Saturday night Allison walked into the party with the bottle of vodka hidden in her backpack, glad to be sleeping over this time.
"Allison," a boy named Asher called.
"Hey Asher," Allison replied.
"Your parents let you out of your cage," Asher teased.
"Yes," Allison said, "my sisters kids are staying over so I got a get out of jail free card."
"Sisters kids," Asher asked.
"Annie is 42 she has four kids," Allison said.
"Your mom's sister," Asher clarified.
"No," Allison said, "my sister is 25 years older than me."
"So your mom had your sister in high school ," Asher assumed, "or your dad is old.
"Mom and Medical school, " Allison shrugged.
"And you have nieces and nephews," Asher asked.
"Yes, one goes to our school," Allison groaned.
"Who? What grade," Asher asked.
"Ellie Altman-Riggs," Allison said, "she's a freshman."
Asher replied, "My brother's a freshman."
"That's normal," Allison said, "not your niece being more like a cousin. "
"Is she the oldest," Asher asked.
"Yes," Allison said, "Heather is 4, Henry is 10 and Matt is 9."
"And your parents are okay with this," Asher asked.
"Annie is married, they can't stop her," Allison said, "and my dad is her step dad."
"So you're drinking tonight," Asher asked.
"I have some," Allison said.
"Going to share," Asher asked.
"Nope," Allison replied.
"Come on Alli," Asher pushed.
"No," Allison said, "you always say share then you drink it all."
"Come on," Asher pressed.
"No," Allison said.
"You know what happens when you drink," Asher said.
"Asher no," Allison said, "I'm not that type of girl."
"Thats not what you said at Liam's party," Asher smirked.
"No," Allison said firmly.
"You know a couple shots in you'll change your mind," Asher teased.
"Not happening you conceited ass," Allison shouted, "get away from me."
"Thats not what you said last weekend," Asher said.
"Asher leave me alone," Allison shouted.
"Back away from her dude," another boy shouted.
"Allie," a friend of hers called.
"Asher is an ass," Olivia said.
"I know," Allison said, "I can't believe I went on a date with him."
"That's why he's being an ass," Olivia said, "you go on one date and they think they own you."
"I wish I knew how to make him back off," Allison said, "but I can't tell my mom."
"You have a much older sister," Bella observed.
"Annie is in Boston right now," Allison said.
"Could you talk to her," Bella suggested.
"Ya my 40 something sister," Allison said.
"She's not your mom," Bella said, "wait if your sister is in her 40s how old is your mom?"
"63," Allison replied, "Annie is closer in age to mom than to me."
"Are you adopted," a new girl named Kyrsten asked.
"No," Allison said, "my brother Leo is but Annie and I are both moms."
"Are you sure," Krysten asked, "maybe you're really your sisters kid."
"No," Allison said, "Annie was 25 and a doctor when I was born and there's no way she would have given me up. She has 4 kids. My oldest niece is only 4 years younger than me. She goes to our school in ninth."
"Ellie isn't old enough," Olivia said.
"Mom explained why she's at our school," Allison said.
"She's weird," Olivia agreed.
"She drives me nuts but she's still my niece and family," Allison said.
"You hated her yesterday," Olivia said.
"I can get mad and call her names but no one else can," Allison argued.
"Whats wrong with her," Bella asked.
"Other than being a midget," Olivia said.
"Annie is like 6 inches shorter than me," Allison said, "Ellie is just short like her mom. She skipped fourth but I don't know why. It got her and Catrina separated which was good."
"Catrina," Bella asked.
"My cousin who's in eighth," Allison said, "but I get to sleep over. Leo is gone and my 4 nieces and nephews have invaded my house."
"Why," Olivia asked.
"Annie and Josh had to go to Boston for the weekend for some work thing," Allison said, "are we drinking or not?"
"You got some," Bella said.
"Ellis Grey-Shepard every time," Allison said.
"Who is this magical Ellis," Bella asked.
"Family friend," Allison said, "she dropped out of college and is trying to be a chef."
"A Chef would be cool," Olivia said.
"Not a choice when your parents are surgeons," Allison countered, "college is a requirement."
"So your siblings," Bella asked.
"Leo is at UCLA premed," Allison said, "and he joined the army he can do both some how. Annie is a peds cardio surgeon. She had finished med school and was doing her residency when I was born."
"How do you know that," Bella asked.
"Mom has this picture of me as a newborn and Annie is in baby blue resident's scrubs," Allison said, "she says it's the first picture of the two of us. Then theres mom, dad, Annie and I the day I was born and Annie and Dad are in scrubs and mom's holding me in the hospital bed."
"I guess you have to be a doctor," Bella said.
"No," Allison said, "just college."
"If my parents put that type of pressure on me I'd run away," Bella said.
"I've thought about it," Allison admitted, "I know I'll never measure up."
"If you didn't," Bella said.
"I'd need a really good plan," Allison admitted, "mom didn't like my run a dance studio idea. I have my associates and teach now."
"What did she say," Olivia asked.
"That it would be a good way to make money and support my self in college but she didn't see it being stable long term," Allison replied.
"Shots," someone yelled across the room.
