Asher came in late from work and found Allison hunched over an assignment at their table. He put his arms around her and tried to kiss her.
"Ash space," Allison snapped.
"Allie," Asher sighed, "what's going on?"
"Space," Allison repeated, "I'm going to finish this."
"When was the last time you did anything other than home work," Asher asked.
Allison screamed, "I don't have fucking time to sleep. Not if I actually want to spend time with you. I'm taking four classes, two of which have labs, working 4 to 5 shifts a week, being the primary caregiver for our daughter and trying to keep our relationship in a good place. I'm the one that loses out here. I don't sleep. I don't have time for breakfast or lunch most days."
Asher froze, he had noticed the last couple weeks she felt smaller when he wrapped his arms around her but didn't realise she was only eating once a day.
"Allie," Asher said, "when is that due?"
"Friday," Allison replied, "but I work 2-10 tomorrow and have school before that. Dad's off I'll take Ev up before I go and you'll get her from dad when you get home."
"We need to cut your hours back or you have to drop a class," Asher said, "Allie you can't keep doing this. You're not eating, you're not sleeping and you're not happy."
"How will we get where we want to be if I do either," Allison screamed.
"I would rather you take an extra year or two to do your degree and not be a walking stress case everyday then you rush and be miserable," Asher said.
"You do your apprenticeship in 4 years after high school, I'll do college," Allison yelled, "it's not fair that I'm the one sacrificing their dreams and ambition. You won't lose time on your apprenticeship, you don't get pitied every time you take our daughter out or worse get called a whore or a slut."
"Then you work less," Asher roared back, "stop trying to be fucking superwoman. Allison you can't do it all. You are the one doing this to yourself. Stop!"
"I can't," Allison yelled, "I can't let you down, I can't let Ev down and God knows I've already fucked her up. I didn't do the one thing I was supposed to do from the beginning. I can't mess this up two."
"Right now this isn't helping," Asher shouted, "we said we would try you working more and it's not working."
"We need the money," Allison snapped.
"Not as much as you need to calm down and breathe once in a while," Asher yelled.
"Then what do you want me to do," Allison yelled, "either I work like this or we accept more help from my parents. You're the one that won't let them help us. I already hurt our daughter. I can't not support her now."
"You didn't hurt her," Asher screamed, "neither of us did, she's just Everly."
"Your family hates me they blame me," Allison yelled, "you dad doesn't trust me, your brothers openly disdain me and Renee is the one who calls me a slut. She told Ellie that Asher's girlfriend was a slut and a bad person and that I lead you down the wrong path."
"When did she say that," Asher gasped.
"Today," Allison said, "Ellie told me."
"She knows you're Ellie's aunt," Asher said.
"Well that's what your family is saying when we're not around," Allison said, "it's not the first time Ellie has told me."
"Are you sure Ellie isn't causing drama," Asher asked, "she likes to create things."
"That she wouldn't," Annie said, "and I heard Annie say something about it to mom."
"That's why your mad at me," Asher snapped.
"I'm mad at everything right now," Allison said, "school, my manager who won't keep my schedule consistent feeling like I'm always running to catch up with life, being broke."
"We're not totally broke," Asher said, "the budget is tight but we're not totally broke."
"I we need more money," Allison said, "do you know how hard it is to always have to say no when people suggest getting lunch and doing a project. Being that weird girl who packs her lunch?"
"We have to," Asher said.
"To choose between shampoo or diapers," Allison snapped, "I got diapers."
"Theres money for both," Asher said, "there's about $300 in the family account. I was in there this morning to pay the insurance on my truck."
"Not in my personal account," Allison said, "that's under $100."
"Why are you getting diapers out of your spending account," Asher asked.
"Because I was going to get shampoo, cleanser and a couple other things I needed as well as the diapers," Allison said.
Asher shook his head, "needs or wants Allie? What were you buying?"
