"I'm looking for Dr Altman," a girl in her late teens said.
"Which one," the woman at reception asked.
"There's two," the girl asked.
"Yes," the woman said, "dr Grace Altman-Riggs is peds cardio and Dr Teddy Altman is adult cardio."
"Are they sisters," the girl asked.
"Mother and daughter," the woman said, "I can let them know you're looking for them. What is your name?"
"Alexandra Thompson," the girl answered.
"I'll let them know," the woman said, "you can have a seat."
Alexandra took a seat in the waiting area while the woman from reception paged Teddy and Annie.
Teddy reached reception first.
"Hello," Teddy smiled, approaching the girl, "I'm Dr Altman, what's your name?"
"Alexandra Thompson," she said, "I don't think you're the Dr Altman I'm looking for."
"Probably not," Teddy agreed, "is your dad Steven Thompson?"
The girl nodded.
"Words please," Teddy prompted, "this only works if you speak to me."
"Yes," the girl whispered, "he said I could find my sister here."
"I'm not telling her you're here," Teddy replied, "she gave your dad an answer."
"We're family," Alexandra said.
"Call your dad," Teddy said, "go home."
"Please dads drinking again," Alexandra begged.
"I know how bad it could be 50 years ago when he was drinking," Teddy said, "we can help you and your siblings find somewhere safe. I can call CPS or another relative but not Grace."
"Dad said her name is Annie," Alexandra said.
"Dr Grace Altman-Riggs," Teddy replied.
"Dad told us about her last week," Alexandra said, "I didn't know. Does she have kids?"
"I'm not talking to you about her," Teddy replied, "I know how hard your dad can be. I've lived with him and had a child with him."
"He said he doesn't really know my sister," Alexandra said.
"That's by his choice and hers," Teddy answered, "I can help you but it won't be by getting your sister. Alexandra she's in her late 40s but she is still my daughter and I will protect her privacy and respect the decisions she has made. Where's your mom?"
"I don't know," Alexandra said.
"Call her and your dad," Teddy pressed.
"Your Annie's mom," Alexandra said, "your Teddy."
"I am," Teddy confirmed, "I can help you and your siblings. We have a social worker here you can talk to. I can take you and the siblings I'm sure are hiding nearby to her office."
Alexandra nodded and for her siblings. Teddy looked at the three kids and saw how much Lily and Heather looked alike. There were even some similarities in Jacob and Matt's dimples.
Annie kept checking her phone in the attendings lounge waiting for Ellie to say she was on her way home for Thanksgiving. They were doing their dinner on Saturday so that Ellie could be home.
Ellie, "heading home."
Annie, "Everything okay?"
Ellie, "my calc test didn't feel great."
Annie, "you worked hard."
Ellie, "if I fail?"
Annie, "you get a tutor."
Ellie, "work isn't happy I'm away this weekend."
Annie, "just come home.'
Ellie, "I am. See you soon."
Annie, 'text when you get across the border."
Teddy sat with the three Thompson children in the hospital cafeteria.
"Please don't call our dad," Jacob asked.
"I have to call someone," Teddy said.
"He said we have a big sister who works here," Lily said.
"I know," Teddy replied, "I will not be calling your sister."
"Why not,' Jacob whined.
"Because she already explained her decision to your dad," Teddy replied, "I can call him and speak to him. He doesn't scare me."
"He doesn't," Alexandra asked.
"No," Teddy replied, "not since we were 20."
"We can't go back there," Alexandra said.
"Okay," Teddy said, "then I call the social worker."
"Why can't we meet Annie," Lily asked.
"It's her decision," Teddy replied, "she's saying no right now."
"Will she change her mind," Alexandra asked.
"I doubt it," Teddy replied, "she weighed all her options."
"What about us," Jacob said.
"I'm going to call the social worker and I will sit with you until she comes," Teddy replied, "once I call we'll get you something to eat."
A bald older man walked into the hospital.
"Dad," Jacob gulped.
Teddy stood up, "Steven."
"Teddy," Steven growled, "they were sent to find their sister not you."
"They asked for Dr Altman," Teddy replied, "my daughter is Altman-Riggs."
"Your daughter," Steven said.
"You ignored her for 45 years," Teddy snapped, "dented she couldn't be yours. Accused me of cheating. Then when you finally got sober and your head out of your ass to attempt to build a relationship with her you don't even follow through on returning emails. So no you don't get to presume on her generosity. She told you and CPS no because it's not going to work for her kids. It would not be right for her four children. Her children are her priority. She hasn't met her half siblings and I haven't told her they're here because I know my daughter well enough to know that once she sees them she will go back on what she told you, CPS and her husband."
