Eight days later Alyssa sat with Megan and Evelyn in the hospital waiting room. She anxiously ran her hand over her bump feeling her active daughters kick and twist. She winced and shifted uncomfortably in the hard waiting room chairs.
"Alyssa," Megan asked.
"I have to pee again," Alyssa complained.
"Go," Evelyn encouraged.
Alyssa gave Megan's hand a squeeze before getting up.
She waddled down the hall and was half way back when she stopped to brace herself on the nurses station.
"Alyssa," Meredith said, "are you okay?"
Alyssa shook her head.
"Alyssa, how pregnant are you," Meredith asked.
"34.5 weeks," Alyssa said, "twin girls."
"Let's sit down," Meredith suggested.
"I'm dizzy," Alyssa said, "don't tell mom she can't know."
"Let's get you some crackers and juice and I want to check your blood pressure," Meredith said.
Alyssa nodded. She knew and trusted Meredith.
"So two little girls," Meredith said, "your uncle and aunt never said anything about your wedding. Have you started planning it? You must be engaged."
"I'm not," Alyssa replied, "Matt and I are dating."
"Where is he," Meredith asked, "you need him to support you so you can be here for your mom and brother."
"Working in Comox this week," Alyssa said, "he's trying to finish a project before …"
Alyssa clutched her belly and groaned.
"Okay, let's get a wheelchair and I'll take you up to OB," Meredith said.
"When uncle Owen gets back, can you tell him," Alyssa begged, "they went to get farokes heart."
"I'll send him up and I'll stay with you if I can," Meredith said.
In OB Jo began her exam, "so 34.5 weeks with twins. Which is A and which is B?"
"A," Alyssa said, putting her hand on the right side of her belly, "and B."
"Tell me about them," Jo said.
"A is bigger movements less often and B is subtler but constant," Alyssa said, "she likes to torment her sister."
"Jo this is off the books she's Owen's niece," Meredith said, "treat her like a clinic patient. She lives in Canada now."
Jo nodded.
"I'm back and forth so much I have a plan that includes delivery and prenatal care," Alyssa said, "I've been seeing Dr Deluca."
"Let us take care of you," Meredith said.
Jo brought the ultrasound over.
"They look good," Jo said, "I'd say you're having some Braxton Hicks right now."
"I have been for weeks." Alyssa said.
"Your blood pressure is elevated. Are you under a lot of stress," Jo asked.
"My brother is having a heart transplant now," Ayssa said, "my aunt and uncle are missing and my mom is really depressed. And my boyfriend is on Vancouver island for work."
"Okay," Jo said, "why don't you lay down here and try to relax. You have a lot going on. We'll get you some water and a snack. I do want to put a monitor on you to ensure it's not labour."
In the hospital chapel Hayes approached Megan quietly. He watched her sitting in a chair praying with her head in her hands.
"No one has told me anything in hours," Megan said, "my mom keeps pacing and going to other parts of the hospital. I haven't seen Owen and Teddy. No one has updated me. Alyssa disappeared."
Hayes took a deep breath, "Megan I need to know your plan to live. I can give you answers when I know what your plan is to live. It could be therapy, medication, in patient treatment, talking to your family but I have to know."
Megan paused, "I can call my therapist while you sit here or cc you on an email to my psychiatrist."
"I lost my wife a few years ago," Hayes said, "I thought I was over Abigail but I'm not and I don't know if I'll ever be. There's days I just want to see her again to hear her voice and be with her. Then I think of my boys and I couldn't leave them. I know how it feels to both not want to live and to live."
"What's going on," Megan asked.
"They took Alyssa to OB her blood pressure was up, she's having what appear to be contractions and she's being observed," Hayes started, "she must be due any day now."
"February 10," Megan replied, "twin girls, she's been having horrible Braxton Hicks for days. She's in pain but won't tell me or my mom. I heard her crying to Teddy when I went to Owen's to shower. Alyssa was sitting on their bed crying to Teddy. When she's unwell or really upset she wants Owen and Teddy. But the others."
"There was an accident," Hayes said, "Owen Teddy and I. The car lost control and the vehicle went off the cliff after Teddy and I got out. Owen is in surgery with Link and Amelia. Teddy is fine. The heart was bruised in the accident but Ndugu thinks it will be okay that the heart will be fine."
"Owen," Megan asked.
"Will be okay," Hayes assured.
"My kids," Megan asked.
"Alyssa is being observed," Hayes said, "your mom keeps going up to check on her. She's trying to get Alyssa's husband here to calm her."
"Matt's useless," Megan said, "she'll need my brother or Teddy. That's who can calm her when she's worked up. Faroke?"
"A couple hours," Hayes assured, "when you're ready you need to call."
He sat with Megan holding her hand as she phoned her therapist and told her everything that was happening. At the end of the phone call Megan broke down sobbing and Hayes pulled her into a bear hug letting her cry it out.
Meredith found them, "Megan I can take you to Alyssa. She's still laying down but she's asking for you and worried about you."