"Shampoo, conditioner, cleanser, deodorant, toothpaste, soap for the bathroom, advil, diapers, pads and tampons," Allison blushed.
"All necessities right," Asher asked, "things that you need to be clean and healthy correct?"
"Yes," Allison agreed.
"Family account," Asher said, "we need to look at what goes out of our spending accounts and our family account. When I grocery shop I will throw toothpaste or deodorant in if I need them. Those are needs. If it was makeup then yes I understand it being from your account but not soap or advil."
"We need a list," Allison said.
"If it's to keep us clean or healthy it comes out of the family account, if it's for Ev it comes out of that account," Asher said.
"Your insurance," Allison asked.
"The snow I lost 3 days of work," Asher said, "I should have talked to you. I needed $50 to cover my insurance."
"Insurance for you to get to work makes sense," Allison said, "but you put the same amount you always do in last week."
"It was my whole check," Asher admitted.
"We said we would do 75%," Allison said.
"Then I lost hours with the snow and put the whole check in because thats food and rent and diapers," Asher said, "I thought I had more in my account until I went to pay my insurance. It's fifty bucks Allie."
"It's not that at all," Allison said, "that's why I'm working more so it's not all on you and stressing you out. I knew you lost hours and things would be tighter for a bit."
"It's tight Allie," Asher said, "we need your extra shifts at least for the next couple weeks until my paycheck comes in with more overtime."
"She gets new casts on Thursday," Allison said, "the fox foundation covers the casting and Links time but I still need to pay for parking at the hospital. We also need a lot of groceries this weekend. Maybe I use moms card when I go with her to Costco?"
"Can you hold the Costco trip," Asher asked.
"Not really," Allison said, "we need a lot of stuff. Mom and dad said there was that $700 a month they would have paid in a meal plan for me. I think we use it this month to stop us from stressing so much. We agreed to use it as an emergency measure. You and I talked about that. We can barely cover your insurance and gas plus diapers. We have to."
"Essentials," Asher groaned, "no fish or steak."
"The fish from last night was one uncle Dan gave us," Allison said.
"And you made moose something the other day," Asher said.
"Uncle Dan feeding us," Allison said, "he gave me the meat and the fish. It was free. The moose stew was cheap. We had the carrots, potatoes onions and frozen veggies."
"It was good," Asher said, "and we still have one more lunch of it."
"So we use the card for groceries and I'll let mom know that with the snow you lost a couple days of work," Allison said.
"And your parents do dinner for all of us tomorrow," Asher said, "we go to Faroke and Nisha's Friday."
"I miss the cottage," Allison said, "we used to have fun there when I was really little with Annie."
"When I came in you were angry," Asher said, "why?"
"My group project," Allison said, "my teammates aren't doing their part. I can't afford a low mark or to fail. I've tried to set up like 4 or 5 meetings. I offered to have everyone come here so we don't have to book a project space. But no one does it. They don't even open the google docs. And the money thing. Never having money."
"We'll work out the money thing," Asher said, "it's a tight few weeks but we can ask for help if we need to. Theres 3 meals in the next 7 days before I'm paid where were going to some one else's house for dinner."
"Saturday lunch at your parents," Allison said, "we never want much dinner after that."
"Four," Asher said, "okay we need 3 dinners and some lunches."
"Mom has a bunch of chilli in the freezer she said we could have," Allison said, "and we have one of Annie's tourtieres in our freezer."
"Thats two," Asher said, "and the chilli will do a couple lunches. I think we have a box of pasta and a can of sauce."
"We do," Allison said, "one more?"
"Leftovers," Asher asked.
"Those are lunches," Allison replied, "breakfast for dinner? Scrambled eggs and toast? It's late we still haven't eaten dinner today and there's bread and eggs."
"Sure," Asher said, "do you want me to cook?"
"Yes," Allison agreed, "I'm still mad."
"At me," Asher asked.
