Asher saw Allison coming down the stairs, "happy birthday Allie!"
"Thanks Ash it's ultrasound day," Allison smiled coming into the kitchen.
"I know and you're 18," Asher replied, wrapping Allison in a hug, "are you two okay this morning?"
"I can't wait to see them," Allison smiled.
"We're going to be surprised," Asher asked.
"We are," Allison agreed.
"You two are no fun," Owen teased.
"Where's mom," Allison asked.
"They called her just after 4," Owen said, "a resident issue. Happy birthday munchkin!"
"Thanks dad. So she's not in surgery and can still come," Allison asked.
"She will," Owen said, "I'll drive you."
"Thanks dad," Allison replied.
"Eat munchkin," Owen said, "I know you're excited but you have to eat."
"Dad," Allison rolled her eyes.
"What do you want for breakfast," Owen asked, choosing to ignore the eye roll this time.
"Waffles," Allison said.
"There's not time to make them from scratch," Owen said, "we have frozen ones."
"I don't like frozen ones," Allison argued.
"Then pick something else," Owen said.
"Daddy," Allison tried.
"Nice try," Owen said, "we leave in half an hour."
"Pancakes," Allison asked.
"Not enough time Allie," Owen said, "there's not time to cook more than eggs."
"No eggs," Allison said.
"Allie," Asher said, "just pick something."
"Yogurt," Allison said.
"More," Owen tried.
"No," Allison snapped, "I'm at least dressed to go."
"I'm driving you two then I have to go straight to the OR floor," Owen said, "mom will meet you if you want her."
"I need her," Allison said.
"She will be there," Owen assured, "eat then let's go."
"I don't need supervision," Allison whined.
"Okay," Owen said, "I'll go get ready."
"Only a few more mornings home with you like this," Asher said.
"I know you start your course," Allison said, "a month then you're working."
"Yea," Asher agreed, "I like our days."
"When they come," Allison asked.
"Weekends and hopefully I can have some time with them right away," Asher said, "I will be there when they are born. But it's your birthday. Where do you want to go for lunch after?"
"The pasta place by the hospital "Allison suggested.
"Sounds good," Asher agreed.
They finished getting ready and met Teddy on the OB floor.
"Happy birthday," Teddy yelled, hugging Allison, "I can't believe you're 18. My kids are all adults."
"Thanks mom," Allison said.
"Have you eaten," Teddy asked, "drank?"
"Yogurt and the required water," Allison said, "mom we get to see them."
"You do," Teddy agreed.
"Are you coming?"
"Do you want me," Teddy asked, "your 18 your in charge you decide what care your access and who can be involved."
"I need you," Allison said.
"I'm coming," Teddy smiled. Teddy and Allison had talked that while Allie was 18 she still wanted Teddy's support and guidance with this but now Allison had to use her voice and tell the doctor, nurse or technician that Teddy could be in the room and get the information.
Allison signed in.
"Allison Altman-Hunt," a technician called.
Allison stood up and walked towards the technician followed by Asher and Teddy.
"Who's coming with you today," the technician asked surprised to see the chief of surgery.
"My boyfriend Asher and my mom," Allison said.
Walking down the hall the tech explained what Allison would do once she got in the room. Allison laid on the bed and pulled her clothes out of the way.
"This might be a little cold," the tech said putting the gel on Allison's stomach.
Allison shuddered feeling the cold gel.
The teach moved the probe around and wrote down some measurements. Teddy tried to look at the screen.
"Chief Altman I can't show you with out Allison's permission," the tech said.
"When can we see," Asher asked.
"Now," the tech said turning the screen to face them.
"Wow," Allison said, "that's our baby."
"They're beautiful," Asher smiled before kissing Allison's forehead.
"Can we hear the heartbeat," Teddy asked, she knew she had to take the lead with some questions that Allison might not know to ask."
The tech turned on the sound and the soft sound of the heart beat filled the room.
"Can you zoom in on the heart," Teddy asked.
The tech zoomed in as directed by the chief.
"Mom," Allison asked, looking scared.
"Two sounds aren't as clear as I want," Teddy daid, "let them zoom in and someone page Carina Deluca and Grace Altman."
"Nee," Allison asked, "what's wrong? Why are you calling Nee?"
