"Lise, you sound so happy. It's nice to hear that spark in your voice again."
"Well, it's been a rough few months. But now it's like I've finally gotten a reward for all that heartache."
"I know it's been difficult especially with everything going on between you and he-that- shall-remain-nameless."
"You mean Mr. Misanthrope himself," Cuddy laughed as she bundled the baby close to her chest.
"What did House have to say about the baby? I'm sure he had a thousand snarky remarks to offer."
"Actually, he was uncharacteristically quiet. He was very accepting in his own weird way. He even wished me a merry christmas."
"Hmmm...That is very different from his usual."
"Oh, Lena can you hold on for a minuto I'm getting another call."
"Sure."
"Hello?"
"Cuddy, it's Wilson."
"What's up?"
"I was just checking to see how you and the baby are doing."
"Me and little Rachel are fine."
"That's a beautiful name for her. I was wondering if you'd like to have pasko hapunan at my place? I'm having a few mga kaibigan come over and I thought it would be nice for you to bring the baby."
"That does sound fun, but I'm not sure about some of your friends."
"You mean House."
"I just don't feel up to a sparring match with him."
"I'll keep him in line."
"Yeah, right. I pag-ibig you Wilson but no one can really keep Greg House in line."
"He probably won't even ipakita up. I invite him every taon and he never comes. Him and I usually go out for drinks at midnight once everyone else has left."
"You're sure he won't be there?"
"Definitely."
"Alright, I'll be there."
"Great. Come sa pamamagitan ng around six."
"Bye."
"Bye,Cuddy."
"Hey, Lena. Sorry about the wait."
"Who was that anyway?"
"Wilson was inviting me to his pasko
get-together."
"How is James doing? I know this is the first pasko since his girlfriend passed away."
"He seems to be doing pretty well, but I can tell he's a little wistful. They did start dating around this time of year."
"That's too bad. Hopefully he'll meet someone soon."
"Hopefully. He deserves a lasting love," Cuddy sinabi as she kissed Rachel's forehead.
"So, when am I gonna meet my soon to be adopted niece?"
"I was thinking about visiting the family for New Years. I can't get away right now but I am free then."
"Good. Mom and Dad will be glad to see you. You haven't been tahanan in a while."
"Mom keeps reminding me of that fact."
"She just worries that you work way too much but I guess now you'll be slowing down more."
"I'll have to. Rachel needs all my attention right now."
"Lise, I've got to go. I sent you a little something for Rachel. It should be arriving on pasko Eve."
"I'm sure I'll pag-ibig it. Bye sis. I pag-ibig you."
"Love you too."
Cuddy hung up the phone and placed Rachel in her basinet. She was asleep. Cuddy turned on a humidifier so that Rachel could breath better.
Knock, Knock.
Cuddy closed the nursery and headed to the front door.
"House? What are you doing here?"
"I thought you could use this," he sinabi as he held up an economy size box of diapers.
"Thank you. I think... Where did you get this anyway?"
House stepped into her tahanan as she place the box on her coffee table.
"Took a trip to Costco."
"I can't imagine you in a Costco."
"Believe me neither can I."
"Well, it was nice of you to think of her."
"It's really warm in here."
"I turned up the heat for Rachel. She's very small and needs all the warmth she can get."
House nodded and proceeded to sit down on her sofa. Cuddy watched him for a minuto and then chose to sit in her armchair.
"Was there anything else, House?"
"Yeah, there is."