"Our money stresses me out," Allison admitted, "but not at you. I wish you would have told me you needed the insurance and gas money but we'll work it out. We have to. Don't get mad at me if I put a few essentials like milk, eggs or bread on the card from my parents if we have to."
"We'll work it out," Asher said, "make your coffee here."
"That's my spending account but I will," Allison agreed, "after we eat and sort out this project we have to make a list of what we absolutely need this week. We're low on baby tylenol and with the casting she'll be upset and in pain Thursday and Friday as she adjusts to the new ones."
"You do your part of the project then connect with your teacher," Asher said, "Allison what happens if you only do your part?"
"We fail," Allison said, "it's a group mark. No part marks for just my part. We win or lose as a group."
"How can I help," Asher asked.
"Dinner for us and deal with the grocery list and shopping," Allison said, "my parents still have Ev. Mom wanted to play with and cuddle her and I needed to get work done."
"I'll go get her," Asher said, "and get her ready for bed. By the time she's in bed and I've made our food you need to put that away."
"I can't fail," Allison said.
"You won't, "Asher promised, "what's left?"
"Proof reading," Allison said.
"Okay almost done," Asher said.
"Go get Ev and we're low on bottles and freezer milk so I'll feed her then try to pump," Allison said.
"You're stressed," Asher said, "she's 9 months we could talk about weaning her."
"No," Allison said, "not with her other needs."
"Okay I'm going to get her and give her her bath," Asher said.
Asher walked up the stairs into Teddy and Owen's living room.
"Hey," Asher said.
"Everly, who is that princess," Owen asked.
Everly broke into a wide smile and reached towards Asher.
"Is that daddy," Owen asked.
"Dada," Everly tried.
"Hi princess that's right I'm dada," Asher beamed while picking her up.
"You just got home," Owen observed.
"Yes," Asher said, "it's a late night. Making up for a couple weeks ago with the snow."
"Have you eaten," Owen asked.
"We haven't Allie was doing homework," Asher said, "she fed Ev but hasn't eaten herself."
"Is she eating," Teddy asked.
"Not really," Asher said, "I only see her eat dinner."
"There's butter chicken in the fridge, there's enough for both of you," Teddy said.
"We were going to do breakfast for dinner," Asher said.
"Take the butter chicken down," Teddy said, "it's from tonight."
"Home made," Owen said.
"Thank you," Asher nodded, butter chicken was better than scrambled eggs.
"She hasn't eaten," Teddy questioned.
"She's stressed about a group project," Asher replied.
"She told us," Teddy said.
"I wish I knew how to help," Asher said as he settled Everly on his hip.
"Let her worry about it, it's due Friday," Teddy said, "you take care of meals and as much of Ev as you can."
"I'm trying," Asher said, "tomorrow Owen can you watch her a bit later? I need to go talk to my mom and dad after work about a couple things and I don't want Ev to hear."
"Is everything okay," Owen asked, "I'm happy to keep her longer. Are you okay?"
"My sister has been saying mean things about Allie to Ellie and I need to stop it," Asher said.
Teddy nodded she had heard from Allison, Annie and Ellie about it, "it's best coming from you I think."
"I think so," Asher said, "I want to protect Allie and Ev from it. I know what my parents think of us but I thought it was better."
"I don't know what to tell you," Teddy said, "I've never had in-laws."
"I did years ago," Owen said, "you and Allie are a team. You two stick together whether it's us or your parents. You tell Teddy and I when we cross your boundaries and when you want our support."
"But you've asked us to and you listen," Asher said, "we have permission and your rules are doable."
"Take care of yourselves and your daughter, look after the house, and be home at a reasonable time. I know you've moved downstairs but we still watch for all of you to be home," Teddy said.
"It's fair," Asher said, "I'm going to take Ev down and get her ready for bed."
"You do that," Teddy said, "good night."
"Good night," Asher echoed, "Ev can you wave night night to grandma and grandpa?"
Everly waved, copying Teddy and Owen waving to her.
"Good night princess," Owen said.
