Sunday afternoon Danika was sitting on her window seat reading when the strange SUV from Friday night pulled up. She saw a man with brown hair get out and walk to the door.

Nathan looked up and saw the blonde teenager sitting in the window. He realized that must be Teddy's sister. Meghan had explained some of the situation to him on Friday.

"Strange guy here," Danika yelled.

"Danika," Owen scolded, coming to look out the window, "that's Nathan. And please don't tell. Teddy and Allison are asleep."

"Allison is always asleep and why is Teddy napping," Danika asked.

"Babies sleep so they can grow," Owen said, "and Teddy is exhausted. Why don't we take our bikes out for a bit. Ride down to the beach for ice cream?"

"Raspberry ice cream," Danika asked.

"They have the raspberry one at the place by the beach," Owen said, "what do you think?"

"Will Teddy be okay with it," Danika asked.

"We can ask her," Owen assured, "what's going on? You've been really quiet all weekend and clinging to Teddy?"

"A lot," Danika said, "do I have to go to school tomorrow?"

"You do," Owen said, "what's happening? Why don't you want to go?"

"I don't like the other girls," Danika said.

"What happened," Owen asked, "is this about Friday?"

Danika shrugged.

"Are people saying rude things," Owen asked.

"Sometimes," Danika said, "and mean things about Teddy."

"Like what," Owen asked.

"They called her a slut," Danika said, "I know what that word means."

"And you know it's wrong," Owen said, "your sister is the most loyal person I know."

"And people don't believe she's my sister but we did the DNA test so I know it's true," Danika said.

"You focus on the truth," Owen said as he sat on the window seat.

"It's hard," Danika said, "no one believes me and my English teacher makes it worse."

"I'll come Monday and talk to her," Owen said.

"She doesn't like me," Danika said.

"You're smarter than her kiddo," Owen said, "but she is your teacher and you need to be respectful."

"She won't let me do my book report on the book I want," Danika said, "she said the Kite Runner isn't appropriate. But I borrowed it from you. Both you and Teddy said I could read it and we've talked about it."

"We have," Owen said, "I think you learned a lot."

"I did," Danika said, "it made sense. It made more sense then The Outsiders."

"I didn't like the outsiders," Owen said, "I think you liked talking about the book with us."

"I did," Danika said, "you let me have my own opinions and ideas."

"As long as you can argue for it and defend it," Owen said, "I think you need some fresh air and ice cream. I need exercise so let's go tell Teddy and get the bikes."

"Is the strange guy gone," Danika asked.

"Nathan Riggs," Owen said, "I've known him a long time all through college and medical school. He's safe."

"Teddy," Danika asked.

"Will agree," Owen said, "just say hello when he comes by to see Meg."

"Does he know why I live here," Danika asked.

"I don't know what Meghan has told him," Owen said, "would you like me to go down and explain and you can quietly tell Teddy what you and I are doing?"

"Okay," Danika agreed.

In the kitchen Meghan was filling a water bottle before their hike.

"Riggs," Owen greeted.

"Owen," Nathan said, "where is everyone?"

"Teddy and Allison are asleep," Owen said, "Danika was working on a book report but we're taking a break to go for a bike ride."

"I saw Danika the other night then she ran in," Nathan said, "and I really want to meet your daughter properly."

"Maybe she'll be awake when you get back," Owen said.

"What's going on with Danika? She's been in her room since breakfast," Meghan said.

"Some friend stuff at school," Owen said.

"She's okay," Meghan asked.

"It's such a small school she only has 40 in her grade," Owen said, "Riggs we should do the quick explanation of Danika."

"Meg said Teddy has custody because their dad passed away before we met Teddy," Nathan said.

"Danika lost her mom a year ago," Owen said, "she had been boarding at the ballet school 49-50 weeks a year and Teddy was denied physical access to Danika. She could call and write but not actually see her sister. Teddy is the only living adult on either side of Danika."

"Meghan said something about rules," Nathan said.

"Let her come to you and talk to you when she's ready," Owen said, "we let her decide when she's comfortable with someone. Her opening up to me is new."

"Who did she call Friday," Meghan asked.

"Texted both," Owen said, "we have a conversation with all three of us. Mainly telling her who is picking her up from school."

"I can do it once I get a car," Meghan offered.

"Thanks," Owen said, "Teddy is home until October or November so she'll do most of it."

"How is Teddy," Nathan asked.

"Tired," Owen said, "Allison keeps her up all night."

"Newborn," Nathan said.

"Exactly and she operated the night before for the train derailment," Owen said.

"Why did you bring Danika," Meghan asked.

"A we can't leave her home alone yet. She's too young and gets scared," Owen said, "and she learns to be helpful in a crisis. She can offer coffee, water and snacks. Webber does it with Patrick as well."

