Chapter 25 – Rachel special day
Saturday morning arrived with a grey sky, typical for that time of year. The snow from a recent storm still blanketed the ground. Paige, too young for such a long trip to New York, stayed with Julia, while House glanced in the rearview mirror to see Rachel still sound asleep in the back seat after the emotional night before. Hope, on the other hand, was wide awake. Cuddy had managed to braid her hair into two neat braids, tying them off with ribbons before finishing it into a ponytail. House thought she'd done a pretty impressive job, especially for someone who wasn't exactly a pro at hairstyles, and Hope seemed pleased with the result. Rachel had opted to continue sleeping rather than have her hair braided, which helped since they were already running a little late.
"Paige was still asleep when I left," Cuddy smiled, settling into the front seat beside her husband, who was behind the wheel.
"Alright, now it's off to New York," House said, pulling out of the driveway.
"Feeling nervous?" he asked Hope, glancing at her through the rearview mirror. Hope was already fully dressed for her competition, her leotard under the gym's warm-up tracksuit.
"A little, I guess," she admitted.
"It's normal to feel that way, Hope. No matter what happens today, we're so proud of you," Cuddy reassured her, repeating the words she'd been saying to her daughter all week.
"I really want to do well," Hope said, her voice tinged with anxiety. "But... I don't know. The other gymnasts are older."
Both Cuddy and House knew that the competition would feature junior gymnasts aged between 10 and 14, from New Jersey and New York. Of the 60 competitors, only five would advance to nationals.
"Hope, you're only 10. There's always next year," House reminded her. "Just give it your best, and we'll see what happens."
Cuddy knew there were favorites—older, more experienced girls who had been competing longer and were better prepared. But she also knew Hope was determined to do her best. "Just trust yourself, sweetie, and do what you can. We're with you all the way," Cuddy added with a smile, turning to look at Hope in the back seat. Hope nodded, a small smile breaking through her nervousness.
The rest of the drive to New York was filled with the soft hum of the radio and the sound of Rachel sleeping soundly in the backseat.
-/-
House and Cuddy found seats in the crowded competition arena, with Rachel settled between them. House chuckled to himself at how the scene resembled a soccer match, complete with popcorn and soda he had bought for himself and Rachel. Cuddy, too anxious to eat, had passed on the snacks. From their seats, they had a clear view of the balance beam—Hope's favorite event—which was a definite advantage.
"Are you excited to watch your sister?" Cuddy asked Rachel, who seemed thrilled to have her parents' attention. Rachel beamed at Cuddy, her face lighting up with joy. "Very happy!" she said, her smile wide.
Cuddy kissed the top of Rachel's head as the sound of the announcer echoed through the speakers, signaling the start of the event.
"Welcome to the regional junior gymnastics competition!" the announcer's voice boomed. "Today, we have 60 of the best young gymnasts from New Jersey and New York, competing for a chance to move on to nationals. These athletes range from ages 10 to 14 and will showcase their skills across four events: vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor exercise. Please give a warm welcome to our competitors!"
There was a cheer from the audience as the gymnasts, clad in their colorful leotards, lined up on the floor, each one beaming with excitement and focus. It was a thrilling moment for everyone in the arena, especially for House, Cuddy, and Rachel, who anxiously awaited Hope's turn on the beam.
As the competition progressed, the atmosphere in the arena buzzed with excitement. The junior gymnasts began warming up on the vault, stretching and practicing their runs. They executed various drills, perfecting their take-offs and landings while coaches offered tips and encouragement.
Hope watched closely, absorbing the energy and focus of the other athletes around her. She felt a mix of nerves and excitement, knowing that soon it would be her turn. After a series of warm-up jumps, the gymnasts formed a line at the vault, each waiting for their moment to shine.
The announcer's voice echoed through the arena, calling out the names of the competitors one by one. When it was finally Hope's turn, she heard, "Next up, from the Nassau Gymnastics Club in Princeton, New Jersey, Hope House!"
A thrill of adrenaline rushed through her as she stepped forward, feeling the supportive gazes of her family in the stands. She came forward and presented herself to the judges.
Hope stepped onto the competition floor, looking confident and composed. She wore a stunning baby blue leotard, shimmering under the arena lights with delicate sparkles that caught everyone's attention. The leotard had a sleek, fitted design, accentuating her graceful movements, with a high neckline and a crisscross pattern on the back that added an elegant touch. Her hair was tied back into neat braids that ended in a ponytail, tied with a ribbon that matched her leotard, keeping her look clean and competition-ready.