Once Asher was out of earshot Teddy turned to Owen, "Renee has been calling Allie a whore again. She told Ellie that. Then Ellie was pissed and told Annie."
"They can't call her that," Owen said.
"I know," Teddy replied, "I've heard it from 3 people but we can't interfere here. They have to do their thing. I've never dealt with demanding inlaws or inlaws that dislike me. When I dated Steven 40 years ago his mom liked me and we got along his sisters and I had fun but this is new. Annie doesn't know how to help them either."
"Chris and Jenna do it," Owen said, "maybe we could suggest talking to them."
"I think if the name calling stops we should be okay," Teddy replied.
"That word," Owen hissed.
"I know," Teddy said, "and they've been doing so well. They've been really independent the last couple months."
"She's not even using the visa," Owen said, "one or two hospital parking passess but thats it."
"They're doing good," Teddy said, "I think this, inlaw issues is normal. But breakfast for dinner they must be low on money. Eggs and toast thats a cheap meal and she doesn't like breakfast for dinner."
"I think so," Owen said.
"Thats why I gave them the butter chicken," Teddy replied.
"Tomorrow I'll do a big pan of something and send the left overs with them," Owen replied.
"I want to check their cupboards and make sure they have food," Teddy replied.
"I will tomorrow then get what they need. It's a good job for me and Everly," Owen replied, "but is that overstepping?"
"Your babysitting down there and Ev's stuff is mostly there," Teddy said, "we don't have many toys here now."
"That's true," Owen agreed, "I can look but it feels like too much."
"Maybe making them a couple meals might be better if things are tight," Teddy said, "but she hasn't told me."
"I can always pick up a few of the special things she likes that are more expensive that she's said they don't buy or she steals from our cupboard," Owen said.
"But when Annie was stuck or in Med school we bought her groceries or dinner," Teddy said.
"Every time I went to Boston I took her for dinner and I would slip her grocery gift cards, I'd leave it on her counter," Owen said, "she was my niece at the time. If she had been my step daughter then I would have done it differently."
"We both would have been in Boston to see her," Teddy said, "but we could do that approach. Leave a gift card for groceries on their counter."
"That might be easier," Owen said, "it used to work for me with Annie. There's pride at stake. We can't take away their pride. It was always embarrassing to ask my mom for help when I was in school."
"I know," Teddy sighed, "I never asked. I would just go without."
"You've always been stubborn about asking for help," Owen said.
"I can ask you," Teddy said, "I talk to Megan and in the last year Annie has really stepped up."
"She has," Owen agreed.
"She finally trusts us," Teddy said, "since she went up to see Leslie and they cleaned out that house she's calmed down. Something with her has changed."
"Do you think," Owen asked.
"She's never told me which is odd," Teddy said,"'but I've seen her go up to psych a couple times since."
"She's good," Owen said, "I'm sure she cleared up some stuff."
"She said it was positive and she got some closure," Teddy replied, "she's good about talking to Josh and Chris was there."
"When Leslie," Owen started.
"Annie will want us at the funeral," Teddy replied, "she'll need her whole family together. But this one will be easier for her than Marie's was. She was so close to her grandmere."
"They all were," Owen said, "I liked Marie and Doug."
"So did I," Teddy said, "I wanted to call her when Allison told us."
"It crossed my mind," Owen agreed.
"Now this in law thing with Allison and Asher I don't know how to help," Teddy said, "Marie would have known what to do?"
"We'll help how we can," Owen said, "they're 19."
"I know with a 9 month old baby," Teddy sighed.
"She's doing well," Owen said, "she's balancing it all."
"But when was the last time she saw a friend," Teddy asked, "this is what I worry about. Her friendships, when does she have time for friends?"
"She's busy," Owen agreed, "I thought I saw Eden, Jonah and Joshua here last weekend."
"But girl friend time," Teddy said, "I always had one or two girl friends."
"Now Teddy," Owen asked, "my sister and our oldest do not count."