"I have a question about the heart and Annie is the best at baby hearts," Teddy said, "I'm just being cautious. Allie it's just a precaution."
Annie sprinted up getting the page and ran into the room.
"Nee," Allison said, "Will my baby die?"
"Not on my watch," Annie declared, "let me look."
Annie looked closely at the ultrasound screen, thankful that they had automatically put Allison on their most modern machine and whispered to Teddy.
"Mom, nee," Allison panicked.
"Watch it but it looks like a valve not a big problem," Annie said, "check it in two weeks but there's no reason this baby won't be perfectly healthy."
"What's wrong," Asher asked.
Annie took a deep breath, "I'm referring you to dr McKidd, he's the other ped's cardio specialist here, because I'm Allison's sister, I can't do it. I'm seeing a bicuspid valve when there should be three flaps your baby has two. Nothing dangerous, the only reason we heard it today is mama's party trick. It's not uncommon. We'll monitor but there's nothing to stress about. Bean I'm not stressed."
"My baby sister had one," Asher said, "she's doing okay. Annie, you replaced it two years ago."
"If it's bad we will ask Kevin to replace it," Teddy said, "but that's a way off this baby can have a very normal life."
"Allie Bean I know this isn't what you wanted to hear and on your birthday," Annie said, taking her sister's hand, "this is more common than you think and in most cases surgery isn't needed. We'll monitor as they grow but they should be fine."
"Do you know what it is," Allison asked.
"We do," Teddy said, "the angles we needed we saw."
"Do you want to know," Carina asked.
"Ash," Allison asked.
"No," Asher said, "they are our baby. Allie?"
"If mom and Annie know," Allison said.
"We won't tell and will do all gender neutral stuff. There's more gender neutral things now even than when I had Heather," Annie said, "we won't even tell Josh and uncle Owen."
"Your mom and sister know," Carina said, "you can change your mind later. Allison, Asher I know this sounds really scary. There's no reason you won't have a normal pregnancy and delivery. I know you've said you don't want to consider a c section and there's no reason to change that plan. We will want to monitor the baby's heart regularly and will connect you with someone in peds cardio."
"Yang," Teddy declared.
"Mom," Allison said.
"I want the best we have for your baby," Teddy said, "it's Christina Yang."
"Yang needs to order a 3D scan," Annie declared.
"You'll consult," Teddy commanded.
Annie nodded then moved closer to Allison's head.
"Bean I see this a couple times a week. I've seen hundreds, maybe 1 in 20, need surgery. It'll be okay," Annie said.
"Most people this goes totally undetected until there's a problem," Teddy said, "it's only because I heard it that I looked closer. Allie your baby will be healthy and have a very full, very healthy life."
"Worst case," Asher asked, looking ready to cry.
"Yang will operate and replace the valve," Teddy said.
"Why not Annie if it's her specialty," Asher asked.
"I'm too close emotionally," Annie said, "we'd have to check with the ethics committee. I want to and I am here for the three of you. I will come to any appointment you want me to to be another set of ears and make sure your concerns are answered."
"Will they be sick a lot," Asher asked.
"19 out of 20 are very healthy," Annie said, "we monitor and you see a cardio specialist as they grow but it should be okay."
"I see this all the time and people don't know they have it until their late 40s or 50s," Teddy said, "I find it after people have had heart attacks and they never knew. Allison it just happens."
"It's all my fault," Allison sobbed.
"No baby," Teddy soothed, "no. This just happens. There's nothing we could have done."
"But I didn't make them safe and healthy," Allison sobbed.
"Allie it's okay," Asher tried to comfort her, "your mom and Annie said 95% it won't cause any problems. That's really good. Baby will be okay. They looked good."
"I broke their heart already," Allison sobbed.
"No," Asher said, "they'll be good because you are amazing."
Annie stepped out and motioned to Teddy.
"Give them a minute," Annie whispered, "let her process."
"On her birthday," Teddy said.
"The party is tomorrow anyway," Annie daid, "let her have tonight."
"Some 18th," Teddy grumbelled, "welcome to being an adult your baby has a heart defect."
"Three cardio surgeons she'll be well taken care of," Annie said, "another girl."
"How will we not tell her," Teddy asked.
"We just can't," Annie replied.
"A baby girl," Teddy said.
"She'll be as strong as her mom and grandma," Annie said.
"Her auntie," Teddy added.
