CH. 1: More Important Things
mention of a past spanking
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January was a time to reflect on the past year. A time to think of mistakes made, ways to change, things of the past and a time to think of the future. She had made
plenty of mistakes over the year. Technically she didn't meet Danny until March, and she didn't go live with him until almost April. As said before, it was the month of
January, and Andy had been a Reagan for nearly ten months. A lot of changes had taken place over the last ten months, especially for Andy and Danny. Andy was just
getting used to her life with her adopted family when her biological mother showed up. She found out that Danny was her real father, and now she was going to be
another big sister. She really loved her family, they having accepted her before they even knew the truth about her and Danny. Linda truly cared for and treated her
the same way she treated her own sons. She and her brother Jack got along fairly well, at least usually without too many fights or altercations. In fact, he usually did
his best to try and keep her out of trouble, granted it usually didn't work very well, but hey at least he tried. Her youngest brother Sean on the other hand was
another story, he usually spent his time trying to get her into trouble. Then again it wasn't like it was a very difficult job, and its not like she didn't do the same to
him. As for Danny, she didn't really know what to say about him, aside from she didn't know what she would do without him. There were no words to describe the
feelings she felt when Danny told her that he was her father. She was so excited, yet all she could do was cry and hold onto him for several hours. She remembered
that night as if it was yesterday, as they sat in one of the corners of her dark room. His arms wrapped tightly around her. They talked some, they cried some, and
they even just sat in silence for a while, just enjoying being with one another. She woke up in that exact same position the following morning. On the floor, and still
laying atop of him. She didn't really think about it until later, but she knew he had to have had a rather uncomfortable night of sleep, that's if he slept at all. She
noted he looked tired that week. But she couldn't tell if that was from stress, lack of sleep or the fact that he was still trying to get used to the fact that she was his
daughter. Part of her was afraid that he would not want her anymore, afraid that she would be a constant reminder of his past, a time he wished he could change.
Andy didn't want to voice these concerns, but as usual he knew when something was bothering her. He told her the only thing he regretted was not being able to be
with her since the day she was born but that he wouldn't regret any time he got to spend with her, regardless of the situations surrounding her birth. He couldn't
really say it aloud, at least not to her, that he felt like it was his fault, her having to grow up in foster care and with an absent father, that she thought didn't care
about her for so long. His wife and father knew how he felt, and as far as he was concerned, he wasn't interested in anyone else knowing how helpless he really felt,
not being able to do anything about her past. He remembered his father telling him that Andy was in his life for a reason at that moment and that's what was
important. Reminding him that she was running the streets at ten, and that was something no child should do at any age, especially a little girl. He also saying that
due to the age she was, it was a very pivotal time in her life, and that was when she needed her father the most. Along with his love and guidance. You can't do
anything about her past, but you can do something about her future. The last words always seemed to echo in his mind the most.
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School was back in session, and for that Linda was grateful. Not only would it help keep the kids occupied and hopefully out of trouble, but she could also get back to
work. She knew that eventually she wouldn't be able to work, being she was pregnant, so she wanted to work as much as she could before then. "So how was
everyone's first day back to school after having two weeks off?" Linda asked as she drove home after picking them up. "It was good," Jack answered. "I kind of missed
my friends." "How about you Sean?" "The break wasn't long enough," was Sean's only reply. "And you Andy?" Linda asked the only one of her children who had yet to
reply. "I got detention," Andy mumbled. "What! Again Andrea! Another great way to start out your first day back to school at the beginning of the new year," Linda
was upset. "I want you to go straight up to your room and do your homework until your Dad gets home and we can discuss your punishment. Don't you even want to
know why I got to detention, before you send me to Judge Reagan." Linda sighed, "Why?" "Not paying attention in class and for disrespect, but it's mostly for
disrespect I think. So, in all reality. It really wasn't all that bad," Andy hoped this would help her not be in so much trouble. "Andy, you know showing disrespect to
anyone in authority is unacceptable," Linda repeated the same thing Andy figured she had heard at least a thousand times since the adoption. "But I don't want to get
in trouble," Andy whined. "That's not negotiable. You know you always get in trouble at home when you get in trouble at school," Linda knew she had not only been
living with them long enough, but she had also been in enough trouble. "I know, but I'm still grounded from the stupid sled, and I'm still having trouble sitting after
the New Year's celebration," Andy tried appearing to her sense of mercy. "I don't know what your punishment is going to be yet, your father and I will discuss it when
he gets home from work. In the meantime, you will be staying in your room," Linda's voice was firm. "Yes Mam," Andy's voice was sullen, as she starred out the
window, she could only imagine what her Dad was going to say when he found out. Sometimes he was relatively lenient with the detention thing, considering he
apparently got detention a lot when he was a kid. Yet, there were other times when he was pretty upset, then again she guessed it depended on the offense.
