"Mom can you come help me with my dress," Allison called down the stairs.
"I thought your friends were on their way," Teddy said.
"I just want my dress on first," Allison said, "I don't like people staring."
"It's Olivia and Ava," Teddy said, "they understand."
"It's Belle," Allison says, "she's trying but she makes comments that bug me."
"Do your hair and make up first then get dressed in your bathroom or my room," Teddy said, "ask Ava to help with your zipper I'm sure she's pretty understanding."
"I'll try," Allison mumbelled.
"I know it's a lot of changes really fast," Teddy said, "we tried the dress on again yesterday and you look gorgeous."
"It's a pretty dress," Allison said.
"It is," Teddy said, "nicer than I would have bought you for this."
"I know," Allison said.
"Trust your friends," Teddy encouraged.
"I only really feel safe with you, Nee, Auntie Meg and Nana," Allison said.
"Asher," Teddy asked.
"And dad," Allison said.
"But about your body you want the women in our family," Teddy said.
"Yes," Allison said.
"Are you talking to your sister," Teddy asked.
"Sometimes ," Allison said, "I hate feeling like I'm bugging her."
"It's Annie she'll tell you if it's a bad time," Teddy assured, "talk to me and to your sister."
"Mom, will the other people at school make fun of me tonight," Allison asked.
"No darling," Teddy said, "you are beautiful."
"Fat," Allison whined.
"It's just a bump and still little," Teddy said.
"If my back hurts," Allison asked.
"You take a break from dancing and sit down," Teddy said, "tell Asher."
"Why is Annie never this big," Allison asked.
"She's usually showing by this point," Teddy said, "your sister dresses to hide it as long as she can. It's cute Allie."
Allison asked, "Asher?"
"Last night when I came down what was he doing," Teddy asked.
"Petting it," Allison said.
"Are you okay with that," Teddy asked, she knew she had to ask Allison these questions her youngest hadn't dated, there hadn't really been a chance to talk about making sure she was comfortable with each physical step as they came up, and now the different ones that came with pregnancy.
"It felt good," Allison said, "I liked it. I like when he holds me and puts his hands there."
"Tell him," Teddy said.
"He's been rubbing my back when it hurts," Allison said.
"Then let him" Teddy said, "ask him for support and things like that when you need it."
"I want to go tonight and dance with him," Allison said, "to feel normal."
"Go and have fun," Teddy smiled, "should you eat before your friends get here?"
"Probably," Allison said, "there's supposed to be dinner at the dance."
"There is," Teddy said, "but not till 6:30 ish it's 4. Do you want a snack?"
"Is there any of Jenna's soup left," Allison asked.
"No," Teddy said, "but theres some tomato soup."
"No," Allison said.
"What would you like," Teddy asked.
"Chips and salsa," Allison said.
"I can do that," Teddy said, "we can have that out when your friends come. Do you want guacamole?"
"Nachos," Allison asked.
"Yes," Teddy said, "have something little now then I'll make that for you and your friends while you get ready."
"Carrots and peppers," Allison said walking towards the fridge.
"Protein," Teddy prompted, "what is with my girls and not wanting protein."
"Not appealing right now," Allison said.
"Hummus, almonds," Teddy offered.
"Yogurt," Allison said.
"Okay," Teddy agreed, "eat quickly."
Allison had just finished her snack when her friends arrived.
"Hi girls," Teddy greeted, letting them in.
"Teddy," Olivia said, "where's Allison?"
"Washroom," Teddy said.
"Hi," Allison said, bouncing into the entry.
"Allie," Ava greeted.
"My room to get ready," Allison said, dragging her friends upstairs.
The girls followed her up, Teddy heard the music turn on in Allison's room, she smiled. This was normal, her youngest getting ready for the senior winter formal with her friends.
"I need help curling my hair," ALlison said, "Belle you can always get it to stay."
"I got it," Belle said, "sit."
"So shoes," Ava asked ," you have three pairs there."
"The really tall heels for pictures and the silver strappy ones for the dance," Allison said.
"How did you get good shoes," Olivia asked looking at the silver ones, "those are designer."
"Borrowed," Allison said, "my sister likes her shoes."
"What am I doing with my hair," Ava asked.
"Get Belle to curl it," Olivia said.
"I'm doing your updo," Allison said.
"Mine two," Belle asked.
"Always," Allison beamed.
The girls finished doing hair and makeup laughing and gossiping the whole time.
Allison stepped into the bathroom to change, "Ava I left my black bra on my dresser. Allison called through the bathroom door."
"Black," Olivia said, "why black."
"They only make the ones I can wear in skin tone, black and white," Allison complained, "no more cute bras for me."
