I'm bringing another sister into the mix, she's not injured in my story.
In May Owen got a call that shocked him. They had found his sister Meghan and were bringing her home. She had been missing for two and a half years at that point he didn't know if he would ever see her again.
Owen waited quietly for Meghan's plane.
"Owen," Meghan yelled, seeing her brother waiting.
"Meghan," Owen beamed, hugging his sister.
They quietly filled in her paperwork and Owen led Meghan to his truck. Meghan filled Owen in on her last couple years trying to get home and how she was found five days before.
"How's Beth," Meghan asked.
"I don't know," Owen said, "we broke up a while ago."
"Divorced how fast," Meghan asked.
"Never married," Owen said.
"So single," Meghan asked.
"Dating," Owen said, "you'll like her. We live together."
"What's she like," Meghan asked, "her name?"
"Teddy ," Owen said.
"You're with Teddy like Teddy Altman Teddy," Meghan said, "blonde cardio surgeon Teddy?"
"I am," Owen said, "it's not as straightforward as you think."
"What did I miss," Meghan asked.
"She, I guess we have custody of Danika," Owen said.
"Her baby sister, the ballerina," Meghan asked.
"Yes. Dani lives with us," Owen said, "that's why Teddy didn't come get you. She has parent teacher conferences at Danika's school today."
"You and Teddy are raising a teenager," Meghan said.
"Yes," Owen said, "two girls soon enough."
"Two girls," Meghan asked.
"Teddy is due June 4th," Owen said, "our baby."
"A baby," Meghan said, "we're having a baby?"
"Yes Teddy and I are having a baby," Owen said.
"You and Teddy are having a baby," Meghan said, "when are you getting married?"
"I haven't proposed yet," Owen said, "things have been a bit out of order and Danika dependent. I didn't move in until late February and we found out in October. It took months of me staying one night a week then two and slowly building up until I was there all the time."
"Why do you and Teddy have custody," Meghan asked.
"June Danika's mother passed last May Teddy got custody 48 hours after June died," Owen said.
"Their dad," Meghan said.
"Eight or nine years ago now," Owen said, "before Teddy enlisted. Teddy is Danika's legal guardian. I'm on all the school forms and can deal with her teachers or medical stuff in an emergency."
Owen pulled into the driveway and saw Teddy's car in its usual spot.
"They're home," Owen said.
"I can't wait to see Teddy," Meghan said.
Owen opened the front door and heard Teddy yelling, "you have a B in math after all the time I spend with you, Owen spends with you?"
"I can do it at home but we get to the test and I can't think," Danika cried.
"And talking back to your English teacher what have we talked about," Teddy ranted.
"It's not my fault Miss Whitman is dumb as a box of rocks," Danika yelled, "she won't let me have my own opinion. There's more than one way to understand a story. And the fact that she rejected my persuasive essay on the need for strong female leads in ballets is stupid. She gave me an F on that because she didn't agree with me."
"The essay I proof read last week that Owen helped you plan," Teddy asked.
"Yes I got it back today with an F and she said to pick a new topic," Danika screamed.
"Wow," Meghan mouthed.
"This has never happened with her yelling at Danika; it's usually targeted at me. Teddy ranting like this is 95% hormonal. She'll be fine in ten minutes," Owen said, "Danika is working on not screaming at us when she's angry or overwhelmed. The psychiatrist says it's a good sign she feels safe to lose it with us."
"She didn't say anything in our meeting," Teddy said.
"She hates me," Danika shouted.
"Go get the essay. I want to see Beth's comments," Teddy commanded , "and put your uniform away. That blazer needs to be cleaned. Add it to the pile of dry cleaning on the chair in our room."
"Teddy," Owen said, waking into the kitchen.
"How's Meghan," Teddy asked.
"Theodora Altman," Meghan yelled following Owen.
"Meghan," Teddy yelled, running to meet her friend.
"We're having a baby you're really having a baby," Meghan said hugging Teddy.
