The regular school year had ended and Allison was now a month old. Owen parked the truck in the Kandler's driveway, it was the first time they would be taking Allison out with them to see friends, well Danika's friends parents.
"How many kids do they have again," Owen asked.
"Em is the oldest of 7," Danika said, "the youngest is one."
"So they'll understand when Allison gets fussy," Teddy said.
"They will," Owen said, squeezing her hand.
"We look like a normal family," Teddy said.
"They know," Danika said, "they invited the Webbers and Lizzie's family."
"So four from your class," Owen asked.
"Yes," Danika said.
"Dani, can you grab the salad," Teddy asked as she got out of the truck.
"See normal family things," Owen said.
"Until I call you Teddy and Owen," Danika giggled.
Teddy lifted the car seat out of the back, leaving the currently sleeping baby in it the less they moved Allison while she was asleep the longer she would sleep.
Jen, Emelia's mom answered the door, "you all made it."
"We were looking forward to it," Teddy said, "have you met Owen?"
"I've seen him drive the kids home but we haven't met," Jen said, "this is my husband Craig."
"Owen," Owen said, shaking Craig's hand.
"Good to meet you," Craig replied, "thanks for bringing Emmy home from that party a couple weeks ago."
"Half the kids from that ended up in the ER," Owen said, "it was good they called when they did."
"How do you know half the kids went to the ER," Craig asked.
"I'm the head of trauma surgery at Seattle Grace," Owen said, "I run the ER. I saw the reports when I went in on Monday and four of the kids were still in the hospital."
"Is anything being done," Craig asked.
"Two of the kids were in the hospital for four days," Owen said.
"Teddy what do you do," Craig asked.
"I'm a cardio surgeon," Teddy said, "Seattle Grace as well. I'm off for a while with Allison."
"Allison is your youngest," Craig said.
"Danika is my sister," Teddy said, "Allison is Owen and my daughter."
"How's she doing," Jen asked.
"Finally sleeping longer than 90 minutes," Teddy said.
"How old," Craig asked.
"She'll be 4 weeks on Monday," Teddy said.
"How are you doing," Jen asked.
"I'm good," Teddy said, "two is a lot I don't know you manage seven."
"It's hectic," Craig admitted, "but we wouldn't do anything else."
"I work from home so it helps," Jen said.
"What do you do," Owen inquired.
"I do family law," Jen said.
"I'm a social worker," Craig said.
"Another time I'll have to call you about a couple things with Danika," Teddy said.
"Emmy told me about her mom," Jen said, "what about her dad?"
"Our dad," Teddy said, "we lost him eight and a half years ago. Dani was 7."
"You have custody," Craig said.
"I do," Teddy said, " but I need to figure out designating Owen as my official back up."
There was another knock, and the Kandler's let the Webbers in.
"Chief," Teddy greeted.
"Richard," Richard said, "not at work Teddy."
"Patrick the girls are in the backyard," Jen said, "Craig built a giant jenga set. I think they're getting that set up. Teddy, Adele, do you want wine?"
"I'm not drinking," Teddy said, "thank you though."
"We don't drink," Adele said.
"Beer," Craig offered.
Owen looked at Teddy who nodded.
"That sounds great," Owen said.
"Richard," Craig asked.
"I don't drink," Richard said.
The last family arrived and Lizzie ran to the backyard to join Danika, Emilia and Patrick who were playing giant jenga on the grass.
The eight adults sat around the patio table talking and laughing, getting to know eachother. The conversation turned to what was going on at the school. Lizzie's mom Tammy spoke first, "does any one know whats going on with the Breanna and Julie group?"
Teddy gave Owen's foot a nudge under the table.
"That group seems a bit wild," Jen said.
"We picked Danika, Patrick and Emilia up early from Breanna's birthday party," Owen said, "we should have gotten Lizzie."
"Lizzie didn't go, she was grounded for talking back to the english teacher," Doug, Lizzie's dad said.
"We've had nothing but problems in english this year," Jen said.
"I've met with her a few times," Craig added.
"She cares but she's not trained for teenagers," Owen said, "I knew her years ago."
