Saturday Danika asked, "how many people are coming tonight?"

"About 12," Teddy said, "come up and down as you want. I'd like you to eat with us but do what you want."

"Can I go to a movie with Patrick, Emilia and Mandy," Danika asked, "Patrick said his aunt would drive me."

"What time," Teddy asked.

"The movie starts at 7:30, Mrs. Webber would pick me up at 7:00," Danika replied.

"Home right away," Teddy asked.

"Yes," Danika replied.

"You have to be back in the house half an hour after your movie ends," Teddy replied.

"Okay," Danika agreed.

"We'll eat about six so you have time to eat before your movie," Teddy said.

"I have enough allowance for my ticket and a treat," Danika said.

"That's why you have an allowance," Teddy said, "movies and treats with friends."

"What's for dinner," Danika asked.

"Burgers, chips, salad," Teddy replied, "this crowd will eat a lot. It's mainly men only two other women."

"Most are staying," Danika clarified.

"Yes," Teddy replied, "we'll all have a few beers and no one should drive."

"Is it like mom's parties," Danika asked.

"What do you mean," Teddy asked.

"Everyone will be drunk and high and I'm safest in my room," Danika said.

"A few beers meaning 3 or 4," Teddy said, "no one will be drunk. Owen and I had 3 or 4 sitting around the camp fire last weekend. Were we drunk?"

"No," Danika said.

"We were in control," Teddy said, "everyone will be in control. People are staying over because I don't want people driving with more than two or three drinks. It's not safe to drive, it's the same reason Owen stayed when we moved in."

"Will they be nice," Danika asked.

"They will be," Teddy said, "everyone knows I have a little sister I missed a lot when I was away. They know you live with me."

"They're okay with it," Danika said, "I don't need to hide?"

"No you can be around," Teddy said, "I want you to be."

"What about Owen," Danika asked.

"He'll be here," Teddy said, "he's staying in my room tonight. If you need anything just knock. If you get nervous with all the people around just stay close to me or Owen."

"Okay," Danika agreed, "are you sure it's okay for me to go to the movie?"

"I want to know what you're seeing," Teddy said, "I trust Adele Webber to drive you and bring you home."

"Sisterhood of the traveling pants two," Danika said.

"I liked the first one," Teddy said, "have you read the books?"

"I have," Danika replied, "I don't know why Patrick is coming; it's a really girly movie."

"You're his friends," Teddy said, "I know Richard and I agree about your group. Good kids all of you have an adult at home and around. You're never at the Webber's or here without an adult home."

"Emilia's mom is always around," Danika said, "why is our group always supervised?"

"Because we're responsible adults. I've left you here with friends to go get milk or pick up dinner," Teddy said.

"For like half an hour," Danika said, "you've done it and left a bottle of wine on the counter."

"I trust you not to drink it," Teddy said, "it was sealed anyway. I don't drink unless I have another adult around. We have water, milk or juice. Maybe cocoa before bedtime."

"Some kids in my school drink at parties," Danika said, "a few went to the hospital last year."

"I heard about that," Teddy said, "I don't want you at those parties."

"Those girls were stupid," Danika said, "they almost got expelled."

"Underage drinking on school grounds I hope so," Teddy said, "if you're at a party and people start drinking you need to call me and I'll come get you."

"What if you're working or in the OR," Danika questioned.

"I'll send Owen," Teddy replied, "or I really trust Arizona Robbins I would send her to get you in a pinch. If Patrick is there Dr. Webber or Mrs. Webber would bring you home or to their house until I could get you. Richard and I have talked about it, that I would take Patrick home or bring him here with us or to Richard at the hospital, they will do the same for you."

"What if I didn't know and had some," Danika asked.

"It won't taste like normal juice," Teddy said, "your drink will taste weird. And be honest with me. I would rather you tell me."

"Will you get mad," Danika asked.

"If you lie to me about it," Teddy said, "I'd be disappointed if you made that choice. I see so many accidents and kids your age hurt or really sick in the emergency room from dumb decisions they made while drinking or using drugs. I don't want that to be you."

"What happens if I do," Danika asked.

"Grounded," Teddy said, "school and that's it."

"What else gets me grounded," Danika asked, "Emilia gets grounded all the time."

"Lying to me, missing school work, breaking your curfew," Teddy said, "we'll figure it out as we go."

