The next morning Leo came down to find Allison and Teddy having breakfast at the island.
"Mom," Allison asked, "can we go shopping soon? My pants do up but they're not comfortable."
"We can," Teddy said, "you don't need much."
"My shirts are okay, it's my pants," Allison said.
"We'll go Sunday," Teddy said, "look online and see what you like first."
"Leggings and jeans," Allison said, "I need black pants for work."
"Thats do able," Teddy said, "your PE strip?"
"It's okay for now," Allison said, "if we get new leggings I can just wear those."
"Your teacher emailed," Teddy said, "he's not super comfortable with you in PE right now. I know you don't want to but Ellie's in an all girls class and they're doing a yoga and pilates unit until Christmas. Your school is suggesting you do that."
"Are there things in the weight room I could do," Allison asked, "the treadmill or ride one of the bikes?"
"Let me talk to your teacher and we should talk to Carina," Teddy said, "you see her when?"
"Two weeks," Allison said, "when can I see my baby again."
"A few more weeks," Teddy said, "excited?"
"I like seeing them and I want them to move," Allison said.
"You have a bit for that two," Teddy said.
"Hi," Leo said softly.
"Leo," Teddy said, "how long have you been there?"
"A few minutes," Leo said, "can I join you?"
"Are you going to be nice," Allison asked.
"I will," Leo agreed.
"Why did you hit him," Allison jumped to the point.
"Because of what he did to you," Leo said.
Teddy chose to stay close to make sure her kids didn't swing at each other, it wouldn't be a first.
"It was both of our choice to have sex," Allison said, "we both decided. He's a really good friend Leo. He's here, he's stuck around."
"Where is he now," Leo asked.
"Working," Allison said, "he's working 6am - 2pm today."
"He's working," Leo asked.
"We both are," Allison said, "I'm at Safeway as a cashier. He's stocking shelves at Target. We know what we have to do. We have a plan."
"What is this plan," Leo asked.
"Ash graduates in January with all his highschool credits and then in February starts his apprenticeship as an electrician. I will finish this semester at school and do next online and work," Allison said, "I have the baby at the end of May and take the summer off. In September I go to school part time for the first semester, maybe 3 courses then if it works I take more."
"What about your baby? Working," Leo asked.
"Allison isn't going to work her first semester," Teddy said, "she's living here. We're going to help her out. We pay your tuition, housing, meal plan, car and some spending money. This will work out about the same. It works in your favour if we add up dollar for dollar."
"Asher," Leo asked.
"Will help support the baby," Allison said, "we're hoping I can get night classes so he can be home from work and hang out with the baby while I'm at school. If not Annie is still on reduced hours for her sanity and said she will take the baby on Wednesday when she works from home on research and consults. Auntie Megan is Wednesday to Saturday and offered her days off and Dad is Sunday - Wednesday and will help when he's home. It wouldn't be all day, just a couple hours while I'm in class. And if Asher works days I can work nights."
"It's a lot of work Allie," Leo said.
"I'm going to do some of my general ed first," Allison said, "english, psychology, maybe math."
"Have you thought of a major," Leo asked.
"I don't know what Dr. Deluca does fascinates me. I like learning from her," Allison said.
"I'm sorry about last night," Leo said.
"Apologize to Asher," Allison said.
"I've been an ass," Leo said.
"You have," Allison agreed, "I know you don't like it but being mean isn't helping me."
"You know his reputation," Leo said.
"And I know how he treats me here," Allison said, "he's the same with me at school and at home. Ya, were not going out a lot, we both have to work."
"Do you want this," Leo asked.
Allison put her hands on her stomach, "I want my baby. We want our baby."
"You and him," Leo asked.
"I don't know," Allison said, "some days I want the relationship side, other days I need my friend first."
"I did the same with your dad," Teddy said, "I've seen more affection from you two the last week or so."
"Hugs, he holds my hand," Allison said.
"Do what you're comfortable with," Teddy said.
"Just get to know him Leo," Allison begged, "he's in our lives now. No matter what happens between Asher and I the baby will come first and we have to get along for them."
"You're dating him," Leo asked.
"Maybe," Allison admitted, "you can't hit him again."
