Hope Chapter 1, a house, m.d. fanfic

House MD fanfiction

Gregory House & Lisa Cuddy

"Hope"

VERY IMPORTANT NOTE TO READ!

Hi, everyone,

As you all know, I wrote this story many years ago, but I've finally decided to muster up the courage and rewrite the first few chapters. Over the next few days, I'll be reposting those initial 14 chapters, now revised and improved. I hope you enjoy this new version as much as I do.

-/-

When Lisa Cuddy stepped into the hospital that morning, she felt an overwhelming sense of happiness. The sun was rising, casting its warm glow across the blue sky, and she felt incredibly lucky. She had a good life: her dream job as a doctor, saving lives every day, and a five-year-old daughter named Rachel—adorable, with her black hair and blue eyes. Finally, she was content. And then, there was House. Only God knows how much she loved that man. They were happy. It took them twenty years, but now they were together, happily so. He took her hand in his, and she kissed his cheek tenderly.

She was planning a dinner for the three of them tonight—a simple family dinner for their little unit. Ten years ago, she met him, they fell in love again, and then… tragedy struck. After they parted ways, there was Hope, and then Hope passed away. It was still too painful for her to dwell on. Only she and House knew about her, about Hope.

Three files lay on her desk, but one caught her attention: a fourteen-year-old boy suffering from sudden irritability. During a school exam, he became so angry and irritable that he fainted. Additionally, he seemed to suffer from insomnia and feelings of depression. What was peculiar about his case was that Jackson had developed an incredibly strong short-term memory in just two months.

Taking the file with her, she left her office, heading to his. Suddenly, a beautiful blonde girl approached her, inquiring:

"Good morning, I was looking for Dr. Gregory House and Dr. Lisa Cuddy, if you could help me…"

"I'm Dr. Lisa Cuddy," she replied, studying the girl. "What can I do for you?"

"Well I don't really know how to say this but I'm Hope… Your daughter," she revealed. "I've been looking for you…"

With that revelation, Lisa Cuddy's heart raced. She felt as though her heart was about to burst out of her chest. Her eyes were fixed on the young girl standing before her—eight years old, blonde hair, and those piercing blue eyes. They were so identical to her own. It was like looking into a mirror from her past, a past she thought was gone forever. The realization hit her like a ton of bricks, and her head spun. The last thing she was aware of before everything went black was those blue eyes staring back at her, filled with a mixture of uncertainty and hope.

-/-

As soon as House heard that his girlfriend had fainted, he practically sprinted to her side. Upon reaching Cuddy's room, his heart finally settled. Her heart rate was steady, her breathing calm, all her vital signs normal. She was fine. He was so absorbed in his thoughts that he failed to notice the young girl sitting nearby.

"It was an accident... I'm sorry…" she apologized, catching his attention. The girl was undeniably beautiful, but she was wearing worn-out clothes that were far too big for her small frame. Her blonde hair was unkempt, and her blue eyes held a mixture of apprehension and determination. She was clearly much older than her eight years suggested.

"I was just looking for her, and when I told her she was my… and then…"

"What the hell did you do to her?" He rudely interrupted her, casting his gaze for the first time towards the girl standing beside his girlfriend's bed.

The girl looked offended, her small features tightening with an expression of hurt, but she quickly masked it behind a facade of composure. Despite her young age, there was a maturity in the way she held herself, as if she were trying to project an air of confidence beyond her years. Her blue eyes, so strikingly similar to someone he know, flickered with a hint of vulnerability before she composed herself, standing a little taller, as if determined to prove her strength.

"In case you didn't notice, I'm really not in the mood for jokes," she responded, her voice carrying a trace of defiance beneath its soft timbre. "I was looking for Dr. Cuddy and Dr. House. Excuse me, I need to find him."

Her words were spoken with a surprising clarity, belying her young age. It was evident that she was no ordinary child, and there was a depth to her gaze that belied her tender years. Despite her worn-out clothes and disheveled appearance, there was an undeniable resilience in her demeanor, as if she had weathered more than her fair share of storms.

House couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt as he looked at her—this young girl who look lost and confused, and surely, was very young to be this alone.

