My dates for years are approximate, the show isn't very clear on timelines. This is just a little bit of fun before we get to the wedding chapters.
It was the day of the baseball game against Seattle Presybetarian, and two weeks before Teddy and Owen's wedding.
Teddy walked beside Owen as he pushed the stroller towards the ball diamond.
"Theodora Altman," a voice called. A voice Teddy hadn't heard since she left New York.
"Claire," Teddy asked, "what are you doing here?"
"I'm here for the ball game," Claire said, "I could ask you the same thing."
"The ball game as well," Teddy smiled, "are you working for Seattle Preys?"
"I am," Claire said, "what about you?"
"Cardio and trauma at Grey Sloan," Teddy said, "how long have you been in Seattle?"
"Two years now," Claire said, "why haven't I seen you at this before?"
"I only started at Grey Sloan last August," Teddy said.
"What brought you back to civilian life," Claire asked, "you left New York after 9/11 and never looked back once you joined the army,"
"Owen and my daughters," Teddy said.
"You have children," Claire asked.
"Two daughters," Teddy said, "this is my fiance Owen and our daughter Allison."
Claire's eyes went wide, "Allison, you named her after Ali."
"We did," Teddy said, "she was my best friend. We were all really close."
"You only brought your youngest," Claire pointed out.
"My oldest, Annie is here somewhere," Teddy said, "she's 25 now and a second year resident."
"You found your daughter ," Claire said.
"Six almost seven years ago," Owen said, "I'll take Allison and meet everyone you can catch up."
"What brought you to Seattle," Teddy asked Claire.
"I moved around a bit after you left. New York was hard without Ali then you ran away and I was alone. I was in Boston for a while then LA then I met Erica and moved up here," Claire said.
"When were you in Boston," Teddy asked.
"I went about 6 months after you left. I was there for about 9 years," Claire said, "I was working with Mass Gen and Harvard medical School."
"You would have just missed Annie," Teddy said, "she went to Harvard for med school. Now she's here doing her surgical residency. We don't have a specialty yet."
"I wouldn't have recognized your kid anyway," Claire said, "and she'd have a different last name you gave her to another family."
"She uses Altman now," Teddy said, "and you'll recognize her when you see her."
Annie ran by with a group of residents.
"Annie," Teddy called, "I want you to meet someone."
"Coming," Annie said.
Annie turned and walked towards Teddy. She wasn't totally happy about it, this was not part of their giving each other space at work agreement. Neither was Teddy watching the resident's softball game.
"You paged mama," Annie laughed.
"Dr. Claire Williams, this is my older daughter Dr. Grace Altman," Teddy introduced, " Claire and I worked together at Columbia and she was my roommate in New York."
"Like Dr. Milner at UBC," Annie asked.
"Who," Claire asked.
"Anne Milner and I were roommates in med school," Teddy said, "she's a cardio professor and researcher at UBC. Annie worked with her during her undergrad."
"When did you two meet," Claire asked.
"I was 19," Annie said, "Leslie and Dan gave me mama's info on my 19th birthday. It took me a week to work up the courage to email mama."
"Mama," Claire asked.
"It's Annie's choice to use it for me," Teddy said, "my youngest will use it as well. It was to distinguish between me and Leslie who raised her."
"So you met her when she was 19 and you're now her attending," Claire asked.
"It's been her and I since her first year of medical school," Teddy said, "Owen and I got together about a year ago and we had Allison at the end of January."
"I'm going to go join the rest of the residents to warm up," Annie said, "even though I suck at baseball. I'm a dancer not a ball player."
"I'm looking forward to seeing what you and Meghan have for the talent competition later," Teddy said.
"Don't worry about that," Annie said, "we're awesome."
"I know you are," Teddy laughed, "I haven't seen you dance in years."
Annie ran to join the rest of the residents.
"Teddy I would have recognized her if she walked into my classroom or OR," Claire said, "she looks like you but shorter."
"Allison looks more like her father," Teddy said.
"Teddy what happened," Claire asked, "why did you run away after everything?"
"There was nothing left in New York," Teddy said, "my parents were dead, Allison was gone, I had destroyed my friendship with you. So I did what I do best, I ran away. I ran to the army. I still don't know why I enlisted. But I went to Iraq for a few years and met Owen but the timing wasn't right."
"I knew," Claire said, "about you and Allison. I just can't believe you named your daughter after her."
"It only happened a couple times," Teddy said, "I was lost after losing my parents and I don't understand what happened. She was my best friend. The best friend I've ever had. No one can know. Owen and Annie especially."
