Out on your Corner in the Pouring Rain.

Summary: Way overdue. We all know that Chrissie and Owen were meant for each other, even through infidelity and lies. What they have is so perfect that it cannot be denied.

Chrissie wants Owen. Owen wants Diane. Diane wants Ric. But when Owen decided to change his mind and throw everything that he had with Diane away, is it what Chrissie really wants?

A/N: This is an alternate storyline exploring the rocky ChrissieOwen relationship we all know and love. I am a huge ChrissieOwen fan and I just thought of a different way everything could have happened. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: Nope, its not mine today either.

Chapter 5 – Friends

'Owen?' she sobbed questioningly as she clung to his neck. She felt his strong arms lift her from the bench, but they were also lifting her emotionally, from a time when she would feel emotionally unconscious and alone. His voice was saving her from what she might do.

'I'm here now,' the strong masculine voice replied. 'Don't worry Chrissie I'm here.' This was the first time they had spoken to each other since the wedding; Chrissie was surprised at the amount of compassion in his voice. After what seemed like hours they released each other at sat on the bench in silence.

'Chrissie?' he asked finally breaking the unbearable and not to mention uncomfortable silence. 'Did he hurt you? I saw you dancing with that guy, did he hurt you?'

'No,' she replied softly. 'No he didn't'

'Then why are you crying?'

'I could ask you the same question!' she laughed.

'I'm confused' he replied blushing that she had noticed, he was trying to stay strong for her, 'I need answers.'

'I want you in my life you know?' she said, 'If we can't be together, I want for us to at least be friends. I want to be able to be around you without awkwardness.'

He spoke again. 'I want to be able to see you' he said, 'with no strings attached. I want to know that you won't hate me. Friends?'

'Friends.' She repeated as she rested her head on his shoulder. A tingle of anticipation shot through her spine and she jumped, the same happened to him, but he decided not to show it.

They sat there in silence until the sun began to crown on the horizon. He saw her timid and frail body sleeping next to him, and realised just how badly his relationship with Diane had affected her. He could feel the coolness of her skin and drew breath sharply as he felt the bones of her face dig into his shoulder. She had lost a lot of weight, she had lost her warm curvy figure, she had lost that welcoming smile, her bright eyes seemed grey and sunken and her flesh around her eyes seemed pale.

Carefully he placed his thumb on her sunken cheek bone and traced it, gently to not wake her. As he removed his thumb he saw the brown makeup stick to his finger, the pail skin showing from underneath. He gasped at the extent of the damage and wondered if anyone realised what was going on with her. He realised that Diane would be worried if he didn't return home soon so he whispered in Chrissie's ear that they had to go.

She rose tiredly and slipped her thin arm through his as they both breathed in the fresh morning air enjoying each others company. It was spring and the air was still cool, but it was a good five degrees warmer than when he had left his house a few hours ago. He and Chrissie spoke softly to each other as he walked her back to see Tricia. Chrissie wasn't really sure if she was ready for that but she let Owen persuade her that it was better to go now and it would be harder to go later. She admired him for his caring personality, he didnt have to have anything to do with her, and after all she had done to him she was amazed that he stayed by her side. That's the definition of love.

It was only seven in the morning when they arrived but as a tired Tricia slumped along to the door she was surprised to see her daughter, especially as she was accompanied by Owen. She gasped at how much her daughter had changed. She had gone from the beautiful and curvaceous Chrissie, to this gaunt and frail mess.

When Chrissie flung herself into her mothers arms, Tricia's gaze turned to Owen. She couldn't believe that this man, being married, would want to be seen with his ex-wife, but she, like her daughter, admired his caring qualities. The difference was, that Tricia liked them because they made him the perfect doctor and gentleman.

'Thank you.' She mouthed. Owen gave a nod and turned ready to make his way back to Diane. Tricia understood and pulled Chrissie inside as her cold pale body wracked with sobs.

A/N: Thank you!