She looks tired and sad. She doesn't look like someone who's going to meet her boyfriend. House is about to give up following her when Cuddy's phone rings. House can't hear what she's saying, but he hears one name, a name he didn't want to hear: Wilson. Cuddy is talking to Wilson! He calls her! He probably wants to invite her somewhere for the evening. And she was sad because he didn't call her before! Yeah, that is it! She's smiling now. Wilson, I'll get you, just you wait! House thinks, furious and jealous.

Cuddy drives through the city, there is a lot of traffic tonight, and she finds herself stuck in a traffic jam. And she has only one desire: to be home. Unfortunately, she has to wait. She turns the radio on, her eyes get wet when "Need you now" begins. She doesn't really know why, but this song makes her feel the need to be in his arms, to feel his body wrapped around hers. But she's alone right now, and nothing, no one will change that, and she knows it. She thought she did the right thing this night when she went to his place to see if what she had thought was true or not, she had hoped she was wrong, but she was right, and without thinking of it, she just let him down, she didn't let him explain why he did it, she didn't want to hear any kind of explanation, she was too furious and too hurt at the same time, it was as if he had betrayed her. She didn't even try to listen to him, to his reasons; she didn't even try to fight for their love, a love that she has nurtured for over 20 years! And she threw it away just like this, in one second of anger! What did I do? Why did I react so impulsively? Why have I not taken the time to think about it? I always gave him a second chance, but not this time, why? Cuddy feels disappointed by her behavior. After all, she was the one who came to him after Anna died, he didn't ask her to come. I didn't even take into account all the happiness he gave me. What pathetic girlfriend I am! And now, the only man I've ever loved is married. I lost him because of my pride, because of my stupid behavior. Toots draw her out of her thoughts. She drives a few meters forward and the traffic light turns red, she has to stop her car once again. She's waiting and looks through the window. She sees a couple coming with Chinese food in hands, and she decides to buy some food too for her and Wilson. After all, she owes him a dinner for playing the babysitter for Rachel. If she remembers well, Wilson likes Chinese food.

House is surprised when he sees Cuddy's car turning left and parks. What is she doing? Why is she going out of her car here? There's nothing except a Chinese restaurant. And as soon as he sees it, House understands what Cuddy do: she's buying food for her and Wilson! They probably want to have a tête-à-tête, a romantic evening. No, they won't have it, House will make sure to ruin their plan for the evening. And he has a plan. Straight away he steps on the gas and drives to Wilson, determined to wait Cuddy and to have a "discussion" with her. On the way to Wilson, he tries to gather his thoughts and to find what he's going to tell her. He knows she has every right to date someone, but he simply can't bear it.

Suddenly Cuddy turns her head hearing the roar of a bike, she thinks it was House's bike, but why would he be there? I'm going insane with this man, I really need to talk to him. Maybe Wilson can help me.

-Is there anyone in the house?

-We're here, in Rachel's room.

-Hey, how is my little girl doing? I hope you were a good girl with Uncle Wilson, Cuddy says kissing softly Rachel on her forehead.

-Ya mama, we played "feed the monkey".

-Was everything ok?

-Yes! You have a nice girl, Cuddy. Well, I'm going home now, you don't need me anymore

-Wilson! Please wait.

Wilson looks at Cuddy, surprised.

-I bought some Chinese food, I thought we can eat together.

Wilson stares at Cuddy. He doesn't know what to do.

-I'd like to ask your advice.

-Ok, then I wait in the living-room.

15 minutes later, Cuddy sits down on the couch next to Wilson.

-Is Rachel sleeping?

-Not yet, but I guess she will in a few minutes. Apparently you have well played together, she was very tired. You are a good babysitter, Wilson, Cuddy replies smiling.

