"How is she," Owen asked when Teddy walked in just after midnight.
"I'm going to get dr Wyatt on standby and she's not in an OR until Wyatt clears her," Teddy said, "Owen she's crushed that's her little sister she grew up with. Yes Jessica did terrible horrible things but it's still her sister."
"It is," Owen agreed, "I called and she sounded little."
"She is right now," Teddy said, "let her grieve. Owen you know what it's like to lose a sister. Let Annie grieve in her own way."
"Did they make it," Owen said.
"Annie called time of death," Teddy replied, "she got to say goodbye."
"Are you okay," Owen asked.
"I think so," Teddy said, "I just need you to hold me once I shower."
"Go get ready for bed," Owen said, "I made your lunch for tomorrow."
"Thank you," Teddy smiled.
Teddy was making breakfast when Allison came down, "mama it's zoo day!"
"It is," Teddy said, giving Allison a quick hug, "you're dressed and ready."
"I didn't think you'd come," Allison said, "you went to Canada with Annie."
"I left Grandmeres after dinner and got home around midnight," Teddy said, "I promised I would go to the zoo with you today and we've been looking forward to it for a while. I wouldn't miss this."
"Why did you have to go," Leo asked.
"You know that Annie and Chris have another mom and dad," Teddy said.
"Uncle Dan and Leslie," Allison replied.
"They also had another sister," Owen said.
"You mean have, right dad," Leo asked.
"No buddy," Owen said, "Jessica, Annie and Chris's sister died yesterday. Mama went up to Vancouver to make sure they were okay."
"How did she die," Allison asked.
"She had a tumor in her heart and lungs that was caught too late. It was too big to remove. I couldn't have, neither could Uncle Nathan or Dr Yang or Dr Pierce," Teddy said, "it was too late and too big. All they could do was make Jessica comfortable."
"Where's Annie," Allison asked, "she said she would watch me dance tomorrow."
"She stayed with Grandmere and Papa last night," Teddy said, "so did Josh, Ellie, Chris, Jenna and Tyler. I don't know if Annie will be at your competition tomorrow."
"But I'm in beginner I need Annie," Allison said.
"Annie knows," Teddy said, "but when things like yesterday happen Annie might need to be in Vancouver longer. We'll all go up for the funeral and be there for everyone."
"Annie promised to do my national," Allison whined.
"Nana and Auntie Meghan are coming, they can help," Teddy said, "I used to help Annie get ready. I know how."
"But everyone is supposed to be there," Allison whined.
"I know sweetheart," Teddy said, "she wanted to be there. She got a call at three in the morning to say Jessica was dying and had to go to Vancouver. I know you're disappointed. Annie will be there if she can be but we can't get mad if shes not. I know she was looking forward to going."
Teddy's phone buzzed.
"Annie, how are you holding up," Teddy asked.
"Exhausted," Annie admitted, "Leslie is having a fit about me being here and not her real daughter. I know she's mentally ill but I don't have the mental strength to deal with her today."
"What are you going to do," Teddy asked.
"We're coming home after lunch," Annie said, "Josh works tomorrow we can't get another trauma surgeon. Dad and Meg are off and need to be at Allison's competition. Josh has put it out to trauma that he needs some one and no one is available, no attending, no fellow. We could pull a senior resident."
"I'll put it out if you want to stay," Teddy said, "did you say why?"
"He did," Annie replied, "we're going to help get some things organized here this morning. I'm dealing with a couple things but I'm able to do them from home. Mama I need to be home."
"What can I do," Teddy asked.
"Go enjoy your zoo day," Annie said.
"My phone is on," Teddy said, "keep me posted."
"I will," Annie replied.
"Josh needs coverage tomorrow," Owen said coming into the kitchen.
"He does," Teddy said.
"He put it out last night and no one is taking it," Owen said, "I can pull a senior resident."
"I think they're coming home," Teddy said, "Leslie doesn't want Annie there."
"Annie will be best at home," Owen said, "but Josh shouldn't be on over night. She'll need him."
"I don't know she's somewhere between sounding small and sounding pissed," Teddy said.
Owen's phone buzzed.
"Hey Josh," Owen greeted, "how are you holding up?"
"We're barely holding it together," Josh said, "Annie is about to explode. Leslie said Annie isn't really her daughter. We're going to head home. I'm in the pit overnight tonight until noon tomorrow."
"I'll get you covered," Owen said, "Kepner still has privileges I'll reach out to her."