"June 4," Teddy said, "four more weeks."
"Your good," Meghan asked, "baby's good?"
"We're good," Teddy said, "how much did you hear?"
"B in math and Beth failed her English paper," Owen said, "math was a C six weeks ago it's better. I'll deal with the paper."
"We don't need to do this now," Teddy said, "and it's almost an A shes at 89 and needs 90."
"Private school," Megan questioned.
"Ballet school still," Teddy said, "two uniforms, academic and dance."
They all spent a few minutes catching up and hugging. The baby getting excited by all the activity and kicking hard, Teddy took Meghan's hand and put it where the baby was kicking, watching as her friend's smile got bigger.
Danika appeared in the kitchen door looking tentative.
"Dani I shouldn't have yelled," Teddy said, "I'm sorry."
"I should have picked a topic from the list," Danika said, handing over the paper covered in red ink.
"This weekend," Teddy said, "but right now we want you to meet Meghan."
Danika looked at the stranger standing beside Owen before ducking behind Teddy. Teddy put a hand on Danika's shoulder to stop her from hiding.
"Dani," Teddy said, "this is Meghan Hunt. Meghan, this is my sister Danika Altman."
Teddy kept one hand on Danika's shoulder, turning her gently to face Meghan.
"It's good to meet you," Danika mumbelled.
"We've met before," Meghan smiled, "I came with Teddy and Owen to see you dance. You were a cookie."
"I was ten," Danika said.
"She's 15 now," Owen filled in, "we have a year to figure out teaching her to drive."
"Lessons," Teddy declared, "we're getting driving lessons. We both know neither of us is patient enough for that."
"Meghan is pizza okay," Owen asked, "it's our Friday night thing."
"Root beer," Danika suggested.
"Yes," Teddy agreed, "your math mark is up it's almost an A and scanning this paper it looks like it's your topic she disagrees with. She's attacked every point. I was frustrated that you were talking back to her and arguing with Beth again. You can argue with us or your other teachers as long as you back up your arguments but not in English class."
"I don't like when you yell," Danika whispered.
"I know," Teddy said, "I shouldn't have lost it. I'm sorry."
"Apology accepted," Danika mumbelled.
"Can I see the paper," Owen asked, "we had some good points about no more damsels in distress."
"We did," Danika said, "I suggested books with strong women to base it off. She didn't like my idea of a ballet about Ada Lovelace."
Owen took the paper and scanned it , "this is personal. She was threatened by strong women and was the damsel in distress. I'll deal with it Monday."
The cat leapt over the kitchen table.
"What was that," Meghan asked.
"Milly," Teddy replied.
"What's a Milly," Meghan asked.
"Danika's kitten," Owen said.
Danika saw the cat sitting in the kitchen window and she picked her up. Meghan approached the shy teen.
"Can I pet her," Meghan asked.
"Sure," Danika replied.
Teddy stood near them, "Dani you don't have to be scared of Meghan. She's Owen's sister and a good friend of mine, she's safe. I'm going to order our pizza then you'll come with me to get it."
Teddy and Danika went to pick up the pizza.
"What's going on with Danika," Meghan asked.
"She's lost both parents," Owen said, "her mom a year ago. You remember losing dad. June severely neglected Danika. She was in boarding school 49 weeks a year and Teddy was denied access to seeing Danika. Last May Danika called Teddy to tell her June had died. They're each other's only living relative. The neglect was bad, medically especially. That's worked out now. Just glasses and braces but thats normal teenager stuff. I met her last June and she didn't trust me until January. There is trauma. Her mom was an addict, Danika has seen and knows things that she shouldn't."
"How do we get her to trust me," Meghan asked.
"Her terms and Teddy will guide both of you, " Owen said, "when Dani is unsure she stays close to Teddy. She might not talk. It took a month for her to say more than hi to me. She likes mom."
Then the doorbell rang.
"Thats mom," Owen said.
