"No," Annie yelled into her phone, "I've already answered that question Leslie. Just because you dislike what I said the first time doesn't mean you can push me for a different answer."
"Annie please," Leslie said, "you have to come help my dad. After everything I did for you you owe us this."
"I owe you nothing," Annie replied, "you mentally abused Chris and I for years. I've already told you grandpas age and condition do not make him a candidate for the Altman procedure he wouldn't make it off the table. Doing the procedure has a 90% chance of killing him. You also know I legally can not practice medicine in Canada. My license is only valid in the states."
"You owe me everything," Leslie countered.
"No," Annie said, "I've given you chances I've tried to talk to you. We are done Leslie. When we finish this call I will be blocking your number so you can not reach me."
"You little bitch," Leslie screamed.
"I will not be spoken to that way," Annie commanded, "I will be treated with respect. 31 years of your mind games are done Leslie. You do not control me. You chose to stop being my parent the day you chose to condone Jessica's violence. You haven't controlled me in ten years why would I let you do it now. I see your manipulation and games. The damage to Dan and Chris. Leslie it's time to stop. You are toxic. Every time I see you I leave feeling worse about myself rather than better. I know now what it means to be a mom and to love your baby with everything you have. You didn't behave like a mom. You wanted control and to have puppets. I'm not going to play that game anymore. We are done."
"Annie please," Leslie snapped, "you don't know what you're doing."
"I do," Annie declared, "I'm choosing what is best for my daughter, my husband and myself. I'm choosing to be happy. I'm choosing to live my life the way I want to. I'm going to go now. Chris, Jenna and Ty are in my living room while I pace my garage. Leslie we're done. Goodbye and good luck. Do not contact me, it's over."
Annie hung up her phone and leaned against the deep freezer for a moment, elbows resting on the lid and her head against the cool metal. Her day had started so perfectly. But she had to pull herself together before she went back to the group. She needed to be calm.
Chris appeared in the doorway, "mom?"
"Is a bitch," Annie said, "I told her I'm done and not to contact me."
"Anne," Chris said, hugging his sister.
"It's okay C," Annie said, "it's the end of a chapter and we're moving forward. I need to get Ellie down for her nap soon and I need more time with Ty."
"I'll put Ellie down," Chris offered.
"She needs milk first," Annie said, "I doubt I have a bottle."
"That's not a first six months thing," Chris asked.
"No," Annie said, "Ellie is 13 months. It gets less as she eats more food. This is comfort before sleeping and first thing in the morning. It makes her feel safe."
"I just want to give Ty a bottle," Chris said.
"He's three weeks we didn't start trying bottles until she was 4 or 5 weeks and she still fights them if I'm around," Annie said, "a sippy cup is easier."
"I don't know if I'm being a good dad," Chris said.
"You moved your entire life for Ty," Annie smiled, "he's happy and calm with you. You're doing great C your job right now is cuddles, diapers, baths and anything other than food. Make sure Jenna is eating and drinking. Make her sleep. The best thing people did for me that first couple weeks was come over, send me to bed and do my housework."
"Auntie teddy and nana," Chris guessed.
"Yes," Annie replied, "I'll come again in a day or two and help."
"Do you have time," Chris asked.
"The only advantage of being the chief's daughter. Some flexibility in my schedule," Annie said, "mama likes things her way."
"Auntie Teddy has to be right," Chris agreed.
"Always," Annie replied, "I think sometimes she's worse with me because of what happened with Leslie. That if she holds me tighter and closer she can erase that. I'm not even sure she's aware she does it."
"Talk to her," Chris said.
"I'll tell her about Leslie after dinner and bedtime for Ellie bug," Annie said, "we're going for a run."
"Make sure you do," Chris said, he could see Annie was stressed.
"She doesn't manipulate or play games she just tells me what we're doing," Annie explained, "I let her for my fellowship. My head was not in work mode. I was doing fellowship applications and interviewing 7 months pregnant. I had a couple others in Seattle and those hospitals wouldn't touch me. Not with my name."