As she prepared for her first event, the vault, her focus sharpened. She was about to perform a Yurchenko with one-and-a-half twists, a vault that required not only speed and power but also exceptional technique.
Hope took her position at the start of the runway, exhaled slowly, and then sprinted forward with incredible speed. She launched off the vaulting table with explosive power, executing a round-off onto the springboard. As she propelled herself into the air, she executed a flawless back handspring, followed by a perfect one-and-a-half twist before landing firmly on her feet.
The crowd erupted in cheers as she raised her arms in triumph, a bright smile lighting up her face. Her score flashed on the screen moments later: 14.850. It was a remarkable achievement for her first event.
In the stands, Cuddy could feel her heart pounding every time she saw Hope perform those gravity-defying movements. No matter how often she watched her daughter train, seeing her compete always filled her with a mix of pride and anxiety. Hope had practiced these routines for months, but there was something about watching her out on the competition floor, under the lights, that made Cuddy's stomach churn with nerves.
Hope executed her Yurchenko 1.5 vault with remarkable precision, and as she stuck the landing, Cuddy let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. She knew the score would be high, and sure enough, when the results flashed on the screen, Hope was in second place, just behind a gymnast from New York. Cuddy's heart swelled with pride, knowing how much effort Hope had put into this moment.
Next, the uneven bars. Hope's focus was unwavering as she approached the apparatus. She performed a clean and challenging routine, effortlessly transitioning between the bars with smooth pirouettes, release moves, and a double layout dismount that was near perfect. The crowd responded with loud applause as she landed with grace. Her score placed her solidly in the top three, setting her up for a strong finish.
Then came the beam. Cuddy felt her chest tighten as Hope prepared for one of her most difficult routines. The beam, known for testing even the most composed gymnasts, was where Hope truly excelled. She moved fluidly from one skill to the next—flawless back handsprings, an aerial cartwheel, and her trademark split leap connected to a full turn. When she landed her dismount—a round-off back tuck—the audience erupted in applause. Her score flashed on the screen: 15.000, the highest of the event. Cuddy felt a surge of pride as she saw Hope climb to the top of the leaderboard.
Finally, it was time for the floor exercise, the last event of the day. Hope was the final gymnast of her group to perform, and as she stood on the edge of the mat waiting for her name to be called, the tension in the air was palpable. Her heart raced, her nerves at an all-time high. She glanced up at her parents in the stands—House sitting with Rachel, both beaming with pride—and Cuddy, who was watching her intently, offering a reassuring smile. Hope took a deep breath, steadied herself, and stepped onto the floor.
The music began, a beautiful classical piece that set the tone for her elegant routine. Hope moved with precision and grace, her choreography a seamless blend of artistry and athleticism. Her opening pass, a round-off back handspring into a double pike, was executed flawlessly. She danced gracefully across the floor, her leaps soaring high with perfect form. Every turn, every flip was polished, showing a mastery beyond her ten years. The crowd watched in awe, completely captivated by her poise and control.
As she moved into her final tumbling pass—a front handspring into a double tuck—the entire arena seemed to hold its breath. She landed perfectly, her feet glued to the mat as the music ended. There was a brief moment of silence before the audience erupted into applause. Hope, slightly breathless, smiled brightly as she took in the standing ovation. She had done it.
When the scores were finally tallied, Hope's name appeared at the top of the leaderboard. She had secured first place. The crowd was stunned by the result—especially given Hope's age. Madeleine Montgomery, another 10-year-old gymnast from New York, claimed second place, and Olivia, Hope's close friend and teammate from Nassau Gymnastics, took third.
It was a shocking, yet thrilling result. As the awards ceremony began and Hope stood on the highest podium, holding her gold medal, Cuddy and House exchanged proud glances. Their daughter had just made a name for herself in the world of junior gymnastics. Rachel clapped excitedly next to them, her face lighting up as she watched her big sister bask in the moment. The whole arena marveled at the talent of this young girl, whose determination and elegance had left everyone speechless.
As the final scores were announced and Hope's name flashed at the top of the leaderboard, the arena erupted in applause. It was official—Hope had won first place. The young gymnast made her way to the podium, her face glowing with happiness. She climbed to the highest step, standing tall as the crowd continued to cheer.
The gold medal was placed around her neck, and she felt its weight settle against her chest. Hope glanced toward the stands, where her parents and Rachel were cheering louder than anyone else. House had a proud smile on his face, and Cuddy's eyes were filled with emotion. Rachel waved excitedly, beaming with pride for her big sister.
