In the Past
Owen woke up, slowly. He looked around at the dim light coming into his bedroom. For some reason, it looked grey. He felt Seattle must be particularly foggy today.
He sat up, then swung his legs over the side of his bed. He looked at the nightstand, where Dr. Wyatt's business card was.
Sighing, he picked it up. It was 3.5 inches by 2 inches. Somehow it felt like he was standing at a crossroads, when really, he was just holding paper and ink.
Owen rubbed his eyes. Yesterday had been terrible, with the choking, and Cristina's justifiable fear. She was gone from his life when they had really only been beginning ...
He wanted her back. He wanted to build a life with her, to be there in forty years. And to make that happen, he needed to do one thing.
Owen reached out and unplugged his cell phone. Holding the card in his right hand, he began to dial Dr Wyatt's number.
In the Now
Nathan cheerfully waved as Mrs. Beatty was wheeled through the hallway by one of her sons. She was doing remarkably well, post-transplant. He'd been a good cardio surgeon before coming to Seattle Grace. Collaborating with Cristina Yang had made him better, and Mrs. Beatty's quick recovery was part of that. He turned back to the nurses station where he had been filling out forms.
"Why – hello Dr. Hunt!" A nurse said behind him. "It's good to see you again."
Nathan gripped his pen and tried to concentrate on the task before him.
"Hello Nathan." Owen's voice was quiet. "Can I speak with you for a moment?"
Nathan turned around. The other man looked chagrined.
"Okay," Nathan exhaled. They moved to the nearest supply closet and closed the door.
"I'm sorry," Owen said. "I'm sorry I punched you ... I'm sorry that I haven't handled things in the best way."
"Oh." Surprised, Nathan considered Owen's words.
Owen half-smiled, nervously. "And Mom is planning a family dinner this weekend, and she wants you to be there."
"You're okay with that?"
Owen nodded.
"You're okay with me speaking with Ma again?" Nathan pressed. "And your daughters will be there too?"
"Yes." Owen looked down at the floor. "I'm, um, seeing someone about managing my emotions. I won't punch you again."
"I'd like that." Nathan watched Owen struggling for words. "Hey mate, good for you. I know you're not much of a talker."
Relieved, Owen looked up at him again and smiled ruefully.
Nathan extended his right hand and they shook.
"Good for you," Nathan repeated. "I bet your dad would be proud of you if he could see you now."
Surprisingly, Owen smiled. "You know, I think he can."
The end. Thanks for reading! And thanks to Lovemesomeowen for the beta reading!
