Annie met Meghan in the high school parking lot.
"Are you okay," Annie asked.
"Disappointed," Meghan said, "I knew it was a long shot but I liked Bella. That great aunt they found in Idaho was really good with her."
"She was but I was praying you could take her home," Annie said.
"So were we," Meghan replied, "but we'll keep trying one day the right baby will find us. Faroke happened when I least expected it."
"Leslie and Dan said that about me," Annie replied, "they had given up when mama called them. They had been on the list for two years in the states before she called and five years in Canada. I'm sorry about Bella."
"So am I," Meghan said, "but her great aunt is only a year older than me and she's always wanted a child. The aunt is a nurse, Bella will be well cared for."
"It was hard to discharge her and say goodbye. I got attached," Annie admitted, "I can't imagine how you feel."
"I'm disappointed but it's okay. Annie we knew it was a long shot there was only a 10% chance we would get her," Meghan said, "I'm okay. If it's right it will happen. You can't force family."
"Are you sure your okay," Annie asked.
"I am now lets dance," Meghan said forcing a smile. She would only tell Nathan and Evelyn how bitterly she had sobbed when they heard it wouldn't be possible for them to foster Bella. How much she had wanted to bring the sweet girl home. Deep inside though she still held out hope for their own baby. They were trying, but knew it was a long shot with her age and injuries, but Teddy had Allison at 46 after a one night stand, it wasn't totally impossible. They were now also seriously discussing adopting another child as well or and were on the list as foster parents who knew when there might be a child that needed them.
Annie and Meghan walked into the highschool gym where the rehearsal for the next weekend's Robbie Burns dinner was being held. Annie suddenly ducked behind Meghan.
"I'm out," Annie said.
"Why," Meghan asked, "you love doing this. You said your adult classes were making you really happy."
"The choreographer was my teacher in BC," Annie said, "what is Mrs. Granger doing here?"
"They brought in a teacher and choreographer from BC for this Kira told me," Meghan replied.
"I can't work with Mrs. Granger," Annie replied.
"Why," Meghan asked.
"Because of how I left," Annie explained, "I never said goodbye now I'm on all her forms as Dr. Altman and a rec dancer."
"But you're you," Meghan smiled, "you have two choices you can go talk to her, do it your way with your version of the story or hide and let her figure it out, she'll call you Annie McKellar if you let her figure it out."
"If I go say hi before we start can you come with me," Annie asked, "she's going to be so mad at me."
"Why would she be mad," Meghan asked.
"I gave up," Annie said, "I quit and never said a proper good bye."
"Lets go say hi," Meghan encouraged.
"And I'm not in uniform," Annie said, "she was really strict. Black leotard, pink tights or white knee socks and black bike shorts hair in a bun."
"What do you have on," Meghan asked, "you have your hair in a bun."
"Black leggings, white socks, cranberry tank top," Annie replied.
"You're fine you're dressed to dance," Meghan said, "I have leggings and a tank top."
The old woman turned and saw them Annie gave a shy smile and wave.
"Annie," Mrs. Laura asked, "Annabeth."
Annie walked towards her, "hi Mrs. Laura."
"Annie McKellar," Mrs Laura said, "you're not on my list."
"I am with my professional name," Annie said, "doctor Grace Altman."
"When did you do that," Mrs. Laura asked.
"In med school," Annie replied, "is it okay if I dance? I'm not in uniform, I wasn't expecting you."
"We'll let it go this time," Mrs. Laura teased, "in uniform tomorrow my dear."
"I no longer own leotards," Annie said, "is a black tank top okay?"
"We can compromise," Mrs. Laura agreed, "so tell me where did you go? You were my star then you disappeared."
"Boston," Annie replied.
"Boston you said you were going to medical school," Mrs. Laura said.
"Harvard Medical School is in Boston," Annie replied.
"So you did it then became a doctor," Mrs. Laura asked.
"I have my MD but I'm still doing my residency," Annie said.
"What type of doctor are you," Mrs. Laura asked.
"Pediatric Cardiothoracic surgeon," Annie replied, "I have a year and a half of residency then two or three years of fellowships."
"Will you come home then," Mrs. Laura asked.
"I'm not licensed to practice medicine in Canada and my husband can't work in Canada," Annie replied.
"Husband. You got married and none of us knew," Mrs. Laura said, "what's his name."
"Josh," Annie replied, "we met in med school and have been married 6 months."
"Do you have pictures," Mrs. Laura asked.
