"Oh, holy shit "she said sitting down.
"MOMMMMM! WHERE ARE YOU?! LEO SAID YOU WERE HOME! I'M READY TO GO SHOPPING"! Allison yelled through the house.
Confused, Teddy quickly turned off the TV "I'm in the kitchen getting some water, baby! Be there in a sec."
She gave herself a second to compose herself, she could not let her daughter see her flustered.
Her phone buzzed, it was group text with Bailey and Webber.
Webber: Call immediately
She replied: I'm with my children, will call later this evening.
"HI ! How was work"!? Allison bounced down the stairs
She put on a smile "Hey baby, you ready. It was good , but I don't want to talk about work".
"Okay, Yea , LETS GO"!
After a few mins in the car Allison broke the silence "SO do you have a theme, or color idea? Does he even have a name"?
Teddy laughed "No to it all".
"OMG MOM"! Allison shoved her
"What?! Hey listen….WHEN YOU WERE BORN, I did not go to any birthing classes, your nursery was not ready, ummmm and your dad and I had not even talked about names for you! I mean your name was already written in stone. BUT Your dad had to go out and buy all that stuff and put it together before we brought you home. We did not even have a car seat …. We couldn't take you home from the hospital without one.,,,, AND GUESS WHAT, you're still alive, so I'd call that a win. Annnddd to expect anything more than that from me for this one would be a stretch"!
"Not even a name"?
"That, I kind of have an idea … but I'm going to let your dad decide on that one, since you were my pick".
Allison was dying laughing "Fine Fine , So I've done some research and I like Safari Animal theme with some earth tone green with an Ivory white and wood and gold accents. It's unique and classy".
"Say no more, I LOVE IT…. And I think Dad and Leo will too! And we need to do family photos"!
Before getting out Teddy wanted to address the news on the TV with Allison incase there was prints or a TV playing, or someone confronted them.
"Allison …. Before we go in I want to …"
Allison cut her off "Mom …. I know…. So does Leo". She played with her phone.
"You do"? She asked confused.
"Yea… but you're our mom…. That is never going to change how we feel about you… or dad. Sure, we were a little mad that we had to find out about everything on the TV …. But we know you and know there was some reason we didn't know. Just because you're famous does not give you a free pass from us".
"I'm not famous…. Alli ,Can you put that down please….. *she pointed to the phone watching Allison obviously annoyed by the difficult conversation* Look….. I didn't say yes or no, I wanted to have a family discussion first…. This news on the TV is new to me too. And I will be as transparent with you and your brother every step of the way. Honestly, if I can, it is a huge no for me".
"Why"?! Allison asked.
"It's a lot of politics and that's not why I went into Medicine…. If I can help and be on the sidelines …. I would prefer that…..I Did my time serving our country and I don't regret It…..but this I don't want this. "
Allison cut her off "Because you met Dad" ?
"Sure, because I met dad, which eventually gave me Leo … you and this one. But I was proud, I'm glad I was there for the troops when I could be, and It was an honor to be head of Medcom. But it's someone else's turn…. I have other things to focus on now. Come on let us go, I need some retail therapy with my one and only baby girl, no more work talk"! she smiled changing the subject.
She wrapped her arm around her mom's arm "Whatever you decide …. You know you'll always have my support. And this doesn't change anything … how we behave but I Love you Mom ".
Teddy kissed the top of Allison's head noting a few people staring at her while walking through the parking lot …. They clearly recognized her "I know, I wouldn't have it any other way….I love you baby".
Owen, Webber and Bailey watched the news shocked at what was being reported "what the hell happened?! There was a phone call, and that was it! What did she say yes to"!? Bailey exclaimed.
"She didn't say Yes to anything! *Owen was furious * this is the EXACT thing she was worried about"! He gestured angerly at the TV.
"Owen , calm down … you're turning red".
"He's always red , Has anyone gotten ahold of her"?! Amelia asked walking up to the group.
