The next morning Allison heard the alarm clock, she rolled over and hid her head under the pillow, she was off anyway, they both were. Everly had fussed most of the night and Allison was exhausted. Asher heard the baby starting to make sounds in her crib and went to pick her up.
"Hey princess, let's warm up a bottle and let mommy sleep a bit more," Asher whispered.
"I'm up," Allison groaned.
"I'll change her and bring her to you," Asher replied.
"Last night was like newborn bad," Allison complained.
"It was and she just wanted you," Asher replied.
"She nursed for hours. I fell asleep in the chair at one point," Allison said.
"I'm off today, do you want to feed her then try to get more sleep," Asher offered.
Allison nodded.
Asher changed Everlys diaper and brought her to Allison. The baby quickly stopped fussing once she was in her mom's arms. Asher sat on the bed with them enjoying a rare quiet morning together. Allison snuggled into him.
"Leg braces Monday," Allison said.
"I know," Asher replied, "they've already done the 3D scans of her legs and they said the braces will stretch a bit with her. It'll be okay Allie."
"The braces aren't as bad as surgery," Allison replied.
"At least you've seen surgeries happen," Asher said.
"From the gallery never up close," Allison said, "after my birthday I can scrub in with mom or dad."
"Like actually help with surgery," Asher asked.
"Observe," Allison said, "at their elbow. They did it with Annie when she was 19. Mom first then dad. It's that picture of the three of them in scrub caps in the office. Mom and dad were both married to other people then but he was her best friend and decided Annie was his niece."
"So that's where the idea of uncle Owen and uncle Dan comes from," Asher asked.
"It is," Allison confirmed, "it's a respect thing. Nee was 19 and he was uncle Owen. Mama apparently was her choice."
"Will you go into the OR," Asher asked.
"I want to," Allison said, "I need to talk to mom first."
"This cold and teething thing," Asher complained.
"I know," Allison said, "I'll ask mom when she wakes up. She came in really late."
"More tylenol," Asher asked.
"I guess," Allison said, "it's 6:30 and I gave it to her around 2. She's not as fussy, I don't want to give it if we don't need to."
"How are you," Asher asked.
"Exhausted but we have friends tonight for Friendsgiving, Ava, Liv, Jonah and Tyson," Allison replied, "Jonah is bringing Eden from my family studies class, this 2 Edens thing is confusing."
"We call my sister Eden E," Asher said.
"We use that with Ellie," Allison groaned.
"She's also called Tigger," Asher laughed.
"I'll go with that," Allison replied.
"Jonah and your friend Eden," Asher asked.
"She's bringing Joshua," Allison replied.
"A friend for Ev," Asher smiled.
"He's really crawling, she sent me a video," Allison sighed.
"She will," Asher assured, "she will when she's ready does Eden know?"
"She does," Allison said, "I need a mom friend to talk to."
"You have Eden and Carmen," Asher said.
"I do," Allison agreed, "it helps. Carmen had to work today."
"It will be good," Asher said, "is Liv seeing anyone?"
"Sort of," Allison replied, "Ava is focused on school."
"When do they come," Asher asked.
"Liv and Ava around 2," Allison replied, "Eden may come then or wait for Jonah. She's going to see Joshuas's mood."
"How old is Joshua now," Asher asked.
"Nine months," Allison replied, "he's 3 and a half months older than Ev."
That afternoon Ava and Olivia arrived at the same time, they stopped in the driveway to talk.
"When was the last time you talked to Allie," Olivia asked.
"Wednesday," Ava said, "we grabbed coffee after her class and before mine. Everly is with Owen on Wednesdays so Allie has more time. You?"
"We text but I haven't seen her since the end of September," Olivia replied, "she's no fun anymore. I thought she would be once Everly was born."
"She's a parent," Ava defended, "she's busy and you heard how sick Everly is?"
"She had brain surgery," Olivia said.
"And Cerebral Palsy," Ava said, "she has special needs. Allie is struggling with it. She blames herself. She's trying. Liv, she needs us."
"I see her instagram," Olivia said, "she's always with Eden and Carmen."
"They have kids," Ava said, "I hang out with them. It's kinda fun but it's a lot of baby talk. I know I don't want one for a while. But I go and get baby cuddles and just hang out. Everly loves cuddles."