"I do," Annie smiled, "Alice Campbell was at the wedding."
"She hasn't danced in a couple years," Mrs. Laura replied, "Cassie Miline's daughter is dancing with me now."
"I still talk to Alice and Cassie once in a while. Josh and I will be at Alice's wedding in the summer," Annie smiled.
"Why are you listed as Altman," Mrs. Laura asked.
"I changed it after I left BC for good when I was 21. It's my mother's name," Annie said.
"Your birth mother," Mrs. Laura asked.
"Yes. I work with her every day she's my chief of surgery so my big boss," Annie said, "mama and I are very close. This is my auntie Meghan."
"It's nice to meet you again," Meghan replied, "I took a few workshops with you in highschool and college."
"What's your name," Mrs. Laura asked.
"Dr. Meghan Hunt," Meghan replied, "but call me Meghan."
"Who did you dance with," Mrs. Laura asked.
"Caroline McCrae," Meghan replied, "I danced from the time I was four until I was 23."
"Auntie Meghan was the adult dancer in green that lead me through the parade of champions and champions fling at my first championship," Annie said.
"How are you two related," Mrs. Laura asked.
"My brother is married to her mother," Meghan replied, "my brother Owen is Grace's step-father."
"Okay," Mrs. Laura said, "what do you have for costumes?"
"I still have all of mine," Annie replied, "the national I have is Cranberry Hunt. Dan and Leslie bought it from Auntie Meghan's mom after she stopped dancing. So we can share it if we get the hem taken out of it."
"So you have your kilt, national, jig and horn pipe," Mrs. Laura said.
"I do," Annie replied, "auntie Meghan has her kilt. I also have my solo dresses."
"Do you have preferences to what you do," Mrs. Laura asked.
"JL if possible," Annie said, "and any of the classic Mrs Laura choreographies."
"Can you do a Highland on the Rocks," Mrs. Laura asked, "you were my lead in that for years to set all the formations. I want to do it and could use you."
"I think I remember most of it," Annie grinned, "i should be okay when I hear the music."
"You never forgot chorography," Mrs. Laura said.
"I'm 28 and I haven't taken a true class since I left when I was 20," Annie said, "my technique is going to be a mess and I know I've lost some of my spring. Go easy on me."
"I'm just happy to see you dear. I've missed you and worried about you," Mrs. Laura said, "you stopped emailing me about a year after you left."
"A lot happened in that year," Annie acknowledged, "I legally changed my name for my own safety and I haven't looked at any of my McKellar emails since."
"Jessica," Mrs. Laura asked knowingly.
"Yes," Annie replied, "don't worry about me. I'm happy, really happy. I'm doing what I always dreamed of and something I wouldn't have been able to do if I stayed in that house. Are you back for the performance next week?"
"I am," Mrs. Laura replied.
"I'll introduce you to my husband then," Annie replied, "going through this today the only person here who still calls me Annie is Auntie Meghan. Could you try to use Grace or Dr. Altman."
"I will my dear. I'm so happy to see you and that your happy," Mrs Laura replied, "before we have to get started can I have a hug?"
"You can," Annie replied hugging her teacher.
Meghan watching could tell there had once been a very strong bond between teacher and student.
"Were you close," Meghan asked, "I was in Iraq until three and a half years ago so I didn't know Grace well. Just the things Owen and Teddy would tell me."
"I taught her for 17 years," Mrs Laura said, "put her through all her exams and her teachers. Took her to worlds a few times. She would travel with me and some others from the studio from the time she was 13. Do you know any of the other doctors from the hospital that your teaching the country dances to?"
"Do you have the names," Meghan asked.
Mrs Laura looked at the sheet, "Theodora Altman, Grace Altman,Jackson Avery, Meridth Grey, Meghan Hunt, Owen Hunt, Alexander Karev, April Kepner, Atticus Linchon, Amelia Shepherd, Joshua Riggs, Nathan Riggs."
Annie replied, "Teddy Altman is my mother but I call her mama. Owen Hunt is my step dad, Josh Riggs is my husband. Auntie Meghan is married to Nathan Riggs. The rest are attendings so have taught me at work."
"Can you still do them," Mrs Laura asked.
"Basics," Annie said, "Josh knows some as well. I made him learn."
"If I gave you the notes could you do it," Mrs. Laura asked.
"With notes and music I can," Annie said.
"I can help," Meghan said, "Owen and Nathan both knew them at one point."
"Can we make them wear kilts," Annie asked.