"You gave her up too," Steven yelled.
"Yes she was adopted at birth," Teddy replied, "and it was one of the most painful things I've ever done and one of my biggest regrets. I spent 20 years praying for her and waiting for letters from her parents. Hoping that one day, just once, I would see her smile and hear her laugh. She was 19 when she reached out to me."
"She's almost 50 now," Steven barked.
"47," Teddy replied, "and amazing."
"We should never have," Steven said.
"You should never have," Teddy replied, "that was not a we decision. You made it for me. And I was the one that had my daughter. I was the one that found a family to adopt her. I was the one that said goodbye and told her I loved her then prayed for her every day since."
"So you won't get her," Steven asked.
"No," Teddy replied, "I won't. Steven, I will always protect her. I always have from you and your games. The social worker is on her way to talk to the kids."
The social worker appeared, "chief Altman."
"Just Dr now," Teddy reminded.
"You were for so long," the social worker said.
"I'm semi retired," Teddy reminded, "if you could meet with Mr Thompson and his three children that would be appreciated. They are going to ask to see my oldest daughter and that is not an option she is not to be called. She has already been contacted in this case and has declined involvement."
"Yes ma'am," the social worker said, "thank you for letting me know. Mr Thompson, if you could wait here and your children can come with me first."
"Without me," Steven said.
"Without you," the social worker said, "Dr Altman already let me know what is happening and what she knew of the situation."
Annie walked into the cafeteria with Matt and Henry following her.
"Mom, can we have a snack," Matt asked.
"Later," Annie said, "in my office."
"But you were coming for coffee," Henry argued.
"And we're going to turn around," Annie said, "it's not a good time."
"But grandma," Matt pointed.
"We are turning around, I'll catch up with her later," Annie replied.
Teddy spotted Annie and pointed out of the cafeteria.
"Mom who is that man talking to grandma," Henry asked.
"My biological father," Annie replied, "you are not to speak to him. I won't unless dad is here."
"But there's kids," Henry said, "our age."
"I know," Annie replied, "my little siblings. I've never met them. We're going back to my office and waiting for your grandpa. Now!"
Annie lead her boys up to her office, they had been volunteering that morning in peds while Josh had taken Heather to the aquarium for some one on one time. They both spent one on one time with each child every week, often a walk, or a bike ride or for ice cream but once a month each kid got to pick a parent and a special outing. Heather had chosen to go to the aquarium with Josh and had already asked Annie to take her to see the Nutcracker in December. Tomorrow Annie would taking Henry to the flight museum.
"Why are we waiting for grandpa," Henry asked.
'Because I need to send him to grandma," Annie replied.
'Who is that," Lily asked.
"That's your sister," Steven guessed, "and a couple patients."
"Her sons," Teddy replied.
"She has kids," Lily asked.
"Four," Teddy replied, "she's from a big family."
"You have other kids," Steven asked.
"Two," Teddy replied, "in their 20s."
Annie sat in her office and glared out the window.
"Mom," Matt asked, "are you okay?"
"Stunned," Annie replied, 'surprised, shocked, miffed."
"Are you a dictionary," Henry asked.
"Just give me a minute boys," Annie said, "I'm okay."
"Mom," Matt asked.
"Stay here," Annie said standing up.
"Mom," Matt repeated.
"I'm just going to go see grandma she's in her office," Annie replied.
"Can we have snacks,' Henry asked.
"Help yourselves to the snack drawer," Annie replied.
Annie met Teddy outside her office, "he brought them here?"
"He did," Teddy replied, "he's drunk. You already told CPS you're not an option and I checked with Carly it's in the file. She won't be contacting you. The kids do want to meet you."
"No," Annie said, "I can't. It's not fair to my kids. He denied my existence for 45 years. I can't. It's not healthy for me, my kids or my marriage. That's going backwards for me personally."
"You don't have to build a relationship or give your contact info but I think you should say hello," Teddy said, "I can come with you."
"Not without Josh," Annie replied.
"Where is he," Teddy asked.
"Aquarium with Heather," Annie answered.
"Outing day," Teddy asked.
"Yes," Annie replied, "tomorrow Henry and I go to the plane museum."
"And Ellie," Teddy asked.
"Sunday morning we're hiking before she goes back to school," Annie replied, "Mama don't distract me, I am not meeting those kids today. I can't."
Teddy could see down the hall behind Annie, "too late."
"No," Annie replied.
"They're coming with Carly," Teddy answered.
"I said no," Annie insisted.
"Drs Altman," Carly said, "we need your assistance."
