Alyssa's volleyball team was playing in a tournament in Seattle, she still played on a club team for fun.
"Where are we going," Megan asked Owen when he pushed the wheelchair into the parking lot.
"Lyss has a volleyball tournament this weekend," Owen said, "we're going to see her play. Grey knows. We have 4 hours. We'll see two games."
"Alyssa," Megan said.
"She prefers Lyss," Owen corrected.
"I'm trying," Megan said, "she's not."
"This is Lyss trying," Owen said, "Megan she's 24."
"She's not my little girl," Megan said.
"No she's not," Owen said, "she's fiercely independent. There's only a few people she's fully open with. She's the one everyone goes to. The women I chose taught her that. Teddy, Christina, Amelia to a degree."
"Lyss," Megan said.
"Lyss," Owen agreed, "it's a volleyball tournament. Her coed team. She's on a coed and a women's team. She'll get lots of court time today they have to have two women on the court at all times and there's only 3 on the team."
"Is she good," Megan asked as Owen helped her into his truck.
"I hate not having abs," Megan groaned.
"Lyss is a good player," Owen said, "she gets competitive and aggressive. Like her mom. She's actually a lot like you. She's going to do things her own way and we have to let her. She's 24."
"I know how old she is," Megan snapped.
"She's got to do it her way," Owen said, "and when she stumbles she calls. I go if she needs or wants me."
"How do you know she needs you," Megan asked.
"I get this Uncle Owen and she sounds you, little and scared," Owen said.
"Last time that happened," Megan asked.
"Six, seven months ago," Owen said, "just before she got her truck. It was already in the works; she rebuilt it from a wreck with her uncle Don. But she got rear ended badly on her way to work. Fractured her clavicle."
"She was okay," Megan asked.
"I drove up but she didn't need me," Owen said, "by the time I got there she was waiting for X-rays but Doug had driven her to the hospital and was waiting with her, Don had trailered her car to his house. She was shaken up."
"Fighting the insurance company," Megan asked.
"About her car but not medical. BC has great health care and she has extended at work for the dentist and eye doctor," Owen said, "it's Canada they have universal health care."
"And it works," Megan said.
"Sometimes she has to wait," Owen said, "she got run down and couldn't shake a cough but doesn't have a PCP so went to a walk in clinic and had to wait three hours to see the doctor then another two hours at the lab for blood work but she didn't pay for anything. Her clavicle she waited for X-rays but her spine had been cleared and she had been checked for head injuries. And it was free. Their ER was running well. Busy and understaffed but where isn't. She wasn't urgent she was triaged."
"Have there been emergencies," Megan asked, "other than her appendix?"
"When she got bronchitis and Teddy didn't like the sound of her cough or her lung sounds she rushed her in for a chest X-ray," Owen answered, "but it was in and out and back home to be monitored by Teddy, Christina and I. Teddy stayed over because Lyss wanted her. We watched her fever and her O2. But it was antibiotics, lay low and wait. Keep her quiet."
"What is she doing next week that she isn't coming for the weekend," Megan asked, "it's a Jarrett thing."
"They go to Hakai Pass," Owen said, "the Jarretts have property up there. The first few times she went I went with her. Last year was the first time I didn't go with her."
"They included you," Megan asked, "Derek?"
"Is the black sheep of the family," Owen said, "they won't have much to do with him. His brothers didn't know for sure Lyss existed. I knew where he was from so I started looking up D Jarretts in BC. The first D Jarrett I called was Dave. I told him who I was and why I wanted to get in touch with Derek. Dave invited us up that weekend to visit and have a picnic at the beach so they could meet Lyss. He remembered rumours and that's why Derek dropped out of school and came home."
"Dave," Megan asked.
"Good guy," Owen said, "paediatrician. I got the family medical history from him."
"And," Megan asked.
"Some heart disease and a stroke but that was his dad who had a pack a day habit," Owen said, "type 1 diabetes, cataracts, thyroid disease. But so far Lyss seems okay. Her vision is bad but she has glasses and contacts, her eyes are healthy it's just the astigmatism got worse as she grew up but she's had glasses since kindergarten. She said her prescription is about a -12 in both eyes, her glasses are pretty thick. The heart and stroke stuff worries me because dad died from a heart attack in his early 40s."
"Dad smoked like a chimney," Megan said, "and Lyss looks active."
"She is," Owen assured, "her hobbies are healthy and keep her moving."
"Volleyball, hiking, kayaking, boating, fishing, skiing," Megan said, "the hunting worries me."
