Chapter 9
That Friday, October 10th, was supposed to be all about his daughter, but the job offer he had received that morning was weighing heavily on House's mind. He didn't know what to do. Should he tell Cuddy, risking that she might not believe him? Or should he keep quiet to avoid a possible argument but lie to his wife in the process?
His head was spinning as everyone discussed the case in the DDX room. He could only catch bits and pieces as he tried to focus... "House?" Cameron's voice cut through his thoughts, bringing him back to reality. He looked at them, completely confused.
"Run the tests. I'll be right back," he said, then walked out, heading to the office next door without bothering to knock or check if James Wilson was with a patient.
House burst into Wilson's office, his face a mix of frustration and confusion. "Tell the truth or say nothing? It's not lying... it's omitting," he muttered, dropping into the chair in front of Wilson.
Wilson looked up from his desk, eyebrows raised in surprise. "Good morning," he began, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Our conversations have been less frequent lately. I thought we might reach a point where you'd knock on my door, but I guess that's an illusion."
"The prodigal son always returns home, Mommy," House retorted sarcastically, but the usual edge in his voice was missing. "Back to the real question: tell the truth without being asked or say nothing."
Wilson's expression softened slightly as he recognized the genuine turmoil in House's eyes. "And what truth exactly are we talking about? The truth is always the best path."
"That could be a motivational phrase on a pamphlet for quitting drugs," House ironized, frustration seeping into his voice. "Less motivational quotes, more reality..."
Wilson leaned back in his chair, studying House intently. "It depends," he said carefully. "And don't twist what I'm going to say. The truth is, yes, the best path, but if the situation isn't intentional or necessary, omitting avoids problems."
House's eyes narrowed. "So, omitting isn't lying."
"It is," Wilson said firmly. "Are we talking about Cuddy?"
"Hypothetically," House replied, looking more lost than ever.
"Hypothetically, omitting something from your wife is never a good path," Wilson said seriously, leaning forward. "Cuddy doesn't tolerate lies or deceit, House. Be honest. If it's not your fault, if you're clear of conscience, talk to her."
"Hypothetically speaking, it wouldn't be a lie," House insisted, his voice tinged with desperation. "Just an omission?
"Hypothetically speaking, Cuddy hates omissions even more. She trusts you, and you're not trusting her. That can definitely be a deal breaker."
"So, hypothetically speaking, omission would be even worse."
"Exactly," Wilson said, his eyes locked on House's. Just when he thought House had comprehended the gravity of the situation, House said:
"I know what to do!"
"HOUSE," Wilson raised his voice, snapping House out of his thoughts. "Omissions are a synonym for divorce! More than lies, omissions break trust! Now, think: do you want to be a man of omissions or a man with Cuddy?" Wilson's voice was serious, almost pleading. "Talk to Cuddy. She's seen you at your worst and your best; she's not going to leave you. Talk to her!"
House sat there, staring at Wilson, the weight of his words sinking in. The room was silent, filled with the gravity of the conversation and the buzzing fluorescent lights overhead. Finally, House nodded, a mix of resignation and determination on his face. "You're right," he said quietly. "I'll talk to her."
Wilson's expression softened, a small smile forming on his lips. "Good. Now go, and handle this before it drives you crazy."
House stood up, the usual swagger absent from his step. He knew he had a difficult conversation ahead, but he also knew it was the right thing to do. For the girls, for Cuddy, and for himself.
-/-
House knew that discussing the Mayo Clinic's offer with Cuddy was necessary, even though he had already dismissed the idea, and he thought they should talk before the kids were home... So as soon as he reaches home, he found Cuddy in the living room, reviewing some files. He walked over and sat down next to her, a serious expression on his face.
"Hey Cuddles," he began, his tone uncharacteristically subdued. "Can we talk."
Cuddy glanced up from her paperwork, immediately sensing something was off. "It's everything ok?"
He took a deep breath, and seat next to her, then handed her the file from the Mayo Clinic. "I got this today."
She opened the file and started reading. As she absorbed the details, her initial reaction was one of irritation. "You're looking for a new job? I thought..."
"I'm not, they approached me out of nowhere..."
"So, you are saying that they came to the hospital, and made you an offer without informing me? This is my hospital, House. They can't just waltz in and—"
"I know," House interrupted, his voice calm but firm. "I told them it was a waste of time. I'm not interested."
Cuddy's eyes narrowed as she continued to read, her annoyance growing. "This is an insult. Coming into my hospital and trying to poach my husband. They have some nerve."
House smirked. "Yeah, well, they're looking for world class doctors... Apparently, I'm their golden ticket to revolutionizing diagnostic medicine."
She was about to toss the file aside when her eyes caught the figure at the bottom of the page. Her expression shifted from anger to shock. "House... this offer is... it's a lot of money."
House shrugged nonchalantly. "I know. But like I said, I'm not interested. We have our lives here. You have your job, the kids have their schools, and I have... well, my routine. And I don't want to work for anyone else but you!"
Cuddy stared at the offer, her mind racing. "I can't believe they thought they could lure you away with this. And to come directly to you, bypassing me completely. It's insulting."
