For the reader who wanted to see Allison and Annie fight it's not something that I see happening unless there's a really good reason. They are sisters but are 25 years apart, have never lived in the same house and while they love each other and are close they have had very different lives. Annie, who is in her mid 40s is not going to pick fights with her 21 year old sister. They also have had a major fight in chapters 67 and 68. The more likely scenario is that Allison fights with Ellie or Catrina.
Allison, Ellie and Catrina stood in Annie's back yard arguing about the fact that Ellie had been enjoying her book in the hammock when Catrina arrived. Allison had been okay with Ellie finishing the last chapter while she pushed Everly on the swing hanging from a tall cedar tree in the backyard.
"I hate you," Catrina yelled.
"Get lost," Ellie screached, "all you do is cause problems and drama!"
"You're the nerd no one likes," Catrina yelled, "Ellie Queen of the Nerds!"
"Get out," Ellie snapped.
"Why should I," Catrina said, "you're my second cousin a step below me on the family tree. You're supposed to listen to me."
"I'm older," Ellie snapped, "and it's my house."
"I hate you," Catrina screamed.
"Stop ," Allison roared.
Megan heard the raised voices and stood on the back porch eyeing the young women. They had argued and fought before but it usually ended quickly and they forgave each other and moved on. Allison would get stressed and rush to Teddy or take Everly and go home while Ellie would cry and need to be comforted by Annie, Catrina would yell and scream and swear until she wore herself out. Megan had tried for years to head her off but her daughter's rants had to run their course regardless of how those around her felt, Catrina was still learning to time her rants and control them.
"You think you're better than me, both of you," Catrina screamed.
"Why," Allison yelled back, crossing the yard in three steps so she was nose to nose with her cousin.
"It's always look how hard Allison works, look how smart Ellie is," Catrina screamed, "but what about me? What do I do? When does anyone notice me?"
"You think you should be the centre of attention," Ellie yelled, "why are you more important than us?"
"Because you're just a nerd," Catrina screamed, "a nerd no one wants. That's why they're sending you to UBC so they don't have to deal with you because no one likes you. Stuck up princess Ellie who never makes mistakes."
"Cat," Allison snapped, "where is this coming from."
"Of course you always take her side," Catrina yelled, "defend your niece and not your cousin. Why do you always side with her?"
"Because you're out of line," Allison screached, "you pick fights for no reason. Ellie was reading when you attacked her. I was fine with it. I was playing with Ev before Heather came and took her to the playroom. It was okay, I was actually enjoying a few minutes to sit on the swing alone. I was happy!"
"She's always got her nose in a book," Catrina screached.
"LEAVE ME ALONE," Ellie screached, "you think that because I'm not like you you can bully me."
"Stop," Allison shrieked, "just stop it."
"Don't you have a baby to deal with," Catrina said, "isn't that always your excuse why you're no fun."
"Don't bring Everly into this," Allison said, "your problem with me doesn't involve my daughter."
"You suck," Catrina yelled, "you're no fun and Ellie agrees. If you were a good cousin you would boot for us."
"No," Allison said, "I made a choice to drink and I didn't know the consequences. You two can drink if you want to but I won't buy it for you. I will come and get you any time if you choose to drink and want to leave the situation but I will not buy it."
Megan slipped back inside to get Annie and Teddy, "the girls are really fighting."
"I know," Teddy said, "we can all hear them."
"We have to let them work it out," Annie said, "they need to learn to work it out, we can't rescue them. Until one of the girls starts to cry or it gets physical we don't step in."
"Annie," Teddy asked.
"The tones and volume are horrible," Annie said, "but the words are okay. I never learned to assert myself because I was never given the chance we were always shushed and shut down. Once Jessica lost it and started yelling I was told to give in to my little sister. Mama you had to teach me how to assert myself. You all practised with me, let the girls try here."
"So we just monitor," Megan asked.
"I would," Annie said.
"You're both such stuck up snobs," Catrina said, "they all think you're perfect. Straight A students, works so hard, girl genius. How about no friends and got pregnant at 17. Ellie you're a friendless loser. Allison you got knocked up."
"Leave Everly out of this," Allison screamed, "leave my daughter alone."
"I have friends," Ellie said, "just because you have a boyfriend that treats you like shit when your mom's not around doesn't make you better than me."
"At least I have a boyfriend," Catrina said, "graduated highschool and never been kissed really how lame is that."
"At least I'm not sneaking out and asking my cousin to cover for me," Ellie argued.
"You're not my cousin," Catrina screamed, "your dad is my cousin not you. You don't belong here with us. You shouldn't be here."
