Always Make Time For Trouble

by JusticeStandsTRUE

The Reagans only thought life was hectic in the past, but if Danny and Linda's oldest daughter Andy getting in trouble all the time wasn't enough, they recently found out they were expecting a baby. Having 4 kids was definitely going to form a new kind of chaos. Story#4 in the "Life With The Reagan's Series."#1 Least of These,#2 is Never A Dull Moment, #3 Another Day In The Life.

7. Chapter 7

CH. 7: The Return of Monster Momma

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It was Sunday morning, and Danny, Linda and Andy had just spent the weekend with the most horrible woman on earth, Linda's sister Wendy. Or she was at least

running a close second compared to Andy's biological mother. At least that's the way Andy referred to them. Linda didn't exactly like the way Andy was talking, but

she couldn't help but silently agree. But of course, she would never admit it. "Are we there yet? Are we there yet?" Andy asked about the millionth time. "You'll know

when we get there," Danny was getting tired of hearing the same question over and over again. "You've only gone to Grandpa's how many times?" "I know," Andy

peered out the window. "I just can't wait to get there. This is the best part of my weekend, since we had to go to Wendy's." "We know," Linda tried to sound as

understanding as possible, but even she was getting tired of hearing her daughter complain about it. "You've only said it a thousand times." "I'm so excited about

getting home, that I'm even looking forward to seeing Sean," Andy admitted, bouncing up and down in her seat. "That's a first," Danny mumbled looking over at

Linda. Danny barely had a chance to pull the car to a stop, when Andy threw her seatbelt off, jumped out of the car, and ran into the house. "Grandpa!" Danny and

Linda could hear her exclaim her excitement from outside. "You'd think we tortured her this weekend," Lind laughed. "For a ten year, old it is seen as torture," Danny

held the door open for her. "Where are my boys?" Linda said loudly. "Mom! Dad!" Jack and Sean ran to them. "Did you have a good time with Pop and Grandpa?"

Linda asked hugging them. "The best," Jack and Sean were talking a mile a minute, about all the things they did. "What about me? Did you miss me?" Andy was still

standing next to her grandfather. "I missed not having you to pick on," Sean smiled. "And I missed not being able to torture you," Andy said as if on cue. "Were

definitely home," Linda chuckled, already used to her children's banter. "It's time to eat!" Henry called interrupting.

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Dinner around the Reagan table that afternoon was centered around talk of the newest Reagan. "So, what do you think it's going to be, a boy or a girl?" Erin asked.

"I'm not sure," Linda said honestly. "Then again, I haven't had much time to think about it." "What do you want?" Danny and Linda glanced at one another, and Linda

replied. "We have a boy, and we have a girl. So as long as it's healthy, we don't really care." Linda again glanced at Danny, wanting to make sure he felt the same.

"But you already have two boys. Andy, wouldn't you like a sister?" Erin turned her attention to her niece. "Sometimes I think it would be nice to have a sister, just so

it would be even. But it's okay if not, I've never had trouble handling my brothers in the past," Andy couldn't help but add. "That's for sure," Danny mumbled under

his breath. "How was your visit with Wendy?" Jamie wondered, knowing they had yet to say anything about their weekend away. "Ugh," was literally all that Andy

could think to say, without getting her into trouble. "It wasn't boring," Linda answered for all of them. "Made me appreciate Erin a tad bit more," Danny gestured.

"What?" Erin looked up from her plate, not sure, if she heard her brother correctly. "She's terrible," Andy spoke up. "She's mean, she's opinionated, she's stuck up," it

was obvious, she was on a rant. "Okay Andy calm down, you've made your point," Linda really didn't feel like centering the entire conversation on her sister. "So,

Andy, basketball season is about, over, isn't it?" Frank questioned changing the subject. "We have one last team breakdown practice this week, and then there will be

some sort of award ceremony later on, but other than that, I'm done for the season," Andy answered. "Be sure and let us know when the ceremony is so we can all be

there," he reminded her. "Other than receiving the player that gets in the most trouble award, I don't think I'll be getting any. So, don't feel obligated," Andy didn't at

all sound upset or that she even cared. "Don't put yourself down," Frank looked at her serious. "And whether or not you feel that you will be a recipient, we will be

there to support you." "Thanks," Andy couldn't help but smile. This family support system, was definitely a new experience for her, but she had to admit, she

appreciated it immensely.

