Monday morning Danika came down in her uniform, "when did they leave?"

"Two hours ago," Meghan said, "I made breakfast."

"I'm not hungry and I don't want to go today," Danika said.

"Owen said you would try to get out of going to school," Meghan said, "I'll make you a deal. Go to lunch time and I'll come get you at lunch."

"Are you allowed to sign me out," Danika asked.

"Teddy left a note," Meghan said, "some form for your school that allows me to sign you out."

"So I only have to go until lunch," Danika asked.

"Yes," Meghan replied, "I will come get you sooner if needed. What time is lunch?"

"12:30," Danika said, "you have to sign me out at the main office and bring ID the first time."

"Your hair," Meghan asked, "if you have ballet don't you need a bun?"

"Dress code is up off the face and neck," Danika said, "I do the braids a couple times a week and pin the ends up for class. Teddy likes to try different updos with it when we have time in the morning or for saturday classes."

"What do you need to be ready," Meghan asked.

"Breakfast, school shoes, back pack," Danika said.

"I made chocolate chip pancakes," Meghan said.

"Have you heard how Teddy is," Danika asked.

"It will be a while yet," Meghan said, "she was doing okay when they left."

"Is it like our dad," Danika asked.

"What happened with your dad," Meghan asked as she poured milk into a glass, she had strict instructions from Owen about feeding Danika lots of protein and giving the teen milk with her meals.

"He got sick and threw up a lot but they told me it was all okay but he really had cancer," Danika said, "they didn't tell me he was sick until Teddy picked me up from second grade. She told me and took me to the hospital to see dad. Then mom wasn't home and suddenly Teddy was taking care of me."

"Are you scared," Meghan asked.

"A little," Danika said.

"You're worried that Teddy is going into the hospital as a paitent and won't come out," Meghan said.

Danika nodded.

"Okay," Meghan said, "has Teddy explained how babies are born?"

"She explained and how babies are made," Danika said, "she made me say all the icky boy parts out loud."

"You have to know the words and parts and how they work," Meghan agreed, "so you understand the process?"

"I think so," Danika said.

"Okay this is natural," Meghan said, "women's bodies are designed for this. She will be okay it's normal and natural. She has Owen with her and he's not going to leave her side."

"But daddy went to the hospital and didn't come out," Danika whined.

"We will go see Teddy as soon as the baby is born," Meghan promised, "she will be home tomorrow or Wednesday. I'm here."

"What if," Danika said, "she's the only adult I have."

"It will all be fine," Meghan said, "eat your breakfast I need to make a call."

Meghan took her phone to the back porch.

"Meghan this better be good," Owen snapped.

"I can't send Danika to school," Meghan said, "she's having an anxiety attack something about their dad."

"Their dad went into the hospital and then didn't come out so Teddy took over taking care of Danika," Owen said.

"She's panicked," Meghan said, "I could try sending her to school but I don't know she's almost in tears."

"Meghan just take Dani to school," Owen said, "she has to go she has a math test."

"Shes crying," Meghan said.

"She goes," Owen said.

"Owen what's going on," Teddy moaned.

"Meghan wants to keep Dani home," Owen said, "she's crying."

"Don't force her not today," Teddy said.

"Math test," Owen said.

"She can make it up," Teddy moaned, "dad. She'll think of dad. Tell Meghan to keep her home."

"Are you sure," Owen asked.

"Keep her home then I need you," Teddy cried.

"Meghan keep her home," Owen said into the phone.

"How's Teddy," Meghan asked.

"We have a ways to go," Owen said, "six cm when they checked half an hour ago. She's in pain but she's doing okay. I have Teddy you have Dani."

"We each have an Altman," Meghan said, "got it."

"Thank you," Owen said.

"Hug Teddy for us and keep us posted," Meghan said.

"I will," Owen said, "thanks Meg. you have my keys."

"I know," Meghan said, "go take care of Teddy."

They hung up.

Meghan walked into the kitchen to find Danika staring at her plate crying.

"Go take your uniform off kiddo you're staying home," Meghan said, "I'm going to call your school."

Meghan called the school office and explained the situation to the front receptionist and told them not to call Teddy's phone or Owen that they knew and Danika was safe.

Danika came down in shorts and a t-shirt.

"Come sit with me," Meghan said.

Danika sat beside her on the couch.

"You're okay," Meghan said, "Teddy is doing fine, I talked to Owen. She's just over half way so hopefully baby later this afternoon or tonight. He's taking really good care of her."