"College," Doug asked.
"We dated for a while," Owen said, "when I knew her she was teaching second grade."
"You dated the english teacher," Doug said.
"It ended while I was deployed," Owen said.
"Military," Tammy said.
"We both were," Teddy said, "combat surgeons, we worked together. Owen came home a year and a half ago and I've been home just over a year."
"How long have you been together," Tammy asked.
"A year," Owen said, "once Teddy moved to Seattle."
"We've known each other six or seven years," Teddy said, "it was just hard to date over there."
"This school stuff, what are you doing about it," Doug asked.
"Keeping Patrick with kids we know and trust," Adele said, "he's our nephew."
"Knowing where Danika is and going to get her if needed," Teddy said, "the four of them hang out a lot and now that we're in more of a routine and the summer schedule is lighter they can hang out at our house. I'm home all the time."
"Our house is always open," Adele said, "I think Patrick wanted to have the girls come swim this week."
"Lizzie would appreciate it," Tammy said.
"Wednesday," Adele suggested.
"What can I send with Em," Jen asked.
"Adele let me know if I can send anything with Danika," Teddy said.
"After you had him at your house the night before you had Allison," Adele said, "Richard and I always wanted kids and we couldn't. I love having Patrick and his friends around. You could have had him stay at the hospital with Richard Teddy. You didn't have to bring Patrick home with you that night. Danika could have stayed with them."
"They were with Meghan down stairs. I was upstairs," Teddy said, "I was fine at the hospital and eating dinner it wasn't until I got home that I realized and Meghan was home."
"Meghan just started in trauma," Richard said, "she's getting along well with the second cardio attending."
"Nathan Riggs," Teddy said, "there's history. How's Yang with him?"
"Sucking up," Owen said
"Residents," Teddy said, shaking her head.
"Does anyone else worry about over training," Tammy asked.
"We're watching for injuries," Teddy said.
"They add an hour of dance a day next year and lose visual arts and music," Jen said.
"Danika will miss art," Teddy said.
Allison began to fuss.
"Do you need to warm a bottle," Jen asked.
"Is there somewhere quiet I could take her," Teddy asked.
"Of course," Jen said, "use my office."
"Where is it," Teddy asked.
"I'll show you then get a couple things for dinner going," Jen said.
"I'll help," Tammy said.
"What can I do," Adele asked.
"I've got it," Jen said. She could see Teddy might not want a lot of people around.
The four women went inside leaving the men on the patio and the four teens jumping on the trampoline.
"Danika is your step daughter," Doug said to Owen.
"Sister in law," Owen said, "Teddy and Danika had the same dad."
"Em said something about that," Craig said, "how's that going?"
"This month has been an adjustment," Owen admitted, "Allison, Teddy and my daughter will be four weeks on Monday."
"Two kids," Doug said, "Lizzie is our only child."
"Seven," Craig said.
"Our nephew," Richard said, "we weren't that lucky."
"It's good," Craig said, "busy but good."
"We're enjoying it," Owen said.
"Robbins is missing Altman," Richard said.
"Tell Robbins to come by," Owen said.
"Have your kids said anything about the bullying the teachers are turning a blind eye to," Doug asked.
"Danika has mentioned things," Owen said.
"Patrick has," Richard agreed.
"Em is upset," Craig added, "we've discussed pulling her because of it."
"It's crossed our minds," Owen said.
"The eleven hour days," Richard said.
"Works for our schedule," Owen said, "Teddy wants shorter days when she comes back."
"We'll talk another time, Hunt," Richard said.
"Does anyone hear anything," Doug asked, "I get school was good."
"Danika will talk to Teddy or my sister," Owen said, "the kids sometimes forget Teddy and I are the adults becuase they all call us by our first names. We want Danika being polite with all of you and Mr and Mrs or Dr. Teddy is Dani's sister, I'm the brother in law it's not the same so we use first names and I don't want to be Dr. Hunt at home, I think Teddy would be annoyed if they started calling her Dr. Altman."
"Lizzie said they had to do that on the field trip and Teddy asked who was dying," Doug laughed.