"With," Annie asked.
"Peds has identified a possible cardiac condition in the girls,' Carly said.
"Page McKid," Annie answered, 'I can't be involved. They are biologically my half siblings."
"You're," Alexandra said.
"Annie," Annie replied, "yes. You must be Alexandra, Lily and Jacob."
"We're not going with you," Jacob asked.
"I'm sorry Jacob it's not going to work with my family," Annie apologised, "I have four kids about your ages. I think my oldest is actually older then Alexandra."
"Can you help us," Alexandra asked.
"Another cardio surgeon will be called," Annie replied, "legally I can't."
"Can we get to know you," Alexandra asked.
"Your dad has my email," Annie replied.
"Your dad not our," Lily asked.
"I'm not getting into it," Annie said, "I don't know him, he doesn't know me. You can email me and we can get to know each other that way. I was just on my way home. I have to get my boys to hockey."
"We'll email," Alexandra agreed.
"I'll watch for it," Annie replied, "it was good to meet you."
"Carly take the kids to the peds building please," Teddy commanded before following Annie down the hall.
"I do not appreciate being ambushed," Annie ranted, "I said no. I told you no. I told Steven no and I told CPS no."
"I will speak to Carly," Teddy replied.
"I will be emailing her supervisor," Annie replied, "I said no contact. That is not okay. I said no."
"I know you did," Teddy replied, "I told Steven that and CPS today. I told the kids that. You should not have been ambushed like that."
"But I saw their faces," Annie replied.
"You did," Teddy replied, "and you control what they know about you and your kids. You do not have to have a relationship with them."
"Am I punishing them for his errors," Annie asked.
"No," Teddy said, "you are protecting your health and your children's well being. You don't need to get tangled up in his toxic cycles. I got us out of that. I got us away from that. Don't let it back into our lives."
"Thats why I said no," Annie replied, "I can't be involved it's not fair to any of us."
"Then you're not," Teddy assured, "you don't have to be. Annie, you owe them nothing. You owe him nothing."
Allison stood in Asher's parents living room making forced small talk about pregnancy with Sierra.
"How did you survive it," Sierra asked.
"My mom and older sister helped a lot," Allison said, "leaning on Ash. I had a couple friends that were really nice about it. I took a family studies class the second half and talked to a lot of other girls my age or a year younger that were having babies that spring."
"Medical care," Sierra asked.
"Carina Deluca at Grey Sloan," Allison replied, "your seeing someone?"
"The free clinic at County," Sierra replied, "how did you and Asher afford a fancy hospital like Grey Sloan?"
"My mom was chief of surgery there for 14 or 15 years, my dad is the head of trauma and my mom now runs the research program," Allison said.
"But," Sierra said.
"I was on my parents insurance until I turned 21," Allison replied, "I could still be on it but with Ash and I being engaged it was time to switch to his."
"He has insurance," Sierra gasped, "how?"
"The electrical union," Allison answered, "all three of us are on it then we have Ev in a study with the Fox foundation."
"Clothes," Sierra asked.
"Be comfortable ," Allison said, "it was hard to find things that didn't suit my sisters age group better but that's what it is."
"Do you have anything," Sierra asked.
"I donated it to the program through the school district," Allison said, "and I borrowed some things from Annie."
"Annie," Sierra asked.
"My big sister," Allison said, "she has four kids. She's the best person to talk to about it. You know her oldest Ellie Altman-Riggs."
"I thought you were cousins," Sierra said.
"No," Allison said, "Ellie is my niece. Her mom is my half sister. Annie is 25 years older than me. And her daughter is 4 years younger."
Nancy walked over, "Allison can I borrow you?"
"What happened to Ev," Allison panicked.
"Other than using her crutches to poke Renee and Eden nothing," Nancy laughed.
"She knows better," Allison groaned.
"It was funny," Nancy said, "and honestly Renee deserved every thing she got. Asher has Everly now. But I need you sweetheart."
"I'll help Nancy," Sierra offered.
"You rest," Nancy said, "I need Allison's brain for this."
Allison followed Nancy.
"Math," Allison guessed.
"No," Nancy said, "just getting you away from that girl. Rubbing it in your face like that."
"Rubbing what in my face," Allison asked.
"Her pregnancy," Nancy said, "Michelle mentioned you guys want another baby."
"Nancy we're not ready for another right now," Allison said, "we're not trying for a second baby. I know Ev is three but we're not going to look at it until after medical school. I'll be 26 when I finish that."
"I didn't think you were with you still being in school," Nancy said, "but flaunting it for the attention like that."