"Webber has a kid," Nathan said.

"His nephew goes to school with Danika," Owen said, "Patrick is a good kid. There's three of them that hang out a lot, Danika, Patrick and Emilia."

Danika knocked on Teddy's bedroom door.

"Owen," Teddy said groggily.

"Me," Danika said.

"Come here," Teddy said.

"Still tired," Danika asked.

"Yes, Teddy said, "I might be for a while. You okay? You've been quiet all weekend. Did something happen Friday night?"

"People said some stuff," Danika shrugged.

"About me," Teddy asked.

Danika nodded.

"What did they say," Teddy asked.

"Something about you and Allison," Danika whispered.

"A word that starts with a W," Teddy asked.

"I know it's not true but it made me mad," Danika said.

"What do you know is the truth," Teddy asked.

"You and Owen are together and love each other," Danika said, "they don't think I should live here. But if I wasn't here I'd be in a foster home wouldn't I?"

"You would be," Teddy agreed, "why did you listen to those girls?"

"Because Breanna, Julie and Michelle are the cool ones and popular," Danika said, "everyone wants to be like them."

"Why are they cool," Teddy asked, "what makes them cool?"

"They just are," Danika said, "they have been since the seventh grade."

"Do any of them board," Teddy asked.

"I was in the same house as Julie," Danika said.

"So she knows about your mom," Teddy said.

"She would," Danika said, "her big sister is at UW and would come take Julie out or buy her alcohol."

"That's where it comes from," Teddy said.

"Yes," Danika said, "I don't want to drink. My mom was always drunk. It was Julie that used the W word. I know what it is, mom's boyfriends used to call her that."

"You ignore that," Teddy said, "it's not your worry."

"It's hard when she spreads rumors," Danika said.

"It is," Teddy said, "what do you need?"

"The stranger to leave and then Owen wanted to go for a bike ride," Danika said.

"Stranger," Teddy said, "it sounds like Nathan Riggs downstairs."

"That's who Owen said it is," Danika agreed.

"Safe," Teddy assured, "like you did with Owen, say hi and then talk more as you're comfortable. He's Meghan's boyfriend."

"Will he move in two," Danika asked.

"No when they're ready she'll move out," Teddy said, "Meghan is temporary."

"Isn't she working with you," Danika asked.

"She is," Teddy said, "and so is Nathan."

"Do I have to meet him," Danika asked.

"I want you to," Teddy said, "Owen and Meghan are downstairs from the sound of it."

"Will he judge," Danika asked.

"No," Teddy said, "he knew how much I used to miss you."

"I'll stay here until he leaves," Danika said.

"What if I came down," Teddy asked.

"You were asleep," Danika said.

"I was laying here watching Allison sleep," Teddy said, "I can put a clean shirt on and come down."

"I want to just sit with you," Danika said.

"A few more minutes," Teddy said, "I've hardly spent time with you this week."

"You've been busy," Danika said.

"I have," Teddy said, "I still want you to come sit with me and talk."

"I'm okay," Danika said.

"This gossip and girl stuff is bugging you isn't it," Teddy said.

"It is," Danika said, "do I have to go tomorrow?"

"Yes," Teddy said, "but I'll pick up and drop off."

"Just you," Danika asked.

"Maybe Owen or Meghan if Allison is really fussy," Teddy said, "but I want to do it. I like our drives to and from school. You talk."

"We sing," Danika said.

"We can," Teddy said, "teach Allison about good music."

"My music," Danika asked.

"We will never agree," Teddy laughed.

"Why do people say mean things," Danika asked.

"Because they don't know how to do anything else," Teddy said, "you don't have to take it. Be polite but stand up for yourself. You don't need to be put down and you won't accept it."

"How," Danika asked.

"Another day we will practice," Teddy said, "Meghan is the best at it. For now tell Julie to stop and focus on the truth."

"If Owen is your boyfriend does it mean that one day he'll leave like mom's boyfriends," Danika asked.

"Did your mom have a lot of boyfriends," Teddy asked.

"Always someone different when I was home," Danika said, "they weren't nice."

"I should have been there Dani," Teddy said, putting her arms around her sister.

"You had your life you thought I was with my mom," Danika said, "you called every week and emailed every few days. I heard from you more than from mom."

"When dad died I should have looked for work here, closer to you," Teddy said.

"Your mom was in New York and your roommate that liked birds," Danika said.

"The first Allison," Teddy said, "you liked her."

"She was nice," Danika said, "she pointed out all the birds and made bird calls at the window to make them come to that little metal deck."

"The fire escape," Teddy said, "Allison loved birds and thought you were pretty cute. You were 6 it was weeks before dad got diagnosed."

"Did you know before you came," Danika asked.

