Teddy was getting Allison dressed to go to see the daycare for the first time. Her baby girl was nearly 3 months old and Teddy had to go back to work on Monday. This was her last week home with Allison, Teddy had enjoyed the last three months getting to know her baby and enjoying baby snuggles. She had also learned a lot and had come to lean on Owen more when she found things challenging, she was also more aware of the anxieties and fear of losing people. She had thought her fear of losing people had started when she lost her parents then her best friend Allison in the span of a few months, she now realized that it was much deeper than that, her fear of losing people the start of many of her challenges she blamed on 911 and Iraq had started years before. She realized now that her fear began when she gave Annie to the McKellars. Today she was going to drop Allison off for her first visit to the daycare, the first time she would be away from family and Teddy was going to go meet with Dr. Wyatt, it was time to finally address the fears that had troubled her for 25 years and the things she had seen in all of her time with the army. She needed to do this for years. She had pushed Annie to get help but had yet to accept it herself, Teddy needed to do it herself.
Teddy met Owen outside the daycare.
Teddy asked, "is she ready for this?"
"It's only a couple hours tops," Owen said, "we'll get her settled. I'll walk with you to your meeting, go do a bit of paperwork then you'll pick her up. What are you doing afterwards?"
"Annie and Meg are off today so we're going to try on bridesmaids dresses," Teddy said, "I need to get them to agree on a style. Arizona doesn't care as long as it's floor length."
They walked into the daycare.
"Dr Hunt, Dr Altman this must be Allison," the teacher greeted.
"This is Ali," Owen said.
"Today is her first visit so I want to go over a few things with you," the teacher said.
"Of course," Teddy said.
"What do you need us to do," asked Owen.
"We have some confusion on her pick up and emergency contacts form, you list a dr Grace Altman as her sister, I'm assuming you mean she's Allison's aunt," the teacher asked.
"Grace is my older daughter," Teddy explained, "there is a 25 year age gap between my girls. Her other contacts are Dr Meghan Hunt who is Owen's sister and Dr Nathan Riggs who we've known for many years. All of her contacts work at this hospital. Grace would be our first choice for you to call."
The teacher asked, "you list a possible allergy to nuts has she been tested?"
Teddy shook her head, "that's being cautious. Her older sister has an anaphylactic allergy to cashews. We would prefer her not to be given any nut products here."
"How is she fed," the teacher asked.
"Teddy is nursing her. We will provide you with bottles or Teddy will come and feed her," Owen said.
"Does she get any formula," asked the teacher.
"We haven't yet," Teddy said, "because I've been home with her, but we are open to supplementing with formula if needed. I would prefer she continue nursing as long as we can."
"Can we page you to feed Allison," asked the teacher.
"Any time," Teddy replied, "if I'm in surgery I will let you know and you give her a bottle."
"Has she spent much time away from you," asked the teacher.
"She's spent a few hours at a time with her sister, she likes her Auntie Meghan and Uncle Nathan. She's done well with Owen's mom who had her overnight last week," Teddy said.
Owen asked, "what do you do if she's crying and won't settle?"
The teacher answered, "we have several things that we do. We try first to feed and change, at Allison's age we would rock and cuddle her, maybe take her for a walk if you're comfortable with that. If it goes on for an extended period of time we would page one of you. If you are unable to come we would try her other contacts as they are in the hospital."
Teddy asked, "are we able to spend time with her during our shifts. Could I take her to my office to feed and snuggle and bring her back when my break is over or I'm needed with patients."
"As long as you sign her in and out each time," the teacher said, "a lot of parents do that. Is it only both of you that can do that?"
"We have Grace as an alternate pick up," Teddy said, "she can come and visit or take Allison for a walk."
"When she comes in where do we put her stuff," Owen asked.
"All of the children are assigned a cubby space and a bin in the fridge in their room," the teacher explained, "I'll show you the baby room and where to put Allison's things."
Teddy and Owen followed the teacher. They helped unpack the things that would stay at daycare and get her settled in a bouncer with her favorite toy.
Teddy checked her watch, "I have an appointment on the 9th floor I'm going to be late for. Please call me if you need anything."
"We will," the teacher said.
"I should get back to the pit," Owen said.
Teddy knelt beside Allison, "mama is going to be back in a little over an hour sweetheart. You're going to stay here and play with the toys. I love you baby girl."
Owen crouched beside them, "Allison I'm just going to be down stairs. Mama will come pick you up soon. Have fun munchkin. Love you."
Teddy and Owen both kissed the top of Allison's head then left the daycare.
"What am I doing," Teddy asked.
"Dropping our daughter off at daycare and going to meet a colleague," Owen said.
"Why am I going to meet her," Teddy said, "I'm fine."
Owen hugged Teddy, "you said you wanted to talk about how worried you are about losing Allison. I think you should go talk with an open mind. Do you want me to walk with you?"