"NO, her phone is off, she's probably with the kids". Owen commented.
"Good that's what she needs right now". Webber added.
Everyone agreed "Excuse me! Excuse me! Can someone point me in the direction of Dr. Theo Altman" ?!
"Who are you"?! Owen and Jackson stepped forward.
No one bothered to correct her name
"I'm a news reporter for Seattle Press"
"GET OUT OF MY HOSPITAL! *Webber Boomed * What are you?! Vultures"?!
Amelia waved over a security guard who promptly escorted the reporter out of the hospital.
Owen felt like an idiot for pressing Teddy, she was right, this was going to be one hell of a nightmare. Still unable to get ahold of Teddy he tried Leo's phone.
"Hey Dad, everything alright"!
"Hey Bud, Ya ya…. Hey is mom home"?
"No, she and Allison went shopping for the baby…. They have been gone for a few hours now…. I'm assuming they'll been home soon".
"Crap" Owen ran his hand over his face.
"Are you sure Everything is okay, dad"? Leo asked again.
"Ummm it will be bud, let me call Allison and I'll call you right back, okay big man"?!
They spent hours shopping, laughing just the two girls "Honey, I'm getting tired … I think we did some serious damage …. Daddy might be mad *she chuckled * Let us check out and dad can come by with the truck and pick it all up later with Leo".
"what about baby clothes"? Allison asked.
"Ummm I think that should be a dad and Leo thing, what do you think"?
"I like that idea" Allison agreed.
"OMG! You're that doctor from the TV"!? the cashier gasped. Teddy and Allison looked surprised.
"So, you have a cure"!?
"I ummm…" Teddy fumbled.
"Oh Gosh… I am sorry …. I shouldn't have put you on the spot like that " the cashier doubled back.
Just then Allison's phone rang … "Mom its dad".
"Oh crap! I left my phone off, he's probably freaking out wondering where we are! Answer it, babe." Teddy said as she finished checking out.
"Hey dad"! Allison said enthusiastically.
"ALLISON! Oh thank God! *Owen sighed * Mom's with you right"?
"Ya, she's right here! We just went baby shopping she said she is sorry, she didn't turn her phone back on, here she is".
"HI ! OMG I am so sorry"! she apologized profusely.
"Teddy you need to get home".
"Owen what's wrong"?
"You were right, this is a huge mess".
"Owen, you're panicking over what… ? Be clear or don't do this because I'm tired and I just had a nice day with our daughter shopping for her brother, please don't ruin it for me, PLEASE".
"Sorry, I just wanted to make sure you're okay, did you have a nice time"? he calmly said.
"Thank you, we did! I was telling Allison that this is the first time we ACTUALLY prepared for a baby ! She picked out some really nice stuff that you and Leo need to come and pick up by tomorrow night"!
"We will get right on that"!
"Thanks babe got to run…. Driving, see ya when we get home'!
They drove in silence for a bit, Mom, Can we do this again"?
"Which part …. Me and you time"?
Allison nodded.
"ABSOLUTELY! I would love nothing more than to spend time with you! Especially now, I am going to need my babies more than ever! What do you have in mind babe"?
"I don't know, maybe a spa day … or nails"?
"I am all about both! * she smiled *I know it's not easy for you but I'm liking this having you at home"!
"You'll have time"? Allison asked.
Teddy pulled the car into a parking lot "Hey look at me, whatever happens, from now on…. I will ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS have time for you and your brothers, NO questions asked. Do you understand me? I did not say yes to this position, there are things on TV that are not true. IF I do take this position, there will be people who hate me… and will say things about me … that are not true. Some of those people might even be your friends or their parents. But just know…. whatever happens I am #1 your mom and I always tell you the truth okay? You believe me?
"Yes, Love you mom."
"Love you too, baby girl.