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"Andy," Danny knocked on the door of her bedroom before opening it. "What's the point of even knocking, if you're not even going to wait for a reply," Andy glanced
up at him annoyed, from where she sat at her desk. "Hey," Danny looked at her serious. "Drop the attitude now." "Sorry," Andy mumbled. "Your punishment wasn't
going to be all that extensive," Danny enlightened her, "but giving me attitude will only make it worse." "I'm sorry," Andy tried a much more genuine apology. "It's
just been one of those days I guess." "We all have those days," Danny patted her back, in understanding. "So, I know what happened. But can you tell me why it
happened?" Danny took a seat on the edge of her bed across from her. "I found out I have my first basketball game this Friday at basketball practice. And I guess I
was nervous, because my mind wasn't on my classes. Apparently, my teacher had called on me several times, and when I came out of my daydream, I guess I was a
little disrespectful," Andy knew that was going to be the pat he wasn't going to like. "You guess you were disrespectful. Either you were or you weren't Andy, there is
no guessing. Now which it it?" "I was," Andy sighed. "My mouth ran away from me again." "What do you suggest we do, that will help keep that from happening?"
Danny was hoping to really get through to her this time. "You're asking me what my punishment should be?" Andy didn't understand what he was saying to her. "I
am," Danny nodded. "I think I should be grounded the rest of the week," Andy was trying to go with something not too strict, but something she could live with.
"You're still grounded from the sled incident," Danny reminded her. "Can't blame a kid from trying," Andy shrugged. "Got any more idea's?" "Give me time," Andy
sighed. "This isn't easy you know." "Maybe I should make you do this more often," Danny hid a smile. "No reason to be cruel Dad," Andy just looked at him. "I'm the
furthest from cruel," again Danny was doing his best to keep from laughing, knowing this was a time for punishment, and he needed to try and remain as serious as
possible. Although she seemed to be wanting to make it more and more difficult for him, and he was certain she wasn't trying to, she was just being her natural self.
Danny stood and walked over to her desk. After closing her laptop, Danny picked it up. "You don't seem to be able to come up with anything, so maybe a week of
property removal will help remind you to be respectful." "But Dad I need that," Andy tried to take it from him. "Are you really trying to be defiant now?" Any and all
leniency Danny was feeling was quickly fading away. "No Sir," Andy caught on to his tone, sensing this was the tone he usually used just before he started swatting
her behind. "I just really need it for some online homework one of my teachers assigned." "What class?" Danny wanted to make sure she wasn't just trying to get
away with keeping her computer for Internet or music purposes. "Math," Andy spit out, knowing that if she was going to get him to believe her, it was best for her to
answer quickly. Danny looked at her straight for several seconds, trying to determine if she was being completely honest with him. "I can show you the assignment,"
Andy pulled the paper with the assignment on it from her binder before handing it to him. "You can do your homework," Danny handed her the computer. "But the
second you are through, that thing better be in my hands." "Yes Sir," Andy started to login as quick as she could. Danny started to leave the room, so she could
concentrate better, but he stopped short. "Oh, and Andy," his tone softened. "There's no reason to be nervous about your game, you're a really good player. And
probably the best one on the team." "You're just saying that because you're my Dad and you have too," Andy wasn't feeling any better regarding the butterflies that
were in floating around in her tummy. "No," Danny shook his head. "I thought you were a great player ever since we played together that day at the youth center,
remember?" "Yah I remember," Andy couldn't help but smile, at one of the first great memories she had with her father. "And that was before the adoption, and way
before I found out you were my real daughter," Danny reminded her. "I guess you win then," Andy gave him a half smile. "I love you," Danny hugged her. "I love you
too Dad," Andy didn't think she would ever grow tired of his hugs.
