CH. 2 Night Out

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The photo shoot went rather smoothly, which managed to confuse both Danny and Linda a great deal. Michelle the photographer was great with the kids, and

aside from just family pictures, they even managed to get some single pictures of Andy, and group pictures of the three siblings together. What surprised Danny

and Linda the most about the photographer, was that she suggested they take a few funny images, saying that 95% of the time when kids or parents looked

at a picture on the wall, all they remembered was how hectic it was trying to get the kids to smile properly. Also saying that when they had funny pictures

hanging up alongside the others, it helped them remember how fun it was. They took one of the three kids laying on the floor on their stomachs. Another one

of Andy having an arm around each of the boy's necks. Andy seemed to enjoy this one the most, even if she couldn't really squeeze. The only one she didn't

really care for was when the photographer suggested she sit in the middle, and both her brothers lean over and place a kiss on her cheek, one on each side.

"Do we have to do this one," Andy looked at Linda pleadingly? "Yes," Linda patted her back, "it will be a beautiful picture." "I'm not sure how beautiful it will

be," Andy mumbled, this time looking at Danny for help. "It'll be fine," Danny gave her a reassuring smile. "I don't know about this," Andy said just under her

breath. "Just do everything Michelle tells you the first time, and you can get it over with sooner," Danny squatted down to her level. "I'll try," Andy walked away

to take her place in the seat Michelle pointed out to her in front of the camera, "but it isn't going to be easy." The last picture they took was another of the

family, this picture was one of Danny and Linda kissing, and the kids goofing off around them trying to get them to stop. Danny of course was easily ready to

comply, and while they were getting in position, Andy took the opportunity to pull her brothers aside and form a plan to separate them. Michelle had just

started snapping a few images, when the kids put their plan into action. Andy jumped on Danny, while Jack jumped on Linda, and Sean squeezed himself in

between his parents simultaneously with his older siblings. By the time the shoot was over, they were all having a good time, and Michelle was raving to Danny

and Linda about how much fun she enjoyed interacting with their kids, and how well behaved they were.

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Considering it was nearing dinnertime, and the kids managed to behave themselves, Linda suggested they go to the laser tag pizza parlor for dinner. "Really

mom," Jack sounded surprised? "Did you all do your homework before we took pictures?" "Yes," the three siblings said suddenly. "Are you sure," now she was

starting to tease them. "Yes, Yes," the three were doing their best not to jump up and down in the car while Danny was driving. "Can we play too," this time it

was Sean to hit her up with another question? "Maybe for a little while after we eat," Linda couldn't help but smile at their exuberance. "Dad will you play with

us again," Andy leaned up from the back seat? "Probably not Andy, I'm not going to leave your mother sitting at the table alone," Danny glanced at Linda. "She

can play too," Andy mentioned. "Oh no, not in these shoes," Linda thought of the shoes she chose to wear for the picture, "I can't run in these." The three kids

managed to scarf their pizza down in record time without trying to appear too anxious thinking that if they didn't hurry, Linda would be ready to go home to get

them to bed. "Were finished, can we go play now," Sean was sitting on the edge of his seat. "You can play for one hour," Linda held up one finger. "Don't kill

each other, do whatever the workers tell you, and have fun." "Not a problem," the three jumped up and ran over to the counter to get outfitted. "You know it

really surprises me, at how well behaved they can be one day, but the next day they are running wild," Danny shook his head. "I half expected Andy to have a

meltdown, and Sean almost shoved Jack into one of the lights, but nothing happened," Linda admitted. "That's because when they are with us, they know

there will be immediate consequences for bad behavior. But when they are alone, they only think about the here and now rather than the future," Danny

figured the only possible explanation. "At least they have managed to keep away from any major natural disasters since the bank incident," Linda sounded

more than grateful. "How long do you think it will last?" "I give it a week tops," Danny wasn't expecting the short reprieve to last long, he new his kid's way too

well, especially Andy, who was always completely unpredictable.