House leaned back, a wry smile on his face. "I told the guy he was wasting his time. I prefer here, you know, the PPTH, us, the girls, everything is just perfect, and I don't want to mess anything..."
Cuddy sighed, closing the file and setting it aside. She looked at House, a mixture of frustration and admiration in her eyes. "You really aren't tempted at all? As your wife, I think this is one in a lifetime opportunity..."
He shook his head. "Nope. Not even a little. This is where I belong. With you, with the kids, at this hospital. And besides that, even if I want it, there is no way we could make this work... I'm not even thinking about it..."
She reached out and took his hand, squeezing it gently. "Thank you for telling me. And for not even considering it."
House leaned in and kissed her forehead. "You know I'm a pain in the ass, but I'm your pain in your ass, which is a great ass by the way. And that's not changing."
-/-
House had offered to make dinner while keeping an eye on little Paige, who slept peacefully in a small cradle in the kitchen. Cuddy had gone to pick up their two older daughters from school. He was focused on cooking when he heard the front door open. Rachel entered first, bubbling with excitement and telling her mom and sister something he couldn't quite make out. Her hair was a wild mess, her uniform disheveled, and her face flushed with happiness. Beside her, Hope was the perfect contrast to her sister: her hair still neatly arranged, her uniform immaculate, yet she was also smiling and chatting animatedly, likely due to the excitement of her birthday. The most amusing sight was the white sash she wore, like a Miss Universe contestant, where House could read "The Birthday Girl."
"Well?" House said as Rachel ran to him. "Daddy! Daddy! I went to Hope's classroom today, Daddy! And I sang 'Happy Birthday' to Hope, and I loved it sooo much!" she said, her excitement palpable.
"That's great, Kiddo," he said, smiling at her joy.
"Yes, Daddy, and we sang 'Happy Birthday' and ate cake!" she added, her eyes wide with delight.
House had dropped off a birthday cake at school earlier in the day so that Hope could celebrate with her friends. He hadn't realized he had included Rachel in the festivities, but it warmed his heart to see how happy it made her.
"Hi, Dad," Hope said as she approached him, wrapping her arms around him in a hug.
"Did you have a good day?" House asked, and his daughter smiled brightly.
"It was great," she said, grinning. "We ate cake, and I got to choose the new book we're going to read this month!"
"And what did you choose, Hope?" House asked.
"I wanted to read 'Integrative Human Biochemistry: A Textbook for Medical Biochemistry,' but the teacher said it wasn't very suitable, so I had to pick something more accessible... I asked for 'Netter,' but that wasn't accessible enough either... So we're reading 'Percy Jackson,' the first book," Hope said, her tone a mix of disappointment and excitement.
House couldn't help but laugh at his daughter's innocence, and Cuddy, overhearing the conversation, looked incredulous. "Hope, maybe books about medicine aren't as appealing to your classmates as they are to you..."
"But Luísa also wanted to read 'Netter,'" Hope said seriously, referring to her neighbor and school friend, whose grandparents were also doctors.
"Hope," Cuddy said, drawing her daughter's attention. "You know that most kids your age don't like medicine. Many are even afraid of hospitals and doctors... so reading about medicine isn't something they enjoy. Plus, it's very difficult. Not many children can understand what you do..." Cuddy said, smiling. "And 'Percy Jackson' sounds like a great choice."
"Yeah..." Hope said, a bit resigned. "It's okay..."
"Tomorrow, we'll go to the bookstore and get you the 'Percy Jackson' book to read," House offered, knowing it was one of Hope's favorite places to visit.
"Now," Cuddy said, "let's take a bath, change clothes, and get ready for dinner and singing 'Happy Birthday' to Hope." She directed this to both daughters, while Rachel was looking at her baby sister, who was now awake and playing with her hands. "Bye bye baby," Rachel said sweetly, kissing her younger sister's forehead, a gesture that always filled Cuddy's heart with love. "Bye baby Paige," Hope echoed, repeating her sister's gesture and kissing her baby sister's forehead.
House approached the cradle to pick up the baby when little Paige babbled a timid "Dada..."
Silence reigned for a few seconds. House looked at Cuddy, wanting to be sure he had heard the same thing. But it was Hope who broke the silence. "Mom, Dad, I think Paige just talked..."
They looked at each other again and then at the baby, who this time, undeniably repeated, "Dada."
Paige's first word was "Dada," and House felt his heart race, a smile forming on his face as he heard his wife say, "Looks like we have another daddy's girl." She smiled at her husband.
"Dada," Paige repeated, sealing the moment with pure joy and love.
That evening, they all gathered around the dining table, which was adorned with a festive tablecloth and colorful decorations. At the center of the table sat a large chocolate birthday cake, topped with ten brightly burning candles. The rich scent of chocolate filled the room, mingling with the warmth and laughter that radiated from the family.
Hope, wearing her "Birthday Girl" sash, stood at the head of the table, her eyes wide with excitement. Her sisters, Rachel and Paige, were by her side, Rachel practically bouncing with anticipation, while Paige sat in her high chair, clapping her hands in delight.