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"Since when do ten-year old's get homework that has to be done on a computer?" Danny asked joining his wife in the kitchen, still surprised his daughter had online
math homework. "Times are changing Danny, things are a lot different than when we were in school," Linda reminded him. "I don't like it," Danny shook his head.
"What are you going to do about it? Quit your job and homeschool them?" Linda was trying not to laugh. "That's not even funny Linda." Danny stopped and starred at
her, the thought of having to stay at home all day everyday with his children terrified him. "I'd rather face serial killers than teach my children. Heck I barely did my
own homework when I was growing up." "Considering Andy is so much like you, I'm really surprised she does her homework," Linda admitted. "Shh," Danny shook his
head. "She might hear you and think she doesn't have to do it. The last thing we need is to have trouble with her doing her homework." "You've got a point," Linda
quieted. "She has her first basketball game Friday night," Danny said after several minutes. "What time," Linda questioned? "6:30," Danny pulled the schedule out
from his pocket, that Andy gave him just before he left the room. "Oh no," Linda looked almost sick. "I was asked if I could work that night, and I said yes, knowing
we need the money, and knowing that I won't be able to work for long, due to the baby." "I'm scheduled to work a long tour," Danny ran a hand through his hair,
trying to figure out what to do. "Oh Danny," Linda was at a loss. "We can't both miss her first game. It's the first time she's ever done anything where she needed her
parents support, and to cheer her on." "I know," Danny shook his head frustrated. "Anyway, you can trade tours with anyone," Linda asked hopefully? "I don't know,"
Danny admitted. "I can try, but I'm not promising anything." "Since I already said I would work, I'm sure they already changed the schedule," Linda admitted. "I will
see if there's any way possible I can switch with someone. But we better make some sort of preparations in case the kids need someplace to stay." "That's a good
idea," Danny still wasn't thrilled with the idea of missing his daughters game, but he knew he had to make the best of it, and that would be to make sure someone
from his family was there. "Maybe Frank and Henry will let the kids spend the night with them," Linda suggested looking at Danny. "And I will see if I can get Jamie to
go to Andy's game, maybe take her out for pizza afterwards before taking her to Dads," Danny knew that if he, Linda and Frank couldn't attend, Andy would love it if
Jamie was there. Sure, the two picked on one another, and Andy loved to give him a hard time, but in all reality, it was obvious the two had a special bond. "I know
she will be sad if you can't be there," Linda knew how attached Andy was to Danny. "But I know she will act like it doesn't bother her." "She'll understand," Danny
knew that Andy had a certain understanding of the job, even if she hadn't known much about the NYPD until she became a Reagan. Yet he also knew that, that didn't
matter, some people just had a natural link to it, and well she did have the Reagan blood in her, the same as he and the rest of his family. "I don't want her to have to
understand," Danny said in all honesty, "but if I can't do anything about it, it's at least helpful."
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"What you doing?" Jack walked into his sister's room about an hour or so later. "Nothing much," Andy picked her head from where she was laying on the floor
throwing a tennis ball up in the air. "Now that I've finished my homework, I had to surrender my computer." "Sorry," Jack mumbled. Knowing how much she liked her
computer. "Not your fault," Andy sat up. "So what are you doing?" "Nothing much," Jack gave the same reply his sister did just seconds ago. "Mom took my Gameboy
away, because she said I was talking back to her." "Were here," Andy asked? "No," Jack shook his head. "She told me to do something, and instead of doing it right
away, I asked her a question. But I didn't mean for it to sound like that." "It's probably because she's pregnant, I mean you heard how upset she got with me in the
car when she found I got detention," at least that was the only reason Andy could come up with to make her usual calm mother go irate on both her and her brother.