"Patrick uses Dr and your first names," Richard said.
"When you're around or Adele," Owen said, "they both use Dr. for the adults at the hospital."
"That other group is smoking and drinking," Doug said.
"I know," Owen said, "Danika lost her dad to lung cancer so she'll never want to smoke."
"Just talk to them," Craig said, "keep lines of communication open. They made good choices a couple weeks ago."
"I should have sent Adele," Richard said, "the text I got was that Dr. Owen was picking up then you're in our driveway with Teddy and Allison."
"I was just going to go then Teddy had to see Danika was okay for herself," Owen said.
At the hospital Meghan scrubbed into a trauma on an eleven year old.
"We haven't worked together yet," Arizona said.
"I'm Meghan Hunt," Meghan said.
"Arizona Robbins," Arizona said, "Hunt, you're related to Owen then."
"My brother," Meghan said.
"I've talked to Teddy but haven't seen them since she was discharged," Arizona said, "how are they doing? How's Allison?"
"Allison is adorable," Meghan said, "they're good. The four of them went to a friend of Danika's tonight."
"Teddy's give Danika a normal childhood project," Arizona said.
"Yes," Meghan said, "that's a project."
"How's Danika," Arizona asked.
"Shy," Meghan said, "there's something happening at school no one can figure out. But Owen's ex fiancé is the English teacher. I don't think it's English class though. I think there's an out group and an in group and Danika isn't popular."
"You said they were at one of Danika's friends," Arizona replied.
"There's a group of four of them," Meghan said, "Danika, Patrick, Emilia and Lizzie. Patrick is the chief's nephew."
"They volunteer in peds," Arizona said, "I had to sign the forms. Nice kids, they're helping with the summer carnival. The four of them come every other Sunday to volunteer."
"That's normal kid stuff," Meghan said, "not 4 or 5 hours of ballet a day. I've seen them perform. She's good but it's too much. "
"Teddy had me do a full work up," Arizona said, "so has Webber. Any kids get hurt there and they come here. What about you are you staying?"
"For now," Meghan said, "I might go back to the army or work with vets but I never did a fellowship so this is mine."
"How did they not make you do a fellowship," Arizona asked.
"War and they needed surgeons. I have the experience it's just the year to get that piece of paper," Meghan replied.
"Then what," Arizona asked.
"Maybe military, we'll see what Nathan wants," Meghan said.
"No kids," Arizona said.
"One day," Meghan said, "seeing baby Allison I really want one."
"She was just precious when I saw her," Arizona said, "seriously how is Teddy?"
"Adjusting," Meghan said, "totally in love with Allison. But I think she's getting a little bored. Teddy can't sit still or sit around; she's always busy."
"It's been a month," Arizona said.
"She's off until October," Meghan replied, "let her be a mom. She hasn't had down time since before med school."
"Army to here and having Danika," Arizona said.
"You know them well," Meghan replied.
"We were both new here and I decided she was my new best friend," Arizona said, "she doesn't go out much though, even before Owen and Allison."
"She's trying to shelter Danika and keep her close to home," Meghan explained.
"Danika almost went to a ballet summer camp in New York," Arizona said, "Teddy changed her mind about Danika going away."
"Six week program vs a three week," Meghan said, "they want to go camping a couple times, take the bikes out, Danika is going to a friend's cabin for a few days in Oregon."
"What about you," Arizona said.
"I'm covering trauma so my brother can be a dad," Meghan said, "Owen has wanted kids since we were kids."
"An infant and a teenager," Arizona said.
"It's not maybe what we expected but he's happy," Meghan said, "I was happy to come home and find him with Teddy. They should have been together years ago but he was engaged before."
"She showed up at the hospital just before Teddy got here," Arizona said, "it didn't go well."
"Beth was awful," Meghan said, "I prayed he would be with anyone but her."
"So Teddy," Arizona asked.
"My first choice for him," Meghan agreed.
"If you're staying in Seattle for a while will you find your own place," Arizona asked.
"Nathan and I have talked about it," Meghan said, "my brother, sister in law and a teenage chaperone. There's no privacy in that house."
