Easter Sunday Evelyn was hosting dinner.
"Mom's boyfriend is coming," Nikki said following Owen up the steps.
"Are you serious," Owen asked.
Teddy turned and scolded, "the two of you be nice."
"His son yelled 'nerd alert' when we saw them at church," Nikki pouted.
"Nikki you are 19 almost 20 he's 13," Teddy scolded.
"I don't like it," Nikki said.
Nathan was joining them with not really having family near by Evelyn still included him.
"What don't you like squirt," Nathan asked.
"Don't start them Nathan," Teddy warned, "we're not encouraging them. Evelyn should be happy."
"What aren't I starting," Nathan asked.
"Evelyn is seeing someone and these two aren't happy," Teddy said.
"Scott is decent, it's his son," Nikki said.
"What happened," Nathan asked.
"I've met them twice," Nikki said, "before church today so three times now."
"What happened," Teddy asked, "other than his comment at church."
"He calls me a nerd and hit and pushed me," Nikki said.
"You don't let people hit you," Nathan said, "Nikki he can't push or hit you. Come one you know that. You tell him no."
"Hey nerd," a teenage boy called, "nerd alert."
"Inside," Owen said pushing Nikki forward.
A man in his forties walked up, "Liam we went over this you can not call people nerds."
"Scott," Evelyn greeted from the door, "You found my kids."
"I guess," Scott said, "Nikki seems to have run off."
"She does that," Evelyn said, "I'll talk to her in a moment."
"I'll go," Teddy said.
"I can too," Nathan agreed.
"Scott these are my older kids," Evelyn introduced, "my son Owen, his wife Teddy and that's Nathan, he's been one of mine for a while now. You've met Nikki. Then this little beauty is my granddaughter Allison. Kids this is Scott and his son Liam."
"It's nice to meet you," Scott said, reaching for Owen's hand.
"Same," Owen greeted, returning the hand shake.
"Where would Nikki hide," Nathan whispered to Evelyn.
"Try her room or the tree house," Evelyn said.
"Tree house," Teddy whispered.
"I'll go," Nathan said.
"Why does he have an accent," Liam asked.
"I had another daughter," Evelyn said, "Nate was Owen's best friend in college and was engaged to Meghan, my other daughter. He's part of our family now."
"Where's Meghan," Liam asked.
"She was captured in action five years ago," Owen said.
"She was my best friend," Teddy said, "it's hard for us to talk about. I'm going to find Nikki."
"Is Nikki okay," Scott asked Evelyn in a whisper.
"She's my youngest and the most emotional," Evelyn said, "she'll talk to one of her siblings."
"Who is she closest to," Scott asked.
"It alternates between Owen and Teddy," Evelyn said, "she lives in their basement suite."
Teddy was coming down the stairs and walking to the back yard.
"Teddy Sweetheart don't climb into the tree house," Evelyn said, "I don't know how stable it is and you can't risk the fall."
"I see her," Teddy said, "she's talking to Nate."
Nathan sat on the edge of the old tree house with Nikki.
"So what was that about squirt," Nathan asked.
"I don't know," Nikki admitted.
"Why," Nathan asked.
"I don't want mom to replace us," Nikki said, "and that kid keeps pushing me out."
"You ran from him," Nathan said, "one rude comment and you ran away."
"If I don't leave I can't control my temper," Nikki said.
"Did you get the temper two," Nathan asked, "three of you with it?"
"Three," Nikki said, "I know Owen can have a temper."
"All three of you," Nathan said, "I've been on the receiving end of it a few times. Usually triggered by Owen."
"She was always so calm," Nikki said.
"In front of you," Nathan said, "we all were always on our best behaviour around you."
"Who sent you up here," Nikki asked.
"Me," Nathan said, "Owen was making nice. Teddy was checking your room."
"Teddy wouldn't climb up here anyway," Nikki said.
"I would," Teddy said from the bottom of the ladder, "but you're going to stop hiding from a kid 5 years younger than you. Come down and we'll go in together."
"I don't want to," Nikki said.
"You have three siblings that have your back," Nathan said, "that kid is alone."
Liam sat down at the table and took out his Nintendo DS plugging the headphones in.
"Your kids seem close," Scott said seeing Owen head out to the tree house as well.
"We've been through a lot the last few years, they've had to stick together. Owen and Nikki are all I have," Evelyn said, "huge age gap but they support each other. She goes to him or Teddy more than me these days."
"What's the age gap," Scott asked.
