Annie stepped off the plane in the Frankfurt Airport, she needed to find her connecting flight but was confused by the layout of the airport and the harsh sound of German. She was jet lagged and stressed. She had finished her last clinical rotation before christmas that morning and got on the plane 3.5 hours later. Her latest rotation had not been her strongest, she hated dermatology, moles, warts and pimples were dull and all looked the same after a while. She was looking forward to finally having her surgical rotation after christmas and her last rotations were OB and Pediatrics. Then it would be time to choose more specialized courses that would take her closer to her goal of being a surgeon, as Teddy had predicted Annie had become fascinated by cardio and all the intricacies of the human heart. Annie was planning on taking advanced cardio classes and surgical skills courses as her electives in preparation for applying to surgical residencies. Annie was also hoping to get into a nutrition course after seeing how food not only affected her own body but the patients she saw.
Annie found her gate and sent Teddy a text that she was just waiting for her second flight. Teddy promised to pick her up at the airport. Chris was also deployed to a training mission in Poland and would be joining her and Teddy for Christmas as he only got 5 days and it was enough time to go see Annie and Teddy but not enough time to go all the way back to BC. both Annie and Chris were to arrive at the same airport within an hour of each other, with Annie's plane landing first.
Annie walked into the arrivals area at her final airport, she was exhausted and ready to sleep but perked up when she saw Teddy.
"Mama," Annie called running towards Teddy.
Teddy wrapped her in a hug, "hi sweetheart. I missed you two."
"I haven't seen you since June," Annie said.
"I know," Teddy agreed, "it's too long."
A soldier approached Teddy and saluted, "it's good to see you Major Altman."
"Sargent James," Teddy replied, "this is my daughter Grace Altman. She's visiting from Boston for two weeks. Are you waiting for family?"
"Yes mam," James replied, "my girlfriend is on a flight coming in from Toronto."
"We're waiting for a family member to come from Warsaw," Teddy explained, "he's there with the Canadian Air Force."
"Will you serve Miss Altman," James asked.
"I'm in medical school now," Annie replied, "I haven't considered it. I still have to do my surgical residency."
"We always need more surgeons like your talented mother," James said.
"What do you do," Annie asked.
"I'm a scrub technician," James replied, "I work with Major Altman often."
"It's her choice if she chooses to serve or not," Teddy said, "but we should grab coffee before our relative arrives. Merry Christmas Sargent James."
"Merry Chrsitmans mam," James replied and saluted again.
Teddy grabbed the handle of Annie's suitcase and began to roll it towards the airport starbucks.
"How much power do you really have here," Annie asked.
"A lot," Teddy said, "there's only two people that I answer to here in Germany and two more in Washington."
"Why did you call Chris a relative," Annie asked.
"Because it's easier to use the term relative than tell our whole story," Teddy explained, "a lot of the younger members don't know me personally and it's best for me to keep my private life private."
"Next time do you have to pick me up in Uniform," Annie asked.
"I came straight from work," Teddy said, "unfortunately my last surgery ran long and there wasn't time to go home and change. Chris will be in uniform as well."
"So you'll be all formal and annoying with each other," Annie asked.
"I'll tell him to relax pretty quickly," Teddy said, "he'll know to wait for me to tell him to relax."
"Or you could be a normal person and hug him right away," Annie said.
"In uniform I have to follow protocol," Teddy said, "had I been able to change I would be his auntie Teddy."
After their coffee they walked back to the arrivals area in time to meet Chris, "he smiled and waved seeing them waiting. Chris thought Annie looked much more mature then when he had seen her nearly a year ago.
"Chris," Annie called.
"Bannanie," Chris replied, returning Annie's hug.
"How was your flight," Annie asked.
"Good how was yours," Chris replied.
"Long," Annie said.
"Major Altman, it's good to see you mam," Chris greeted Teddy.
"Corporal McKellar, I'm glad you could join us," Teddy replied, "you can relax now Chris. It's just us now it's family time."
"Are you sure mam," Chris asked.
"Chris, this is now family time," Teddy said, "don't let being in uniform confuse you."
"It's good to see you Auntie Teddy," Chris replied.
"It's good to see you two Chris," Teddy said, giving him a hug, "now I have my two lets go home."
Annie and Chris followed Teddy to her car and played rock paper scissors for the front seat.
Teddy laughed at the easy and childish connection between the two.
"So Annie," Chris asked, "do I need to beat any guys up?"
"Brother and mother in the military," Annie said, "most guys are afraid. But no, I don't have time to date."
"You mention Josh a lot," Chris said.
"Just a friend," Annie replied, "study buddy, classmate, work out partner."
"Drinking buddy," asked Teddy.
"Sometimes," Annie admitted.
"Annie doesn't drink," Chris teased.
"A good glass of wine, tequila shots, I drink," Annie said, "just never with you."
"I have some wine for tomorrow night," Teddy said, "it's almost breakfast time now. I thought both of you would want some quiet time this morning."
"I need a short nap," Annie admitted, "I don't sleep on planes."
"I should email mom and dad," Chris said.
"I'm not going to bother," Annie replied, "I sent Christmas presents and told them weeks ago I was spending Christmas break in Germany. They never answered."
