At the cabin the three teenage girls kicked their moms out of the kitchen.
"I don't like this," Annie laughed.
"Come have a glass of wine," Teddy called holding up the bottle, "we're on our second glasses."
"What are the girls doing," Megan asked.
"They won't tell me," Annie said, "Allison added all the ingredients to my grocery list but they're making dinner. I know they have tortillas and ground turkey."
"Tacos, they can't mess that up too badly," Megan said.
"I don't know," Annie said.
"How are you sweetheart," Teddy asked as Annie poured her glass of wine and sat beside her mother.
"You could have warned me about teenage girls," Annie said, "what's happening to my Ellie bug?"
"Puberty," Megan said, "Catrina is the same."
"It's insane," Annie said, "one moment she's my little girl then she's snapping at me the next. We spent 45 minutes yesterday arguing about cleaning her room. We were both yelling and in tears."
"No power struggles," Teddy said, "you are the parent."
"I just don't want to be Leslie," Annie said.
"What was her consequence for arguing and talking back," Megan asked.
"She wasn't allowed to go to her friends until it was clean. She wasn't done until 8pm so she didn't get to go," Annie replied.
"It's fair and her choice," Teddy said, "when did you ask her to clean up?"
"Noon," Annie replied, "I just don't get it."
"She's okay," Teddy assured, "she's going to test. Annie, she's 14 this spring."
"Shh," Annie said, "stop reminding me I'm in my 40s."
"Compare that to 60s," Teddy quipped, "you're young. At your age…"
"You were in Germany and it was you and I," Annie said, "that was the year C and I spent Christmas at your place in Germany."
"It was," Teddy said.
"People thought we were both yours," Annie said.
"It looked that way," Teddy said, "I loved when you would come to Germany and I could show you off."
"Allison asked about Henry the other day," Annie said.
"She told me," Teddy replied, "what did you tell her?"
"That he made us smile and had the best laugh. Even when it wasn't funny we were laughing with him. He loved us. I still can't believe I'm older than he got to be," Annie said.
"I'm older than my parents got to be," Teddy said, "my mom was 56. That was hard."
"My dad was 40," Megan said.
In the kitchen the teenagers turned up the music.
"Allie are you sure you know what your doing," Catrina asked.
"I do," Allison assured, "I've made these at home for Asher and I."
"You don't have dinner with your parents," Catrina asked.
"It was a work night," Allison said, "when they work late we do our own thing. And mom makes us each make dinner once a week. So I'm the attending and you're my residents."
"Why are we residents," Ellie asked.
"I'm older," Allison said.
"What are we making," Catrina asked.
"Enchiladas," Allison said, "I multiplied the recipe by 5 when I gave Annie the grocery list."
"It looks like a lot," Catrina said.
"The guys eat a lot ," Allison argued.
"My mom said you can't ski," Catrina said.
"I can't fall," Allison said, "Asher doesn't ski so we're going snowshoeing and hanging out with Nana."
"Why do we have to be the residents " Ellie asked.
"I'm older, I planned the meal and I went shopping with Annie," Allison said.
"I wanted to do the Costco trip but I had a private lesson with Miss Kira ," Ellie complained.
"I miss dancing," Allison said.
"Can you come back for games season," Allison asked.
"My mom said not this summer," Allison said, "she said maybe I could do an recreational class in the fall."
"Just rec," Ellie asked.
"Time," Allison said, "I'm going to college in the fall and will have my baby. Mom suggested Annie and auntie Megs class."
"With the moms," Ellie rolled her eyes.
"It's the moms class," Allison said, "I want to compete again."
"My mom has in the over 30 pre championship," Ellie said.
"My mom has and they perform together," Catrina said.
"It's embarrassing," Ellie said.
"They just do the big events like Burns day," Allison said , "your mom is good. She's not a big jumper anymore but her footwork is flawless."
"It's a lot of pressure to be as good as her," Ellie said, "Canadian and world titles. I can't qualify for USIR."
"Isn't she taking you to the Canadian open this summer," Allison asked.
"We are because it's in BC," Ellie said.
"I wish I could go," Allison said.
"Will you still be pregnant," Catrina asked.
"No," Allison said, "but I haven't taken a class since October. I'm so out of shape."