"Leo you're almost 19," Teddy said, "that's assault."
"And him getting Allison," Leo started.
"I'm 3 months older," Allison said, "we're both 17."
"What did Annie say," Leo asked.
"She ran the blood work when I was panicking and then when we got the results she told me," Allison said, "she just hugged me."
"And you can hang out with her kids," Leo asked.
"There might be a bit of don't be like Allison but she's good. She's the one that brought me IV fluids the first time," Allison said.
"IV fluids," Leo asked.
"I got pretty sick at first like she does and she said the fluids help," Allison said.
"Are you feeling better," Leo asked.
"Sometimes," Allison said.
"It should end any time now," Teddy said, "you and baby looked good when we saw Carina two weeks ago."
"I don't know how no one killed you," Leo said.
"I'm surprised," Allison said, "I expected dad to roar."
"I might have headed him off," Teddy said.
"Why," Leo asked.
"Because I was Allison," Teddy said, "and my parents just loved me. Leo, judgement isn't going to help anyone."
"But," Leo said.
"It's not a choice you would make but it is Allisons," Teddy said, "and I hope you will be careful when you choose to have sex with a girl."
"I'm always careful," Leo said.
"So was I and I had your sisters," Teddy said.
"I was going to go hang out with Micha and Jordan," Leo said.
"Have fun," Teddy replied, "Megan's at 5 don't be late."
Leo walked out the door.
"You okay," Teddy asked.
"He's saying what everyone is thinking," Allison said.
'I think you and I have been pretty honest with each other," Teddy said, "would I have chosen this for you now, no. But Allison you made the choice to keep your baby. You are making choices that show how strong you are. You are making the tough choices. You're sticking to what you believe in."
Allison nodded.
"You've decided to stick with school and to raise your baby," Teddy placed her hand over Allison's on Allison's stomach, "this little one will have an amazing mom."
"Because I learned from you," Allison whispered, "I can't do this without you."
"I will be here," Teddy said.
"Dad," Allison asked.
"We are here," Teddy said, "I'm proud of you. You could have given up so many times this fall but you stuck to your guns and what you believe. So many people would have given up. I almost gave up when I was pregnant with Annie. There were days I questioned if I could do it. I was scared, depressed and I felt so alone. It's the most alone I've ever felt. It was almost worse then when I lost my parents and my Allison in a year. Allison you have been so strong. I see a bit of me in you but I also see a lot of my Allison, the strength of your convictions, your commitment to others and the people you love. Your willingness to help others and lift them up. Allie those are gifts baby girl."
"Mom I'm scared," Allison said, "what if I'm a terrible mom."
"You won't be," Teddy said, "I told Annie this years ago. The fact that you're scared to be a bad mom means you won't be. I'm excited to meet this little one."
"Scared and excited," Allison said, "I have a couple names but I have to talk to Asher."
"What names are you thinking," Teddy asked.
"I want Evelyn for a girl after nana," Allison said, "I think Nana would love it."
"Evelyn is Catrina and Heather's middle names," Teddy said, "boy names?"
"I like Carter," Allison said.
"Do I have time for a walk before you and I have to go," Allison asked.
"Alone or do you want me to come," Teddy asked.
"I have a pod cast I want to finish," Allison replied.
"Go enjoy your pod cast," Teddy said, "which route?"
"The long one," Allison asked.
"Go now," Teddy said, "listen to your body but don't meander either. You should get your heart rate up a bit."
Allison went for her walk, Leo hadn't exactly apologized but he was at least human.
That afternoon Teddy and Allison went to Megan's to help finish dinner.
"Hi darling," Evelyn greeted Allison with a hug.
"Nana what are you making," Allison asked the old woman who was now nearly 90."
"A blanket," Evelyn said, "do you like the colours?"
"Nana, it's beautiful," Allison smiled at the soft greens and blues.
"Your favourites," Evelyn said.
"My favourites," Allison agreed, "but nana it's too much."
"I've made them for my grandchildren and great grandchildren. I'm not stopping now."
"Thank you," Allison said, hugging her.
"Allison," Evelyn said.
"I know I'm starting to gain some weight," Allison whispered.
"All part of it darling," Evelyn smiled, "your mom and sister can tell you. And don't compare to Annie she's always slow to start gaining weight."