"Why?" Jack was confused. "Beats me," Andy shrugged. "Dad said she was going to be like that because she was expecting." "Maybe we should ask him about it," Jack
knew they had to do something before Linda ended up taking all his things away. "He said he was going to talk to us about it," Andy nodded. "He's just been real busy
and haven't had the chance. "I sure hope he gets some time, and soon too," Jack shook his head. "I don't know if I can survive very long without my games." "Yeah I
know what you mean," Andy agreed. "I was all excited about the baby, but I didn't know it was going to make mom mad at us." "At least Dad isn't mad at us," Jack
figured. "Only if you get in trouble at school," Andy pointed at him. "Can I come in?" Sean stuck his head in the room. "Sure join the party," Andy tossed her tennis
ball at him. "I'm kind of bored, mom won't let me watch TV. She said it would rot my brain," Sean took a seat on the floor next his siblings. "What?" Andy wasn't sure
what to say to that. "That doesn't sound like mom," Jack voiced. "Sure she only lets us watch for a certain amount of time, but not letting you watch at all is kind of
strange." "That's what I thought," Sean sighed. "Welcome to the club of not understanding mom," Andy smiled. "Maybe we should tell Dad," Sean nodded. "I'm sure
he'd like to join, mom was giving him a hard time when I was downstairs. Dad said I could watch TV, mom said I couldn't." "There's plenty of room, and I'd make
even more room for him if he gave my computer back."
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"So how long you grounded for?" Nicki met Andy in the hallway the following day at Blessed Hearts. "I'm still grounded from riding the sled down the stairs," Andy
stopped at her locker. "Oh yeah, sorry," Nicki knew how much Andy hated it when you spoke of her and punishment in the same sentence. "But I also know there is
no way in hell, that Aunt Linda and Uncle Danny would let you get off scot free for being disrespectful." "Nicki!" Andy glared at her. "Are you trying to get in trouble for
using inappropriate language on school grounds?" "Since when do you care about getting caught for something?" Nicki knew this was an entirely different Andy than
what she was used to. "My brother got caught saying some things he shouldn't have here at school, and he got a detention, with three demerits removed," Andy
remembered Sean talking to her about it when she was sick. "Detention isn't the worst thing in the world Andy. You of all people know that," Nicki had a point. "It's
not the detention that worries me," Andy was being completely honest. "It's the punishment you get when you get home." "Your parents go at him pretty hard?" Nicki
figured that would be the only thing to make her worried. "Mom washed his mouth out with soap, and Dad spanked him," Andy enlightened her. "Now I'm not
completely sure what would be worse, Andy held both her hands out. On one hand, I've never considered eating soap, and I'll eat almost anything, so it's got to be
bad. On the other hand, Dads spankings aren't something to risk, at least not all that often." Yah I get the point," Nicki leaned against the locker next to Andy's. "I will
never wish that I didn't live with Danny and Linda," Andy said first of all. "I just wish they weren't so strict and I could actually get away with something. Which is
another reason I want you to watch what you say. My Dad always finds out when I've done something wrong. It is so annoying." "I didn't exactly say a bad word you
know," Nicki picked up for herself. "Maybe not," Andy agreed. "But it all depends on how the school sees it. And if they hear you say it. They are going to assume that
I said it, simply because I am standing next to you, and because I'm always in trouble in the first place." "And that's what's confusing me the most," Nicki was for
certain her cousin had been kidnapped and they replaced her with a look alike, because this was definitely not the Andy she knew. "Since when do you try to stay out
of trouble," Nicki questioned? "Since I'm already grounded, got my computer taken away, and can barely sit after my roof incident at 1PP. When we were up there,
Dad said he wanted this next year to be different with me not getting into trouble every week. He also said that the spanking he was about to give me had better be
the last one he had to administer for a while. And I can tell you one thing, he made that last one of the old year count." Nicki couldn't help but laugh out loud, "and in
this corner Daniel Reagan. Nicki gestured with her hands, "and in this corner Andrea Reagan. Sounds like Danny Reagan took the bell on all three counts." "He did,"
Andy sighed. "Which drives me crazy." "Why? Because he always wins," Nick figured. "Yes, but why does he always win," Andy whined. "I have no idea," Nicki didn't
know what to tell her. "They are great though," Andy had to admit, smiling. No matter how much or how often they punished her, she couldn't help but find herself
thankful for them, especially considering they never failed to tell her how much they loved her. "So, are they going to be able to go to your game Friday?" Nicki
changed conversation topics before Andy started crying. "I don't know," Andy shrugged. "They said they wanted to, but they are both scheduled to work nights. Me,
Jack and Sean are supposed to be staying the night with Grandpa." "Is anyone from the family going to be able to make it?" "Dad said he was going to call Uncle
Jamie, but I don't for sure, if he's going to be able to make it," Andy acted as if she didn't care. "Sorry," Nicki felt bad for her cousin. "Thanks," Andy tried to make it
sound as if it didn't bother her, but she knew she was lying. "Yeah Dad said he really wanted to come. But you know the job, he never knows what's going to be going
on." Andy led the way down to the cafeteria, although she had to admit, she didn't feel much like eating.