"Could you," Teddy said, "I'm scared."
"Nothing to be scared of," Owen said, "just a friendly conversation."
"About all my deepest darkest secrets," Teddy said.
"Just go get to know her," Owen said.
"I can't do this," Teddy said.
"You can," Owen said, "go talk to her. Trust this, trust us."
"I'm scared," Teddy said.
"You are one of the bravest most loving people I know," Owen said, "you would do anything for someone else. Do this for you."
"But the girls," Teddy said.
"How many years of counselling has Annie had," Owen said, "Allison needs a happy mama."
"I'm stuck with mama aren't I," Teddy asked.
"I think so," Owen said.
"I need a hug first," Teddy said.
"I can do that," Owen said, wrapping his arms around her. He held Teddy tightly until he felt her relax.
Teddy whispered, "thank you."
"Any time. Come find me after you pick up Allison," Owen said.
"I will," Teddy replied.
Owen walked away and Teddy cautiously knocked on Dr. Wyatt's door.
"Dr. Altman," greeted Dr. Wyatt, "come in."
"Thank you," Teddy replied.
"What brings you in today," dr Wyatt asked.
"I don't know how to answer that," Teddy said.
"Let's have a seat and you can tell me what's going on in your life," dr Wyatt suggested.
"The last few weeks or the last year," Teddy asked.
"Since the last time we talked," Dr Wyatt said.
"That was about four years ago," Teddy pointed out, "just after Henry passed."
"Start from there and fill me in," dr Wyatt said.
Teddy began, "after my last session with you I moved to Landstuhl Germany to run the hospital there for US Army Medical Command and oversee other hospitals. It was the job of a lifetime and I'm glad I did it career wise. I really enjoyed the challenge and the wide range of skills I needed to keep that moving forward. I ran it for three years before coming back to Seattle."
"If you loved it why did you come back," dr Wyatt asked.
"I liked running the hospital and I had great friends in Germany but it was far from my oldest daughter. Annie is a surgical intern here. Then a year ago Owen Hunt appeared at my door late at night. I was getting ready for bed when he arrived with no warning," Teddy said.
"What was Owen doing at your door without your invitation," asked Dr Wyatt.
Teddy said, "he came to tell me that he missed me and he loved me. I've loved him from the first day I met him. I felt the same way. Others had just been distractions because I couldn't have him."
"What happened when he came to your apartment," asked Dr Wyatt.
"He told me he missed me and had to see me to tell me he loves me and I kissed him like I've never kissed anyone else. Then we ended up in my bed and we talked and reminisced," Teddy said, "we cuddled and watched a late spring snowfall."
"Did you have intercourse with Owen," dr Wyatt asked.
"Yes," Teddy said, "we had sex and somehow at 45 I got pregnant from that night. Neither of my children were planned. Annie I was 20 but Allison I was 45 who had an unplanned pregnancy with their best friend at the age of 45?"
"What happened with the pregnancy," Dr Wyatt asked.
"Our daughter Allison is 3 months old, she's down stairs in the daycare now," Teddy said.
"And you and Owen," dr Wyatt asked.
"We're engaged, he proposed on New Year's Eve," Teddy said, "at midnight and it was perfect. But it wasn't as simple as Owen and I confessing our love for each other sleeping together then having a baby."
"That's not simple at all," Dr Wyatt said, "you've uprooted your entire life."
"I didn't know I was pregnant until I was 7 weeks, I thought I was getting old. To have an unplanned pregnancy at 45 is unheard of. I hid in Germany not telling anyone until Owen called me to tell me his younger sister who had been missing in action and presumed dead for the last about 10 years had been found in a basement in Iraq alive but injured and mentally intact," Teddy explained, "I threw a couple weeks worth of clothes in a bag told my commanding officers I had a family emergency and flew to Seattle."
"What did you say the family emergency was," Dr Wyatt asked.
"I never did," Teddy said, "they had met and knew Annie. They presumed I was going to her."
"What happened when you got to Seattle," dr Wyatt asked.
"I dropped my bag at my house which I'm renting to Annie and her boyfriend along with another intern," Teddy said, "I was a little annoyed when I put my bag in what I thought was Annie's room and went to use the master bathroom to shower and found Josh's toiletries and clothing in her room. She hadn't told me they had decided to share a room. Usually Annie tells me everything. But I got cleaned up and came to the hospital to see Meghan. I found Owen out front and he picked me up and spun me around like Germany had never happened."
"At this point did he know about your pregnancy," asked Dr Wyatt.
"No. I was 10 weeks and hadn't told him yet," Teddy admitted.
"Why not," Dr Wyatt asked, "he is the father."
"I thought he would be like Annie's biological father," Teddy said, "Steven walked out on me because I refused to get an abortion. I knew that even if I couldn't raise Annie she had to live and have a chance so I gave her up for adoption but you know that part of the story."