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Danny didn't realize how much he would be right regarding Andy getting into trouble. What he didn't know however was that she would find it the very next

day. "Andy, what are you doing here," Nicki stopped just outside the principal's office the following day where she found her cousin sitting on the waiting

bench? "Waiting for mom or dad to come get me, I got detention again, and since it's the second time in the first week of school, they want to see one of my

parents," Andy sighed. "You are going to be in some trouble Andy, it's the first week of school," Nicki shook her head. "Tell me something I don't know," Andy

knew for a fact that Linda would be taking that sandal off in record timing, and she doubted that Danny would be helping her out this time. "Bet you didn't

know that your dads coming down the hall as we speak," Nicki stood up. "Hi Uncle Danny, Bye Uncle Danny," Nicki said the second Danny approached them, not

really wanting to stick around. "What did you do this time," Danny asked taking a seat next to her? "Oh you know, the usual," Andy shrugged, "the teacher

made some sort of remark, and the next thing I know, my mouth opened, and another smart alec comment just sort of came out before I knew what was

happening or even had a chance to stop it." "Did you think before you spoke," Danny questioned? "No," Andy looked at him as if he was crazy, "I just told you,

I didn't have time to think, I never have time to think." Danny didn't say anything in response, rather he just shook his head and ran a hand through his hair.

"Stay here, I'm going to go talk your principal." "So on a scale from one to ten, how upset are you," Andy was trying to feel him out? "We'll talk about this at

home," was all Danny said before walking into the principal's office and closing the door behind him. "I'm dead," Andy laid her head in her hands.

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"Andy you're spending this weekend grounded," Danny announced later that afternoon after they got Andy home. "But Dad, it's Friday and the first weekend

I'm not grounded since the stupid bank incident," Andy tried. "Maybe you can have that feeling some other time," Danny nodded. "Come on Dad, it's not like I

did something that bad," Andy was obviously missing the point. "Andy, I didn't tell you to talk back to your teacher," Danny raised his voice. "In fact I never told

you to talk back to anyone, that's being completely disrespectful, which is something you very well know, we do not tolerate." "I'm sorry," Andy shrugged,

"what else do you want me to say?" "All I want you to do is think before you open your big mouth Andy, we've been through this before." "It isn't me Dad, it's

the school you make me go to." "Its not the schools fault Andy, it's yours," Danny pointed at her, "and another thing, I'm getting sick and tired of you blaming

the school each and every time you get into trouble over there. You are going and that's the end of it," Danny's voice lowered to a much lower pitch. "Yes Sir,"

Andy didn't make eye contact, as she stood up from her place on the living room couch and headed for her room.

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"What you doing up here," Linda asked gently walking into her daughters bedroom? "Watching Dad try to skateboard with Jack and Sean," Andy turned away

from the window. "What?" Linda suddenly became interested, and made it across the room and over to the window in record time. "Yeah, he wiped out a

second ago, that was pretty funny, it took him about five minutes to pull himself up off the concrete." "You miss not being down there with them don't you,"

Linda took a seat next to her on the edge of the bed? "Its actually a good thing I wasn't down there," Andy shook her head, "I'd still be rolling on the ground

laughing." "Andy, you don't have to try and hide your disappointment, I know you love the time you get to spend with your father and brothers." "Maybe just a

little," Andy shrugged. "You know your Daddy never said you couldn't go down and play with them," Linda had a point. "I don't think he wants me down there,"

Andy shook her head. "He wouldn't tell you that," Linda shook her head, surprised at her daughter's attitude. "Maybe not in so many words, but his eyes

would be saying something different," Andy stood and walked back over to the window. "You know that isn't true Andy," Linda looked at her seriously. "You

really think so," Andy looked at her hopefully. "I know so," Linda placed a hand on her shoulder. "I guess it wouldn't hurt to go down there, just to find out,"

Andy shrugged. "I think we better," Linda said, "and we better do it fast before we end up at the hospital with your father," Linda noticed Danny was getting

back on the skateboard.