"Arizona," Teddy said, "Bailey. What about you? You're not speaking to Riggs, you almost hit him last time you saw him."
"Well I hate Riggs," Owen said, "what he did to Megan. And she still lets him in the house."
"Thats their choice," Teddy said.
Annie's phone buzzed on the counter.
"Mom," Ellie called, "It's Ajllison."
"Get it sweetheart," Annie replied.
"Hi Allie," Ellie greeted.
"Did you talk to Mitch today," Allison asked.
"Yes," Ellie said, "I tried to break up with him."
"You did what," Allison asked.
"I tried to dump him after school," Ellie said, "he's a jerk. His family is full of jerks. I don't know how you put up with it. His dad told me to shut up because I defended you."
"How do you try to dump someone," Allison said, "Ash may be my first boyfriend but I held enough friends hands through breakups to know you either do or don't."
"He begged for another chance," Ellie said, "told me I owed it to him."
"You don't owe him a thing," Allison said, "what did he say you owed him? Why?"
"Can we talk about it this weekend," Ellie asked.
"Your dad is right there," Allison guessed.
"Brothers," Ellie answered, "can we talk about that family later?"
"We will," Allison said, "with Mark just bite your tongue. I know our moms want us to speak up but we have to tiptoe with them."
"Do we have a choice," Ellie asked.
"Do you love Mitch," Allison asked.
"I don't know," Ellie said walking up stairs towards her room.
"El that's my phone," Annie called.
Ellie gave Annie a thumbs up and kept walking.
Annie looked at Josh, "she stole my phone?"
"It's Allison," Josh replied, "she can talk to Allison. But did you know about that with Mitch?"
"Sort of," Annie said, "I want Ellie away from that family. They're manipulative. Same beliefs I grew up with. I don't want that for our kids."
"Have you talked to El," Josh asked.
"I got teenage attitude," Annie replied, "but if she's talking to Allie."
"I know," Josh said.
Ellie closed and locked her door, "I'm alone."
"With your moms phone," Allison teased.
"Did you need her," Ellie asked.
"Sort of," Allison replied, "but it can wait. So Mitch?"
"I'm sick of the way they put people down all the time," Ellie said, "their dad is a pastor but he must do it wrong. They're head christians not heart christians. I thought pastors were like Opa or pastor Derek."
"No," Allison said, "it's been an adjustment for sure. They are very judgmental."
"How do you deal with it," Ellie asked.
"I can only handle a few hours with them," Allison said, "but Asher hits a point where he's had enough of my parents. We have our space and we see our parents when we need or want to. I don't actually spend that much time with my mom. We text or talk, I see her but not like I did before we moved downstairs. What have they said to you?"
"Renee called me a w word," Ellie whispered, "said we all are. I tried to explain but she called grandma one two. Some how they know that grandma wasn't married when mom was born."
"My mom is open about that story and so is Annie," Allison said, "they don't lie. They omit parts of the story when needed but they don't lie about it."
"How can she be so mean," Ellie asked.
"She's nice to you when adults are around then turns," Allison observed, "I can try talking to her again."
"No you can't defend me," Ellie said.
"Saturday do you have to go to lunch this week," Allison asked.
"I'm competing," Ellie replied, "it's a championship."
"Maybe I should do a pre champ," Allison joked.
"Could you it's short steps," Ellie replied.
"If I can borrow auntie Meg's black jacket," Allison said, "but I work 3-10 Saturday night. I picked up an extra shift."
"You hate extra shifts," Ellie pointed out.
"I have to," Allison said, "the snow storm Asher lost 3 full days and 2 days of over time. I need to pick up extra shifts."
"Will you compete," Ellie asked.
"We've toyed with a couple games in restricted, or B or pre champ it's just the cost, " Allison answered.
"Seattle," Ellie suggested, "ask grandma to pay it."
"I could," Allison agreed, "my dance class was part of my birthday gift though. It's just a day I can't work and it's expensive. It's not just my entry, Asher and Ev onto the grounds, food, drinks."