"What if," Danika asked.

"If she's in there a bit longer I'll be here," Meghan said, "and you know how Teddy plans. She will have a plan for you."

"I want my sister," Danika said.

"I here that your scared," Meghan said echoing the language she had heard Teddy use with Danika, "right now we have to be patient so we're going to hang out here for a little while then I have a few errands and you wanted to get a baby gift so we can do that in a little bit."

At the hospital Owen asked, "do you want to try walking around again?"

"Just getting up," Teddy said.

"Okay I'll help you up tell me when you're ready," Owen said.

"Now," Teddy groaned.

Owen helped Teddy stand and she wrapped her arms around his neck leaning on him.

"I've got you," Owen said, "I have you."

"What did Meghan want," Teddy asked.

"She kept Dani home," Owen said, "and to check in."

"They stay away I don't want them here," Teddy moaned.

"I know," Owen agreed, "I'll tell Meghan when you're ready."

"Were going to be parents," Teddy said.

"We are," Owen agreed, he kept running his hands up and down her back as she leaned on him.

"There," Teddy said as his hands settled on her lower back.

"What do you want me to do," Owen asked.

"Keep your hands there," Teddy moaned.

Owen kept his hands on her lower back rubbing gently putting pressure on her lower back as she buried her face into his shoulder moaning through each contraction.

"Danika what's going on with that toe," Meghan asked.

"I broke the nail in rehearsal on saturday," Danika said.

"It's looking like it's infected," Meghan said, "I want to wash it out and then put some sore of antibiotic on it."

"It's happened before," Danika said, "Teddy has some sort of cream for it in her bathroom. It starts with a P."

"I'll go look," Meghan said, "go wash it really well with soap and water."

Meghan went into the master bathroom and found the polysporin and bandaids in a drawer.

"You can do this," Meghan said tossing both to Danika, "why didn't you do it sooner?"

"I didn't hurt," Danika said.

"What were you going to do," Meghan asked.

"Tell Teddy if it hurts," Danika said, "I can't even help myself to advil if something hurts."

"She's just making sure you're okay," Meghan said.

"What if she doesn't come home," Danika asked.

"Then you stay with Owen and I," Meghan said, "this is your home and we will do everything to keep you here."

"My mom had no family," Danika said, "I guess they're somewhere but I've never met them."

"Toe cleaned, we need to clean up the kitchen and then we can go out for a bit," Meghan said,

"I wanted to go swim laps so you swim?"

"I can," Danika said, "we swim for conditioning at school."

"Bring your bathing suit," Meghan said.

"Do I have to bring the ear plugs," Danika asked.

"Why do you have them," Meghan asked.

"I have tubes in my ears," Danika replied.

"How long ago did those go in," Meghan asked.

"July. Dr Sloan did them," Danika said, "his light blue doctor was nice."

"Do you know the residents," Meghan asked.

"I don't like Teddy's Christina is rude and grumpy. April is Owen's light blue doctor, she's nice," Danika said.

"The Greys, what do you know," Meghan asked.

"I like Lexie," Danika said.

"Its been a while since I did ENT but I think if you have tubes in your ears you have to keep them dry," Meghan said.

"Teddy told you," Danika pouted.

"It's common sense," Meghan said, "should I check."

"I dont like them kids laugh at them at school," Danika whined.

"It's just me," Meghan said.

Meghan decided to text Owen, "update? And if we go swimming is Danika an okay swimmer?"

Owen felt his phone buzz in his pocket, he knew the only person that would disturb him now was Meghan. He took his phone out and read the message.

Owen, "Teddy is okay. Danika is a great swimmer. She has tympanostomy tubes in both ears. She must wear her ear plugs or she gets an ear infection. She's had two infections from forgetting them."

Meghan, "keep me updated."

Owen, "Teddy is good we're waiting for the epidural she's getting tired."

Meghan, "that day in surgery then labour she should be."

Owen, "thanks for looking out for Dani. I know she has a lot of anxiety."

Meghan ,"it's trauma."

Owen, "it is. Only one non-traumatized person in the house."

"Meghan," Teddy asked.

"Yes," Owen said, "she's going to take Dani with her to do her errands. Dani is upset."

"I thought we had a few more days to prep her," Teddy said, "I hadn't explained the plan to Dani."

"You don't worry about that now," Owen said, "you focus on you and our baby. Meghan has Dani under control. Dani will be on her best behaviour she only loses it with us."

"Get your swimming stuff," Meghan said, "ear plugs are not negotiable."