"But I don't drive so if you pick me up late that's not my fault," Danika argued.

"I guess if the other adult is late to pick you up you can't control that but then you have to call or text and tell me," Teddy replied, "and not doing your chores. You don't get to do anything fun until they're done."

"You sound like a mom," Danika groaned.

"You asked," Teddy replied.

Owen let himself in.

"Teddy," Owen called, "Danika."

"Kitchen," Teddy replied.

"I have a couple coolers and air mattresses," Owen said, "more beer and some root beer"

"Rootbeer," Danika asked.

"In glass bottles," Owen said, "I know you're not supposed to have soda but if we can have a party and a few beers you can have root beer."

"Thank you," Danika smiled.

"We'll come help," Teddy replied.

Teddy hugged Owen whispering, "you get to stay tonight."

"I do," Owen whispered back, giving her a kiss.

"Thank you for thinking of the root beer," Teddy said, "I wouldn't have thought of things like that."

"My mom," Owen admitted.

"She's good," Teddy said.

"She ruled with an iron fist," Owen said, "mom, dad, judge, jury and executioner. But then she did things like that when there were special events. A special treat for Meghan and I."

"Thank you," Teddy said.

Danika joined them outside.

"How was the first week of school," Owen asked.

"It's school," Danika said.

"Good teachers," Owen said.

"Except for English," Danika said.

"What's wrong with English," Owen asked.

"Miss Whitman spent all week going over parts of speech we did that like two years ago," Danika complained, "she wouldn't even let us choose what to write our summer essay about. She wants to know everything we did. I'm not telling a strange teacher I moved in with my sister because my parents are dead."

"Camping, dance camp," Teddy said, "the beach."

"Then I have explain why I don't talk about parents," Danika said, "I don't think she likes me. She said I ask too many questions."

Teddy nodded at Owen's puzzled face mouthing, "it's Beth."

"Just do what she says Danika," Owen replied.

"It's boring," Danika whined, "Teddy said you both knew her."

"I knew her well," Owen said, "creativity wasn't her strong suit."

"Teddy told me," Danika said, "in English class I don't know you."

"Which class looks best this year," Owen asked.

"French, anatomy," Danika replied, "or science."

"What do you want to do after highschool," Owen asked.

"Dance,' Danika said, "maybe be a doctor when I'm done dancing."

"It's a lot of school," Teddy said, "eight years of school after high school."

"What about residency," Owen said.

"Light blue doctor stage," Danika said, "aren't they doctors?"

"Residents have finished medical school and are doctors because they have their MD but are learning a speciality," Teddy said, "we can talk about med school another day. Residency is 5 years to be a surgeon then 2-3 for a fellowship. It's a lot of work."

"Teddy what do you need help with," Owen asked.

"Nothing we just need to get changed," Teddy replied.

"I'm going," Danika said, "should I lock Milly in the laundry room?"

"You should, people will probably leave the back door open," Teddy replied, "we don't want to lose your kitten."

Danika grabbed the cat from where it was sitting on a windowsill in the sun and put it in the laundry room before going upstairs.

"No teenager," Teddy whispered.

"Hello," Owen smiled before giving her a passionate kiss.

"She's going to a movie tonight with her usual group of friends," Teddy said.

"How is she getting there," Owen asked.

"Webbers are driving," Teddy said, "I owe them a few rides for Patrick."

"Adele is driving because the chief is on trauma tonight," Owen said.

"Its a good group," Teddy said, "I'm having them all here next weekend. The girls are sleeping over Patrick is going home around 11."

"The one boy in the group," Owen chuckled, "lucky boy."

"Ballet school," Teddy replied.

"How many boys in her grade," Owen asked.

"About 16 of the 40 of them in her class," Teddy said.

"40 thats a lot," Owen said.

"They group them for academics," Teddy replied, "I know academics is grouped on ability. Danika is in the more capable group. I think 15 in her academic classes. Dance is by gender for some things. The discipline is so strict at her school. 40 is manageable."

"She seems smart," Owen said.

"She loves to read," Teddy replied, "the idea of med school just came out today. I would rather see college then ballet."

"Let her do what she's passionate about," Owen said.

"I'm not sure how much she actually likes to dance or if it wasn't an escape from her mom," Teddy said.

