Thursday
Leslie was sitting beside Annie's bed while she napped. She was thankful that Teddy had known how to get Annie into a private room. Annie was napping and Leslie was attempting to read when there was a knock at the door.
An Asian woman a bit younger than Teddy and Owen stood in the doorway. Her black hair curled around her face and shoulders. In her hand she had a reusable shopping bag.
Leslie stood up, "hello."
"Hi I'm Christina Yang, Owens wife," Christina introduces herself.
"Leslie McKellar Annie's mom," Leslie replied , "come in. She's napping though."
"I talked to Owen he thought she might be. He's about 10 minutes away," Christina said, "I can sit with her until Owen and Teddy get back."
"It will scare Annie to wake up with a different person," Leslie replied.
"Thing one knows me," Christina said , "she switches between me and Kepner as her residents at the hospital."
"Kepner is the one she calls April," asked Leslie.
"Yes," Christina replied, "how's she doing?"
"Tired, sore, anxious," Leslie replied.
"Christina," Annie asked , "what are you doing here?"
"Owen asked me to come," Christina replied, "what happened to you?"
"My sister tried to kill me," Annie replied.
"Has Teddy or Owen explained the surgical aspect to you," asked Christina.
"Mama sorry Teddy has twice," Annie replied.
"Okay then thing one your report," Christina directed.
"Annie McKellar age 19. 2 days post op from an emergency laparotomy. My spleen was repaired and 40% of my liver was removed. It is expected to regrow fully in 6-8 weeks. Pneumothorax on arrival at the hospital was repaired in the OR. my chest tube was removed this morning," Annie reported.
"Today's vitals, incision," Christina prompted.
"Vitals are stable and in normal parameters. Incision sight is clear with no signs of post op infection," Annie completed.
"Well done thing one," Christina said.
Leslie had slipped into the hall and was listening with Teddy and Owen. Leslie asked, "what are they doing?"
"It's how we do rounds and teach our residents and interns. Christina is making her think about her surgery and the medical side of it. Its making Annie learn the medicine," Teddy said.
"Should she be able to do that," asked Leslie.
"That well, not yet. She was intern level there," Owen praised.
"I'm going to say good bye to Annie then we have a meeting at childrens with the team there," Leslie said.
"okay , I'll let you know about any changes," Teddy said.
Leslie said good bye to Annie.
"Good morning mama, uncle Owen," Annie greeted
Teddy took her preferred spot sitting on the bed with Annie, who instinctively curled up against her. Teddy replied, "good morning little bear. Has your doctor been by yet?"
"No I've seen him in the hall but he hasn't come into my room yet," Annie replied.
"This is good," Teddy said, "I always do patients in order from most urgent to least. The longer it takes him to come, the less concerned he is."
"How are you feeling today," Owen asked.
"Better than last night," Annie replied.
"Good," Teddy said, "have you had breakfast?"
"I ate half of it," Annie said, "the bacon was floppy so I only had the eggs and toast."
"What about the fruit," asked Teddy.
"It was an orange, I hate oranges," Annie said.
Owen stepped in, "it's more then she's eaten the last couple days."
Christina had taken the chair Leslie had vacated. Owen stood behind her with his hand resting on Christina's shoulder.
Dr. Smith came in, "good morning Annie, Dr. Altman, Dr. Hunt. We have a new face this morning."
"Dr. Christina Yang, cardio resident and Owen's wife," Christina said.
"Annie are you okay if Dr. Yang stays," Dr. Smith asked.
"Christina can stay," Annie said, "I'm sure Uncle Owen has told her everything."
The doctor went through the lab results from the night before and checked Annie's incision, the three doctors all looked as well.
"Annie if things keep looking this good you may be able to go home Monday or Tuesday," Dr. Smith said.
"When would she need to follow up with you," asked Teddy.
"I would want to see her in a week to 10 days after she's discharged," Dr. Smith said.
"Would it be possible to take Annie to recuperate at my house in Seattle," Teddy asked.
The doctor thought, "typically I would say no. but given the circumstances with you being a surgeon I would be comfortable with that. I do want you to check in with me every couple of days."
"I can do that," Teddy said, "I will be with her at home for the first week. Then I will need some help with monitoring during the day. I am not going to leave Annie home alone even during the day until her energy picks back up."
"Dr Altman do you have that support in place," asked Dr Smith.
"I'm still working on it," Teddy admitted.