House and Cuddy stood on either side of Hope, smiling as they watched her soak in the moment. Hope's face was illuminated by the candlelight, her blue eyes sparkling with happiness and her cheeks flushed with excitement.
"Are you ready to make a wish, birthday girl?" Cuddy asked, her voice soft and loving.
Hope nodded eagerly, closing her eyes for a moment to make her wish. The room fell silent as everyone waited in anticipation. Then, with a deep breath, Hope blew out the candles, one by one, until all ten were extinguished.
A cheer erupted around the table as the family clapped and celebrated. "Happy Birthday, Hope!" they all exclaimed in unison.
Hope beamed, her smile so wide it seemed to light up the entire room. She looked around at her family, feeling a sense of love and belonging that made her birthday even more special.
House watched his daughter, feeling a profound sense of pride and joy. Seeing Hope so happy and surrounded by love filled him with a sense of completeness that he rarely allowed himself to acknowledge. This was what mattered most—these moments of pure, unfiltered joy with his family.
Cuddy leaned in and kissed Hope on the forehead. "Happy Birthday, sweetie. We love you so much," she whispered.
Hope looked up at her parents, her eyes shining with gratitude. "Thank you, Mom. Thank you, Dad. This is the best birthday ever," she said, hugging them both tightly.
As they all sat down to enjoy the cake, House couldn't help but feel grateful for the chaotic, beautiful life they had built together. Amidst all the challenges and uncertainties, these moments of pure happiness made everything worthwhile. He looked at Cuddy, who smiled back at him, and they both knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together as a family.
The evening continued with laughter, stories, and more celebrations, but in that moment, as they shared the birthday cake and basked in the glow of Hope's happiness, House felt a deep sense of contentment. This was his family, his home, and nothing could be more perfect.
-/-
The day dawned surprisingly mild for an October 11th. A gentle autumn breeze rustled the leaves, creating a perfect setting for Hope's tenth birthday party. The backyard was adorned with colorful balloons and streamers, while a large picnic table displayed an array of snacks and drinks.
In one corner of the yard, a trampoline stood, surrounded by laughing, energetic children running and playing. The birthday girl, Hope, stood out among them in her light blue t-shirt and white denim overalls. Her straight blonde hair, glinting in the soft sunlight, flowed freely as she jumped and giggled on the trampoline.
House stood nearby, leaning on a wall, watching the scene unfold with a mix of emotions swirling within him. Normally he really doesn't paid attention to this kind of details but he was enveloped in a sense of fulfillment as he watched his daughter, his ten years old daughter, so genuinely happy.Every laugh from Hope seemed to soothe his soul, every smile warmed his heart in a way he rarely admitted.
He thought back to all the times he had feared he couldn't provide happiness for his family. The doubts that plagued him, the mistakes he'd made—everything seemed to fade away as he watched Hope. Her cheeks were flushed with joy, and her eyes sparkled with the kind of pure, unbridled happiness that only children can possess. Despite all his flaws and uncertainties, he knew that seeing her like this meant he was doing something right.
House couldn't help but feel amazed at how someone so small could change his life so much. Watching Hope jump carefree, her laughter like sweet music, made him feel whole. It wasn't something he could explain—just something he felt. This was his daughter, a part of him and Cuddy, showing their imperfect but beautiful life together.
Cuddy quietly came up beside him, sensing his deep thoughts. House snapped out of them when he felt her hand in his, a simple yet deeply meaningful gesture.
"She's so happy," Cuddy said, a smile on her lips reflecting the scene before them. She watched Hope playing with her friends on the trampoline, feeling the same pride and joy as House.
"She's going to be devastated when we have to return the trampoline..." Cuddy replied, while a half-smile forming on his face. He knew how much this moment meant to Hope, and he dreaded the thought of taking it away. "I think she won't feel this way..."
Cuddy chuckled softly, looking at him with a smile on her face. "Did you actually buy a trampoline for her?"
House turned to her, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Yeah, I did. They deserve it. Rachel and Hope deserve the trampoline."
Cuddy looked at him, a mixture of surprise and admiration in her eyes. "You really think of everything, don't you?"
House shrugged nonchalantly. "Well, it's not like I don't have my moments of brilliance."
They continued to watch Hope and the other children playing, feeling the deep connection and love that bound them. House knew that, despite everything, his life was complete with Cuddy and the kids. In that moment, nothing else mattered but the pure laughter and happiness of his daughter on the trampoline.
House turned to Cuddy with a genuine smile and said, "The trampoline is hers."
A couple of hours later, Hope stood in front of her birthday cake, a soft blue and pink confection adorned with delicate flowers. Her eyes sparkled with joy, her smile wide and genuine as everyone gathered around to sing "Happy Birthday." The soft glow of the candles highlighted her excitement, making her look even more radiant.
House and Cuddy stood close by, their hearts swelling with pride and love as they watched Hope soak in the moment. The girl's happiness was contagious, her eyes reflecting pure delight. This was a perfect snapshot of their imperfect but beautiful life together—a moment of pure joy and celebration that they would cherish forever.