"You will," Ava said, "they make cute ones for those of us with boobs."
"In like a year and a half," Allison said.
"Don't you have the baby in May," Olivia said.
"Yes," Allison said, "but I'm supposed to feed them and that doesn't come with cute bras."
"So we can't give your baby bottles," Belle complained.
"There's a way," Allison said, "they will need cooler aunts than Annie."
"Do I get to be auntie Ava," Ava asked.
"You do," Allison said.
"Bra Allie," Ava said.
Allison opened the door a crack and grabbed it. Moments later she opened the door, "can someone do my zipper?"
Olivia quickly zipped up the dress, Allison noticed the other girls were dressed.
"We look good," Ava cheered.
"We look really good," Allison agreed.
"Accessories," Olivia asked.
"Belle already put the fancy pins in my hair," Allison said, "I need my necklace and earrings."
"Those are gorgeous," Ava said as Allison put her earrings in.
"Is that the vintage set you were talking about," Belle asked.
"It is," Allison said, "my mom's mom's."
"Why did she give them to you," Olivia asked.
"Mom had set aside some of her mom's jewelry for me and Annie," Allison explained, "wedding's, graduations, first babies. Mom kept her absolute favourites and passed the rest down. I think mom said her dad gave her mom this set when mom was born. She was saving it for my first baby."
"What about your sister," Belle asked.
"Annie has the necklace from this set," Allison said, "mom gave it to her when she had Ellie."
"Your necklace," Ava asked.
"Just from forever 21 but it matches the earrings," Allison said.
The girls finished getting ready and rushed downstairs.
Asher was waiting in the kitchen, "you look gorgeous."
"Thanks," Allison blushed.
Teddy hugged Allison, "very pretty baby girl. You're glowing."
"I feel good," Allison said.
"Absolutely beautiful," Teddy said.
"Should we go," Asher asked.
"Yes," Allison said.
"Are you all ready," Teddy asked.
"I am," Ava said.
"Pictures first," Teddy said, "over by the tree or the fireplace?"
"Both," Allison smiled.
"The guys should be here in a few minutes to pick us up," Belle said.
"Who are you going with," Teddy asked.
"Jonah," Belle said, "it's just a date."
"A date is fun," Teddy said.
"Tagging along with Allie and Asher," Ava said.
"Tyson," Olivia said.
"I was the third wheel for years," Teddy said, "you can still make it fun."
"I plan on it," Ava said, "that dance floor is waiting for me."
"It is," Teddy agreed, "the best part of going with friends and not a date you can dance with who ever you want."
"I will," Ava said.
They took pictures as the group of 7 and Teddy made sure to get some of just Allison and some of her with her friends and boyfriend.
"Family picture," Asher suggested, "the three of you?"
"Please," Teddy said.
"Asher come join us," Owen said after there had been a few pictures taken of Allison with her parents.
Photos finished the teenagers drove back to school for the dance.
"Alone," Owen whispered, "we're alone in the house."
"We are," Teddy smiled.
"When was the last time," Owen asked.
"Months ago," Teddy said.
"I like the shorter hair," Owen said.
"It was time," Teddy replied, she had cut her hair to shoulder length earlier in the week, it was the shortest it had been in her life.
"So she graduates," Owen said, "what's our plan? We've always said we would talk about next steps when she graduates."
"I'm not ready to fully retire," Teddy said, "I'm not finished. I don't feel done but I don't want to be chief anymore."
"Step down as chief," Owen said, "I have, Bailey has, Richard. What would you want to do?"
"Research," Teddy said, "I oversee and support everyone else's but rarely get to do my own. But you? The kids? Grandkids?"
"The kids are growing up," Owen said, "they'll both be in college in September."
"She's going to need us more," Teddy said.
"You've spent the last 25 years doing everything for the kids," Owen said, "what will make you happy?"
"I don't want to retire but I don't want the stress of leading," Teddy said, "I don't want to be the decision maker anymore."
"You don't have to be," Owen said, "you can step down."
"It's weakness," Teddy said.
"What have you told Annie about keeping her Friday's off," Owen asked.
"To do what she needs to for her mental health and her family," Teddy said.
"What do you need to do for your mental health," Owen asked.
"Step down," Teddy admitted, "I'm tired, I'm carrying the bulk of helping Allison figure things out. I've never backed away from something before."
"Teddy you're giving someone else a change to lead," Owen said, "can you think of successors to recommend to the board?"
"Megan is first she's been my right hand most of the time I've been chief. Yang would bring a different perspective and keep cardio as the flagship of our hospital," Teddy said, "Grey would be great. I think they should open it up and those who want to apply. Do a peaceful transition."
"You've been chief what 14 years," Owen said.