"She's weird about her weight," Allison said.
"I know I am," Annie said, "I have my reasons. You look cute Bean."
"Okay now that I'm almost 18 and having a baby can you answer one of two questions," Allison asked.
"Ask both, I'll choose what I answer," Annie replied.
"Where did you get your big scars and why are you so picky about what you eat," Allison asked.
"Ellie and Catrina are in Catrina's room," Teddy said.
"I'll answer the first one," Annie said, "my left shoulder was a stab wound the Christmas I was 21. The big one on my stomach was an emergency laparotomy when I was 19 and the smaller one lower down was an emergency c section when I had Henry."
"Who knows," Allison asked.
"Mama did the stitches on my shoulder and her and uncle Owen were at the hospital with me when I was 19," Annie said, "my kids know but don't know the full stories, two of the three involve Jessica and I'm not telling them."
"Did any of your kids meet Jessica," Allison asked.
"Ellie," Annie replied, "you did when you were 4 or 5."
"They don't know why you needed the surgeries," Teddy guessed.
"They don't need to," Annie said, "only Catrina doesn't know now for the women."
"Mom up," Heather demanded.
"Still my baby," Annie smiled, lifting her youngest to her hip.
"How do you make that look so natural," Allison asked.
"My fourth and I like being a mom," Annie said, "my kids and Josh are my world. Yes I like what I do and I'm proud of what I do but in the end my kids, my marriage that's what makes me happy."
"Can I," Allison asked.
"You will," Annie said, "I spent months panicking with each one, would I be good enough, would I be able to give them what they needed but then I held them and they looked at me for the first time and it was magic. It's little voices calling mom and tiny people crawling in my lap for a cuddle. Story time and playing pretend. I never minded middle of the night feedings with my newborns, just the two of us awake, them falling asleep on me and laying with them for just a minute longer because they're only that tiny once. Bean you can do this. I've seen you with Heather. You're going to be great."
"What about feeding them," Allison asked.
"You figure out what works for you," Annie said.
"What did you do," Allison asked.
"You had a mix of breastmilk and formula," Teddy said.
"Catrina was 90% formula, occasionally Annie had extra for us," Megan said.
"Ellie was just my milk then the others have been a mix," Annie said, "you find what works for both of you."
"No one way is right," Teddy said
"School," Allison asked.
"We'll help you figure it out," Teddy said.
"Get a good pump," Annie answered, "ours got a lot of use."
"Four kids," Teddy said.
"Exactly, " Annie replied.
"What if I don't know what to do," Allison asked.
"Then you ask," Teddy assured, "you have four moms who are happy to help and love you."
"We're here darling," Evelyn said, "and you come bring that precious baby to nana as much as you want. Come sit with me and David, bring the little one."
"I know Opas retired but he christened all of Annie's kids," Allison said.
David walking into the kitchen heard that, "I'm happy to. I want to christen your baby Allison."
"Thank you," Allison said, hugging David.
"Pastor circles are small," David said, "I heard from another pastor about Mark and Michelle Blouin refusing to have contact with Asher. I'm trying to connect with them and build a bridge for you two."
"Why," Allison asked.
"Because we love you," David said, "we love your baby. Yes you are young and need some guidance but all first time parents need people around. Allison you're not the first girl I've seen have a baby her senior year but you're handling it really well. You have a plan, you're going to your support system."
"But at youth group they said," Allison started.
"Yes," David said, "and I've taught that. I spent 80% of my career with inner city teenagers, we say it but most don't follow it. The bigger message is love and forgiveness. Allison this doesn't change that your family loves you and it doesn't change that god loves you. I baptized you a couple years ago. I know I taught you this. You are loved and forgiven because you believe. So is Asher. You're making hard choices together and with surprising maturity. You're choosing to be friends and not rush into a relationship but getting to know each other and figuring out how the other thinks. You're growing together. I've seen that for a couple months now."
"You're not mad," Allison asked.
"No," David said, "worried about you but not mad. A baby is always a blessing."
"Thanks opa," Allison smiled, hugging him.
"Always," David said, returning the hug.
"You'll try to talk to his dad," Allison asked.