"Had Owen ever given you any indication that he wouldn't be there for you," Dr. Wyatt asked.
"I know it was irrational but I was scared," Teddy said, "I told Owen the day after I got home and he was ecstatic. He wanted Allison and me. He basically moved into my house with me."
"He moved in with you," Dr Wyatt asked, "where was he living?"
"I wanted to take things slow and figure out Owen and I as a couple," Teddy said, "I was staying at my house and figuring out my next steps. I needed to find a job here before I left Med Com. Owen was in a small bachelor apartment and preferred the chaos of my house with me, Annie and Josh. living with brand new surgical interns is interesting, they need parenting. I've really seen this year that interns need parents and guidance. In a more loving way then we typically do as surgeons."
"Did you find a job," asked Dr. Wyatt.
"I'm working here as a cardio attending, " Teddy said, " I got a job here which is a huge step down in terms of responsibility from what I was doing. Thankfully my salary is slightly higher here. Owen and I bought a house in August and we moved in at the end of September."
"You and Owen tell me about that," Dr. Wyatt said.
"He's still Owen. Kind, loving, passionate, safe. He gets me in ways no one ever has. I can just be me. He's my best friend," Teddy said, "he loves me and both girls. He sees Annie as his own."
"Is him accepting your older daughter important to you," asked Dr. Wyatt.
"I wouldn't be with anyone who couldn't accept both of my girls," Teddy said, "my girls come first."
"Tell me about your girls," Dr. Wyatt said, "I saw Annie a few years ago but she returned to UBC and I lost touch."
"Allison is 3 months old, she's hitting all of her milestones and is the happiest baby, she giggles and smiles at us and loves Annie's cat. She's nursing so I'm up at night with her. But Owen is really helpful with Allison. Allison has been an easy baby once I got over the fear someone would take her from me," Teddy said.
"Tell me about Annie then we'll come back to that last comment," said Dr. Wyatt.
Teddy smiled, "Annie has grown a lot in the last few years, she's 25 now. She's had her ups and downs and still fights with her own trauma but she's getting a lot stronger. She's sweet, compassionate, driven and brilliant. Annie lives with her boyfriend Josh who is a perfect match for her. They're talking about marriage, they were best friends in medical school. He's another one of our surgical interns. They were best friends for 3 or 4 years and about a year ago decided to make it more. Their a good couple. She's becoming an amazing surgeon. Annie amazes me with her drive and how much she's been able to do. I'm going to sound like every other mom but she's incredible. Annie has never lost her gentleness and empathy; she's kind and loving. She's a beautiful young woman inside and out. She absolutely dotes on Allison. I'm proud of her."
Teddy continued her session with Dr. Wyatt, they mainly talked about her girls and Owen.
"Teddy I would like to see you again next week," Dr. Wyatt said.
"I thought you would," Teddy agreed.
They picked a time.
"That's around snack time for Allison," Teddy said, "am I able to bring her with me."
"If you would like to," Dr Wyatt said.
"She'll eat then fall asleep," Teddy said, "I'll see you next week."
"See you soon," Dr. Wyatt said.
Teddy stopped in the bathroom to fix her makeup making sure her mascara was intact after the tears that had fallen during her appointment with Dr. Wyatt. She felt lighter somehow.
Teddy let herself into the daycare and walked to the baby room. Allison was laying on her tummy beside another baby with a teacher sitting in front of them holding up a picture book.
Teddy sat down beside Allison, "hi baby girl. Did you like your first day?"
"She's been very smiley," the teacher said.
"Has she been changed," Teddy asked.
"About 20 minutes ago," the teacher said, "she was wet."
"Thank you," Teddy said, "she gets fussy in a wet diaper. She likes to be changed right away."
"Did you feed her," Teddy asked.
"She hasn't been hungry," the teacher said.
"I'll try to feed her before we go," Teddy said.
Teddy gathered Allison's things and her backpack and headed down to her office to feed the baby before going to the pit to say hello to Owen before she left. She was excited to shop for bridesmaids dresses with Annie, Meghan and Arizona; they all hand different requests. Arizona wanted something long enough to hide her prosthetic leg, Annie wanted the scar on her shoulder hidden and Meghan wanted something fitted in the bodice. Teddy thought that the one that might be hard to do was Annie's request to cover her scar.
With the morning off Annie had met Jenna for brunch.
"What do I have to do to be part of the group that calls you Annie," Jenna asked.
"Be family or know me before I changed my name," Annie replied.
"Meghan Hunt is your step aunt so I get that but Riggs sr," Jenna asked.
"Josh's uncle and engaged to Meghan so family," Annie said.
"Someone needs to make a map of the Altman/ Hunt / Riggs family," Jenna teased, "how did everyone meet?"
