"Rough day munchkin," Owen asked seeing Teddy and Allison come in.
"Yes," Allison replied.
"Ali go up and get comfy clothes," Teddy said, "take your stuff with you."
Alone in the kitchen Owen turned to Teddy, "what's wrong?"
"You can't lose it," Teddy said, "not in front of her."
"It's bad she went to Annie first," Owen said.
"It'll work out," Teddy said, "she just needs us to be here and love her. The best thing my parents did was to love me and let me have all the information and decide for myself. She is still our baby girl this changes nothing."
Owen gulped, "Teddy your scaring me. Who did she see?"
"Bailey," Teddy said, "she's had an iron infusion she'll need a couple more. She starts synthroid in the morning. I've supported one daughter though this it'll be fine."
"Hashimotos " Owen asked.
"Suspected from the numbers," Teddy said.
"I have to see them " Owen said.
"She agreed I could tell you she's terrified," Teddy said, "I'm going to show you the blood work. Annie did it as a Jane doe then Bailey reran a deeper pannel under Allison's name."
"What is it," Owen asked.
Teddy showed Owen the blood work.
"Thyroid is treatable so is the iron," Owen said looking at Teddy.
"Owen look at her hcg," Teddy said.
"She's," Owen said.
"I know," Teddy said, "she tried to have Annie tell me she just wanted Nee."
"She's 17," Owen said.
"I know," Teddy replied, "about 6 weeks. She's going to need us. Owen what are we going to do?"
"Where is he," Owen said, "I'm going to kill him. I'm going to kill that boy."
"Owen that's not going to help," Teddy said, "she's 18 in January."
"Your trip," Owen said.
"I can still cancel with no penalties," Teddy countered, "baby would come in May. Late June if she doesn't keep it it's something positive. It's been keeping her going."
"Does she want to," Owen asked.
"I've given her the info," Teddy said, "she's not going to school tomorrow so we can see Bailey and Carina for a full work up."
"What do you think," Owen asked.
"It's not up to us Owen," Teddy said putting her hands on his shoulders, "our job now is to love her. Love her and be there for her. We can't show our feelings. Right now she needs us to be calm and strong."
"Some boy," Owen said, "how did we not know?"
"She wasn't dating him," Teddy said.
"Who," Owen asked.
"Asher," Allison said, coming into the room, "he's the only one and it only happened once. He told me it couldn't happen the first time."
"How are you feeling munchkin," Owen asked trying hold his anger in check.
"Scared," Allison said.
"Dinner then we'll talk," Owen said, "I made chicken alfredo and salad."
"Your mad," Allison said, "your all red."
"I'm not happy right now," Owen said.
"I'm sorry," Allison said, "it was an accident. I didn't plan on any of this."
"I know this is unplanned," Teddy said, "we don't have to make any decisions right now. Right now you need to eat. No matter what you decide you need to eat and take your medications."
"When do I start the thyroid one," Allison asked.
"In the morning," Teddy said, "I'll remind you."
"I know you're probably going to kick me out," Allison said.
"No," Owen said, "I'm upset you didn't think you could talk to us. Why didn't you tell us you were dating Asher."
"I'm not," Allison said, "I don't really even like him."
"You have to tell him," Owen said.
"Do I," Allison asked.
"Yes," Teddy said, "the one of hardest things I had to do was tell Annie's bio father I was going to keep the pregnancy. We can be with you."
"Water," Owen asked grabbing three glasses from a cupboard.
"Juice," Allison said.
"The apple juice thing has rubbed off from your sister," Teddy said, "I can't stand the stuff."
"I'm not as bad," Allison said.
"No your not," Teddy said.
"Allison what do you want to do," Owen asked.
"I don't know but I'm not killing it," Allison said.
"Okay," Teddy said, "you and I can talk tomorrow about what to expect before you make a final decision."
"Mom, they have to live," Allison said, "I can't kill them."
"Allison go meet with Carina tomorrow on your own and listen," Owen said, "get all the information."
"I wont kill it," Allison said, "mom could you have killed Annie?"
"No," Teddy said, "I knew that right away."