"Teddy's house is nice," Arizona stated.
"It is," Meghan said, "definitely bought with the idea of her and Dani and then maybe Owen moving in if things worked."
"It's nice though," Arizona said, "it feels like a home."
Teddy joined the other moms back in the Kandlers kitchen.
"Happy girl now," Jen asked.
"Much happier fed and changed," Teddy smiled, "she's getting more alert."
"Awake for longer," Tammy asked.
"Yes and less nocturnal," Teddy said
"Does anyone know what's happening with Jillian," Jen asked.
"She's been spending more time with breanna and Michelle," Teddy said, "I took a group on the space center trip for anatomy."
"That was like six weeks ago," Tammy said, "you went?"
"I wanted to," Teddy said, "they had the body works exhibit with all the bodies for the kids to look at. I wanted to see it and to help explain it to them, show Danika a bit more of what I do at work."
"Are you a nurse," Tammy asked.
"Surgeon," Teddy replied.
"That must have been hard having a child on your own and training as a surgeon," Tammy commented.
"Danika is my half sister," Teddy replied, "we have the same dad."
"You seriously went on the anatomy field trip how long before you had your daughter," Tammy asked,
"Three weeks," Teddy said, "Allison was a week early."
"She's okay," Jen asked.
"She's good," Teddy said, "she's pretty attached to me and Owen though."
"That's normal," Jen said, "How did Danika take it?"
"She's pretty flexible," Teddy said, "some reassurance but it's okay. We're all doing well."
"It's been nice getting to know her this year," Jen said, " Em would talk about her but she was never allowed off campus."
"Her mom wouldn't let me see her either," Teddy said, "then Danika called me in tears to tell me about what happened. I had just left the army so flew out here to be with Danika."
"How has the year gone," Jen asked.
"It's been good," Teddy said, "this summer will be fun."
"We'll have them all swimming after summer session a few times," Adele said.
"I like the early days for summer," Tammy said, "give her time to be a kid."
"They look like they're having fun," Adele said.
"It's a nice group," Jen said.
"Danika wants them all to come over but I need a couple more weeks with Allison," Teddy said, "I've said she can have them all sleep over when summer session ends, a backyard camp out."
"She's your first we understand," Jen said, "if you need help or rides for Danika let us know."
"Thank you," Teddy smiled, "Owen's sister is staying with us for a while so Meghan drives as well."
"Your first is a big adjustment," Tammy said.
"It's more than I expected," Teddy admitted.
"Anything we can do," Tammy offered.
"I should be used to the sleep deprivation but it's catching up to me," Teddy said.
"It gets better," Jen said.
"How you did that seven times I don't know," Teddy said.
"You just do and you love them all," Jen said, "I'm just going to take this out to the BBQ for Craig."
When dinner was served the kids sat on picnic blankets in the grass with their meals. Teddy and Owen laid Allison in her carseat while they ate. They were enjoying the conversation with the other families, it was nice to have an evening where they weren't doctors and could just enjoy their kids. They knew Danika was Teddy's sister, but in so many ways they were her parental figures.
Driving home that night Owen said, "what did you think of that?"
"It was fun," Danika said, "can we have them all over soon?"
"We will before summer ends," Teddy said, "I'm just not ready to host yet, let Allison get a bit bigger. Do you want to go to Oregon at the end of the week?"
"I'm looking forward to it," Danika said, "are you sure I can go?"
"We want you to," Teddy said, "you should go play on the beach with your friends and go hiking."
"Craig wants you to bring your bike," Owen said.
"Can I bring your skimboard," Danika asked.
"I bought that for you," Owen said, "take it to the beach with your friends."
"I really want to go," Danika said, "I like things like that."
"Your kite and sand buckets are in a bin in the garage," Owen said.
"Jen mentioned they have a boat," Teddy said.
"We'll have to get a life jacket that fits," Owen said, "I'd feel better knowing you have one that fits right."
"Owen it's fine," Danika argued.
"This falls under your health and safety," Teddy replied, "our decision."
"Our," Danika asked.
