Allison was packing up to leave French class before lunch when her teacher stopped her, "Allison I heard your leaving school after this semester is everything okay?"
"Sort of," Allison said, "I'm going to school online."
"What's going on," the teacher asked.
"I'm sure you heard what everyone is saying about me," Allison said.
"I thought that was a rumor," the teacher said.
"No," Allison said, "madame Garneau it's true. I'm doing second semester online to be done early."
"But you were taking AP French," madame Garneau said.
"I still am," Allison said.
"The oral practice," madame Garneau asked.
"My half sister is fluent and has her double dogwood from BC," Allison said, "Annie will practice with me. Her kids all speak it and she uses it at home with us."
"Do you want to come see me one day a week on my planning to practice," madame Garneau offered, "your sister is a good conversation partner but the level for this is almost native speaker."
"She spoke it at home growing up," Allison said, "her dad and his parents spoke it."
"How old is your half sister," madame Garneau asked.
"Annie is 43," Allison said.
"And the same mom," madame Garneau asked.
"Yes," Allison said.
"So your mother must be pretty understanding," madame Garneau asked.
"Mom was 20 not 17," Allison said.
"Whats your plan," madame Garneau asked.
"Asher and I are keeping the baby," Allison said, "we know it'll be hard and we're young but my family is really supportive."
"Your parents and who else," madame Garneau asked.
"My sister and her husband, nana and opa, auntie Meg and uncle Nate," Allison said, "some cousins."
"Your sister's kids how old are they," madame Garneau asked.
"13, 9,8 and 4," Allison said, "Annie is a big help and I can always talk to her. My niece is in ninth here."
"What's her name," Madame Garneau asked.
"Ellie Altman-RIggs," Allison said.
"I have Ellie," Madame Garneau said, "I wondered if you were related but didn't want to put pressure on either of you."
"My niece," Allison said, "her mom is my big sister."
"Allison are you sure you're okay," Madame Garneau asked.
"I'm trying to be," Allison told her favourite teacher.
"If you need anything," Madame Garneau smiled.
"I'm okay Madame Garneau," Allison said, "it's a lot going on."
"If you want to talk to someone," Madame Garneau offered, "you can come to me."
"Can I hide in your room for lunch," Allison asked.
"The gossip is bad in the halls," Madame Garneau asked.
"Horrible," Allison said, "I don't want to be here."
"Allison what can I do," Madame Garneau asked.
"Just treat me like everyone else," Allison said.
"Your oral presentation in January," Madame Garneau asked.
"Could I record it before if I'm getting bigger," Allison asked.
"We'll do what your comfortable with," Madame Garneau said, "are you feeling okay? How have your friends been? The boy?"
"Asher is great," Allison said, "he's a really good friend. My friends have a mixed responses. Ava is okay, Olivia is great."
"If you need anything," Madame Garneau repeated, "please come see me Allison. You're one of the best french students I've ever had you pick it up so easily."
"I speak it a lot with Annie and her half brother on her dad's side," Allison said, "she spoke to me and sang to me in french when I was a baby. I want her to teach me the songs for my baby."
"I'm sure if you ask your sister will," Madame Garneau said, "it sounds like you have a special relationship."
"Big sister, cool aunt, second mom," Allison said, "we're 25 years appart. Sometimes she's better at just listening than our mom is. Annie just listens where mom has to try to fix it right away."
"I've met with your sister," Madame Garneau said, "she seems like a very gentle person."
"Annie is," Allison agreed, "at home or with family. My parents are pretty bossy and demanding."
"And that shapes all of you," Madame Garneau said, "I taught Leo as well."
"I guess," Allison agreed, "Annie was raised by her dad because mom was in the army. Her dad is around and still part of our family. He taught me to ski moguls."
"Your mom blended the family," Madame Garneau asked.
"Sort of," Allison said, "it's more an Annie thing. She's softer and gentler than mom but she'll tell you in her own way. But at work with her patients or in the OR watch out."
"Lot's to measure up to," Madame Garneau said.
"It is," Allison agreed, "Madame Garneau thank you."
"Any time Allison," Madame Garneau smiled, "and I'll email your mom and set up a time to practice for your AP Oral french exam next semester. You probably need to go eat."
"I'm starving," Allison said.
"Enjoy your lunch and I'll see you tomorrow," Madame Garneau said.
"See you tomorrow," Allison said walking out of the classroom. Her teacher knew, at least some of them but this was the first time any had checked in with her. At the same time she liked just being part of the class.
Teddy waited for Annie to walk to their favorite coffee shop for lunch.
"The other day when you said I don't praise what do you mean" Teddy asked.
