Asher walked down the back stairs to their outside door after being gone a month for work. He was surprised to see that all of the lights were off. He knew it was nearly midnight but he had hoped Allison was waiting up for him. He unlocked the door and walked inside dropping his bag and flipping on the light. He looked around the house was a mess, it wasn't like Allison. There were dishes in the sink, toys on the floor and Allison's school work scattered across the table.

Asher closed the door and walked into Everly's room, she was curled up in her crib with her stuffed puppy like she always slept. He leaned into the crib and stroked her back softly, "hi princess I'm home. I've missed you so much. I love you."

Asher walked into their bedroom and found Allison curled up around his pillow. He sat on the edge of their bed and moved her hair gently away from her face. Her eyes were puffy and her cheeks were red like she had been crying.

"Allie," Asher whispered, leaning down to kiss her temple, "I'm home."

Allison startled awake.

"Asher," Allison whispered.

"You okay," Asher asked.

Allison shook her head, she sat up and curled into him. He held her close as she began to sob, her whole body shaking.

"Babe what happened," Asher asked, "is Everly okay? Are you okay?"

"She's okay," Allison sniffled, "tired and grumpy today. She has a cold."

"Did you get her cold," Asher asked.

"No," Allison whined.

"I thought you would wait up for me," Asher said.

"I'm tired, can we do this tomorrow," Allison asked.

"Something is wrong," Asher said looking around the darkened room, "Allison what happened? Are you mad at me?"

"No," Allison sniffed, "I'm mad at the world."

Asher had learned that this was a clue she was about to spiral.

"What happened," Asher pressed, "Allie I want to help but I need to know."

"Liv called Ev defective," Allison sobbed, "said our baby is broken."

"No," Asher snapped, "she hasn't been supportive for a while but that?"

Allison nodded.

"Let her go," Asher said, "you don't need that, we don't."

"I want my friends back," Allison sobbed.

"Let her go," Asher said, "she hasn't been a good friend for a while."

"I don;t have friends anymore," Allison whined.

"What about Ava, Carmen and Eden," Asher asked, "your birthday party a month ago they all came for you."

"No one understands," Allison sobbed.

"I know," Asher said, "it's hard. No one understands what we go through with Everly."

"Did you check on her," Allison asked.

"Sound asleep and cozy," Asher assured, "why don't I shower then we try to sleep. What time is your class tomorrow?"

"10-4 at school," Allison replied.

"I'm off until Monday," Asher said, "Lazy morning tomorrow then we have a night just us for the first time ever on Saturday."

"Is she ready," Allison asked.

"It's your sister and if she isn't Annie will call," Asher said, "I'm going to bring my stuff in from the truck, shower then come to bed."

Asher dropped his bags in the kitchen and his tool bag in the garage before showering and crawling into bed. He pulled Allison into his arms, kissing the top of her head.

"I'm home," Asher assured, "you're not alone, you're going to be okay. I'm here. I love you."

"I love you too," Allison mumblled.

They went through the next morning with Allison being withdrawn and quiet. Asher was worried about her, he knew she had fought with friends before but this really seemed to bother her. Once Allison left for school Asher texted Ava.

Asher, "hey do you know what happened between Allie and Olivia?"

Ava, "they're not speaking Liv said some things about Ev being defective. But Ev is the most perfect princess. I love Ev."

Asher, "what else did she say?"

Ava, "I don't know but it's bad. Allison hardly talked at school this week. She's doing that thing where she pulls away from everyone. Usually she talks to you though."

Asher, "I came home and she was in bed crying the house is a mess."

Ava, "would Olivia saying that trigger Allie's depression?"

Asher, "it could. She has a hard time when I'm away."

Ava, "I slept over Friday and Saturday on your couch and she was pretty good. Missing you but she was happy and having fun with Ev. We took Ev to walk on the side walk for the first time and shopping for new outside shoes for Ev. The house was clean Allison cooked Saturday and we ordered fish and chips Friday. She was okay. I know she just wanted you home. She had a plan for Thursday night."

Asher, "so Olivia was the trigger?"

Ava, "I think so."

Asher, "can you find out what was said?"

Ava, "will that help?"

Asher, "I have to know what happened. I was going to propose this weekend."

Ava, "wait?"

Asher, "I think so I want her in the right head space."

Ava, "she'll love it when you do. What was your plan?"

Asher, "Annie has Ev over night. We're going for dinner and a walk along the water then coffee. I made reservations at the culinary arts school for their 5 course meal."