"Josh and I at Harvard our very first day," Annie said, "Meghan and Nathan in their first year at Harvard. Owen did his trauma fellowship with the army and then Meghan followed him into the military Nathan followed her. Mama enlisted after 911 and was assigned to the same group as Owen; they were a team in Iraq. They never expected me and Josh to meet. I grew up in Cloverdale BC and he grew up in a tough neighborhood in Portland."
Annie paused and stared at a girl a couple tables over.
"Grace, what are you looking at," Jenna asked.
"That's Jessica McKellar," Annie said.
"Who," Jenna asked.
"My other sister, the one who gave me the scar on my back," Annie said, "just be cool."
Jenna laughed, "we're never cool."
"Just don't draw attention to me," Annie said.
"I won't," Jenna agreed, "are you going to say anything to her?"
"I haven't in 4 years she cost me the family that raised me," Annie said, "and half my liver why start now. Unless it gets physical don't tell mama. Are you staying with Duncan again tonight?"
"Why are you asking," Jenna asked.
"So I know how many people to make dinner for," Annie said.
"Do you mind," Jenna asked, "it's your house."
"I don't," Annie said, "but you're not exactly quiet."
"Like you can talk," Jenna said, "you and josh on the couch come on."
"Duncan was supposed to be at work," Annie said, "and we still had some clothes."
"Ya your bra and underwear and his boxers," Jenna said.
"What ever we're all doctors it's nothing you hadn't seen before ," Annie said.
"You guys have nothing to be ashamed of. I'm jealous of those abs," Jenna said, "I need to try your workout."
"I run 5 days a week and swim the other two. Ballet and highland practice at home most days and I like Pilates and yoga," Annie said, "but you and Duncan."
"Hot man in a uniform," Jenna gushed.
"He's like 12 years older than us," Annie said.
"Hot older man," Jenna laughed.
"I don't see it," Annie said.
"You only see Josh," Jenna said, "is he your first?"
Annie laughed, "one guy in undergrad. But I was single for all but the last month of medical school and I don't do one night stands or casual hook ups."
"So you didn't have anyone for four years," Jenna asked looking shocked.
"It's not a big deal," Annie said, "especially when you're raised in a family that believes in chastity pledges."
"Mama Altman," Jenna laughed, "I didn't even know she went to church."
"The mckellars we were always very involved with church," Annie said, "they had me teaching Sunday school and everything."
"My parents only made me go to synagogue on the high holidays and for my bat mitzvah," Jenna said.
"Every Sunday and then a youth group or bible study meeting mid week. I went to Christina school from k-7," Annie said, "I didn't know I could go a school day without a bible verse of the day or singing Jesus loves me until high school."
"You turned out fairly normal,"Jenna said.
"I always thought for myself," Annie said, "they didn't like that. Lots of hours in pastor Doug's office. Being told of the error of my ways and why women shouldn't question. When I said I wanted to be a doctor in high school they asked if I meant a nurse. Nope always a surgeon. No one knew where that came from. Everyone else in the family were teachers, paramedics, firefighters, pastors, accountants. What did your family say?"
Jenna said, "my parents wanted me to go to med school. They were skeptical when I chose surgery instead of something more family friendly like internal medicine or pediatrician. Neuro surgery scares them because they don't understand why I want to do a 5 year residency and a 3 year fellowship. My mom says I'm putting my real life on hold."
"Mama encourages it. But tells me to learn from her mistakes and live through my residency to have friends and a life and fall in love. That the medicine is only part of the equation," Annie said.
"I miss mama Atman. When does she come back," Jenna asked.
"Monday," Annie said, "you can text her any time. She replied at 2 am yesterday. She's always replied if she's awake. We've had some great middle of the night conversations when I've been waiting to see if something comes into the pit and she's up with Allison."
"Is she ready to come back," Jenna asked.
"She misses working but loves being with Allison," Annie replied.
"Are you ever jealous of Allison," Jenna asked.
"I have my moments. It's that she knows who her parents are. I was 17 before I even knew mama's name and 19 before I met her," Annie said, "Allison knows where she fits from day one."
"Your mama and Hunt that's okay with you," Jenna asked.
"Long overdue," Annie said, "he's a good step dad. Henry mama's first husband was good but I prefer Owen. He makes her happy. My very first surgery where I got to touch a patient I was still 19 it was Owens OR with him and Kepner. I've skied with him a few times as well. Owen has been family since I was 19."
"She was married before," Jenna asked, "what happened."
"Henry had VHL he passed when I was 21," Annie said, "they were only together a few years. I liked him except when he called me kiddo."
"Hunt used a nickname the first day we were here after that appy," Jenna said.
"Little bear," Annie said, "mama uses it sometimes. I hate it. It's what the mckellars called me as a kid."
Jessica has heard enough of the conversation to realize that it was Annie.