"So you have to talk to this boy," Owen said, "soon. The sooner the better. Years ago when I was married to Christina she hid it from me until she decided what to do. She only told me when she decided on termination. Allison you are linked to this boy for life if you keep the baby."
"I don't know if I want to do that," Allison said, "mom chose adoption for Annie."
"And I have my regrets about that two," Teddy admitted, "who I chose for her."
"Dan," Allison said.
"Leslie," Teddy said, "but at the time with the information I had it was the best choice. You don't have to decide on anything right now Allison. Right now I need to see you eat your dinner."
"Eat," Owen echoed.
"My stomach is upset," Allison said.
"Try a few bites please," Teddy said, "you're going to have to try to eat. Try just plain noodles."
Owen gave Teddy a look and she shook her head.
"Allison, how long has this been going on with Asher," Owen asked.
"He started flirting with me at the end of last year," Allison said, "but he's an ass and I don't like him. But a few times when we got drunk he would kiss me. I told him I didn't like it and I told him to get away but he didn't listen. He kept giving me more alcohol."
"The night you," Owen asked.
"I was drunk," Allison admitted, "we had our talk the next morning."
"Who knows," Owen said.
"You two and Nee," Allison answered, "did she tell Josh?"
"No," Teddy said.
"She refused to tell me," Owen said.
"School," Allison asked.
"You stay home tomorrow," Teddy said, "then theres nothing stopping you from going. Annie did my last semester of college and first six weeks of med school with me."
"But when I get big," Allison asked, "everyone will stare at me."
"Yes," Teddy said.
"Theses are all things we need to look into," Owen said, "graduating is not an option."
"I still want to go to college," Allison said.
"You can," Teddy said, "that doesn't change as long as you keep your grades up."
"Can I," Allison asked.
"It'll be hard work," Teddy said, "we'll help."
"I don't want to school," Allison said.
"You can stay home tomorrow," Teddy said, "Monday you go to school."
"But," Allison tried.
"No hiding," Teddy said, "you're not sick."
"Can I just go to bed," Allison asked.
"You can," Teddy said, "go have a shower then lay and read."
"Good night munchkin," Owen said.
"Night dad," Allison said. She put her plate in the dishwasher and went upstairs.
"I'll clean up," Teddy said.
Owen set his plate by the sink and went out to the garage.
"Fuck," Owen grumbellec, "how did I mess up that badly?"
"You didn't," Teddy said, "we both did."
"How Teddy," Owen asked, "how did we miss that she was partying?"
"I don't know," she said, "I'm asking myself the same thing."
"Teddy what did we miss," Owen asked.
"I think we got caught up in getting Leo ready for college," Teddy said, "then he enlisted."
"She's right she gets brushed aside," Owen said, "was this just for our attention. The parties the boy?"
"Some maybe," Teddy said, "the partying. It doesnt sound like this Asher thing was her plan. She told me about him and how he wouldn't leave her alone before. I thought it was kid stuff, I didn't think it was sexual. I would have told her something totally different if she had told me he was physical with her."
"What are we going to do," Owen asked.
"Love her," Teddy said, "the best thing my parents did for me when I was pregnant with Annie was to accept it. They never let me see their disappointment. My mom was with me when she was born. Owen you have to be calm in front of her."
"I want to kill that boy," Owen said, "I can make it look like an accident."
"We have to talk to him and his parents," Teddy said, "she's terrified and not well."
"You," Owen said.
"I've been in her shoes," Teddy said, "she's going to need us."
"She is," Owen agreed, "Teddy I'm pissed. How did we miss this. The partying, her depression all of it."
"I don't know," Teddy said, "we did. We really did."
Annie's phone buzzed on the counter with a text from Allison.
"Mom, Allison is texting you," Ellie called.
"Bring me my phone," Annie commanded.
"I can read it," Ellie offered.
"No," Annie said.
"You know people at school talk about her," Ellie said.
"You stay out of it," Annie replied, "you don't say a word."
"Mom," Ellie argued.
"Drop it now Elizabeth Grace," Annie commanded.
"Whoah," Henry called.