"Our," Teddy repeated, "we're adding Owen to the paperwork."
"Since when," Danika asked.
"This week," Teddy replied, "it's going to make things better with school and if you get hurt or sick."
"It was my idea," Owen said, "is that okay?"
"What does it change," Danika asked.
"So Owen can meet with your teachers if I can't get there, make a decision in an emergency without waiting for me, sign permission slips," Teddy explained, "at home it's still listening to and respecting both of us. I'm still the only one that can touch your trust until your 21."
"Why now," Danika asked.
"We're living as a family," Owen said, "it makes sense."
"I know it's morbid but what if something happens to Teddy," Danika asked.
"You stay with me," Owen said.
"I've set it so Owen and Meghan would be your guardians," Teddy said.
"Both," Danika asked.
"Both," Teddy confirmed.
"Nothings going to happen," Owen said, "in a few years you'll be off to college and leaving us behind."
"If I'm smart enough," Danika said.
"We'll help," Teddy said, "do you want to stay at park ridge? Or we could look at the school in our neighborhood."
"My friends are all at park ridge," Danika said, "I don't want to be the new girl."
"It's up to you," Teddy said, "we can look but it's your choice."
"My friends are staying," Danika said, "Emilia got a big scholarship."
"She did," Teddy replied, "gives her another year."
"I applied but my marks aren't good enough for a merit one," Danika said.
"And you don't need one," Teddy replied.
"For summer can I have home lunches like Lizzie and Emilia," Danika asked.
"Not hot lunch," Teddy asked.
"I'm bored of it," Danika said, "and summer is just sandwiches with all the extra kids."
"We can do that," Owen said.
"Lunch is included in your summer program," Teddy said, "look at the menu and decide what days you want what."
"Dani, is there a lot of bullying going on," Owen asked.
"They call Patrick gay but he's not and Jillian started hanging out with Breanna and Michelle so she's started teasing us," Danika admitted.
"Stick with your friends and stand up for them," Teddy said.
"I'm staying out of it," Danika said, "if it doesn't involve me or my friends I walk away."
"Who taught you that," Teddy asked.
"Tatiana," Danika said, "Danika it is not your issue you make it worse by saying something."
They pulled into the driveway.
"We'll talk about the bullying another time," Teddy said, "you have to tell us or an adult you feel comfortable with if it's happening to you."
"I blend in," Danika said.
"But you got put in the top academic band and honors classes. You can do APs in your junior and senior year," Owen said.
"Because you guys help me I'm not actually smart," Danika said.
"Did you read your report card," Teddy asked.
"Just the grades. The teachers copy and paste comments," Danika replied, "I have to do 40 volunteer hours this summer."
"The hospital," Owen said.
Teddy took Allison out of the back seat, "Dani go shower we have an early morning."
"What are we doing," Danika asked.
"My mom is having a brunch thing to celebrate Allison and that Meghan is home," Owen said.
"Then after dinner can I go to youth group with Em and Lizzie," Danika asked.
"It is church but you can if you want," Teddy said, "go see what it is. Find out where and when."
"Can I see what it is," Danika asked.
"Go," Teddy said, "we'll drive you."
"Thank you for doing that tonight," Danika said.
"I enjoyed it," Teddy said, "they're good people."
"We're kinda the dorks of our class," Danika said.
"I'd rather you be a dork and be yourself," Teddy said, "I was a huge dork at your age. All I was interested in was biology."
"I was a massive nerd," Owen said.
"Will Allison be one," Danika asked.
"She will be herself," Teddy said, "just like you are going to keep being you. Not who your mom wanted you to be, or who you think we want you to be. Dad would have wanted you to be you, to keep reading everything you can get your hands on, to ask your millions of questions and be you. We love you exactly as you are."
Allison began to fuss.
"I'm going to go get her ready for bed," Teddy said, "we need to leave around 8:30."
"Good night," Danika said as they parted ways on the landing.
"Good night," Teddy said, giving Danika a one armed hug.
"Night Teddy, Night Allison," Danika said.
"Good night Dani," Owen said.
"Night Owen," Danika said.