Ava, "wow! Fancy and expensive."

Asher, "affordable there. The school is a fair price. We keep some of our paychecks back in spending accounts."

Ava, "does she know?"

Asher, "I told her I made reservations and we were dressing up."

Ava, "we went shopping. I'll talk to Olivia."

Asher, "thank you. Just find out what was said."

Ava, "I can try. I have class with Allie today."

Asher, "I know. Have fun."

"Mommy," Everly whined.

"It's me today," Asher said, "come cuddle with Daddy."

"No mommy," Everly said, crawling to the door.

"Mommy is at school," Asher assured, "she'll be back later."

"Want mommy," Everly wined, "mommy, mommy, mommy!"

Asher picked Everly up.

"Mommy," Everly cried.

"Shhh Princess," Asher soothed, "she'll be back soon. Daddy is here."

Once Everly settled down Asher took her outside in the stroller.

"Hey," Owen called.

"Owen," Asher called.

"How was it," Owen asked.

"Way too long away from Allie and Ev," Asher replied.

"It's a long time," Owen agreed, "it's a lot on Allison."

The puppy charged at Asher jumping on him.

"Charlie down," Owen said, grabbing the collar.

"He's okay," Asher said.

"He's not jumping on people," Owen said, "he's still learning."

"Char wee," Everly called, "Char wee."

Owen kept a hold of the collar taking the dog to see Everly.

"Has Allie been okay," Asher asked.

"Until Monday," Owen said, "she's been good. She has midterms this week and had a fight with Olivia."

"I came home and she was in bed sobbing," Asher said.

"Olivia said something," Owen answered, "she won't tell Teddy or I. She is talking to Annie and Nisha. They were both here Wednesday."

"We're going to the park," Asher said, "do you want to come?"

"I'll let you go," Owen said, "I'm doing some training with Charlie."

"He's cute," Asher said.

"Teddy's always wanted one," Owen said, "we finally have time."

"Labradoodle," Asher confirmed.

"Yes," Owen said, "we're going to do some of the assistance training with him. Things like helping Ev up if she falls over and getting things off the floor."

"We've wondered about an assistance dog when she's bigger," Asher agreed.

"Just basics," Owen said, "we don't even know if it's possible."

"Let him be a pet," Asher said, "if we need a service dog for her we'll go through the proper program."

"We want to make sure he's safe with Ev and with Annie's kids," Owen said, "the kids need to be safe with the dog."

"I appreciate that," Asher said, "Ev seems to love him in the videos Allie sent me."

"They love each other," Owen said, the dog was standing by the stroller with a front paw on Everly's leg.

"Come Char wee," Everly called, "good char wee."

"He is a good dog," Owen said, "lots to learn but he's friendly and seems to know he has to be gentle with Everly."

That night Ava called Olivia, "hey what happened with you and Allie?"

"Why do you care," Olivia snapped.

"Because she's our friend," Ava said, "a good friend."

"It's all about Everly and how her baby is defective," Olivia said, "as if that isn't Allie's fault."

"Olivia," Ava asked, "Everly is high needs and it's not all Allie does or thinks about. But to call Everly defective! Everly has some disabilities but she is doing great and getting stronger. She's doing well and it is not Allison or Asher's fault. Neither of them did anything; it's how Everly was born. Defective really?"

"Would you really be okay with that," Olivia asked, "the walkers and the special high chair."

"It's not a special high chair," Ava said, "or car seat. Ev can sit on regular chairs, it's the same stroller Allie has always had for her. I babysat last week and Ev was great! We coloured and played in the sand at the park. She cruised around in her gait trainer."

"It's stupid they should have gave her up," Olivia said, "when they found out."

"Could you walk away from your baby," Ava asked, "I've stood by Allie for the last three years. She's trying hard. In her shoes I couldn't walk away. There will be a day where I'll end up leaning on her for parenting advice and she'll be the first friend to celebrate with me. Allie is my best friend. How can you turn your back on her? How can you suggest she give up Everly?"

"That's what abortion is for," Olivia said, "it's no big deal. A pill a super heavy hell period and you move on."

"I'm sure Allison was told all of her options," Ava said, "you could walk away from a baby in your arms?"

"I'd never keep a sick or disabled kid," Olivia said.

"I hope you never have to go through what Allie is," Ava replied, "I can't do this right now Liv. Take some time but right now we're done."

"Ava you can't take her side," Olivia gasped.