"So you ran away and went to Iraq and did what," Claire asked.
"I met Owen and I saved soldiers, people who risked everything for their country," Teddy said, "I was needed, what I did mattered. I was there 6 or 7 years before my contract ended and I followed Owen back to Seattle. I worked here for a few years, got to know Annie, married Henry."
"Henry, you said you're engaged to Owen," Claire said.
"Henry had VHL and passed a few years ago," Teddy said, "so I went back to the army and ran hospitals for them in Europe and the Middle East. I was based in Germany for 3 and a half years. Got Annie through med school. Then Owen and I finally got the timing right."
"So you've been with men," Claire asked.
"That was a one person thing," Teddy said, "it was about the person."
"And no one knows," Claire said.
"I didn't even know you knew," Teddy said, "that's something I'm not proud of. What we did was wrong. I'm sorry I hurt you."
"It hurt," Claire said, "but that was a long time ago."
"I'm still sorry," Teddy said, "are you enjoying Seattle?"
"I am," Claire said, "it's a great city."
"It really is," Teddy said, "
I should go find Erica. See you out there."
"It was good to see you Claire," Teddy said.
Teddy slowly walked towards Owen. It was the one part of her story she had never told him. That was her past something that she had tried to put out of her mind. Only ever admitting it to Dr Wyatt. While the affair with Allison had excited her at the time teddy knew that was a one time thing. It was her own desperation to feel connected to anyone to know that she wasn't alone. Her heart had belonged to Owen for longer than she cared to admit. He was her future she couldn't look back. Teddy smiled seeing Owen playing with their daughter and Annie warming up with the other residents.
The residents were to play first. Teddy shook her head watching. Her daughter, while an amazing dancer, did not do team sports. At least they had a shot with little Allison, maybe she would be their athlete. Maybe Ali would play soccer or softball.
Annie was playing catch with Cassidy and Julia.
"Grace, how is it possible you're a surgeon and suck this badly," Cassidy laughed.
"I did ballet and highland dance not softball," Annie said, "Meghan Hunt has me doing two dances in tonight's thing that should be enough."
"Two," Jenna asked, "why two?"
Annie groaned, "I agreed to a two person sword dance with her. That's been fun to rehearse and it'll be good to wear our kilts again. Then we needed one more dance piece so she told Bailey I would fill the gap. "
"What are you doing then," Cassidy asked.
"Pulling a JL off with like an hour of rehearsal," Annie said.
An intern named Hannah spoke up, "if I had a national I'd do the JL with you."
"You dance," Annie asked.
"I did," Hannah said, "did you compete?"
"Mainly in BC and Canada," Annie said, "I grew up just outside of Vancouver."
"Did you ever do Seattle, Mt Vernon, Seaside or Portland," asked Hannah.
"I did," Annie said, "where are you from?"
"Eugene Oregon," Hannah said, "I don't remember competing against a Grace Altman though."
"I used to compete as Annie McKellar," Annie replied.
"Your Annie McKellar," Hannah said, "you were a few years younger then me and winning everything you entered then you disappeared. Weren't you Canadian and world champion?"
"That's another life. I don't really dance anymore. I went to school," Annie said, "moved to the east coast, changed my name and stopped competing."
"You competed against my sister Heather," Hannah said.
"I remember Heather," Annie said, "she was good. Tell her I say hi."
"Grace heads up," Jenna called, lobbing the ball to Annie.
Annie's friends knew she had a life before med school that she didn't talk much about. A life before her sister had tried to kill her, they understood that in a sense Annie was hiding in plain sight.
The residents continued to warm up until Jo blew the whistle calling them all in as Chief Resident she was also team captain. They played a good game and were tied with Seattle Pres going into the final inning. The Grey Sloan residents lost their game after one of the Seattle Pres residents hit a home run as their final batter.
"Are you and Josh coming for lunch," Jenna asked.
"We're not," Annie said, "we have to stay for the attending game. I promised to sit with Allison."
"Bring your sister with you," Cassidy said.
"Mama and Uncle Owen came early to watch us play," Annie said, "or to laugh at how terrible I am. We really should stay."
"Next time don't agree to babysit," Jenna said.
"It's hard to say no," Annie said, "Evelyn is away on some retreat with her church this weekend and all of their other babysitters are playing. Next time we'll go. We don't mind sitting and watching, with how stressful our last couple weeks have been it'll be nice to just sit and play with Allison."
"How is Josh's dad doing," asked Cassidy, "that surgery was the most incredible thing I've ever seen. Mama Altman was a total badass. I see why they call her a cardio goddess."