"Teddy," Danika said, joining them in the kitchen, "Emilia and Morgan just cancelled for the movie? Emilia got grounded and Morgan's mom changed her mind. Is it okay if just Patrick and I go?"

"I'm okay with it," Teddy replied, "Mrs. Webber is still driving?"

"She is," Danika confirmed.

"Have fun and home straight after the movie," Teddy said.

"First date," Owen asked.

"Just a friend," Danika said, "I don't think he likes me like that."

"Just go and have fun," Teddy said.

"How long until your friends come," Danika asked.

"Half an hour," Teddy said, "homework done?"

"Yes," Danika replied, "it's on my desk for you to check."

"I will tomorrow," Teddy said.

"I have a review quiz in math on Wednesday," Danika said.

"You'll be okay," Teddy promised.

"Math yes," Danika said, "that we do it together helps."

"English if you just do exactly what your teacher says you'll be okay," Owen said.

"Don't think," Danika said, "got it."

"Cat away, ice and drinks in coolers, salads ready, burger stuff ready, new propane tank for the bbq," Teddy said, "what am I forgetting."

"Root beer in the fridge," Owen added.

"You have to get changed," Danika said.

"I knew that," Teddy said, "hair?"

"Leave the curls but take the ponytail out," Danika said.

"I doubt they'd recognize me with my hair down," Teddy joked.

"You look too serious with it up," Danika said.

"Okay changing then hair and make up," Teddy said, "are you two okay?"

"I'm going to move the coolers from your garage to the patio," Owen said.

"Thank you," Teddy replied, "I put the ice in them already."

"So the beer is cold," Owen said.

"It is," Teddy replied, 'I have wine and other stuff in the kitchen.

"Other stuff," Danika asked.

"Vodka, rum, scotch," Teddy replied.

"Mom drank a lot of vodka," Danika said, "it smelled horrible. I never want to drink."

"When you're 21," Teddy replied.

"21," Owen laughed, "who didn't drink in college."

"21," Teddy echoed.

"Come on you went to parties in college," Owen said. He had heard her stories but knew she was trying to be a good example for Danika.

"I'm going to get changed," Teddy said, turning to the stairs.

"Danika can you help me," Owen asked.

"With what," Danika asked.

"Opening doors so I can move the coolers," Owen said.

"I'm coming," Danika said.

Teddy smiled seeing the friends she had served with.

Owen was standing with a few guys near the BBQ.

"So you and Altman and her kid," a man said.

"Danika is Teddy's sister," Owen said, "Teddy and I are taking it slow."

"Living together," the man said.

"I don't live here. It's Teddy's place," Owen said, "I'm here a few times a week."

"So going home tonight," the man asked.

"Staying here," Owen said, "I don't often. Danika can be shy. They lost their dad about 8 years ago Dani was 7. Danika's mom passed in May, but she had been in a boarding ballet school since she was 9. She's 14 and will turn 15 in February. Teddy has really been trying to build Danika's trust."

"Hows it going," the man asked.

"Better," Owen said, "there was a lot of neglect before Teddy got custody. Teddy has been trying to slowly undo a lot of the neglect. Braces are next. We all went camping last weekend."

"So you went camping with them," another man asked, "you and Altman are a couple."

"We are," Owen confirmed.

"About damn time," a man said.

"Slow," Owen replied, "she's had some big adjustments."

"The kid seems okay," a man said.

"Shy," Owen said, "I know she's going to a movie with some friends tonight."

"How strict is Altman," a man asked, "my wife is the hard ass with our kids."

"She doesn't have to be," Owen said, "Danika is pretty compliant. Being in boarding school at 9 you learn to go with the flow. Teddy is strict about her school work. I think she checks every assignment before it's handed in."

"Will you and Altman have kids," one man asked.

"Maybe one day," Owen said, "we've only been dating since June and I'm not her priority."

"Move in with her," a man suggested.

"Too soon," Owen said, "I like my place. I'm restoring an old fire hall."

"Good garage," a man laughed.

"Excellent," Owen agreed.

"How big is the garage," a man asked.

"A couple fire trucks," Owen chuckled, "Teddy taught Danika to roller skate in it."

After dinner Danika found Teddy to let her know she was going to her movie.

"Make sure you thank Adele for driving you," Teddy reminded.

"I will," Danika replied.

"Have fun," Teddy said, "text when you're on your way home."