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The following afternoon, after school Andy sat on the floor in the middle of her bedroom. She had already done her homework, and since she didn't have any of her

actual belongings, she was finding herself extremely bored. Bored enough to make her consider doing a few household chores. "Hey Andy, you want to go outside?"

Jack asked, walking into his sister's bedroom. "Normally I would jump on it," Andy admitted. "But I just now summed up the courage to work." "Your room is a little

bare still," Jack noticed. "I already have, half my stuff back." "That's because you're a suck up to our parents," Andy nodded. "Maybe so, but I have some of my stuff

back," Jack didn't care what she said, he was still the victor. "And that's why I'm going to get to work," Andy stood. "Now that I have the urge to work, I better not

put it off, otherwise it might not come back and I may never get my stuff back." "Whatever you say Andy," Jack laughed out loud, walking out of the room. "Hey

Mom," Andy asked walking into the kitchen, where her mother was busy preparing dinner. "What is it Andy?" Linda barely took her eyes off the stove. "Do you have

any chores I can do, so I can try to earn some of my stuff back?" "Yes," Linda was quick to say. "You can unload the dishwasher, so it will be ready to load after

dinner." "Sure," Andy was more than willing to help, especially if it would get her, her stereo or laptop back. Then again, at this point, she would be happy with her

remote-control car, or rollerblades, or nerf gun. "Is Dad coming home for dinner?" Andy was wanting to set a few of the plates aside, so it would be easier to set the

table. "He said he was," Linda said glancing at the clock, thinking he should be getting home any minute. "Dishwashers empty, anything else I can do?" "Yes, you can

put what's in the wash machine in the dryer, and fold the towels that are in the dryer." "Okay," Andy went in search of the laundry basket. Carrying the towels into

the living room, Andy placed the laundry basket on the floor and started to fold one right after the other. She was just nearing the bottom of the basket, when Linda

came in. "I appreciate you doing so well with your chores. So, after dinner, you can pick two things out that you want to take back to your room." "Thank you, thank

you, thank you," Andy hugged her excitedly. "Your welcome, now go outside and play with your brothers, until your Dad gets home. I saw that look in your eye, when

your brother picked up the basketball," Linda smiled at her daughter's expression when it came to someone going outside, or playing basketball. "Yes," Andy was out

of the house in a matter of seconds.

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Things were going great, the first part of the week, but by the latter, they seemed to be turning the complete opposite. On Tuesday, Jack got in trouble and was

standing in the corner of the living room when Danny walked in from work. "What happened Jack?" "Dad, can I get out now?" Jack turned his face away from the

corner, to look at his father. "I don't know, what did you do?" Danny had no idea, what his son did wrong, so he thought he better ask before he undermined his wife's

authority. "I didn't take the trash out," Jack muttered. "What do you mean? How long have you been standing there?" Danny was kind of confused. "Thirty minutes,"

Jack glanced at his watch. "How long did your mom say you had to stay there?" Sure, Danny knew it was important for the kids to do their chores, but thirty minutes

did seem a little excessive. "She didn't say, she went upstairs, and hasn't come back down," Jack sighed. "Go take the trash out, and then go outside and play,"

Danny was still trying to wrap his head around what was going on at home, with his wife and children. He knew he needed to talk with Linda, but he needed the kids

out of the house to do it. He already had Jack taken care, the only problem was, where was his other two. Walking into the kitchen, Danny was surprised to find his

youngest son standing at the kitchen sink, doing the dishes. "Go outside Sean," Danny was still working on clearing the house of children. "Mom said I had to do the

dishes," Sean placed a cup in the dish drain. "Before dinner?" Danny figured that washing dishes before dinner was a little odd, considering the dishwasher was empty

and ready for after dinner. "'What did you do?" "I went outside instead of doing my homework when we got home from school," Sean had a feeling he was digging

himself into more trouble. "Sean, you know your schoolwork comes first," Danny chastised. "Sorry," Sean mumbled. "Have you done your homework yet?" Danny

asked wanting to get to the main point of the issue. "Mom said I had to do the dishes," Sean tried picking up for himself. "Okay," Danny ran a hand through his hair

frustrated, trying to figure out what was going on. Making Sean do an extra chore, rather than just making him do his homework first, was a little odd for Linda,

considering the rule had always been that homework came before anything else. "Finish up with the dishes, and then go outside, I'm going to go check on your sister,"