"It's my house," Ellie screached, "if you don't like me being here you can leave."
Ellie went to shove Catrina and Allison grabbed her arm to pull her back.
"Ellie don't," Allison hissed, "don't hit her."
Ellie moved again to shove Catrina.
Annie appeared on the porch.
"Elizabeth Grace Atman-Riggs," Annie called, "get over here."
"No," Ellie yelled.
"Now"' Annie yelled.
"She said I can't be here, that I'm not really part of her family," Ellie screamed tears rolling down her cheeks.
"Ellie room now," Annie barked.
"Catrina," Megan bellowed, "car now."
"Mom," Catrina argued.
"Now," Megan Barked, "I heard everything. We will go talk in the car now."
When Catrina refused to move Megan grabbed her arm and dragged her through the back gate to the car. Annie grabbed Ellie by the shoulders and frog marched her up to her bedroom.
Allison found Teddy in the kitchen, she was visibly shaken and sobbing.
"What happened," Teddy asked, hugging Allison and holding her tight. Teddy knew that her youngest always appeared stronger than she was but that Allison was probably her most sensitive now. Annie had learned over the years to refocus and calm herself but Allison's emotions lived right at the surface always ready to burst through. Allison at 21 was still learning to handle being overwhelmed and arguments both usually led to Allison in tears and needing Teddy or Asher to help her calm down. And Asher wasn't around today because they were supposed to be having girls night.
"They won't make up from that," Allison sobbed, "I have to pick between them."
"They'll work it out," Teddy said, "you and Leo worked it out after bigger fights."
"But he's my brother," Allison said, "how do I pick."
"What do you want to do," Teddy asked.
"Go home and calm down," Allison said, "Ev is in the playroom with Heather. Can you get her."
"Why don't you and I sit here and talk it though first," Teddy suggested.
"I can't pick Ellie or Cat," Allison said, "I'm closer to and spend more time with Ellie because of Annie. But Cat is my cousin."
"You're not going to pick," Teddy said, "you can't pick sides. Allison, what was your part in this?"
"I refused to buy beer for Cat," Allison said, "I know the consequences and I don't want to be responsible if she makes bad choices. If I gave it to her I would be responsible."
"You wouldn't be but would feel that way," Teddy said, "and I would feel that way too. Meredith and Ellis have both apologised and said they feel like they're responsible because Ellis was buying it for you."
"But I chose to drink like that," Allison said.
"And Ellis chose to buy it for you," Teddy countered, "have you for anyone?"
"Ash," Allison said, "I bought beer for him a couple times."
"Your fiance," Teddy said.
Allison replied, "but I won't for anyone else. I won't even for Ava or Carmen."
"Carmen is younger than you," Teddy asked.
"Her birthday is in December," Allison replied, "I don't do it for others. If Cat got drunk and something happened it would be my fault."
"Have you told her that," Teddy asked.
"I tried," Allison said, "she didn't listen."
"What about Ellie," Teddy asked.
"She asked, I said no and why and she hasn't asked again, I know she's gotten it somehow," Allison said, "she has called me to pick her up and I did and brought her to our place."
"That's why she was there," Teddy asked.
"Yes," Allison said, "I wanted her to be safe but she was drunk so I helped her hide it from you and Nee."
"Would you do the same for Catrina," Teddy asked.
"If she called me but she doesn't," Allison said, "she has to call me first."
Upstairs Annie and Ellie sat on Ellie's bed.
"Why does she say I'm not her cousin," Ellie asked.
"You're technically second cousins," Annie replied, "but we all decided to raise all of you as cousins because of your ages. You're 5 months older than Cat."
"But dad is Cat's cousin," Ellie said.
"He is," Annie said, "so am I sorta."
"Because of grandpa and auntie megan," Ellie said, 'but he's your step dad."
"Never let him hear you say that he hates the term step daughter," Annie said, "he got really mad about it when I was a resident. He said step ment he cared less about me than Allison or Leo which wasn't true. Their love for us is the same but shown differently."
"Why doesn't Cat like me," Ellie asked.
"I think you don't understand each other right now,' Annie said, "but that does not excuse you shoving her. You do not ever put your hands on people in anger."
"But," Ellie argued.
"No buts,' Annie said, "you know this with your siblings. Why did you push Cat?"
"I was in the red zone," Ellie admitted, "I wasn't thinking I was too mad."
"I'm disappointed," Annie said, "you leave in two days for UBC and now I'm worried about if you can control yourself."
"I can," Ellie promised, "I think I did it because it was Cat and she pushed my buttons. And I'm tired of her pushing me around."