"Annabeth McKellar," Jessica said storming over to Annie and Jenna.
"You must be looking for someone else," Jenna said.
"She's Annie McKellar," Jessica said.
"I'm Dr Grace Altman," Annie said, "but it's good to see you Jessica. Why are you in Seattle?"
"Shopping. What are you doing here," Jessica demanded.
"Here or in Seattle," Annie clarified.
"Both," Jessica said.
"I'm having brunch with a friend because we've just worked 8 days straight and finally have a day off. I live in Seattle now I'm doing my residency here," Annie said.
Jessica's friend asked, "what kind of doctor are you?"
"We're surgeons," Jenna replied, "I'm neuro and Grace is cardiothoracic."
"We're surgical residents," Annie clarified.
"So you're not a real doctor," Jessica said.
"I have my MD," Annie said, "I'm specializing in heart surgery. What are you doing?"
"I'm at BCIT," Jessica said, "it's my first year. I'm doing Human Resources."
"How long are you in town for," Annie asked.
"The weekend I have to work Monday," Jessica said.
"This is my day off then I'm at the hospital for 6 days," Annie said, "I should get going though. I need to meet Teddy, Meghan and Arizona for something."
"Still close to Teddy," Jessica hissed, "she hasn't seen you for the impostor you are yet."
Jessica's friend and Jenna looked shocked.
"This isn't the time or the place," Annie said, "why don't I call you in a few days and we can talk."
"No, because you're going to stop calling," Jessica said, "I told you that if you went to Boston you couldn't come back. I told you you were choosing between being a doctor and your family. You're no better than Teddy. Choosing your career over your family."
"Jessica I am not having this conversation here when we both have friends around," Annie said firmly.
Jenna recognized the tone she had heard Teddy, and Owen use it with out of control patients or disrespectful residents.
"Fine," Jessica said, "but stop calling, stop emailing and stop writing letters. We don't want you, we don't need you. I don't mom and dad don't and stop trying with grandma and grandpa."
"I haven't come back to Cloverdale since I left," Annie said, "my relationship with mom and dad or grandma is none of your business."
"Don't contact them," Jessica said, "they don't want you. They just delete your emails and voicemails. You stress them out and upset them just leave us alone."
"Then you need to leave," Jenna said, "Grace has been polite and you are harassing her. We live and work in Seattle if you don't want to see her I suggest you go home."
Jessica snapped, "I don't care. She never belonged and she can never come back."
"Jen it's fine. It's my turn to get brunch so I'm going to go pay then we should go," Annie said.
Annie stood up and went to pay for their brunch.
Annie met Jenna outside.
"What was that," asked Jenna.
"That would be my other sister on a good day. Be glad you only know the cute cuddly one," Annie said.
"That's Jessica," Jenna said, "you grew up with that and turned out normal."
"She wasn't that bad until I was 18," Annie said, "it got worse after my 19th birthday and I reached out to mama. When I started to work on med school applications and began observing at Grey Sloan it got worse . She was threatened, she still is."
"Well your older sister is a surgeon, your brother is a pilot, and you're doing HR courses thats what a 2 year diploma," Jenna said.
"BCIT would be a couple years at night part time ," Annie said, "sorry they ruined our brunch."
"She was a bitch," Jenna said, "you told her to leave you alone and she didn't respect that. Are you sure you're okay that was intense. She basically disowned you."
"She's done it before," Annie said, "I'll call Chris later and he'll let me know how bad she is and if I need to back off my once a month email to my parents and grandparents. What are your plans for the rest of the day?"
"I'm going to hang out with Duncan," Jenna said.
"Have him at your place tonight," Annie said, "I'd kind of like just Josh and I home tonight."
"What are you thinking of doing that you want us gone all of a sudden," Jenna asked.
"I want a night at home with my boyfriend who I haven't been home with in two weeks," Annie said.
"So your plan is what," Jenna asked.
"Make dinner, bottle of wine and look hot," Annie said.
"So you want me to get your roommate out so you can enjoy the night with your boyfriend alone," Jenna laughed.
"Exactly," Annie said, "we don't meet in on call rooms."
"That might solve your problem," Jenna said.
"My mother and his uncle are the attendings assigned to our intern group," Annie said, "we work with my step father and step aunt, Josh's aunt, I don't know what Meghan is."
"You do have too much family at the hospital," Jenna said.
"See I can't sneak off to an on call room," Annie said, "but we need this weekend with no Duncan at the house. Tomorrow is one year together."
"Only a year," Jenna said.
"We moved in together after like 6 weeks and the same bed 2 weeks after that," Annie said.
Annie's sudden plan for a romantic night at home was half wanting to do something for their anniversary and half self preservation in case she had a nightmare after dealing with Jessica. Annie realized that after that incident there was no going back. There was no home or family to go to. What she had here in Seattle was it. She wanted to curl up and cry.