"Jessica is off again," Chris said, "you know they can't handle her being off and us."
"That's why we left," Annie said, "she has what she wants now she can settle any time."
They drove for a few more minutes to Teddy's apartment building, she led them upstairs and opened her door.
"Welcome home," Teddy said.
"You decorated," Annie said looking surprised.
"Of course I did," Teddy smiled, "it wouldn't be Christmas otherwise. There's a traditional christmas market for us to walk around later."
"A real german christmas market," Annie asked.
"Yes," Teddy nodded, "why don't we all relax for a bit. You two can clean up, check in with who you need to and then we'll go. Is anyone hungry?"
"Not yet," Annie said.
"I'm more tired than hungry," Chris said.
"Why don't both of you nap," Teddy said, "we'll eat when you're ready."
"Where are we sleeping," asked Annie.
"For now you're in my bed to nap," Teddy said, "and Chris can nap in the guest room. Otherwise you're in the guest room and Chris I'm sorry you're on the couch."
"The couch is fine," Chris said.
"I need a shower," Annie said, "planes are gross."
"The master bathroom is off my room," Teddy said pointing, "Chris there's a bathroom at the end of the hall there."
"Thank you," Annie and Chris said together.
They went their separate ways to shower and have a nap. Teddy grabbed her lap top off the coffee table and quickly emailed Owen letting him know that she was good and both kids had arrived safely. She was still upset with him over what had happened with Henry but Owen was still her best friend, her person. They emailed almost every day, just short notes about their days or what they were doing. It helped Teddy to have something to think about beside work and Annie. She was starting to make friends but it was hard given her job and position. The other women her age were mostly officers wives with young children and her female co workers were younger and often intimidated by her. Teddy sometimes hated her rank and job because it made it hard for others to want to get close to her, they judge her based on her work and titles rather than getting to know her. She had tried to make herself as approachable as possible. She missed Callie, Arizona and Bailey. She had way too much time alone to think.
A couple hours later Annie wandered into the living room and sat down beside Teddy.
"Feeling more human," Teddy asked.
"Hungry," Annie said.
"Should we have lunch then go explore," Teddy asked.
Annie looked out the window, "mama it's snowing. Can we walk in the snow?"
"We're walking to the Christmas market," Teddy said, "what do you want to eat?"
Annie replied, "food."
Teddy laughed, "not helpful. I need you to be specific."
"Is it too late for waffles," Annie asked.
"I didn't bring the waffle iron," Teddy said, "we can do pancakes."
"That works," Annie agreed, "with berries?"
Teddy smiled, "I have lots of berries for my berry monster."
"I like berries," Annie replied.
Teddy asked, "are you eating?"
Annie nodded, "that was a while ago. I eat and Steph is on my case if I don't. It's only when I get stressed that I don't eat."
Teddy asked, "are you eating enough every day?"
Annie replied, "I am."
"You're sure," Teddy asked.
"I'm good," Annie said, "let's make food."
Teddy turned on the stereo keeping the volume low and started pulling out what she needed for a late brunch. Annie joined her and they settled into cooking together. Hearing their laughter Chris walked into the kitchen and sat on one of the stools at the island.
"Now this feels like home," Teddy said.
Annie nodded.
They all gathered around the kitchen island with their food. Laughing and teasing while they ate. Teddy wished that she could have Annie around more but knew that Annie had to go to school and discover who she was. There was a passiveness to her daughter that Teddy didn't understand but Annie was slowly getting more assertive. She had stood up for herself and refused to go back to Cloverdale until Jessica could treat Annie like an equal.
"Are you ready to go," Teddy asked.
"I am," Annie said.
"Get your stuff," Teddy said.
Everyone got their coats and bundled up. They walked through the snow covered streets to the packed Christmas market. In the market they heard little bits of English mixed in with the German. As they walked people recognized Teddy who introduced her daughter and nephew. Many people they met were confused, they had not known Teddy was married let alone had a child who was clearly in her late teens or early twenties. But Annie was unmistakably Teddy's daughter.
"How do you know all these people," Annie asked.
"Most of them are co workers," Teddy said, "you'll know their coworkers because they'll call me mam. I hate it. I miss just being Teddy."
"Make other friends," Annie suggested, "don't you tell me to go talk to people and get out of my shell?"
"Are you telling me to take my own advice," Teddy asked.
"I am," Annie said, "I made friends at school."
"You have Josh and Stephanie," Teddy said, "who haven't I met?"
"A few others," Annie replied, "my cohort is pretty tight."
"Are you happy at school," Teddy asked.
"I am," Annie replied, "glad I'm done the boring rotations now."
"Dermatology sucks," Teddy agreed, "whats next?"
"Surgery finally," Annie said.
"You've been waiting for that one," Teddy laughed.
"I don't get it," Chris said, "what's the appeal of cutting people open?"
"You're either a surgeon or not," Teddy said, "it's hard to explain."
"Annie is a surgeon," Chris asked.
"Probably," Teddy said, "time will tell."
"Well I didn't like, dermatology or psych," Annie said, "family medicine was okay. I liked cardio and internal medicine."