"They taught her," Owen said, "she did all of her safety courses and training. She needed to know the Jarretts and learn their family culture and her indiginous heritage, she deserved to know."
"Does she have a gun," Megan asked.
"No," Owen said, "she borrows from Dave or Don but she has her licence. She knows I hate them. She only uses it to hunt."
"We both can use them," Megan said.
"Because of the army," Owen said, "She knows to be safe. She promised me she would only aim at targets and animals."
"Is she close to them," Megan asked, "I met Catie and Kristy."
"She is to them," Owen said, "it's like anyone. I don't know how much she fully lets anyone in. She's pretty independent. I might have made her so."
"Does she have people," Megan asked.
"She does," Owen said, "she reminds me of you and Teddy. She's usually the strong one but when she's not it's dark and scary. Teddy and I can usually pull her out of it."
"Losing me when she did," Megan said.
"That's a big part," Owen said.
"She was in fourth when I had to go," Megan said.
"She was," Owen said, "she didn't understand."
"We didn't do that well," Megan said, "I didn't. I never talked to her about the possibility of me not coming home. I didn't want to scare her. So before I left we took one last vacation. Her, Nate and I went to Hawaii because I couldn't leave the country. And I had already taken her to disneyland."
"Nathan was always good to her," Owen said, "he never forgot her birthday or christmas. I didn't always like it but I knew that for her I had to keep as many connections to you and the people who loved her open. He would visit once or twice a year for a weekend."
Owen pulled into the high school parking lot and pointed, "there's clifford?"
"Clifford," Megan asked.
"Lyss named her truck," Owen chuckled, "big red thing extended cab and box. It's comfortable. She'll let me drive."
"Why does she want a giant truck," Megan asked.
"It allows her to pull the fishing boat she shares with Catie and Kristy," Owen said, "she's been taught to pull a trailer. I did some with her and so have her other uncles. No wimpy girls."
"Um help dumb dumb," Megan said opening the door.
Owen got the wheelchair from the back of the truck.
"No," Megan snapped, "I'm slow but I can walk."
They made their way slowly and with a few breaks into the gym. Alyssa's team was warming up.
"Number 8," Owen said, "green jersey."
"Woah," Megan gasped as Alyssa jumped up to spike the ball.
"She's warming up," Owen said, "but yes. 4 years on a volleyball scholarship will do that."
"She's powerful," Megan commented.
"She's physically strong," Owen agreed, "she works out a lot."
"You must," Megan said, "Teddy has to."
"We do," Owen agreed, "and we would both have Lyss run with us or go to the gym with us. I taught her to use a work out as a way to calm down and slow her mind. I use it as a coping mechanism."
"I miss it," Megan said.
Seeing her mom and uncle in the bleachers Alyssa ran over.
"Mom, Uncle Owen," Alyssa smiled.
"Ready kiddo," Owen asked.
"We are," Alyssa said, "it's just a fun tournament but there's beer after."
"I'm excited to see you play," Megan said.
"You've never seen me play," Alyssa said.
"I know Lyss," Megan replied, "I want to."
"They discharged you," Alyssa beamed, "and you didn't tell me."
"Field trip,' Owen said, "Mereidth gave us 4 hours. So we have 3 hours to watch."
"That's two games," Alyssa said, "I have 4 or 5 today."
"That's a lot," Megan said.
"I like it," Alyssa smiled, "more tomorrow. We have to win our first game. We win our first game. We only play 4 today to make it to the quarter finals tomorrow."
"Ready to play," Owen asked.
"Always," Alyssa smiled.
"Do you have longer or looser shorts," Megan asked.
"Nope," Alyssa said, "I can play in these. It's what I'm used to. It's not beach."
"I'm glad," Owen said, "it's awkward."
"To you," Alyssa said.
"I don't like watching you play a sport with all those guys looking at you in your bikini," Owen said, "the way they watched you and Mackie."
"Why do you think I have a cover up on the side," Alyssa said.
"Lyss," her teammate called.
Alyssa hugged Megan and Owen quickly.
"Go kick ass kiddo," Owen smiled.
"Did your parents come," one of the other women asked.
"My mom and uncle Owen," Alyssa replied, "it's the first time she's ever seen me play."
"How," the woman asked.
"She was with the US army and held captive in Iraq for 12 years," Alyssa said, "I was in middle school when she was captured. Uncle Owen raised me."
"You want to do the first serve then," another teammate asked.
"I can," Alyssa smiled.
"We'll keep you on the court as much as possible," a fourth agreed.