"She doesn't talk about Asher," Olivia commented.
"They're great," Ava said, "they feel a lot older than us. Is Jacob coming tonight?"
"Not here," Olivia said, "no way. Teddy and Owen."
They walked up to the front porch and Allison threw open the door.
"Liv, Ava," Allison called.
The three girls hugged.
"Where's Everly," Ava asked.
"Ash took her out," Allison said, "we have time now."
"So you and Asher," Olivia asked.
"We're good," Allison smiled, "your new guy is coming?"
"Jacob isn't," Olivia said, "you need to meet him."
"I know nothing about him," Allison smiled, "tell me everything."
"He's 22," Olivia said, "we met at work."
"Do you have pictures," Allison asked.
Olivia showed Allison the pictures.
"He's hot," Allison said, "when do I get to meet him?"
"Soon," Olivia said, "when you can get a babysitter. I don't know how he feels about babies."
"Let us know a few days ahead," Allison said, "we need a few days to get someone to watch her or we can do it later after bedtime and my parents will listen for her."
"Is she still in your room," Ava asked.
"No," Allison said, "she's been in her room almost 6 weeks and sleeping through most of the time for three weeks now."
"So from bed time until," Olivia asked.
"7:30 to about 6:30," Allison said, "sometimes she wakes up wanting milk and she's teething so the last couple nights have been tough. Liv this guy tell us more."
"Dates," Ava asked.
"Lots," Olivia said, "dinner, movies, a concert. He wants me to stay over at his place this weekend. I got a fake so we go to bars."
"Are you going to," Allison asked.
"Maybe," Olivia said, "I haven't before."
"Does he know it would be your first time," Ava asked.
"You have protection," Allison asked.
"He does and no," Olivia said, "you can't your first time."
"Oh, you can," Allison said, "Ev is proof of that."
"What do I need to know," Olivia asked.
"You both need protection," Allison said.
"Even just sleeping over," Olivia asked.
"Guys sleep in their boxers," Allison said, "and Ash is a human heater."
"When did you start sleeping in the same bed," Olivia asked.
"March," Allison said, "that my parents know when we brought Ev home from the hospital."
"So you were sleeping with him pregnant," Olivia asked.
"Just sleeping at that time," Allison said, "cuddles, kissing when I wasn't completely exhausted. All the way, Halloween. I just wasn't ready after Ev until then. Liv don't rush because he wants to and stay sober."
"Will you drink again," Ava asked, "I got some vodka. But we don't have to drink, I was only planning on one."
"She's still nursing, I can't," Allison replied.
"Ever again," Olivia asked.
"Maybe when I turn 21," Allison said, "I don't miss it. I like remembering the night and being in control. You two can if you want. I'm not going to and Eden probably wont."
"You're no fun," Olivia complained.
"I can't," Allison said, "I'd love to go out more but I can't. I go to school, work and spend time with my boyfriend and our daughter. I miss having friend time."
"Wednesdays," Ava said.
"You and I have coffee or lunch at school," Allison said, "that's my only social time all week."
"If you would bring Everly out," Olivia said.
"My six month old is not going to parties," Allison said, "she's special needs. Asking my parents to baby sit so we can go to a party won't go over well. We still have curfews and mom gets anxious if we go out and are even 5 minutes late coming home."
"Asher's parents, Ellie," Olivia suggested.
"Not worth it," Allison said.
"You need to come out," Olivia said.
"Now that she's a bit bigger we might be able to," Allison said, "but tonight friendsgiving."
"Did you actually make a turkey," Ava asked.
"I did," Allison said, "we need to do all the sides, can you help?"
"That's why we came," Ava said.
"Should we start," Olivia asked.
"Sure," Allison smiled.
Ava looked surprised when Olivia pulled a large bottle of rum out of her bag and took a swig directly from the bottle.
"I brought gummies," Olivia said.
Allison read the bag, "when did you start using pot?"
"Jacob," Olivia said, "just the gummies my mom doesn't know she would lose it."
"Medical parents," Allison groaned, "they think they know everything."
"Don't get me started," Olivia agreed.
"Has Jacob met your parents," Ava asked.
"Hell no," Olivia replied, "they would hate him. He can be a bit of a stoner. He's great at parties and his friend's parties are a lot of fun."