"Teddy took Danika to not rub the mom thing in," Meghan guessed.
"She did," Owen said.
Owen opened the door and let Evelyn in.
"Mom," Meghan screamed, running to hug her mother.
"Sweetheart, you're home and alive," Evelyn said, holding her daughter tight.
"I'm home," Meghan said.
"Where are Teddy and Danika," Evelyn asked.
"Getting pizza," Owen said, "Teddy wanted to give us a few minutes."
"Not making Danika see the runion," Evelyn asked.
"I think partially," Owen said.
They spent the night chatting with Meghan cautiously sharing some of her stories being careful not to say too much in front of the teenager.
At bedtime Teddy sent Danika up and went up to tuck her in. Teddy didn't tuck Danika in most nights but today had been hard and tomorrow would be one year since Dani lost her mom. Teddy thought tonight her little sister would need the care.
Meghan asked Owen, "what happened? Why is she so shy? She almost acts like she was abused. Like the abuse cases from my peds rotations."
"Her mom died a year ago tomorrow. Oxy overdose," Owen said, "Danika was boarding at the ballet school. Tomorrow will be rough. Teddy is going to spend the day with Danika. Dani was severely neglected in a few ways like I said earlier and I think there was some mental abuse."
"Has she had any help," Meghan asked.
"Counselling once a week," Owen said, "I drive her and we go for hot chocolate after. Danika wasn't parented from when their dad died until a year ago. She's starting to come to me for things. More if she thinks Teddy will say no."
"Your good cop," Meghan laughed, "Major diamond is the good cop."
"I tell her to ask Teddy if I'm not sure," Owen said, "it's things like I'll pick her up from friends at 10 or 10:30 and Teddy goes at 9."
They said their good nights and went to bed. In the middle of the night Teddy shot out of bed. Standing on the landing she realized the screams and sobs she was hearing were from two people.
"Owen get up," Teddy snapped, pulling the blanket off him.
"What's wrong," Owen asked. Then he heard it.
"Two," Teddy said walking to Danika's door.
"Meghan," Owen said.
"Danika," Teddy replied.
Teddy slipped into Danika's room and sat on the bed, "Dani it's Teddy."
"I miss my mom," Danika sobbed.
"I know," Teddy replied.
"And I miss dad," Danika kept crying.
"I miss him two," Teddy agreed, "scoot over a bit."
Danika scooted over and Teddy laid down beside her.
"Why did mom have to overdose," Danika asked.
"I don't know," Teddy admitted, "I really don't know."
"That doesnt help," Danika cried.
"I know," Teddy soothed, "I know it doesn't help."
"Teddy," Danika sniffed," why does it still hurt?"
"All the time or today," Teddy asked.
"Today," Danika said, "Owen getting his sister back didn't help."
"I knew Megan could be hard for you," Teddy said, "she needs us like you need us. She's safe you can trust her."
"Who was screaming," Danika asked.
"Megan," Teddy replied, "Owen is with her."
Owen sat beside Megan gently, "Megan, Megan."
"No, stop, don't touch me," Megan mumbelled.
"Megan it's Owen," Owen said, "look at me."
"Owen," Megan cried.
"I'm here," Owen said, "your okay. Your at Teddy and my house."
"Teddy is here," Megan asked, "I heard some one crying."
"Danika," Owen said, "Teddy's sister. Teddy is with Dani."
"I'm scared," Megan admitted.
"You're safe," Owen promised, "I'm going to turn on the light and you'll see it's just our guest room and home office. You're in Seattle."
"Is this real," Megan asked.
"It's real," Owen assured, "take my hand."
Megan took his hand.
"See I'm here," Owen said, "you can touch my hand."
"I can feel it," Megan said, "why is Danika crying?"
"I don't know," Owen said, "I leave that to Teddy. Why were you screaming?"
"Night mare," Megan said.
"Do you want to tell me about it," Owen asked.
Megan shook her head, "don't leave me alone."