"If you can find them in a week," Meghan replied.
"I'm going to try," Annie said, "that will be fun. Josh will for me."
"I can get Nathan to I have before," Meghan said, "Owen has worn one when he played the bag pipes."
"I wish I had seen that," Annie said.
"No you don't," Meghan said rolling her eyes, "he was terrible at it."
"How bad," Annie asked as they sat on the bench to put their dance shoes on.
"Stepped on the cat," Meghan said.
"Eww," Annie replied.
"You should wear the national if it's not a kilt dance," Meghan said, "and for the country dances."
"Do you want it," Annie asked, "it's really your outfit and broach."
"It's hemmed to fit you now," Meghan said, "we gave you that broach. You use Altman but you're one of us. You should wear the whole set."
"If you, uncle Owen and nana are okay with it," Annie said.
"My mom loves that you have that outfit," Meghan said.
"Is nana coming," Annie asked.
"She is," Meghan replied, "and bringing a man from her church."
"Nana bringing a guy this is interesting," Annie said.
"Be nice," Meghan teased.
"It's nana," Annie said.
"Who has been alone since she lost my dad," Meghan replied, "if it makes her happy its good."
"Not saying anything I'm just surprised," Annie said, "I guess Josh and I will go back to the loft at the cabin if who ever comes."
"Probably," Meghan agreed.
"Bringing an air mattress," Annie said, "those twin beds suck. And sending your son back to your room."
"I've always been in my room," Meghan said, "Teddy stayed there with me a few times. Mom always sent Nathan to the loft."
"Mrs. Hunt, Annie," Kira greeted, "what are you doing here?"
"It's Meghan sweetheart," Meghan reminded the teen, "we're the dancers from the hospital."
"I get to dance with you," Kira said looking at Annie, eyes wide.
"We'll see what Mrs. Granger does, she was my teacher my whole dance career," Annie said, "she has ideas for me. I need you to remember to call me Grace or Dr. Altman here."
"I can try," Kira said.
Annie gave Kira a stern look and whispered, "you do not know anything about my previous dance career. I could be really hurt if it got out. Today I'm just going to be a very good rec dancer."
"Hurt," Kira asked.
"Kira we're serious about this," Meghan commanded, "you don't know her as Annie."
"Yes Mrs. Hunt," Kira replied, she had never had an adult use that tone with her. It wasn't mean but it was commanding. Faroke had told her about his past and his mothers, she also knew that both his uncles and his auntie Teddy had been in the army.
"I need everyone over here," Mrs Laura called.
The teenagers and college kids rushed forward to sit in front of her. Meghan and Annie found seats at the back of the group. Meghan smiled seeing Annie sitting cross legged on the floor with the group of dancers, while she was a few years older most of the dancers appeared to be between 18 and 23 but Annie still looked about 24 herself, looking at her you wouldn't think she was a 28 year old surgical resident. With her bun and dance clothes she blended right in. Meghan felt old in this group but was looking forward to dancing, even if she only did a fling or a reel.
"I need everyone to be quiet," Mrs Laura commanded, "each of you had a name tag on please keep it front and center on your leotard so I know who you are. Joining us we have two doctors from Grey Sloan memorial the hospital part of the proceeds of this event will be going to support. I'm overjoyed because one of them dr Altman was my student for 17 years. It's great to have her back in the studio with me."
"Which one is doctor Altman," a girl yelled.
Annie raised her hand.
"Did you compete," the girl asked.
"I did," Annie said.
"She was a champion," Mrs Laura beamed, "but we need to talk about my rules for you and how this is going to work. First in my studio it is an absolute monarchy and I am the queen. I can be a very loving ruler but I expect your total focus and respect. My casting decisions are final. I place you where I want you and in what dances. I tell you when you get breaks. You walk off my dance floor and you lose your spot in that piece."
Annie gave Meghan a little smirk. This was the teacher Annie remembered.
"She makes Owen look easy to please,"Meghan whispered.
"Which Owen," Annie asked, "my dad or crazed sea Lion?"
"Dad," Meghan looked shocked.
"I call him uncle Owen because trying to call him dad would give him a heart attack but he's acted like my dad for 8 or 9 years now," Annie whispered.
"That's why he walked you at your wedding," Meghan whispered , "and the night of the incident you would let him close to you and touch you when you got scared. The day the two of you picked me up from the base when I came home he told me you were family. And could tease you. You made the Teddy face at him."
"I did not make the face in front of strangers," Annie said.