"16," Teddy said, "and was in Germany for 3. I'm ready to just be a surgeon and research again."
"When Richard stepped down he ran the residency program and taught," Owen said.
"I want to research," Teddy said, "I have an idea, it's not ready to share yet it's just a little thought ball rolling around in my head but I want to step back from leadership and dive into research."
"Do it," Owen said, "it's time. Your ready."
"We're only in our 60s we can travel lots still," Teddy said.
"We can," Owen agreed, "those places we always wanted to go to."
"Exactly," Teddy said, "we're healthy, have lots of energy."
"Money isn't an issue," Owen said, "we've always been careful."
"We have investments as well," Teddy said.
"We're fine Teddy," Owen said.
"Stepping down as chief," Teddy said, "I'll make less."
"Negotiate it," Owen said, "the years of service you've give to the hospital in that capacity. When I took over when richard stepped down for good I didn't cut his. I gave myself a raise but I never cut his."
"In the new year," Teddy said, "I'll start the talks with the board and by the time Allison starts college be done as chief."
"Why now," Owen said.
"I've been wondering for a while if I wasn't so busy as chief would I have noticed her depression sooner, that Allison was partying, would I know what's going on with Leo, would I have time to be more hands on and affectionate, to praise more," Teddy said, "did I mess up as a mother because of my ambition to lead."
"Teddy you are all those things," Owen said, "where's this coming from."
"I've been wondering since the fall," Teddy shrugged, "then Allison getting pregnant."
"Teddy neither of us could have stopped that," Owen said, "she went to Ava's party. She wanted to go. She made a choice to have sex with Asher."
"I thought I had talked to her about protection and being safe," Teddy said, "I told her how to get the pill or and IUD and that I would take her no questions asked. I told her she could always talk to me about it."
"She did as soon as she knew," Owen said, "she came to us. She told us about how she was feeling. How many times in the last few weeks has she come to our room in the middle of the night because she just needs you?"
"A lot," Teddy said.
"You're there when she needs you always," Owen said.
"Annie accused me of not praising our kids," Teddy said.
"I can't argue with that," Owen said, "but I don't do it either."
"I don't know how," Teddy said, "my parents didn't praise. They would tell me everything would be alright when things were tough but rarely that they were proud of me. Maybe when I finished med school."
"You do praise," Owen said, "you tell them you love them, we show our approval by giving our trust. Maybe we could say it more."
"I'm trying," Teddy said, "I didn't realize until Annie said it. Owen we're in our 60s we're old to have teenagers."
"When you don't get started until your 43," Owen said.
"Try 46," Teddy answered, "I'm trying to be the fun mom."
"They don't need a fun mom," Owen said, "they need you to be you. They know you love and support them unconditionally."
"I hope so," Teddy said.
"Which one have you talked to," Owen asked.
"The girls," Teddy said, "I don't know how Annie does it. She's got her 4 and is hands on with them plus she's an amazing support for Allison."
"She works part time," Owen said, "she takes her Fridays and her weekends. She picks and chooses. To many it looks like weakness."
"It's her strength," Teddy said, "she knows when she's done what she can manage and sticks to her boundaries. I think it's time I learn to set some boundaries with work. But for Annie if she doesn't thats when her eating disorder flares up. She still fights it. Our kids notice. I've heard Allison asking Annie how she could lose baby weight quickly."
"What did Annie say," Owen asked instantly concerned.
"Healthy eating and walking," Teddy said, "drinking water and not a lot of soda or juice."
"Allison has been drinking a ton of juice," Owen said.
"Too much," Teddy agreed, "she sees Carina in a week or so. They'll check her blood sugar and she has to do the glucose test soon."
"She's okay," Owen said, "I think it's being a teenager."
"I might not buy it right away when we run out," Teddy said.
"Don't ration her juice," Owen said, "think when you were pregnant with her and your chocolate."
"Okay," Teddy agreed, "I just want her to be aware."
"I know," Owen said, "we're taking good care of her."
"If only I could figure out what's going on with Leo," Teddy said.
"He was off when he was home for thanksgiving," Owen agreed.
"Drugs," Teddy asked.
"He's not that dumb," Owen said.
"I heard Annie say something about his room smelling like pot to him," Teddy said.
"I doubt it," Owen said, "he joined a frat which I think is the bigger problem."
"I was not happy about that," Teddy said.
"Neither was I," Owen agreed, "the frat boy act."
"He just wants to fit in," Teddy said.
"He's floundered socially since he started high school," Owen agreed.
"He has," Teddy said, "but thats not it. He was hit hardest by the COVID closures."
"That's when he pulled away from us," Owen said.
"Did we do the right thing," Teddy asked, "then? They spent so much time at your mom's and Annie's because Annie was on maternity leave and we were working 24/7."
