Leo walked up to Allison's front door surprised to see a cooler bag with his name on it outside the door. He knew his sister was getting annoyed with him for 12 weeks he has been picking up milk from her or she had been dropping it off. All through their nicu and hospital stay and in the 6 weeks they had been home. He picked up the note that read "this is the last bag of milk I can supply. It should last you a few days if you mix it with formula."

Leo was shocked, Allison hadn't mentioned anything to him. He knew she was running herself ragged with Asher away and as far as he could tell very little help. His twins had been dominating his parents time along with Theresa's demands of no outside people in the house or germs. She was also demanding that his parent limit their contact with their other children.

Leo knocked on the door.

"Are you allowed to talk to me," Allison snapped stepping outside and closing the door behind her.

Leo stared silently.

"I included the number for the milk bank," Allison continued, "they screen and pasteurize it so it should meet your wife's demands. I'm done. I can't manage coordinating this on top of doing everything for three kids with zero help. I didn't get Andy and Carly to bed until after 9 last night because they had to come with me to get Ev from the pool. I didn't get to see Andy's soccer game today because I had to drop him off run Ev to basketball then come back. I made it back just in time to see him get a goal. "

"Aren't mom and dad helping you while Asher's away," Leo asked.

"No," Allison said, "they can't because Theresa doesn't want them seeing other kids even if they change clothes and shower. Something has to give so it's this. I'm a single mom until Asher gets back and then maybe after that I don't know."

"So he left because you're in a rough patch," Leo asked.

"He went for school. He has to do this placement and it's with crews he's known since high school so it's a good placement," Allison said, "but I agreed to the 4 month go learn because he's actually getting paid for this one after him hardly working for a year. But I can't complain because he supported me through college and med school. But they want him to do a new position when he graduates and do three to four weeks out of town then a week home. I don't want a part time marriage. I don't want half a life with someone. As much as it'll hurt if he takes it we're done."

"You'd leave your husband," Leo gasped.

"I'd ask him to leave," Allison replied, "the kids and I stay here. He can stay in the guest room on his week home so we don't disrupt the kids."

"You would divorce," Leo said.

"Yes," Allison replied, "ash and I have a lot to figure out. We were teenagers. Leo I've never kisssed anyone else. I've never been hit on or flirted with."

"You have you just ignore it," Leo said.

"Leo," Allison sighed, "I have to go in Andy and Carly are just about up from naps then we're picking Ev up from doing a history project at a friends. After that we need to get Ev and Andy sneakers she's torn though another pair and his feet have grown. This is you last bag of milk from me. Carly is 10 months I'm going to start down regulating purposely so that I can wean her around 18 months. I need to stop feeding two to three babies. My last iron and thyroid level doesn't look good and my family doctor suggested weaning sooner than later. You and Theresa are going to need formula. And she's going to release her control of mom and dad."

"What," Leo asked.

"Mom and dad haven't seen my kids since yours were born," Allison yelled, "my husband is in Alaska. I was counting on some help from mom and dad to make Ash being away manageable but they're not allowed to see my kids. What the fuck is that? Who the fuck does Theresa think she is to push me and my kids out?"

"Grow up," Leo snapped, "it's always about you and your kids. Mine need some help right now and for once you can help."

"I've been providing you milk for three months," Allison roared, "I coordinated meals being delivered for you your first couple weeks home. I have been helping!"

"Not enough," Leo yelled, "suck it up Allison. You made a choice to do this on your own. You don't get to assume mom and dad will pick up the pieces for you. They've covered your ass since you got knocked up at 17. Stop being selfish. It's not my fault you don't have friends to help you out."

"It is that you've made it so family can't help," Allison screamed, "Annie is treating Lottie so she's not supposed to have social contact with any other kids. She sees Ben by the way. Auntie Megan has been here she watched Carly and Andy so I could go to an IEP review for everly."

"Then you take auntie Megan and we'll keep mom and dad," Leo suggested.

"No," Allison screamed, "you don't get to isolate me. You don't get to push us out. I talk to mom and dad but I don't get to see them. Carly won't recognize them."

"It's what it has to be until my kids are six months adjusted age," Leo said, "and have had three rounds of vaccines."

"No," Allison snapped, "that's unreasonable. They're six weeks adjusted. So your telling me I can't see mom and dad for four and a half more months. Since when are you in charge? Who made you king?"

"It's what it has to be," Leo said coolly, "get with the program or get out permanently. Your choice. Story using Megan, ellie and cat to help you. My family can't afford your germs. It's disgusting how you think your entitled to have family help you. That you think you should get help whenever you want it."

"I have to work," Allison said, "I need help driving Ev to her activities."