"I mean you don't praise your kids," Annie said, "I learned how you show your approval a long time ago. You give us your trust and pull back and stop hovering. But sometimes to hear it would be nice. I think Allison and Leo are both struggling with that right now. Can we not do this now. My kids are mad at me."
"Why," Teddy asked.
"Ellie feels like I treat Allison differently," Annie said.
"Sister vs daughter," Teddy said.
"That," Annie said, "the 4 year age gap, that Allison is pregnant."
"Allison has been going to you a lot," Teddy said.
"I've been her go to since she was 12 when she needed some one that wasn't you " Annie said.
"I know " Teddy said, "it's hard sometimes."
"Your first reaction to things not going according to your plan isn't always positive. Even if your happy about what's happening," Annie said and knowing that she had to give an example she continued, "the day I told you I was pregnant with Ellie you instantly jumped to asking about my fellowship plans and boards. I know you like the three of us on the plan and the path and I'm probably your most compliant. You hold on tight to all of us. I grew up in a different era and with a different set of expectations. I remember life pre 9/12 and pre COVID. Matt was an infant when COVID hit. I was on maternity leave for most of it between my boys."
"Your boys are only 14 months apart," Teddy said.
"That want planned," Annie said, "we knew we wanted three but not quite so soon."
"Heather," Teddy laughed.
"Busy mom who was so tired she forgot birth control," Annie said, "you can't talk."
"No I can't," Teddy agreed, "I think I didn't want my kids to go through what I have."
"Mama we've all had our own shit " Annie said, "and we know your there. I think for the younger two a little more praise would be good."
"You," Teddy asked.
"It would be weird now," Annie said, "and I wasn't raised to expect or get a lot of praise. Good girl was high praise. Or that's getting better."
"I remember a Seattle games you were 19 or 20," Teddy said, "and Henry told you something looked great ans you had no clue how to respond."
"I was 20," Annie said, "that was a good day you and Henry were there, uncle Owen and Christina, nana. I hadn't thought of Henry in a while. I'm the same age he was when he died."
"I know," Teddy said, "that's hard to believe. I'm older than my parents got to be."
"You'll hold all your grand kids," Annie said.
"All," Teddy said, "Annie?"
"Hell no," Annie said, "done means done. I had 4 in 9.5 years. That was my 30s. I like having my body back thank you very much."
"Didn't you say that of four and a half years ago," Teddy teased.
"Ya we went for a permanent solution," Annie said, "thank you very much dr Fox."
"How are you and Josh," Teddy asked.
"Boston was good for us," Annie said, "four kids two busy jobs it's a lot. There's not a lot of us time."
Last block Allison walked into the ninth grade girls Pe class.
"Allie," Ellie asked.
"I can't do the football unit with my class," Allison said.
"Good I didn't have a partner last week your mine," Ellie declared.
"What are we doing," Allison asked.
"Heath project," Ellie groaned, "design a fitness plan."
"For who," Allison asked.
"Your partner," Ellie said.
"I have different rules," Allison said, "can you do it."
"You complain that grandma makes you walk for an hour every day and do yoga," Ellie replied.
"Sometimes I just like to complain about my mom," Allison said.
"Grandma is a pushover compared to mom," Ellie said.
"When," Allison asked, "your mom is the pushover."
"Allison," Mrs Jekins called.
"Yes," Allison asked getting off the floor.
"We have a partner project there was only Ellie with out a partner last week," Mrs Jekins said.
"I can work with her. I'd rather work with family," Allison admitted.
"Family," Mrs Jekins asked.
"Ellie's mom and I are half sisters," Allison said.
"But Dr Altman is a lot older than you," Mrs Jekins said.
"Annie and I are 25 years apart," Allison acknowledged.
"You're okay to work with Ellie," Mrs. Jenkins asked.
"Were you told why I'm in this class for now," Allison asked.
"Yes," Mrs. Jenkins said, "are you alright? Do you know your limits?"
"I do," Allison said.
Mrs. Jenkins replied, "if you're uncomfortable or something hurts stop and let me know. I have two daughters of my own and have spent years as a personal trainer, we're doing fitness training and planning until Christmas so for the next 3 weeks. May I ask how many weeks?"
"16," Allison said.
"Feeling good," Mrs. Jenkins asked.
"I am," Allison said.
"I'll check in with you and your partner to make sure your plan is safe for you," Mrs Jekins said.
"Thank you," Allison said.
"We're going to do a bit of a warm up," Mrs. Jenkins said, "a few laps of the gym and some body weight exercises."
"No sit ups," Allison said.
"Do what you can," Mrs Jekins said.
"Not a fan of laying on my stomach," Allison said.
"Don't," Mrs Jekins said, "go join the other girls and lets get started."
After school Allison met Asher by the flag pole to walk home.
"How was your day," Asher asked, "I didn't see you at lunch."