"I did," Teddy said, "dad called me. I was talking to his doctors but I was new and dad didn't want me to leave my job, it was my dream job. He wanted me to stay. I would call and talk to him every couple days."

"You would be on the phone when dad read my story," Danika remembered.

"I would go to the library and pick up the same book dad wanted to read to you so I had my copy to read," Teddy said.

"I remember that," Danika said, "dad would turn the page but you read."

"I had a copy with me," Teddy said, "every Sunday."

"Why," Danika asked.

"I missed you and loved you," Teddy said.

"But you didn't come for years," Danika said.

"Your mom wouldn't let me," Teddy said, "I was doing everything I could to fight her. I wanted to see you. I had a plan in place to fight it. You called me on Friday and I was going to put the plan in place on Monday. I'm sorry I didn't fight for you sweetheart. I should have fought for you. It's been bugging me all week. The thought of no one fighting for Allison scares me then I realized I didn't fight for you. I'm sorry."

"Teddy I'm okay," Danika said, "you came when I needed you. You never asked you just came."

"I will always come," Teddy promised, "anywhere on the planet."

"So if I become an astronaut and go to the moon you wouldn't come," Danika asked.

"I don't think astronauts can bring their big sisters to space," Teddy said, "I will always come. I love you."

"I love you two," Danika said.

Allison began to fuss in her bassinet.

"Snack time," Teddy said, "you can stay here and keep chatting or go get ready for your bike ride."

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

"Its your choice," Teddy said, "where were you going on a bike ride?"

"Beach and ice cream," Danika said, "when can you come on a bike ride?"

"You and I can go when my doctor says I'm allowed to work out again," Teddy said, "maybe after summer session finishes."

"What about Allison," Danika asked.

"We can find a baby seat to put on Owen's bike for Allison," Teddy said, "family bike ride and we're doing the camping trip again Owen already booked the camp site."

"Can a baby go camping," Danika asked.

"She can," Teddy said, "I thought maybe you could invite Emilia?"

"I was waiting for you to be less tired before I asked if I could go with her family in July," Danika said.

"Jen texted me yesterday," Teddy said, "you can go. I've already asked Jen and she said Em can come with us."

"I'll text her back and say yes then invite her on our trip," Danika said getting up.

"Okay have fun and see you later," Teddy said, "when you guys get back we hang out in the back yard."

"Okay," Danika said.

"Close the door behind you," Teddy said.

"I will," Danika said, "see you later."

"Have fun," Teddy said, "sunscreen."

Danika went back to her room and got her phone and a pair of socks. She went down stairs and stood watching in the kitchen door, she had to go through the kitchen door but Owen and Meghan were talking to Nathan.

"Danika," Owen said, "almost ready?"

"I need my helmet," Danika said.

"In the garage with your bike," Owen said, "your water bottle is here."

Meghan went to stand closer to Danika, remembering how Teddy had stood close to the teen when she was first introduced, "Danika this is Nathan Riggs my friend."

"All of our friend," Owen said, "Riggs, this is Teddy's sister Danika, she lives with us."

"Its nice to meet you," Nathan said reaching to shake Danika's hand.

"You two," Danika whispered.

"Where's your sister," Meghan asked.

"Feeding Allison," Danika said.

"I want to see her," Nathan said.

"If Teddy brings her down before you go," Owen said, "soon. No one outside of our family has held her yet."

"Biggest baby hog," Nathan asked.

"Teddy," Danika and Meghan said together.

"You both take her every chance you get," Owen said.

"I got to read a story to her yesterday," Danika said, "one I remember dad and Teddy reading to me."

"Let's give Meg and Nathan space kiddo," Owen said, "grab your water bottle and sunscreen."

"That stuff stinks," Danika complained.

"You're putting it on," Owen said, "I am two."

"Have fun," Meghan called as they walked into the garage.

Meghan led Nathan to the door, "I think Teddy wants some time alone."

"Lets go for our picnic," Nathan said.

"I'm looking forward to it," Meghan smiled, "I like this starting over."

"So do I," Nathan said with a gentle kiss.

"I saw that Riggs," Teddy called from the top of the stairs.

"Where's Allison," Meghan asked.

"Asleep again," Teddy said, "I'm going to leave her in her bassinet and change our sheets and clean the upstairs bathrooms."

"I'll do the one Danika and I use later," Meghan said, "she did it a couple days ago it's my turn."

"Teddy can I see Allison," Nathan asked.

"I just got her back down," Teddy said, "when you come back."

"We should go," Meghan said, "let you have some space."

"See you later," Teddy said, "have fun."