She pulled into the driveway "I'm going to drop you off and head to work okay, here's some money order dinner for you and Leo and please please make sure you both get all your homework done, I'm begging you, I don't want to fight about homework tonight . If you guys are done with everything and dad sees that you guys aren't behind on everything, I don't know what ….but there will be some …kind offfffff ….reward".
Allison stared at her as Teddy tried to finish her sentence "Really, you sure about that"? Allison chuckled at her mom's struggle.
"Yes, give me a break, would you, I've got baby brain * Teddy laughed *
"Oh God , the lead doctor who is supposed to cure us of this illness has baby brain" Allison teased
"get out of here! I got to go" she shooed Allison out of the car
"I'm here, meet me at staff parking lot " She texted Owen as she pulled in
"Guys she's here, I'm going to go meet her" Owen Jogged out
"Hey" he kissed her meeting in the doorway "How the kids"?
"Good, Good * she paused* we have incredible kids. *She cleared her throat * So fill me in". She and Owen walked and talked.
"Someone has come out and said you, backed by the Katherine Fox foundation have approved a treatment plan and have used it".
They entered the meeting room.
"I'll be brief , Owen just filled me in : I 1) have not said anything to anyone so whoever the source is, we need to find. 2) I am using a trial treatment plan that prior to me had positive data, I've only been approved to use a limited amount of this treatment plan and asked to record my data NOT to say if I approve it or not. 3 ) so far my data reflects similar outcomes of previously recorded data .4 ) would I announce my enthusiasm for its success rate , no …. I don't know long term side effects; I don't know who or who cannot receive this treatment among other things".
"So where do we go from here then"? Amelia asked.
Teddy turned her attention to her active baby who responded to her increased blood pressure, exhausted from her long eventful day she began to zone out as she soothed her baby.
Maggie saw her friend become distracted.
"Not sure, Dr. Altman do you want to be a part of this"? Webber asked.
Maggie kicked her in the shin.
"I'm sorry what"? She jumped.
"Are you interested in being a part of this research"? Webber repeated himself.
Looking at Owen "I have yet to actually sit down with my husband and my children and discuss this, I've expressed some concerns and to be honest for the long haul, as of right now, no I don't think so".
"Understood *Webber nodded * Very well, I think we can call this evening's meeting to a close we can pick up where we left off ….. On Wednesday * He said noting Teddy's exhaustion * Dr. Altman can you stay behind"?
"Yes sir" she responded.
"Did you want me to stick around to" Owen asked coming to Teddy's side.
"No, Dr. Altman here is a grown adult" Webber laughed.
Teddy smiled "Wait for me"?
"Sure thing "
Webber waited for the door to close "How are you doing Teddy"? He asked sitting down casually.
"I'm doing fine sir" she was unsure of how to respond.
"Everything going smoothly with your pregnancy? we haven't discussed maternity leave yet and you're getting closer and closer to your due date".
"Webber did Owen put you up to this"?
"what? discussing plans for your maternity leave? No….. that's …..okay ,Yes, but he only meant it in the most father to be , loving husband way…"
She smiled knowing he was trying to cover himself
A doorbell rang "OH THANK GOD , Leo! Dinner is here" she said paying the delivery guy
Leo jumped down the stairs "Thanks" he said picking up his food and heading back up stairs
"Hey! Waitttt , sit and eat with me, wanna watch something"? Allison asked offering him control of the TV
"Ummm sure…" Leo flipped through the channels.
"WHO IS THIS THEODORA ALTMAN? WHY OF ALL PHYSCICANS DID THE COVID TASK FORCE TAP….. HER? And What does this mean for the trajectory of this Pandemic? More on this when we come back". The News anchor announced.
"Ugh God, Turn the channel, we don't need to hear this" Allison commented.
"Hey, has mom told you why her"? Leo asked.
"No…. has dad "? She asked.