"I'm a bit jealous because we were completely ignored," Allison said, "but she has no one in her corner. Yes it would have been nice if you had been around but I had my family and a lot of family friends. I had people in my corner. I don't think you've met my mom or my sister yet but they're great."
"Your sister," Nancy asked.
"Annie is 25 years older," Allison said, "mom was 21 when she had Annie."
"And your family," Nancy asked.
"Shocked but supportive," Allison said, "I've never questioned their love and support. Everly and my dad are the cutest pair. My dad is really good with her. I'm worried about Sierra. She has no reliable care."
"Not just that," Nancy said, "she doesn't work and he's only at target. He didn't get into his apprenticeship."
"We have lots of girl clothes and baby toys we can pass down," Allison said, "my cousin Faroke and his wife have a daughter 20 months younger than Ev and they might pass things down. I wonder if Nisha will take Sierra on pro Bono."
"What do you mean," Nancy asked.
"Nisha is an OBGYN fellow in high risk pregnancies," Allison answered, "her and Faroke met in med school."
"I wouldn't get involved here," Nancy suggested, "just be her friend. You start introducing her to doctors and such she'll expect it especially when you become one."
"It's how I can help," Allison replied, "I don't fully understand what she's going through. I was really sick the first four months. I actually lost weight at first until they put me on medication. I was getting IV fluids a couple times a week to stop me from dehydrating. I think there was one week I had fluids over night every night."
"You were in the hospital a lot then," Nancy guessed.
"No," Allison replied, "my parents are both surgeons so we did it at home and my big sister came if they worked overnight and I needed the fluids put in. Annie is a surgeon as well. I was border line having HG my sisters had it with two of her four mom said she was really sick with Annie."
"Did you get it figured out," Nancy asked.
"They watched me closely," Allison said, "there's medication that stops the nausea and IV fluids to replace what I was losing. And there were complications when Ev was born."
"There were," Nancy asked.
"The cord was on her neck," Allison said, "she took nearly two minutes to breathe. Then Sierra is talking about a home birth and all I can think of is that if we didn't have the medical team we did Ev might not have taken her first breath at all."
"Share that with her," Nancy said, "let her know your story."
"They think it's because we're not married," Allison replied, "it's a punishment from god."
"I don't know where my son gets it but god does not punish innocent babies because the parents didn't plan for them and weren't married yet. If that was the case there would be a lot more disabled children," Nancy stated.
"Mark," Allison started.
"My son got some very mixed up fundamentalist ideas," Nancy said, "I'm glad you got Asher away from
It. You two have done the right thing and are easing a beautiful daughter. Your relationship is a partnership. I see it when you come visit us. You and Asher are partners."
"I have to learn to keep my opinions to myself here," Allison said.
"No," Nancy said, "and don't let Michelle and Mark pressure you into another baby before you're ready. You're taking the time to focus on Everly and she's doing great. But I did have a question for you."
"Sure," Allison replied.
"Red or white," Nancy asked.
"I have a cider for dinner," Allison said, "thank you though."
"Have a glass with us," Nancy said, "you're 21. And it will get my daughter in law off your back."
"I guess two wouldn't hurt Ash is driving," Allison said, "I never drive if I've had even one."
'It's over a few hours," Nancy assured, "your family?"
"My mom, aunt and sister like wine," Allison said, "but my cousins are younger for the most part so I don't because Ellie and Cat get jealous."
"Understandable," Nancy said, "do you want one I don't want to pressure you."
"I would," Allison said, "but Michelle?"
"You're 21," Nancy said, "what would you do if it was your mom?"
"I'd have one," Allison said.
Nancy led Allison to the kitchen and poured two glasses of wine.
"Allison should you be," Michelle asked.
"I'm 21," Allison replied, 'and it's a glass."
"But if you," Michelle started.
"No," Allison said, "not until after the wedding and medical school. We're not ready yet, our place isn't big enough."
"But Everly needs siblings," Michelle said.
"One day," Allison shrugged, "my sister and I are 25 years apart. Closer than Annie and I would be good but I'm not going to rush it."
"Michelle let the young ones be," Nancy scolded, "Allison and Asher know their own minds and what is best for their daughter."
"Mommy," Everly called from the living room, "auntie Renee is squishing me."
"Renee leave her alone," Allison warned walking to where Everly was.
"She won't hug me," Renee said.
"She doesn't have to," Allison replied, "she doesn't have to hug us. She needs to give consent it's her body. Let go of her. She is saying no and you are not listening. That's unacceptable."
"But we're family she has to," Renee said.
"No," Allison replied, "she will ask you or say yes."
"So you never touch her with out asking," Renee asked.