Danny could see that he didn't have many left. Danny took the stairs two at a time, kind of in a hurry to check on Andy, especially considering after the way he found

his sons. "Andy," Danny opened the door to her bedroom. "Hi Dad," Andy looked up from her history book. "So, what kind of trouble have you gotten yourself into

today?" Danny already expected her to be in trouble, since she always had a tendency to get into more trouble than her brothers did. "I didn't do anything," Andy

looked at him confused, he never came up asking her that before. "Be serious Andy," Danny really wasn't in the mood to guess, he was too busy trying to figure out

what was going on with his wife. "I am being serious. As soon as I got home, I came up here and got started on my homework. Why do you ask? Do you want me to

be in trouble?" Andy looked at him confused. "No," Danny shook his head. "Of course not, it just not in the norm." "Alright who are you, and what have you done to

my father?" Andy knew something wasn't right. And she knew he was either delirious or he was overtaken by aliens. "Just go outside," Danny didn't want to play a

thousand questions with her. "I'm not finished with my homework," Andy said. "Just go outside, you can do it later," Danny started to push her towards the door. "But

you never let me stop doing my homework to go outside?" Andy said clarifying. "Stop arguing with me and just do as I say," Danny was aggravated. "The old Danny

Reagans back," Andy smiled. "And I can officially go outside with no concern." Andy ran down the stairs and out the back door, before Danny had a chance to grab

her. "Finally," Danny muttered under his breath, before going into his own bedroom to look for Linda. "Linda," Danny said opening the bedroom door. He didn't have

to look for her very far, since he found her curled up with a blanket, and fast asleep. Linda didn't stir, and he really didn't want to wake her, considering she was

already so tired all the time. Turning the light off in the room, Danny made his way downstairs and into the kitchen. Not finding anything to feed his children, Danny

left a note on the table for Linda just in case she woke up and got worried because she couldn't find her children. "Is Mom okay?" Sean asked running up to Danny,

when he saw his father walk outside. "She's fine buddy," Danny patted his back. "Hey guys, Moms really tired and she fell asleep," Danny knew he didn't want to get

into too deep of an explanation, regarding their mother's behavior, at least not now. "So, Mom isn't mad at us anymore?" Jack asked worried. "No son, she just fell

asleep, everything's fine," sure he may have lied just a little, but at this point he wasn't sure what else to say, at least not to three young children. And it wasn't like

he knew what was going on either, he was just as confused as they were, if not more. "Now go get in the car, were going to go get something to eat," Danny put an

end to the conversation, before he ended up getting asked a question he didn't know how to answer. "Does this mean, were going to Grandpas?" Jack asked as the

four made their way to Danny's jeep. Knowing that most of the time when Danny was left with the responsibility to feed them, he took them to the place, he knew

would have food. And that was wherever Henry was. "Not this time," Danny chuckled. "You still have homework to finish." "That's okay," Sean said buckling the

seatbelt around him. "I don't mind skipping today." "Sean," Danny glanced at him through the rearview mirror. "Isn't that what got you in trouble in the first place?"

"At least I got to play for a little while," Sean mumbled under his breath. "Uh oh, I can hear a mom speech coming," Andy spoke up. Clearing her throat, Andy began

imitating her mother. "You have plenty of time to play, after your homework's done. In this family, education comes first. And you will follow the rules Sean Reagan,"

Andy pointed a finger at her brother. Jack and Sean burst out laughing, both thinking that she did sound almost exactly like Linda. "Respect your mother," Danny tried

to sound serious, but that was proving to be a little difficult as he couldn't help but laugh. "That was good though," he couldn't help but admit. Danny didn't normally

do the homework thing, the making them take a bath, or even making sure they were in bed on time, at least not on a regular basis during the week, when he had to

work crazy hours. But that night, that night was the complete opposite. Jack needed help with his homework, and getting Andy in bed was tending to be more than

difficult, considering every time he told her to go to bed, she came up with some excuse of why she couldn't. And Sean, Sean seemed to be content to take an hour-

long shower, and he probably would have taken a longer one, had Danny not have gone in there and turned the water off on him. By the time, he had all three of

them in bed, the lights turned off and the house locked, he wasn't able to crawl in bed himself till almost midnight. And what made things worse, he was scheduled to

work a longer shift the following day.