"I know she has been for awhile," Annie said, "and you can be angry and frustrated. But you have to learn to control your tone and not shove."
"Can you make her stop," Ellie asked.
"I can try but it means more coming from you," Annie said, "you told Allie when she was being overbearing with you and it was bothering you your grade 9 year."
"I think she did that to hide from her friends," Ellie said.
"Possibly," Annie agreed, "you have to tell Cat."
"What happens if I don't," Ellie asked, "if I go to school and we don't."
"The relationship will always be broken," Annie said.
"Cat hit me a couple weeks ago," Ellie said.
"Then you tell her to stop," Annie said.
"I do," Ellie said, "I wanted to get the first hit in for once."
"No," Annie said, "you defend yourself if someone hits you first but you never hit first."
"What happens if she doesn't stop," Ellie asked.
"I don't know," Annie said.
"Why does she do it," Ellie asked.
"She's hurting," Annie said, "and that's never an excuse. I nearly died when I was 19 because my sister was hurting and no one knew why but Auntie Jessica attacked me and nearly killed me."
"What happened," Ellie asked.
"My big scar," Annie said, "on my abdomen. I lost half my liver, 10 units of blood, and damage to my spleen. Mama and Uncle Owen stayed with me while I was in the hospital. But that's not important now. You're upset and Cat is hurting. It does not excuse your actions but we need to understand why you did that."
"I got mad and stopped thinking," Ellie said, "I should apologise. I don't like being called a nerd and a dork."
"Are you ready to and mean it," Annie asked.
"Soon," Ellie agreed, "not right this second."
"Before you go to UBC," Annie asked.
"Yes," Ellie agreed, "mom is she jealous that I'm going away?"
"She is," Annie said.
Ellie argued, "she'll go in a year."
"But you always moved step in step," Annie said, "you were in the same kindergarten class. Dad and I didn't want that but the school thought they knew better than us about putting you two together. They moved after that year and she changed school"
"I know we were and I didn't like it," Ellie said, "and dad."
"Things are better with Uncle Nathan," Annie said, "but yes. Your dad had a talk with him."
Cat and Megan sat in the back seat of Megan's car.
"What happened," Megan asked.
"We were fighting," Cat admitted.
"I heard that, why," Megan asked, "what started it."
"Ellie was reading as usual and Allison just played with Everly," Catrina said.
"That's normal what else happened," Megan asked.
"Ellie and Allie were whispering about something I wasn't part of," Catrina said.
"And you got mad so picked a fight," Megan asked.
"Yes," Catrina said, "but Ellie tried to hit me."
"I saw and Annie is dealing with her," Megan said.
"Why does Allie like Ellie more than me," Catrina asked.
"I don't think it's more," Megan said, "their relationship is different. They do things that don't always include us."
"That's not fair," Catrina said.
"We do it," Megan said, "with your brother and his family. Auntie Teddy likes having Annie's family around a lot. They do a lot together often when you're with your dad."
"But she likes Ellie more," Catrina whined.
"Not more just differently," Megan said.
"But Allie picks up Ellie and they do things," Catrina said.
"When do you reach out to Allie," Megan asked, "and they do things before or after Ellie babysits. You've told Allie you don't want to babysit Everly."
"She only asked once and I had plans," Catrina said, "but maybe with Ellie going away I can."
"Talk to Allie," Megan agreed, "Cat, your words were not okay. Ellie pushing you was not okay but your words and that you started the fight was also not okay."
"Mom it's not fair," Catrina whined.
"Today wasn't fair to all of you," Megan said.
"And everyone thinks Allie is perfect," Catrina said.
"No," Megan said, "but we have to give her more adult expectations and freedom. She's 21 and in college so her and Leo and Asher are ready for more. You are still 16."
"Ellie gets to go away," Catrina said.
"I know," Megan said, "you can go in a year. Anywhere you want."
"But Ellie gets to go now," Catrina said.
"She does and she might not be ready and that's okay," Megan said, "she has a lot to live up to. You get more freedom that way and flexibility."
"I'm going where I can play ball," Catrina said.
"You will," Megan agreed, "you like to read as well why were you teasing Ellie?"
"Because it's all she does," Catrina said.
"It's not all she does," Megan said, "but she likes to and when she's in a book she can't put it down. Catrina Allison said something about alcohol."
"I want beer," Catrina said.
"No," Megan said, 'when you're 21."
"But Allie did at 17," Catrina said.
"Behind her parents' backs," Megan replied, "I'll give you the same deal auntie Teddy and uncle Owen gave their kids. You can drink if you are of legal age in the country you're in."
"Really," Catrina asked, "it's 16 in mexico."