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"You need to talk to Andy again," Linda was holding the skateboard where they stood out on the sidewalk, while the kids played basketball. "What did she do

this time," Danny didn't sound surprised? "Nothing," Linda shook her head. "Now I'm worried," Danny wasn't kidding, "never does Andy not do nothing." "She's

upset Danny." "She seems fine to me," Danny wasn't concerned, as he glanced over near the basketball court. "I'm serious Danny, she's been doing some

serious thinking upstairs." "At least she's thinking something, hopefully she's thinking of ways to keep her mouth from running away with her again." "Your

daughter doesn't think you want her around you," Linda was obviously getting tired of beating around the bush. "Come on Linda, that's just a bunch of

nonsense," Danny looked at her shocked, "I've never told her anything like that." "I know that, and you know that, but she obviously doesn't." "I can't believe

this," Danny took a seat on one of the porch steps. "I couldn't either," Linda shook her head, "but at least she said something to me, at least we know so we

can take care of it." "I'll do it now," Danny sighed standing, "I don't ever want her feeling like that around me, no matter what she's done wrong." "Come here

Andy, we need to talk," Danny motioned for her to follow him to the backyard. "Am I going to get a spanking," Andy looked a little hesitant to follow. "No I'm not

going to spank you, but we are going to talk serious for a minute." "You sure," Andy had yet to move from her place. "Andy you've already been grounded for

getting in trouble at school right," Danny walked up to her? "Yes," she nodded. "And when have I ever punished you twice for the same offence at two different

times throughout the day?" "Never," Andy answered honestly. "Case closed," Danny put a hand on her back and led her into the backyard. Once they reached

the back yard, Danny started, "now I'm going to talk, and I want you to listen very closely. Do you understand?" "Yes Sir," the girl nodded. "I know you have a

couple more years before you turn thirteen, but you are more than capable of being held to a higher standard like the rest of us Reagans. Whereas I don't like

punishing you every time I turn around, I will if that's what will bring you to that standard." "I know," Andy interrupted, shaking her head. Danny silenced her

and continued, "that being said, you can't see me as the bad guy every time I discipline you, it's my job as your father." "I don't think that," Andy's voice was

low, but she was looking him in the eye. "I think you do, just without realizing it. Andy you have to realize that I only discipline you because I love you, and

want the best for you. I'm sure you don't mean to do it, but you seem to get very distant at times." "I know Dad," Andy muttered, "and I'm sorry." "Let's try to

work on that okay," Danny put an arm over her shoulder. "I will," Andy nodded. "With that being said, me, you and mom are going to go out to a nice place

tonight just the three of us," Danny was smiling. "Oh good, now you can yell at me in public," Andy's eyes looked worried. "I'm not going to yell at you Andy,"

Danny chuckled. "You sure, because I don't like getting yelled at in private, and the last thing I want is for you to do it in a public place." "Yes I'm sure, now go

clean up and put on something nice," Danny pointed for the back door, "I'm going to call your and uncle and see if he can watch your brothers." "Don't you think

you should run this by mom first before you call Uncle Jamie," Andy suggested. 'She'll be fine," Danny shrugged pulling his cell out of his pocket. "Okay, but if

you get grounded, you can share my room," Andy turned and headed for the door. "Thanks a lot," Danny looked at her with a half-smile. "Oh come on Dad, we

both know who's in charge around here," Andy ran inside before he could say anything further.

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"I don't care what you do with them, take them to the movies, stay in and order pizza," Danny named a number of different things for them to do, "all I ask, is

that neither of you do anything illegal." "Danny," Jamie just looked at him, "I am a cop you know." "I know," Danny teased. "One of us will come by sometime

tomorrow afternoon and pick them up," Linda interrupted knowing they needed to get going before it got too late. "No problem," Jamie shook his head, "we

will probably just hang out here and play video games." "Have a good time boys, and listen to your uncle," Danny reminded them before ushering Linda out the

door of Jamie's apartment, knowing that Andy was in the car waiting for them. "So where are we going," Andy asked the second Danny and Linda got in the

car. "It's a surprise," Linda glanced over at Danny to keep the secret. "Yeah but if you told me, I could start thinking about what I wanted to order," Andy tried.