"I'll stay until you fall asleep again," Owen agreed.
Eventually Owen crept back upstairs and saw Danika's door was still open with the bedside lamp on, Teddy was still laying on the bed beside Dani, half asleep herself.
"Are you coming back to bed," Owen whispered.
"I try to leave she wakes up and cries again," Teddy said, "can you get my pillow?"
"I'll get your pillow," Owen agreed.
Owen brought Teddy her pillow and a soft throw blanket.
In the morning Meghan walked into the living room looking for people and stopped before walking through to the kitchen. Danika was using the back of the couch as a ballet barre she had headphones in and was working through a complex tendu and glisse exercise trying to focus. Meghan waved when Danika looked her way.
"When did you get here," Danika shouted.
"I've been watching you for a couple minutes," Meghan admitted.
"Why," Danika asked.
"Trying to figure this house out," Meghan said, "have you had breakfast?"
"No," Danika said, "Teddy was asleep in my bed when I came down and the light was still off in there room so I guess Owen is asleep."
"I'll cook," Meghan offered, "what do you want?"
"Not pancakes," Danika said, "I can do scrambled eggs. They're teaching me to cook."
"Good," Meghan said, "scrambelled eggs and bacon?"
"Sure," Danika agreed.
"Take it up stairs to our siblings take care of them because they took care of us last night," Meghan suggested.
"You heard that," Danika asked.
"You didn't hear me," Meghan asked.
"That was you," Danika asked.
"It was," Meghan said, "just a nightmare."
"I missed my mom," Danika said, "it's been a year. But Teddy has been around in the last year more than my mom was my whole life."
"She's good at that," Meghan said, "she acted like my big sister in the desert."
"She's good at it," Danika said, "except in the middle of the night both are called into the hospital for emergencies."
"Why," Meghan asked, walking towards the kitchen.
"If they both go I have to go with them because there's no adult," Danika said.
"That's fair," Meghan said, "I think I'm going to stay here for a few weeks so when they both get called you can stay with me."
"That's Teddy decision," Danika said.
"I'll cook you get things out," Meghan said softly. She had noticed that Owen and Teddy spoke very softly to the teen, much gentler then they were with most people. It was almost Teddy's terrified patient voice.
Owen came down as they were cooking, "I would have made breakfast."
"We were up," Meghan said, "and I'm hungry."
"Is Teddy up yet," Danika asked.
"Shower," Owen said, "go sit on our bed and wait."
Danika went upstairs.
"You got her to talk," Owen said.
"A little," Meghan said, "she said she missed her mom."
"I still miss dad," Owen said, "we just stay really really calm for Danika."
"You use your dying patient voice," Meghan said.
"I do not," Owen said, "we just have to be quiet. She's really shy and hates loud sounds."
Teddy came out of the bathroom and found Danika sitting on the foot of the bed.
"There you are," Teddy said, "I woke up and you were gone."
"I was dancing," Danika said.
"Have you seen Owen or Meghan," Teddy asked.
"Meghan and I started breakfast then Owen came down and sent me up," Danika said.
"Are you okay," Teddy asked.
"I think so," Danika said, "do I have to pretend to be okay?"
"No," Teddy said, "I will tell Meghan what today is."
"I really miss my mom," Danika said, "and dad."
"I miss dad two," Teddy agreed, "what do you want to do?"
"Can we just stay home," Danika asked.
"You have a rehearsal at 1," Teddy said, "do you want to try?"
"Can you stay," Danika asked.
"I will," Teddy said, "I can sit in the open area outside the studio and read."
"Thank you," Danika said.
"It's a two hour one," Teddy said, "let's have our breakfast do our saturday morning things then we'll go to your rehearsal."
"Do I have to pretend to be happy," Danika asked.
"No," Teddy said, "you can miss your mom and be sad today."
"But you've been here more in the last year than mom was my whole life," Danika said.
"I will always be here," Teddy said, "Owen two."