"Is she," Megan asked, "her girls?"
"All are okay," Meredith assured, "OB just wants her to lay down for a couple hours to bring her blood pressure back to normal and stop the contractions. She knows about Owen and Teddy. Teddy is waiting for Owen. You and your mom are going to see Alyssa."
"Mentally." Megan asked.
"She's good," Meredith said, "she just needs rest. A twin pregnancy is hard on her. Megan she's not a very big person, the weight of the babies alone, the extra work her body is doing."
"She's taller than me," Megan said.
"But she's slim," Meredith said, "I've seen her on the edge before. She's close. I got her texting with Christina as a distraction."
"Christina," Megan asked.
"They always got along," Meredith said, "I have her explaining the transplant to Alyssa."
"Alyssa won't get her shower," Megan said, "it's in a week but Teddy and I."
"Go for the day," Meredith said.
"We'll see," Megan replied.
"Megan let us help you," Meredith said, "Alyssa missed you for so many big things. Starting high school, her sweet 16 there was a good party, both graduations. I wanted my mom when I adopted Zola and had my kids. And Ellis didn't want me. Ellis Grey wasn't a mother she was a surgeon who procreated. You love both your kids."
"Mom," Alyssa said, "do you know anything about anyone?"
"Faroke has a few more hours so does Owen," Megan said, "and you?"
"Some painful braxton hicks, a couple contractions and really elevated BP," Alyssa replied, 'but it's coming down. I haven't had any sort of contraction in about 45 minutes so this and the drugs are working."
"Another 6 weeks," Megan said.
"Matt's on his way," Alyssa replied.
"And I need your keys," Megan said, "I'm taking your driving privileges."
"I'll be fine," Alyssa said.
"No," Megan said, "Lyss let us help you."
Teddy walked into the daycare and held her kids close to her.
"Where's daddy," Leo asked.
"He's in the hospital," Teddy said, "daddy got hurt. He's going to need a lot of help to get better."
"I want daddy," Leo said.
"He's in the OR," Teddy said, "Uncle Link and Auntie Amelia are helping him. He's really hurt."
"Go to daddy," Allison asked.
"We will see him soon when he's feeling better," Teddy promised, "when he's out of surgery. Tonight I'm going to stay here with daddy and grandma and Alyssa will bring you home. Alyssa will stay with you tonight and I will be home in the morning. I have to make sure daddy is okay."
"No stay," Allison whined.
"I have to baby," Teddy sighed, "daddy is really hurt, Faroke is really sick. Alyssa and grandma will take you home and put you to bed."
"Mommy stay," Leo asked.
"I'm staying," Teddy said, "daddy and auntie Megan need me.
Teddys phone buzzed, she picked up Allison and led Leo by the hand to the OR waiting area.
Amelia waited, "Teddy I need your permission to patch his spinal cord. He's losing spinal fluid."
"Do whatever you have to," Teddy said, "Amelia I trust your judgement. Save my husband."
Evelyn took Leo and Allison to sit with her while Teddy found Cormac.
"What happened," Teddy asked, "what the hell happened in that car?"
"He told me to go first," Cormac said, "to save myself so my boys had their dad. He said to tell you he loved you and he loved all of you. Have you heard if hes going to make it?"
"He's in the OR Ameilia is working on him," Teddy replied.
"He's alive," Cormac asked.
"For now," Teddy said, "but he has to be okay. My kids need their dad. Our kids need their dad."
"They do," Cormac said, "have you talked to Megan or Alyssa?"
"Not yet," Teddy replied, "I've been focused on Owen and our kids. Lyss is with Megan."
"No she's not," Cormac said, "Alyssa is being observed by Jo and Carina."
"What happened," Teddy gasped.
"I don't know Grey went with her," Cormac said, "she has Wilson and Grey."
"She'll be okay," Teddy replied, "Matt should be on his way."
Teddy joined Evelyn and held Allison in her lap while Leo cuddled into her side. She tried to hold it together in front of her babies. She had to be strong for them.
"I'm here sweetheart," Evelyn said putting a hand on Teddy's back, "he's strong and healthy we'll get all of you through this."
"But Faroke and Megan and Owen and Alyssa,"Teddy whispered, "they all need me."
"You worry about Owen and your kids," Evelyn said, "I have the other three."
"I've been triaging for weeks," Teddy said, "Faroke and Owen need the most care. Then Alyssa and Megan. Alyssa is physical, Megan is mental."
"You worry about Owen and your kids," Evelyn repeated, "Teddy you can't take all of this on. You'll have another breakdown. We love you and we understand you have limits."
Teddy nodded, blinking back tears.
"Teddy," Evelyn sighed, "he'll be okay."
"I need him," Teddy whispered, "I need Owen."
"He will be okay," Evelyn assured, putting her hand on Teddy's knee.
"Our kids need him,' Teddy said, 'all three do."
"He will be okay," Evelyn said.
Hours later Matt arrived at the hospital after having taken the first ferry he could, and driving straight through to Seattle only stopping for gas and found Alyssa alone in her hospital room.