"Get a nanny," Leo said, "pay for Ubers or pull her out. No more calling anyone. It's time my kids were the focus. You've had enough time to sort it out on your own. Grow up."

"Get the fuck off my porch," Allison hissed, "leave now. Don't call, don't text and don't ask me for anything."

Allison turned and went back inside slamming the door behind her. She slumped on the bench by the door and put her head in her hands. Not only did she have 11 more weeks until Asher came home she had no support system. Ava was stretched thin as it was, Cienna might help here and there with emergency rides but they had 7 kids they didn't have time, Violet her other married sister in law and the one she trusted most was in her first year of law school. Asher's family wasn't a choice. Jonah and Eden had moved to Colorado a few months before and Allison missed her friend. Carmen was busy as well, she was working as a midwife in low income and marginalized communities and loving it, she now had three kids of her own and was happily married. If she couldn't even call her aunt, sister, niece or cousin who could she call? She wasn't close to Faroke and Nisha, even though Ev was close in age to their daughters she'd never bonded with them, the age gap was too much. Leo hadn't said anything about calling Josh or Uncle Nathan. But that wouldn't be honest for any of them.

In anger Allison sent a text on the large family thread, "glad to see my kids and I are replaceable. I really see what you all think of me and my family. Good luck with your perfect twins and the golden boy. Don't bother contacting me. I understand my place and my kids place is no longer part of this family. Good bye ."

Allison texted Owen and Teddy separately, "enjoy your replacement daughter. Hope she's what you really wanted instead of the fuck up you got."

She muted all of their numbers on her phone. If they tried to reach out she wouldn't even get the notification.

Asher saw the text first and called her, "Leo didn't take it well?"

"Horrible," Allison whimpered.

"What's with the text," Asher asked.

"I'm not allowed to see any of my family," Allison said, "I can't talk to them or see them until the twins are six months adjusted and have had their third set of shots."

"That's insane," Asher said, "and your parents agreed to this?"

"They haven't seen our kids in three months to protect the twins," Allison said, "the goal post keeps moving. First it was out of the NiCU, then first vaccines now third set. What next when they're one?"

"I don't know," Asher said, "have you talked to your mom?"

"No," Allison said, "I've been trying to be helpful. I don't know what else to do. I pump for them, make and send meals, arrange meal trains but because I want to see my parents and have them see our kids I'm unreasonable and entitled."

"I don't know," Asher said, "wanting to see your parents sounds reasonable to me."

"I thought so," Allison said, "I miss my mom. I need to see them."

"Then tell them," Asher said, "don't have a hissy fit in a text."

"They won't respond," Allison shrugged.

"Have you talked to your parents about it or held it in," Asher asked.

"How could I," Allison said, "Leo's family needed them. It's pathetic and entitled."

"To want to see your parents that we have a good relationship with," Asher said, "no."

"You don't," Allison said.

"Because my family was different," Asher said, "we have never had a good relationship with them. You've always had a good relationship with yours."

"I feel so alone," Allison admitted.

"I know," Asher said, "and I didn't leave our relationship in the best place."

"We have things to figure out," Allison said, "I'm not willing to be a part time couple."

"I know," Asher said, "I need to see what my offers are. Theres talk of a job in Portland. We could do that."

"With the way things are right now with my family the space would be nice," Allison agreed, "I have 18 months left on my fellowship. I could transfer to Portland or start as a paediatric ortho surgeon, not specalize as much into the CP side."

"Would you," Asher asked.

"We need to talk," Allison said, "lay out and consider all our options. Make a few excel sheets, talk to the kids and see what they think."

Teddy stormed down the basement stairs Owen on her heels.

"What the hell did you say to Allison," Teddy roared seeing Leo.

"We have boundaries around our children," Leo said, "who are sleeping so stop yelling."

"Do not tell your mother what to do in our house," Owen barked, "what ever you said to Allison must be major."

"I am holding our boundaries of no extra germs until the kids have had three rounds of vaccines," Leo said.

"Six months adjusted," Teddy gasped, "so in 4 and a half months. You really think that is fair?"

"We have to," Theresa said, "Lottie's heart."

"We've been paitent with you," Teddy said, "but we haven't seen Allie's kids in a couple months. Yours have had their first vaccines and we are going to see the and help her out while Asher is away for school."

"You can't," Theresa said, "you'll make the kids sick."

"Theresa you're expecting everyone other than you and Leo to gown, glove and wear masks," Teddy said.

"You two need help but so does Allison," Owen said, "right now you don't need child care help you need mental health care."

"I'm fine," Theresa said, "I'm just protective."

