At the end of February Allison and Asher were invited to a party, she was nervous about going.
"Ash you can't drink," Allison said, "I can't be the only sober person."
"I have nothing," he assured, "plus your dad would murder us."
They met Belle on the way in.
"I didn't think you were coming," Belle said, "it's not like you come out anymore."
"Finally both off and invited," Allison said.
"You can drink now right," Belle asked.
"No," Allison replied, "I'd hurt my baby. And her mom's home so we're not."
"How much longer," Belle asked, "you've been pregnant for months."
"12 weeks," Allison said, "last trimester."
"You don't go to school now," Belle observed.
"Just French," Allison said, "my other classes are online at my own pace. I'm ahead in a couple."
"What are you ahead in," Belle asked.
"History and physics," Allison said, "my elective got changed from drama to family studies which is don't kill your baby 101."
"You don't mind that one," Asher said.
"The baby formula comparison project sucked," Allison said.
"Helped us make our decision," Asher replied.
"Can you even do party things," Belle asked.
"Hang out, eat, talk, dance," Allison replied.
"We don't drink," Asher said, "that's it."
They knocked on Olivia's door.
"Allison," Amanda smiled, opening the door, "how are you sweetheart?"
"I'm good," Allison said, "they're growing."
"They are," Amanda agreed, "is everything looking good?"
"Possible heart issue," Allison told her best friend's mom.
"You're getting it looked at," Amanda asked.
"My sister's second in command," Allison said, "dr mckidd I go Monday."
"Isn't your mom a heart person," Amanda asked.
"My sister is the peds cardio specialist and runs the department at Grey Sloan but Annie said she's too close,"
"Annie," Amanda said, "I'm at Grey Sloan a lot. I don't know a doctor that goes by Annie."
"Grace Altman professionally," Allison said.
"How did I not put that together before," Amanda said, "I've worked with and referred to her. She's lovely and warm."
"That sounds like my sister," Allison said, "she's not worried so I'm trying not to."
"But it's hard not to," Amanda said, "it's your baby. You're looking good Allie."
"I feel good," Allison said, "and we finally have a Saturday night neither of us is working."
"We missed your birthday," Olivia said.
"I didn't want much," Allison said.
"What did you do," Olivia asked.
"We had a family thing at auntie Meg's," Allison said, "but were 18."
"18 and college in September," Olivia said.
"Where are you going," Allison asked.
"I got in at Oregon State," Olivia smiled, "do you know yet?"
"UW," Allison said.
"Asher what are you doing next year," Olivia's dad Brian asked.
"I've already started my electrical apprenticeship with the high school apprenticeship program," Asher said, "I did it last spring as well."
"When are you done," Brian asked, "I'm an electrician and we need apprentices."
"Course work in March," Asher said, "I've been placed with Costal Electric by the union."
"I'm with Coastal," Brian said, "I did my apprenticeship with them 25 years ago."
"They seem good and are paying me while I go to school," Asher said.
"Do you know which crew," Brian asked.
"I worked with Stewart last year for my pre app year," Asher said, "I'm hoping to be on his crew again. I liked the industrial stuff."
"Have you reached out," Brian asked.
"I emailed," Asher said, "he said he was trying."
"Allie what's your plan," Brian asked.
"UW for general studies I think I want to teach," Allison said.
"You two have a plan," Brian said.
"We do," Allison said, "us and the baby."
"Do you know," Amanda asked.
"Not yet," Allison said, "we want the surprise."
"Come on," Ava said, grabbing Allison's arm.
"What are we doing," Allison asked.
"Hot tub," Ava said.
"We brought bathing suits," Allison said, "but I don't know."
"Come on," Ava said.
"This," Allison said pointing to her stomach.
"Pretty round, but it's just your baby," Olivia said, "and it's my birthday."
"Fat," Allison whined.
"You just put your legs in anyway," Ava said, "what if you left your hoodie on?"
"I could," Allison agreed, she really didn't want to, her closest friends were one thing, Olivia and Ava understood and still came over to do homework and watch movies.
In a corner of the room Belle whispered to Carly, "I can't believe Allison still comes to things."
"Why shouldn't she," Carly asked, "it's not like she's dying."
"Flaunting that stomach," Belle rolled her eyes.
"She doesn't have a choice," Carly snapped, "she's not as big as I thought she'd be."