As the cameras flashed, Hope stood proudly, her smile wide and bright. She waved for the photos, her heart swelling with a mix of accomplishment and pure joy. This moment—standing on the podium, medal around her neck—was the culmination of all her hard work, dedication, and love for the sport. The applause and cheers of the crowd filled the arena, but it was the love and pride in her parents' eyes that meant the most.
She had done it.
-/-
Several hours had passed after the medal ceremony, filled with photo sessions for newspapers, brief interviews, and changing into something more comfortable for the journey home. By the time they left New York, it was already four in the afternoon, which meant their plans to explore the city—visiting Central Park and Rockefeller Center—had to be postponed. They promised each of their daughters they would return soon to fulfill those plans.
On the way back, they made a stop at Julia's house to pick up Paige. Julia took the opportunity to congratulate her niece on winning the Junior medal, hugging Hope tightly and beaming with pride. As usual, Rachel wasn't too pleased about having to pick up Paige, her jealousy flaring up momentarily. But Hope, ever the caring older sister, reassured her with a promise.
"When we get home, we'll watch a movie, just the two of us," Hope said softly to Rachel, who brightened at the suggestion.
The promise of sisterly time calmed Rachel, and the drive home continued in peace, leaving behind the excitement of the competition and looking forward to a cozy evening together as a family.
-/-
"We need to do something about Rachel..." Cuddy said, her voice soft but filled with worry, as she closed the door to Hope's room where the girls were watching a movie.
House raised an eyebrow, leaning back in his chair. "She's just jealous of the baby. Give it time, it'll pass."
Cuddy sighed, rubbing her temples. "I don't know if it's that simple, House. I feel like... maybe I've done something wrong. Like sometimes I've made her feel invisible without even realizing it."
House studied her face, his expression softening. "You're not doing anything wrong. Rachel's just in a tough spot. She needs time to adjust, that's all."
"I don't know..." Cuddy's voice wavered with uncertainty. "Maybe I haven't been as patient as I should be. Or maybe I haven't made enough effort to show her she's just as important as Paige. I feel like I'm constantly pulled in so many directions."
House shifted forward, his tone thoughtful. "It might help if Rachel felt more involved with Paige. You know, like she could help out instead of feeling like she's kept at a distance all the time."
Cuddy frowned, clearly caught off guard. "Kept at a distance?"
House nodded slowly, as if measuring his words. "Rachel told me she feels like we don't let her near the baby. That every time she's around Paige, we tell her to keep her voice down, don't run, don't touch..." He trailed off, watching Cuddy's shocked expression.
"She... said that to you?" Cuddy blinked, surprised.
"Yeah," House admitted, shrugging slightly. "She's not mad at Paige, she loves her. But she feels like we're always telling her to stay away, like she's not allowed to be close to her little sister."
Cuddy opened her mouth to defend herself. "But when I ask her to be quiet or not run, it's because Paige is sleeping, or she's too little for all that right now. I'm just trying to protect her."
House reached out, gently placing his hand on hers. "I know, Cuddy. I do the same thing. But I think Rachel just feels like she's being pushed aside. We might need to let her be more a part of Paige's routine. Show her that she's not being left out."
Cuddy sighed, her eyes softening as she absorbed his words. "You really think that would help?"
House nodded. "Yeah, I do. If Rachel feels like she's allowed to be a part of things, to help out, she won't feel like she's always being shooed away."
Cuddy looked down, her shoulders relaxing just a bit. "Maybe you're right. We'll try to let her help more with Paige, see if that makes her feel included."
House squeezed her hand gently. "We'll figure it out, Cuddy. Just give it some time."
-/-
And so it happened over the next two weeks, leading up to Rachel's birthday. Cuddy made an effort to include Rachel in all of Paige's daily routines. Both Rachel and Hope were encouraged to help with Paige's bath time, picking out her clothes, preparing her milk bottle, and even choosing the fruits for her baby food. Both Cuddy and House made sure their older daughters were part of Paige's life, and the change was more significant than they had imagined. Rachel transformed back into her usual self—caring, patient, calm, with that easy smile that Cuddy loved to see. She would rush into the house after school and immediately check on her baby sister, which warmed Cuddy's heart every time she witnessed it. House and Cuddy made a point of being home whenever all three girls were together, and House had taken on the role of helping Rachel with her homework and studying for tests.
It was October 19th, just two days before Rachel's sixth birthday.
"Rach, baby," Cuddy said with a smile, glancing at her daughter. Rachel had a front tooth that had been loose for days now. "Let me see your tooth."