"You've never been there before," was all Danny said. "Hmm, in that case I am at a total loss, and I think I'm just going to sit quiet." "That'll be a first," Danny

muttered under his breath.

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Sometime later, and mother, father and daughter were all sitting at a nice Italian place Frank told Danny about. "Alright Andy let's talk," Linda looked at her

daughter intently. "You have us all to yourself without any interruptions from your brothers." "For the first time in my life I don't know what to say," Andy said

honestly. "Andy are you running fever," Linda reached across the table to feel her forehead. "I'm fine mom," Andy smiled. "You know I think this is the first time

the three of us have ever had a meal with just the three of us since you came to live with us," Danny thought about it for a moment. "Kind of hard to believe

that it's only been a few months," Andy took a sip from her water glass. This time it was Danny's turn to smile, "and to think you ran from me the first time you

saw me." "I was scared," Andy admitted picking up for herself, "I thought you were going to be like every other cop I came in contact with." "You know you've

changed so much since then," Danny said thinking back. "What do you mean," Andy was confused? "You just said it," Danny said gently. "I don't understand."

"You admitted to us that you were scared. When you first came to live us, you never would have told us you were scared, you were very guarded back then."

"It didn't take me long to learn to trust you though," Andy said just above a whisper. "Some people are like that," Linda nodded, "you know you can't trust

them as soon as you meet them." "But that doesn't mean you shouldn't be careful when you meet new people," Danny couldn't help but be a father and warn

her considering the conversation was brought up. "So Andy, now is your opportunity to talk to us about anything you want too," Linda changed the subject.

"Hmm," Andy thought about it for a moment. "I've played basketball a few time during PE, and the coaches said I had a good chance at making the team when

it starts." "Andy I'm so proud of you," Linda was raving as she placed a hand on her forearm. "I knew you could do it," Danny sounded pleased. "Thanks," Andy

was beaming at her parents praise. The three continued to talk for several minutes, both before and after dinner. Andy getting the opportunity to say things

she normally wouldn't be able too, and Danny and Linda being able just to listen, and offer a few words here and there, aside from their usual parental banter

like eat your vegetables, mind your manners, and stop kicking your brother. Once dinner was over, Linda suggested they go out for dessert and either go

bowling or play a round of miniature golf. Normally Danny would have reminded her that Andy was grounded, but decided to let it go for the night, considering

he figured this was not only a rare but special occasion that allowed them to spend time with just their daughter, but also a time he figured his little girl

needed.

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"Aauugghhh!" Jamie yelled charging after his two nephews with his nerf gun! "Run!" both boys took off running for a place to hide. "Wait a minute, why are we

running," Jack stopped as if deciding to make a stand, "there are two of us and only one of him." "Let's get him," Sean yelled leading the way in an about face

motion to attack! "Uh oh," this time it was Jamie's turn to retreat. Jamie had just located a place to hide when Frank walked through the door. "Time out, foods

here," Jamie jumped up. Apparently the boys decided to ignore the time out and showered their grandfather with balls of Styrofoam. "You guys seriously need

to learn not to attack the man with the pizza," Jamie took the pizza boxes from his father. "They are definitely Danny's kids," Frank loosened his tie before

taking a seat at his sons table. "Sorry Grandpa, I guess we got carried away," Jack took a seat across from him at the dinner table. "Now they are Linda's

kids," Frank changed his observation. "Grandpa," Sean looked at Frank intently, "why is it every time we act calm down or nice were mom's kids, but when we

misbehave or do something wild, we are dad's kids?" "You don't even want to know," Frank was beginning to think he never should have said anything. "Oh

come on Grandpa, you sound just like Dad, anytime he even gets close to telling a story about when he was a kid, he comes up with some reason why he cant

continue," Jack was beginning to recognize the similarities between his father and grandfather. "That's because there are just so many stories, we don't know

where to start," Frank was hoping this would diffuse the line of questions. "Can't you think of just one," Sean pushed? "I'm afraid I don't have time for that

today grandson," Frank shook his head, "I have a little extra work to do at home." "You work from home too," Jack looked at his grandfather questioningly?