"I will," Danika replied she grabbed her sweater and walked out the door.

"Now can you relax," a woman asked.

"She'll be back around ten," Teddy replied.

"Date," the woman asked.

"Just a friend," Teddy replied, "she's good friends with our chief of surgery's nephew. Patrick is being raised by his aunt and uncle, he gets her situation."

"How did you get custody," the other woman asked.

"Her mother overdosed in May," Teddy said, "I'm her only living relative."

"You and Hunt," the first woman asked.

"Catrina," Teddy said, "it's good. But we're taking it slow."

"How slow is slow," Catrina asked.

"He's sleeping over tonight," Teddy said, "we went camping last weekend."

"Camping," Catrina said, "really you didn't get enough dirt and tents for a lifetime?"

"A tradition Owen wanted to bring back," Teddy said, "camping the weekend before school starts."

"Are you living together," Catrina asked.

"I wish," Teddy said, "I would if I could."

"What's stopping you," Hellen the second woman asked.

"Dani," Teddy admitted, "she's just not ready for that. We're slowly building her comfort with Owen. Camping was good. She'll talk to him now, in June she wouldn't. I need back up and he's the one person I trust to do that."

"You two belong together," Hellen said.

"I like him and things are amazing when it's just us," Teddy said.

"So you and Hunt," Catrina said.

"Once I moved out here," Teddy said, "it's good. It's right. He's got a lot going on."

"So do you," Hellen said.

"But mine is in my house everyday," Teddy said.

"Hard for him to see," Catrina asked.

"He doesn't talk about it much," Teddy said.

They continued talking and catching up, everyone relaxing on the patio.

After the movie Danika found Teddy in the back yard.

"How was your movie," Teddy asked.

"Great," Danika giggled.

"What happened," Teddy asked.

"Patrick asked me to be his girlfriend," Danika giggled, "and he kissed me at the door."

"Did he walk you to the door," Teddy asked.

"He did," Danika replied.

"First kiss," Teddy asked.

"Yes," Danika smiled.

"It was a good night then," Teddy beamed, "you can hang out with us, there's smore stuff, you still have rootbeer in the fridge."

"Smore then can I go take Milly to my room," Danika asked.

"You can," Teddy agreed.

"Milly," Catrina asked joining them.

"Our kitten," Teddy replied, "we locked her in the laundry room with her litter box so she couldn't get outside."

"You said you wanted a dog," a man said.

"But you have to be home for a puppy," Teddy said, "we don't have puppy time. The cat we can leave all day and is happy to see us when we get home."

"Can I see this cat," Hellen asked, "I love them."

"She's a bengal," Teddy replied, "high energy and a bit of an escape artist."

"I've read about them but never seen one," Hellen said.

"She's gorgeous," Teddy said, "Danika go get her and hold her tight."

Danika ran ahead and got her kitten from the laundry room and flipped her upside down to hold her like a baby, this was the easiest way to control the active cat.

"That is a beautiful cat," Hellen said, "can I?"

"She likes to jump," Teddy warned.

"I've got her," Hellen said when Danika passed her the kitten.

"I'm going to go up," Danika said.

"Tired," Teddy asked.

"Yes," Danika replied.

"Go read," Teddy said, "take the cat. I'll open your door a crack when I go to bed so Milly can get out if she needs to."

"Okay," Danika said, taking the cat back.

"Good night sweetheart," Teddy said, giving Danika a hug.

"Good night," Danika replied.

Danika went upstairs while Teddy went back outside.

"Danika home," Owen asked when Teddy sat on his lap.

"Yep and in her room," Teddy said, "we can relax."

Owen tightened his arms around her waist and she snuggled into him by the fire. They knew there were friends there, but these were people that had encouraged them to be together for years. Teddy felt safe and relaxed in his arms. She wished he could move in but it was too soon. Owen rested his head against hers, he could feel her relaxing, he wanted the others to go or to go to bed so they could be alone, he just wanted to be alone with her. He slid one hand under her top and brushed his fingers softly over the skin on her lower back.

After midnight people began to get tired and find their air mattresses.

Teddy lead Owen upstairs. Pausing on the landing Teddy cracked Danika's door open in case the cat needed out.

"Lock the door," Teddy whispered to Owen.

"I'm ahead of you," Owen whispered.