"Kepner left," Josh said.
"She said she would help if we were stuck or emergencies came up," Owen said, "Kepner will help us."
"Thank you Owen," Josh said.
"I'm going to call Kepner and head to work," Owen said.
"Thanks we'll let you know what's going on," Josh said.
"Mama when do we go to the zoo," Allison asked.
"We'll go to school as soon as I pour my coffee," Teddy replied.
"Hurry up," Allison said, pulling on Teddy's arm.
"Are your shoes and socks on," Teddy asked, "teeth brushed?"
"Not yet," Allison said.
"Go finish getting ready," Teddy said.
Allison came back into the kitchen ready for school.
"Okay we're ready," Teddy smiled grabbing three luches out of the fridge and throwing hers in the oversized bag she always carried.
"Leo let's go," Allison bellowed up the stairs.
"Stop sounding like your dad," Teddy teased, "and go get in the car."
"I don't want to go," Leo pouted dragging his feet out the door.
"Why not," Teddy asked.
"It's spelling test day," Leo whined, "and math test."
"You'll do great," Teddy said.
"I get all the words wrong," Leo said.
"I'm meeting with your teacher after school," Teddy said, "I'll talk to her again. You did good on last weeks math quiz."
"But Linden got them all right," Leo whined.
"You only got one wrong," Teddy said, "Leo you and Linden are different people."
"I don't like school, the other kids tease me about my glasses," Leo whined.
"A lot of people in our family wear glasses," Teddy said, "I do when I read and operate, Annie can't see without her glasses or contacts, Dad wears them to read or operate, Nana, Auntie Meghan reads and operates with them."
"But they said I'm not really yours because I'm adopted," Leo said.
"We are your family," Teddy said, "we chose you. We chose you to be our son."
"But my real mom didn't want me," Leo said.
"I never got to meet her," Teddy said, "we love you soo much. Leo you are my son."
"Like the girls," Leo asked.
"Just like your sisters," Teddy said, "dad and I don't love any of you any differently."
"Annie," Allison asked.
"You are 7 and 8," Teddy said, "Annie is 32. It looks different but we love you all the same."
"Did you go on fieldtrips with Annie," Allison asked.
"No I didn't get to," Teddy said, "she was with Uncle Dan and Leslie when she was your age. I get to do all the fun stuff with you two. After school dad's working I thought we could go swimming then get pizza. What do you think?"
"Can we have ice cream," Leo asked.
"We can," Teddy said.
"Cookie dough," Leo asked.
"We can have cookie dough," Teddy agreed.
"I wanted birthday cake," Allison said.
"We'll get both," Teddy replied, "and I want chocolate."
"Three types," Leo said.
"It's just us," Teddy said, "we can have fun."
"Without dad," Allison asked.
"Why not," Teddy said, parking the car, "okay everybody out, school time."
"Bye mom," Leo said hugging Teddy.
Teddy smiled, slowly Leo had begun calling her mom, most of the time, her girls held out with mama but even Allison was starting to use mom in public. It seemed that with her younger two she was going to be mom out and mama at home.
"Have a good day lion," Teddy said, returning his hug and handing over his back pack.
"This way mama," Allison said, taking Teddy's hand and leading her to her classroom.
Teddy joined the other mothers by the door realizing that maybe she had dressed wrong for the field trip. Teddy had felt good when she left in her jeans, green top, black sweater and boots but the other moms were in leggings and runners.
"Teddy it's good to see you," one of the moms greeted.
"Jillian, how are you," Teddy asked.
"Good busy as always," Jillian said, "I don't know how you do it working like you do and three kids."
"It helps that my oldest is 32," Teddy replied.
"But you often have a little girl in a stroller when you pick up," Jillian said.
"My granddaughter," Teddy said, "how are your kids?"
"Belle and Landon are good," Jillian said, "were having another in June."
"Congratulations," Teddy smiled.
"You work in a hospital don't you," Jillian said.
"Grey Sloan," Teddy replied.
"We're not happy with my doctor," Jillian said, "can you recommend anyone?"
"A few," Teddy said, "our department head is excellent and so are two of our younger attendings."
"Are any mothers," Jillian asked.
"Stephanie Mitchell," Teddy replied, "I've known her for years; she was my oldest's roommate in medical school."
"Your oldest is a doctor," Jillian said.
"Surgeon," Teddy replied.
"What type of doctor are you again," Jillian asked.