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"Hi Grandpa," Andy hugged him greeting Frank the same way she always did. The boys having spent the afternoon with Henry after they got out of school, while Andy
had basketball practice. "I brought pizza," Danny announced, walking in just behind Andy. "Is Linda on her way?" Henry asked from the kitchen, where he was busy
preparing a salad to go along with the pizza. "Should be," Danny carried the pizza into the dining room. "Were the boys good this evening?" "Like angels," Henry
answered. "Yeah right," Danny didn't by any means believe him, as he reached into the fridge for something cold to drink. "Where are they at anyway?" Danny
realized he had yet to see or hear from them. "Should be out back playing," Henry remembered them asking for permission nearly an hour ago. "Did they finish their
homework?" Danny figured he had better ask before Linda got there and started asking him. "I've raised a child Daniel," Henry just looked at him, tired of the
questions. "A very successful one at that." "Sorry," Danny held his hands up in surrender, backing out of the kitchen to check on his sons before he ended up with a
lecture. "Andy," Frank walked into the living room, where he found Andy poking the fireplace poker into one of the logs that was burning. Andy turned to look at him,
but she didn't say anything. "You okay?" Frank noticed she wasn't her usual boisterous self. At first, he thought she got in trouble, which was the reason she was
being so quiet. But that couldn't be the reason, considering Danny seemed to be in a good mood, Frank came to conclusion. "I'm fine Grandpa," Andy didn't really feel
like talking, but she knew better than to simply ignore him. "I'm just thinking," Andy shoved the smoldering ashes around. "Why don't you let me take that," Frank
took the poker from her. "Let's go talk in my office." Frank led her into his office, sensing something was bothering his youngest granddaughter, and was hoping she
would talk to him if they were in the sanctuary of his office. Frank took a seat on one of the chairs, while Andy just walked around the room looking at all the pictures,
and other momentous he had scattered about the walls and shelves. "Andy, what are you doing?" "Just looking around," Andy turned away from the old family photo
of Danny, Erin, Joe and Jamie that was hanging on the wall. "The only time I've ever been in here was when I was in trouble." Frank chuckled, "come sit down," he
pointed to the seat next to him. "What do you want to talk about?" Andy followed his direction. "About you," Frank pointed at her. "I've never known you to be so
quiet unless something was bothering you." "I'm fine Grandpa," Andy tried covering for herself. "Andy," Frank was really pushing for an answer to his question. "It's
nothing Grandpa, it's just a game. I'll get over it," Andy once again acted as if it didn't matter. "Get over what?" Frank was confused. "I just wish my family could go
to my basketball game, that's all. I mean I understand that Mom has to work, and I get the importance of Dads job and all," Andy wanted to make sure that he didn't
think she was being some spoiled brat that only thought of herself. "But there's no reason to complain about it. Dad wants to go, and I know he's only working so he
can take care of me and my brothers." "That's a mature way to look at it," Frank was surprised to hear something so thoughtful come from his ten year old
granddaughter. "No reason to get upset about something neither of us can change," Andy figured. "You know there's no reason why I can't take your brothers," Frank
shook his head. "Jack and Sean were already asking me if I would take them." "Really?" A smile started to play across Andy's face. "And your Uncle Jamie was telling
me that he was going to go," Frank remembered. "And I'm more than certain that Pop will be your number one cheer leader." "Probably so," Andy laughed. "You feel
better now?" Frank smiled at her. "Yes, thanks Grandpa," Andy hugged him. Frank and Andy were just coming out of the office when Danny was walking by. "Did you
get in trouble?" Was the first thing Danny asked when he saw her. "No," Andy shook her head. "Why is that the first thing you asked when we stepped out of the
office?" "Because I don't remember too many pleasant meetings in there," Danny admitted. "And as your father, it's important for me to know if you did something I
need to acknowledge." "If we were just coming out of there," Andy pointed behind her. "Means Grandpa already acknowledged it." Frank laughed out loud, just
grateful that Andy was talking and returning to her old self. "Let's eat," Frank led the way to the dining room. Knowing he needed to talk to Danny about Andy and her
feelings, but he couldn't exactly ask Danny to join him in the other room, or Andy would know he was telling him about her feelings, and that wouldn't do much to
boost her confidence in making her trust him again.