But Rachel was determined not to let anyone touch it—not her mom, not her dad, no one. "Na-na-na!" she shook her head, much to Cuddy's frustration. Hope, however, had an idea.
"Rach," Cuddy tried again gently, "Mommy needs to see it because you might swallow it, and then the tooth fairy won't bring you a present when it falls out."
But Rachel remained stubborn. "Rach," House called as he entered the room, "the tooth already fell out. The tooth fairy's coming tonight, but she won't be back until after Christmas, and she doesn't take late orders."
Rachel squinted at her father, curiosity piqued. "How do you know, Daddy?" she asked, her little voice filled with suspicion.
"Because I know everything!" House said confidently, his tone playful but convincing enough to make Rachel pause and think.
Before she could resist again, Cuddy jumped in. "Let Daddy have a look, Rach."
House approached, lifting Rachel onto the kitchen counter. After washing his hands, he knelt in front of her. "Alright, open wide."
Rachel hesitated but opened her mouth just enough. The moment House gently touched the wobbly tooth, it popped out almost instantly.
"Ah!" House grinned, holding up the tiny tooth. "All done, and no blood at all." He placed the tooth in Rachel's small hands. "Your first tooth."
Rachel blinked at the tooth in her palm, her eyes widening in surprise. She touched the small gap in her smile, then looked up at her parents with pure amazement.
"I lost it!" she exclaimed, her initial shock quickly turning into joy. She hopped off the counter and ran to show Hope, her voice bubbling with excitement. "Hope, look! My tooth fell out!"
Her face lit up with pride, showing off her new gap-toothed grin to her sister, before running back to House and Cuddy. "Does this mean the tooth fairy's really coming tonight?"
House nodded solemnly. "Yup, tonight's the night."
Rachel smiled even wider, clutching her tooth like a precious treasure, already dreaming of the magic that awaited her under her pillow that night.
-/-
The morning sun streamed through the curtains on that bright Wednesday, December 21st. Cuddy stirred awake as the soft beeping of her alarm broke the morning silence. It was 6 a.m., and a smile crept across her face as she remembered the special occasion. Her little Rachel—though not so little anymore—was turning six today. Six years of bright smiles, curious questions, and the sweetest moments a mother could ask for.
As Cuddy lay in bed, she reflected on how quickly time had passed. She still remembered the day she first held Rachel in her arms, her heart swelling with love and the sense of overwhelming responsibility. Now, her middle child was growing up, transitioning from the playful toddler who clung to her, to a vibrant, curious girl who had just lost her first tooth. And yet, despite the changes, Rachel's innocent charm and sensitivity remained.
House stirred beside her, groaning as he rolled over. His hand fumbled for the alarm, silencing it with a slap. He blinked a few times, then turned to face her.
"Already up?" he mumbled, rubbing his eyes.
"Of course," Cuddy replied, still smiling. "Our bubble of energy is still sleeping, though..."
"Ah, that's right," House said with a sleepy grin. "The big six. We should probably get her up for her royal birthday breakfast, huh?"
Cuddy nodded, her excitement growing as she thought about how much Rachel would love the surprise they had planned for her that morning. They'd both agreed to make it a special start to the day, and it would begin with Rachel's favorite—pancakes with strawberries, whipped cream, and a sprinkle of chocolate chips.
"Come on," she said softly, nudging him. "Let's wake her up."
House groaned in protest, but there was a glimmer of affection in his eyes. Together, they slipped out of bed and padded down the hallway toward Rachel's room. Cuddy couldn't help but glance into Hope's room as they passed—her oldest was still sound asleep, her breathing soft and steady. Paige was likely still asleep too, but they'd check on her later.
"Wait a second" Cuddy told him "I'm going to get Hope first"
Cuddy quietly made her way into Hope's room after setting up the birthday breakfast. Rachel was about to turn six, and it was a day meant to start with some family joy. She gently nudged Hope's shoulder, whispering, "Good morning baby, time to wake up. It's Rachel's birthday."
"Morning mom"Hope blinked awake, rubbing her eyes. "Already?"
"Yes, come on, we've got to celebrate together." Cuddy smiled warmly.
Hope stretched, a smile forming on her face. "I'll be right there, Mom."
After Hope was up, they reached Rachel's door, Cuddy opened it gently, peeking inside. There she was, curled up in her blankets, one tiny hand resting on her pillow, her face peaceful and angelic. The sight made Cuddy's heart swell. Her baby girl was growing so fast.
House nudged her lightly and whispered, "Birthday girl's still out cold."
Cuddy smiled, then knelt beside Rachel's bed, gently brushing a strand of hair from her daughter's face. "Rach," she whispered softly. "Baby, it's time to wake up."