"Cardio thoracic surgeon," Teddy replied, "Annie is as well."
"Allsion said her dad fixes people who crash their cars or get shot," Jillian said.
"Owen is a trauma surgeon," Teddy replied.
"Family business," Jillian said.
"Whatever makes them happy," Teddy replied, "they have to be happy. Ready for today?"
"A first grade field trip," Jillian said, "I've got this. Follow around the zoo and make sure they get to the workshop on time."
"Food, bathroom breaks," Teddy said, "their 6 and 7."
"Are you up to it," Jillian said, "I heard you made a mad dash to BC last night."
"My oldest lost her half sister yesterday," Teddy replied.
"I'm sorry Teddy," Jillian said.
"I didn't know Jessica well," Teddy replied, " Annie and Jessica were half sisters. I didn't get the opportunity to spend much time with Jessica."
"You weren't close to your daughter," Jillian asked, looking confused.
"Annie is my daughter," Teddy replied, "Jessica and Annie have the same dad and different moms."
"Two marriages explains the age gap between your kids," Jillian said.
"Dan and I were never married. I was in Med school when I had my first," Teddy said, "then I met my husband 20 years ago in the army."
"You must have great stories," Jillian said, "you should come to girls night soon."
"Let me know," Teddy said, "I'll do what I can. But we will be at the highland competition tomorrow."
"Allison moved up didn't she," another mom said.
"She turned 7 so she's a beginner now," Teddy said.
"Nationals," Jillian said, "I'm glad Landon only needs a kilt."
"Annie danced so did my sister in law," Teddy said, "I know how to pin the national after having miss picky who would make me repin the back 20 times if it wasn't perfect."
"I used to compete," the other mom said, "did your oldest compete?"
"Annie was really competitive," Teddy said, "she competed all up and down the west coast, Canadians, Worlds."
"Annie McKellar," the other mom said.
"Yes," Teddy replied, "we haven't met yet. I'm Teddy Altman, Allison's mom."
"Michelle Maxwell," Michelle said, "Isabella's mom."
"It's good to meet you," Teddy said, shaking her hand.
"So you're Annie McKellar's mom," Michelle said, "I used to compete against her and Jessica, what are they doing now?"
"Annie is a surgeon at Grey Sloan," Teddy replied, "Jessica passed recently, she had been sick for a few years."
"Please tell Annie I say hi," Michelle said, "and I'm sorry to hear about Jessica."
"We all were," Teddy said.
"I always enjoyed competing against Annie," Michelle said, "she was so friendly backstage and humble. She was amazing but you would never know it seeing her back stage."
"Let your actions show what you can do," Teddy said, "head down and work hard."
Teddy smiled this made her feel old knowing the other mom's in Allison's class were young enough to have danced with Annie.
The teacher let them in and the mothers stood along the back wall.
"With Dr. Altman, Allison's mom," Miss Younger said, "Allison, Belle and Lily."
"Okay girls," Teddy called, "lets go. She led them to the car. You can call me Teddy."
"Is that your name," Lily asked.
"It is," Teddy replied, "when you call me Dr. Altman I think I'm at work."
"Mom," Allison said, "can I pick the music?"
"I have a playlist," Teddy said, "I made one this morning."
"Good music," Allison asked.
"Always like I would have anything else," Teddy smiled, "Frozen, Trolls, Peanuts, kids bop, Disney."
"Yay," Allison said, opening the back door.
"Everyone in and seat belts," Teddy said.
Seeing the three girls in the car and buckled in Teddy got in and set up the music. She started the car and drove to the zoo. The three little girls in the back sang and bounced as they drove with Teddy joining in on the songs that she knew. She loved seeing Allison so happy. Days like this were her favourite part of being a mom, school field trips, picnics, down time with her kids.
Reaching the zoo Teddy checked everyone had their backpacks and locked the car following her girls to meet their class. Both first grade classes were at the zoo and there was a chaotic, shouting heard of 6 and 7 year olds. Once the teachers passed out maps and wristbands the groups split up for their morning of exploring.
"Mama look," Allison, "the bear looks like the one under the dock at fishing."
"It does look like the bears in Rivers Inlet," Teddy said, "what is it eating?"
"Salmon," Allison said.
"Teddy, why is the bear eating a fish," Belle asked.
"Because bears eat all sorts of things," Teddy smiled, "meat, fish, veggies, berries, garbage."