"I wonder if you can piggyback on me and Heather," Ellie suggested, "in on our family pass?"
"Heather will do Seattle," Allison asked.
"She did last year," Ellie said, "still primary."
"Ev won't dance," Allison said.
"I know," Ellie said, "but she liked the pool last week."
"She loves water," Allison agreed, "she really likes swimming."
"Maybe she can be a swimmer," Ellie said, "paralympics are a thing."
"Lets get her moving on her own first before you send my daughter to the olympics," Allison said, but she smiled at the idea, there would be something Everly would be good at and make her daughter feel strong and confident the way dancing made her feel.
"Is she close," Ellie asked.
"Maybe," Allison said, "she can sit on her own and rolls and pushes up to her hands and knees with some help."
"Thats stronger," Ellie said.
"It is," Allison agreed, "but you're seeing the games Ash's sister plays two?"
"Ya," Ellie said, "mom doesn't know what to do. I asked."
"Damm it," Allison said, "I was going to ask Annie."
"Megan or Jenna," Ellie suggested.
"We could I guess," Allison said.
"I just want to break up with him but he didn't listen," Ellie said, "he said I was his now."
"You're not," Allison said, "you're you."
"What about you," Ellie asked.
"Asher and I are together by choice," Allison said, "if it didn't work we would still be a team for Ev and friends but we don't have to be a couple. We chose to be one. You can choose Ellie."
"Would it make things worse for you," Ellie asked.
"Don't worry about me," Allison said, "Mark already doesn't fully trust me. You have a chance to get away. They will always be in my life because of Ev and she deserves both sets of grandparents. I only have nana and opa, you have my parents and uncle Dan."
"How do I break up with him," Ellie asked.
"You tell him and you stay strong," Allison said, "don't let him manipulate you. And why are you asking me? Ash is my first boyfriend."
"Really," Ellie asked.
"Yes," Allison said, "first boyfriend, first date, first kiss all of it."
"And you're okay," Ellie asked.
"Busy and over worked but I love him and Ev," Allison said, "it's not easy and I miss you."
"I miss you two," Ellie said, "maybe next year you can come back to premiere class?"
"See how Ev is," Allison said.
"I want to do our duo," Ellie said.
"Maybe," Allison said, "El I don't have the time or money for privates and I'm not asking my mom or anyone to help with that. One or two classes to work out is one thing. Championship prep thats done. It's not fair to you to do a duo now."
"Even just for recital," Ellie asked.
"No," Allison said, "I don't have time to practice with you. I know we always wanted to do that and you're disappointed. I am two."
"You are," Ellie said.
"I am," Allison said, "but I can't say those things to anyone. I have my daughter. I have Asher that should be enough but I miss doing my stuff. I want to dance with you."
'One day," Ellie asked, "when I get to 16+?"
"So your senior year," Allison said, "maybe. It's a ways off and I don't know what will happen with Ev yet."
"Is she okay," Ellie asked.
"She's good," Allison said.
"El," Annie said through the door, "Allie called me do you know why?"
"No," Ellie called back, "we're talking."
"Elizabeth," Annie warned.
"Did you want to talk to my mom," Ellie asked.
"I need to ask her a question," Allison said.
"Can we hang out this weekend," Elie asked.
"Come over after your competition on Sunday," Allison said, "pizza night? Meg is out of town and both our moms are working."
"I'll bring chips and soda," Ellie agreed, "my dad is covering trauma, Kepner is out of town so the schedule is crazy."
"Can I talk to Nee," Allison asked.
"Passing mom her phone," Ellie agreed, "see you Saturday."
Ellie gave Annie's phone back to her.
"You okay Allie," Annie asked.
"Sort of," Allison said, "I need your advice about super Christian families."
"What do you need to know," Annie asked.
"Asher's family," Allison said, "their idea of good girls and bad girls how do I change their minds?"