"On occasion," Frank nodded. "Like father like son," Jack thought of the countless times Danny brought home case files. "Can we go back and play now," Sean

was ready to get back to having fun, especially if he wasn't going to get a story? "Go ahead," Frank gave them permission. "Let's go get the nerf guns," Jack

whispered to his brother as soon as they got a safe distance away from the table. It didn't take long for the boys to return to their game of attacking their

uncle, barely giving him the opportunity to leave the table and arm himself. "Hey, I never said time in," Jamie protested. "Time in," Sean jumped up from his

place of hiding behind the kitchen counter and launched several balls at him. Realizing he wasn't exactly in the safest of places, Jamie made a run for it and

dove over his couch, tipping it over in the process. "Didn't your mother and I teach you better than to treat your furniture like a trampoline," Frank shook his

head at his youngest son's actions. "You would do the same thing if you were getting attacked by two towers of terror," Jamie picked his head up just over the

side to look at his father only to get hit by a nerf ball for his troubles. "Perhaps we should take a break from the nerf guns," Jamie pulled himself off the floor

and straightened his couch back on its center with a little help from his father. "What do you want to do," Sean surrendered his weapon, after Jamie held his

hand out to take the boys guns? Jamie knowing full well that if he didn't, they would never calm down, and just be running on fumes, especially after Linda

gave him warning that if they didn't get their sleep they were usually quite grouchy the following day. "Go ahead and go take your showers and get ready for

bed, we will either watch a movie afterwards or play a little video games," Jamie suggested, still wanting them to have a fun night out with him. "Yes Sir," Jack

went and hugged his grandfather goodbye before locating his duffel bag and heading into the bathroom. "Grandpa would you tell us a story about dad

growing up one day when you have time," Sean ran up to Frank just before he left. "I'll see if I can come up with something," Frank hugged him before telling

him goodnight and headed for home.

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Since the weather was nice, they decided on miniature golf. Andy had never played either of them, or had the opportunity to participate in any other form of

recreational activity because of her background, and she was relishing in this moment of being able to learn something new, and especially be able to learn it

from the two people that loved her more than anything in the world. The first few holes were rather simple, and it didn't take much for Andy to get the ball in

after a few simple pointers. Things started to get a little more difficult however once the holes and challenges increased. Linda was doing extremely well, and

Danny probably would have been doing a lot better had it not been for the fact that he was not only trying to help Andy, but also because he was rather

winded due to the fact he had to run across the road a numerous times after Andy hit the ball a little too hard and it went flying completely out of the miniature

golf park. Danny of course didn't really mind, at least not until he had to dodge a flying ball, because Andy didn't realize her strength, and it ricochet off the

center hindrance that was set up to cause difficulty. Danny's eyes were wide and Andy looked over at Linda, "maybe this isn't the sport for me," she noticed

Danny was still trying to recover after the near brush of pain caused by a golf ball. It didn't take long for Danny to recover, yet it seemed like his attempts were

futile, especially after Andy took her next turn. After the ball incident, Danny thought it would be wise as well as safe enough if he stood a good distance

behind her. Yet it seemed his attempts at safety were futile, when Andy's golf club slipped from of her hands and hit Danny in the forearm. "Yeah that's going to

leave a mark," Danny held a hand gently over his wounded arm. "I'm sorry Dad, my hands were slippery and I guess it slipped," Andy felt terrible. "Its fine

honey," Danny could tell she was upset, and wrapped his un-pained arm around her. "Really," she said only half believing? "Yes," he smiled a reassuring smile

at her, "I've had a lot worse." "Maybe next time we should go bowling," Andy suggested. "Oh yes," Danny was only half enthused, thinking of all she could do

to him with a bowling ball. "Why don't we go home and get comfortable, maybe watch a movie," Linda was thinking it was about time they headed for home,

before they ended up making a trip to the hospital? "Andy it will be your pick." "My pick," Andy clarified? "This will be a change," she looked over at Danny half

expecting him to put an end to it all by reminding them she was grounded, but he didn't, even after she started naming the few she was considering. She knew

he was by no means a tyrant by just insisting she stay in her room when she was grounded, but she was still kind of surprised, considering he had just

grounded her that day, and she intended to question him about it later.