"Do you still want me here with the baby," Danika asked.
"This baby will need their auntie Danika," Teddy said, "they keep trying to dance with you when you have your music on."
"How can they dance," Danika asked.
"Like this," Teddy said, taking Danika's hand and putting it where the baby was kicking.
"Was that the baby," Danika asked.
"Yes," Teddy said.
"Does it hurt," Danika asked.
"Sometimes," Teddy said, "come on you clothes and breakfast."
"Do I have to get dressed," Danika asked.
"Yes," Teddy said, "you'll feel better dressed and brushing your hair."
"Fine," Danika said, "can I have a hug first."
"You can," Teddy said, hugging Danika.
In the kitchen Meghan stood back as Owen took over with breakfast.
"Are you okay after last night," Owen asked.
"Did I wake the whole house," Meghan asked.
"Teddy woke up first," Owen said, "she heard sobbing then you scream."
"Danika was crying first," Meghan asked.
"Teddy heard that first," Owen said, "Danika has nightmares when she's over tired or anxious. Today is a year since she lost her mom. You?"
"I don't know where that came from," Meghan said, "but they've scheduled me with some counselor on Monday."
"Good," Owen said, "it helps."
"You've been to therapy," Meghan asked.
"I have, Teddy is," Owen said, "Danika goes. It's just something we do in this house."
"Is everyone okay," Meghan asked.
"Working through things," Owen said, "I'm glad your home."
"I'm glad to be home," Meghan said, "how do things work with the teenager?"
"Teddy makes final decisions," Owen said, "we both get called in to the hospital in the middle of the night Danika comes and sleeps in an on call room."
"I'll stay with her," Meghan offered.
"Let her get to know you," Owen said, "Teddy will make the decision. It took a few weeks for Danika to decide to stay if it was just me home when Teddy got called."
"Breakfast," Meghan bellowed.
Danika followed Teddy down the stairs and silently went through the motions of eating.
"You okay kiddo," Owen asked.
"I miss my mom," Danika admitted, "and our dad."
"I miss my dad two," Owen said, "the anniversary is the worst day. This is the first one, it's the hardest."
"It's hard," Meghan agreed, "what does today look like?"
"Normal Saturday then she has rehearsal for La Fille Mal Gardee at one," Teddy said.
"Rehearsal for what," Meghan asked.
"It's a ballet," Danika said, "I'm a chicken."
"Just a chicken," Owen said, "don't you have other sections?"
"Corps de ballet," Danika replied, "my chicken is funny, the chicken scene is comic relief."
"Like the chicken dance," Meghan asked.
"Not the baby chicken dance like fully dressed up as over sized white birds," Danika said.
Teddy set a plate in front of Danika, "eat."
"Not really hungry," Danika said.
"Eat," Teddy repeated.
"Dani it's not worth arguing about this," Owen said, "breakfast then we can help you rewrite your paper."
"I'm not re writing," Danika said, "if she was a better teacher my paper wouldn't be a problem. My other teachers encourage me to have an opinion."
"I will email today," Teddy said.
"Can I not rewrite until you talk to her," Danika asked.
"I can call and meet with her again," Teddy said, "talk to your principal but you know she's not going to bend. Just pick a topic that's easy."
"Animals in zoos like all my friends," Danika pouted
"Eat then get started," Teddy replied.
Danika pouted through her breakfast and went to get her notebook sitting at the kitchen table to start her new draft with headphones in, ignoring everyone.
Meghan looked over puzzled.
"She does this," Teddy said, "leave her."
"We're going to moms," Owen said.
"I guess I need clothes," Meghan said, "I don't really have clothes."
"I have stuff to lend you," Teddy said, "help yourself to my dresser and closet. My regular clothes have been pushed to the back."
Meghan went upstairs with Owen who helped her find a pair of yoga pants and a tshirt to borrow. They quickly went back down stairs and said goodbye to Teddy and Danika before going to spend the day with their mom.