"What time are you dress shopping," Jenna asked.
"I have 45 minutes," Annie said, "should be enough time to drive over and go for a quick walk to clear my head," Annie said.
"Are you sure you're okay," Jenna asked.
"I'm fine," Annie said, "she's probably just off again it'll blow over. I'll email again in a week or so let it calm down. What are you doing for the afternoon?"
"Trying to find a way to get Duncan to my place," Jenna said.
"Food, movie, drinks," Annie suggested.
"I'll figure it out," Jenna said, "Netflix and chill."
Annie said, "have fun. I'm going to go try on dresses. All I know is emerald green."
"Have fun," Jenna said, "I'm going grocery shopping."
"That's after," Annie said.
They got in their cars and drove off. Annie was fighting back tears she wanted to call Teddy but wasn't going to ruin her day.
A while later Annie pulled up in front of the boutique where they were looking for dresses. She didn't see Teddy's car but saw Meghan standing out front.
"Meghan," Annie called trying to sound happy.
"Annie," Meghan replied, "ready to look at dresses?"
"I think so," Annie said, "not ready for everyone to see the scar on my back. Hopefully we can find something everyone likes that covers it."
"That scar isn't even that bad," Meghan said, "If I can show mine off so can you. Yours is a few years old and with your hair down mostly covered. You give her control when you keep hiding it. Don't let her control you anymore. Whoever did the sutures on your back was talented."
"Mama did it ," Annie said, "my last night at the mckellars. It was Dec 26 and she didn't want to do the 6 hour wait in the pit at the hospital in cloverdale. She had a suture kit in her car so she had me lie on my bed and did it. we were both crying. "
"I've had to operate on Faroke it's hard when it's your own kid," Meghan said, "makes you second guess everything you do."
"I can see that," Annie said, "am I back on your service this week? I've been with you a lot."
"You're not," Meghan said, "Teddy wanted you for her first week back. So you have three weeks of cardio in a row."
"Mama, Pierce, Nathan," Annie said.
"Something like that," Meghan confirmed.
"Do we know what Arizona wants for dresses other than floor length," Annie asked.
"I don't," Meghan said, "I'm still getting to know her. It's been a whirlwind of a year."
"For all of us," Annie said, "this time last year I was finishing my last class. Tomorrow josh and I will have been together for a year."
"Do you have anything planned," Meghan asked.
"He told me he has tomorrow figured out but tonight I'm making dinner for him. I got rid of Duncan for the night," Annie said.
"Jenna," Meghan asked, "I caught them coming out of a supply closet this week."
"She told me. Everyone is worried about Bailey, Owen, Grey or Webber finding them," Annie said, "they don't think you judge."
"Owen," Meghan laughed.
"Unless you're me and Josh, most of the interns are a bit afraid of him," Annie said, " our first shift he yelled at Grey in the hallway outside the OR. He puts on that calm, in control, I never make mistakes act but will tell us very clearly when we mess up."
"He Yelled at another attending in front of interns why," asked Meghan.
"My first appy that I failed," Annie said, "he wanted her to choose someone else but Nathan had already told her Josh wasn't a choice."
"And she's not a fan of Teddy's," Meghan said, "so she wanted to humiliate her daughter. By making her daughter do something she was really against. I agree with canceling that tradition. "
"I'm excited for next week's intern bowl," Annie said.
"What's the intern bowl," Meghan asked.
"A series of challenges that we have to do it's skill and speed but it's individual. We all compete. Winner gets to pick any procedure to scrub in on with any attending," Annie said.
"Your mama," Meghan asked.
"Or Nathan," Annie said, "I like cardio. Nathan has a transplant patient at the top of the list. I want in on that."
"But you're good in trauma," Meghan said, "I'll train you. Just ask him about the transplant or I'll tell him you want in."
"Can I do both cardio and trauma," Annie asked.
"You could. Pick one to focus on first through," Meghan said, "you can always pick up the trauma side through your other rotations."
Annie saw two girls walking towards them.
"Meghan don't draw attention to me," Annie said, "the blonde there is Jessica McKellar."
Meghan looked over and saw a platinum blond with deep tan and heavy makeup. It contrasted with Annie's fair skin, natural makeup and reddish blonde hair.
"She's your other sister," Meghan asked.
"Yes Jenna and I already ran into her I can't deal with her again today," Annie said, "and don't tell mama."
"Why aren't I telling her," Meghan asked.
"Because the whole thing makes her angry," Annie said, "so unless Jessica touches me or makes me cry mama doesn't need to know. It would ruin the day. Why don't we look at the shoe store for heels for the wedding."
"Hiding from Jessica," Meghan asked.
"It works," Annie said, "we have to stop mama from seeing Jessica anywhere near me."
"I'm telling Teddy we're shoe shopping," Meghan said.