Alyssa's team took their places on the court and started the game. As they played Megan watched beaming seeing her daughter doing something she loved, it was the first time Megan had seen Alyssa in her comfort zone. Owen snapped a few photos as Alyssa played and Megan's reaction.
"Who are you texting," Megan asked.
"Just sent Teddy a few pictures," Owen replied.
"How's Teddy," Megan asked.
"Bored and lonely," Owen answered.
Teddy texted back, "what a great moment for them."
Owen, "they're thrilled."
Teddy, "how's it going?"
Owen, "Lyss's team is up by 5 points she's playing really well."
Teddy, "showing off for Megan?"
Owen, "I think so."
Teddy, "I want to be there."
Owen, "I want you to be here. I miss you."
Teddy, "I miss you too."
Owen, "I should take some time and come visit soon."
Teddy, "you must be out of time off for the year."
Owen, "I have some more banked from years I didn't take it."
Teddy, "soon. I'd like to see you."
Owen, "with out all the distractions. Just us time."
Teddy, "we've never really had that."
Owen, "we haven't. We need it."
Teddy, "after you."
Owen, "she's fully moved out and I called a lawyer. I will meet with the lawyer next week."
Teddy, "okay. I know it's not easy for you."
Owen, "this time it's easier. Christina was hard but Amelia it was never a real marriage."
Teddy, "I know you found it hard. I want it all Owen. I'm saying all or nothing."
Owen, "I want it all. Teddy, I want the big life with you and hopefully a couple kids. How? Where?"
Teddy, "we'll work it out. I have 10 months left on my contract here. I don't have to renew. But what are my job prospects in Seattle?"
Owen, "there will always be a trauma job for you and cardio talk to Bailey. Bailey respects and likes you. You have privileges at GSM, you could open a private practice and operate out of GSM."
Teddy, "I don't do private practice. I don't want the bureaucracy and paperwork of it. I'll find a hospital in Seattle."
Owen, "I could come to germany."
Teddy, "you just got your sister back. You can't leave. Lyss couldn't take it."
Owen, "she would she would just come visit as much as possible."
Teddy, "I want to come back and be near your family. It's not fair to them for you to move."
Owen, "I can. I want to be with you."
Teddy, "until you are divorced we can't. Owen I won't be the other woman. I'm not doing that. I care about you and our relationship enough to do that."
Owen, "I know. It feels weird to be watching a game at Lincoln Highschool without you."
Teddy, "how many games did we watch there?"
Owen, "hundreds."
Teddy, "do you have her blue gatorade?"
Owen, "and the granola bar."
One of Alyssa's old coaches approached Owen, "Dr Hunt."
"Mr Klassen," Owen said, "this is my sister Megan, Alyssa's mom. Megan Mr Klassen was Lyss's volley ball coach in highschool."
"I saw she's playing today," Mr Klassen said.
"She is," Owen replied, "still on two teams."
"She always was," Mr Klassen agreed, "we had a good chat. She thinks she can do a weekend session with some of our kids soon. She's the best player to ever come out of this program."
"She loved it," Owen agreed, "you did a lot for Lyss and making her feel supported and seen."
"She had talent," Mr Klassen said, "she needed to believe in herself and know that she had people who believed in her. And that fact that she's still playing says a lot."
"How long did you coach Lyss," Megan asked.
"Four years," Mr Klassen said, "then in college she would come practice with a club team I coach on her breaks. So about 8 years total."
"And as an athlete how was she," Megan asked.
"Dedicated, humble, coachable," Mr Klassen said, "Lyss is a very coachable athlete. She came into every practice to learn and to improve. She's a pretty humble player off the court. She knows when to turn it on and be aggressive and lead her team but also when to let others shine. Always the first one in the gym. If I asked for 20 push ups she gave me 25 and not modified ones full military pushups."
"She learned to do it properly," Owen said, "no wimping out."
"You and her aunt would run workouts with them," Mr Klassen said.
"Teddy worked out with Lyss's volleyball team," Megan asked.
"They did great work outs with the girls," Mr Klassen said, "injury prevention discussions, health lessons. When Lyss's aunt would come it was great for the girls to see a woman who had been in significant leadership roles, educated and who challenged them physically. The girls liked your wife dr hunt."
"Teddy and I weren't together," Owen said.
"She's Lyss's chosen aunt," Megan clarified, "a really close friend of ours since Lyss was about 9 or 10."
"I didn't know," mr Klassen said.
"For a few reasons Teddy had partial custody," Owen said, "I had custody and guardianship. Megan was deployed and Teddy was the backup to us."