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The following day, and things hadn't gotten any better. Jack and Sean were ready and waiting for their mother to pull up to Blessed Hearts Academy to pick them up,

unlike their sister who was nowhere to be seen. They had been sitting in the car for 30 minutes, causing Linda to get a little frustrated. "Where is that kid? She knows

she's supposed to be waiting just outside the door as soon as she gets out." "Do you want me to go look for her?" Jack volunteered, sensing his mother's mood, and

knowing that she wasn't one to recon with, at least not if they valued their life. "No," Linda shook her head. "The last thing I want to do, is have to go looking for both

of you. And she knows the rules." "Did you try calling her phone?" Sean asked from the backseat. "Three times," Linda sighed, glancing at her phone for the tenth

time in the past five minutes. Several minutes later, and Andy opened the car door. "Hey guys," Andy said happily. Sure, she loved basketball, but even she was going

to be grateful for the break from the long hours of practice and game traveling. "Where have you been?" Linda glared at her daughter, fire in her eyes. "Today was the

closing of basketball season, we had a fun practice, to loosen everybody up after the season," Andy didn't understand why Linda was so angry with her. "You should

have told me, so I could have arranged for someone else to pick you up," Linda had yet to show signs of calming. "I'm sorry, I thought I told you," Andy apologized.

"Not letting me know was disrespectful to both me and your brothers. Do you think that I have time to waste? Sitting here in the car and waiting for you for an hour?"

"No Mam, I just." Andy tried explaining. "You are to go to your room and stay there until your father gets home. I'm sure he will have something to say about your

lack of respect for my time and feelings," Linda interrupted. "Yes Mam," Andy mumbled, staring out the window. She knew what she meant by him having something

to say. Disrespect in the Reagan house usually meant only one thing. But she hoped he would understand. She didn't mean to do anything wrong. Basketball practice

just slipped her mind, she honestly just forgot to say anything, after the coach moved the practice to a different day, instead of having it on their normal practice day.

The second Linda pulled into the driveway, Andy grabbed her backpack and gym bag and hurried up the stairs. She had a lot of homework to do and she knew she

needed to get started, then again, at least she had plenty of time to do it in, considering she had to stay in her room till Danny got home. A couple hours later, and

Andy was just closing her history book, finished with her homework. Packing her backpack, Andy noticed she left her dirty clothes in her gym bag. Knowing that Linda

expected her to take her sweaty gym clothes straight to the washroom as soon as she got home with them, Andy thought it might be a good idea to take them down

there before Linda found another reason to be upset with her. Andy had just reached the bottom floor, and was heading for the washroom when Linda stopped her.

"Didn't I tell you to stay in your room?" Linda stood in front of her, her arms crossed over her chest. "Y, Yes," Andy stuttered. "I just thought I would get in trouble if I

didn't bring my clothes down." "You just thought that you would disobey me by coming down," Linda raised her voice. "Now get upstairs and stay there until your

father gets home, and if you come down again, I'm going to be telling you to get back up there with my wooden spoon," she warned pointing up the stairs. "Yes

Mam," Andy said running up the stairs, leaving her gym bag where she dropped it. Andy took a seat on the floor of her bedroom, her back leaning against the wall.

She wanted to sit on her bed, but she was kind of smelly from sweating so much at basketball practice, and since she couldn't take a shower, she really didn't have

much to do other than read or play with her in room basketball goal, and she was too tired to even toss the ball. Deciding on one of the criminal justice books, Danny

let her borrow, Andy yawned and started to read. She was really hungry since she had basketball practice that afternoon, and she hated that she was going to miss

dinner. She was just finishing the third chapter, when she realized what time it was. Bedtime was usually set for 8:30, and it was already almost 9:00, and Danny still

wasn't home. Closing the book, Andy closed her eyes. She didn't have any intention of falling asleep, she just wanted to rest them for a few minutes, as she thought