"Not with your name," Chris asked.
"Altman she's known for being strict and a perfectionist," Annie said, "she's better with the little two than me."
"She's hard on you in her own way," Chris agreed.
"She wants me to be her clone," Annie acknowledged, "it's something we're constantly working out. She feels like she has something to prove or make up for."
"But she's softer with Allison and Leo," Chris said.
"Dad is the push over," Annie said, "she's old fashioned. Ali and Leo are expected to be polite and help out at home. I know they have to put their toys away, clear and set the table, laundry in the hamper, make their beds. And their 5 and 6."
"At six we cleaned bathrooms," Chris said, "and put away our laundry. Is that any different then what we had."
"They don't get screen time," Annie said, "I'm not sure how that's going to affect them."
"We didn't have screens," Chris said, "one show a day other than the news didn't count and Jessica always picked Lizzy McQuire."
"No frendo," Annie laughed.
"One of the better Dad lines," Chris agreed.
"It is," Annie agreed, "kids are different than when we were little. They don't play like we did. Like they actually don't know how to play. They don't know how to pretend or to take a pile of blocks and build they need us to get them Started. I see it in peds, they want electronics and moms' phones. We take them to the playroom and they ask for an ipad. Ali and Leo don't get that screen time. I know mama hates electronics for kids and thinks it makes them anti social. I think mama uses it as a reward and a treat for them. I also see patients who can talk to their friends though their devices. One of my patients 10 year old boy with CF participates in his class meeting, English and math classes everyday though a virtual meeting. He's able to stay connected to his friends and be part of his class so he's not disconnected when I discharge him. It drives me nuts when I go to the grocery store or the library and I see kids Ellie's age on their mom's phone. We don't do screen time for her yet because she's so little. We watch the odd Disney movie with her but she would rather play with us. She brings me books to read to her or toys."
"Your daughter is smart," Chris said.
"We just spend time with her," Annie replied, "but she will grow up knowing how to use her voice. I've gotten a lot better but I still have a hard time standing up to mama and using my voice with her."
"She's always been the one that pushed you to," Chris said.
"Yes and no," Annie replied, "at home and in my personal life. Professionally she's the chief and in control."
"You having the same specialty doesn't help," Chris said.
Annie sat on the freezer, "I know that. I almost didn't do cardio and just did peds. But I was so afraid of letting her down that I did it anyway."
"What's the worst that would happen," Chris asked.
"I don't obey and she stops loving me," Annie said.
"It's Auntie Teddy," Chris said, "she loves you have you tried talking to her about it?"
"No," Annie said, "I'm scared too."
"Anne just tell her," Chris said, "you told mom to fuck off."
"That felt good," Annie smiled, "but we should go back to our kids. Jenna will be overwhelmed."
"We both have kids," Chris said.
"We're 30," Annie said.
"Dad has a picture of us with Ellie and Ty up in his office," Chris said.
"I sent that one he told me he was putting it up," Annie said.
Dan was sitting in his office looking at the newest picture over his desk, Annie and Chris with their kids.
"Mr McKellar," a student called from the door.
"Come in Jeff," Dan invited, this was a student he was working with a lot and closely.
"What are you looking at," Jeff asked.
"My daughter sent a new photo of my grandkids," Dan admitted.
"You have kids and grandkids," Jeff said, "I didn't think you did."
"My older two, Annie and Chris are in Seattle," Dan said, "their spouses are American. What can I do for you today?"
"I need a reference," Jeff said.
"Have a seat and tell me what your applying for," Dan said.
"I want to join the army," Jeff said, "and be a pilot."
"Chris was for 12 years," Dan said, "I can try calling him and letting you ask your questions. His son is only two weeks old so I don't know if he'll be free but we can try."
"You would do that," Jeff asked.
"Let's try," Dan said, "if Chris doesn't answer I'll text him about a better time."
Dan dialed Chris's number.