"Health and safety," Allison said, "baths, physio, braces on, helping in the bathroom."
"If she says no to physio," Doug, Asher's grandpa asked.
"She can choose now or in 10 minutes," Allison said, "if she chooses later we set a time and do it then. She can choose to brush her teeth before or after her story."
"That's fair," Doug said.
"How do you do it," Sierra asked.
"Just spending time with her," Allison said.
"Thats it," Sierra said.
"Talk to your mom and grandma," Allison said.
"My mom doesn't know yet," Sierra said.
"Tell her," Allison said, "the best thing I did was talk to my mom and sister."
"She's not happy about Mitch and I," Sierra said, "she's not really talking to me."
"My mom and I had been fighting a lot before I found out but once I told her all was forgiven and she just hugged me and helped," Allison said, "but I have to get Ev away from Renee who is not respecting her boundaries."
"She's three," Renee argued.
"Oww," Everly whined as Renee squeezed her tighter.
"Put her down now," Allison commanded.
"She's three she doesn't know," Renee argued.
"It's her body," Allison said, "she decided when she wants to be touched."
"She's not even normal how can she decide," Renee said, "she'll never be normal so let her learn to accept it now. She won't walk on her own; she has to get used to people touching and moving her. Her legs are broken."
Hearing that Allison looked at Everly, "I'm going to pick you up and daddy will meet us in the car with your crutches."
"What," Sierra said.
"Renee put Everly down," Allison said, "we can't stay. We'll see you soon."
Allison lifted Everly up and Asher grabbed her crutches. Together they walked to the car and were followed by Nancy and Doug.
"Are you really going to leave," Doug asked.
"We are," Asher said, "we've spoken to Renee many times over the last three years. It's not okay. Renee was being physical with Everly and insulting her."
"We know," Nancy said, "Asher don't let your sister's rude words run you out of our family. That is on her, not on you."
"Grandma I won't let her put my daughter down," Asher said, "I won't stand by and let Renee abuse my daughter. What she was doing was abuse."
"Tell her and keep Everly away from Renee," Doug said, "I'll speak to her."
Mark joined them in the drive way, "Asher please don't go. Renee is in her room for the night. We told her to respect your parenting and she didn't."
"It's not just today," Asher said, "and it's Mitch rubbing in about them being married and planning their baby. Mitch has made me feel guilty for three years now."
"They didn't plan it," Mark said, "Mitch told me. They were going to wait until he got part way through an apprenticeship and she got a job. She's not working yet."
"He works part time and she's refusing to work," Michelle said.
"We worked," Allison said, "Ash was already scheduled to start his apprenticeship. I got a job right away, I had been looking before but it sped up my search."
"Did you take time off," Nancy asked.
"I was off from the end of May until October or November but I went back to school in September with four courses and then I added working back in as I was ready," Allison said, "I still work two shifts a week. I'd like to do more but it's balancing time as a family and we need that."
"We don't need you to," Asher said, "I'm away for February again."
"I hate doing that," Allison groaned.
"Three months in one," he said, "med school. If I can you won't have to work in med school."
"I still will," Allison replied, "it's my pride. I don't want to not contribute."
"But when you become a doctor the dynamic will flip for salary," Doug tried, "please you two come back in."
"We can't," Asher said, "I'm sorry grandpa but that boundary is firm. Renee was mistreating Everly. We might compromise if it was Allison or I but that's not teaching Everly body autonomy."
"She took my picture," Everly tattled.
"Did she ask," Allison questioned.
"No," Everly said, "she was squishing me and took a picture."
"No," Asher replied, "that's another boundary we set. We're leaving."
"Asher please," Mark tried.
"Dad no," Asher replied, "I will protect my daughter and my fiance."
"Ev can I lift you into the truck," Allison asked.
"Daddy," Everly replied.
"Okay," Allison agreed, "we can wait for daddy."
Asher turned away from his parents and grandparents to lift Everly into the truck and buckled her in.
"You're serious," Mark said.
"It's not the first time," Asher said, "I hope it's the last."
They got in the truck and drove home surprising Owen in the driveway.
"I thought you were at your parents Asher," Owen said.
"Renee wasn't respecting Everly so we left," Allison said, "she put her down again."
"The two of us were going to order chinese mom is working," Owen said, "do you three want to eat with us or do your own thing?"
"Can we have space and come up and hang out later," Allison asked, "I do want to see you Leo."
"So do I," Asher agreed.
"And I need to see our princess," Leo agreed, "can I get her out?"
"She's in a mood," Allison said, "Renee was squishing her and moving her around then took her crutches."