"My mom has already volunteered," Owen said , "she loves Annie. I usually have a day or two off mid week that I'll hang out with Annie."
"My friends Arizona and Callie will be willing to help as well," Teddy said. She knew she was making an assumption but Arizona was the type that would make things work and Callie liked Annie.
"I typically have a day or two off mid week as well," added Christina, "I'm sure Kepner, Avery and Lexie will help as well. Lexie, Kepner, Avery , Robbins, Bailey, Torres and Webber even sent a care package with me."
"It sounds like you have enough support and with your medical training I'm alright with Annie going to your home Dr Altman," Dr Smith agreed , "Annie would you prefer to go to your parents or with your mama?"
"I'd rather go to mama's, " Annie said.
"Then in a few days we will discharge you and you can go to mama's. You'll be on bed / couch time for the first week and your mama can decide from there how fast she wants you up and moving," Dr smith said.
"Okay," Annie agreed , "when can I go back to dance?"
Teddy laughed Annie was feeling better if she was asking about dance, "you can dance when your body has fully healed. You can't put that strain on yourself until your liver regrows. I'll get Richard Webber to monitor it."
Dr Smith agreed , "it sounds like we have a good plan. I will need to see Annie for a follow up 14 days after discharge. Usually I say 7 days however it sounds like she has a few surgeons in her corner so I will entrust you with her care."
Dr smith left the room after rounds.
Annie asked, "mama can I have real clothes or at least pants?"
"Your mom dropped off clean pjs and underwear," Teddy said, "why don't I help you get cleaned up and into clean clothes. We can ask the nurses for fresh bedding."
"Can I shower," asked Annie, "I feel gross."
"That sounds like a good idea," Teddy agreed.
"Christina let's give them some space," Owen said.
Christina stood and took Owens' hand. They walked towards the elevator and headed down for coffee. Pausing outside the coffee shop Christina wrapped her arms around Owen and gave him a passionate kiss.
"I missed you," Christina said.
"I've missed you two," Owen replied, kissing her back.
They sat with their coffee and enjoyed a few sips before Christina asked, "when did Annie start calling Teddy mama?"
"She said it in the PAC U and it's just stuck the last few days," Owen said, "they both seem to like it. I'm also Uncle Owen now."
"Annie seems okay but how's Teddy," Christina asked.
"She's a mom whose daughter was beaten and given death threats. Teddy is worried and upset. But she's a fighter and she's fighting hard for Annie. She hardly leaves the hospital I had to drag her out last night. The first two nights she slept in the chair by Annie's bed," Owen said.
"Annie's mom was here when I got here," Christina said.
"Leslie was to drop things off and go. Annie won't see Leslie and Dan right now. She wants to go live with Teddy," Owen said.
"Isn't Teddy also married to that VHL patient, does Annie know about Henry," asked Christina.
"They've met and I think Annie knows the story," Owen said, "I'm not so sure if Henry knows much about Annie. Teddy is very very protective of her. She's getting worse with Annie being in the hospital."
"How bad was Annie," Christina asked.
"10 units of blood," Owen said, "3 of packed cells. 6 hours on the table."
"And she's that alert and talking," Chrsitina said.
"She puts on a show in front of people but with just her and Teddy she'll fall apart. She only fully trusts Teddy right now. Annie has been having panic attacks and cries a lot," Owen said.
"Is that why she was cuddling with Teddy," Chrsitina asked.
"It calms her down," Owen agreed, "Teddy will sit with her all day. She only left the hospital last night to sleep a few hours and have a shower."
Christina asked, "when are you coming home?"
"I have to be back saturday to run the pit overnight," Owen said, "I was going to come home Saturday morning. They still need me. Stay with me. I have a room at a hotel a few minutes away."
"Where is Teddy staying," asked Chrsitina.
"She has a room there as well," Owen said.
"What happens when she brings Annie home," Christina asked.
"Teddy is only going to work days for a while. But I'll hang out with Annie on day's I'm off and hopefully a few others will as well," Owen said, "Teddy and Annie will need help but I think people will step up. We need to treat this like Teddy is a single mom."
When Annie was showered, in clean polka dotted pajamas, and her hair brushed, Teddy helped Annie to sit in one of the chairs.
Owen and Christina came back up.
Owen asked , "how are you feeling?"
"Better now that I'm clean," Annie replied.
"Showers, coffee and tequila cure many things," Christina laughed , "but no tequila for you until your liver grows back."