"17 years," Evelyn replied, "she's a college sophomore and he's chief of trauma surgery at Seattle Grace. Teddy and Nathan are cardiothoracic surgeons. The older three really encourage Nikki."
"Another through medical school," Scott asked.
"No," Evelyn said, "she wants to be a high school math teacher. She's a math major with minors in physics and education."
"I'm sorry about Liam's behaviour," Scott said, "he's used to being my world and doesn't like the idea of sharing."
"I don't know how much mine do," Evelyn said, "but they've all moved out."
"Nikki is on campus," Scott guessed.
"Owen's basement suite," Evelyn replied, "it works for her and is closer to school. It's a good step between here and on her own. She's had a hard few years."
"It sounds like you all have," Scott said.
"Nikki in particular," Evelyn replied, "July of 2010 she was in a car accident and almost killed by a drunk driver. She was in the hospital for over 100 days. Lost her apprenticeship with Pacific Northwest Ballet company after training at PacRim from the time she was 7. She was to have this incredible ballet career and one person's lapse of judgement ended it. "
"How old was she," Scott asked.
"17 the day of the accident and turned 18 in the hospital," Evelyn said, "she's 19 now. What's going on with Liam?"
"His mom is in and out and he's used to it just being him and I," Scott said.
"That was me and Nikki," Evelyn said, "I get it."
Evelyn's 'kids' walked back into the kitchen. Nathan started grabbing wine glasses and put 5 on the counter.
"None for me Nate," Teddy said.
"What," Nathan asked.
"I'm not drinking," Teddy said, "and you're running cardio again this winter."
"What," Nathan asked.
"I'm off November to February," Teddy said.
"What," Nathan asked, "why are you taking three months?"
"What happened last time I had you run cardio for me for three months," Teddy asked.
"You're not making sense Altman," Nathan groaned.
"Nathan," Owen said, "think you're a doctor."
"He's a doctor," Liam asked.
"Yes," Nathan said, "Teddy just tell me and stop being cryptic."
"Teddy," Owen asked.
"I wasn't going to announce it today with having Scott here," Teddy said.
"Go ahead Teddy," Evelyn smiled, "Nate is the only family member who doesn't know yet."
"I'm pregnant," Teddy said, "due November 15."
"Another one," Nathan said hugging Teddy, "congratulations."
"We're pretty excited," Owen said.
"How old are you," Liam asked.
"Liam," Scott scolded, "we don't ask adults that. Don't answer that Teddy. Congratulations."
"Thank you," Teddy replied.
"I have sparkling juice for my three non drinkers," Evelyn said.
"Three," Liam said.
"Nikki isn't of age yet, neither are you and Teddy doesn't drink," Evelyn replied.
"My mom lets me," Liam said.
"No," Scott replied, "not at all. You're 14."
"She gets to," Liam said pointing at Nikki.
"Nope," Nikki said, "juice for you Teddy and I."
"I'd leave it," Owen said, "mom is strict about this."
"Jeff is 21 when he gets here," Nikki reminded.
"Jeff," Nathan asked.
"My boyfriend," Nikki said, "you knew about him Nate."
"Haven't met him," Nathan said.
"You're hard to explain," Nikki said, "and two big brothers is kinda intimidating. Jeff's sisters intimidate me and they're younger than me."
There was a knock at the door and Nikki let Jeff in quickly.
"Jeff this is Nathan," Nikki introduced, "Nathan this is Jeff."
"It's nice to meet you," Jeff said, shaking Nathan's hand. He wasn't sure why the dead/ missing sister's fiance was still included in family things but knew Nikki thought of Nathan as a mentor and big brother figure.
"Jeff," Owen greeted.
"Owen," Jeff replied.
"Wine Jeff," Evelyn offered.
"No thank you," Jeff replied, "Nikki doesn't drink so I don't with her."
"You don't even drink when your mom's not around," Liam asked.
"Never," Nikki said, "I have my reasons I choose not to drink alcohol."
"Makes you an even bigger nerd," Liam commented.
"Why is she a nerd," Teddy asked.
"She studies math," Liam said.
"So," Owen replied, "she likes math and found a subject she's interested in. she should study what interests her."
"What did you do," Liam asked.
"Medicine," Owen replied, "so did Teddy and Nate."
Liam turned to Nikki, "and you're just going to do math?"
"Teach highschool math," Nikki replied.
"Nikki chose her own path all of my kids did," Evelyn said, "each of them is different and I'm proud of all of them."