"Have you ever seen a wild bear," Lily asked.
"We have," Teddy said, "we go fishing in British Columbia and there's wild bears there that hang out under the dock and on the beach."
"I want to pet it," Belle said.
"No," Teddy said, "it's behind glass and a big fence because they would hurt you if you touched them. Bears are wild animals not pets."
"But it looks friendly," Belle said.
"No we stay away from bears," Teddy declared, "they can really hurt you especially a mom with cubs like that."
"Okay," Belle said looking sad.
"We just want you safe," Teddy said.
"Mom you've done more dangerous things than fight a bear," Allison said.
"No sweetheart," Teddy said.
"But you were a soldier," Allison said.
"In hospitals helping soldiers," Teddy said, "I fixed injuries and hearts. That was before you were born Allie."
With another group two moms were gossiping.
"How old is she," Jillian asked.
"I'm 33," Michelle said, "I competed against Annie who she says is her daughter. I think Annie is a year younger than me."
"So how old is Teddy," Jillian said.
"Older than us. Maybe she was a teenager with Annie," Michelle said, "in her 40s maybe?"
"She said med school," Jillians said, "is that college age?"
"Right after," Michelle said, "my brother almost went."
"So she could be about 50," Jillian said, "they have another in second grade, Leo."
"She's probably in her 50s with really young kids," Michelle said.
"She's at every event and her husband is at most," Jillian said.
"She wasn't at dance competitions as kids as I would remember her," Michelle said.
"She mentioned the army and not just today maybe she wasn't around with the oldest," Jillian said.
"Annie was always nice but quiet," Michelle said, "I went to dance camp with her a few times. The oldest was world champion."
"No pressure on Allison," Jillian said.
"I remember Annie at dance camp," Michelle said, "she was quiet, shy and an amazing dancer, she could do things no one else could, but she worked, she was the first in the studio in the morning and the last to leave."
"I'm sure there was pressure," Jillian said, "but Teddy has only missed one event this year and her husband was here."
"I like her," Michelle said, "she seems real."
"Mom," Allison said, "can we play in the monkey house?"
"No those are wild animals like the bears," Teddy said, "there's a playground around the corner on the map where you three can pretend to be monkeys."
"I'm hungry," Lily said.
Teddy checked her watch, "it's 10:30 it's after your normal recess should we have our snacks?"
"I'm hungry too," Belle said.
"Lets sit at this picnic table," Teddy said, "hands for sanitizer please."
The three little girls held out their hands to be sanitized and took out their snacks. Teddy smiled seeing that Owen had packed animal crackers for Allison. Teddy checked her own snack, her favourite yogurt and strawberries.
"What did dad pack you," Allison asked.
"Yogurt and berries," Teddy said, "it's my snack every day at work. He knows what I bring to work."
"I have animal crackers and grapes," Allison said.
"Animal crackers for our zoo day," Teddy smiled, "what does everyone have for snack?"
"Bear paws," Lily said.
"Goldfish," Belle said.
"Animals for the zoo," Teddy said, "can everyone have some water while we're here?"
"I'm not thirsty," Allison said.
"Two or three sips please," Teddy said, "you don't drink all day then you come home with a headache."
"I'm not thirsty," Allison argued.
"No juice when we get home until your water bottle is empty," Teddy declared.
Allison reluctantly took out her water bottle. She knew the no nonsense tone. She had to have water.
They finished their snacks and Teddy watched them play on the playground for a few minutes before continuing their tour of the zoo.
"Girls let's go," Teddy said, "we have our birds of prey workshop."
"Already," Allison said.
"We'll have time to explore after," Teddy said.
They followed Teddy to meet up with the class.
"I need a brave adult volunteer," the zookeeper said.
"Mama," Allison yelled.
"No," Teddy shook her head.
"Miss Younger," the rest of the class shouted.
The teacher hesitantly got up and walked to the front where the zookeeper had her hold a large bird of prey.
After the field trip Teddy met with Leo's teacher again going over his needs and the adaptations her son required to be successful. She was getting frustrated because this was the sixth meeting this school year and it was only February, that didn't include the conversations her and Owen had with the teacher at the door. She was angry and was going to go to the principal if things didn't turn around in the next week. She didn't feel that their concerns were being heard or Leo's needs addressed.
"Pizza, Ice cream and movie night," Teddy said as the three of them got into the car.
"What are we watching," Leo asked.
"Theres a new movie on Disney I though we could watch," Teddy said, "or you two can pick."