"I know," said Annie rolling her eyes.
Teddy saw the SGMW reusable bag on a chair, "Christina you said you brought some stuff up from our hospital."
"It was Kepners idea that a few people put some things in a care package for you and Annie," Christina said.
"Who would do that," asked Teddy looking shocked.
"Kepner, Shepard, Mer, Lexi, Avery , Alex, Robbins, Bailey, Torres and Webber," Christina said.
"Why would they do that," asked Annie.
"Because they care about you," Owen said , "I've been talking to Derek and Richard they're all worried and want daily updates."
"Annie do you want to open it," asked Teddy.
"Yes please," replied Annie.
Christina grabbed the bag and handed it to Annie.
Annie began to pull things out of it, "a barbie doll she asked?"
Teddy looked, "it's an Anatomy Jane doll. You can take all the organs out and put them back together."
"Bailey," Chrsitina said, "she thought you would like learning from it."
Annie kept taking things out of the bag and found both sea animal and human anatomy adult colouring books with new pencil crayons and felt pens. There were also a couple of novels for her and Teddy and some healthy snacks and candies. Annie and Teddy appreciated the thoughtfulness of the surgical family in Seattle.
"Mama do your coworkers really love us that much," Annie asked
"They do," Owen said.
"Why," Annie asked , "my cousins haven't even come by to see me."
"They understand what happened," Teddy said , "your cousins are afraid. Sunday night was terrifying for all of us."
"Is Chris coming here when his flight lands or going home first," Annie asked.
"I'm going to pick him up in a couple hours," Owen replied.
"You're going," Annie asked , "does Chris know?"
"Your dad asked me to and texted him," Owen replied, "Christina is going to come with me. Let you have a nap or read."
"Will you bring Chris straight here," Annie asked.
"Is Chris your boyfriend," asked Christina.
"Her adopted brother," Teddy said , "he's the only family member she wants to see. Her boyfriend David came by yesterday."
"Chris is the only family member that accepts my nerdiness," Annie said, "he gets all the pictures of my time in Seattle. He's kind of jealous."
"What does he do," Owen asked.
"He's in the Air Force," Annie said , "he wants to be a pilot. But he's 18 so he can't do much yet."
"Young military guy I can work with this," Owen said, "I know how to handle this."
"Be nice," Teddy scolded , "he already tried to call me mam. Once he finds out how you know me he won't relax. You can't go Major Hunt on him."
"Uncle Owen please don't pull rank on my brother," Annie asked , "Mama already intimidates him. "
"I'll make sure he's nice," Christina said , "but can I ask him for childhood stories?"
"He won't tell you any, I'm texting him to ask him not to embarrass me," Annie said.
"I have my ways," Owen teased.
"Sea otter scrub cap ," Christina laughed , "that's worse then Teddy's birds."
Annie replied , "Chris knows I love otters."
"My birds have meaning," Teddy said, "Annie's otters make her happy. And I like that we both have animals."
"How will we get my stuff to go to Seattle," Annie asked.
"What do you need," asked Teddy.
"My computer, iPad, make up, clothes," Annie listed.
"Teddy asked , "is it at school or your parents?"
"Both," Annie said.
"What if I go to your dorm and get what you need from UBC will Anna or Sarah help me," Teddy asked.
"Cassie has the spare key to my room," Annie said, "I'll text her and give her a list."
"That sounds like a plan," Teddy said, "I'll borrow a car and drive out and get it."
"My car is at uncle Jim's," Annie said, "the keys are in my purse to the car and my dorm my fob is on my keys."
"I can ask her parents for the stuff at the house," Owen said , "get Chris to help me and I can take it back to your house."
"You have my spare key," Teddy said, "she's in her room again."
"Okay we'll grab her stuff from the house and put it in her room," Owen said.
Annie decided to open up the anatomy coloring book and the felt pens. She enjoyed drawing and coloring normally, there was something familiar about the art supplies and these were nicer pens then the crayola ones she typically bought herself. Christina traded seats with Teddy and sat with Annie. They were talking about David and Annie began to giggle.
Teddy whispered to Owen, "I'm going to step out. She's happy with Christina. I want to call Arizona back."
Teddy slipped out the door and walked down the hall she pulled out her phone and called Arizona.
"Teddy," Arizona greeted, "how's Annie?"
"She's getting better," Teddy replied.
"You've sent me the medical information but how are the two of you holding up," Arizona asked.