"We'll help double up on my private lessons with me," Ellie offered.
"My mom said that I'll be able to perform and take class but she doesn't know if I'll compete," Allison said, "she says I won't have time to take championship classes."
"What about choreography," Ellie asked, "we were supposed to do a duo this year."
"We can talk to our moms," Allison said, "I was looking forward to it. We had the best song two."
"It's my solo," Ellie said.
"I know," Allison said sadly.
"I'm sorry Allie," Ellie hugged her aunt, "but I get to meet my little cousin soon."
"A few months," Allison said.
"Our family is weird," Catrina said, "Ellie and I are the same age but Josh is my cousin and Ellie is my second cousin."
"And Annie is married to him," Allison said, "my sister is married to your cousin but they're not related."
"My mom said they were never expected to meet," Catrina said, "dad was surprised to see auntie Teddy in Boston when Annie and Josh started medical school with Annie. They have a funny story about dad teaching them."
"I've heard that one," Ellie said, "grandma was surprised by them holding hands in her class."
In the living room Megan was laughing, "Teddy can we just point out that we're complaining about teenagers."
"Yes," Teddy said, "who decided that the teenage brain was a good idea?"
"I don't know I'm not liking it," Annie complained.
"And you have three more," Teddy laughed.
"I know," Annie said, "at least Meg will commiserate until Cat isn't a teenager anymore."
"Are they okay in there," Megan asked.
"Allison is the attending," Teddy said.
"Cat wasn't thrilled," Annie said, "Meg she's a spunky one. We'll have to watch her."
"She's a lot like me as a teenager," Megan said, "Miss Ellie isn't the passive one I remember you being."
"I don't know if I naturally am passive," Annie said, "I was always holding my ideas and my thoughts back because others knew more or had more of a right to speak. I learned to bite my tongue and be an observer. I don't want that for my girls. And seriously why are my 8 and 9 year old boys talking about women's bodies?"
"That's boys," Megan said, "good luck."
"That was a Josh conversation," Annie said, "after I freaked out on the boys."
"You would," Teddy laughed.
"Respect," Megan said, "we can't stop them so we teach them to be respectful."
"Where are your boys," Teddy asked.
"Swimming," Annie said, "Josh, Owen, Nate, Faroke, Leo and Asher went."
"The boys and leave us to do dinner," Megan laughed.
"Not like we're cooking," Annie said, "Allie was organized when she came shopping with me. I think she over estimated."
"We've been working on that," Teddy said, "the menu, shopping list then she takes my visa and goes."
"You give her your visa," Annie asked.
"Who had a visa linked to mine when she was in med school," Teddy teased, "that bought groceries."
"There was a bottle or two of wine in my groceries a lot," Annie admitted.
"I knew" Teddy said, "I wouldn't have cared if you bought clothes."
"That felt wrong," Annie said, "when you told me to for my birthday was different."
"You used my Amazon account until you moved to Seattle," Teddy said, "the things you let sit in the cart I would make note of."
"How did we get those three to cook," Megan asked.
"Allie asked me," Annie said.
Heather came running to Annie, "mom Ellie, Allie and Cat won't let me help."
"Let the big girls have their time," Annie said, "you can come sit with me or you can get my iPad and the Osmo and play."
"Osmo," Heather said.
"Okay," Annie agreed, "it's on the table by my side of the bed."
Heather ran off to get the devices.
"Not forcing it," Megan said.
"No it's not fair to Ellie," Annie said, "she loves her baby sister but they need to do their own things. The older girls will ask her to help when they want her."
"Will you still encourage Ellie and Catrina to spend time with Allie after this spring," Teddy asked.
"I've told the girls they could end up being cousins like Shannon, Catherine and I," Annie said, "Ellie is trying to understand what Allison's going through."
"We're working on it with Catrina," Megan said, "it's bringing up some issues."
"Her adoption," Annie asked, "she can always come talk to me. How are things with Rebecca?"
"She's built her life," Megan said, "they text. Rebecca moved to San Diego, she's getting married and has a son."
"That's hard," Annie agreed.
"You had a hard time with Allison," Teddy said.
"Not her," Annie said, "it was a very crazy year."
"It was," Teddy agreed.