"Her mom pulled her out of school," Kristen said.
"No," Carly corrected, "she comes to French every day for the first block. She's only doing first block French and the rest of her classes online so she can be done by mid May. She needs to be in class for the oral part of the exam. Her presentation yesterday was funny, even Garneau laughed."
"Why is she so good at French?" Belle asked, "she was good in Middle School."
"She says she speaks it with Annie," Carly said, "but I don't know who Annie is."
"Her 40 something half sister," Belle said.
"The doctor," Kristen asked.
"Ya," Belle said, "her parents are doctors two."
"I'm not doing this," Carly said, "Allie was one of your best friends Belle. Why are you being a bitch?"
"Asher should have been mine," Belle hissed, "they weren't together, they were hardly friends anymore then that."
"They're together now," Carly said, "stop being a bitch. This petty jealousy thing no wonder your single."
"Wow," Belle snapped, "I thought you were on my side."
"I can't believe they're together and I doubt it will last long after the baby but they are now," Kristen said.
"Give them a chance," Carly said, "maybe they can make it work…"
"For her I hope so," Lily added, "she thinks she's in love with him."
Allison reluctantly followed Olivia and Ava to change.
"Allie you don't have to," Ava whispered, "what if you said it wasn't good for your baby?"
"Mom said I can have my feet and legs in," Allison said, "it's just hiding the rest of me."
"What if I sat on the edge with you and we both had hoodies on," Ava suggested.
"You love it," Allison said, "I'll be okay."
"You don't have to if you don't want to," Ava said, "don't let Liv push you. You let people push you to do things."
"I know," Allison said, "I'm working on it but I have bigger worries."
"Baby," Ava said.
"There's something wrong with their heart," Allison said, "mom and Annie say they're not worried but mom was there for the ultrasound then paged Annie to come. They were whispering to each other and pointing things out without looking at me."
"Just working," Ava asked.
"It was mom's bad news face and Annie's worried one," Allison said, "they say it's fine and healthy but their words and their expressions don't match. I've had other tests and it all looks okay but I'm scared."
"How are things with Asher," Ava asked.
"He's good," Allison said, "his school days are 8-4 and he's working most days 4:30-8:30. I hardly see him. I'm alone a lot. I miss dancing and going to the studio."
"Your parents," Ava asked.
"Dad has always worked weird shifts," Allison said, "mom is trying to step back but finding a qualified chief of surgery that actually wants it is hard. Auntie Meg is an option but she doesn't know if she wants to do it because it's less time operating and teaching. And I'm doing school at home to be done before the baby."
"You're lonely," Ava said.
"I am," Allison shrugged.
"I have my spare after french," Ava said, "maybe you could study with me for that block?"
"I could," Allison said, "let mom know I'm going to work with you at least a couple days a week."
"You got a car," Ava said.
"Mom's old one," Allison said, "but it's a car."
"At least you have one now," Ava replied.
"Asher still needs one," Allison said, "he's taking the bus to school but needs one before he actually starts working."
"Are you changing," Olivia asked.
"I don't know," Allison said, "I'd be just as happy to stand outside and not get wet."
"Please Allie," Olivia pressured.
"If it was just the three of us but I don't want all the guys to see how fat I am and Belle was being a bitch," Allison said, "she keeps flirting with Ash."
"You and Asher," Ava asked.
"We're good," Allison said.
"Are you letting him touch you yet," Olivia asked.
"Sometimes," Allison blushed, "it feels good."
Asher was standing with a few guys.
"Dude we haven't seen you in weeks and now you won't have fun," Tyson said.
"Allie had been gone a while and I don't like what Belle is saying," Asher replied.
"Worried about your wife," Jonah teased.
"Baby mama," Blake quipped.
"Don't call Allie that," Asher said.
"You can't tell me you'll stay with her," Blake said.
"You don't know her," Asher said, "not like I do."
"Ya you got untouchable Allie Altman to spread her legs," Blake said.
Asher wound up to hit him before Jonah pulled him back.
"Blake isn't worth it," Jonah said, "he's jealous yo with Allie."
"And the shit I heard about you going after a ninth grader," Asher yelled at Blake.
"Who," Blake asked, "how would you know?"