"Do you have a favourite subject," Nikki asked Liam.
"School sucks," Liam replied.
"Jeff are you in school," Nathan asked.
"Engineering," Jeff replied.
"Your semester is almost over," Teddy said, "do we have summer jobs?"
"I have a co-op placement with boeing," Jeff said proudly.
"I'm doing day camp at the rec center," Nikki said, "I need experience with kids to get into the teaching program. Are we uncamping this summer?"
"What's uncamping," Scott asked.
"We rent a cabin at a camp ground near the beach in oregon," Evelyn said, "last summer was the five of us."
"I'm going," Nikki said.
"We could rent our own cabin," Scott suggested.
"I book it in January when they open bookings," Evelyn said, "I don't know if they have anything still available."
"We booked a cabin," Owen said, "we want real beds and its better with Allison to be in a cabin."
"So me and Nikki in one and the three of you in the other," Evelyn said.
"We really just needed our own bathroom," Teddy teased.
"August you will," Evelyn agreed.
"I'll help with Allison on the trip," Nikki offered.
"We'll all be there," Evelyn said.
"I miss uncamping," Nathan remarked, "those were good weekends."
"I liked the time we taught Nikki to climb trees and then she got up to high and got stuck," Owen chuckled.
"I got down," Nikki said.
"Because we climbed up and got you," Owen said.
"Or the time the girls ate all the chocolate for the smores," Nathan laughed.
"That wasn't me," Nikki said, "that was Meghan, Beth and Teddy."
"No," Teddy said, "that was Beth and Meg , you and I were at the pool."
"Because you were the only one cool enough to swim with me," Nikki said.
"Someone ate all the chocolate," Nathan said.
"Why would I ruin smores," Nikki asked.
"Exactly," Teddy replied, "Meghan liked treats. Remember the banana bread?"
"And I took the blame for that," Owen laughed.
"Pay back for the snowman," Nikki replied, "karma."
"Snowman," Scott asked.
"Nikki's trump card," Evelyn replied, "she was 4. Owen ran over her snowman with his truck. He was with a friend, Meghan was babysitting and I was at work. He came home and didn't look for things in the driveway and ran over Nikki's snowman. "
"Always the snowman," Owen teased.
"You've never apologized," Nikki laughed.
"His twig arms scratched my truck," Owen chuckled.
"The snowman died," Nikki teased.
"Enough," Teddy laughed, "you'll never settle this. So both of you can drop it."
"But," Nikki said.
"Nikki," Evelyn scolded, "Owen."
"Sorry mom," Nikki replied.
"Girls I need some help with setting the table," Evelyn said.
"I've got it," Nikki replied.
"What can I do," Scott asked.
"We've got it," Evelyn said, "almost everything is in the oven or ready for the oven I just need the table set and Nikki never minds doing it."
Nikki looked at Jeff waiting for him to offer to help as she pulled the good silverware out and the special occasion plates. She glared at him as she carried everything to the dining room.
Jeff followed her, "what's with the stare?"
"You could offer to help," Nikki said.
"Your mom said you had it under control," Jeff argued.
"To Scott," Nikki said, "you heard her ask me and Teddy."
"She said girls like it was a habit for you and your sister," Jeff said.
"It was and now when Teddy hears girls she helps. At one point it was Meghan, Nikki, Teddy one of you girls do it," Nikki said, "just like Nathan will help if mom says boys to do something."
"Seriously," Jeff said.
"Seriously, we all help," Nikki said, "boys now will include you."
"That's not how my family does things," Jeff hissed, "my mom and sisters do it all."
"We've always done the closest person not doing another task," Nikki said, "we all help. Just like when I saw Allison going for the stairs I grabbed her. It was just my mom and I here for a long time you get things done."
"It's women's work," Jeff said.
"Nope," Nikki argued, "whoever is closest. Can you set that side of the table you're standing there. I'm going to start getting the rest of the stuff from the kitchen. Glasses, napkins, easter eggs."
"Really Nik," Jeff asked.
"Really," Nikki replied, "many hands make light work."
"Stop quoting grandma," Owen teased.
"I was quoting mom," Nikki said, "I hardly remember grandma."
"You use the many hands line," Teddy teased, "on residents."
"It's true," Nikki argued.
"Didn't say it wasn't," Teddy replied.
"Jeff can you help Nate and I move all the chairs," Owen asked, "we have to get the ones we need from the garage."