Teddy changed the sheets on her and Owen's bed and tidied their room, she had been spending a lot of time here with Allison, some how the baby settled best in their room she wondered if it was cuddling their daughter in their bed, did Allison pick up her parents smells from the bedding? This was also where Teddy went to hide and catch her breath or melt down. Teddy had missed Danika coming to sit and talk with her like that over the last few weeks. Teddy liked sitting with Danika and talking, letting her sister say what was on her mind. Teddy knew that they would have to finish their conversation about what was going on at school, she knew Jen Kandler was concerned as well as the Webbers. There was something going on with the popular group but Danika had done the right thing the other night.

Reaching the beach and sitting on a bench with their ice cream Danika asked, "are you sure this is okay me staying?"

"I want you to stay," Owen said, "it's our family. Do you want to go back to school full time?"

"No," Danika said, "but you have Allison now."

"Its four of us," Owen said.

"Why can you be okay with me and mom's boyfriends hated me," Danika said.

"Because I've gotten to know you," Owen said, "did they ever talk to you?"

"I was to stay in my room with my door locked," Danika said.

"Did you ever tell anyone," Owen asked.

"No," Danika said, "it's just what mom told me to do."

"Is that why you looked scared of Nathan and took a while to trust me," Owen asked.

"I don't know," Danika admitted.

"I've known Nathan longer than I've known Teddy, probably since you were a baby," Owen said, "you're safe with him. We will not have people in the house unless we know you and Allison are safe with them. I promise."

"Are you staying," Danika asked.

"I am," Owen said, "this week has been hectic and off our routine but I go to work tomorrow and Teddy will be home."

"Why does only Teddy stay home if Allison is both of your baby," Danika asked.

"That's just the way it works," Owen said, "babies need their moms."

"And dads," Danika said, "I think I spent more time with my dad when I was little. You never answered how you can be okay with me being around all the time."

"You're family," Owen said, "and families stay together no matter what. Ours looks a little different but it's our family. I booked the camping trip."

"Teddy told me and to invite Em," Danika smiled.

"Is Em coming," Owen asked.

"She has to ask her mom," Danika replied, "but I think Mrs. Kandler will say yes."

"You're going with them," Owen said.

"For a few days between school getting out and summer session," Danika said, "Em and Patrick are my only friends at school."

"For years I only had Teddy and Riggs for friends," Owen said, "you only need one or two good ones. You don't have to be the most popular. Those girls aren't the ones you want to be friends with."

"Then why are they cool," Danika asked.

"Because no one stands up to them and challenges them," Owen said, "you don't need to be popular. Be yourself, do the things you like to do and you find people like you."

"I can't say it at school but I don't know if I want to dance for a company," Danika said, "I want to help people. Ballerinas don't help people."

"We can help you figure that out," Owen said, "medicine?"

"Maybe," Danika said, "maybe something like what Brenda does."

"Psychiatry or counselling," Owen said, "there's colleges with dance programs you could go to one of those. We can start looking at colleges."

"Where did you go," Danika asked.

"Oregon for pre med then Harvard for medical school," Owen said, "you can go anywhere you want for college. We will help you work it all out, applications, your SAT and ACT is not negotiable."

"Did you decide that," Danika asked.

"We did I'm just the first to tell you," Owen said.

"How long have you been doing that," Danika asked, looking skeptical.

"Christmas time," Owen said, "Teddy and I are a team."

"But you don't have to," Danika said.

"I want to," Owen replied.

"Why," Danika asked, "sucking up to Teddy?"

"No," Owen said, "you're you. I'm glad you're talking to me now and trust me."

Danika, having had enough of the conversation, asked, "can we keep riding?"

"Loop along the beach then head home," Owen asked.

"Sure," Danika agreed.

They finished their ride and put the bikes in the garage.

"How was it," Teddy asked as they came though the kitchen.

"Good,' Danika said.

"Go get cleaned up and why don't we all go for a drive I need out," Teddy said.

"I'm going to shower," Owen said.

Danika went to sit with Teddy, "can I play with Allison?"

"Do you want to hold her so I can get cleaned up and go to the washroom," Teddy asked.

"Can I read to her again," Danika asked.

"You can," Teddy agreed.

Danika grabbed a couple books and took Allison from Teddy.

Teddy followed Owen upstairs.

"How was it," Teddy asked.

"She talked," Owen said, "her mom's boyfriends. She'd have to lock her room."

"I've wondered," Teddy said, "she's telling us now this is good."

"It is," Owen agreed, "and she has to keep seeing Brenda."

"She will," Teddy said, "until Brenda discharges her as a patient. Anything else I should know?"

"College over dancing," Owen said, "she's been told about her SAT and ACT and that we will help however she needs us to."

"Thank you," Teddy said, "you didn't have to do that."

"Teddy we are a team," Owen said, "you can't do it all yourself as much as you are trying to. You have me and we will do it all together."

Teddy put her arms around his neck and kissed him, "I love you."

"I love you more," Owen said before kissing her again.

Thoughts? Ideas? Comments?