Allison rushed forward to grab one and slammed it back.
"Are we using the hot tub," Ava asked.
"Yes," Allison said.
"Drinks first," Olivia said.
They poured drinks then went to change into bathing suits.
In the hot tub a tipsy Allison began to flirt with Asher, he pulled her into his side tickling her and making her giggle.
"I told you a couple drinks and you'd relax," Asher whispered.
"No," Allison replied, "I'm not doing that."
"Come on Allie," Asher pressed.
"No," Allison said, "not after last time."
"Just ask your sister for help she's not going to tell your mom," Asher said.
"Then I have to explain it to her," Allison said, "her and Josh got married young she wouldn't get it."
"How young," Asher asked.
"He's always been there," Allison said, "they've been together since they were 21."
"Then she'll get it," Asher said, "I love you, you love me."
"I don't want to," Allison said.
"Another drink you'll change your mind," Asher said.
Allison got out of the hot tub and grabbed her towel.
In Boston Annie and Josh walked down the street.
"21 years," Josh smiled.
"I know," Annie replied, "the bakery is still there."
"Lets go," Josh said taking her hand.
"It looks different then I remember," Annie said.
"We graduated 17 years ago," Josh said.
"21 years, 2 medical degrees, 2 residencies, four fellowships, four kids," Annie said.
"We did it all babe," Josh said kissing her cheek.
"We did," Annie said, "I'm kinda excited to teach tomorrow."
"Remember that time Teddy surprised you," Josh asked.
"I do," Annie smiled, "she showed up in cardio and every one was staring at me."
"Everyone will stare at you tomorrow," Josh said.
"For my work not my mother," Annie replied, "it works so I can see you lecture tomorrow as well."
"I'm watching yours," Josh agreed.
"Our peds stuff is good," Josh said.
"It is," Annie smiled, "I still can't believe you did a second fellowship while I was home with our fourth child."
"I know," he said, "it only worked because you were home with the four."
"Thank god Heather was our most easy going baby," Annie said, "Ellie was our most demanding."
"We were new at it, we got better," Josh said, "do you want more?"
"No," Annie said, "we have 4 and I'm 42. I love our four but it's enough."
"Two were surprises as it is," Josh said.
"We had said 3," Annie said, "Henry was sooner then we planned but Heather was our surprise."
"The best surprise," Josh agreed.
"I can't believe Allison is a senior, Ellie is in ninth and Leo is premed," Annie said, "it's too fast."
"It is," Josh agreed, "our baby girl is in high school."
"I wonder if letting her skip grade 4 was the right choice," Annie asked.
"You still use grade 4 and grade 9," Josh teased, "sometimes after 21 years in America you still sound so Canadian."
"I lived half my life there," Annie said, "I will always sound Canadian. And we go visit."
"Less since we lost Grandmere," Josh said.
"Grandma, Grandpa, Papa, Grandmere and now Nana," Annie shook her head.
"They were old," Josh said.
"I know and it was their time," Annie said, "but I still miss Grandmere. I'm glad she got to meet each of our kids."
"And they all have their quilts," Josh said.
"Grandmere loved them," Annie smiled.
"She loved you," Josh said.
"She did," Annie said.
"I wish my dad could see us," Josh said.
"Ian would be proud," Annie smiled, "he would be so proud of you. And he loved Ellie."
"He did," Josh said, "you were his favourite."
"He never learned our names again," Annie said.
"Son, favourite and baby," Josh smiled.
"He's in heaven and he's watching," Annie assured.
The next morning Teddy picked up Allison.
"How was the party," Teddy asked.
"Okay," Allison said, "Asher was there."
"Was he bugging you again," Teddy asked.
"A bit," Allison said, scared to tell her mom that he had convinced her to go all the way the night before, that she was drunk and not thinking and listened to him.
"Allison you have to tell him you don't like it," Teddy said.
"I did," Allison shrugged, "he doesn't listen. He's just being a drunk boy."
"That's not an excuse," Teddy said, "alcohol is not an excuse for treating you poorly or pushing you."
"It would be easier if I could date," Allison argued.
"If he's a nice boy yes," Teddy said, "but Asher. I don't trust him."
"Did you ever tell Annie you didn't trust who she was seeing," Allison asked.
"Yes," Teddy said, "it took a while for me to come around with Josh."
"Josh," Allison said.
"And this guy David when she was in college he made me mad," Teddy said.
"Why Josh," Allison asked.
"There's some stuff that happened when we were all in the army with Nathan and Meghan," Teddy said, "I didn't trust Josh because of Nathan."
"But you like him," Allison said.
"I got to know him," Teddy said, "but right now I can't trust Asher. You're with him when you drink and I know you were drinking last night. I'm not happy about it. "
"How do you know," Allison asked.
"Dr Grey," Teddy said, "why Ellis?"
"She never asks questions and you trust her," Allison said.
"No more," Teddy replied, "it's getting excessive Allison. I can turn a blind eye to the odd birthday party or new years but this every weekend not at all. Meghan and Nathan took Annie's kids for the day. You your dad and I need to talk. Allison this is becoming a problem."
"Just ground me," Allison said.