"Check that out but I will hold up my end of the deal," Megan answered, "but back on topic why did you pick a fight with Ellie?"
"Because she's prefect princess Ellie," Catrina said.
"She is not perfect," Megan said, "and between you and I she's not ready to go to UBC. Annie and Josh should be saying no and have had her stay in Seattle for another year."
"But why did they say yes," Catrina asked.
"It's UBC," Megan said, "Annie loved her time there."
"Annie went there," Catrina asked.
"She did for premed," Megan confirmed, "I don't know much Faroke and I were still in Iraq. But from the sounds of it she loved it."
"But she's not really my cousin," Catrina said.
"You are in a few ways it's just not as straight forward," Megan said, "she's your second cousin. You and Josh are cousins because of dad and Uncle Ian who you don't really remember you were really little when he passed. Then you and Annie are cousins through uncle Owen and I because he's Annie's step dad. The six of us decided to treat you all as cousins instead of making the distinctions because you and Ellie are 4 months apart. Allison is only 4 years older, Leo is 5 years. We did what made sense given our situation."
"Annie makes it weird and Josh," Catrina said.
"Auntie Teddy was 21 and Uncle Ian was 18," Megan said, "dad and I nearly fostered or adopted Josh."
"What," Catrina asked.
"We were med students and Josh's parents weren't taking care of him and your dad had to stop me from bringing Josh back to Boston with us," Megan said, "how are we going to make this right with Ellie?"
"Can she not read all the time," Catrina asked.
"You can suggest it," Megan replied, "and Allison?"
"What did I do there," Catrina asked, "she inserted herself."
"Stop asking her to boot for you," Megan declared, "it's not happening."
Soon Annie met with Teddy and Megan back in the kitchen.
"What's the plan," Annie asked.
"I've told Cat she has to apologise but she's still on your front porch pouting," Megan replied.
"Allison took Ev and Heather to the park," Teddy replied, "she's calming down she was more worried about the other two than upset herself. She's worried about next week with Ev starting preschool and will miss Ellie."
"Cat is frustrated that they're so close but I know she doesn't reach out to Allison or Ellie either," Megan said, "she feels left out. Cat feels like the other two are only on a pedestal and she's not good enough."
"I can understand that," Annie said, "being the one that has different interests and hobbies your not always part of. I get it. But we all know they all have flaws. My daughter has a major temper. We've been working on the temper and removing herself before she gets to that point. She was angry that she was being teased but that is no excuse for her behaviour. I don't know if she should go to UBC now."
"I don't think she's ready honestly Annie," Megan said, "I never agreed with skipping a grade and not because of Cat. Ellie needs some maturity. Either shes going to grow up fast and adapt at UBC or she's going to fall flat on her face, drop out and come home."
"I know," Annie said, "and then we go get her."
"What if she fails a class," Teddy asked.
"She redoes it," Annie answered, "learns from it. I'm not worried about her academics, socially I'm concerned."
"She'll have to learn," Teddy said.
"I guess," Annie said, "that temper and lack of confidence is going to kill her."
"She'll grow up," Megan assured.
"Mom,' Ellie called from the bottom of the stairs.
"Come here," Annie replied.
"I'm ready to talk to Cat," Ellie said, coming into the kitchen.
"I'll see if she's ready," Megan agreed.
"What about Allison," Teddy asked.
"I texted her," Ellie said, "we're going to talk tomorrow."
"Okay," Teddy agreed.
"It's more between me and Catrina Allison got stuck in the middle," Ellie said.
"She's involved," Megan said, "all three of you have equal parts in this. I'll go get Cat."
Megan walked out to the porch.
"I'm not talking until she apologies,' Catrina said.
"She came down saying she was ready," Megan said, "are you ready?"
"No, because she never means it," Catrina said.
"Give her the benefit of the doubt," Megan insisted.
"Can we go home," Catrina asked.
"Not until you talk it through," Megan said, "Annie, Teddy and I will all be there."
"I guess," Catrina agreed.
Megan led her back to the kitchen and they sat at the table with Annie and Ellie. Allison brought Heather and Everly back from the park and joined the discussion at the table with Teddy by her side.
"Okay girls," Annie said, 'ground rules. No yelling, no swearing and no name calling. You need to say what you are feeling, no accusing others only what you are feeling."
Allison broke the ice, "I'm frustrated that I'm repeatedly asked to buy alcohol when I've said no many times. I'm also frustrated that I'm the middle between all of your arguments and feel like I have to choose between you. I will not choose."
"Okay," Annie said, "Ellie?"
"I don't like being called a nerd," Ellie said, "and being told I'm not part of the family. I am part of this family. I'm not less than because I'm someone's niece or second cousin."