"NO….I hope she's okay, she doesn't need this extra added stress" Leo sighed
"Welcome back on this evening's latest news, the tapping of Dr. Theodora Altman… to join the President's COVID task force, * A picture of Teddy in her military Uniform and credentials and accomplishments flashed on the screen, an unidentified voice began rattling off impressive details about Teddy and why she was chosen *
"I Had NO IDEA, did you"? Leo asked.
"NONE"! Allison was shocked.
"I mean we knew she was Military but that smart …. That decorated"! Leo sat there astonished.
A news anchor outside in a public area asked passerbys "What are your thoughts of a woman leading our country through this pandemic "?
"I think it's great to see a female in such an important position"
" She has impressive credentials"
" I don't know, we will have to see"
Various people briefly answered the question as they passed by.
"Thank you, sir, have a good evening". Teddy said exiting the meeting room.
"What was that all about" Owen walked up to her.
"Just talked about the kids …. YOU… work .. the baby, how I'm feeling… due date "she causally rambled .
He pulled her into an empty room and pulled her in for a long tender kiss "that was nice, what for"?
"I just realized everyone gets my wife's attention but me."
"Oh no…. is someone feeling a bit jealous"? she teased him?
"Maybe…." He smirked kissing her again.
"want me to drive"? Owen asked.
"Please * she said sounding exhausted * HOLY CRAP! I almost forgot my appt tomorrow, 2 more before the baby comes, it's at …... 10:45 can you be there"?!
"I think so …. Emergencies aside. Think the kids would like an invite"?
"I'd love them to come if they want. Speaking of kids, I told them that you'd be checking school assignments and grades tonight…. And if everything is on the up and up…. We'd do something fun"!
"Like what, what'd you have in mind"?
"I have no idea, got any brilliant ideas"? she laughed.
"How about a puppy or a nice vacation "? He quietly half heartly said.
"That…. Would be cool! They have been asking for one for YEARS, I wanted one a long time ago…. now that they are home and I'll be home with the baby soon, that could work…. should we let them pick it out"?!
"I think we should let them look online at shelters and rescues; I like German Shepherds".
They pulled into the driveway.
"What's the plan Teds"? Owen asked.
"If my advice can point people in a different way of thinking or add too today's direction of thinking on treating this, why not contribute…. I don't want to be doing this for the long haul… I'm temped to say they have me until I have the baby… thoughts?
"Then resign"?
"Resign, let someone else like Maggie or whoever Webber and Katherine want take over if they like the trajectory of the treatment plan…."
"Sounds like a plan baby doll, I've got your back you nerdy sexy doctor you"! He kissed her giving her grief as the news outlets had been calling her the bombshell shaking up the NIH, CDC, putting a pulse back into the White House.
"ewwww NO… just NO"! she shuddered.
"OH CRAP THEY'RE HOME, Did you finish all your school stuff?! Dad's checking grades tonight"! Allison reminded him.
"Ugh seriously?! I've a few more things to do"! Leo complained running upstairs before his parents entered the house.
"We're home"! Teddy yelled
"Hey Mom, Hey dad! We figured you would be hungry, so we got you dinner too. Leo is upstairs finishing his assignments".
"Ugh! you two are the BEST….. *she kissed Allison glancing at the TV* What's that"? she asked opening the take out container.
"OMG they did a huge news spot on you mom, basically a biography of your accomplishments and why they chose you to be on the COVID Task Force team….. MOM …. We barely know you"!
"Owen…." She sounded concerned.
"I know I'm on it " He responded stuffing his face
"What's the matter" Allison looked confused.
"I'm really not that special…."
"Are you kidding , you…"
"Enough, please, I did not give that information out. I'm going to go change and check on your brother."
Family meeting in half hour , okay?
"Hey knock knock…. Can I come in"? She waited for a response.
"Yas Major you can enter "
"It's Mom …. Ya dork * she rolled her eyes knocking him in the head chuckling* Can I sit"? she pointed to his bed.