"It's what was safest for them," Owen said, "they had to be kept away from the virus. That was 8 years ago."
"They were 9 and 10," Teddy said, "their whole world was shaken."
"We'll figure it out," Owen said hugging Teddy, "we always do. Teds the kids are okay."
Teddy nodded into his chest.
At the dance Allison joined her friends on the dance floor.
"Should you be dancing," Kristen asked.
"I'm good," Allison said.
"Are you allowed to dance," Kristen said.
"As long as I don't over do it," Allison said, "my doctor wants me to be active."
A slow song came on.
"Allie," Asher said offering her his hand, "do you want to dance with me?"
"Yes," Allison smiled.
Asher lead her away from the group and put his arms around her holding her close to sway to the slow song. She tilted her head up to look in his eyes, even in heels Allison was shorter than Asher. While Allison matched her mother's height, Asher was tall, taller than Josh. allison liked their height difference and how he could wrap his body around her making her feel protected in his arms.
Asher ducked his head to kiss her. Allison returned the kiss, as his hands slid down her back pulling her close, he could feel her bump between them, their baby growing.
"I love you," Allison whispered.
"I love you two," Asher replied, kissing her again.
"They look happy," Ava commented.
"Are they together," Kristen asked.
"It looks like it," Lily said.
"She says their dating," Olivia said.
"He lives with her doesn't he," Lily said.
"Her house but they have their own rooms," Olivia said, "he's in the basement and she's across the hall from her parents."
"How together," Kristen asked.
"Having a baby," Ava said.
"He's hot," Kristen said.
"He's with Allison and she's pregnant with their baby," Olivia stated.
"Does he want to or have to," Brooke asked.
"They're together and happy," Belle said, "leave them. She looks happy. When was the last time you saw her look happy?"
"A year ago," Brooke said.
"So leave them," Olivia said.
On the dance floor Allison and Asher continued to sway with the music.
After the dance they drove home to find the house quiet and dark.
"Where are my parents," Allison asked.
"I don't know," Asher said.
"Change to PJs and a movie," Allison asked.
"Sounds good," Asher agreed, "I love the dress though."
"Can you undo my back," Allison said, "I can't reach the zipper."
"I will," Asher said, he unzipped the back of Allison's dress revealing the black lace of her bra on her back. Asher kissed the back of her neck then her shoulder.
"I like that," Allison whispered.
"I like kissing you," Asher whispered.
"I like when you kiss me," Allison agreed.
"I'll go get sweats, you get your pajamas and we'll meet back here for a movie," Asher said.
"Downstairs movie," Allison suggested, "more privacy."
"Sure," Asher agreed, he hoped that maybe tonight she would be willing to go further.
They both met on the basement couch and found a Christmas movie. Part way through the movie they began making out, Asher's hands sliding under Allison's shirt, his hands creeping over her stomach to touch and caress her breasts.
"That feels good," Allison whispered.
"Do you want me to keep going," Asher asked.
"Please," Allison said.
She slipped her hand into his sweatpants, stroking him though his boxers.
"Allie," Asher gasped.
"Do you want me to," Allison whispered.
"Yes," Asher said.
"Allison, Asher," Owen called.
They jumped appart.
"Dad," Allison said.
"How was the dance," Teddy asked coming down the stairs.
"Good," Asher said.
"Perfect," Allison said.
They chatted about the dance for a few minutes.
"Tomorrow is a school day," Teddy said, "last one for 2 weeks."
"It's pajama day," Allison said, "and movie day."
"Still have to be there on time," Owen said, "it's after midnight. We're all going to our own rooms."
"Let me say good night," Allison said.
"5 minutes," Teddy replied.
Teddy and Owen made their way upstairs.
"Tonight was great," Allison smiled at Asher.
"It was," Asher agreed, "I love you and I love our baby."
"We love you two," Allison said.
"How are they," Asher asked.
"Good," Allison said, "they woke up again. They were pretty quiet when we were dancing."
"I can't believe your parents almost caught us," Asher said.
"That would have been bad," Allison said, "but we were still dressed."
"Much longer and I would have had your shirt off," Asher said.
"I want to," Allison said, "I really want to. Monday is a working overnight night."
"Your brother will be home," Asher said.
"I can sneak past Leo he's always oblivious," Allison said.
"You have to go up before your mom comes down again," Asher said.
"Good night," Allison smiled before kissing him again.
"Good night," Asher replied. He returned her kiss then knelt to kiss her bump, "good night to you two. Daddy loves you."
"They love you two," Allison smiled, "I love you Ash."
"Allie I love you so much," Asher said giving her a final kiss before she headed up the stairs.