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"Aren't you going to say something Dad," Andy asked from her place in the backseat as the three made their way home? "What am I supposed to say," Danny

looked at her through his rear-view mirror. "Well I'm grounded, but you keep letting me have fun with the dinner, the miniature golf course, and now I get to

stay up late and watch a movie." "It's because I believe there are times when punishments need to take a backseat, and I believe this is one of those times."

"Now I'm even more confused than before," Andy admitted. "We've never had the opportunity to spend much time with our only daughter, and whereas we all

know one another, our lives are all moving at such a fast pace, and we forget to take the time to really talk to one another," Danny's voice changed to complete

and utter understanding. "That was poetic," Andy couldn't help but tease him for it, and ruin the moment, like any normal young child would. Then again, Andy

had never been a normal child, and it was obvious she never would be. "I'm sorry I got in trouble at school again," it was obvious he had gotten through to

her, otherwise she wouldn't have made her poetic remark. "We know honey, I just hope you remember to think before you act in the future, perhaps it will keep

you from trouble," Linda's advice was gentle but to the point. "I understand what you are saying mom, but I'm not going to lie, and go as far as saying it won't

happen again." "Oh I don't doubt that," Linda couldn't help but laugh as she glanced over at Danny, both of them thinking the same. "You know I didn't realize

it before Dad, but maybe it is like you said, maybe I was seeking a little attention," Andy said honestly. "Your father and I think so, but one thing we want you

to do is let us know if you ever feel like you need a little attention, we would love to have fun with you just because, rather than because you had been getting

into trouble, because you are lacking in the attention department," Linda was hoping to get through to her young daughter and make a valid point in her

thinking. "Yes Mam," Andy was at least appearing as if she would be willing to give it some thought. "If not, at least try not to get detention twice in one

week," Danny knew that he and Linda had to quit taking off from work to run to the school every few minutes because Andy got into some sort of trouble

again. "But I think it's safe to say, that I intended to say what I did that first day," Andy certainly was being open that evening. "I believe that," Danny laughed.

"It was getting monotonous listening to a lot of the same stories from everyone's summer vacations that I just thought it would be funny to say something

completely different from what they all expected. But apparently my teacher didn't," Andy admitted. "That's obvious," Linda still didn't sound pleased at her

choice of decision, yet let it go knowing that misdeed had long been dealt with.

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Andy stretched out on the couch later that night fast asleep, her head resting in her mother's lap. "It was a nice evening," Linda looked over at Danny, neither

of them really watching the movie. "It was," Danny agreed, "I'm glad we were able to spend a little alone time with her." "I hate that we missed so much of her

early life, and I just wish there was some way we could learn more, maybe see if we can't get our hands on any baby pictures or something alike,' Linda knew

it was next to impossible, but she couldn't help but wish for it. "From what she's told us about her early life, I doubt there are any," Danny shook his head.

"She deserved so much better," a stray tear slid down Linda's cheek, "she really is a good kid." "That she is," Danny chuckled, "she's a wild one, but a good

one." "I don't think I've said this before," Linda appeared to be deep in thought, "but I'm glad you found her that night." "So am I," Danny watched his

daughter sleep, "so am I," he whispered a quiet I love you before picking her up and carrying her up the stairs to bed.

I really enjoyed writing this chapter, especially the golf and nerf gun scenes... Thanks for all the follows, favorites, and reviews, I greatly appreciate it... JusticeStandsTRUE