Meanwhile House is waiting in front of Wilson's building. She should be there now! What is she doing? He gets more and more angry. And worried too. Once again, he looks at his watch. Even with the traffic, she should be there for half an hour! House decides to go to Wilson and see if he's here. He listens through the door of his friend but doesn't perceive any noise. House decides then to go to Cuddy. If they aren't at Wilson's place, they must be at Cuddy's. House parks his bike, his heart beats faster as he steps up to Cuddy's house. Suddenly he stops. He just saw them, Cuddy and Wilson, through the window. They sit on the couch next to one another and they eat, Wilson says something and Cuddy laughs. He can hear her laughter and see her smile, and that's too much for him, for his bleeding heart. He runs to the door and opens it violently. Wilson and Cuddy are stunned. They don't understand what happens. They get up and before they've taken a step, House stands next to Wilson and punches him. Wilson falls on the couch. Cuddy can't move, nor react, she's petrified, she knows that House is dangerous, impulsive and that he can be violent, but she never thought he could hit his friend like that. House gives Wilson another punch and is about to hit him again when Cuddy catches his fist shouting.

-Stop it, House! Are you crazy?

House turns his head to Cuddy, then to Wilson. This one tries to protect his face, his nose is bleeding and he's got a black eye. House slowly moves back, looking at Cuddy. He can read fear, disappointment and anger in her eyes, but also the need of an explanation. She gives Wilson a quick look, but instead of going to him to take care of him, she goes near House. She hold his gaze and once close to him, she asks him: Why? Her voice is cold, but it contains anger and fear too.

-I … Are you dating Wilson? House replies in a breath.

Wilson and Cuddy look at House surprised.

-You thought I was dating Wilson, that's why you punched him! She exclaims, amazed.

-You're not dating him? House says still staring at her, trying to read in her eyes if what she said is true or not.

-No! she shouts upset, of course not! Wilson is my friend, he's like a brother for me, how can you imagine I can date him! I thought you knew me better, House.

-So what happened yesterday after my party? Where did you go with him? Why wasn't he at the hospital today? Why were you late this morning? Why are you here together tonight, laughing on your couch in your home?

Cuddy looks at him, she doesn't know what to think. She doesn't understand House's reaction.

-House, why do you do that?

-What did you do yesterday? Why were you late this morning?

-You really want to know?

House nods, still looking at her straight in the eyes. He missed her so much, he missed her sweet pale gray eyes on him. He needs her in his life. But it's too late now, he ruined everything. But he needs to get an explanation for all his doubts.

-Then listen to me. After you married this girl, I was devastated and needed to be alone. Wilson was worried about me, he probably thought I could do something stupid and he insisted to take me home, just to be sure I got here safe. Then he went back to his apartment, nothing happened last night and nothing will ever happen between Wilson and I, House. He's just a friend.

-So why were you late and why did he not work today? Why are you here together tonight?

-I was late because Marina was ill and couldn't come to take care of Rachel. Neither my mother nor Julia could, so I called Wilson and he agreed to babysit Rachel today. That's why I was late, that's why he's here! There is no Wilson and Cuddy, House! And never will be. There just was House and Cuddy, but… she wipes a tear and turns to Wilson, pretending to see if he's going to be ok. She doesn't want House to see her pain and how hurt she feels. She just wants to be alone to cry over her lost love.

House feels stupid, how could he think his best friend would betray him! And he feels sorry for Cuddy, for all the pain he caused her, for not being the guy she needed and believed he was.

-Cuddy… I … I'm sorry. He gives her a last look and goes away.

Wilson, who has recovered, looks worried at Cuddy. I'm going to follow him, I don't want him to do something stupid.

-Thank you, Wilson.

House is broken, as he rides his bike through the city, all the sweet moments he had with Cuddy, all the tenderness they shared come to his mind. If only he hadn't taken the vicodin, if only he had accepted to feel pain and to deal with it, then maybe he would still be with her. Maybe… Lost in his thought, his senses blurred with grief, House didn't see the truck on his right. He felt a sudden pain in his right side, heard the sound of metal, a violent shock on his head and then nothing, just a dark night over him.

Wilson saw everything. He yelled but could do nothing. After a few seconds, he jumps out of his car and runs to his friend who is lying on the ground, unconscious, his helmet a few meters away from him. Wilson dials 911 and tries to assess the state of his friend.