"You were hard to read when I came home," Megan said.
"You both tried to take care of me," Annie said.
"You needed it," Teddy said.
"I still do sometimes," Annie admitted, "I miss grandmere."
"I know you do," Teddy said, "she was amazing."
"She was," Annie said.
"She loved you," Megan said.
"She loved my kids," Annie said.
"More wine," Megan said.
"We finished the bottle," Annie said.
"It's a glass and a couple sips each," Teddy said.
"Before dinner," Annie asked.
"I'm opening it," Megan said, "the older girls are cooking and the boys are cleaning up."
"One more," Annie said, holding out her glass.
"Moms have wine," Catrina reported to the other girls.
"They always have wine at the cabin," Allison said.
"Have you tried it," Ellie asked.
"It's gross," Allison said.
"Have you drank," Catrina asked.
"Yes," Allison admitted.
"What's it like," Ellie asked.
"I don't know how to explain it," Allison said.
"Was grandma mad," Ellie asked.
"Yes," Allison said, "dad was worse."
"What if your kid does," Catrina asked.
"I hope I'll be cool," Allison said, "my mom was upset but there was more going on."
"How did you get it and what did you drink," Catrina asked.
"Vodka and I'm not telling who bought it for me," Allison said, "her mom told my mom."
"I wonder if I asked Faroke," Catrina said.
"It's not worth it," Allison said.
"You did it," Catrina argued.
"And if I hadn't I'd be having a normal senior year," Allison said.
"Your baby," Ellie asked.
"Asher and I were at a party," Allison said.
"Have you kissed him," Ellie asked.
"Yes," Allison said.
"Ellie, she's done more than kiss him," Catrina said, "what was it like really Allison. Was it fun?"
"I don't know," Allison winced.
"Come on Allison," Catrina pressed.
"I have the filling ready for the enchiladas," Allison said trying to change the subject, "you two get to help me roll them."
"Seriously your no fun you won't tell us anything," Catrina pouted, "you're supposed to tell us because we're your cousins."
"Ellie is my niece not my cousin and we have to finish dinner," Allison snapped.
"What are you doing," Catrina asked rolling her eyes at Allison.
"Making the sauce," Allison snapped.
"Allie, do you want me to start the rice and beans," Ellie offered.
"I've got it," Allison snapped.
Teddy walked into the kitchen.
"Allison," Teddy said, "tone."
"Mom," Allison complained.
"Allison," Teddy said, "let them do more. Breathe. Focus on your sauce. Ellie can do the rice and beans it's boiling water and heating the beans up."
"Mom," Allison complained again.
"Allison," Teddy soothed, "let them help. You were so excited to do this and lead. Being a leader isn't doing it all yourself. You have to give them jobs. You focus on your part and do it well. What's overwhelming you?"
"It's crowded," Allison said.
"Okay," Teddy said, "let's spread out. Catrina, take what you're doing to the table. Ellie can you stand to the side of the stove by the doorway to give Allison more elbow room."
"Okay," Ellie replied, moving where Teddy told her.
"Mom," Allison shook her head.
"Allie, step out for a minute," Teddy said, "when was the last time you had anything to drink?"
"I don't know," Allison said, "I have a headache. Can I have Advil?"
"Water. I think you're dehydrated more than a headache," Teddy said, "finish your whole water bottle."
"Mom," Allison whined.
"Girls we're going to pause," Teddy said, "everyone is taking 15."
Teddy grabbed Allison's water bottle and filled it up before putting her arm around Allison and guiding her to Teddy and Owens room.
Teddy asked," what's really going on? Why are you overwhelmed?"
"They were asking about drinking and kissing," Allison said, "Catrina keeps asking me about sex. Like I'm supposed to know everything."
"They're curious," Teddy said, "you can set boundaries and tell them you don't want to or won't talk about it."
"I don't really even remember it," Allison admitted.
"It wasn't special like you wanted," Teddy said, "there will be a day with a special boy that will feel special because of how much you love each other. What do you need baby girl?"
"A hug," Allison said, "like you hug Annie."
"Do you want me to try the deep pressure with you," Teddy asked.
"You did when Asher's parents came," Allison said.
"I can try," Teddy said, "but with your bump I can't pull you as tight to me as I would."