Rachel stirred a little, her eyelids fluttering. Slowly, she opened her eyes, blinking in the early morning light. When she saw her parents, a sleepy smile spread across her face.
"Happy birthday, sweetie," Cuddy said warmly, leaning in to kiss her forehead.
House ruffled Rachel's hair. "Six years old today. How does it feel?"
Rachel sat up, rubbing her eyes. "I'm six now?" she asked, her voice still laced with sleep.
"Yup," House confirmed, pulling her into a gentle hug. "And we've got a birthday breakfast waiting for you. Come on, you don't want to miss it."
"Happy birthday, Rach," Hope said softly, sitting next to her sister on her bed, with a bright smile. She handed Rachel a small, neatly wrapped present, her eyes twinkling. Rachel's face lit up as she took the gift, her small hands eagerly starting to unwrap it.
"Thanks, Hope!" Rachel grinned, her excitement bubbling over. But before she even looked at the gift, she threw her arms around Hope's neck, hugging her tight. Hope hugged her back, gently smoothing her sister's hair, whispering, "You're my favorite girl in the world"
Cuddy stood by, watching her two daughters with a lump in her throat, her heart swelling with emotion. She had always known how much Hope adored Rachel, but seeing the love and care between them in this moment made her eyes mist over. House, standing next to her with his arms crossed, noticed the tearful glint in Cuddy's eyes and gave her a soft nudge, teasing but tender.
"Guess we're doing something right," he muttered, though his eyes stayed fixed on the girls.
Cuddy smiled, blinking back the tears, feeling a wave of gratitude for the bond between her children.
Rachel's eyes lit up at the mention of breakfast, and she quickly slipped out of bed. Cuddy helped her into her robe, and the four of them headed downstairs, where the delicious smell of pancakes already filled the kitchen.
On the table, there were stacks of pancakes adorned with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and a dusting of chocolate chips—Rachel's absolute favorite. Cuddy had also arranged a small vase of flowers on the table, along with a bright, festive birthday plate for Rachel.
"Wow!" Rachel gasped, her eyes wide as she took in the sight. "This is for me?"
"All for you, birthday girl," Cuddy said, grinning.
Rachel climbed into her seat, her face glowing with happiness. House handed her a fork, and she eagerly dug into the pancakes, her smile never fading. Cuddy and House exchanged a glance, both filled with a quiet joy, watching their middle child bask in the love and attention that today was all about her.
As Rachel took a bite of her pancake, she giggled, her voice full of delight. "These are the best pancakes ever!"
"Happy birthday baby, enjoy it!," Cuddy said, her heart full as she watched Rachel enjoy her special birthday breakfast.
-/-
Rachel's birthday party was a magical celebration, held in a bright and colorful party venue that Cuddy had rented especially for the occasion. The room was filled with shimmering decorations, all in a "Princess" theme, just as Rachel had wanted. Balloons shaped like crowns floated in the air, tables were covered in pink and purple cloths, and there was a massive princess-themed cake with Rachel's name written in golden letters.
All of Rachel's friends from school were there, running around with excitement, their laughter filling the space. Hope was by her side the entire time, along with Luisinha, her best friend and their neighbor. The two older girls helped Rachel with her party games and made sure everything went smoothly. Rachel, wearing a sparkly tiara and a dress that matched the theme, was the happiest six-year-old, beaming as her friends played, laughed, and shared the excitement with her.
The day was filled with fun activities: there was a huge inflatable castle for the kids to jump in, face painting stations, and even a mini treasure hunt where they looked for hidden princess crowns. The kids were running everywhere, their energy boundless, while the parents sat back and watched, enjoying the chaos in the best way possible.
As the day came to a close, House and Cuddy gathered everyone around for the birthday song. House lifted Rachel onto his arms as she clung to him, giggling with delight. Cuddy stood beside them, her hand resting on Rachel's back, her smile wide and proud as they all began to sing "Happy Birthday." The candles on the princess cake flickered, casting a warm glow over Rachel's face as she beamed at the sight of everyone singing just for her.
"Make a wish, birthday girl!" House whispered to her as the song ended. Rachel closed her eyes tightly, concentrating hard before blowing out the candles in one big puff. Cheers erupted, and Rachel, still in her father's arms, looked over at her mother and gave her a tight hug.
In that moment, surrounded by family and friends, House and Cuddy exchanged a look. Their little girl was growing up, and though the years were passing faster than they could have ever imagined, they knew they had these precious moments to hold onto.