"I guess," Jeff shrugged, he didn't like being asked to help. At home his mother did everything while his dad watched TV and drank beer. His two sisters worked with his mom while he sat with his dad.
"Go help," Scott nudged Liam seeing that all of Evelyn's kids had a task. Scott noticed that her adult children all seemed to have a good bond with each other even with the age gap. He wondered why she still called them her kids seeing the ages of the older group. He didn't fully understand how Nathan fit or why he was there but they all seemed to like him.
"Mom what can I do," Nikki asked.
"Help Teddy with the serving dishes," Evelyn said, turning back to the stove.
"Owen took the chair I climb on," Nikki said.
"I can reach them," Teddy said, "you rinse and stack them."
"Why did I have to be the short one," Nikki asked.
"Genetics," Teddy replied, "you're taller than mom."
"Like an inch," Nikki said, "my siblings tower over me."
"Your what 5'4"," Teddy asked.
"Just," Nikki agreed, "perfect ballerina height."
"Do you miss it," Teddy asked.
"Less and less," Nikki said, "I'm busy with school and work. I've been playing my violin more."
"We hear you," Teddy said, "I like it. I've started playing piano a bit again. I hadn't since I left New York but I hear you or Owen play your instruments and I miss it, so we picked up a keyboard and I play a bit just for me."
"I just play for me," Nikki agreed.
"Does everyone play instruments," Scott asked.
"Nikki and I play the violin," Evelyn said, "she plays more now. Owen plays guitar. Teddy can play the piano. I made all of my three take Piano from the age of 3 until the end of eighth grade. Nathan doesn't play but will sing along with us."
They got dinner to the table with Jeff pouting that Nikki expected him to help. He wasn't winning any points with her family. After dinner they pulled out their instruments and played together, Evelyn beames she liked when her kids played their instruments and sang together.
Jeff followed Nikki back to her place.
"You really think you're staying here tonight after that," Nikki said, crossing her arms.
"After what," Jeff asked, obviously clueless.
"Saying that housework and cooking are women's work, refusing to help even when asked, you were rude to my mom," Nikki.
"You actually expected me to help," Jeff asked.
"Yes," Nikki said.
"Only you and maybe Teddy should have been helping," Jeff said.
"Why," Nikki challenged, "you wanted to eat."
"Your mom expecting us to help is weird," Jeff said, "you and Teddy but not the guys."
"Owen and Nathan help," Nikki argued, "without being asked."
"Why is Nathan around," Jeff asked, "wasn't he dating Meghan."
"They're engaged," Nikki said.
"I thought Meghan was dead," Jeff said.
"No," Nikki said, "she's still listed as missing. After two years they say presumed but we don't know. Nate and I won't give up, mom hasn't. Owen still calls once or twice a month to see if theres any news. Teddy hasn't given up. Theres not much hope but she's out there somewhere."
"It's been how long Nikki," Jeff asked.
"Five years," Nikki said, " I was 14 when she disappeared. It's her birthday next week. Owen, Mom and I are having her favourite dinner."
"Do I have to go to that," Jeff asked.
"No," Nikki said, "just immediate family. Teddy is working, Nathan hasn't decided."
"What are you having for dinner," Jeff asked.
"BBQ chicken, roast potatoes, corn on the cob and veggies with red velvet cake," Nikki said, "we've done this three times now. We have dinner and share our memories, the good ones. Mom and Owen tell the stories from before I was born or that I was too young to remember."
"You're too close to your mom and brother," Jeff said, "cut the cord Nikki move out of this place."
"I like it here," Nikki said, "I help them as much as they help me."
"We could get a place," Jeff suggested.
"No way," Nikki declared, "not after what you said about women's work. If and that's a big if we live together it has to be 50/50 as equals."
"That's not how this works," Jeff said.
"You need to go," Nikki said, shutting down, "before we both get mad."
"I'm staying here tonight," Jeff said.
"No," Nikki replied.
"Seriously Nik," Jeff said.
"Seriously," Nikki snapped, "you're being rude. You really think I want you to stay now?"
"I think you do," Jeff said, "but you won't move away from your mom or brother long enough to think for yourself and do your own thing."
"I do," Nikki replied, "I always have. Do you think they really supported ballet and being a ballerina. If I did what Owen wanted I would be premed. I'm majoring in math and physics."
"You should have your own space," Jeff said, "not your like 40 year old brother knowing your comings and goings."
"Thats Teddy that notices if I'm not following my usual routine," Nikki said, "I know you had total freedom being the only boy but we're a family and we look out for each other."