"Henry Owen," Annie snapped.
"Did you fight with grandma again," Ellie asked.
"Room now," Annie pointed to the stairs.
Josh asked, "is your sister okay?"
"Not now," Annie replied.
"She was in your office today," Josh said.
"I know," Annie said, "she was with me."
"Mom can I come in the OR soon," Ellie tried.
"I said go to your room," Annie snapped.
Annie grabbed her phone and read the message.
Allison, "mom and dad surprisingly calm."
Annie, "good. But it's mama she rarely loses it around us."
Allison, "dad didn't yell."
Annie, "who told him?"
Allison, "mom did."
Annie, "what are you doing?"
Allison, " trying to read."
Annie, "what do you need?"
Allison , "can I ask you questions I can't ask mom."
Annie, "about what?"
Allison, "actually being pregnant."
Annie, "always."
Allison, "how do I get my stomach to settle."
Annie, "eat little bits more often. Apple juice, toast, yogurt and bananas work for me."
Allison, "can I just ask mom for those?"
Annie, "do. Theres a tea I like. I'll pick some up for you and bring it over."
Allison, "does Josh know?"
Annie, "no thats for you to tell when you're ready."
Allison, "have you told anyone?"
Annie, "no."
Allison, "am I still allowed to come to the pumpkin patch this weekend?"
Annie, "why would that change, that's a family day."
Allison, "this."
Annie, "the only things I will say no to are things that aren't safe for you or your baby."
Allison, "skiing?"
Annie, "no skiing, skating, you won't dance much longer."
Allison ,"you skated."
Annie, "with Ellie and Matt but only holding Josh's hand. This boy?"
Allison ,"he doesn't know yet."
Annie, "you'll tell him."
Allison, "I have to."
Annie, "you do."
Allison, 'I guess I've lost babysitting privileges."
Annie, "you can still watch the younger three. Ellie doesn't need a babysitter now. You do need a real job."
Allison, "your first job?"
Annie, "I was 12 picking berries for Grandpa. But actual job I was 15 teaching preschool dance at the rec center by my dad and Leslie's house in Cloverdale."
Allison, "I had applied to McDonalds earlier in the week before that."
Annie, "if you get a job take it."
Allison, "will Josh be mad?"
Annie, "concerned. We love you. We will be here for you."
Teddy walked into Allison's room, "you okay?"
"Not really," Allison said.
Teddy sat on the side of the bed, "who were you texting?"
"Annie," Allison admitted.
"Talk to your sister," Teddy said, "she was good today. She's going to be a good person for you to talk to."
"How mad is dad," Allison asked.
"He's blaming himself," Teddy said.
"Mom I was drunk I wanted to tell you the next morning but I didn't know how," Allison sobbed.
"It's okay baby girl," Teddy said, "it's going to be okay. We'll figure this out. It's a baby and those are always special."
"I don't want them to know they were an accident," Allison sobbed.
"Gift," Teddy said, "we've all always called Annie a gift. This baby no matter what you decide is a gift."
"I'll never measure up now," Allison bawled.
"You're on your own path," Teddy said, "you all are."
"Why can't I be perfect Leo," Allison asked.
"He's not perfect," Teddy said, "he has his own challenges."
"But Annie," Allison said.
"Her childhood with Dan and Leslie was different from yours," Teddy said, "theres a lot about your sister you don't know."
"Like how she got her scars," Allison said, "she still won't tell me."
"She never will," Teddy said, "I know the three big ones but can only tell you one."
"Which one," Allison asked.
"Matt," Teddy said, "emergency c-section he was a huge baby over 9 pounds and Annie is tiny."
"Will I," Allison asked.
"Most likely not," Teddy said, "we're going to see Carina Deluca. That is the one decision I am making for you. Carina only does that in an emergency. You're built more like me. You look more like dads side except for the eyes. I had no problems with either of you."
"How long does that take," Allison asked.
"Annie was 24 hours and you were about 8," Teddy said, "but I was 21 with my first."
"Mom who goes with me when I have the baby," Allison asked.
"You choose," Teddy said, "you pick the person or people you think will help you be calm and make you feel safe."