"Hey dad," Chris answered.
"I have a student that wants to fly helicopters and join the military do you have time to talk," Dan asked.
"Jenn, Ty and I are just at Annie's," Chris said.
"How's your sister," Dan asked.
"Call her later she had a fight with mom," Chris replied.
"And how are my grand kids," Dan asked.
"Ty is sleeping and Annie is trying to get Ellie to nap," Chris replied, "Ellie is getting really smart."
"Ellie is a good baby," Dan said, "your sister sent me pictures this morning. But I have a student here that has questions about what you did. Can you talk?"
"I can for a bit," Chris said.
Chris spent almost an hour talking to dans student.
After dinner and tucking Ellie in Annie went to meet Teddy for a run at their favorite park.
"Somethings on your mind," Teddy said.
"I told Leslie to get lost once and for all," Annie said, "and blocked her number."
"Why did you do that," Teddy asked.
"Sick of her shit and I don't need it," Annie said, "she won't drop the Altman procedure thing, attacks my parenting, I know I do it differently from you or her, she lost it that we vaccinated Ellie."
"That's just common sense," Teddy said, "were you vaccinated?"
"I did it myself when I was 18/19," Annie replied, "C did when he enlisted."
"They gave you a tetanus shot for your surgery. I told them to do it because I wasn't sure when you had last had one," Teddy said.
"Leslie keeps pressuring me to go back," Annie said, "she told me I owe her everything I am. That's bull shit."
"You did it yourself," Teddy said.
"I know you've smoothed the way," Annie said, "my name has helped."
"I have," Teddy acknowledged.
"Mama it's time to let me do it myself," Annie said, "let me stand on my own two feet. I know you're trying to make up for what happened with Leslie but it's time to stop. I need you to be you and not to make everything easy for me. Struggling working hard that's okay. Let me do it. It's time for me to fly."
"I have to," Teddy said, "the way they hurt you."
"I know you want to make it all better and you have to fix things but mama this what Leslie did is inoperable," Annie declared, "you've been trying for ten years to cut it out or erase it. I don't want to erase and forget about it. It's always going to be part of my story. We need the darkness and the hard times so we see the light of the good ones."
"I made a mistake choosing them for you," Teddy said, "I should have kept you. We should always have been together. I have to make up for giving you to them. You don't know how many times I wanted to take you back but I couldn't. I chose the wrong parents for you and I have to make up for it."
"Mama," Annie sighed, "we've been through this. We don't have a time machine, we can't go back and change it. There is nothing we can do to fix it now. It happened and we have to go forward. I'm doing a lot better with it. Having Chris around someone who went through it with me is helping. Look at me mama. You have nothing to feel guilty about. You did what was right for both of us then. Mama it's not your fault. You have nothing to make up for. I don't blame you. You can let this go. I know it was the most loving thing you could do for me then. That you loved both of us enough to want us to be happy. You loved me enough to let me back in when I was 19. You didn't have to let me back in then. You chose to be my mama when you didn't have to. You have nothing make up for. You chose me and you chose to be there when I needed you. Mama let the guilt go."
"Maybe I do hold you a bit tight," Teddy said, "I just want to fix what happened. I feel like I have a lot to make up for."
"I promise you have nothing to make up for," Annie said, "it's okay. I know you always did everything because you love me. It's time to let me fly. Can you take the training wheels off? I don't need them anymore mama."
"What do you want me to do," Teddy asked.
"Let me fall," Annie said, "make my choices. I've only made one choice in ten years without you."
"Ellie," Teddy said, "maybe you do need to use your voice more."
"I want to but I don't want to hurt you," Annie said.
"You won't," Teddy said.
"Mama you like to be the boss," Annie said.
"At work," Teddy agreed.
"You like to be in charge," Annie said, "I get why you've had so much you can't control that you hold a bit too tight sometimes."
"Owen is saying the same thing," Teddy said, "that I hold my kids a bit too tight."