"Nana," Annie said, "nana is strong."
"She'll have great examples," Teddy said.
"She will," Annie said, "we just have to tell Allie she'll be okay."
"We will," Teddy agreed.
In the room Carina said, "Allison I need to finish your exam. Your baby is looking good. I need to check you."
"How are they good," Allison cried, "their heart."
"Very common," Carina said, "you heard your mom. I usually just mention it but unless I see another problem I don't rush to cardio. We know but it's still a very healthy baby. They are right on track for size and all other measurements. You're gaining weight on track. Your diabetes screening looked great, your blood work looks great. Your blood pressure is good. You're 18 today, do you want your mom involved in your appointments?"
"I want mom," Allison said.
"How are you sleeping," Carina asked.
"I get up to pee a couple times," Allison said.
"That's common," Carina said, "sleeping on your side from now on. Left is preferred but right is okay."
"Mom told me the left thing," Allison said, "I've built a pillow mountain in my bed. It helps."
"Do you sleep alone," Carina asked.
"I do," Allison said.
"If you need something or some one," Carina asked.
"Mom and dad are across the hall or I text Asher downstairs," Allison said.
"Do you two have a support system," Carina asked, she had a few things to follow up on with Teddy out of the room.
"My family," Allison said.
"My parents don't want to be involved," Asher said.
"Friends," Carina asked.
"A few of our friends," Allison said, "mom's don't trust me."
"I haven't been out much," Asher said, "we work on weekends."
"Where do you work," Carina asked.
"I'm a cashier at the safeway by our house," Allison said.
"I'm stocking shelves at Target until the end of February," Asher said, "I'm starting my apprentice courses as an electrician on Monday then will be working as an electrical apprentice starting in March."
"School," Carina asked.
"I finished all of my high school credits," Asher said.
"I'm doing school online except for french," Allison said, "I go to school first block for french with my favourite teacher."
"Do you have plans when the baby comes," Carina asked.
"I'll keep working as an apprentice," Asher said, "I've done my pre apprenticeship through the high school apprenticeship program."
"I'm going to spend the summer with them and get to know them and in September I'm going to UW for general studies," Allison said, "I don't know what I want to major in yet. My parents said that I don't have to work during the school year that they'll help me out. I'll probably go back to safeway a few hours a week if I can do it with school."
"You still want your education," Carina said,
"I have to," Allison said, "college isn't a choice."
"That's my questions," Carina said, "Allison?"
"No," Allison said, "I kinda ask mom or Annie as things come up."
"Asher," Carina asked, "do you have any questions?"
Asher blushed.
"You ask," Asher said looking at Allison who was now sitting on the table.
"Is it safe for the baby to do things other than kiss," Allison started blushing.
"Sexual feelings are very normal in pregnancy," Carina said, "if you feel attracted to each other and it feels good you can have fun."
"The baby," Asher asked.
"No weight on Allison's stomach," Carina said, "Allison listen to yourself and what feels good."
"We haven't," Allison said.
"Okay take it slow and do what feels right to you," Carina said, "orgasms are healthy for both of you. The endorphins and hormones released are good for you and the baby."
"Thank you," Asher said, trying to cut off the doctor.
"You're healthy," Carina said, "there is nothing to say this won't be a normal healthy pregnancy and labour. Allison, Asher, your baby is okay."
The young couple walked out of the exam room.
"Mom and Annie left," Allison observed.
"Where would they go," Asher asked.
"Offices or the pit," Allison said.
"Pit," Asher asked.
"Emergency room," Allison explained, "Ash I can't do this. I broke our baby. I broke their heart before they were even born."
"Babe it will be okay," Asher said, "you heard dr Deluca she's not worried . You'll be okay. Our baby will be okay."
"Annie said only 1 in 20 kids needs surgery," Allison said.
"Eden had it," Asher said, "do we want to attempt to call my parents?"
"I guess," Allison said, "dad had a meeting and couldn't drive us back right away."
"We could take the bus," Asher suggested.
Teddy found Owen in the emergency room.
"What's wrong with Allison," Owen asked, seeing Teddy's face.
"Bicuspid aortic valve," Teddy said.
"She does," Owen asked, "she's asymptotic."