"Ellie is Ally's niece," Asher said, "Ellie should be in eighth because she skipped a grade. You didn't notice that she uses Altman as well."
"She said Riggs," Blake yelled, "and you can't talk you and Allie it's disgusting."
"Your just jealous a girl will touch him," Alex joined the argument.
"What the fuck man," Blake yelled.
"Boys," Brian boomed, "do I need to send you home?"
"No," Asher said.
"Asher come here," Brian commanded.
Asher followed.
"I heard you defending Allison," Brian said, "guys are going to bug you and make comments about both of you. You can't let it get to you like that. Your temper isn't going to help. We've had the two of you here a bit in the last few months. That temper will get you."
"I know," Asher mumbled looking at his socks, "they can't call her a slut or make those comments."
"Walk away," Brian said, "I play hockey with your dad. I know his temper. Don't repeat that Asher. You have a chance to change things for your child. Don't be your dad."
"Can you not say anything about my dad," Asher asked.
"Does anyone know," Brian asked.
"Owen and Teddy," Asher said, "that's why I'm still there. "
"You told them," Brian asked.
Asher shook his head, "bad hit in a game in October. I asked Teddy for Advil and Owen insisted on looking at it first."
"He's a trauma doctor he would," Brian said, "Ben played soccer with Leo."
"He figured it out," Asher said.
"Are you safe with Allie's family " Brian asked.
"I am," Asher said, "they're drill sergeants about homework and chores but my marks were better than ever."
"They care," Brian said, "I saw them at soccer a lot. They're good people."
"They are," Asher agreed.
"Hey," Allison said finding them.
"You okay," Asher asked.
"Ya," Allison said, "you?"
"Ya," Asher agreed.
"I heard there was a fight," Allison said.
"Almost," Asher replied, "it's good. Blake was being an ass."
"Do you want to go," Allison asked.
"We'll stick together," Asher said, "did you change?"
"Hot tub," Allison rolled her eyes.
"Should I run and change," Asher asked.
"I left our backpack in the hall by Liv's room. It's in the pile with a couple other girls. My clothes are in it," Allison said.
"You," Asher asked.
"What I usually do here," Allison said, "I have my water bottle and will sit on the edge."
"You sure," Asher asked.
"Last time I think," Allison said.
"I'll come join you," Asher said, he knew she would feel calmer and he wouldn't get into a fight if they stuck together.
Asher found the back pack where Allison left it and quickly changed. He joined most of the group in the hot tub.
"Allison aren't you coming in," Kristen asked.
"I can't," Allison said.
"Why not," Tyson asked.
"It's too hot for the baby," Allison said, "I don't want to hurt them."
"Asher," Belle asked.
"I'll sit with Allie," Asher said, staying on the side with Allison, he put his arm around her and pulled her close. She leaned into him and rested her head on his shoulder, Asher kissed the top of her head choosing to ignore the friends that were there.
"Allie what's going on with your stomach," Belle asked.
"It's kicking," Allison said.
"But your stomach is moving," Belle said.
"They do that," Asher said moving his hand down to meet Allison's
The teens all hung out in the hot tub for a while longer before going inside for birthday cake.
Once music was turned on Allison whispered, "I'm getting tired."
"Do you want to go," Asher asked.
"Soon," Allison replied.
"Are you okay," Asher asked.
"For now," Allison said.
"What time did your mom say," Asher asked.
"She wants the car in the driveway by 11," Allison said.
"It's 10:30," Asher said.
"Let's go," Allison agreed, "I didn't realize what time it was."
They chatted for a couple more minutes with their friends.
"We have to go," Allison said, "it's almost our curfew."
"You still have a curfew," Belle said, "Asher can stay."
"No," Asher said, "we both do."
Allison walked to Olivia, "we have to go. Happy Birthday."
"Thanks for coming Allie," Olivia smiled.
"Any time," Allison said, "happy birthday Liv."
Olivia hugged her then giggled.
"Your niece or nephew says happy birthday," Allison said.
"Soon," Olivia asked.
"12 weeks," Allison said, "not too much longer. But mom will lose it if the car isn't in the driveway by 11."
"Good night," Olivia said.
"Night Liv," Allison said before walking out of the party.
Allison drove home chatting with Asher.
"Were our friends always that shallow," Allison asked.
"Maybe," Asher said, "the girls?"