"I'll try," David said, "I helped Annie and Dan connect 12/13 years ago. This will be okay."
"Bean we're proud of you," Annie said, "I know I'm not good at saying it. You're doing well."
"Thanks nee," Allison said, hugging her sister.
"Je t'aime beaucoup," Annie whispered.
"Je t'aime aussi," Allison responded.
"We are here, we are proud of you and we love you," Megan assured.
"Thanks auntie Meg," Allison said.
"Always," Megan smiled, "now go find Catrina and Ellie. I need the three of you to set the table. Scoot!"
"Still putting her to work," Annie teased.
"Please, you host family dinners days before you have your kids," Teddy said.
"I remember someone I had to literally hold back from going into the OR," Megan teased.
"I was a resident," Annie said.
"She needs normal," Teddy said, "hanging out with Ellie and Catrina at family things that's normal."
"So is bossing them around," Annie laughed.
"It is," Megan said.
"I wanted to talk to you two about the national," Teddy said.
"It's Allison's," Annie replied.
"She's not sure she wants to compete again," Teddy said, "and if it will fit after the baby."
"Mama," Annie asked.
"Allie and I think it's time to pass it on," Teddy said, "but we have a problem."
"Catrina isn't dancing," Megan said, "she's playing volleyball, softball and rugby. It's Ellie's. It wouldn't fit Cat anyway."
"If Allison wants to dance," Annie asked.
"We'll help replace her outfits," Teddy said.
"I love the symbolism in that outfit," Annie smiled.
"So do I," Megan agreed, "how many names are in it now?"
"Megan Hunt, Annie McKellar, Grace Altman, Allison Altman-Hunt," Annie listed.
"Elizabeth Altman-Riggs," Teddy said, "let me confirm with Allison but it's time."
"I got new outfits after Matt," Annie said.
"Your kilt," Megan asked, "the McKellar one because your newer ones are Hunt."
"We're deciding if Ellie wears that or we go up to Tartan Town and get one of her own. I'd like her to be a bit older before we do custom," Annie said.
"Then use your McKellar as a stop gap," Megan said, "that royal blue is gorgeous."
"It is," Annie said, "Ellie isn't taking it seriously. I'm ready to pull her from competition."
"Let her keep losing," Teddy said, "it's a good consequence."
"It's not losing that bugs me," Annie said, "she won't practice, Kira says she's slacking off and talking back."
"She's 13 she's going to start testing you," Teddy said, "Allison still tests us. And don't get me started on Leo right now."
"Still not coming around," Annie asked.
"No," Teddy said, "called her names last night and punched Asher."
"I tried to talk to him when I was in LA," Annie said, "he wouldn't listen and walked away from me. Mama I think something is going on with him. His dorm smelled like pot."
"Annie you're just telling us now," Teddy said.
"He blamed his roommate," Annie said, "I want to trust him. But if he's making poor choices he's going to lash out at others for theirs. It's Leo he always lashes out at others before owning his own choices."
"He's been angry for a while," Teddy said.
"They're trying to get your approval and Uncle Owens," Annie replied.
"They have it," Teddy said.
"You're not good at saying it," Annie said, "you have no idea how hard I used to work for the good girl or well done. And not just as a resident. Mama you don't tell us and I've gotten used to how you show approval. You give more responsibility and leadership roles. You have to say it to Allison and Leo. They need to hear your proud of them."
"I do," Teddy said.
"Big things mama," Annie said, "awards, grades, graduations, wins. It's hard and it's something I've really had to learn with mine because Leslie didn't praise a lot when I was a kid. Your quick go correct and direct but praise doesn't always happen right away. I'm seeing a lot of myself in Allie and she needs praise. I clung to Mrs Laura and Mrs Campbell because they praised and they told me the positives. It's hard we look so much at work with what's wrong that we look for problems. I know I have to practice."
"I hear you," Teddy said, "I'll try."
"You can do it," Megan said.
The three teenage girls appeared in the kitchen.
"Mom what do you need," Catrina asked.
"Can you three set the table," Megan asked.
They started grabbing the dishes and table cloth.
Teddy put her arms around Allison, "I am proud of you baby girl. You're doing good."
"I know," Allison replied, returning the hug.