"What else is left," Teddy asked.
"Immunology, trauma, sports medicine, allergies, geriatrics, and pediatrics," Annie replied.
"Not many left," Teddy said.
"Pediatrics could be good," Annie replied.
"You might like trauma," Teddy said, "you've enjoyed Owen's OR and observing in the ER."
"I want rotations where I can do something other than stare at pimples all day," Annie said, "I will never do dermatology again."
"You don't have to," Teddy said, "did you get your mark on the rotation?"
"Not yet," Annie said, "hopefully tonight. But my supervisor was happy with my skills even if I was bored."
"You'll let me know," TEddy asked.
"These rotations are pass or fail," Annie said, "I don't like it. But you have to be at a A standard to pass."
"I still want to know," Teddy said.
They continued wandering through the market and sampling local foods. They made their way back to Teddy's apartment stopping at her favorite roasted chicken place to pick up dinner.
The next day was Christmas eve.
Annie sat in the window seat talking to Teddy, "it feels weird to not to be getting ready for church or going to Uncle Jim's tonight ."
"It is different than our last couple of christmas," Teddy agreed, "where's your brother?"
"Skyping with his girlfriend in my room," Annie replied, "she's not happy his leave was only 4 days and that he came here instead of going home."
"Beth used to do that to Owen," Teddy said, "his leaves wouldn't be on time or would get cancelled and she would be furious. She used to yell at him and freak out."
"I love being here and I love you but I'm kind of missing mom and dad," Annie admitted.
Teddy nodded, "I know sweetheart. I love having you here two but I miss our last couple Christmas's when we were all together and we had Henry."
"Is it okay to miss people and still be happy for new things," Annie asked.
"I feel the same way," Teddy said, "we've lost a lot this year."
"We have," Annie agreed, "Henry, my sister, my parents, Seattle."
"Your parents," Teddy asked, "I thought you were working on that?"
"I would work on it if Jessica would ever let them talk to me," Annie replied, "any time I call she screams in the background or unplugs the phone so they won't talk to me."
"Do you want me to call them," Teddy offered.
"It's no use," Annie said, "I think it's time I move on."
"Let's make new traditions for you and I," Teddy said, "what do you want to do?"
"Is there a christmas eve service in english," Annie asked.
"We can find one," Teddy said, "it may be later than you're used to."
"That's okay," Annie said, "maybe we can make christmas cookies this afternoon. I got Evelyn to email me her shortbread recipe."
"You got Evelyn to give up her shortbread recipe," Teddy said, "I've been trying to get that for years. We will make those."
"What about dinner," Annie asked.
"My mom and dad used to make a big cheese plate and some appetizers Christmas eve," Teddy said, "I like creating our traditions."
"So do I," Annie said, "I just wish mom would talk to me."
"I know," Teddy said, "have you talked to Chris about it?"
"Not really," Annie admitted, "I don't want to bring him down. He knows our sister and he desperate need to control."
"I've never had to deal with a sibling," Teddy said, "but it's not your fault. Lets save Chris from Becky and go get what we need for cookies and tonight."
"He can deal with Becky himself," Annie said, "I really can't stand Becky, she's crazy and controlling. If he doesn't call her everyday she freaks out. I'm pretty sure she wears the pants in that relationship"
Teddy laughed, "we used to say the same thing about Owen and Beth. Be very glad you never met her."
"I'm pretty sure Christina makes the decisions for her and Owen," Annie said, "she's in Minnesota for her fellowship and left him in seattle. Who does that to her husband?"
"I don't know," Teddy said.
"Uncle Owen didn't look happy on skype earlier, " Annie said.
"I think he misses us," Teddy said.
"Maybe next Christmas we go to Seattle," Annie suggested.
"If they invite us," Teddy said, "I can't ask."
They heard Chris groan from the other room.
"Go save your brother," Teddy said.
"He's a big boy," Annie said, "I'm not getting in the middle of that. But I will celebrate when he finally dumps her."
Teddy laughed, "Annie! You don't wish a break up on your brother. "
"He's not happy and she's awful," Annie replied.
"Meghan and I used to say that about Owen and Beth," Teddy said, "save your brother please don't sit here with me and giggle about it."
"Fine," Annie said. She got off the window seat and walked towards the room where Chris was being tortured by Becky.
"Annie go away," Chris said.
"Nope, not going anywhere, it's my room," Annie replied.
"Annie this isn't any of your business,"
Becky squawked.
"I'm coming to get a text book and tell Chris that mama and I are going to the grocery store in a few minutes if he wants to walk with us," Annie replied.
Chris replied, "go walk with auntie Teddy. You don't need me for that."
Annie asked, "are you sure?"
"Positive," Chris said.
Annie grabbed her text book and called, "merry Christmas Becky."
Teddy asked, "where's Chris?"
"Still fighting with Becky," Annie said, "he told us to go without him."
Teddy asked, "do we have a list?"
Annie nodded, "I have the cookie list."
Annie and Teddy got their coats and boots and walked out the door. They spent the rest of Christmas Eve making cookies, watching Christmas movies and eating appetizers before church. After the late night service everyone went to bed.