"I miss seeing everyone," Allison said, 'but ⅔ of our friends went away anyways so, it's not too different then it would have been otherwise."
"Do you regret it," Olivia asked, "keeping Everly."
"No," Allison said, "I don't think I could live without my daughter now. Being so drunk that night I didn't know what I was doing, I regret. But then I wouldn't have Everly or Asher. I was drinking way too much last fall before we found out."
"You were," Ava agreed, "I had to hold your hair too many times."
"I know," Allison said, "I have depression and partying and drinking were the only time I felt anything other than numb. Then Everly and her reaching up for me in the morning and the giggle when I dance with her gives me a reason to fight it to be stronger. I see a therapist every week and am on antidepressants. I can't drink because of my medication."
"I had no idea," Olivia said, "I thought you pulled away because you were pregnant then have a baby."
"It's part of it and it's the easy part to say," Allison replied, "I can hide behind it. I can't drink and the parties and the peer pressure is hard. So we don't go. I love things like today where we can just be together."
"Thats why you hang out with Carmen and Eden so much," Olivia said.
"They know," Allison replied, "we go for walks or coffee, play with the kids. I like them but I still need you two. We've been friends since second grade. I can't do this without you. I know I've been a terrible friend for the last year. I'm sorry."
Ava hugged Allison, "I'm sorry we haven't been more understanding. I love you."
"I love you too," Allison returned the hug.
"I love you too," Olivia joined the hug, "I miss the old you."
"She's not coming back," Allison said, "Liv I can't be that person again. It's not good for my mental health and it's not good for my daughter. I am me and I know I've changed. We all have. We can't be in highschool forever."
"I just miss seeing everyone every day and having lunch together," Olivia said, "going to watch the guys play some game and making fun of our teachers."
"Thats over Olivia," Ava said, "go to school next semester college is fun and you're not there all day every day like we were in high school allie and I only go 4 days a week right now."
"Five next semester," Allison complained.
"What are you taking," Ava asked.
"Calculus, Chemistry, Biology and French," Allison replied, "you?"
"Still the prerequisites for nursing," Ava said, "Chemistry, Biology, Calculus, Anatomy and Statistics."
"Your first three when are they," Allison asked.
"Calculus Monday and Wednesday 9-11,, Bio Tuesday, Thursday 8-10 with the lab on Thursdays from 11-1:30. Chem is Monday, Wednesday 12-2 with the lab Wednesdays 3-5:30," Ava replied.
"We're in the same classes," Allison beamed, "Wednesday is going to be a long day and hard for me. My dad will probably bring Ev to me on one of the breaks."
"Why," Olivia asked, "she's away from you now."
"She'll still need milk," Allison said, "I have a few options but bringing her to me is better."
"So I can see her," Ava said.
"Any time and if we study together," Allison said, "Liv you should take something it's not too late to register."
"My mom wants me to but I don't see the point when I don't know what I want to do," Olivia said, "I'll just work this year. Do either of you know what you're doing when your done?"
"Nursing," Ava said, "I want to be an RN or a nurse practitioner. What your mom does is cool Liv. After seeing Allie last year I think the whole process is fascinating."
"Painful at the end," Allison said.
"But my mom gets called when ever to go to her patients," Olivia complained.
"So do mine," Allison said, "your mom was really helpful last year. I have a question I'm embarrassed to ask my mom or sister I might text your mom."
"What," Olivia asked, "I've heard enough over the years."
"It's personal I'll call her or my dr," Allison said.
"Are you again," Olivia asked.
"No definitely not," Allison said
"Do you want another baby," Ava asked.
"Not now," Allison said, "I want to go to school and start a career before I have another baby. I will one day."
"You want more after that," Olivia said.
"Yes," Allison said, "and I know it won't be easy. Ev isn't easy. Do you want them?"
"Requires the right guy first and having my nursing done," Ava replied.
"Never," Olivia said, "I'll keep being the cool aunt forever."
"Why are you taking chem, calc and bio," Ava asked, "what's your plan Allie?"
"Pre med," Allison replied, "maybe medicine or physiotherapy but it's the same college courses."
"You want nothing to do with medicine," Olivia said, "what happened to you? You were going to get out of Seattle, get out of your parents' influence. You were going to work for the UN and translate or bring world peace."
"Then I saw what others can do for my daughter that I can't," Allison said, "I don't know yet but pre med opens up a lot of doors. Liv any ideas?"