"Did you see any of Annies kids when they were born," Allison asked.
"I popped in and out while she was in labour if she wanted me," Teddy said, "but no I wasn't in the room for the delivery and didn't come until they asked me to."
"If I keep the baby," Allison asked.
"Then you get a job, take classes at UW and take care of your baby," Teddy said, "dad and I will pay for school like we've always said we would. You could live here rent free."
"I applied at McDonalds this week," Allison said, "I wasn't going to tell you until after my interview. I wanted to impress you."
"mcDonalds, the grocery store," Teddy said, "you can keep babysitting it's good practice. You'll find something and we can help you look."
"Can I do school online," Allison asked.
"What about your friends," Teddy asked.
"They won't be my friends after this," Allison said.
"It'll be tough," Teddy said, "I lost a lot of people I thought were my friends with Annie. It's lonely."
"If i give them up what happens," Allison asked.
"Then it will hurt," Teddy said, "it broke my heart watching her go with Dan and Leslie. They go and I cried for months. I called my mom in tears every day missing my baby. I had felt all her little kicks, her wiggles and hiccups then she was gone. I missed her. But it got to be less and less. I got a letter once a month about her and how she was doing. I looked forward to those. They comforted me to know she was doing well. I loved photos. I prayed for her and that she was happy, healthy and loved and for the most part she was. And I prayed that one day I could see her smile and hear her laugh. It was November of 2009, she was everything I had imagined from the day I found out."
"If I give them up," Allison said.
"Then I will hold you every time you cry," Teddy said, "and they will always have a huge place in your heart. You won't go a day without thinking about them or praying for them. We can make it as open as you want. Letters, emails, phone calls, facetime, zoom, visits. In 1990 the letters were considered generous, now I think we can be more flexible. Catrina sees her birth mom in person once a month."
"How did you decide," Allison asked.
"I waffled until 6 weeks before Annie was born," Teddy said, "I didn't decide until I met Dan and Leslie. I had met other possible families but they felt right. My heart and soul told me they were the right parents for Annie. You don't have to decide now or 6 months from now. You do need to have a plan but it's flexible. We'll help you."
"Dad," Allison asked.
"I'm here," Owen said from the door, "what ever you decide I'm here. If you want to keep them we can fix up the basement so you can have a suite down there and some more space and independence. "
"You're not going to roar at me," Allison asked.
"No," Owen said, "Asher yes. Can I ask you a couple questions?"
"I guess," Allison said.
"Did he force you," Owen asked.
"I think I said yes but I was drunk," Allison said.
"Okay," Owen said, "at any point do you remember asking him to stop?"
"A few times that night I told him to get away from me but he didn't care, he didn't listen," Allison said.
"We'll talk to him and his parents," Owen said, "I need his last name."
"Blouin," Allison answered.
"Blouin like the professor who brings me first year med students," Teddy asked.
"His dad works at UW," Allison confirmed.
"Okay," Teddy said, "we'll try to meet with them this weekend. You need to tell him. Invite him over after school tomorrow."
"He hasn't talked to me since," Allison said.
"Allison," Teddy sighed, "try. Tell him you have to talk to him."
"Do I text him what's going on," Allison asked.
"That's not a text," Owen said.
"What if I face time him," Allison asked.
"Do you want to sit here and we'll stay out of the screen," Teddy offered.
Allison nodded.
She grabbed her phone again and tried to face time Asher.
"Asher we have to talk," Allison said when he answered.
"Not a good time Allie," Asher answered.
"Now," Allison said, "I have to tell you something."
"What is it," Asher asked, "did mommy and daddy find out and now your grounded?"
"Worse," Allison said.
"Boarding school," Asher asked.
"No," Allison said, "I'm pregnant."
"No," Asher said, "you can't get pregnant your first time. Who else?"
"Just you and you can," Allison said.
"How do you know," Asher asked.
"I took a blood test today," Allison said, "I have to go back to the dr tomorrow. Can you come over afterschool?"
"I have a football game," Asher said, "and when my parents find out my dad is going to kill me. Do yours know?"