As Hope turned to leave, House's heart twisted with a sudden surge of compassion. "Wait," he called out, his voice softer now, tinged with a note of regret. "I'm Dr. House. And you must be?"

Hope paused mid-step, her back still turned to him, as if unsure whether to continue or to heed his call. Slowly, she pivoted on her heels, her movements hesitant, revealing a face that bore the weight of the world far beyond her tender years. Her eyes, wide and brimming with uncertainty, met his for the first time, and House felt a jolt of recognition shoot through him.

In that moment, as their gazes locked, time seemed to stand still. House found himself captivated by the striking similarity between the piercing blue eyes that stared back at him and those of his Cuddy. It was as if he were staring into a mirror—a mirror that reflected not only the image of his lost love, but also the haunting reminder of his past mistakes.

A wave of disbelief washed over him, mingled with a profound sense of incredulity. How could this be possible? How could this young girl standing before him, with her delicate features and searching gaze, be his daughter—a daughter he had believed to be lost forever?

As the realization slowly sank in, House watched as Hope's expression shifted, her features softening with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. It was clear that she, too, was grappling with the enormity of the situation, her emotions laid bare for him to see.

For a long moment, they simply stood there, locked in a silent exchange that spoke volumes. And then, finally, Hope spoke, her voice barely above a whisper, yet filled with a quiet determination.

"I'm Hope," she said, her words echoing in the stillness of the room. "And I think I'm your daughter."

Hope paused, casting a cautious glance back at him, her eyes searching his face for any sign of sincerity. It was clear that she had been hurt before, and she was wary of letting her guard down again. But beneath her guarded exterior, there was a flicker of hope—a glimmer of possibility that perhaps, against all odds, they could find some semblance of belonging in each other.

And in that moment, as their eyes met in silent understanding, House felt a spark of connection—a bond that transcended the years of estrangement and regret. It was a tentative first step, but it was a step nonetheless—a step toward reconciliation, toward healing, toward the uncertain promise of a future filled with hope."

House's breath caught in his throat as he struggled to process the flood of conflicting emotions coursing through him. The sight of Hope, alive and well, was like a punch to the gut—an unexpected twist in the narrative of his life that left him reeling. He felt a surge of disbelief, followed by a wave of overwhelming relief. But beneath it all lurked a deep-seated fear, a fear of the unknown and the painful memories it threatened to unearth.

Hope, too, was grappling with her own whirlwind of emotions. She watched House with a mixture of apprehension and hope, her heart pounding in her chest like a drum. She had dreamt of this moment for years, but now that it was finally here, she found herself paralyzed by uncertainty. Would he accept her? Would he reject her? The weight of the questions hung heavy in the air, casting a shadow over the room.

As the tension between them reached its breaking point, Hope summoned the courage to speak, her voice trembling with emotion. "I know this must be a lot to take in," she began, her words tentative yet determined. "But I just wanted to find you, to know you… I really want to know who I am, where I came from..."

House's gaze softened as he listened to her words, his heart aching with a mixture of guilt and longing. He reached out a hand, tentatively brushing her cheek with his fingertips. "I… I don't know what to say," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "Look, I need to know... my daughter had a birthmark on her belly, on the left side above her navel, just like mine," he told the girl standing before him. She smiled, lifting her old, worn-out shirt up to her navel, revealing the mark he spoke of.

As the girl of eight stood before him, there was no denying it—she was unmistakably his daughter. Hope was alive.

"House..." Cuddy's weak voice called out, drawing both of their attention towards her. She lay on the hospital bed, her eyes searching his face as if trying to make sense of a surreal situation. "I had this weird dream..."

"It was not a dream Cuddy... Hope is here," he informed her gently, his voice carrying a mixture of disbelief and relief. "And we need to talk."

-/-

An hour later, they found themselves seated inside Lisa Cuddy's office, the door securely closed. Tears welled up in Cuddy's eyes as she looked at the eight-year-old girl before her—Hope House, her daughter, whom she had believed to be dead for years. The realization that Hope was alive filled the gaping hole in her heart that had been left by her daughter's supposed death.