"We're holding on," Teddy said , "I don't know what I'll do when Owen has to go back on Saturday."
"How long will she be in the hospital," Arizona asked.
"Her doctor is aiming for discharge on Tuesday," Teddy said , "then she's coming home with me."
"That surgery and doing the 3 hour drive," asked Arizona.
"She can't safely go to her parents," Teddy replied, "her sister is the one who caused her injuries and they have nowhere else to take Jessica. Annie is safest with me."
"Will you need any help," asked Arizona.
"I will when I go back to work," Teddy said , "I've talked to Richard and I'm not doing overnight until Annie is in better shape."
"I'm happy to hang out with her and so will Callie be," Arizona said.
"She likes you and Callie but Kepner is her favorite," Teddy said.
"April likes Annie. I'm sure her and Lexie will help if asked," Arizona said.
"Thank you Arizona," Teddy said, "and can you thank everyone for the care package. Annie and I really appreciate it."
"You're welcome," Arizona said, "we're all sending positive thoughts."
"Thank you," Teddy said, "I should go back into her room. Owen needs to leave to get to the Vancouver Airport to pick up Annie's brother. We're limiting Annie's contact with her parents. It's upsetting her because they knew about the threat and didn't act."
"What ever you two need just let me know," Arizona said.
"We will," Teddy said, "but Owen keeps waving at me so I should go back to Annie."
"Give her a hug for me," Arizona said and hung up the phone.
Owen stood in the domestic arrivals area at YVR holding the sign with Christopher McKellar on in. While Annie had told her brother to expect Owen instead of her parents, he knew Chris had never met him so he took a sign just in case. He saw a young man in military uniform who looked like Dan.
Owen called out ," Christopher McKellar."
Chris turned and walked towards Owen, " are you Owen Hunt?"
"Yes soldier," Owen responded, " Major Owen Hunt US Army Medical Command."
Chris stuck out his hand, "it's a pleasure to meet you sir. Thank you for picking me up and taking care of my sister."
"Sisters are important," Owen said, "if this was my sister I would be here fighting for her two."
"Are you close to your sister sir," asked Chris.
"You don't need to call me sir. Your sister uses Uncle Owen or Owen. I had a sister. Meghan was captured in Iraq," Owen said.
"I'm sorry for your loss," Chris said.
"If I heard that anything had happened to Meghan or if I got word Meg was alive I would be on the first plane to her," Owen said.
"My parents only told me on Tuesday and it took a couple days to get permission to leave two days early for my leave," Chris said.
"I understand. We're going straight to the hospital. My wife is there with Annie and Teddy," Owen said.
"I thought you and Teddy were together," Chris said.
"Common mistake. My wife's name is Christina, she's Teddy's resident," Owen said.
"Will Annie be okay sir," asked Chris.
"She's recovering quickly. Faster than most patients I see with her injuries but she's got a ways to go. What did your parents tell you," Owen replied.
"That our sister Jessica beat her and that Annie lost part of her liver and needed 13 units of blood," Chris said.
"Part of that is correct," Owen said, "Annie had a collapsed lung, damaged spleen which was sutured, 40% of her liver had to be taken out, she only had 10 units of blood and 3 units of packed cells. There is a lot of bruising and she has a couple cuts near her ear and hairline. Annie is really anxious and afraid of most people right now. She's only letting Teddy touch her."
"It's bad but will she be okay," Chris asked.
"Give her a couple months physically, but she may never be the same person," Owen said, "Annie is going to do her recovery in Seattle before she goes back to school. Teddy has some things in place there to help her. We will make sure Annie is okay. She's strong and she can fight."
"How can I help," asked Chris.
"Be there for her," Owen said, "listen, let her freak out and cry."
"Crying Annie," Chris said, "Jessica really broke her. Has she got to the screaming point yet?"
"Only a few times," Owen said honestly, "but directed at your parents. Teddy's been limiting your parents visits and her or I have to be there."
"I've talked to them a few times about Jessica and they haven't wanted to see it," Chris said, "Jessica told me that she wanted to hurt Annie. I told dad and sent him copies of the messages Jess was sending me. She's always been jealous of Annie."
"I understand that, my sister was a lot like Annie," Owen said, "Annie reminds me a lot of Meghan. She's like a cross between Teddy and Meg. But Meghan was kind, funny, popular, brilliant, brave and every one liked her. It's hard to have a sibling like that. But the moment she was gone I didn't know how to live without her. I had to depend on Teddy to hold me together. Only Annie, Teddy and Christina know about my sister. Meg is hard for me to talk about."