"It goes beyond that," Teddy said, "we'll talk when we get home. We're getting groceries and you are not out of my sight do you hear me."
"Yes mom," Allison mumbelled.
"What's going on Allison," Owen asked after the groceries were unloaded.
"I don't know," Allison admitted.
"Something's bothering you," Owen said.
"You'll just get mad," Allison said.
"Just be honest with us," Teddy said.
"Allison we're worried," Owen said.
"You've been partying," Teddy said, "I could smell the alcohol on you when you got into the car. "
"Every one does," Allison argued.
"Theres a difference between one and being drunk," Owen said.
"Like you stop at one," Allison said, "mom didn't you and Annie down a whole bottle of wine each at the cabin a couple weeks ago?"
"We are adults who are of legal age to drink," Teddy said, "you are 17."
"Its not fair," Allison snapped.
"Thats the law," Owen said, "where are you even getting it?"
"Ellis Grey - Shepard," Teddy said, "Grey told me."
"Well sorry I'm not perfect Annie or the suck up Leo," Allison roared.
"Do not yell at us," Owen snapped, "we are trying to have a discussion."
"I wont measure up to them so why are you bothering," Allison snapped.
"We're not asking you to," Teddy said.
"I hear it," Allison said, "her brother is pre med, her sister is a surgeon. My best subject is french. Not math, not science, french!"
"I know," Teddy said, "you have a gift for languages."
"Doesn't matter Annie speaks french," Allison said.
"And you like practicing with her," Teddy tried, "she only speaks it. You can read and write it."
"She won't speak it with me now," Allison said.
"It reminds her of Grandmere," Owen said, "the last year, "losing grandmere has been hard on her. But that's not what we're talking about. Allison what's going on with you?"
"I don't want to be compared to Annie and Leo," Allison cried, "I'm tired of being judged. I just want to be me."
"I know you do baby girl," Teddy said, "being the youngest is hard."
"What do you know you don't have siblings," Allison snapped.
"Do not use that tone with me," Teddy warned, " I know your frustrated. Allison we need you to own your actions. What were you drinking last night?"
"Vodka," Allison said, "a couple beers."
"Where did the vodka come from," Teddy asked, she knew Allison couldn't have had beer when she left.
"Ellis," Allison admitted.
"Okay you are not to ask Ellis or anyone else to buy alcohol for you again," Owen said.
"Just give me the punishment and we can be done," Allison said.
"You are grounded for the next two weeks," Teddy said, "but you're not leaving this table until we get to the bottom of this."
"Allison this isn't you," Owen said, "why?"
"How do you know it's not me," Allison asked.
"Because I know you," Owen said, "Allison I love you. I'm worried about you. I want you to be happy."
"I don't think happy is possible," Allison said, "thats for other people."
"For a long time I thought that," Owen said, "then I talked to some one."
"When," Allison asked.
"Between going to see your mom in germany and her coming to tell me you existed," Owen said.
"Can't I just be happy," Allison asked, "I want to be but I can't."
"Drinking isn't going to help and neither are parties," Teddy said, "we can get you help."
"What does that look like," Allison asked.
"We call a few people and see when you can go talk to them," Owen said, "you go try a counslor or a psychologist. It might take a few people to find the right fit. We go talk to them. There might be medication if they think thats the best choice."
"What do I have to do," Allison asked.
"Go meet the person and be open minded," Teddy said.
"Do you want us to call tomorrow," Owen asked.
Allison nodded, "everything feels flat. I either feel nothing or I'm mad."
"We will get you help," Teddy said.
"Am I broken," Allison asked.
"No," Owen said, "people go through rough patches. I've gotten help before, mom, auntie Meghan, uncle Nathan, Annie, Josh."
"First thing tomorrow I will call," Teddy said, "I will set something up for this week. Allison I have to ask you some questions and you need to be 100% honest with us."
Allison nodded.
"Have you ever thought of hurting yourself," Teddy asked.
"No," Allison said, "god mom I'm not that messed up."
"Have you ever thought of killing yourself," Owen asked, knowing the protocol Teddy was going though.
"Dad," Allison snapped , "never."
"How often are you using alcohol," Teddy asked.
"Once a week," Allison said.
"How much do you drink," Owen asked.
"A lot," Allison answered.
"How long," Teddy asked.
"A few months," Allison said.
"When Leo graduated," Owen asked.
"Yes," Allison replied.
"Okay," Teddy said, "thank you for trusting us. We are going to figure this out as a family and get you some help. No drinking. Zero it'll make it worse."
"Allison have you tried any drugs," Owen asked.
"No," Allison said, "I'm not that stupid. Dr. Shepard scared all of us with her don't do drugs talk."
"She's good at that," Teddy said, "why we had her do it."
"I'm scared," Allison said.
Owen hugged her, "we will do this together. Let us help you. You don't need to do this alone."
Teddy put her arms around both of them, "we're here baby girl we have this. We will figure this out."
"Your not made," Allison asked.
"No," Teddy said, "this we could never be mad about this."
"You need help," Owen said, "we are here and you don't have to do this alone."
"You are not alone," Teddy promised, "we will be with you as much as you want us every step of the way."