"It's good you came home," Owen agreed, "Everly can't be treated like that."
"Ev said no and Renee didn't listen," Allison said.
"Then you bring her home," Owen said, "she can hang out with us if you want to go back."
"No we're home," Asher said, "I've told them and told them."
An old blue car pulled in to the driveway.
"Grandma," Asher gasped as Nancy got out.
"Can we take the three of you for dinner," Nancy offered, "just the five of us. Everly will have her voice."
Asher looked to Allison who nodded.
"We could," Asher agreed, "but Ev needs some time to calm down at home. Why don't you come in and Allie and I will order take out. Is that okay?"
"That sounds good," Doug agreed.
"We haven't met," Owen said, "I'm Owen Hunt Allie's dad."
"Doug Blouin," Doug introduced, "Asher's grandpa and my wife Nancy."
"Teddy is at work," Owen said, "she's doing an emergency bypass so will be home around 10."
"On thanksgiving," Nancy asked.
"Heart attacks don't stop for holidays," Owen said, "I worked until 3 and had two turkey deep fryer accidents and several amputated fingers from carving knives."
"You get used to it," Asher said, "they're both surgeons, Allie's sister and her husband are surgeons and Allie will be one so it's life now."
"No," Everly shrieked seeing Nancy as Allison lifted her out of the truck.
"We'll go inside and daddy can talk to them," Allison assured, "can I carry you?"
"No, no, no," Everly shrieked again.
"Princess can I take you inside," Owen offered, "we can go find Charlie."
"No," Everly shrieked.
"We are going inside," Allison repeated, "you can walk or I can carry you."
"Mommy," Everly screamed.
"Okay I'll carry you," Allison agreed as she carried the screaming child inside.
"How can I help," Nancy asked.
"This is normal after we leave that house," Asher replied.
"Really," Nancy asked.
"Really," Asher replied, "it'll take about an hour."
"If we went and picked something up to eat what does she like," Doug asked.
"Popsicles," Leo laughed.
"For dinner," Doug said.
"Right now nothing green but will eat anything else," Asher replied.
"I know it's not thanksgiving but if we got thai," Nancy asked.
"Allison has a sesame allergy," Asher said, "we only go to one place and pre order a while ahead to make sure she doesn't get sick."
"Pizza," Doug suggested.
"Pizza would work," Asher agreed.
"We'll go get it and let you two get your daughter calm," Nancy said, "Asher I'm sorry about your dad and how he treats all of you."
Asher nodded before turning away.
"They're hurt by it all," Owen said trying to protect Allison, Asher and Everly.
"I know," Nancy replied, "she's such a nice girl two. I know the two of them work hard and when they come visit just the three of them it goes well."
"Mark isn't willing to see past one decision," Owen said, "we were all surprised but they are our children and we love them. Punishing them would only hurt Allison more. They need love and support."
"They do," Doug agreed, "we didn't know about Everly until after she was born. They told the family he was in some program and had no outside contact until he completed it."
"They were in a welcome to adulthood boot camp," Owen said, "but right here, in our house, with my wife and I. You will lose him. We saw Annie do this with her dad's family when she wasn't safe or respected with them she didn't talk to them for 8 years. We wondered why no one from his side reached out when Allison was pregnant or came to the shower or asked to meet Everly."
"We didn't know," Nancy said, "they didn't tell anyone they acted like he was in a residential treatment program or jail. If we had known, if I had known we would have been here and at the shower. And now I feel so bad for Allison having to watch them all over supporting Sierra and loving her when she was rejected and hidden. Just because they were dating not married doesn't make the love any less."
"They weren't dating," Owen said, "they were really good friends but so were my wife and I then Allison happened and Teddy and I finally got the timing right after 15 or 20 years."
"Your oldest," Nancy said.
"Leo our son is adopted," Owen replied, "our oldest is technically my step daughter but I hate that term. Annie is Teddy's from another relationship when she was in college. But I learned about Annie when she was about 14 and Teddy and I were deployed. Annie was with her dad and they wrote all the time but I didn't get to meet Annie until she was 19. Then she was instantly family even though Teddy and I were just friends at the time and married to other people."
"So when Allison," Nancy said.
"Our shock was that she was 17," Owen said, "they were so young. They still are. We sometimes forget they're only 21. When I think of Annie at 21 she was in med school but she was not nearly as strong or feisty as Allison is. And Asher is that pillar for her. Allie is like her mom, she will give everything she has and protect the people she loves at all costs. Allison will go down protecting Everly and Asher and he will do the same to protect his family. They will care for eachother and make sure Everly is protected."