"Ian is doing better," Annie said, "he gets discharged to rehab this week."
"Josh's mom," Jenna asked.
"Went back to Portland," Annie replied, "he's having a hard time with it. We'll be fine. He just gets quiet when stuff like this happens."
"You've both been quiet," Julia said.
"We haven't had much to say," Annie said.
"We should go get lunch and we'll see you at the show later," Cassidy said.
"See you later," Annie called.
She walked over to where Teddy and Owen were sitting with Nathan and Meghan.
"Are you sure you're okay to babysit," Teddy asked.
"We're happy to," Annie said, "isn't it almost nap time anyway?"
"Lunch first," Teddy said.
"Are you ready for tonight," Owen asked.
"The sword yes, my JL isn't comp ready but it's fine," Annie replied.
"You're doing your JL," Josh said, "isn't that your favourite."
"It is," Annie replied, "my kilt and national are in the car. I need to do hair and stage makeup at the theater."
"A national," Teddy said, "did you ask about the costume."
"We talked about it," Meghan said, "Annie can you come walk with Owen and I, we want to talk to you about the costume."
"I guess," Annie said, "is everything okay."
"It is," Owen said.
"Go sweetheart," Teddy said.
Teddy knew what Meghan and Owen had planned and she loved their plan. It involved returning a piece of the costume that Evelyn had kept when she sold Dan the national costume years before.
Annie walked quietly before Owen spoke, "you're not in trouble Annie stop making that face."
"Why do you both want to talk to me about the national costume," Annie asked.
Meghan took something out of her pocket, "we want to return this to the costume and for you to wear it today."
Meghan held out the object, it was circular and made of grey metal. Annie could see the unicorn on it and the jewels around the edge.
"Your broach," Annie asked, "you want me to wear your Hunt family one on the national today?"
"We do," Owen said, "your one of us now. It's time you wear it."
"Are you serious," Annie asked.
"We are," Meghan said, "will you wear it today?"
"I will," Annie said, "but why me? Why now?"
"I don't know what to say," Annie said.
"You don't need to say anything," Owen said.
"Just wear it tonight," Meghan said, "put that outfit back together again."
"Thank you," Annie whispered.
Meghan hugged Annie, "your welcome. And now you're officially one of us."
"That means a lot," Annie said.
"Are you okay," Owen asked.
"I'm surprised," Annie said, "happy but I don't know what to think."
"You are family," Owen said, "you have been from the time you were 19. Make it dance again."
"I will," Annie said.
Back in the bleachers Teddy was giving Allison her lunch, smashed up avocados and pureed squash, when Claire walked past.
"She's a beautiful baby Teddy," Claire said.
"Thank you," Teddy said, "do you have kids?"
"We're looking at fostering but with both of us being surgeons we don't know if we have the time," Claire said.
"Owen is a trauma surgeon," Teddy replied, "it's busy."
"Is that the red head you were sitting with earlier," Claire asked, "he walked off a while ago with your daughter and another redhead."
"Owen and his sister Megan wanted to talk to Annie," Teddy said, "something about tonight's competition."
"Is your family involved as well," Claire asked, "they didn't let you pick and choose?"
"Annie and Meghan are dancing," Teddy said, "Annie was Canadian champion for Highland a few times and has been to worlds and placed, she won one year."
"Talented girl," Claire said.
"Thank you," Teddy responded, "I'm proud of her."
"There was a young guy sitting with you as well," Claire said, "he played in the resident's game who was that."
"Josh Riggs," Teddy replied, "second year resident and Annie's boyfriend."
"Your daughter is dating another resident that must get awkward for you," Claire said.
"Annie and Josh have been together a few years now, it started when they were in school," Teddy said, "they managed to both get GS for residency. He makes her happy and she's 26 this fall. I can't say anything. They live together."
"You're okay with that," Claire said.
"Only because it's Josh and I trust him," Teddy said.
Annie returned with Owen and Meghan.
Teddy introduced Claire to Owen, " Owen this is Claire Williams she was my roommate in New York. Claire, this is my fiance Owen Hunt."
"I've heard stories about you over the years," Owen said, "it's nice to put a face to the name."
"I'm Meghan Hunt," Meghan introduced herself, "Owen's sister."
"It's nice to meet you both," Claire said, "I should rejoin my team."
After Claire walked away Owen put his arm around Teddy.
"You okay Teds," Owen asked.
"I am," Teddy said, "just someone I thought I would never see again."
"Are you sure," Owen asked.