of something else to do, to help the time go by. It only took about five minutes for her to doze off, and just as she started too, Danny walked in. Andy had to blink her

eyes several times before she could focus, and realize who it was that came in. "Andy, what are you doing still up?" Danny knew it was late, and both boys were

already in bed. "Mom didn't tell you what happened?" Andy stood up stretching. "Your moms already asleep. I just came home from work, and I was coming to see

why your light was still on?" Danny enlightened her. "Mom said I was to stay in my room until you got here, so you could punish me. Are you going to give me a

spanking?" Andy asked nervously. "I don't even know what you did wrong. How long have you been up here?" Danny never remembered being so confused in all his

life, compared to how he had been in the past two days. "Since we got home from school," Andy yawned again. "So, what did you do?" Danny asked taking a seat on

the edge of her bed. Andy relayed the afternoon to him, before looking at him intently. "Am I going to get that spanking now?" "No Andy I'm not going to punish you.

It was an accident, and you didn't do anything wrong enough to deserve this much of a punishment," Danny shook his head. "Thanks," Andy said glumly. "Did you

apologize to your mother for being late?" Danny continued. "Yes Sir, and I did it as genuine as possible. I didn't mean to be disrespectful, I honestly just forgot." "I

understand. Now go take a shower and get ready for bed," Danny stood. "Yes Sir," Andy started looking for the pajamas she wanted, just as her stomach growled.

"Andy, have you had anything to eat?" "I had lunch," Andy nodded. She knew she couldn't lie, but she also didn't want it to look like she was upset by being sent to

bed without dinner. "Linda didn't call you down to eat?" "I kinda figured I wasn't going to get any dinner," Andy shrugged. "I figured it was her way of punishing me."

"We don't use that kind of punishment Andy and I'm sorry. I'll be sure to talk to her, I'm not sure what's going on with her lately," Danny felt bad for the kid. "Its fine

Dad, don't worry about it. I've gone without meals before," Andy didn't sound too upset by it. "When?" Danny wanted to make sure it hadn't been since she moved in

with him. "When I was in foster care. I went without so many meals back then, that it almost seemed like the norm." "And I'm not happy about that," Danny

admitted. "But there's nothing I can do about your past, just your future." Andy shrugged, "it's okay Dad, I just hope mom won't still be mad at me tomorrow." "I

don't think she will be," Danny said honestly. "I think she just got busy with taking care of the boys and trying to figure out where were going to put the baby stuff

and everything, that I'm sure she just forgot that you hadn't eaten yet. It isn't something she would normally do, so I will definitely check on it," Danny looked her

directly in the eye. "Like I said Detective, it's not that big a deal, I'm not upset." "It's a big deal to me Andy okay, so let's go downstairs. I haven't eaten yet either."

"Can't you just forget it Dad, please. I don't want to cause any trouble." "Andy you're my child, I don't want you going to bed hungry, or thinking that your mothers

upset with. "And she's your wife, and I don't want to cause any trouble between the two of you. There isn't going to be any trouble," Danny hugged her. "Listen Andy,

your mother and I aren't perfect, and her being pregnant takes a lot out of her, and she just needs a little time to rest." "I understand," Andy didn't have a problem

with it. "I've been around pregnant women before." Danny chuckled at her attitude, as the two headed down the stairs and into the kitchen. "Do you think there are

any leftovers?" Andy whispered. "I sure hope so," Danny whispered peering into the fridge. "I don't see anything," Andy stuck her head next to his. "Maybe she didn't

cook anything." "Doesn't look like it," Danny closed the door to the refrigerator. Andy wanted to tell him, that she wasn't hungry and it was no big deal, but the truth

was she was starving, and really wanted something to eat. "Let's go pick up a sandwich or something," Danny grabbed his keys. "But it's 9:00," Andy looked at him

questioningly. "What's going to be open?" "This is New York, there's always something open," Danny locked the door behind them. By the time they got home,

showered and got to bed, it was close to 11:00 and both Andy and Danny were exhausted. Luckily for Danny he was used to keeping long hours, but Andy on the

other hand wasn't, at least not during the school year.