"Baby," Teddy said, "it didn't sound right and we got the hug resolution machine so we zoomed right in and Annie and I diagnosed. It should be okay. I hope it's okay. 95% are asymptotic until their 50s."
"Then we know and it's watched," Owen said, "were you doing your party trick?"
"Yea," Teddy admitted.
"Okay so if you hadn't been there would it have been found," Owen asked.
"No," Teddy said.
"How's Allie," Owen asked.
"Blaming herself," Teddy said, "but Asher said his sister had one Annie replaced."
"Should I," Owen asked.
"I'll text that when they're ready to meet us in my office," Teddy said.
Outside Carina's exam room Allison collapsed in Asher's arms sobbing
"We'll figure it out babe," Asher said, "we will do this together. No matter what, I love our baby."
"I broke them," Allison sobbed.
"You didn't," Asher said, "they'll be okay. We love them."
"It's my fault," Allison sobbed, "I loved them and I hurt them."
"Allie, let's not do this here," Asher said, "show me where your mom's office is."
Allison clung to Asher and they made their way to Teddy's office.
Teddy was sitting on the couch with Owen.
"Daddy," Allison whispered.
"Mom told me," Owen said, "Allie it'll be okay."
"Come sit with us both of you," Teddy directed.
"Our baby," Asher asked.
"Will be well loved and well taken care of," Owen said.
"Will they live," Allison asked, clutching her bump.
"They will," Teddy promised, "I want to show you two something. Something we didn't explain earlier. Annie and I started talking to each other and left you two out of the conversation."
"You were speaking doctor," Allison said.
"I know," Teddy said, "that wasn't fair to you. Now we're going to go through this slowly and you two can ask your questions."
"Why do you have a heart model," Asher asked.
"To show you," Teddy said, she began explaining what the heart should look like and what was going on with the baby's heart.
"So this is cut in half instead of thirds," Asher said pointing to the valve on the model.
"Yes," Teddy smiled, "I don't think it will need to be fixed until there a lot older. If I hadn't been in that room with you to listen it would have gone undetected, that's how minor it is. Most are not diagnosed until it causes a problem as an adult."
"Will it hurt them," Allison asked.
"It won't," Teddy said, "they won't feel it. And we know so we follow up with Dr. McKidd every few months and see what he says. If he thinks it's surgical then you two decide together what you want to do. We will support you and can be part of the process and help care for our grand child but you are their parents. The two of you will do what is best for this wonderful little person."
"You two have this," Owen said, "munchkin it's okay."
"Your baby is healthy," Teddy said, "they are healthy and so loved."
"I didn't break their heart," Allison asked.
"No," Teddy said, "it just happens, there's no way to stop it. It just happens."
"Can we fix it," Allison asked.
"It could resolve its self," Teddy said.
"If it doesn't," Asher asked.
"They have a normal life," Owen said.
"Sports," Asher asked.
"They can play anything they want," Teddy said, "this is a fact we know about them. They are going to be healthy."
"Mom," Allison asked.
"Allie would I say it if I wasn't sure baby girl," Teddy asked.
"No," Allison said.
"Could my sister's be a factor," Asher asked.
"Maybe," Owen said, "Asher you don't get to blame yourself. The two of you can't blame yourselves. I spent years blaming myself for things that I had no control over. It is happening and you can worry but you can't blame yourselves or eachother."
"Mom they'll have a normal life," Allison asked.
"They will," Teddy said, "now your birthday today baby girl, your 18 what are we doing?"
"We were going to go for lunch at the pasta place Allie likes," Asher said.
"You said Annie's family, auntie Meg's and nana were coming tomorrow night," Allison said.
"Then the four of us could go for dinner tonight," Owen suggested, "where do you want to go?"
"The greek place," Allison said.
"We will go for greek," Owen said.
"Your afternoon," Teddy asked, "Allie did you go to french?"
"No," Allison replied, "Madame Garneau excused me today she knew my scan was at 9 and her class is 8:30-9:45. She wants me to stay longer tomorrow she has an open block after my class and will help me catch up."
"Do you need to do school work," Teddy asked.
"I should," Allison said, "history and geometry for sure."
"Go for your lunch then get some done," Teddy said, "do you work today?"
"No," the teens said together.
"Go enjoy your lunch and we'll see you for dinner," Teddy said.
They said goodbye and the young couple walked out of the hospital.
They sat down in the restaurant and tried to relax.