Annie said, "I'll do it."
They spent a few minutes browsing for shoes then met their group to look for dresses.
Teddy introduced the group to the sales lady and what they were looking for.
As they were looking at dresses Annie whispered to Teddy, "would people stare at my scar if we chose a strapless dress?"
Teddy replied, "I hardly noticed it at the pool over New Years. You notice it more than any one."
Annie asked, "would it bother you?"
Teddy said, "it opens up more options for us with necklines. What made you change your mind."
"Something Meghan said," Annie replied, "about not letting the past control me anymore."
Teddy found one she liked on the rack, "what do you think of this?"
"I like the neckline and the corset back but I don't know about the skirt," Annie said.
"Try it on," Teddy said, "we're still getting ideas."
They tried on several different styles and found that it was better to all be the same color with slightly different dresses to suit each of the bridesmaids personalities and builds rather than matching. They also agreed that since Teddy was going to have her hair up the three bridesmaids would have theirs half up half down.
Exiting the dress store after ordering their dresses they ran into Jessica.
"Annabeth I thought I told you I never wanted to see you again but you keep appearing," Jessica sneared.
Annie replied, "I was just leaving."
Teddy gripped the stroller , "Jessica go and leave Grace alone. You want to be gone before Owen comes to pick our daughter and I up."
Meghan looked at Annie who whispered, "Owen is the only person who could ever get Jessica to stop screaming at me or threatening me."
Annie said, "if you don't want to see me stay out of Seattle. I live here and work here now. I actually have a couple things I need to do before work tomorrow."
Teddy added, "you may have been able to manipulate your parents. But you will not change the way this family feels about Annie. She is one of us and always will be."
"She's my sister, I can do what I want," Jessica snapped.
"Jessica I'm done with your abuse. You can treat me with respect or you can leave," Annie said, "I'm not going anywhere."
"You really want another surgery," Jessica hissed, "I can make that happen. Or your pathetic mother to do more stitches."
Annie was thankful Arizona had left. That this happened in front of Teddy and Meghan was embarrassing enough.
"That is enough," Meghan commanded, "get back in your car and go home. "
"Who the hell are you," demanded Jessica.
"Lt Meghan Hunt I'm a trauma surgeon at Grey Sloan memorial," Meghan said, "I work with Annie, Teddy and Owen. I know you've met my brother. You're now messing with my family and that's not going to happen. Leave now or we will call the police."
Jessica's friend grabbed her by the arm, "let's go she seems serious and scary."
"You win this time," Jessica gelled, "but you can never come back now. Never call, email, text you're done. You stay with them."
Annie nodded holding back tears, "goodbye Jessica."
Jessica's friend asked, "why is Annabeth with them
If she's your sister?"
Jessica said, "the imposter was adopted. The blonde woman is her birth mother. Annie went to Boston for medical school at Teddy's insistence. Ivy League or some crap like that."
"Where did she go," the friend asked.
"Harvard," Jessica said, "like UBC wasn't good enough."
"You're being a jealous bitch," the friend said, "anyone would take Harvard and an American residency if given the chance. My brother is in medical school at UBC and he keeps talking about wanting to do trauma training under the Hunts here. Both are apparently legends. And they have a woman that does heart trauma with them. I want to say her last name starts with an A. Jordan won't shut up about it. All he wants to do is go to Seattle and be trained by them."
Jessica grumbled, "that was Teddy Altman she's a heart surgeon and military. She's Annabeth's birth mother"
The friend gasped, "you just pissed off that group. That was Teddy Altman and Meghan Hunt. Because you're jealous of your sister. Well done. You are a genius. If you're not careful you'll end up alone. I don't know what you're doing but I've had enough and I'm going home. You come with me now or figure it out."
Teddy asked, "Meghan can you take Allison for a walk?"
Meghan asked, "how can I help?"
Teddy repeated, "take Allison."
Teddy watched as Meghan took the stroller and began to walk before turning to Annie.
"What do you need sweetheart," Teddy asked.
"Josh," Annie said, "I want josh but he's in the OR with Webber."
Teddy asked, "would a hug help?"
Annie nodded, "it would."
Teddy hugged Annie and whispered, "You're safe, you're okay, I'm right here, match my breathing."
Teddy waited until Annie's breathing matched her own and she felt Annie relax before letting her go. Teddy knew that even at 25 Annie still struggled with what had happened with the McKellars and that she would need a lot of support to feel part of their rapidly changing family. Teddy knew that with how insecure Annie was with where she fit and never feeling good enough she would need some time with just Annie. Sending Allison with Meghan was the first step.
"That's not the first time you saw her today," Teddy said.
Annie said, "she showed up where Jenna and I were having brunch. We were done eating and just finishing our fourth or fifth cups of tea when Jessica saw me. She said some stuff about me not calling mom and dad and I left I thought we were done."