"Can we have popcorn," Leo asked.
"We can," Teddy smiled, "was your day better buddy?"
"Jacob had a freak out and threw chairs," Leo said, "again."
"Again," Teddy asked, "does that happen often?"
"A couple times a week," Leo said.
"Why didn't you tell me," Teddy asked.
"Mrs. Mackie doesn't want us talking about it because Jacob gets embarrassed," Leo said.
"She meant at school or with other kids," Teddy said, "you can always always tell dad and i anything."
"Are you mad at Jacob," Leo asked.
"Worried," Teddy said, "it sounds like he needs some help."
"He has a teacher with him," Leo said.
"Hopefully he gets it soon," Teddy replied, "but swimming first. If you go get changed and we'll go."
"Swimming," Allison yelled.
"Swimming," Teddy confirmed, "go get your bathing suit and towel."
The two kids raced up the stairs with Teddy on their heels. They quickly changed and got back in the car to go swimming. It was Allison and Leo's favourite thing to do and while it was easier with another adult they had enough swimming lessons that Teddy was confident taking both. They swam for a while and before heading home and picking up pizza on the way.
After dinner they sat on the couch with the kids on either side of Teddy each with a bowl of ice cream. Teddy turned on the movie and enjoyed having her little two to herself. She savoured nights like this and knew they would end soon. After the movie Teddy tucked both kids in with a hug and a kiss.
Her phone rang, "Annie what's going on."
"We're home," Annie said.
"Are you okay," Teddy asked.
"No," Annie said, "I'm not. I can fake it for Alli Bean's competition tomorrow but we're just going to watch her dance and go home. No lunch, no ice cream dance and home."
"You don't have to go if you're not up to it," Teddy said.
"I can't let her down," Annie said.
"It's up to you," Teddy said, "you just lost your sister."
"I lost her years ago," Annie said, "I lost her when I was 20 mama. It's been dragged out for 12 years. We lost her body yesterday but I lost the person I grew up with years ago."
"I know sweetheart," Teddy said.
"There's a lot of conflicting emotions and Leslie asked that we not attend the service," Annie said, "that Jessica didn't want me in her life so I shouldn't be there."
"Talk to Dan," Teddy said, "dad and I were planning on going."
"Is it wrong that I feel relived," Annie asked.
"No," Teddy said, "you feel what you feel. You're going to be angry with me but as your chief of surgery I've taken you off surgery until you're cleared by Dr. Wyatt."
"I understand," Annie replied, "I had to call time of death on my own sister."
"You called it," Teddy asked for the hundredth time.
"I did," Annie replied, "she's gone. It feels like this big ominous shadow is gone. But she was such a huge part of my childhood. We grew up together. I was never as close to her as I was to C but C and I are 11 months apart. We did everything together. I'm relived she cant hurt me again, that she can't hurt anyone again but at the same time my sister died. My sister is dead. I watched the monitor flatline. I watched her go down. I wanted to push drugs and start compressions to defibrillate. I should have been able to save her. Shepherd saved her three years ago and now this."
"I know," Teddy said, "the tumor was inoperable to open her up and try would have killed her Annie."
"How can we not fix this," Annie asked.
"That's one more reason for you to keep working on your tumor project," Teddy said, "don't just do it for Henry, do it for Jessica."
"I've lost two people I loved to heart tumors and I'm a fucking heart suregon," Annie snapped.
"You have," Teddy replied, "I don't know why."
"Her tumor it looks like Henrys," Annie said.
"It did," Teddy said, "stopy studying the tumors. Where's Ellie?"
"In bed," Annie replied, "she's sound asleep. Josh is in the garage on the treadmill."
"What do you need to do," Teddy asked.
"I need my turn on the treadmill then a bubble bath and a hug," Annie said.
"You need to do that," Teddy said.
"I will," Annie said, "I just wanted you to know we were home."
"Thank you," Teddy said, "I'll see you tomorrow."
"I have the Hunt broach for Allison tomorrow," Annie said, "Dan had my prepremire one with the unicorn I'm going to hold onto for Ellie along with my McKellar for her."
"Hold the Hunt broach," Teddy said.
"For premiere," Annie said.
"When she's old enough to understand," Teddy said, "keep it with the national."
"I will," Annie replied, "does she have one?"
"We have a generic one," Teddy said.
"See you tomorrow," Annie said.
"Good night," Teddy replied.