Chapter 105

Liliana's pov

"My husband hates me" I sigh as I sip my coffee

"Jackson, doesn't hate you" Derek says

"Yes he does. He didn't even sleep in the same room as me last night and he left before I woke up this morning just to avoid me" I sigh. Derek came over this morning so we could talk and I can catch him up on how things went with Jackson last night

"Or maybe he was just on schedule to go into work early" he says

"No, he rarely ever goes in that early. He just can't stand to be in the same house as me. You know, you would think that it would be the other way around considering he's the one who kissed another woman" I frown

"Which I'm still thinking about kicking his ass for" he says

"I greatly appreciate how willing you are to defend me, but no ass kicking is necessary. The only thing that is necessary right now is for Jackson and I to sit down and talk" I say

"Well he has to come home tonight and when he does you have to make him sit down and talk to you even if he doesn't want to, that's the only way you two are going to be able to discuss your problems" he says

"I know, this whole thing is so stressful. I don't even want to talk about it anymore" I sigh

"How about we change the subject then. We can talk about work. Have you decided when you're going back" he asks

"Yeah, I'm actually returning tomorrow. I have to go in a little bit later today to meet up with Amelia so she can give me some files and fill me in on any changes that have went on in the department while I've been gone" I say

"You're returning kind of quick aren't you? I mean we just got back, are you sure you're ready to go back this time" he asks

"Yeah, I am. I can honestly say I actually miss surgery and I can't wait to be back in the O.R." I smile "Gosh, it feels good to say that and actually mean it" I sigh

"I'm glad that you're back in a good place. It's nice to see you genuinely smiling again" he says

"Thanks. I know I'll never be exactly the same person I was before everything happened, but I feel like things are close to being back to normal and I'm so thankful for that" I say. Even though I'm still working on myself and trying to figure out where I'm going in life, I'm appreciative of where I'm at now. Pain has taught me to appreciate the simple times in life where I'm just content even when things aren't perfect. Derek and I continue to sit in the kitchen talking until he leaves to go spend some time with the kids and I have to get ready to go to the hospital to meet up with Amelia.

"Liliana, you're back" Alex smiles as I walk over to the front desk where he's standing

"Yep, I'm here live and in the flesh" I smile

"How are you? How was D.C." he asks

"I'm good and D.C. was great. It was everything I needed" I sigh

"That's great. Are you back to work for good this time" he asks

"Yeah, I'm not actually starting back until tomorrow, I'm just meeting Amelia to go over some paperwork, but as of tomorrow I'll be back like I never left" I smile

"Well, I'm glad that you're back, it hasn't been the same without you around here" he says

"Thanks evil spawn, that means a lot" I joke making him laugh. "Well I have to go meet Amelia, she's probably already in the conference room waiting for me so I will see you around" I smile before leaving to go to the conference room where Amelia is waiting.

"Liliana, you're finally back" she smiles, hugging me when I walk into the room

"Yep, I'm finally back home and back to reality" I smile

"So you're not leaving this time, are you? You're staying in Seattle and you're back at the hospital for good, right" she asks

"Yeah, I'm back for good this time" I nod as we sit down

"So tell me about D.C. How was it" she asks

"It was amazing. It was nice to be somewhere, where I felt like I had a fresh start and I just got a break from all of my problems" I sigh

"That's good, you deserved some time away, but I am glad that you're back. Being the Chief of Neuro while you were gone gave me a new appreciation for you and everyone else who runs a department. I mean being in control of the surgery schedule and getting the best surgeries is nice, but the endless paperwork is torture" she sighs dramatically making me laugh

"It's definitely a lot, but you've kept the department running very well and I really appreciate it" I say

"It's no problem. I'm glad I was able to help you out" she says

"Well enough about me, let's talk about you and Owen. How are things going" I smile

"Great. We've went out a couple of times and each time has been amazing, I mean Owen is amazing, he's perfect" she sighs

"But" I ask

"But I have a habit of messing up and ruining any good relationship I've ever had and I'm scared that I'm going to do the same thing with Owen and I don't want that to happen, because I'm actually falling for him and he's such a good person" she sighs

"Amelia, you're not going to screw things up with Owen. Yes, you've messed up some relationships in the past, but you're not the same person you were then. You're at a good, healthy place in life and you're ready to give things with Owen a try" I assure her

"You don't think I'm completely in over my head with this whole situation" she asks

"No. You like Owen and Owen likes you and you've both been through a lot and deserve to be happy. Don't let your past hold you back" I say

"Okay" she sighs. "You know that was very optimistic advice, it was very Derek like" she smirks

"What can I say? I guess some of his positivity has rubbed off on me" I laugh

"Speaking of Derek I haven't mentioned that Owen and I are dating to him, so please don't tell him yet" she says

"My lips are sealed. I can't believe you confided in me for advice about Owen before telling your own brother. I'm honored" I smirk making her laugh. We continue talking for a little while before we start reading over paperwork and Amelia fills me in on all of the patients in the department.

"And we are done" I smile after she finishes updating me on the last file.

"Yes we are. You are back in charge. How does it feel" she smiles as we stand up

"Good. Really good. I feel like I'm actually ready to be back this time and I really do want to thank you for running the department these last couple of months" I smile

"You don't have to thank me I was happy to help" she says

"I know, but you didn't have to do it. It was a lot to ask you to take over for me for so long, but you did it without ever complaining" I say

"Hey, that's what friends are for. I'm just happy to see you doing better and back in Seattle" she says

"Thank you" I smile. "Do you know if Jackson's scheduled for surgery right now. I really want to talk to him before I leave" I say