Three weeks after Meghan came home Teddy and Owen were called in to work in the middle of the night.
"Dani we have to go," Teddy said, "the hospital called. We both need to go now."
"Aren't you off," Danika asked.
"Three more days," Teddy said, "I'm done Wednesday."
"Can I stay with Meghan," Danika asked.
"No," Teddy said.
"But she's staying," Danika whined.
"No meghan is a trauma surgeon Owens getting her privileges she's coming with us. Five minutes at the door," Teddy said.
Danika knew now not to argue and threw on yoga pants and a hoodie.
"Two cars," Owen said, "that way whoever is done first takes Dani home."
In the truck with Owen Meghan asked, "is that how you always do it?"
"Done first takes the teenager home," Owen said, "it's Sunday so there's no worry about classes."
"So does that mean me," Meghan asked.
"Up to Teddy and Danika," Owen said, "we let Danika decide when she's ready to trust people like that."
"Is she okay at the hospital," Meghan asked.
"She is," Owen said, "she has her backpack with a book, sketchbook and drawing stuff but she'll go help in peds she likes to play with the little ones in the playroom or reads to kids in their rooms. It's good for her to help and learn to do things for others."
"Teaching her the values mom taught us," Meghan asked.
"Teddy agrees," Owen said, "well rounded."
"Youth group," Meghan asked.
"No," Owen said, "I suggested it as social away from school but there's not time in Danika's schedule."
They pulled into the hospital.
"Chief," Owen greeted, "this is my sister Meghan she's a trauma surgeon can we give her privileges?"
"Qualifications," Richard asked.
"Same as mine," Owen said, "train derailment we're going to need all the hands we can get."
"Let's see how it goes," Richard said, "you're head of trauma you decide on your surgeons."
"Thank you sir," Owen replied.
"I won't let you down," Meghan said.
"Dr Owen is Danika coming with Dr. Teddy," Richard asked.
"She is Patrick," Owen replied, "this is Dr. Meghan, she's my sister. Meghan Patrick is friends with Danika; they go to school together."
"Where's Adele," Owen asked.
"In LA with her sister," Richard said, "just for the weekend."
They went into the hospital and met up with Teddy and Danika.
"Patrick, Danika," Richard said, "go to the family info center in the cafeteria and make yourselves useful. Tea, Coffee, water, keep people fed."
"We will," the two teens said.
"Putting them to work," Meghan asked.
"They can learn to be helpful in a time of crisis," Teddy said, "offering people hot drinks and snacks is totally appropriate for 15 year olds. We need scrubs."
The surgeons all got scrubs and ran for the ER. The two teens found the interns running the info center and were given jobs keeping people fed and hydrated.
Finally around six PM things started to calm down they had been working since midnight.
"Altman," Richard said, "you're going home and you're staying home."
"I have two more days sir," Teddy said.
"After this your done," Richard declared.
"I can finish out my days i need the two t get my locum set up," Teddy said.
"He can figure it out," Richard said, "I'm not going to see you until you come to have that baby."
"Can you and Adele be on standby," Teddy asked.
"We will," Richard agreed, "can you take Patrick now or are you completely exhausted?"
"Teens can come have pizza in my living room," Teddy replied.
"I'll pick him up when I'm done," RIchard said, "thank you."
Teddy changed to her street clothes and found the two teens in the cafeteria.
"Patrick you're coming with us i'm picking up pizza," Teddy said.
"Thanks Dr. Teddy," Patrick said.
They went home and were soon joined by Owen and Meghan.
"Webber is coming when he can," Teddy said, "I'm going to bed are you okay to keep an eye on those two?"
Owen could see something was bothering Teddy so he followed her upstairs. Meghan noticed and realized she was now babysitting.
"Weekend home work done," Meghan asked.
"Yes," Danika replied.
"Lunch for tomorrow," Meghan asked.
"Hot lunch at school it's easier," Danika said.
"I need to finish reading the english chapter but my book is at home," Patrick said.
"You can borrow mine," Danika offered.
"Danika go get it and lay out your school clothes while you're upstairs," Meghan said.
"That was quick," Meghan commented.
"Teddy is crying," Danika whispered.
"Stay down here with me Owen is with her," Meghan said, "do you have homework to finish?"
"My art project is on the desk," Danika said.
"Bring it to the table," Meghan said, "you can both sit there to do homework."
"Can we have cocoa," Danika asked.
"It's Sunday night," Meghan said.
"We always have cocoa and chat while I do home work," Danika said, "but good cocoa like Owen makes."
"She means made with milk use the instant breakfast powder and whipped cream on top," Owen said.