"OF COURSE, wait! ,"! He quickly got up and arranged some pillows for her.
"Thanks baby…."
She sat carefully as she was getting to the point of beginning to get uncomfortable. She closed her eyes for a few mins enjoying the silence … suddenly feeling someone staring at her she opened what eye and She smiled at him.
"It's not polite to stare, ya know" she teased him.
"Sorry"! He went back to his work.
"Leo honey, what's on your mind, I can tell something is bothering you".
He sighed "are you supposed to be working this much"?
"Come here…. Come cuddle with your ole momma" she waved him over.
He jumped up and snuggled up to her "Oh honey…. I have not held you in forever, when did you get so big"! she pressed her lips to his head "You ready to be a big brother again? Not much longer … you were SO good with Allison when she was born ..* she rubbed his back trying to get any response from him He did not say anything, she knew he was worried *Hey, listen I am just fine, your brother is just fine… Okay I won't let anything happen to either of us … I have a baby check up tomorrow, you and Alli are more than welcome to go, if you don't believe me". He nodded. She smiled "alright then, be ready first thing in the morning okay? Did you finish all your schoolwork"?
"NO". he softly said
"Dude, why not!? I told Allie to tell you to get it all done, Aw MAN … *she pouted * even I wanted the surprise"!
"Cause you're in here."
She laughed "Alright, fair enough ….. is most of it at least done"?! He nodded "That's a kid, alright I'll tell dad I distracted you".
"What's the surprise"?! He perked up.
"Well, if I told you it wouldn't be a surprise now would it"! She teased him.
"Hey, I need you and dad to go clothes shopping for your brother, AND you both need to get the nursery ready"! She said getting up "Come on love, family meeting."
"Ughhhhhhh" Leo groaned
"UGHHHHHHHH *she threw her head back copying him* it's so AWFULLLLL talking with your parents who love you and you rarely see you and your sister UGHHHH GOODDDDD" She copied him.
"Stoppp"! Leo whined.
"Youuuu Stop "she teased him again laughing.
"Do I have to put you two in time out"? Owen yelled up the stairs.
"SHE STARTED IT"! Leo yelled.
Teddy laughed "Okay okay , enough, seriously get down here, Lord it's like having a toddler again".
"Want me to start"? Owen asked as they all sat around the living room Allison and Teddy cuddled up
"Go ahead "Teddy said rubbing her side where the baby was kicking her. Leo sat down next to her putting his hand on her belly to feel the baby.
"Alright let's start with the most obvious, Mom…..
"Major Altman you mean or Sexy Doctor "the kids interjected.
"MOM"! Teddy and Owen Sternly said "Please, just Mom" Teddy added
"So, listen ,you already know that your mom was asked to help the country overcome this pandemic, aaannnd earlier today… she agreed to it …. With a few conditions which we don't need to get into".
"Mom are you really that important"? Leo asked
"NO, but my past work you know I ran MedC om so I worked closely with government officials, and NIH and the CDC and WHO deploying and providing aide when needed to various countries dealing with health issues. I had to stay informed so we would not have catastrophic health issues in the US. I just did my job honey bunny, that's all".
"Some of your friends and their families might not agree with what mom or the professionals are saying, but guys listen , that won't change how much you love her, or how you treat her… she's still YOUR MOM. This job is temporary. IF people are being mean to you, please tell us , it's our job to handle that kind of stuff."
"IF you have questions or concerns about ANYTHING…. Like always come to us…we have taught you best to get information FROM THE SOURCE, not an outside".
"ALSO * Owen looked at Teddy who nodded her approval* your mom and I wanted to THANK YOU BOTH for doing so well, SO far during this trying times…. We LOVE YOU VERY MUCH and have decided you can get a puppy"!
"REALLY"! they both hugged their parents in excitement.
"YES , but we decided on the breed and where you pick the puppy from … okay, here's the information to the German Shepherd Rescue ….