"You were told not to tell Teddy and you made the face before asking if he wanted you to lie to her," Meghan teased.
"Dr Altman,dr Hunt are we done," Mrs Laura called, "I'd expect my doctors to set the example."
"Sorry Mrs Laura," Annie replied. This was her teacher. Mrs Laura has been her favorite teacher and often her safest person.
"Warm up time," Mrs Laura commanded, "an Altman take front and center please. You should remember my warm up."
Annie nodded and walked to the front of the room. She looked over her shoulder at Meghan. She was happy to be back with her teacher but had wanted to hide towards the back of the room. She knew her technique had slipped and her bounce wasn't what it had been. At least Mrs Laura was using Altman instead of Annie or Annabeth. Her teacher had always called her Annabeth.
The music came on the same warm up track Annie remembered from high school. She felt the smile slowly creeping across her face as her teacher gave the hand signals for the warmup. It had been eight years but it felt like she had never left. This was familiar and comforting. This felt good it felt like home. They paired up to go across the floor and Meghan saw Annie's smile.
"Happy," Meghan asked.
"Very," Annie said, "I missed her. She was my safest person until I met mama. It's like having a grandma back. Even if it's only a few days. Are you coming across the floor with me?"
"I am," Meghan said.
They were going across the floor when Mrs Laura called, "Annabeth pull that left shoulder forward your leaving it behind."
Annie finished her turn and froze. No one had called her Annabeth other than Jessica in years.
"She goes by Grace Altman now," Meghan said.
"I'm sorry daring I forgot," Mrs Laura said.
"I know. It took me a few months to get used to it," Annie replied.
"Annabeth," one of the girls in her mid twenties said, she was a couple years younger than Annie close enough they could have competed against each other.
"There was that champion who disappeared, Annabeth McKellar," another said, "I competed against her, you could be twins."
Meghan whispered, "cats out of the bag."
Annie nodded.
"I competed as Annabeth McKellar," Annie said, "I use Grace Altman now. "
"The unbeatable Annie McKellar. Where did you go," the dancer asked.
"Harvard medical school. It was dance or med school "Annie said, "then surgical residency I don't get much time to dance."
"We need that she competed as McKellar to stay in this room," Meghan commanded, "it's essential to the safety of our family that it doesn't get out. We will not be saying anymore. You don't know her history. Dr Grace Altman is a good dancer and a good surgeon. Am I clear?"
"Yes dr Hunt," the younger dancers chorused.
"Now that that's taken care of," Mrs Laura said, "our most challenging piece. Highland on the Rocks. Grace I'll try to remember that. Is going to take front and center. I'm going to sort you into 5 lines of 6. Shorter in the front taller in the back. "
Annie took her spot. She wouldn't tell anyone other than Josh but she was happy to be front and center again to take the lead. This was her spot where she controlled the dance. She knew everything would be riding on her to be in the right place at the right time. Mrs Laura taught each of the steps before playing the first half of the music. They went through the half with the music and Annie kept going. She didn't know where it came from her body remembered the dance. This felt good. She felt free and light coming to the final leap she was flying.
"Let's take a five minute break," Mrs Laura said.
Annie walked to where her and Meghan had put their bags and water bottles down.
"That felt good," Annie said, "auntie Meghan I was flying. I forgot how it felt to fly."
"You looked good," Meghan said, "I've only seen that smile a few times. Does Josh know how good you are?"
"He's never seen that," Annie said, "don't tell him."
"I won't," Meghan said, "do Teddy and Owen know?"
"Yes," Annie replied, "the summer I was 20 mama went to nationals in Regina Saskatchewan with me. Uncle Owen has seen championships. The Seattle games uncle Owen and Nana would come with mama. It was our first family day when I was 19."
"I cant see Teddy as a stage mom," Meghan said.
"She's terrible," Annie replied, "she pinned a number upside down and mixed up jig and hornpipe ribbons."
"How," Meghan asked.
"My kilt was in her lap and she pinned the number facing her so it was right way up to her," Annie said, "I gave her the top of the kilt instead of the hem. And don't ask her to pin a plaid. It was folded funny and crooked. Nana was the best at it, then uncle Owen or Henry."
"Henry," Meghan said.
"He understood competition. He played major league baseball," Annie said, "having a step daughter that could barely catch was a disappointment."
"Did you learn," Meghan asked.
"We played catch in the backyard or at the beach with mama," Annie said, "but this is what I loved. I love doing this. I forgot how good it feels to move like this. To let myself fly."