"Stop sounding like Teddy," Danika snapped.

"Why are you angry," Meghan asked.

"I want Teddy," Danika said.

"Okay I know you're scared and your one safe person is Teddy," Meghan said, "she's a good big sister I know that because she's acted like mine a lot. Right now she's having the baby and can't be here. Do you have another adult you feel safe with?"

"Owen," Danika said.

"Okay," Meghan said, "you're stuck with me right now. Can you try to trust me?"

"What if," Danika started.

"I just texted with Owen she's still okay," Meghan said, "we just have to wait. Teddy is strong and the doctor she has is the best. She's in good hands Owen loves her and will take care of her. I watched the two of them take care of each other though some really tough stuff in Iraq he will look after her. He loves her."

"But," Dankia said.

Meghan put both hands on Danika's shoulders like she had seen Teddy do, "Teddy is okay. Owen wouldn't tell me she was if she wasn't. I need you to look at me. You are okay, everyone is okay. Take a deep breath. Teddy will be home with the baby tomorrow or Wednesday. You are safe with me. Today you get to hang out with me. Tomorrow and Wednesday you have to go to school."

"Fine," Danika agreed.

"Do you like school," Meghan asked.

"Some times," Danika said, "i'm not very good at it."

"Why do you say that," Meghan asked.

"I got behind last year because no one checked on or helped me with my work and I missed some big things in math and science," Danika said.

"Do you need homework help," Meghan asked, "I've seen Owen and Teddy sit with you and check your work."

"Some times," Danika admitted, "it's different this year. My mom didn't care as long as I was out of her way. Teddy expects As and Bs."

"Did she say why," Meghan asked, "Teddy usually has a reason for doing something."

"She said I need to go to college," Danika said.

"It's a good option," Meghan said, "ideas for after high school?"

"I don't know," Danika said, "something like what Brenda does could be good."

"Who is Brenda," Meghan asked.

"My psychologist," Danika said, "Teddy made me start seeing her last summer after mom died and now I go every other week."

"It's okay I'm going twice a week right now," Meghan said.

"Brenda never tells Teddy what we talk about," Danika said.

"Dr patient confidentiality," Meghan said, "she can't. Does she ever talk to Teddy and Owen?"

"Sometimes they talk after, usually with Teddy but only to share strategies that I'm practicing so Teddy can help me practice at home," Danika said.

"Lets finish getting organized then we're going out," Meghan said.

At the hospital Owen helped Teddy hold still while the anesthesiologist placed the epidural in her spine. She sobbed into Owen's shoulder as he held her.

"Almost there Teddy," Owen said, "he has the needle in."

"I can't do this," Teddy cried.

"You can," Owen said, "the catheter is in you'll get some relief in a moment. I'm not going anywhere."

"I can't be a mom," Teddy sobbed.

"You've been an amazing one for the last year," Owen said, "I've seen you be a mom."

"I can't raise our baby," Teddy said, "I don't know how."

"We'll figure it out together," Owen said, "Teddy we can do this. I am not going anywhere ever. I promise. Do you want to lay back and get a little bit of rest?"

"I don't want you to leave me or let go of me," Teddy said.

"I won't," Owen promised, "lets lay you back."

"Not flat," Teddy whined.

"Okay," Owen agreed, "we'll sit the bed up."

Owen sat the head of the bed up and helped Teddy lay back against it. He kept smoothing her hair back from her face, "Teddy breathe."

"I am breathing," Teddy said.

"Your tensing up can you still feel it," Owen asked.

"I see the monitor and I get ready for it," Teddy said.

"Do you want me to turn the monitor," Owen asked.

"Please," Teddy said, "I can't feel anything below my ribs."

"I'm turning it you need to close your eyes and breathe," Owen said.

Teddy put her hands on her stomach and rubbed where baby was. She closed her eyes and took slow even breaths.

Meghan and Danika ran a few errands that Meghan needed to do and stopped at a baby store for Danika to pick out a gift to take their new niece or nephew. Danika chose a little bunny and a story book for the baby.

Back in the car Danika asked, "will Teddy still come to recital?"

"Right now the plan is for all three of us to come to one show and my mom to watch the baby," Meghan said, "then my mom and I are going to switch. We have three tickets to both shows. They will all be used."

"It was nice having people at the nutcracker," Danika said.

The OB came in and checked on Teddy, "okay Dr. Altman we're going to turn the medication down so you can push."

"Okay," Teddy said, "Owen."