"Like mom makes," Meghan replied, "do you and Teddy want some?"
"No I just came to get her water," Owen said.
"Is everything okay," Danika asked.
"Meghan will take you to school tomorrow," Owen said.
"That didn't answer me," Danika said looking panicked.
"It's okay kiddo," Owen said, "Teddy is in labour she's having the baby. We're going to go to the hospital at some point over night. You're staying with Meghan."
"But," Danika panicked.
"You are safe," Owen said, "you need to stay down here until bedtime."
"Why was Teddy crying," Danika asked.
"It's painful," Owen said.
"I'll call uncle Richard," Patrick said.
"Don't worry him," Meghan said, "you two are with me."
"Will Teddy be okay," Danika asked.
"She will be," Owen promised, "finish your home work. I put your school blazers and skirts that I picked up from the dry cleaner yesterday on your bed."
"I know Monday we have to wear the blazers," Danika groaned.
"I'm going to go up with Teddy's water," Owen said, "she wants to stay in our room with me. She will ask if she wants others to come in. danika this is perfectly normal."
Owen went back upstairs and closed their bedroom door behind him.
"Everything okay down stairs," Teddy asked.
"Teens doing home work and Meghan is making them cocoa," Owen said, "I have your water."
"Now I want cocoa that you mention it," Teddy said.
"I'll tell Meg," Owen said, "I've told Dani to stay downstairs until we tell her to come up or it's bedtime. Meg will bring her to school in the morning."
"Leaving your sister to look after my sister," Teddy said.
"They don't have a choice," Owen said.
"Ow, ow, ow," Teddy moaned.
"Breathe," Owen said sitting beside her, "deep breaths Teddy."
"I need up," Teddy said.
Owen pulled her to her feet and she began to pace the room.
"You okay," Owen asked.
"I don't know," Teddy said, "ten minutes apart we have time."
"We do," Owen said, "what do you need?"
"My mom," Teddy whined.
"What can I do," Owen asked.
"Stay with me," Teddy said, "we can't scare Dani."
"Too late," Owen said, "Meghan is trying to talk her down."
"Bring my sister up now before it gets worse," Teddy suggested.
Owen went down to the kitchen, "Dani Teddy wants you. Calm please."
Danika followed Owen upstairs she paused in the door, "Teddy."
"You can come in," Teddy said, "ready for tomorrow."
"I think so," Danika said, "just need to pack my back pack."
"Do it before bed please," Teddy said, "Meghan will do your morning."
"I know," Danika said, "she told me."
"I need you to do a couple things to help me," Teddy said.
"What," Danika asked.
"I need you to tell the baby about dad when they come," Teddy said, "and you have to be brave."
"But your the one having a baby," Danika said.
"With Owen," Teddy said, "he'll take care of me. And things will look different but we are both always here for you. You're going to stay here with Meghan when we go to the hospital. It will be some time tonight and we're not going to wake you this time. She will take you to school tomorrow. You have to go."
Teddy stopped.
"What," Danika asked.
"I'm okay," Teddy said, "you are going to school tomorrow. Don't try to convince Meghan to keep you home. She will come get you from school after the baby is born."
"When will that be," Danika asked.
"I don't know," Teddy said, "when it's ready. I explained all of this to you weeks ago. When the baby is here and we know it is healthy Meghan will bring you to the hospital for a visit. The two of you will come home and we will stay in the hospital for a night to make sure we're all healthy. Can you be brave and do two nights with Meghan I know you hardly know her."
"I hardly knew you when I moved in here," Danika said, "I adapt."
"You do," Teddy agreed, "give me a hug then you need to get ready for tomorrow. I will see you tomorrow."
Danika gave Teddy a big hug, "I love you."
"Love you two Dani," Teddy said, "I'm okay. It's going to be okay."
"Are you sure," Danika asked.
"I promise," Teddy said, "tomorrow you can meet your niece or nephew."
"How can I help," Danika asked.
"Get your self ready for tomorrow and listen to Meghan," Teddy said, "now."
Danika hugged her sister again, "call me as soon as it's here."
"Meghan will come get you from school as soon as we're ready for you," Owen said, "right now it's almost your bed time. Go get organized."
"Love you sweetheart," Teddy said, "it's okay. It's exciting. Sleep well and have a good day at school."
"Love you," Danika said, "I can't wait to meet them."
"Danika now," Owen said, "three, two."
Danika left the room and Owen closed the door.
"You okay," Owen asked Teddy.
"No," Teddy said, "but I had to show here I'm okay."
"Patrick has gone home, Meghan will take care of Dani," Owen said.
"I need a shower," Teddy whined.
"I'll start it," Owen said, "can you stand?"