"Alyssa," Matt said.
"Uncle Owen is in surgery he's hurt and Faroke's transplant is taking too long,' Alyssa said.
"But you," Matt said, "focus Alyssa. You and our girls."
"I'm scared," Alyssa said, 'but it's been an hour since I had a contraction. Alexandra is really moving but I think Celeste is asleep."
"Your doctor," Matt asked.
"Dr Deluca," Alyssa said, 'she should be back soon."
"Can you come home," Matt asked.
"No," Alyssa said, "mom is in really bad shape. I can't leave her until Faroke is better."
"You need to worry about our kids," Matt said taking her hand, "Lyss when you said you were over tired and your blood pressure was high you didn't tell me the whole story."
"I've been having it checked twice daily," Alyssa admitted, "it's anxiety driven. I talked to uncle Owen. He knows what's going on with my mom now. That helped."
Carina came into the room, "Alyssa. Who is this?"
"Dr Deluca this is my boy friend Matt Wolff," Alyssa introduced, "Matt Dr Deluca has taken over my care here."
"Can we go home," Matt asked.
"I need to observe Alyssa for at least another hour," Carina said, "she had multiple contractions and it could easily have turned into preterm labour. We appear to have stopped it and I've given Alyssa medication to help mature the girls lungs a bit faster. At 34.5 weeks your survival chances are high. But you will be looking at NICU stays and possible life long challenges. I think we'll discharge Alyssa in the morning let her rest here and be monitored overnight."
"Then what," Alyssa asked.
"You're not driving until I say so," Carina said, "you will see me every three days to follow up. You will continue to monitor your blood pressure at home and record it twice daily. You are limited to 2 hours in the hospital daily. You will rest, no heavy lifting."
"Please no bed rest," Alyssa begged.
"Not yet,' Carina said, "but cut back. No lifting your cousins. No housework. Matt I need you to stay in Seattle with your family."
"I have to work," Matt said.
"Matt I need you with me," Alyssa said.
"I can stay this week but then I have to go up for the big planning meeting in 2 weeks," Matt said.
"I'll be 37 weeks," Alyssa said.
"Can we go home," Matt asked.
"Do you have a high risk OB in BC," Carina asked.
"No," ALyssa said, "I was doing prenatal care with a nurse midwife."
"Then no," Carina said, "I don't think the 3 hour drive even as the passenger in one position is a good idea. You two can find your own space here or stay where Alyssa has been."
"With Owen and Teddy," Matt asked.
"That's Alyssa's best emotional support," Carina said.
"I want the girls born here," Alyssa said, "Matt I bought good insurance that included prenatal care before we came for the wedding. The insurance will cover delivery and care for the girls. We will be okay, don't worry about the money."
"Alyssa," Matt replied.
"It's all worked out," Alyssa said, "I could do it through my blue cross at work. It's only 10% out of our pockets. And they haven't charged me for some things so."
"Why not," Matt asked.
"Alyssa is Owen's kid," Carina said, "we generally do smaller things for family off the books. So talking, checking her weight, the size of her bump and blood pressure, physical exams I haven't put through."
"Thank you," Alyssa said.
"We'll only bill medications and tests," Carina replied.
"Still," Matt said, 'when can we go home?"
"No travel unless Alyssa's condition improves," Carina replied.
"But citizenship," Matt tried.
"I have dual but was born in Boston," Alyssa said, "we'll get them both either way."
"This isn't helping,' Carnina said, "Alyssa needs to be with her loved ones. Her mother and brother are here, her nona, auntie and uncle."
"I need to be with them," Alyssa said, "Matt I want to stay here with my family. I need to be with the people who love me."
"I'm not enough," Matt asked.
"I need all of you," Alyssa said, "mom and auntie Teddy need me."
"This isn't helping," Carina said, "travel is off the table until I see stable BPs in normal limits for 5 days in a row."
"Matt drop it please," Alyssa said, "right now I just need a hug."
"Okay," Matt said he sat on the side of the bed and put his arms around Alyssa. Finally feeling safe to let her walls down she let herself cry as he held her. Matt didn't know what to say so he just held her.
"Hey," Teddy said, "we doing okay?"
"Slowly getting better," Alyssa said through her tears.
"Matt can I trust you to look after Lyss and your girls," Teddy asked.
"I've got it," Matt said.
"Any word on Faroke or Uncle Owen," Alyssa asked.
"Winston and Maggie are closing Faroke's chest," Teddy said, "a few hours in recovery the back to ICU."
"Uncle Owen," Alyssa asked.
"I haven't had an update in a while," Teddy said, "there is a head and spinal cord injury that I'm most worried about."
"Will he walk," Alyssa asked.
"It's Amelia," Teddy said, "she was confident."
"He'll live," Alyssa said.
"Yes," Teddy replied, "it might be a long recovery but he will live."
"Faroke," Alyssa asked.
"Your brother will live," Teddy assured, "again in the hospital for a couple more weeks. But they will both meet your babies."