"I am," Teddy said, "it just reminded me of the first Allison and all the people I've lost."
"I'm sorry Teds," Owen whispered, he pulled her in close and kissed her hair.
Teddy laid her head on his shoulder, "how did your talk with Annie go?"
"She liked it," Owen said, "she was surprised. She went to show Josh."
"Is she okay," Teddy asked.
"Typical Annie emotional response," Owen said, "she called Meg auntie Meghan."
"Meghan must have loved that," Teddy said.
"She did," Owen agreed, "but how are you doing?"
"Today is hard," Teddy said, "the last time we played in this game our lives were so different."
"They were," Owen agreed, "we still had Derek, Mark, Lexie and Henry."
"We did," Teddy nodded, "but we won. We have to make up for our residents."
"We will," Owen said, "Bailey is a better coach then I was."
"Let's go then," Teddy said.
"Two things first," Owen said, "our babysitters aren't here."
"And you want a kiss," Teddy said, giving Owen a quick peck.
Annie reappeared with Josh and asked if she could talk to Teddy before the evening's competition.
"Do you want me backstage," Teddy asked.
"I don't need my mama backstage," Annie said, "Meghan will help with the back of my national and it's not competition so it doesn't have to be perfect. You are not a stage mom."
"What do you mean I'm not a stage mom," Teddy said.
"You pinned a number upside down," Annie said, "and mixed up my jig hair ribbon that's red and green with my navy hornpipe one."
"I was just learning," Teddy said, "today is only two costumes."
"Overstepping again," Annie said, "I can do this and there's an intern in the choir that was a highland dancer who can pin my back if Meghan can't. I need Meg to help me with my new broach."
"What new broach," Teddy asked.
"Owen and Meghan gave me the Hunt one to wear," Annie said, "we have to take the McKellar one off without letting the plaid slip and put the Hunt one on."
"That's a special gift," Teddy said.
"It is," Annie said, "I thought they would save that for Allison. Who was that woman today? You looked stressed."
"Claire was roommates with the first Allison and I," Teddy said, "it's someone I never thought I would see again. It was a tough part of my life. I'm okay."
Teddy walked to join the rest of the attendings for the ball game. Annie and Josh played with Allison in the stands and cheered on the attendings.
The performances went well, Annie did her JL beautifully, it made Teddy smile to see her dance. After the performance where Grey Sloan won for the dance category and instrumental music, Teddy and Owen headed home.
They sat on the couch with tea reflecting on the day.
"Owen can I talk to you about something," Teddy asked, "something I'm not proud of."
"Teds," Owen said, "are you okay?"
"I want you to listen to me without freaking out," Teddy said, "let me finish before you say anything."
"Teddy you're scaring me," Owen said, "do you not want to get married next week?"
"No," Teddy said, "I want to marry you. I've wanted that since the day I met you. I love you, I've loved you for as long as I've known you."
"Then what is it Teds," Owen asked.
"Today when we ran into Claire it reminded me of my life in New York. I know I haven't told you a lot about my time at Columbia. You know I had two roommates Allison and Claire," Teddy said.
"You've told me," Owen said.
"Not all of it," Teddy said, "I don't know how to explain this to you or even tell you this but there were a couple of times that I did things with Allison behind Claire's back."
Teddy was pacing and covering her face with her hands.
"You've told me," Owen said, "years ago. We were really drunk in Germany on a leave."
"I told you," Teddy said, "you knew the whole time?"
"You told me," Owen said, "you're very open when you're drunk."
"You're okay with it," Teddy asked.
"I don't like thinking of you with anyone else," Owen said.
"I promise it only happened twice," Teddy said, "it was my fear of being alone. I needed to feel connected to some one any one. I'm sorry I know how much this must be hurting you."
"Teddy," Owen said standing and taking her hands, "I love you. My answer will always be I love you."
"I should have told you sooner," Teddy said, still refusing to look at Owen.
"You 're afraid," Owen said, "it's okay Teds I'm not going anywhere."
"I'm scared Owen," Teddy whispered, "that I'll lose you or the girls. I can't lose anyone else."
Owen pulled her into a hug, "I'm right here. I have no plan to go anywhere. Allison is upstairs in her crib and Annie is safely at home. I love you. You've told me your whole story, it's what brought us together, if all those things hadn't happened we wouldn't be together."
Teddy nodded, "thank you. I love you."
My next two chapters I have planned with some big events for the family. I would love ideas for things that could happen between what I have now and my plan to end it when Annie finishes her residency and I have a lot of her last year of residency outlined.