"I want to be an influencer," Olivia said, "you don't need college for that. I have lots of followers. I'll post tonight."
"Not Everly," Allison said, "you're not posting my daughter to build your followers."
"You post her and so does Asher," Olivia said.
"We do but our accounts are private," Allison explained, "we know who is seeing our posts. You are not using my daughter for likes."
"Allie, come on just one," Olivia asked.
"None of her information, not her name, diagnosis anything," Allison said.
"Why," Olivia asked.
"We don't have that she has cerebral palsy out as public information," Allison replied, "we don't want it to define her. But back to Jacob. Text him and tell him to come tonight. I want to meet him. We have tons of food."
"Are you sure," Olivia asked.
"I am," Allison replied.
The girls continued chatting as they worked on their friendsgiving meal.
An hour later Asher came through the door carrying Everly.
"Hi princess," Allison beamed while taking the baby, "did you and daddy have fun?"
"We did," Asher smiled, "how's it going here?"
"We're good," Allison smiled.
Everly babbled in her mom's arms.
"Hi missy," Ava beamed at Everly.
"Do you want to say hi to auntie Ava," Allison asked, "you love auntie Ava."
Annie and Teddy sat in the attendings lounge.
"You're off soon," Annie said.
"Allie is having friends over for friend's giving," Teddy replied, "giving her space to be a normal 18 year old. She still needs to."
"How are things going with her friends," Annie asked.
"Touch and go," Teddy said, "Eden S, and Carmen have babies and that's good for Allison. Ava is still around a lot but something is up with Olivia."
"Olivia has always been a bit more wild then the other two," Annie remembered.
"She has been," Teddy said, "she blows Allison off for her new boyfriend."
"Thats hard," Annie said, "I found it hard being the only one of my friends and the first to have a baby. I was 29. I couldn't imagine doing it at 18."
"Being the last to have a baby was hard too," Teddy said, "we talk about work and Allie or your kids but what about you? I never feel like I know what you're doing."
"I don't do much for me," Annie said, "I'm here or doing my kids stuff."
"Are you dancing," Teddy questioned.
"I am," Annie said, "the two parent classes. I need it. Mama I only didn't dance when I was pregnant or had newborns."
"Your going," Teddy checked.
"I am," Annie replied, "every week. I have to get my thyroid checked this week and it's off. I'm gaining weight."
"You're in your 40s," Teddy said, "with 40 children. It's natural to gain a little weight as you get older. Annie you look good, you look healthy. How's your energy?"
"It's up," Annie admitted, "I'm actually sleeping."
"Then you're in a good place," Teddy assured, "I know you're always fighting with your eating."
"It's better," Annie smiled, "I think I've finally found a balance. I know when I'm hungry now and how to listen to my body."
"That is your progress," Teddy smiled, "Annie even 5 years ago you couldn't do that. That is huge sweetheart."
"It feels good," Annie said, "it feels free."
"Annie, that's what I've wanted for you for years," Teddy smiled.
"What about you," Annie said, "you were having a hard time around giving me up and that. Mama it's time to forgive yourself."
"You know what Everly is helping," Teddy smiled, "being able to help your sister break that cycle and keep her baby to be braver than I was. To do for her what I wish my parents could have done for us. You? It's still hard for you."
"A year ago when she was talking about adoption Josh and I seriously considered it so Ev could have stayed with our family. We were going to break that cycle so Allie and Ev didn't go through what we did," Annie replied, "she they could have been in each other's lives."
"You never said," Teddy responded.
"We were waiting for her to say something about adoption," Annie replied, "if she brought up that she was seriously considering it we were going to take her to dinner and discuss it with her. We didn't want to say anything unless she was going to go the adoption route. We didn't want to pressure her; it had to be fully her choice. You made the choice for us out of your love for me. She had to make the decision out of love for her baby."
"I did," Teddy said, "44 years ago."
"Mama you've been there more than half my life," Annie said, "we had to do those years apart to be us. You have never had anything to apologize or feel guilty for. You did the most loving thing you could for me. You kept me safe, you made sure I was loved and you always loved me."
"How have you always just forgiven," Teddy asked.
"Because there was never anything to forgive," Annie said, "we've been discussing this since I was 19. We're long past it."