"Can I just have a hug," Allison asked.
"I'm going to hold you as tight as I can," Teddy said.
"Mommy this is hard," Allison cried.
"I know," Teddy said, "it's really hard. You are being really strong. Your with family you can let your walls down."
"Annie's kids," Allison said, "Catrina."
"Are working on understanding," Teddy said, "your okay. Your doing good baby."
"Catrina," Megan called her youngest.
"What," Catrina snapped.
"Do not use that tone with me young lady," Megan said.
"Mom," Catrina tried.
"Now," Megan said motioning to her and Nathan's room.
"Mom," Catrina tried again.
"No," Megan said, "three, two."
Catrina ducked into the room.
"I've heard you pestering Allison," Megan hissed, "things I specifically told you not to ask her about. You have those questions you talk to me, dad, Annie or Teddy. What you just did in that kitchen making Allison feel guilty was not okay and will not happen again."
"I didn't mean to," Catrina said, "every one is treating her differently."
"They are," Megan agreed, "Allie is having a hard time. We are being softer and gentler with her to guide her. Her being asked to plan and do tonight's dinner was about her growing up faster then she should have to. She's not a kid anymore. She doesn't really fit with you and Ellie and even though Annie is her cousin Annie is closer in age to and spends more time with me and Teddy."
"The moms," Catrina said.
"Exactly," Megan said.
"Why is this family so weird," Catrina asked.
"Your dad and I met in med school," Megan said, "the three of us met Teddy in the army."
"That parts normal," Catrina said, "it's Annie and josh."
"You don't remember your uncle Ian," Megan said, "dads brother."
"I know the name," Catrina said, "he died when I was really little."
"He did," Megan confirmed, "he had been sick. Ian was Josh's dad. So you and Josh are cousins that way."
"Annie," Catrina asked.
"Teddy had Annie when she was 21," Megan said, "I don't know the full story but she didn't think she was the best choice for Annie at that time in Teddy's life."
"So Annie and Josh," Catrina said.
"Had no idea until their third year of med school that Teddy and Nate knew each other," Megan said, "by that point I think they were together. And it wasn't a big deal. Teddy and Nathan tolerated each other for Annie and Josh. Owen and Teddy weren't together yet, I was still in Iraq."
"You never talk about that," Catrina said.
"When you're older," Megan said.
"Why is Allie okay one minute and grumpy the next," Catrina asked.
"She's dealing with a ton," Megan said, "just give her a minute when she's overwhelmed. I think she was just tired and Teddy think's shes dehydrated."
Ellie Joined Annie on the couch, "mom why did Allie get mad when Cat was asking all those questions."
"She's upset and anxious," Annie said, "you know when you get angry or hurt and you tell me everything looks red."
"Yes," Ellie replied.
"I think she's there," Annie said, "just be patient with her. Love Allie, that's all she needs is us to be here and love her. Even when she's tired like today and moody we just let her feel how she's feeling."
"The questions," Ellie asked.
"Did not help," Annie said, "and I know you were part of it."
"I asked if she kissed him," Ellie said, "I thought it was okay."
"I know," Annie said, "but then did Cat take it a step too far?"
Ellie nodded, "I didn't stop it."
"What would you like to do," Annie asked, "how can we make it right?"
"I should apologize to Allie," Ellie said.
"When she comes back out," Annie encouraged, "give her time to calm down, she's not going to hear you right now."
"Grandma," Ellie asked.
"Is with Allison," Annie said, "you're with me, Meg and Cat."
"If I drank alcohol," Ellie asked.
"Dad and I would be upset with you," Annie said, "we'd worry."
"What if I was like Allison," Ellie asked.
"Dad and I would support you," Annie said, "is there a boy?"
"I like a boy at school," Ellie said, "but he found out my last name and all the gossip about Allie."
"That's not you," Annie said, "and only half your last name is the same."
"No one at school looks at the second half," Ellie said, "it's just Altman."
"They did that when you were little at daycare and mama and I raised a stink," Annie said, "you'd get each other's snacks. I'd unpack your lunch and have mama's containers. I can say something at your school."
"No," Ellie said, "isn't Allie done at semester change?"
"She is," Annie confirmed.