"Ava and Olivia are good," Allison said, "Blake is being a real ass to you."
"He's just an ass," Asher said.
"Did they text you," Allison asked when they pulled into the driveway.
"Your dad's not home but your mom parks in the garage," Asher said.
"There's not a light on," Allison said, "she always leaves the porch light on and the hall light upstairs is off look."
As Allison finished speaking her phone went off.
"Hi baby," Teddy said when Allison answered.
"Mom where are you," Allison asked, "you were in surgery when we left."
"I know," Teddy said, "I'm still in the OR. Your dad is with me. It's a mess baby. I had just scrubbed out to come home and got pulled back in. It'll be a few hours. Go to bed, tomorrow we're all off you can sleep in and we'll do waffles. Own rooms."
"What time will you be back," Allison asked.
"I don't know baby girl," Teddy said, "you're not home alone. Asher is down stairs."
"Can he stay in the guest room," Allison asked.
"No," Teddy said, "stay up until you're ready to sleep. I will be checking when I get home."
"How long," Allison asked.
"Munchkin you have Asher," Owen called, "or your aunt and uncle are home. Meg doesn't sleep if you want to call her."
"Nee," Allison asked.
"In OR 6," Teddy said, "has been since about 6pm. Good night you two are fine."
Allison hung up the phone and unlocked the door.
"What's with Nee," Asher asked.
"I call Annie it sometimes," Allison said.
"Nee," Asher said, "where did it come from."
"I used it when I was really little," Allison said, "but sometimes it just comes out."
"You go to your sister for a lot," Asher said.
"Annie gets it more than my friends," Allison said.
"So we're alone," Asher said.
"It's an I don't know," Allison said, "it could be a couple hours or lunch time."
"What did your mom say," Asher asked.
"She said she didn't know," Allison said.
"What do you want to do," Asher asked.
"Jammies and a movie," Allison suggested.
"Big tv," Asher asked.
"Sure I'll meet you downstairs," Allison said.
They both got their pajamas and Asher made a bowl of popcorn. They snuggled on the couch with their movie. Eventually their snuggles became more, Asher pulled Allison's shirt over her head kissing her everywhere.
"Do you want to," Asher asked.
"Yes," Allison said, "we need something."
"I don't have any," Asher sighed.
"Soon," Allison said, "let's try something else."
"What," Asher asked.
"I don't know how to say it," Allison said, sliding off the couch to kneel in front of him. They explored each other's bodies with their mouths. Putting their pajamas back on they snuggled on the couch. Allison fell asleep in Asher's arms, he held her close and let her sleep.
Teddy and Owen got home at the same time.
"She's been upstairs," Teddy said, "but her light is on and she's not up there."
"The basement stair light is on," Owen said.
"She wouldn't," Teddy said.
"If she's in his room," Owen said.
"I doubt it," Teddy said, "I'll go down."
Teddy walked down the stairs and saw the young couple asleep on the couch.
"Bed time," Teddy whispered gently, shaking Allison's shoulder.
"Mmmhh," Allison groaned.
"Come on baby," Teddy said, "you sleep on the couch your back is going to hurt. It's bed time."
"I'm cozy," Allison whined.
"What if I walk you up," Asher suggested.
"Stay with me," Allison begged.
"Everyone in their own beds," Teddy directed, "we can all sleep in and then it's a waffle morning."
"Please mom," Allison tried.
"You'll sleep better in your bed than on the couch," Teddy said, "go to bed baby girl. I'm going up I'm checking in 10."
Allison and Asher said their good nights.
Teddy appeared in Allison's door, "how was the party?"
"Okay," Allison shrugged, "people don't want us around. Blake almost hit Ash and Belle was being her."
"When you got home," Teddy asked.
"We watched a couple movies," Allison said.
"You were sound asleep I felt bad waking you up," Teddy said.
"I was," Allison said, "I just fell asleep."
"How did you feel," Teddy yawned.
"Safe," Allison said, "mom he makes me feel safe and loved."
"He should baby," Teddy smiled, "now go to sleep. I have to sleep."
"I don't want to be alone," Allison complained.
"Dad and I are across the hall," Teddy soothed, "call if you need us."
"I will," Allison yawned.
"Good night baby girl," Teddy whispered, "I love you."
"Love you two mom," Allison replied, "night."