"I know I just like to check," Teddy sighed.
"Don't any more," Annie smiled, "we're good. I'm not thrilled about being over 40. Things hurt that never hurt before and I can't jump as high as I did before my kids."
"Okay you had springs," Teddy said, "I've seen you jump recently you still are bouncier than most people your age. I remember you bouncing around here with your hair in french braids and your first scrub cap and Owen yelling down the halls for you to walk."
"I was pre med and it was exciting," Annie said, "but there is an opportunity I want to talk to you about."
"Oh," Teddy asked.
"I want to cut back on my research here," Annie said, "UW has offered me a 1 year position teaching pediatric cardiology as a trial. It will be an elective course and will start in August."
"Teaching at UW," Teddy smiled, "Annie do you want it?"
"I like teaching and operating," Annie replied, "I'm thinking of doing my class here at least the lab portion. Bring my students right into the hospital both in and outpatient peds cardio."
"Then take it," Teddy encouraged, "do it. Annie being asked to teach people recognize your skills."
Annie replied, " I've turned down a few other schools because there was nothing for Josh. But teaching at UW part time and operating the rest doesn't have the same effect on my family. Heather is in school now. Ellie is half way through tenth. We're talking about looking at colleges or universities. I want her to consider UBC. It's not that far and I loved my time there. She'll have family close."
"UBC," Teddy asked, "residency requirements?"
"She's a Canadian citizen, all my kids are dual Canadian and American," Annie replied, "residency requirements were only for med school but BC has more spaces for that now. They opened them at UVIC and SFU and added more places at UBC, UBCO and UNBC. UBC is still the big one."
"It has more of a reputation," Teddy agreed, "what has Josh said about teaching?"
"It's something I've thought of for a while and since the Catherine Fox award I've had a few offers," Annie said, "this one feels right for our family. Our kids need stability and to be home. I think I'm going to take it. I'm going to suggest Friday and Wednesday for my lectures because I haven't worked Fridays in a while and Wednesday is clinic and research day so I drop my research time and do my lecture. I don't have an idea right now anyway. You know my ideas. I'll wake up in the middle of the night with an idea I can't shake, it'll haunt me in the OR, hanging out with my kids in the shower, right now there's nothing. I've been part of so much with you and on my own the Altman procedure, my cardiac tumors we can remove them 80% of the time now with keyhole surgeries or through the femoral artery, our stem cell hearts, non invasive CDH repair. I'm going to work with Arizona a bit on that she wants to take my technique for newborns and see if we can make it work on a fetus."
"That's not your big one," Teddy smiled.
"No," Annie replied, "that was a one off. Creating a second heart for conjoined twins from the existing cardiac cells so both boys could live full lives. I built on stem cell hearts, Yangs scaffolds, the Atman. It was a bunch of stuff that came together. It's like when Grey did Megs abdomen. It's really really cool but do I need to repeat it now that I've done it once, no. I'll do it again if needed but that was a one off."
"I know," Teddy said, "if you want to teach do it. Annie, you've always liked the teaching side of what we do here."
"That's Dan and Leslie's influence," Annie said, "they were great teachers. I loved going to school with Dad when I was little and watching him teach. Or before he retired I was able to go teach a science class with him. I mentioned it to dad and he said he would help me with how to lesson and unit plan. I can train residents and interns who have graduated but second year med students I don't know how to teach them."
"Talk to Megan she's done a lot with UW's medical school," Teddy said, "you're Dr Grace Altman if they're taking that elective they're interested in cardio and will know your name. Just be you."
"Leslie," Teddy asked.
"Chris and I are going to go," Annie said, "we need to go together. She has althimers and with us being here is going into long term care."
"When," Teddy asked.
"She told C 6 months ago and he told me," Annie replied, "he goes once a month to check on her but it's time to move her to a facility, she's declining fast. I've spoken to her doctors. Jenna is taking point on it all for C and I."
"Are you okay to go," Teddy asked.
"I'm helping clean out the house," Annie said, "C said she's never changed or cleaned out our rooms. Theres a few pictures and old books I want."
"Your dance ones," Teddy asked.
"Those, the first one of me and Meg, a few others of my childhood," Annie replied, "grandma's tea set and the cake plate. I have the best memories of going there after school for tea and she would make us banana cake with chocolate icing. She would make our birthday cakes and they were always on the same plate, it was yellow with blue roses."