"I'll miss her. My first week she was the only person who smiled at me and she helped me find all my classes," Ellie said.
"Tell her how that made you feel," Annie said, "she's feeling pretty left out right now. You and Cat have been skiing, sledding and skating, she can't. What could you do that includes her?"
"Swimming," Ellie suggested.
"She doesn't want to wear a bathing suit," Annie said, "mama and I have both tried to convince her. What else?"
"Would you drive us to the good cocoa place," Ellie asked.
"I can tomorrow," Annie said, "I've had a couple glasses of wine and shouldn't drive. But I will in the morning."
"Thanks mom," Ellie smiled.
In Teddy and Owen's room Allison continued to cry, "I just want to be normal."
"I know this feels like too much," Teddy said, "you're feeling left out."
"I want to ski and sled and skate with Ellie and Cat," Allison sobbed.
"What could we do tomorrow that you could do," Teddy asked, "you don't want to swim so you don't have to."
"Could they go snowshoeing," Allison asked.
"Ask," Teddy said, "you've been enjoying that."
"I do," Allison said.
"So ask the other girls," Teddy said.
"I feel weird," Allison whispered.
"Just ask," Teddy said, "they're family."
"Cat doesn't like me now," Allison cried.
"She does," Teddy said, "breathe baby girl. You're getting yourself all worked up."
"I I want to be normal," Allison stuttered.
"I know," Teddy soothed holding Allison tighter, "I know this is hard and it feels like no one gets it. I've been there. I am here, I'm not going anywhere."
"Mommy," Allison cried, "don't leave me."
"Never," Teddy promised, "never ever."
"Can we not go out yet," Allison asked.
"When you're ready," Teddy agreed, "what do you need?"
"This," Allison said.
"I will sit with you and hold you as long as you want," Teddy said.
"Mom when the baby comes can you be with me the whole time," Allison asked.
"I will," Teddy said, "I will be there as much as you want me."
"You won't leave me," Allison said.
"I won't," Teddy said, "I will be with you when you get to meet them."
"I'm scared," Allison said.
"I know," Teddy said, "I was when you were born and Annie. It's normal. But when you get to meet them it's all worth it."
Allison nodded.
They sat in silence for a while longer, Allison laying on the bed with her head in Teddy's lap letting her mom play with her hair.
"Don't fall asleep on me baby girl," Teddy said, "are you calm?"
"Yes," Allison said.
"Let's get dinner finished," Teddy said, "I'll help you coordinate everything with the other girls."
Allison stood up and walked to the door, she looked back at Teddy who nodded, "you can do this."
They walked into the kitchen and found Annie and Ellie finishing rolling the last of the enchiladas.
"Put us to work bean," Annie smiled.
"Meg," Teddy mouthed.
"Took Cat for a walk they were arguing," Annie replied, "she has her hands full."
"Allie what do you want us to do," Teddy asked.
"The salad, rice and beans," Allison said.
"I'll do the beans because it's in your space," Teddy said.
"I can cut up the salad," Ellie offered.
"Thanks El," Allison forced a smiled.
"Allie tomorrow mom said she would drive us to the good cocoa place if you want to go," Ellie said.
"After snow shoeing," Allison asked.
Ellie looked to Annie who nodded.
"Sure," Ellie replied.
"Cat," Allison asked.
"Invite and include," Annie said.
"She's grounded," Ellie said, "I hear Auntie Meg say that."
"Then she's grounded," Teddy said, ``but you invite anyway."
"If it's just Ellie and I can I drive," Allison asked.
Annie shook her head.
"I want you to have more practice in the snow first," Teddy said.
"I'll drive tomorrow," Annie said, "when we do the Easter trip you can drive bean."
"Really," Allison asked.
"Really," Teddy said, "no snow. You're not confident in snow yet."
"Allie I'm sorry we asked you weird questions earlier," Ellie said.
"It wasn't you," Allison replied.
"But I didn't stop her," Ellie answered, "can you forgive me?"
"I can," Allison said.
"Tomorrow snowshoeing and good cocoa," Ellie said.
"You're on," Allison agreed with a smile.
Teddy noticed Annie had slipped out of the kitchen and went to follow her. The two teens seemed to be okay for now, they would keep an ear on them but they had to let them be.