"I hate this part.

Paper hearts.

And I'll hold a piece of yours

Don't think I would just forget about it.

Hoping that you won't forget about it."

Teddy's stomach was in knots as she pulled into the driveway of her and Owen's new home. Her weekend at the conference in LA went a lot different than she expected.

She thought she was just going to a standard medical conference. That was was going to be inspired, and learn something knew... instead, she ran into a person she never would've expected to run into.

Claire.

Truthfully, she hadn't really thought about her in years. She had tried so hard to bury that part of life behind her, but it still somehow bubbled to the surface. Although she would never bury Allison or her memory, she couldn't help but wonder what it would've been like if things were different.

What if she never knew Allison?

What if they didn't have a relationship?

Something inside of her pooled with guilt in every direction. Guilt because she cheated on Owen and played with Tom. Guilt that she left Claire behind like that in the midst of an incredible loss.

Would this ever pass? She thought to herself

Her mind went back and forth as she got her things from the car and headed inside. No lights were on, meaning Owen was most likely in bed. At least she could go to sleep and not have to deal with anything for a night. She sighed as she pushed the door open, placing her bags on down, and creeping into the bedroom. Her anxiety only began to build, and she knew he would notice. He's Owen for God sakes, he always notices.

She slid her shoes off, slowly getting into the bed and pulling the covers over herself. She didn't even bother to change, as was absolutely exhausted. She reached her arm over Owen's head, making him stirr. Damn it. She thought with a quiet sigh. He's awake. "Hey" He mumbled as he turned over to face her. He kissed her, but for some reason she felt like backing away. She felt herself slouch down, sinking into the pain. All she wanted in that moment was to crumble and hide in her shame.

"How was it?" He asked warily, sensing that she wasn't acting like herself.

She paused, her mind becoming completely entrapped in her thoughts. "It was… fine." She said as she shook her head. Owen raised his brow, placing his hand in her hair. "Just fine?"

"Yeah." She responded, pulling the covers up higher. "Just fine."

He nodded, giving her a kiss and turning back around.

As weird as it sounds, she knew he knew.

With every fiber of her being she wanted this day to be over. She wanted everything to be over. She couldn't keep lying anymore. She couldn't keep hiding it all. She felt herself speak out before she even realized that her mouth was open.

"Owen?" She whispered, placing a hand on his arm.

"Hmm?" He asked half asleep.

She paused, unsure of what to say next.

Owen wiped his tired eyes, turning his head and making eye contact with her. "Teddy? What's wrong?"

"Nothing" she said with a smile. "I just wanted to tell you that I love you."

Owen smiled back, but something inside was still telling him that something was wrong. He knew Teddy. He knew there was something bothering her. But he also knew that if she had something to say, she would say it eventually... even if it was in an OR during a surgery. She would tell him when she was ready.

"I love you too." He said as he met her lips with his own. Again, Something inside of her wanted to pull away. Something inside of her felt so unworthy... so fragile. And she didn't know how to fix it.

She let herself lay back into the bed, snuggling deeply into the sheets.. but not falling asleep. She eyes stayed open as her mind wouldn't shut off.

"How the hell do I tell him everything?"

Hey all! I know this chapter is super short, but it's just a starting point for the rest of the story!

I'm gonna be real here and say it's been really hard to whip out my computer and write this last week. It hasn't been easy lately, as my brain is filled with so much, but I'm back! New chapters of Frost and The Path of the Sojourner are on their way as well. I promise I didn't forget :) Thank you guys for all of the favs and follows. It means the world!

As always, let me know what you think!

Love you all!

-The Color Gray