"Does Leslie care," Teddy asked.
"She told Chris to take what he wants and get rid of the rest," Annie replied, "so Chris asked me to do it with him. I'm doing it for C not for her."
"Are you okay to do it," Teddy asked.
"I am," Annie said, "I'm stronger now. Leslie doesn't get under my skin anymore."
"Okay," Teddy replied.
"What can you tell me about the Blouin family," Annie asked, "Mitchell has been spending a lot of time with Ellie and some things have come out that I'm worried about those kids."
"Mark Blouin has a temper," Teddy replied, "he kicked Asher out and they see them for a couple hours once a week now it's taken a lot to get there. Mark has hit Asher before that's one reason we stopped pushing for him to go home. Asher took a bad hit in a foot ball game last fall and was trying to find advil so asked Owen for it and when Owen checked for injuries and if Asher needed care he saw the bruises."
"Uncle Owen is good at identifying that," Annie said.
"He is," Teddy agreed, " the Blouin kids from what I've seen are nice kids. The parents are hard to read. Michelle is very nice but she is controlled a bit by Mark."
"She seemed nice when she came to pick Mitch up," Annie said, "I'm super cautious though because of Allie and Asher. I need to talk to Ellie about something before she goes on a youth retreat with their church next weekend."
"Youth retreat really," Teddy asked.
"I remember couples sneaking off behind cabins, into the craft shack after lights out, the chapple," Annie said, "I didn't but I know friends did."
"What are you talking to her about," Teddy asked.
"Being responsible. She's 14 it's young," Annie said, 'but we've talked about it all and protection before. I don't think she would but."
"You want her to be safe," Teddy agreed, "I thought Allison knew."
"I want to make sure she knows because it's clear the Blouin kids don't," Annie replied.
"Always better to talk to her but I really think her and Cat learned from Allison," Teddy replied.
"Why are teenagers so hard," Annie asked.
"They're testing your boundaries," Teddy said, "she's learning to be her own person and spreading her wings. This is good Annie, you want Ellie to spread her wings and have her own opinions and ideas."
"I do," Annie said, "I'm just not ready. She is, I'm not."
"We never will be," Teddy replied, "she's a good kid, all of your kids are. Annie, you and Josh have done a wonderful job."
"She wants to be older and I know her skipping a grade is part of it but Ellie will be 15 in May her classmates are turning 16 and starting to drive. Shes really pushing the boundaries," Annie said, "the make up she had on the other day I made her wash her face before school the over tanned look is back and the orange foundation and Ellie looked like an oompa loompa."
"Allison is trying the bronzer thing," Teddy said, "she's not as bad. She's wearing more make up to school than I would like and I hate the fake tan look."
"Not happening." Annie replied, "the dangers of that. She wants to use a tanning bed or spray tan. I may compromise for a slight spray tan for the winter formal."
"Thats fair," Teddy agreed, "your letting her go this year. She didn't go last year."
"It's tenth and up," Annie replied, "it's the first year she can go. She's excited."
"Her first dance she should be," Teddy smiled, "going with Mitch?"
"Yes," Annie smiled, "we're getting her dress this weekend. It's kinda fun to go do this with her."
"It is," Teddy agreed.
"Her prom dess will be fun in grade 12," Annie said.
"We found that hard," Teddy said, "a week before prom and she was three weeks postpartum. She was so unhappy with her body."
"I know," Annie said, "she looked gorgeous. The dress you two found was perfect on her."
"It was," Teddy agreed, "I just hope that one day she has a chance to really dress up and feel like a princess. You got to for prom, I did."
"I didn't have prom," Annie replied, "I had the grad dinner dance. But yes I had a cranberry red dress with pick ups in the skirt and little gems on the bodice."
"You had a date," Teddy asked.
"I did," Annie smiled, " TJ."
"What about Josh," Teddy asked.
"He's Mr overprotective dad," Annie replied, "I'm working on it. He's pulled the I know several ways to kill you and make it look like an accident."
"Owen has two," Teddy laughed.
"He did it to Josh when we were sub Is," Annie laughed, "is Megan okay?"
"The divorce is hard for her," Teddy said, "they don't want to pull you and Josh in the middle because your family to both of them. She's filing the papers."