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The following morning, and Andy was surprised when Danny told she and her brothers, that he was taking them to school that morning. It was early when he ushered

them out the door and over to the car. Linda was still sleeping, until just before they left, when Danny woke her up, so she could get ready for work. "Who's picking us

up from school today?" Sean asked shoving one of the donuts in his mouth, that they had picked up. "I'm not sure, probably me," Danny answered. "Hope so," Andy

yawned. "Maybe I wouldn't have to stay in my room all evening again." "Just hang in there, it'll pass. I'm going to talk to your mother about all this, hopefully we can

figure something out." "Is Mom going to be okay?" Jack asked worried. "She' going to be fine son, this pregnancy thing has just been a little harder on her this time

around." Danny tried to give as much information that he could, considering his audience was a bunch of children. "I sure hope so," Andy repeated for the third time.

"Get out of here, and try to learn something," Danny shook his head annoyed, when he pulled up to the school. The day had gone smooth for the most part, at least

until Andy fell asleep in her math class. She sat in the back of the class, and she was exhausted from her late night, and it didn't help that her teacher went on and on

without taking a breath. Groggily, Andy laid her head atop her book. She wasn't sure how long she had been asleep, but she didn't think it was long. At least it wasn't

long before she felt someone shake her. "Miss Reagan," her teacher Mrs. Wentley repeated several times before Andy picked her head up. "Miss Reagan, why are you

sleeping in my class?" Mrs. Wentley, knew that it was quite uncommon for her to fall asleep in class. Andy Reagan was a lot of things in class, but a class sleeper,

definitely wasn't one of them, so she didn't exactly want to enact some form of discipline. "I'm sorry Mrs. Wentley," Andy rubbed her eyes. "I won't do it again," Andy

really didn't want to end up getting into trouble, and find herself in her room all over again. "Please don't," Mrs. Wentley said gently, yet firmly. "And I'll be sending a

note home for your parents," she added before returning to the front of the class. "Yes Mam," Andy sighed, looking down. She wanted to text Danny to make sure he

was going to be home that evening, hoping he would be able to sign the slip. She didn't think she would be in trouble with him, considering the circumstances. Then

again if she messed with her phone in class, she was almost certain she would receive a short-term grounding sentence for that one. The bell couldn't ring fast enough

for Andy, and as soon she took the note from her teacher, Andy hurried out into the crowded hallway. "Andy!" she heard her brother Jack calling for her. "What's up,"

she mumbled when he and Sean met up with her. "Only one more class to go," Jack couldn't wait to get out of school, so he could get home and play video games.

"Yep," Andy didn't sound nearly as excited as she usually did when it came to getting out of class. "What's that?" Sean gestured at the note in Andy's hand. "I fell

asleep in class," Andy shoved the note in her pocket. "You're going to be in trouble," Sean said plainly. "Not if I can get Dad to sign it, instead of mom," Andy sounded

nervous. "Dad's still going to be mad, just not as mad as mom," Jack hated to say it, but he kind of figured he knew his parents well enough to say it. "I think he'll

understand, he knows I was up till 11:00," Andy took her phone from her backpack. "Why were you up till 11?" Jack was confused. "Long story," was all Andy said

before hurrying to class, hoping she could get there early enough to send Danny a text before the teacher came in. Andy barely slid into her seat before she started

typing. Are you going to be able to pick us up from school? Please text back, please text back, Andy repeated the words in her head several times. Seconds later, and

she could see the three little dots moving, indicating she was about to receive a message. Yes, three little letters had never made Andy so happy before in her life.

Except for maybe the time they were waiting for the DNA results to come back to tell them whether or not she was Danny's real kid, but that was a whole other story.

This time, Andy was just trying to stay alive and out of her bedroom. Seconds later, and she received another three-letter word, only this word gave her a whole other

set of feelings. Why? I know this isn't the right way to tell you this, but I fell asleep in class and the teacher gave me a note that has to be signed. Sorry, she was

careful to add at the end of the message. Again, she could see the three little dots moving, only this time she was feeling a little nervous. It's okay. Was the only thing

she read next. So, am I in trouble? Andy couldn't help but ask next. Again, the dots started to move, and Andy couldn't do anything but stare at her screen, ignoring

everything going on around her. No, Andy let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding when she read the two-letter word. Thanks, so will you sign the note, so

we don't have to tell mom? Andy could feel her heart beating a little irregular, as she waited for a reply. Are you crazy? I don't want to spend an evening with monster

momma! NOW PAY ATTENTION IN CLASS! Was the last thing Danny txt. Andy couldn't help but smile at that last message as she dropped her phone in her backpack,

only seconds before the teacher came in.