"I think so," Teddy said, "there's still a few minutes between them."
"Shower and relax," Owen said.
"You need a shower two you smell like guts," Teddy whined.
"You shower first and take your time," Owen said, "I just need a couple minutes."
"Help me back up," Teddy groaned, "you may need to hold me up."
"I will," Owen said, "do you want me to wash your hair?"
Teddy nodded trying to control her breathing.
"Just breathe," Owen said, "I'm right here."
In the kitchen Meghan said, "Owen said you need to be in bed by 9:30 and lights out at 10."
"Yes," Danika said, "I'm not going to sleep tonight anyway."
"I was told the routine is that you need a shower then you can go read for a bit," Meghan said.
"Can you french braid," Danika asked.
"I can," Meghan said, "do you want me to?"
"Can you," Danika asked.
"Shower and bring me your brush," Meghan commanded.
"I'm going," Danika said.
Danika came back downstairs with her hair wet and in her kitten pajamas.
"Sit," Meghan said.
"Teddy usually does two," Danika said, "it fits the rules for in class and then I can cross the ends over so I can pin it up for ballet tech and pointe tomorrow."
"What is tomorrow's school day," Meghan asked, "7:30 start."
"Home room, ballet tech, math, anatomy, snack, pointe, geography, lunch, english, history, modern, french, snack, art and character," Danika listed.
"Busy day," Meghan said.
"It's a normal Monday," Danika said.
"How much dance," Meghan asked.
"Ballet, pointe, modern and character," Danika said.
"Pointe isn't ballet," Meghan asked.
"Ballet tech," Danika said, "RAD Advanced 2."
"You're 15 on your advanced two," Meghan said.
"We work on it 90 minutes every day," Danika said.
"So I'll drive you to school in the morning," Meghan said, "then will sign you out when Owen calls me and tells me to bring you to the hospital."
"How," Danika said, "they haven't let Owen sign me out with out calling Teddy. She had to fill in some form."
"He'll call them in the morning," Meghan said, "breakfast what do you like?"
"I don't like breakfast," Danika said, "Teddy and Owen make me eat."
"What do they make you eat," Meghan asked.
"Teddy does fruit and yogurt," Danika said, "Owen eggs and toast."
"Chocolate chip pancakes," Meghan offered.
"Maybe," Danika said.
"Favourite class," Meghan asked,
"This year pointe, french and anatomy," Danika said.
"What are you doing in anatomy," Meghan asked, "i'm a bit of an expert."
"Bones and muscles," Danika said, "we did the heart and lungs, digestive system and the brain. The heart unit was really cool. Teddy pulled me out of school for an orthodontist appointment and instead of taking me back to school I went with her to the hospital and she was teaching the residents about the heart and had them dissecting real ones and I got to watch."
"Teddy let you watch residents dissect human hearts," Meghan asked.
"Pig," Danika said, "she said I wasn't ready for people ones. I got to sit with Lexie Grey and try some of it. It was squishy."
"Your sister let you dissect a pig heart in her lab," Meghan said.
"My school doesn't have the facilities for labs and dissections," Danika said, "Teddy wanted me to do that. I've also sat in the gallery and watched."
"What do you want to do after high school," Meghan asked.
"Dance I think," Danika said, "I like being at the hospital, watching and helping."
"Would you consider medicine," Meghan asked.
"I'm not as smart as Teddy," Danika said.
"Comparing 15 and late 30s," Meghan said, "what is the age gap?"
"She's 38," Danika said, "she's 23 years older. People assume she's my mom. She's more of a parent than my mom ever was."
"Are we ready to be aunties tomorrow," Meghan asked.
"I'm too young," Danika said.
"We're aunties," Meghan said.
"I don't have a present for the baby," Danika said, "Owen was going to take me today."
"We can go after I pick you up tomorrow," Meghan said, "do you have an idea?"
"A stuffed bunny," Danika said, "Teddy got me my bunny when I was born."
"Bunny," Meghan asked.
"Stuffed one," Danika said, "hoppy. He's on my bed."
"I'm done the first braid," Meghan said, "elastic."
Danika passed over the elastic and Meghan started the second braid. They made small talk about school and summer plans. Teddy had chosen to keep Danika home one more summer, they were just getting into a real rhythm as a family with Owen and now with the baby Teddy had thought it would be best to keep Danika close. She was doing the summer session at school and a week-long workshop with the company at the Pacific Northwest Ballet. It was enough dancing for the summer. Danika needed down time, they needed family time.
"Go read," Meghan said when the second braid was done.
"Good night," Danika called from the bottom of the stairs.
"Good night kiddo," Meghan said.