"I didn't know, Hope, you must believe me! They told us that you were dead!" Cuddy exclaimed, her voice trembling with emotion.

"And how did you end up here?" House inquired, his curiosity piqued.

"I was placed with several foster families, but none of them accepted me as their daughter," Hope explained. "Only two weeks ago, I discovered that you were my parents, and I searched for your names. And here I am."

"You have your file?" House asked, his interest piqued.

"Yes, I carry it with me all the time. Here it is," she said, handing him a black file. He flipped through its contents until he found a name that caught his attention.

"Arlene Smith," he read aloud, a note of shock in his voice.

"She was the one who took Hope and gave her up for adoption," House explained. "She was..."

"How could she?" Cuddy interjected, her voice trembling with anger. "She was my daughter! How could she meddle with my life like this? I'm her daughter, and Hope is her granddaughter! She was..."

"We'll address this later, Lisa," House interjected, trying to calm her down. "For now, we need to..."

"I simply want to meet you two. I've always dreamed about you both. I don't hold any remorse or blame towards you. I just want to meet you. Both of you, just that. Of course, if you want to get to know me," Hope said softly, her voice filled with longing.

"Oh, Hope, I'm so sorry, sweetheart. I just..." Cuddy's voice trailed off, overcome with emotion. "Where do you live? What do you do?"

"My name is Hope. I think that was the name you gave me, right?" House nodded in confirmation.

"I've been living with some foster families, but most of the time I've been at the orphanage with the nuns. The last family I was with was not good..." Hope's voice trailed off sadly. "And before I returned to the orphanage, I really wanted to meet you both, just to know who..."

"You don't need to worry about that, sweetheart. You won't go back there," Cuddy assured her firmly.

"So you ran away, right? From the house, from the foster family?" House inquired.

"Oh no," Hope replied. "Gram is away, getting treatment for the ladies who are always there. I think they're hookers, but we aren't allowed there."

"You definitely aren't going back," Cuddy stated matter-of-factly. "You're coming home with us."

"Before I could kick the ass of that Gram, I need to do something really important. Could you give me a tiny bit of your hair, please? So Cuddy and I could prove to the cops, nuns, social workers, and everyone else that you're ours, please?" Hope asked, holding out her hand. House complied, plucking a strand of hair and handing it to her.

A couple of hours later, House returned to Cuddy's office. "I think there's no doubt. She really is ours," he stated confidently.

"The social worker was here, Cuddy. I spoke to them, and we can take her home with us for now. By Monday morning, the lawyer will have all the papers ready... She needs to undergo some medical check-ups now," House continued, noticing Hope asleep on Cuddy's sofa, tears streaming down her face.

"Hey, everything will be alright," he reassured Cuddy, his heart aching for both of them.

"How could she take her away from me, House? How?" Cuddy sobbed, her emotions overwhelming her. "She's beautiful, isn't she? And we missed so much of her life because my mother took her away. I'm so... I don't even have words for what I'm feeling right now."

Before House could reply, Hope slowly opened her eyes and looked at her parents. "What time is it? Gram is going to kill me!"

"We will never have to worry about him coming near you ever again. I kicked his ass pretty badly," House declared. "You're coming home with us, okay, kiddo, okay?"

"Okay," she smiled at him, and for the first time in his life, he felt a wave of love wash over him.

-/-

When they arrived home, Hope was completely captivated by the sight of her mother's house. The expansive yet inviting abode stood before her, painted in a soothing shade of soft blue that seemed to welcome her with open arms. Delicate white trimmings adorned the edges, adding an elegant touch to the exterior.

As she stepped out of the car, her eyes widened at the sight of the playground nestled in the yard. The colorful array of swings, slides, and climbing frames hinted at the possibility of a younger sibling—perhaps a little brother or sister for her to play with.

Her thoughts were interrupted by her mother's warm voice. "Welcome home, Hope."

Inside the living room, Hope's gaze swept across the scene, taking in every detail with wonder. The soft glow of sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm ambiance over the room. A plush sofa, adorned with colorful cushions, sat against one wall, inviting her to sink into its comfort.