"They have to,' Doug said, "I will speak to Mark and Michelle again."
"We learned with Dan and his wife the more we interfered in trying to get them to see Annie for who she was the harder we made it for all of them," Owen said, "I could call and beg them to see her or talk to her and she might get a half hearted email or text and that for her was worse then no contact. Dan came around when Ellie, Annie's oldest daughter was born, he divorced Leslie because he was tired of being separated from his kids. Allie and Leo know Dan as Uncle Dan like Annie calls me Uncle Owen. It's Dan that taught my kids to fish and drive a boat and ride ATVs, to wake surf and water ski. Dan took Leo hunting when he wanted to learn and go. He's part of our family because it's in the best interest of all of the kids. Dan and I were never on opposite sides, we wanted the same thing, for Annie to be happy and loved, we approached it differently but the goal was the same. Mark and Michelle need to get on board here. The goal is for the three of them to be happy, loved and independent. That is what Teddy and I will continue to guide them towards. We need to all be on the same side. This isn't a battle which is what they've treated it as for years. We are not fighting for control. My wife and I have been there with one daughter and people pulling her and her family in two directions. We will love and support and back them even when we don't agree."
"You made it work," Doug asked.
"We did," Owen said, 'and Dan is a buddy now. I like fishing with Dan or grabbing a beer. We share a daughter and grandkids."
"You have other grandchildren," Nancy said.
"Annie and Josh have 4 kids," Owen replied, "all older then Everly. 2 of each."
In the basement Everly dumped out bins of toys and stomped her feet smacking her crutches against the couch.
"Everly I know you're angry," Allison said, "you can't hit."
"No," Everly screamed, 'no mommy no."
"No hitting," Allison repeated, 'you can hit the couch but not me."
"What happened," Asher asked.
I don't know she's never had a tantrum like this.
"No," Everly yelled when Asher got close, he retreated to the other side of the room. They picked up the few things she could hurt herself on and stood back and watched knowing they had to let her get some of the aggression out.
"Everly can you look at mommy please," Allison asked crouching in front of her.
Everly turned.
"Princess should we have a bath and calm down," Allison offered, "do you want water or a bath?"
"Bath," Everly chose.
"I'm going to carry you so we're there faster," Allison said.
Allison carried Everly to the bathroom and helped her remove her braces and clothes then she saw it, hand prints on Everly's ribs.
"Asher," Allison screamed, "come see this!"
"Fuck," Asher shouted the instant he saw the marks, "I'll kill them. I'm going to kill them."
"Everly how did that happen," Allison asked.
"Auntie Renee squished me," Everly said.
"What else happened," Allison asked.
"She hit me," Everly answered.
"Ash get my dad, and we're going to Grey Sloan," Allison replied.
Asher ran up and got Owen. Owen did a quick exam, "her pupils are unequal. Has she hit her head?"
"We didn't see it," Allison said.
"I didn't see it," Asher agreed.
"This is bad," Owen said, "the bruises?"
"My sister we think," Asher said, "thats why we called you."
"What do we do," Allison asked.
"I'd take her for a full exam," Owen said, "Er."
"Now," Allison said, "Renee did it I'm sure."
"Okay you two have to report it," Owen said, "now and document. Take pictures."
"Ev we're going to see Grandma at the hospital," Allison said.
"No police," Owen replied.
"Dad, there's another bruise on her back, with her shunt," Allison replied.
"I'll come with you," Owen said.
They rushed to the hospital where the police were immediately notified, in all of the chaos Everly continued to sob and clung to Allison refusing to be pulled away from her mother.
"I want Renee investigated," Asher roared, "I want her charged."
Mark and Michelle tried to force their way in.
"Get out," Asher screamed, 'get out. You let Renee hurt my daughter get out now. Go."
"She admitted to hitting and kicking Everly," Michelle said.
"I want her charged," Asher roared, "I want a restraining order. She will never get within 500 feet of Everly again. Do you hear me 500 feet!"
"Family," Mark said.
"No," Owen defended them, "you don't get to pull that card. Family doesn't do that. Family doesn't hurt children and stand by when children are abused. Leave before I call security. You are not welcome here."
"Asher told us," Michelle said.
"Get out," Asher screamed, "go."
"We're going to stay," Mark said, "make sure he's okay."
Asher wound up to hit Mark.
"Asher," Owen said, grabbing the young man and pulling him back, "that's not going to help anything. It's going to make it worse. Mark, get out! Leave now!"
"She's our granddaughter," Mark yelled.
"She's my daughter," Asher snapped lurching forward, "get out. Get out now."
A resident came in, "we need to take Everly to CT."