"Megan needs to be happy and I don't think she has been in years," Annie said.
"You're right," Teddy said.
"How do we help her," Annie asked.
"You nothing," Teddy replied, "it's the weird are you and Josh kids like Allison and Leo or not?"
"I know we're a half generation, Nana says," Annie replied.
"She's right," Teddy replied.
"Nana always is," Annie smiled.
"She is," Teddy replied.
Back at the house the door bell rang.
"That must be Jacob," Olivia said.
"Then give my daughter back," Allison said.
"Nope she's mine now," Ava said stealing Everly from Olivia.
Allison walked with Olivia to answer the door.
"Olivia are we in the right place," the man asked.
Allison did a double take of the man, "I'm Allison, come in."
"Jacob," the man said, "is this your place?"
"My parents," Allison replied.
"Are you the one with a kid," Jacob asked.
"Yes," Allison said, "Everly is in the living room."
In the living room their other friends sat on the couches or floor, Eden had Joshua on the floor and he was trying to crawl to Everly's toy box.
"Those aren't your toys," Eden said, "I have your elephant here."
She brought Joshua back to sit in her lap.
"Just let her play," Asher said, "it's toys. Everly can learn to share."
"Put her on the floor with him," Eden suggested, "Ava put the baby down."
"Can she," Ava asked.
"She's starting to sit if someone is right beside her she's okay," Asher replied, "Ava sit on the floor and put your legs on either side of her so she can lean on you."
Allison walked back into the living room and sat beside Ava and Everly.
Olivia and Jacob walked into the kitchen and poured a couple drinks.
"I'm still sober," Olivia said, "Allison can't drink, Eden doesn't and Ava isn't because they aren't. And your gummies are in my purse."
"You're sober," Jacob said, "is everyone?"
"We don't usually drink here," Olivia said, "Allison's parents would lose it."
"I'm 22," Jacob said, "so tonight after dinner?"
"I'll go to your place," Olivia said.
"You know you will," Jacob said, pulling her in for a kiss.
"I told my mom I'm staying at Ava's," Olivia said.
"Not here," Jacob asked.
"Allison doesn't do sleep overs anymore," Olivia explained, "we've tried. I tried in the summer I offered for both her and Everly to come. She hasn't asked us to stay here."
"Her baby daddy," Jacob asked.
"Boyfriend," Olivia said, "Asher, he's on the love seat and Allie is leaning on his legs."
"Is anyone over 21," Jacob asked.
"No," Olivia said, "other than Eden we all went to school together."
Allison came into the kitchen with Everly on her hip, "Liv do you want to help give Ev real food?"
"Real food," Jacob sneered.
"Baby cereal," Allison said, "we've just started solids. It's still pretty watery but she likes it."
"Can I help," Olivia asked.
"I'll mix it then you can feed it to her she's like a baby bird with it," Allison smiled.
"Allison is there somewhere I can heat some baby food and a bottle," Eden asked.
"The microwave is right there or there is a bottle warmer with water in it already by the coffee machine," Allison said, "put Joshua in the high chair and we'll use the swing for Everly she's smaller."
"Her solids," Eden asked.
"In my lap is fine," Allison said, "it's still a 4 to 1 milk to rice cereal."
"How is she with it," Eden asked.
"She loves it," Allison smiled.
"You both have babies," Jacob complained.
"We do," Eden said, "not planned but amazing kids."
"So babies for a party," Jacob smeared, "Liv this is cool?"
"I love Everly," Olivia said, "I'm getting to know Joshua."
"Babies do not go with Friday nights," Jacob said.
"They go with every night," Allison replied as she made Everly's cereal.
"That's not much," Olivia said.
"It's learning to eat it," Allison said, "she's still getting her nutrition from milk."
"This is lame," Jacob said.
"Give us a chance," Allison replied.
They fed the babies then sat down for their own dinner. Olivia and Jacob took off pretty quickly after eating.
"I don't like him," Allison grumbelled to Ava.
"She's all caught up in him and partying with him," Ava said, "she thinks shes too cool for us."
"What if," Allison asked.
"We're her friends," Ava said.
"She's acting weird," Allison said, "she was the only one drinking and those gummies?"
"Its weird," Ava said, "I was hoping for a normal year. Now you're doing okay and Liv is off."