Teddy asked, "what do you want to do?"
Annie replied, "I need to call and say goodbye to Chris then I'm free. Maybe it's time I stop trying to force it. I have a family here. I have you and Owen. Meghan and Nathan like Josh and I. Evelyn acts like she's my grandma. There's baby Allison and Faroke. I have a family here. I just need to at least give Chris a chance to say goodbye."
Teddy said, "you hold onto your brother. If you want distance from your parents that's okay but don't lose Chris. Chris loves you. Owen and I love and want you. Evelyn calls you her oldest grandchild; she adores you. Meghan and Nathan love you. Faroke looks up to you and josh."
"What do you think I should do," Annie asked.
"I think you need to give it time," Teddy said, "keep talking to Chris. Tell him what happened today. But maybe we wait for Dan and Leslie to reach out to you."
"Can I go back to dr Wyatt," Annie asked, "is she still at Grey Sloan?"
Teddy said, "I saw her today. You know how to make an appointment."
Annie said, "it's almost a relief not to have to fight it or prove myself. What if I let it go and focus on the family I do have ?"
"Then you always have Owen and I," Teddy promised, "you'll always have us. I'm always on your side no matter what."
Teddy's phone buzzed in her pocket, "can Meghan come back?"
Annie nodded, "she can. Sorry to ruin your special day."
Teddy sighed, "you didn't. Jessica made some poor choices again. We can still turn it around."
Annie said, "I can do a little bit longer."
"Something special tonight," Teddy asked.
"It's our anniversary," Annie said, "I'm going home to make a special dinner and find something very cute in my closet."
"Is it one year already," Teddy asked, "that means it's one year since."
"I don't need to know that," Annie cut Teddy off, "tell your fiancé that not your daughter."
"What are you making for dinner," Teddy asked.
"I was thinking salmon or steak," Annie said, "veggies, wine."
Teddy asked, "have you thought of dessert?"
Annie said, "he loves apple crisp so I'm going to make one and pick up some ice cream."
Teddy said, "it sounds like you have it under control."
Annie nodded, "I do. Just need time to do my hair and make myself look hot."
Teddy laughed, "I don't want to know that. Your gorgeous no matter what. But you have a roommate."
"He's hanging out with Jenna," Annie said, "at her place."
"They're hanging out at her house, you know what that means. Meghan caught them in a supply closet this week," Teddy said.
"I know," Annie said, "trust me I've heard."
Teddy laughed, "that bad?"
Annie nodded, "that bad. They know I'm home. Like have some respect."
Meghan returned with Allison, "Annie are you okay?"
Annie nodded, "I will be I just need time."
Teddy added, "we have a new plan. Annie is going to give them some space for a while and see what happens."
Meghan asked, "what about Chris? I liked him when he came to visit."
Annie replied, "I'm going to email him but he's still away for a few more weeks."
Meghan said, "your brother is important don't lose him. Fight for that."
"I will," Annie said, "he's always seen Jessica for what she is. It's one reason he left home. He enlisted and I moved on campus. I don't want to talk about this anymore. She's embarrassed me enough for one day."
Teddy shook her head, "that's on her. The only person she embarrassed was herself."
"Doesn't help," Annie said, "that is why I hate attention and people talking about me."
"So shoes to go with your dresses," Teddy said, changing the subject knowing Annie was done.
Annie asked, "what are you wearing?"
Teddy replied, "I saw a pair I liked online. I'm going to order them."
"What colour," asked Meghan.
"Silver," Teddy said, "I need them so I can get my dress altered."
Annie said, "your dress is stunning."
"I want to wait a couple more weeks before I go get it altered a few more workouts," Teddy said, "I'm just starting to feel good in my jeans again."
"Teddy your the only person who cares," Meghan said.
"I don't want to put a bathing suit on yet," Teddy said.
"Why do you need to wear a bathing suit," Annie asked.
"We're going to LA for a few days for a honeymoon," Teddy said.
Annie asked, "who's watching Allison?"
Teddy smiled, "she's coming. We can't leave her for five days."
Annie said, "it's not a honeymoon if you take your baby."
Teddy asked, "our wedding night can you take Allison overnight? Owen booked a hotel room so you'll take Allison to our house."
"Josh and I will," Annie said, "Josh likes helping me babysit."
"Nathan and I can as well," Meghan said.
"Thank you," Teddy said.
"Back to the shoe question," Annie said, "what colour?"
"Silver," Teddy said, "simple any height you feel comfortable in. Arizona wants a flatter shoe."
"Can I go higher so that I don't look shorter than everyone," Annie asked.
"Any height you feel comfortable in and can walk and dance," Teddy said.
"Will there be dancing," Annie asked.
"It's a wedding of course there will be dancing," Teddy said, "it's not a wedding without food and dancing."