"How do I help Annie," Chris asked, "I don't know how to protect her and not have Jessica hurt mom. I know that if this doesn't get fixed we will lose Annie."
"You will," Owen said, "she's talking about it. Teddy and I are trying to talk her down. But she is going to start spending more of her time off at Teddy's. If you want to come to Seattle next week with Annie, I only live a few minutes away from Teddy you can come stay with me and Christina."
"Thank you sir," Chris replied, "I think I will if it's alright with you.
"You are more than welcome," Owen said, "maybe borrow Annie's car and bring it down so the two of you can use it."
"I will ask Annie and see," Chris said.
"She's not going to be driving for a while," Owen said, "and she'll drive home with Teddy and I. Teddy will want to monitor her the whole trip."
Annie asked, "has anyone heard from Uncle Owen? When will he get here with Chris?"
"He texted," Teddy replied, "they're about a half hour away."
"Do we have my contacts," Annie asked.
"Glasses are fine," Teddy said, "and they threw out the contacts you came in with. Your glasses were in your purse. We're going to invite your brother to come down to Seattle with us. He can stay with Owen and Christina."
"Would they really do that," Annie asked.
"Of course, Evelyn offered as well," Teddy said.
A little while later Annie had fallen asleep against Teddy's shoulder again. Teddy had found a way for Christina to observe in the OR gallery with Anne Milner. Dr. Milner had popped in to check on Annie and Teddy and promised to check back after her surgery.
Owen led Chris to Annie's room, "the room is dark she's probably asleep. Just come in quietly and take a seat."
"Yes sir," Chris replied.
Teddy whispered, "Chris how was your flight?"
"It was good," Chris said, "how is Annie?"
"She's napping," Teddy said, "it's her first nap today which is better then it was yesterday. Do you want me to wake her?"
"I don't know if we should," Chris said.
"It will be okay," Teddy said.
"If you're sure," Chris said.
Teddy nodded and shook Annie's shoulder gently, "Sweetheart your brother is here. Do you want to wake up?"
Annie stirred, "Chris is here?"
Chris sat on the other side of Annie, "I finally made it. Sorry it took so long."
"You're really here," Annie asked.
"I am and I have a three week leave," Chris said, "I'm going to stay with Owen so I can come to Seattle with you."
"I'm going to be at mama's the whole time," Annie replied.
Chris looked at Teddy on the word mama. Teddy just nodded to confirm that Annie was talking about her.
"We'll hang out there," Chris said.
"We'll get you moving as soon as you feel ready," Teddy said, "Annie why don't you sit up a bit. We're going to go find Dr. Milner and Christina then go get something to eat. Hang out with your brother."
"Okay," Annie replied.
Owen and Teddy left to go to the OR floor and find Dr. Milner and Christina.
"Annie why is there a barbie doll on the table," asked Chris, "didn't you give those up when you were like 12?"
"It's an Anatomy Jane doll. Some of mama's work friends sent it. Pass it here I'll show you how cool it is," Annie said.
Chris passed the doll to her , "why is this so cool?"
"What this," Annie said. She began taking out the organs and telling her brother what each one was.
"When did you start calling Teddy mama," asked Chris.
"This week," Annie said, "it just slipped out after surgery. And it got the biggest smile from her. She is my mom in a lot of ways. She's been here more than mom and dad have. They have to deal with Jessie. They make an appearance every day but they really don't care what happens to me."
Chris looked at Annie, "they talk more about you on the phone then Jess. It sounds like Jess will be locked up for a long time. There may even be jail time for her."
Annie nodded, "they need to tell me this then. Not do their half hour here in the morning and go sit at children's all day and pop in for 15 minutes after dinner."
"They're not even here an hour a day," Chris asked.
"An hour if I'm lucky," Annie said.
Chris asked, "are you alone most of the time?"
Annie replied, "Mama has only left once to sleep. Uncle Owen is here early in the morning and leaves when I fall asleep. He sends Teddy to go eat, shower or nap and hangs out with me. I'm never really alone."
"I'm glad," Chris said, "I'll try to get home and shower then come stay tonight."
"Did you ask mom and dad," Annie asked.
"I will tell them," Chris said, "they won't want you to be alone."
"Thank you," Annie said.