"My friend Charlotte is doing the same," Eden replied, "I'm not fighting it. I text back when she reaches out but I don't know."
"Do we let her go," Ava asked.
"I guess we have to," Allison said, "we're here if she wants us."
"If we had all gone away for college we wouldn't be doing this and would be making new friends," Eden said.
"I guess," Allison shrugged, "the three of us are good."
"We are," Ava agreed, "Eden you can hang out with us on campus again next semester?"
"Nursing and pre med is very different from my kindergarten teacher," Eden said.
"I like our lunches," Allison said.
"The three of us have fun," Eden said, "and I got a couple bursaries so I can work less. I'm going to drown in student loans when I graduate but it's going to be worth it. Joshua and I will be fine."
"His dad," Ava asked for the first time.
"Connor comes visits about once a month for an hour," Eden replied, "I need to figure out child support still with him. He's not consistent."
"I can't imagine," Allison said.
"But you and Jonah," Ava asked.
"We've gone on a couple dates," Eden said, "he's nice."
"Joshua looks relaxed with him," Allison commented.
"Tyson looks left out," Ava laughed, "Jonah and Asher both have sleepy babies."
"Ev isn't asleep," Allison said, "she won't until I feed her. She'll fight it and stay awake until she's been fed."
"You can and we'll clean up," Eden said.
"It's only 7:30," Allison said.
Teddy and Owen came though the mud room.
"How was it," Teddy asked.
"Good," Allison smiled.
"Eden," Teddy smiled, "is Joshua here?"
"He is Jonah has him," Eden said, "we've been hanging out."
Owen walked into the living room and picked up Everly, "hi princess are mommy and daddy letting you stay up late?"
Everly babbled at Owen.
"Yes Everly," Owen smiled, "should I take you up for a bath? Let mommy and daddy have time with their friends? Do you want a bath with your ducky?"
Everly continued to babble.
"I'll take that as a yes," Owen smiled carrying the baby upstairs.
"We should go home two," Eden said, "thanks so much for doing this Allie."
"Your welcome," Allison smiled, hugging her friend.
Soon it was just Asher in the living room with Jonah and Tyson.
"How are things with Allie," Tyson asked.
"Good," Asher smiled, "really good. Jonah you and Eden?"
"I like her," Jonah said, "but I'm not a dad. I can't be Joshua's dad."
"I'm a dad," Asher shrugged, "your good with Joshua. He was asleep on you."
"That's not the first time," Jonah admitted, "but I don't know man. Eden that's a lot of baggage. Her ex is in and out of the picture. She doesn't exactly have free time or the support you and Allie do. Her kid is in her bedroom at night. How could we?"
"Ev being in her room helps," Asher said, "but give her a chance. It doesn't have to be everything right away. Just be nice to Joshua. We can babysit if you want to go on an actual date."
"When can I babysit," Tyson asked.
"When Everly can walk and talk," Asher replied.
"Will she walk," Tyson asked.
"They think so," Asher said, "she's getting stronger now that we're doing physio every day. Tyson girlfriend?"
"A few fun nights with one girl in my building but no," Tyson said, "Oregon state you should come visit boys."
"I work full time," Asher said.
"School dude," Jonah replied, "UW is no joke."
"A few years of this then were good," Tyson said, "I'll be an engineer bringing in the big bucks."
"We're looking at a lot of college," Asher said, "Allison is pre med she wants to go to med school."
"Your cool with that," Tyson asked.
"I am," Asher said, "she wants to because of what's happening with Ev. Tyson this girl?"
"Hot," Tyson said, "super model hot like nothing you've ever seen."
The boys continued chatting until nearly mid night. Asher locked up and then crawled into bed with Allison.
"Hey," she whispered cuddling closer.
"You're awake," Asher asked.
"Can't sleep without you now," Allison replied.
"Did Ev go down okay," Asher asked.
"She's fussed. I hope the tooth comes in soon she's worse at night," Allison replied, "I gave her tylenol at 10."
"You didn't come get me," Asher asked.
"We were fine," Allison replied, "you were having fun."
"It was good to see Tyson," Asher agreed.
"He's turned into a frat boy," Allison laughed.
"He has," Asher yawned, "but you should sleep while Ev sleeps if shes going to fuss all night again."
"Good night," Allison yawned, "love you."
"Love you two," Asher smiled before kissing her softly.