"How long have you been home," Mr Klassen asked, "Alyssa had said you weren't coming back."
"Two and a half months," Megan replied, "I was held captive for 12 years but was over seas for three years before that. So I'm reconnecting with my daughter."
"How's she doin with it," Mr Klassen asked.
"Adapting," Owen said, "she's Lyss. Let me know if you want more injury prevention sessions for the school or your club team. I'm always happy to and to give back. You did so much for Lyss, really changed her outlook and direction."
The game ended and Alyssa jogged to meet Owen and Megan. Her coach moved away to get his team ready for their game.
"Wow ladybug," Megan smiled.
"Was that okay," Alyssa asked Owen.
"You won and hardly left the court," Owen said, "lyss it looked good."
"We have snacks," Megan said, "some sort of blue concoction and peanut butter granola bars."
"My blue Gatorade," Alyssa asked.
"Always kiddo," Owen said, "blue Gatorade."
"I'd hug you but," Alyssa said.
"No hugging your mom all sweaty," Owen said, "after the game your going home?"
"Home for a shower then I'll bring dinner to the hospital," Alyssa asked.
"Yes," Megan replied, "Owen is working so just us tonight?"
"What do you want," Alyssa said, "I can order or cook."
"When you were really little I did breakfast for dinner a lot when it was just us," Megan said.
"I can do that," Alyssa agreed, "uncle Owen can you let me into the kitchen in the attendings lounge?"
"Why," Owen asked.
"Scrambled eggs don't travel," Alyssa said.
"Then do something else," Owen replied.
"It's okay Lyss you pick something I just want the time with you," Megan replied, "play your games shower and come."
"I will," Alyssa said, "mom is this too much for you?"
"No," Megan said, "I want to watch you play. You're good sweetheart."
"Thanks mom," Alyssa smiled.
Owen had been sitting off to the side texting.
"Uncle Owen do you have a new girlfriend," Alyssa teased.
"No," Owen jumped.
"No then who is it," Alyssa asked.
"Teddy," Owen said.
"You and Auntie Teddy," Alyssa asked.
"Just reminiscing," Owen said.
"But that's not the texting Auntie Teddy face," Alyssa said.
"You and Teddy," Megan asked.
"Just friends," Owen said, "Lyss she said to play hard."
"I will," Alyssa replied.
Owen kept texting, "Lyss might be on to us. She asked if I had a new girlfriend?"
Teddy, "What did you say?"
Owen, "that I'm texting you. I'd rather have you sitting here with us."
Teddy, "as much as I love watching Lyss play I don't love high school gyms and their stale old feet smell."
Owen, "we sat here a lot."
Teddy, "we did. It was another life Owen."
Owen, "it was. She's really happy I brought Megan for a couple games."
Teddy, "she would be. She always wanted her mom to watch her play. She would ask me what Megan would have thought."
Owen, "she's happy. Smiling, really smiling."
Teddy, "I saw in the pictures."
Owen, "we're missing you to make it a family day."
Teddy, "have you talked to Riggs? He's up to something. I had to approve him going into one of my hospitals."
Owen, "he disappeared a week ago."
Teddy, "where was Megan's son?"
Owen, "Baghdad."
Teddy, "I just gave Riggs access to the hospital there."
Owen, "is he getting Faroke?"
Teddy, "can we find out?"
Owen, "your hospital."
Teddy, "he didn't go through me which RIggs always does."
Owen, "I don't know. But if he's getting Faroke here I need time to prep a room. I don't have boy toys."
Teddy, "you have Alyssa's stuff don't you?"
Owen, "lego, k'nex, building sets all in bins. Those little dolls with the rubber clothes."
Teddy, "she loved playing. We had lego and science kits and craft stuff. She always had something to tinker with when her homework was done."
Owen, "I have the bins from your house in Seattle. We just put Lyss's stuff in bins for her to deal with later."
Teddy, "has she?"
Owen, "I've told her when she's in her own place and not with roommates she has to go through it all and take what she wants and donate what she doesn't. She still has Hershey."
Teddy, "I get weekly updates on the guinea pig. He's old."
Owen, "he's been a comfort thing for her. I think she talks to it."
Teddy, "she does. I used to hear it when she was at my house."
Owen, "she's so grown up now."
Teddy, "she is. She's an adult Owen. stop babying her. I know she;s the little girl you raised but she has to be an adult."
Owen, "I know. It's just hard."
Teddy, "it is but she's ready. I don't like seeing her all grown up because it makes me feel old."
Owen, "we're not old."
Teddy, "getting there."