"I'm right here," Owen said.

"I can't feel anything," Teddy said.

"Do you want me to turn the meds off," the OB asked.

"I think so," Teddy said.

The OB turned off the flow of medication, "as soon as you're ready you can push Dr Altman."

20 minutes and several big pushes later they heard a cry.

"It's a girl," Owen said, "Teddy we have a daughter."

"We have a girl," Teddy said, "a baby girl."

Owen took the baby from the OB and laid her in Teddy's arms.

"Hello baby girl," Teddy whispered, "you are beautiful."

"Whats her name," the OB asked.

"Allison," Owen and Teddy said together.

After a couple hours of boding with their daughter Teddy asked, "what time is it?"

"Seven thirty," Owen said.

"Call them," Teddy said.

Owen pulled his phone of his pocket.

"Owen," Meghan answered, "do you have news?"

"I do," Owen said, "where's Dani?"

"My sidekick," Meghan said, "right here I'm putting you on speaker."

"How's Teddy," Danika asked.

"I'm good sweetheart just tired," Teddy said, "are you ready to come meet your niece?"

"It's a girl," Danika said.

"It is," Owen said, "Allison Grace Hunt. 5:15 pm."

"And you're just calling now," Meghan said.

"We needed a little bit the three of us," Owen said, "come visit for a little bit."

"We're going," Meghan said, "some one already has her shoes on."

"Meghan let's go," Danika called.

"See you soon," Owen said.

They drove to the hospital and found Teddy's room.

"Teddy," Danika yelled running through the door.

"Dani slow and whisper," Teddy said.

"Where's Allison," Meghan asked.

"They just took her for her newborn check in the nursery," Owen said, "she'll be back in a few minutes.

"Are you okay," Danika asked Teddy.

"Just tired," Teddy said.

"Are you coming home," Danika asked.

"Tomorrow," Teddy said, "Meghan will take you to school and we'll be there when you get home. You conned Meghan into keeping you home today?"

"She was reluctant but was going to school," Meghan said, "it was my choice to keep her."

"Were you anxious," Teddy asked.

"Maybe," Danika said.

"You're safe with Meghan," Teddy promised, "I wouldn't leave you with someone I didn't know you were safe with. You're okay. You can do tonight with Meghan. Tomorrow night I will be home and we can have cocoa."

"Okay," Danika agreed, "can I have a hug?"

"Always," Teddy said opening her arms.

Danika gave Teddy a big hug.

"You're a dad eeyore," Meghan said.

"I know," Owen said, "how did today go?"

"Lot's of trauma but I got her talking," Meghan said, "how's your daughter?"

"She's perfect, she looks like Teddy," Owen said.

A nurse returned Allison to the room.

"Meghan," Owen said, "do you want to hold her?"

"Yes," Meghan squealed.

"Sisters are loud," Teddy laughed.

"We're excited," Meghan said, "she's gorgeous."

"Bring her over here Megahn you have to share," Teddy said.

"Can I see her," Danika asked.

"Watch her head," Teddy said.

Danika looked at her niece for the first time, "she's pretty. Hi Allison I'm auntie Danika your mommy's sister."

Teddy smiled seeing her sister holding Allison, "what do you think Dani?"

"She's pretty and so tiny," Danika said.

"She is," Teddy said, "but she'll grow."

"Does she come home tomorrow two," Danika asked.

"We all come home tomorrow," Teddy said, "then I'm home until October.

"Home home," Danika asked.

"I'm on maternity leave," Teddy said, "I'm not working. Allison and I will be home."

They all visited and they took turns holding Allison until the nurse said that visiting hours were over.

"Good night," Teddy said, taking Allison back from Danika, "I'll see you after school tomorrow. They don't want me to drive for a few days so it will be Owen or Meghan depending on what time they let me leave."

"Good night," Danika said, 'I'll see you tomorrow."

Danika followed Meghan out of the hospital.

"Feeling better," Meghan asked.

"I do," Danika said.

"Let's get organized for tomorrow," Meghan said, "you are going to school."

"I know," Danika said, "thanks for today."

"We needed to get to know each other," Meghan said, "you're going to be my sister in law. We're kinda sisters."

"Does that mean they're getting married," Danika asked.

"I hope so," Meghan said, "they should."

I'm thinking Meghan could be a good safe adult for Danika if Teddy or Owen can't be around. We know that Meghan adopted her son; it fits with her character to be open to being a caring and safe adult for Dani. Thoughts on the story?