"You're out of line," Ava snapped, "seriously messed up. Allison only knows about drinking and the pot, you called me three times to get you at the hospital when you overdosed. I'm done."

Ava ended the call and threw her phone on her bed.

Allison walked in from school still feeling rejected and unwanted.

"What did you do," Allison asked.

"We thought you needed a treat," Asher smiled. Everly was with Teddy so they were alone, Asher walked up and kissed Allison.

"All this," Allison asked.

"I'm ordering your favorite dinner , we tidied up I know it's mid term week and you haven't had a lot of time," Asher said, "then we thought you needed some treats."

"Asher," Allison argued.

"We didn't do Valentines," Asher replied.

"Tomorrow," Allison said, "that's why Annie is taking her overnight."

"We can have two good nights," Asher suggested, "home tonight the three of us and out tomorrow. Thai is coming, we have movie snacks and peanut butter cup ice cream."

"Why," Allison asked.

"Because you've been stressed, you broke up with a friend," Asher said, "you've done 5 weeks on your own. Allie let me spoil and take care of you."

"That's my job to take care of both of you," Allison said.

"No, we take care of eachother," Asher said, "let me help. Allie, what do you need?"

"Can we just cuddle," Allison asked.

Asher wrapped his arms around her and held her close.

"Where's Ev," Allison asked.

"Your mom and Charlie were going for a walk and Ev wanted to go too," Asher replied.

"You pawned her off on my mom," Allison asked.

"I wanted to talk to you," Asher admitted, "before bedtime. Allie, I'm worried. The way you were already in bed crying last night. You haven't done that since Evs diagnosis."

"If Liv hates me, hates Ev, hates us, how long until Ava decides she agrees," Allison asked.

"No babe," Asher promised, "Ava won't leave. Ava loves you and Ev. I talked to her today. Ava is pissed at Liv and is going to talk to her."

"Liv was the first friend to really accept what was happening senior year," Allison said, "the friend that always wanted to feel Ev kick and made sure I was included."

"So did Ava," Asher said, "Liv was just more in everyone's face about it. Ava is the one whoes been there every set back every celebration."

"I know she is but I'm scared," Allison said.

"I know," Asher said, "you have plans with her Sunday?"

"We do but I can cancel," Allison said, "we were going skating and taking Ev in the stroller. Do you want to come?"

"I miss skating," Asher said.

"Ev never will," Allison said.

"Probably not," Asher said, "but she will walk and swim."

"She loves swimming," Allison said, "she's close to swimming independently."

"I've missed a lot," Asher said.

"First steps, she's really swimming," Allison said, "did you put her in the walker today?"

"She walked a lot," Asher said, "turning is comical."

"What has she crashed into now," Allison asked.

"Every piece of furniture and most walls," Asher said.

"Moms going to kill us about the walls," Allison groaned.

"We put pool noodles around the edges of the gait trainer to save the walls," Asher said.

"We can't put them on the walker, she needs the handles," Allison said.

"She'll get better it's week two," Asher said, "I'm proud of her."

"I cried," Allison admitted, "I fully cried in physio watching her walk the first time."

"I could hear it in the video," Asher said, "two and a half years I know you too well."

"Would you have picked me if it wasn't for Ev," Allison asked.

"Yes," Asher said, "I knew I liked you I knew you were different then the other girls. What did Liv say?"

"She's just made me question everything," Allison said.

"She's jealous," Asher replied.

"She brought wine and pot then got mad when I didn't want it," Allison replied.

"What did you say," Asher asked.

"I offered to get her a wine glass," Allison replied, "said she could have her wine and I would stick with my tea. I said no way to the pot and that I would not have it around Ev. Then she got mad and yelled that I was wasting my life with a defective baby and I told her to leave."

"You protected our daughter," Asher said.

"I have to," Allison said, "it hurt to hear what Liv thinks of me. That I'm holding myself back, running my life. She called Ev a crotch goblin."

"A what," Asher asked.

"Crotch goblin," Allison said.

"That's the strangest thing I've ever heard," Asher said, "ignore her and let her go. Allie she chose. Her words she chose not to be in our lives."

"I'm pissed," Allison ranted.

"So am I," Asher agreed.

"Is this a break up," Allison asked, "can you break up with friends?"

"I think so," Asher said, "I told a few guys to fuck off before Ev was born."

"How could she," Allison asked.

"Jealousy," Asher guessed, "what do you want to do?"

"Stop being angry," Allison answered.