"Catrina," Megan promised.
"I don't like feeling less then and that you two have secrets without me," Catrina said, "you leave me behind because I'm not going to college or as smart as you two."
"Okay so how are we going to change this," Annie asked.
"I want to be part of everything," Catrina said.
"That might not be possible," Megan said, "how about more time together?"
"I guess," Catrina said, "no more secrets."
"I don't know about that," Ellie said, "theres some things I feel more comfortable just talking to Allie about. But we can spend more time together when I'm home from school."
"Cat what do you think," Teddy asked, "can we do that spend more time together, maybe start texting Allie and Ellie first open up those conversations?"
"Okay," Catrina agreed, "Allie can we have time with out Everly?"
"Let me know ahead of time and I can try but it's not always possible," Allison said.
"And I need Ellie to put the books away," Catrina said.
"I'll try," Ellie said, "sometimes theres too much going on and my books make me feel calm. I shouldn't have pushed you today. I'm sorry."
"Apology accepted," Catrina replied.
"I think this was just a few things that built on top of eachother and tempers gor the better of us," Teddy said, "what do you think?"
"Maybe," Allison said, "I still don't like the name calling."
"I agree," Annie said, "name calling can't happen."
"Being physical can't happen either," Megan said.
'I know," Ellie replied hanging her head and turning red.
"Ellie," Megan said, 'I think you are really apologetic and understand it was a bad choice."
"I knew as soon as I did it," Ellie replied.
"Catrina," Megan said, "are you ready to own your part?"
"I guess," Catrina shrugged.
"Go on," Megan prompted.
" I'm sorry I called you both names," Catrina mumbelled.
"Apology accepted," Allison and Ellie said together.
"Mommy mommy," Everly yelled up the stairs, "I have to potty."
"That's my cue," Allison said, getting up.
"I can go," Teddy said.
"I've got it," Allison said.
Allison went to the basement playroom and helped Everly use the bathroom, praising her daughter for recognizing that she had to go before Allison's 90 minute timer went off.
When Allison got back to the table she asked, "are we good now?"
"We are," Catrina said.
"Yep," Ellie smiled.
"So pizza," Annie asked.
"Go order," Teddy said.
They spent the rest of the evening together eating pizza and playing board games. Each of the moms keeping her eye on the three young women making sure their fight didn't flare up again. They knew all three were opinionated and hot headed and convinced they were always right. They had some tough lessons coming that they weren't always right and others might be more knowledgeable then them, Ellie and Catrina particularly.
After Megan and Catrina left Allison and Ellie slipped up to Ellie's room where Everly was already asleep in Ellie's bed.
Allison pulled a box out of her hoody pocket and passed it to Ellie, "you might not need these at UBC but you should have them."
"What," Ellie screeched dropping the box.
"Just tuck them in the bottom of one of your bins where your mom won't see them," Allison said.
"Why," Ellie asked.
"In case of cute boys," Allison whispered.
"Not making sense," Ellie hissed.
"You know what they are and what their for," Allison insisted, "take them. Be smarter than I was El."
"Why are you giving them to me," Ellie asked.
"To make sure you have them," Allison said, "I'll do the same for Cat when she goes. Cute boy must wear them. And you have to tell me all about cute boy."
"Do you think," Ellie asked.
"Why not," Allison said, "don't be stupid. Actually know and like him first."
"Do you," Ellie asked.
"I'm engaged and have a three year old," Allison said.
"So yes," Ellie replied.
Allison gave her the are you seriously asking face.
"You look like grandma like that," Ellie laughed.
Allison groaned, "don't compare me to my mom."
"Will a boy like me," Ellie asked.
"Of course," Allison said, "highschool guys are jerks. You're better to go single anyway."
"But he'll be Canadian," Ellie said.
"So are you," Allison reminded.
"Why did you do this after Cat left," Ellie asked, "she'll be mad."
"This needed privacy which is why I said including everyone all the time might not be possible," Allison said, "will you be okay if she babysits when you're away?"
"Why wouldn't I be," Ellie asked.
"Making sure," Allison replied.
"Ask Cat," Ellie said.
"Allie," Teddy called up the stairs, "I thought you were getting Everly."
"Just picking her up and coming down," Allison called back.
'Mommy," Everly whined when Allison lifted her up.
"Just going to carry you to the car then we'll go home to beddy bye," Allison said, settling the little girl on her hip.
"Good night Ev," Ellie said, standing on tiptoe to kiss Everly's cheek.
Allison carried Everly out to the car and buckled her into the carseat for Teddy to drive them home.