Opposite the sofa, a sleek television stood atop a polished wooden stand, its screen reflecting the room's soft lighting. Nearby, a set of shelves lined the wall, filled to the brim with books of all shapes and sizes, their spines bearing the marks of countless stories and adventures.

Amidst the cozy atmosphere, a few toys lay scattered across the floor, a testament to the presence of a playful child in the household. As Cuddy engaged in conversation with who appeared to be the babysitter, she bid her farewell with gratitude, ushering her out of the door with a warm smile.

Amidst the toys sat a little girl, playing contentedly. Hope's heart swelled with warmth at the sight of her potential new sibling.

Before House could say anything, he was swiftly interrupted. "Howse!" The little girl immediately sprang to her feet and latched onto House's good leg, pleading to be lifted up into his arms. "You're here! Can we play now?"

"First things first, straight to the point shorty" He told her smilling.

"We want to introduce you to someone, Rachel," the mother interrupted, her tone gentle as she spoke. "This is Hope. She is mama and House's daughter" She began, looking towards her younger daughter, who remained in House's arms. "And is she also your sister... Can you say hello Rach?" Her mother asked her.

"Hi, Rachel," Hope greeted her with a warm smile, her eyes sparkling with kindness as she reached out to gently tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "You're very pretty."

Rachel's face lit up with delight at the compliment, her cheeks flushing with color as she beamed back at Hope. "Is she my big sister, like Maddie?" she asked eagerly, her eyes darting between Hope and her mother, seeking confirmation.

Cuddy nodded, her smile affectionate as she exchanged a knowing glance with House. "Yes, Rachel, she's your big sister," she confirmed, her voice filled with warmth and reassurance.

Rachel's excitement bubbled over like a fizzy soda, her voice rising with joy as she processed the news. "I have a big sister like Maddie?" she exclaimed with delight, her eyes widening with wonder as she considered the newfound possibility. "Can you play with me? Can she play with me mama?"

"Of course I can" Hope told her surely. House couldn't help but join in the excitement, his own grin mirroring Rachel's infectious joy. "Isn't that great?" he chimed in, his tone filled with enthusiasm as he reached out to ruffle Rachel's hair affectionately.

Rachel turned to House, her eyes wide with curiosity as she processed the information. "Howse, you're Hope's daddy?" she asked, her voice filled with innocent curiosity as she looked up at him with wide-eyed wonder.

"Yup, little monkey," he affirmed with a tender smile, his eyes softening as he looked down at Rachel.

Rachel's face lit up with a mixture of curiosity and excitement as she processed the revelation. "If she's my big sister, and mama is my mama, it means you're my daddy too?" she queried, her voice filled with innocent wonder as she looked up at House with wide, hopeful eyes.

Cuddy's heart fluttered with a mix of anticipation and anxiety as she observed the exchange between Rachel and House. When Rachel innocently posed her question, Cuddy felt a lump form in her throat, unsure of how to respond. She looked to House, her eyes silently pleading for guidance, trusting him to handle the delicate situation with the care and sensitivity it deserved.

House met Cuddy's gaze with a reassuring nod, his expression softening as he turned his attention back to Rachel. With practiced ease, he crouched down to her eye level, his features gentle yet confident as he prepared to address her question.

Cuddy hesitated for a moment, her gaze flickering with emotion as she struggled to find the right words. "Well, not exactly," she began, her voice catching slightly as tears welled up in her eyes. "I want Howse to be my daddy!" she blurted out suddenly, her voice trembling with emotion as she spoke.

House's heart swelled with love and pride at her words. "Monkey, I can be your daddy," he reassured her, his voice gentle yet firm as he knelt down to her level. "But this is a lifelong commitment. Once you call me daddy, you can't take it back, ever. Do you understand? Pinky promise?"

A radiant smile spread across Hope's face as she eagerly nodded, her eyes shining with happiness. "Pinky promise!" she exclaimed, planting a kiss on House's cheek before wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug. "Can I call you daddy?"

"Yup, monkey," House replied, his voice choked with emotion as he returned her hug, savoring the warmth and affection of the moment.