"We're coming with you," Allison said, "dad please?"
"I'm coming," Owen said.
They went up to CT and Allison struggled to get Everly transferred to the table. Once she was strapped down they gave Allison a led apron and she held Everly's foot while they did the head CT.
Owen watched as the scans came up.
"The shunt looks good," the on-call neuro surgeon said, "concussion?"
"Likely there's no bleeding," the neuro surgeon replied.
"I want it all documented," Owen said, "my daughter and her fiance are in shock. I'm advocating for them."
"Of course," the neuro surgeon agreed, "do you know how it happened?"
"Asher's sister," Owen said.
"I'll inform CPS," the neuro surgeon said, "and the police."
"They have been," Owen said.
Allison and Asher went into a room with Everly who was still sobbing. Allison sat on the bed and Everly crawled into her mom's lap.
Teddy had been paged out of surgery and joined them as soon as another cardio surgeon took over for her.
"Mommy," Allison whispered.
"Monday we will call and get an appointment for you to see a lawyer," Teddy replied, "and you will get a restraining order in place against Renee."
"My parents," Asher said.
"If you do there could be no coming back from that," Teddy said.
"They won't deal with Renee," Asher said, "I can't have them around."
"Let's focus on Renee," Owen said, "your parents did seem genuinely concerned."
"I can't," Asher said.
"Lets not make decisions tonight," Teddy suggested.
"Have you ever," Allison asked.
"Yes," Teddy replied, "when Jessica stabbed Annie. I sewed up Annie's back. In her bedroom."
"Renee can't be around Everly and should never be alone with children," Owen said.
Asher's grandparent's texted concerned and he let them know that Everly had a concussion and was likely traumatised but would be okay once she got some help. They let him know that they were dealing with Renee and Asher's parents.
Everly cried herself to sleep in Allison's arms with Asher sitting beside them trying to hold both of them. Allison put her head on Asher's shoulder and began to cry.
"Please stay with us," Asher said looking at Owen and Teddy with tears in his eyes.
Back at the house Leo went down stairs and tidied up the mess from Everly dumping out all of her toys and the spilled juice and washed the floor where the juice had made it sticky. He was worried about his favourite niece but didn't know how else to help than cleaning up. He looked around the basement suite and saw the preschool art on the fridge and the picture books stacked on the end table and window sill. He wanted to call Charlotte but she was with her family tonight catching up like he was supposed to. He knew that Owen wouldn't have run with Everly if it hadn't been an emergency.
Leo grabbed his phone and called Owen, "dad what's happening?"
"Ev has a concussion," Owen said, "she's had a fall. The shunt is good. She's in for observation tonight. Call Charlotte if you don't want to be alone. Mom and I need to stay with them tonight."
"Will Everly be okay," Leo asked, "can I come?"
"No," Owen said, 'the best thing you can do to help is to clean up the mess in the basement."
"Already done," Leo said, "is she eating? Is Allie?"
"You could check they have groceries then use the credit card if they don't," Owen said, "but they've been pretty good. Your sister , her fiance and their daughter are really anxious and triggered. Leo this is serious, the police are involved because of how the injury happened."
"Who," Leo asked.
"Renee Blouin," Owen replied, "the Blouins are not to be on our property if you see them call the police."
"Dad will she be okay," Leo asked.
"Yes," Owen said, "I'm honestly more worried about Allie and Ash."
Ava burst into the room being on over night in practicum placement, "Allie?"
"She's going to be okay," Allison whimpered.
'You," Ava said.
"Not tonight," Allison whispered, "not tonight."
"Okay," Ava replied respecting her best friend's decision, "I'm here if you want me or need me. I love you and I love Everly."
"I know," Allison said.
"Can I get you anything," Ava asked, "you don't have to talk to me or to anyone do you want tea or water?"
Allison nodded.
"Tea or water," Ava asked.
"Water please," Allison whispered.
Ava slipped out and grabbed bottles of water.
Teddy met her in the hall, "you are going to be a gifted nurse Ava. I've been watching, you don't just see the patient you see the family and care for them all and not just Allie's family. Ava you are going to be great."
"Thank you," Ava smiled, 'but will they be okay?"
"With lots of love," Teddy agreed, "just love them."
"I always will," Ava promised.
"Thank you," Teddy said, "I know it's not always easy."
"She's Allie," Ava said, "and Everly and Asher is a really good friend. They take care of me too."
"You need each other," Teddy agreed, "thank you for loving them as they are."
Teddy walked towards the washroom and Ava put the water bottles on the table in the room not wanting to disturb Allison and Asher further as they held the currently sleeping Everly.