"Madame Garneau wanted to talk to me," Allison said, "working out a couple things for next semester so I can still do my AP french oral exam."
"You're going to do it in April," Asher asked.
"I am," Allison said, "and the written mid May."
"Can you," Asher said.
"The written is 2 weeks before the baby is due," Allison said.
"The rest of your day," he asked as he took her hand.
"I got moved to Ellie's PE class," Allison said, "and she's my partner for the fitness plan outline project."
"You must be thrilled," Asher said.
"For this it's better," Allison said, "not having to explain why I can't do a bunch of stuff. I'm writing my plan and she's writing hers."
"The rest of your day," Asher asked.
"Other then the comments changing for PE it was good," Allison said, "yours?"
"School," Asher said, "you working tonight?"
"No," Allison said, "and don't you get today off because you worked black Friday."
"Tonight," Asher said, "it's Wednesday your dad works over night."
"Mom said she would be late her and Annie had an Altman going into the OR at 2 she'll work till 1 ish," Allison said.
"So just us," Asher said.
"Dinner, home work, movie," Allison suggested.
"Sounds good," Asher agreed, "what do you want for dinner?"
"I'm craving broccoli," Allison said, "a big bowl of broccoli."
"Wasn't what I was thinking," Asher said, "protein?"
"Stirfry," Allison asked, "chicken, broccoli, veggies on rice?"
"I was hoping for pizza or burgers but that works," Asher agreed.
"I'll cook you clean up," Allison suggested.
"Should we drop our bags off and go for a walk," Asher asked.
"Sure," Allison agreed.
They walked home chatting and joking about their day and Allison vented her frustration with her friends lack of compassion.
"Asher, Allison," Olivia called as they walked past her house.
"Hey Liv," Allison called.
"Olivia," a voice called, "what did I tell you."
"Mom it's just Allie," Olivia replied.
"You're grounded Olivia," her mom said.
"Sorry Mrs Kavanagh," Allison said.
"Allison how are you," Mrs. Kavanagh asked.
"Good," Allison said.
"It is true," Mrs. Kavanagh said looking at Allison, "you are expecting."
"I am," Allison said.
"I had a hard time believing Olivia," Mrs. Kavanagh said.
"It's true," Allison said.
"When are you due," Mrs. Kavanagh asked.
"May 27," Allison replied, "I'm good."
"Are you keeping it," Mrs. Kavanagh asked.
"We are," Asher replied.
"Liv's party next week," Mrs. Kavanagh asked, "her girls night?"
"My mom said I can come but she's not sure about sleeping over," Allison said, "I'd really like to sleep over Mrs. K."
"Allison how many times have I said to call me Amanda," Amanda asked.
"Sorry Amanda," Allison said.
"You're one of Liv's best friends," Amanda said, "your mom knows what I do for work right?"
"I think so," Allison said.
"You're seeing an OB," Amanda asked.
"Yes," Allison said, "Dr Deluca."
"I've worked with her," Amanda said, "I prefer what I'm doing as a nurse midwife to being in the hospital. I would be happy for you to come spend the night with the other girls. How many weeks?"
"15," Allison said.
"You should be feeling pretty good," Amanda said.
"Lot's of energy, no more puking," Allison said.
"Getting a tiny bump," Amanda said, "I only see it because I work with mothers every day."
"I'll talk to mom," Allison said.
"I'll text her," Amanda said, "you and Liv have been friends since second grade. Allison you still need your friends."
Olivia joined them on the grass, "I know I'm grounded."
"Your in my sight," Amanda said.
"Allie," Olivia said hugging her best friend.
"Liv," Allison smiled.
"I hardly saw you at school today," Olivia said.
"I had to take ninth grade PE and Madame Garneau kept me after french though like half of lunch," Allison said.
"We only have English together anyway," Olivia said.
"Not looking forward to Shakespear presentations next week," Allison said.
"Lady McBeth," Olivia said.
"But that costume," Allison said, "I won't hide it."
"What," Olivia asked.
"Look at this," Allison said pulling her shirt tight.
"You have a baby tummy," Olivia said.
"There's a baby there," Allison said.
"Does it kick," Olivia asked.
"Too soon girls," Amanda said, "three weeks to a month."
"I want to know when that happens," Olivia said.
"You will," Allison agreed.
"We should go get Jacob from Hockey," Amanda said.
"We should finish our walk and start our home work," Allison agreed, "it was good to see you."
"You two," Amanda said, "see you soon. I'll talk to Teddy about the party. I'll be home all night."
Allison and Asher finished their walk around the neighbourhood and made dinner at home.
"Homework," Asher asked.
"I have to read for english my last independent novel," Allison said, "I have to study for my chem test."
"What are you reading," Asher asked.
"The Time Traveler's Wife," Allison said, "what do you have?"