"I love you, daddy," Hope whispered, her voice filled with genuine affection and gratitude.

Cuddy's heart swelled with emotion as she embraced Hope, feeling a sense of completeness she hadn't experienced in years. "I will show you your room, sweetheart," she murmured, her voice choked with tears of joy. "And don't worry about your bag. We'll go shopping together soon, but I have something for you to wear tonight, for sure"

Hope's smile was radiant as she nodded in agreement. "I don't have many things back at Gram's" she assured Cuddy, her eyes shining with gratitude.

"We'll definitely need to get you some clothes for sure," Cuddy agreed, returning her daughter's smile with a warm one of her own. "You'll need more than a change of clothes."

As they hugged, Cuddy felt an overwhelming sense of love and protectiveness wash over her.

"You don't have to do this," the little girl whispered, her voice trembling with emotion looking at her mother's eyes.

"I want you to know that no matter what, I've always loved you. Ever since I knew I was pregnant with you Hope, you've been my daughter. And losing you... it was the worst thing that ever happened to me and your father."

Hope's eyes glistened with tears as she returned her mother's embrace. "Thank you, Mom," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion.

As they pulled away, Cuddy wiped away her tears, her heart filled with determination. "They will never take you away from me again, honey. I promise you."

Hope's smile widened as she held out her pinky. "Pinky promise?" she asked.

Cuddy nodded, linking her pinky with Hope's. "Pinky promise, honey," she replied, her voice filled with conviction.

But today was different. Today, they would confront Cuddy's mother and confront her for what she had done to Hope. As they set out on their journey, Cuddy's heart raced with nerves, but she knew she couldn't turn back now. With House by her side, she felt stronger than ever, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Cuddy couldn't contain her tears any longer, her heart overflowing with happiness as she watched the scene unfold before her. This was all she had ever wanted—a family with House. They were her little family, complete and perfect in every way—her, Rachel, House, and now Hope. Her heart swelled with love and gratitude as she embraced her newfound role as a mother to both her daughters.

-/-

It had been a week since Hope had come to live with them, and in that time, Cuddy had come to realize just how special her daughter truly was. Hope was a perfect blend of her and House—a sweet, brilliant girl with a mischievous streak and a heart of gold. She had House's dimple smile, but her eyes were a reflection of Cuddy's, and according to him, she was a mini version of Cuddy herself. Despite her young age, she possessed a sharp mind and a witty sense of humor that never failed to impress.

But today was different. Today, Cuddy faced one of her greatest fears—the confrontation with her mother over what she had done to Hope. As they set out on their journey, Cuddy's heart raced with nerves, but she knew she couldn't turn back now. With House by her side, she felt stronger than ever, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

They woke up early that morning, the first day of September, knowing that it would be a pivotal moment in their lives. In just a week, both Hope and Rachel would be starting school, and finding a spot for Hope at Rachel's school had seemed like an impossible task. But somehow, against all odds, House and Cuddy had managed to secure her a spot, thanks to Hope's perfect grades and the school's eagerness to welcome her.

Cuddy was too nervous to drive all the way to her mother's home, so she let House take the wheel. "Cuddy, everything will be fine," he reassured her, his voice steady and reassuring.

"Yes, Mommy, if you want, we can turn around and go home," Hope offered from the backseat, her sleepy sister Rachel beside her.

"No way. We are going to talk to my dearest mother and let her know that she won't see us ever again," Cuddy declared, her determination clear in her voice. "Now, drive. As soon as I talk to her and as soon as we come home."

The trip was surprisingly peaceful despite Cuddy's stressful mood, and two hours later, they finally arrived at her mother's home. Hope couldn't remember much of the journey, as she had been sitting quietly in her mother's car, but she could recall the tense atmosphere as her mother confronted her grandmother, tears streaming down her face while her father stood by, his anger palpable.

"Let's go home, House," Cuddy said as they climbed back into the car, her voice filled with resolve. "And we will never be back here ever again."

As they drove away, leaving behind the painful memories of the past, a new chapter had begun for their family—a chapter filled with hope, love, and the promise of a brighter future.