"You're not," Teddy said, "my medical licence is still active for another three months. You make the call and get help for your self because your anxiety is out of control. You're hurting yourself. You call and get your self help or I will 5150 you. I've brought this up to both of you several times since you came home."

"It's time," Owen said, "counselling and medication."

"I'm fine," Theresa said, "Allison is being too sensitive."

"She doesn't need help," Leo said, "she's been a parent a long time. We need help."

"She's asked for help driving or babysitting," Teddy replied, "because she has kids going in different directions at the same time. Allie is a very capable parent. She needs logistical support."

"She's been fine," Leo said.

"Not with you asking Megan, Annie, Ellie and Cat not to help," Owen said, "who does that leave her?"

"She can figure it out," Leo said, "our kids need to be put first."

"This anxiety is bad for all of you," Teddy said, "get help yourselves or I will 5150 Theresa. Theresa you haven't left the basement. You don't even come upstairs. You don't let me help you with the babies so you can shower. You are in a crisis."

"It's not fine," Owen said, "get help yourself or we force it. Because right now you are not being good parents. And you're being assholes to Allison and her family."

"She's entitled," Leo barked, "she thinks everyone will always help her but when does she help?"

"When does she help," Owen asked, "when does Allie help?"

"Hasn't she been pumping for you for three months," Teddy said, "making meals and organising meal trains. Planning and hosting your baby shower? Theresa she was supposed to be off yesterday but because you didn't communicate you were taking an extended leave she took your on call shift and will be doing three more at least until another locum can be found. Leo Josh is covering your ass in trauma."

"We will not be playing this game anymore," Owen said, "you two get help. We are safe to see other family and our friends. If people are sick we won't go that is a reasonable compromise. Not seeing them is not fair. We have played this game for three months."

"So you want them to get an infection and die," Theresa asked.

"No we want them to have immune systems," Teddy replied.

"We don't want germs in the house," Leo said.

"Then move out," Owen replied, "you've created a situation with your sister that may not be fixable."

"She can grow up," Leo said, "she's being a child."

"Childish is not a word I would use to describe her here," Teddy said, "she hasn't complained once about not being allowed in the house or to spend time with me. We get by chatting on the phone. She's saying her kids miss us but we get by with phone calls and zoom. She hasn't been going to Annie or Megan's for Sunday dinner because you asked them all to stay away from Allie's kids so she's been isolated. You two need to accept there are other kids around and that your children live in a community and a family or if you want to go isolate them go find your own mountain top."

"You are doing your kids harm by isolating them," Owen said, "children need connections."

A baby cried.

"We'll Let you sort her out and come back to this discussion later," Owen said.

When they got upstairs Teddy thinking Allison would have had time to calm down tried to call her but it went straight to voice mail.

"I think she blocked or muted us," Teddy turned to Owen.

"She probably thinks we don't want her or care about her," Owen said, "we could go over there."

"We could but if she's this worked up she's not going to talk to us," Teddy replied.

Megan texted Owen and Teddy, "what the hell happened?"

Teddy, "Leo has said Allie and her kids can't be around until the twins are 6 months adjusted and have had three rounds of vaccines."

Megan, "that's insane. I;m going to Allies now."

Owen, "she's either turned her phone off or muted us we go straight to voicemail. Just leave it."

In the cottage Ellie and Cat looked at eachother confused.

"Leo has been trying to isolate her," Cat said.

"It's insane to push people away and block her specifically," Ellie agreed, "especially because she's been pumping for them."

"I don't know," Cat said, "I want to help but at the same time I think we should stay out of it."

"We should at least reach out to Allie," Ellie said, "she's been amazing helping me get organised and figuring out life with Ben. I don't get it."

"He's been calling her selfish and entitled," Cat said.

"It takes one to know one," Ellie shrugged, "I've been seeing her."

"So have I," Cat said, "but not telling you."

"Same," Ellie laughed.

"I want to figure this out but I have a date," Cat said.

"Ohh," Ellie teased.

"It's Aubrey from last weekend," Cat said.

"The one you met at the bar," Ellie asked.

"Yes," Cat laughed.

"Get to know her before she sees my son," Ellie said.

"You two were supposed to be camping," Cat said.

"It was cold," Ellie complained, "Ben is too little for the cold like that. But next Friday can you babysit? I was going to ask Allie but so not the time."

"Why," Cat asked.

"I have a date," Ellie replied, "I've been single almost two years."

"Tell me," Cat said.

"Allie introduced us," Ellie said, "hes a fellow in neuro surgery. Single dad."

"Have fun," Cat said, "I have Ben."

"Thank you," Ellie smiled, "you're the best."

"What would you do with out me," Cat teased.

"Starve," Ellie laughed.