"What helps when you're angry," Asher said, "lets run through the list. The house is clean, Ev is happy, you showered this morning. Did you have lunch?"

"No," Allison said.

"So you need to eat," Asher said, "water?"

"No," Allison replied, "I forgot my water bottle here."

"So you need food and water," Asher said.

"And a hug," Allison said.

"Let's get a snack and some water then we can cuddle," Asher said.

"And I need to play with Ev," Allison said.

"As soon as your mom brings her back," Asher promised.

"Do we have ice cream," Allison asked.

"I have your peanut butter cup one for later," Asher replied, "I bought kiwis and raspberries do you want those?"

"Please," Allison answered.

Teddy came down the stairs with Everly.

"Mommy," Everly yelled.

"Hi princess," Allison turned to the door.

Teddy carried Everly to Allison.

"Thank you for taking her," Allison said.

"You two needed a bit of time," Teddy said, "we know that. I like when she comes on walks. We stopped at the park."

"Did you go on the swings," Allison asked Everly.

"Side," Everly said.

"I let her go down the toddler slide, she loved it," Teddy said.

"She does," Allison agreed.

"Will she do that alone," Asher asked.

"If she keeps making the progress she is," Teddy said, "one day at a time. Are you doing better baby girl? You've been pretty stressed."

'I'm trying to get over Liv," Allison said, "but it's hard."

"It's a break up," Teddy replied, "you've never had one of those. It hurts, it sucks. I broke up with friends when I had Annie, then when I put her up for adoption. I'm so sorry baby girl. It's okay to be hurt and upset."

"I'm trying to be okay," Allison said.

"Let yourself feel it," Teddy said, "but don't let it take over. Do you want to go back to therapy?"

"Can I have one more night to wallow in self pity," Allison asked, "I want to write her a letter and tell her what I'm feeling."

"Write it but don't send it," Teddy replied, "have you talked to Annie about that?"

"She suggested it," Allison said, "that she used to write to Dan and Leslie then never press send."

"Write it," Teddy said, 'but save it to your computer."

"Later," Allison said, "we're having a family movie night."

"Good," Teddy replied, "enjoy you three."

Teddy walked upstairs and sat on the couch, "Owen keep the dog off the couch."

"He's family," Owen said.

"And his paws are muddy," Teddy replied.

"I wiped them," Owen replied, "when you took Ev down. Hows Allie?"

"Upset about Olivia," Teddy said, 'it's a break up. It's been coming for a while. Amanda and I still talk. Olivia is partying, drugs not just pot, it's out of control. Amanda and Brian and kicking Olivia out. Liv has burned her bridges with Allison. Ava is good for Allie still though."

"Ava is great," Owen said, "I told you I treated Liv a couple weeks ago. Gave her Nar Can."

"You didn't," Teddy said.

"I knew Liv was using," Owen said, "opioids. We've all lost friends. Allison is going to feel this."

"She is," Teddy said, "she asked for one more night to wallow. I asked about therapy."

"Does she want it,' Owen asked.

"She said she's okay," Teddy replied, "tonight the three of them are having movie night."

"What are we doing," Owen asked.

"Let's go out," Teddy replied, " go do something together."

"What do you want to do," Owen asked.

"Remember when we used to take the kids to the arcade," Teddy asked, "and we would watch them play?"

"You want to go play," Owen asked.

"Let's go," Teddy said, "put Charlie in his crate and go. I'll text Allie and Asher to let him out in a bit."

"You want to go play arcade games," Owen asked.

"And burgers," Teddy said.

"Let's go," Owen agreed, getting up off the couch.

Down stairs Allison put Everly in her walker, "did you show Daddy how good you're getting?"

"Daddy," Everly yelled.

"Go get daddy," Allison said, stepping back from the walker.

Everly walked slowly and deliberately to Asher.

"You're getting so strong princess," Asher smiled when she reached him, he helped Everly turn around, "go get mommy."

They played for a while with Everly crossing the basement between them.

Once Everly was in bed Asher asked, "are you sure you're okay?"

"I'm getting there," Allison said, "I'm better with you home."

"I love you," Asher said.

"I love you too," Allison said, "our movie?"

"Sure," Asher agreed.

Allison grabbed a blanket and they curled up on the couch together to watch a movie.

"Should we go to bed," Allison asked half way through the movie.

"Tired," Asher asked.

"I missed you," Allison said.

"Do you want to," Asher asked.

"I do,' Allison replied.