"And my sister," Allison said, "Saturday at 9 then. My house."
"Why so your dad can kill me he's scary," Asher said.
"So we can figure out what the fuck were going to do," Allison snapped.
"Do you need money for the thing," Asher asked, "a ride to get it removed?"
"I'm not getting an abortion," Allison said.
"You'll ruin your life if you don't," Asher said.
"I'm not," Allison said, "I don't know beyond that but we have to talk in person."
"Should my parents come," Asher asked.
Allison saw her parents nodding, "yes. Breakfast all together I guess."
"See you then," Asher said before hanging up.
"You did that well," Owen said, "will he show."
"I hope so," Allison said, "but he'll tell Jonah and Tyson and the whole school will know."
"Should I ask Annie to give Ellie a heads up," Teddy asked.
"Only if Ellie keeps it a secret," Allison said.
"I'll text her," Teddy said, "right now you should get ready for bed for real this time."
"I'm not ready to sleep," Allison said, "I'm tired but my brain can't turn off."
"Go shower and put your pjs on," Teddy said, "then I'll lay with you like when you were little."
"Will you brush my hair," Allison asked.
"Go shower then bring me your brush," Teddy directed.
Getting the text from Teddy Annie let herself into Ellie's room.
"Here to choose Allison over me again," Ellie snapped.
"Enough," Annie said, "i'll tell your dad but this stays between you and I. i can not tell you unless you promise me that you will not tell a single soul. You can't even say anything to Allison, Grandma and Grandpa."
"Is Allison in trouble," Ellie asked, "I heard some girls in the gym locker room talking about her and some guy named Asher. They said she had sex with him. But Allison wouldn't."
"She did," Annie said, "Ellie Allison is pregnant."
"But thats for adults," Ellie said.
"Sometimes it happens to teenagers," Annie said, "remeber what I told you about when you get your period."
"Hasn't happened mom," Ellie said.
"But that means your body has developed enough to be able to have a baby," Annie said, "biologically Allison is ready. I want you to be kind and polite at school like you always are and if there is gossip and there will be stay out of it."
"Even though I know," Ellie asked.
"Grade nine vs grade twelve," Annie said.
"Mom stop speaking canadian," Ellie groaned.
"I will use which ever version I choose," Annie said, "now who do you tell?"
"The dog," Ellie said.
"Elizabeth," Annie said raising her eyebrows.
"No one," Ellie replied.
"If anyone askes you," Annie asked.
"Allison and I aren't that close," Ellie said.
"Elizabeth," Annie groaned.
"I don't know," Ellie tried.
"Yes," Annie responded.
"Will she be at school tomorrow," Ellie asked.
"No," Annie replied, "but you will be nice, kind, polite and no gossip. If I hear that you so much as nodded at a rumor about Allison you will not like the consequences do you hear me."
"Yes mom." Ellie nodded.
"Good," Annie said.
"Is she okay," Ellie asked.
"Her and grandma will figure that all out," Annie replied, "grandma is good at that. She might come over more. She's going to lean and grandma and I, maybe auntie Meg."
"The pumpkin patch on sunday," Ellie asked.
"She still wants to come," Annie said, "don't tell her you know until she tells you."
I won't," Ellie promised.
"Now we need a serious talk about boys and dating but not tonight," Annie said, "for now no dating and no being in a room alone with a boy other than family."
"How do I treat Allison," Ellie asked.
"Like you always do," Annie said, "just hang out with her."
"Are you mad at her," Ellie asked, "you'd kill me."
"I woudn't commit murder for that," Annie said, "I'm not mad. She's my baby sister, I worry, I want her to be okay and I'll be there for her. You need to go to bed. Are you ready for your history test?"
"I think so," Ellie replied, "the next chapter will be hard it's about Canada."
"Lets see what I remember," Annie said, "other than July 1st 1867."
"What was that," Ellie asked.
"Confederation," Annie replied, 'the day Canada became its own country separated from england because of the British North America Act."
"God you are canadian," Ellie groaned.
"Yep lived there half my life," Annie replied, "go get ready for bed. Your siblings are asleep."