"Allie you can relax," Asher said, 'it's okay."
"Its a heart and my mom called my sister," Allison argued.
"And both of them said 95% it would be totally fine," Asher said, "it's your birthday. Your 18."
"It's not 21," Allison said, "not that we could celebrate that."
"Then we would in June and do your half birthday," Asher said.
"Half birthday," Allison asked.
"My family does it," Asher said, "it's not a big deal but you get cake."
"We missed yours," Allison said.
"We were just figuring out the baby and you were so sick," Asher said.
"I'm glad that's done," Allison said.
"Are you feeling okay," Asher asked.
"I'm good," Allison said, "starving."
"Good thing our pasta is coming," Asher said.
"Thank you for doing this," Allison tried.
"It's your birthday and we have your mom's car," Asher said.
"She gets her new one soon then we can use this one all the time," Allison said, "I've seen Annie put a stroller in it we'll be okay."
"I need to figure out tools for school," Asher said, "I have most of it at my parents."
"So we need to go there," Allison said.
"Soon," Asher said, "I'll go on the weekend."
"I'll come with you," Allison said.
"No Allie," Asher said, "you're working Saturday and Sunday."
"I know," Allison sighed.
"You don't like your job," Asher stated.
"No where else will hire me now," Allison said, "maybe I can look after the baby comes but not now."
"We agreed you weren't going to work," Asher said.
"I have to Ash," Allison said, "you can't support me and the baby."
"The summer," Asher said, "start college and see."
"I don't have to pay rent," Allison said.
"College," Asher asked.
"Mom said they would pay for school and textbooks," Allison explained, "keep the car on the road for the first semester while the baby is really little. I'll just be responsible for baby food, diapers and spending money."
"We need bottles and formula I guess," Asher said.
"I want to try to breastfeed the baby," Allison said, "if I'm home, not in school and not working."
"Your choice," Asher said, "I remember making formula for Eden. She's only 5."
"I made some for Heather as well," Allison said, "but it's supposed to be healthier."
"Baby food," Asher asked.
"Not right away," Allison said, "but we need clothes and diapers soon."
"Should we go baby shopping soon," Asher suggested.
"I did some with mom Tuesday," Allison said, "we were at Target and we bought some clothes."
"You did," Asher said.
"We did," Allison smiled, "it was fun."
"Do you want one of those baby party things," Asher asked.
"No," Allison said, "it would be mom, Annie, Auntie Meg, Ellie, Cat, and Nana. My friends won't come."
"Have one with them," Asher said.
"Maybe," Allison said.
They continued chatting over lunch Asher smiled seeing Allison starting to relax.
They drove home and Allison settled at her desk to do a couple hours of homework.
Knowing Allison was occupied upstairs Asher decorated the living room with balloons and streamers he had picked up the day before.
"Asher did you do this," Teddy asked when they came in.
"Yes," Asher said, "I had wanted to this morning but overslept."
"It's okay," Teddy said, "she'll love it. I have to finish decorating the cake."
Owen walked upstairs and stood in Allison's doorway.
"Dad," Allison jumped up.
"Hi munchkin," Owen said, "almost done?"
"Just two more history questions," Allison said, "the Iraq war."
"You didn't want to ask me and mom," Owen asked.
"I don't want to make you mad," Allison said, "but I know who I want to write about for my essay about a person for it."
"Who," Owen asked.
"Auntie Meg," Allison said, "do you think she would?"
"She might," Owen said, "if she says no what's your back up plan?"
"You or mom," Allison said.
"We will help you," Owen said, "but 18 how does it feel?"
"The same as yesterday," Allison said.
Owen sat on the bed and Allison turned her desk chair to look at him.
"This will be a good year," Owen said, "graduating high school, you'll become a mom, start college. You have good things coming. Allison when I first held you 18 years ago holding you for the first time seeing you look at me that was one of the most incredible moments of my life. I am so proud of you munchkin, you are strong, smart, loving and so full of energy. Allison you got the best of me and mom, and even better you have something that is all you. You amaze me. Of the three of you you are the most resilient, the most independent. I'm proud of you munchkin."
"Daddy," Allison said, hugging him.
"I love you," Owen said, squeezing his youngest tight, "no tears."
"Happy tears," Allison said.
"Happy birthday," Owen said again.