"You don't sadly," Annie said, "the good vs bad at least when I was your age was about virginity."
"So I'm not good because of that," Allison said.
"If you were married but yes because you two are unmarried," Annie said, "I was raised to think that way. It wasn't until I was in dorms at UBC and spending time with mama that I learned differently. It was mama that told me it was okay to like being kissed. Allie all I can say is keep being you."
"But will they always look down on me," Allison asked.
"That conservative thinking will be hard to change," Annie agreed, "I know it sucks. Those beliefs were one reason I chose Harvard, I was in at UBC for med school but I knew I needed to get away from that type of thinking to be myself. What have they said?"
"Don't tell mom," Allison said, "I've told her but she gets so mad that I don't want to say it again. It's a bad word."
"What is it bean," Annie asked.
"Whore," Allison said.
"Okay what do we know is true," Annie asked.
"Ash and I have a baby and aren't married," Allison said, "would it be as bad if it wasn't for Everly?"
"Probably not," Annie said, "what do you want to do?"
"Make them stop," Allison said.
"Okay," Annie said, "you need to use your voice. You and Ash are together and committed to each other."
"He's my first everything," Allison said.
"I know," Annie said, "you love him and he loves you. Allie you'll have to be strong. I don't know how to handle inlaws like yours. Josh and I were both absorbed into the family my intern year. Chris and Jenna have a lot of tension between both sides religiously. They have decided to expose their boys to Judaism and Christianity and then the boys will choose what works for them when they're you talked to Mark and Michelle?"
"They don't listen," Allison said.
"Have a voice," Annie said, "Leslie's side is a lot like them. They won't want to listen but they do. You have to hold your ground. You do what is best for your daughter, you and your relationship in that order. Asher needs to be the one to talk to his family? Where is he by the way?"
"Getting groceries," Allison said.
"Okay so your supposed to be doing homework," Annie guessed.
"Yes," Allison said, "finishing a group project my team has done nothing on."
"Breathe and do your best," Annie said, "and tell your prof."
"Tell the teacher," Allison said.
"When I teach courses as a sessional instructor I like being told when one student did the bulk of the work," Annie said, "I know and I get to know your work but it's a big class. Email your prof and give them a heads up or ask for an extension if you need to."
"I just have to proof read it's for French," Allison said.
"If you want me to look," Annie said, "send it to me. But I think you're more stressed about the Blouins' ass backwards family values. Your body, your clothing and your relationship history does not define your worth. Your actions and how you respond to people and events show your character. You're strong, kind and smart."
"But Nee," Allison said.
"Trust me Bean I know that game they play," Annie said, "it's for control. They want to control and manipulate. I have no problem with religion or faith of any sort but do not use it to control and manipulate others. You know how to think I know that. Step back and think. Take care of the three of you. Skip a few Saturdays and put some distance in between you. Tell his family what you will and won't accept, set your boundaries."
"Thats it," Allison asked.
"Start there and talk to Jenna and Chris," Annie said, "stand your ground and stay strong."
"I'll try," Allison said.
"Okay now go do your french. I love you Bean," Annie said.
"Love you two Nee," Allison replied.
"You called Annie," Asher said as he came in.
"I wanted her perspective she was raised in a family like yours," Allison said.
"What did she say," Asher said.
"Not to go for a couple weeks and to stand our ground," Allison said, "that we have to tell your parents what we will accept."
"We'll try," Asher said, "I'll go talk to them tomorrow."
"Thank you," Allison said, kissing his cheek.
"You okay," Asher asked.
"Tired but I'm going to ask my prof for an extension and CC my group," Allison said, "pulling the sick baby card."
"Tell your prof the full story," Asher said, "your group hasn't shown up and our daughter is special needs."
"I just need until Monday," Allison said, "two extra days."
"Then ask if it will help you relax," Asher said, "but we ate, Ev is asleep, I'll put the groceries away then we can go to bed?"
"Okay," Allison agreed.