"Then keep dancing," Meghan said, "stop doing the workouts you don't like and dance. I've only seen you look that happy on your wedding day, when Josh proposed and when you met Allison for the first time."
"I know," Annie said, "but it's from life before. It's a good trip down memory lane but I can't go back. It wouldn't be safe to go back."
"Hold on to the parts you like and make you happy. You still ski," Meghan said.
"But i'm recognized even Mrs. Laura can't stick with Altman. I can take classes but I can never compete. I'm too old anyway," Annie said.
"Then take classes for fun," Meghan said, "I'll go so you can kick my ass every week. Annie you deserve to be happy, to do something for you outside of work, just for you. Josh plays soccer and basketball, why don't you dance."
"I've been going to classes the last couple weeks," Annie admitted, "I'm going to stick with it."
"Do it," Meghan pushed, "keep going to classes."
"Everyone back in your spots let's finish this choreography before lunch," Mrs. Laura demanded.
Annie took her spot looking over her shoulder to see Meghan two dancers behind her tucked into the middle of the entire formation.
Teddy was making dinner with Owen.
"Have you heard from Annie or Meg today," Owen asked.
"A few texts," Teddy said , "the choreographer is Mrs. Laura Annie's teacher. There was a slip and Mrs. Laura called her Annabeth in front of everyone so they all know who she is. I've heard from Meg not Annie which is weird."
"She'll call after," Owen said.
"Meg sent me a video. Annie looks really happy. She was flying through a reel," Teddy said, "what do you think we get Allison into classes in the fall."
"She'll be four in a year and can compete," Owen said.
"They compete at four," Teddy said.
"They can," Owen replied.
"So now we need to find a kilt for her," Teddy groaned.
"Lessons first," Owen replied.
"Josh has been playing soccer and basketball again, Annie is dancing," Teddy said, "I miss playing soccer."
"So do I," Owen agreed.
"But Owen I'm 49," Teddy said, "is it crazy. 49, three kids running a hospital that I want a couple hours a week to kick the ball around."
"Not at all Teddy," Owen said, "find something."
"I've googled," Teddy said, "but I don't know. It's less time with you and the kids."
"It's what two hours a week," Owen said.
"About," Teddy said, "on the weekend. It's a coed league if you wanted to play."
"We could," Owen said.
"We could sign Leo up for spring soccer," Teddy said, "help him out of his shell and to make some friends."
"He likes playing with us," Owen said.
"Let's do it," Teddy agreed.
"Maybe I can coach," Owen offered.
"You are not coaching," Teddy said.
"I'd be a great coach," Owen said.
"No Owen," Teddy declared, "you can not coach four year old tot soccer. You will go all Major Hunt on them and scare them. Our kids are used to it and can take it other people's kids can't."
"I'm not that bad," Owen said.
"You will be better in the stands with me," Teddy said, "coffee, time just us. Put both kids in tot soccer. They have 3 and 4 year old classes."
"Then we sit there and sip coffee and talk to parents," Owen looked skeptical.
"Who are closer in age to Annie," Teddy said, "but yes we sit there and talk to them. Talk about kids, I do it at mommy and me things. It's weird the first couple times but we all get used to it."
"You actually like mommy and me," Owen said.
"Mommy and me gym time, I love," Teddy said, "mommy and me art I have a hard time letting them do it. I take over art projects."
"You bake with them," Owen said.
"I measure things out and put them in," Teddy said, "they get to stir, cut out cookies and lick the bowl, smear icing everywhere and cover the kitchen in sprinkles."
"They haven't covered the kittens in icing or sprinkles yet," Owen said.
"No the kittens knock sprinkles off the counter," Teddy said, "they make bigger messes then the kids and why can't I keep them off the counter."
"I don't know," Owen said, "the kittens are more work than I expected."
"They are," Teddy agreed, "but why do they sleep in our bed."
"You let them," Owen said.
"No you're the pushover," Teddy teased.
Teddy's phone pinged, it was Annie.
Annie, "that was amazing!"
Teddy, "we're just about to eat, can I call you after?"
Annie, "I'm just heading home. It was good to dance like that again."
Teddy, "I'm glad. Things went well with Mrs. Laura?"
Annie, "like I was in her class last week."
Teddy, "good. Let me know when you get home. I'll call you after dinner."
Annie, "why not after the littles go to bed I have a few things I want to bounce off you."
Teddy, "sure. I'll talk to you later sweetheart."