"Physics and English," Asher said.
"Let's get the physics and chem done," Asher suggested then we can curl up on the couch to read."
"Sounds good," Allison said, "she grabbed her chem book from her back pack and worked on the problem set while Asher solved his last couple physics problems."
"I'm done," Allison said, "tea?"
"Sure," Asher agreed, "do we have more of that vanilla one?"
"The red one Annie brought over for me," Allison asked.
"No the other one," Asher said, "the one you're not supposed to have."
"The cream of earl grey mom likes," Allison said, "thats always in the cupboard. Want some?"
"Will your mom care," Asher asked.
"No," Allison said, "just don't use the last tea bag of it."
"Can you make me a cup so I can finish this," Asher asked.
"Ya I was already going to," Allison said, "mom made brownies today."
Allison made the tea and brought it and the brownies to the coffee table. She sat with her novel for english class and tried to read, one hand drifting to her now growing bump.
"You okay," Asher asked as he sat down.
"Yes," Allison said, 'they're growing."
"Can I," Asher asked.
"Yes," Allison said scooting closer to him.
Asher put his arm around her and then his other hand joined hers on her stomach.
"Ash," Allison started.
"Allie," Asher said, "what's going on?"
"I know were just supposed to be friends and figuring things out for our baby but I think I want to try to date," Allison said.
"I like that idea," Asher agreed, "what do we want to do?"
"I like when we sit like this and you hold my hand," Allison said.
"Can I kiss you," Asher asked.
"Yes," Allison smiled.
Asher gave her a quick kiss.
"We should go on a real date," Asher said, "we're both off Saturday night. I'm taking you on a real date."
"That sounds good," Allison beamed.
"I think I'm falling in love with you," Asher said.
"So am I," Allison said, "can we do this?"
"Do what," Asher asked.
"Be a couple, have our baby," Allison said.
"We can," Asher said, "we'll try. We're dating it's not marriage yet."
"It's not," Allison said, "we're going to go slow and take little steps."
"So tonight," Asher asked.
"We cuddle and finish our reading," Allison said, "but first my feet hurt."
"I'll massage them while you read it looks like you have more to read then I do," Asher said.
"Like half my book," Allison said.
"Give me your feet," Asher said.
When Teddy came in after midnight she found the two teens asleep on the couch and sharing a blanket both of their novels for english had fallen on the floor by the couch.
"Allison, Asher," Teddy called softly.
"Mom," Allison yawned.
"Go get pajamas and go to your beds," Teddy said, "you fell asleep doing home work."
"Good night Teddy," Asher said standing up.
"Night Asher," Teddy said, "see you in the morning. I start late so I'll drive you both to school."
"I was going to leave early," Asher said, "I need to finish soldering a couple things on my electronics project."
"We have a soldering iron we bought for Leo when he was into electronics a few years ago. Bring the project home tomorrow night and Owen will know where the soldering iron is," Teddy said.
"It's due tomorrow," Asher said, "I have three points to solder I need 20 minutes."
"I'll still drive you and write you a note," Teddy said.
"I can go in at lunch it's my last block," Asher said.
"If you want a note I can write it," Teddy said.
"Sleep in," Allison said, "please mom."
"You've missed too many english blocks," Teddy said, "I'll drive you both that gives you half an hour extra. I'm going up you two say good night."
Teddy made her way up the stairs. She could see that something had changed between the young couple that night.
Allison looked up the stairs to make sure her mom was out of sight.
"Night," Allison said putting her arms around Asher.
He pulled her in for a kiss, "good night. I love you and I love our baby."
"I love you," Allison answered, "and baby loves you."
They kissed once more and Allison turned to go upstairs.
"Hey," Teddy said appearing in Allison's door.
"Mom," Allison said, "you're not going straight to the shower? You reek of hospital."
"Okay no hug," Teddy said, "you looked cozy with Asher."
"We're going to try to date," Allison admitted.
"How do you feel about it," Teddy asked.
"I asked him," Allison admitted, "mom I don't know if it's all the baby hormones or what but I think I'm in love with Asher."
"A few things," Teddy replied, "what are you going to do?"
"Tonight to just cuddle and he had his hands where the baby is was nice," Allison said, "he kissed me good night."
Teddy smiled a good night kiss was normal teenage behaviour, "are you happy?
"I am," Allison said.
"The boundaries still stand," Teddy said.
"We know," Allison said.
"We will talk more tomorrow baby girl," Teddy said, "you look exhausted."
"I was cozy with him," Allison complained.
"Yes but you sleep on the couch all night your back will hurt," Teddy said, "into bed sweetheart."
"Night mom," Allison smiled.
"Good night baby girl get some sleep," Teddy said walking out of the room and turning off the light.