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Friday night came and Andy and the rest of her team were just coming out of the locker room to file onto the bench before the start of the game. She waved at her
family, surprised to see her grandfather, great-grandfather, both her brothers, her Uncle Jamie, her Aunt Erin, and Nicki. Figuring that Nicki asked her mom to go, and
Frank took care of getting the rest there. The only ones missing were her parents, two people she really wished were there, especially Danny. Andy shook her head,
knowing she couldn't focus on that, right now she needed to keep her mind on the starting game. Andy took the court, a minute or so after the game started, and her
mind was quickly taken away from the family on the bleachers as she did what she had to, focus on the challenge at hand, and that was win the first basketball game
she had ever played in. She didn't know why, but she had the ability to shut everything out that was going on and focus directly on the problem at hand, she figured
she was a lot like her Dad and Grandfather in that respect. Her Dad could have a million things going on his head, with her, her brothers, her mom and the job, but he
always managed to focus on only one thing when he had too, and that was the exact same thing she was doing. With her mind elsewhere, it was easy for her to miss
Danny slip in and join the rest of the family. By the time the game was over it was late, and Andy was exhausted as she hurried out of the locker room after changing
out of her uniform, knowing Frank was probably more than ready to get her and the boys home. Andy was just running across the court her backpack in hand when
she looked up and saw her Dad talking with her Grandfather. "Dad!" Andy tried to keep from yelling, as she ran to him excitedly before jumping in his arms. "Andy,
I'm so proud of you," Danny wrapped his arms around his little girl. "You won, but most importantly you did great, six baskets out of the twenty your team made is
pretty good," Danny encouraged her. "What are you doing here?" Andy was surprised that he was able to make it. "I thought you had to work," she pulled away from
him for a short time so she could look at him. "I don't know," Danny admitted looking over at Frank, getting the feeling that his father had something to do with it,
knowing it was kind of odd for him to get bounced from a night tour. "Grandpa?" Andy looked at him confused, knowing the same as Danny did, Frank never
rearranged any of his son's schedules, it had to do with him not wanting to show favoritism among his officers, or at least something like that, she figured. "Someone
once told me that there were more important things in life than the job," Frank glanced at Henry.
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While Danny was beginning to learn that family was the most important thing. At least if he didn't know yet, he was slowly beginning to gain an understanding on the
matter. While his daughter was beginning to learn that it was important for her development to always take time for trouble.
I can't take it, I have to keep writing Andy stories... I just really love her character, I think she is a great addition with the rest of the Reagans... I'm expecting good things for this story, I just have to decide where to put all my ideas... The chapters will need to be a little shorter than usual, considering I am going to be trying to write so many stories. I have the Andy stories, the Scottie stories, and the new story idea called Best Mistake I Ever Made, which I really hope to get started on this week... Thanks for all the follows, favorites, reviews, I have received from my previous stories... JusticeStandsTRUE