"You're strict," Annie said, "dad is the push over."
"I know," Teddy said, "I just see the kids that come in to visit grandparents obsessed with phones or riding wheelchairs through the hallway."
"Allison and Leo won't be those kids," Annie said, "they know how to be in a hospital, they're good kids."
"When did you get so wise," Teddy asked.
"Motherhood," Annie laughed.
"You love being mommy," Teddy said.
"Most important thing I do," Annie smiled, "Josh and Ellie."
"When I'm not around how's work," Teddy asked, "have you come up with your fellowship project yet?"
"I need to meet with you this week about an idea and a grant proposal," Annie said, "as my chief. Not my mother. I need you to stop approving my projects or smoothing the way because I'm your daughter. I'm going to step away from the HLH stuff and work on my project now that Ellie is one."
"You have a project," Teddy said.
"All my own," Annie said, "I'll explain in our meeting."
"You don't want my help," Teddy asked.
"No," Annie said, "I need your signature on my application for grants and to get my mice but that's it."
"Mice," Teddy said, "now I'm curious."
"Colton gave me an idea," Annie said, "I'm doing it for him and Henry. But mama it's my project and my dream. I'm doing it. I will give you a proper proposal. I'm doing this for me and for them. You're just my chief on this."
"Who have you talked to," Teddy asked.
"Maggie," Annie replied, "Nathan and Christina are too close to it. Webber and I have had some good conversations."
"You've thought it through," Teddy said, "why don't you want me to help?"
"I need to spread my own wings," Annie said, "it's time I come out of your shadow and make my name for myself. It has nothing to do with you, it's about proving myself. For this I need you to be my chief at work and my cheerleader at home. I'll keep you posted about what I learn."
"You're looking at heart tumors aren't you," Teddy said.
"Related to genetic tumor conditions," Annie said, "still broad but I have a thought. I'll let you know. Non cancerous ones though. But this can wait for your office."
"Do you want this," Teddy asked.
"It came to me after working on Colton. I was nursing Ellie and it popped into my head," Annie said, "I don't know what will happen. I have an idea it will be surgical but I think it might be less invasive. Let me work. I will do this. It's time to spread my wings mama."
"If you feel ready," Teddy said.
"I do," Annie replied, "I know you've done everything you can to help me get here and it's time for me to fly the nest."
"You'll stay at Grey Sloan," Teddy asked.
"I still have 2 years on my fellowship," Annie replied, "but who knows. Mama I might have to leave the nest one day."
"I missed too much that I'm still making up for," Teddy said.
"Mama you have nothing to make up for," Annie said, "stop holding onto that guilt. Let it go. Stop trying to be protective. I'm strong and I can stand on my own two feet. You taught me that. It's time to step back and let me. You can't bulldoze all the obstacles. I know you're there and support me, I don't question that. I'm almost 31 let me soar."
"I will," Teddy said, "you want to do it yourself now. You're ready."
"I am," Annie replied, "now can we actually run?"
"You're faster than me again," Teddy groaned.
"I'll go at your pace," Annie offered.
"My pace are you calling me old," Teddy asked.
"Just slow," Annie replied, "come on turbo turtle."
"Really," Teddy laughed.
"Really lets go," Annie laughed beginning to run.
They ran for a while both thinking about their conversation.
Reaching their starting point and catching their breath Teddy said, "I'm sorry I've been holding on to you a bit too tight."
"I understand why," Annie said, "can we just move forward?"
"We can," Teddy agreed.
"I have an early surgery in the OR at 6:45 so I'm going to head home and shower," Annie said.
"I'm not in the OR until 8:30 so I'll see you at work tomorrow," Teddy asked.
"You will," Annie replied, "have a good night."
"You two," Teddy replied, "go relax."
"I am relaxed," Annie replied, "I just need to pack my lunch and Ellie's, shower and go to bed."
"Okay," Teddy smiled, "see you in the morning."
"See you," Annie smiled, getting into her car.
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