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Walking out of the small convenient store, where he was questioning a possible witness, that was too afraid to actually come forward and admit that she witnessed the

murder on the homicide case he was investigating. Danny started to pull his car keys out of his pocket, before glancing at his watch, trying to keep himself from being

late, when he had to go pick his kids up. "Detective," he heard a voice he knew all too well coming from the street just a few feet away from him. Danny turned and

recognized the jet-black suburban. "Commissioner," he said approaching the vehicle. "Working a case?" Frank questioned, knowing that any other time he went into a

convenient store, he came out with a cup of coffee. "Yes Sir." Danny wanted to ask if he was looking for him, but it was kind of hard to separate the boss and father

relationship, at least it was when they were both on the job and saw one another. "How is it coming along?" Frank could obviously tell that his son was wondering how

to proceed. "My kids are braver than she is," Danny shook his head frustrated. "She not talking?" "Not a word," Danny ran a hand through his hair. "Have you checked

security cameras from inside the store?" "I was hoping she would just give them to me, but she isn't interested in cooperating. My next step is getting a subpoena,"

Danny sounded like he couldn't wait to get ahold of the footage. "Keep up the good work Detective," Frank said issuing the end of the questions. "Yes Sir," Danny

nodded, walking away. Minutes after getting into his car, Danny's cell buzzed. Looking at it, he couldn't help but smile, when he saw the name on the ID. "Hey Dad."

"I was having to maintain a business demeanor back there, but I could tell something was bothering you." "Are you keeping tabs on me?" "No, I just like to do a little

positive police proceedings every now and then, get out on the streets, to check up on my officers," Frank admitted. "And I just so happened to be there," Danny

questioned? "Pretty much. Now are you going to tell me what's going on, or am I going to have to pry?" "Dad I'm fine," Danny really didn't want to start laying his

problems on his father. "I'm going to have to pry," Frank interpreted. "You could just let it go," Danny added. "Either you tell me, or I'm calling Andy, that kid notices

everything." "It's just the joys of living with a pregnant wife, and three trouble making children is all," Danny figured the only way to get him off his back, was to give

him a little information. "Who did what this time?" Frank knew that Andy, Jack or Sean was always up to something, and they usually traded out, on who got in

trouble at what time. "It's actually more Linda than the kids," Danny admitted. "The return of monster momma?" Frank said clarifying. "How did you know about

that?" Danny wondered. "Andy," Frank informed him. "Should have known," Danny muttered under his breath. "I can't help you unless you talk to me," Frank added.

Proving that getting something out of Danny was once again seeming impossible. "I have my pride," Danny said seriously. "And I can understand that better than

anyone," Frank knew how he felt. "It's nothing serious, I'm just finding out that I need to have a more hands-on approach when it comes to parenting, while Linda is

pregnant, that's all." "Sounds like you need a vacation," Frank interpreted. "We all do," Danny finally admitted. "She was fine Monday, and she and the kids were both

happy and things were fine. But when I got home Tuesday and Wednesday, it was the complete opposite. Tuesday, Jack and Sean were both in trouble, and on

Wednesday, Andy was in trouble. I mean I'll be the first to admit that my kids get into trouble almost weekly, but this time, it just seemed like they were being

punished, for things that didn't exactly warrant such strict discipline." "So, what brought all this on?" "I'm not sure," Danny was being completely honest. "I think

she's just overly tired, and needs a little time of not being a parent. Considering she knows that once number four gets here, that little one is going to need every

second of here attention." "Give her one." "Give her what?" Danny was confused. "Give her a vacation." "How?" "Let me keep the kids, and you and Linda spend some

time talking about how you change things," Frank came up with a solution. "I can't let you do that," Danny shook his head. "You kept the boys all last weekend." "I'm

volunteering," Frank said pointedly. "You know that might actually help," Danny thought about it. "And if there isn't anything else Commissioner," Danny said looking

around for his kids. "I have three children. And if they can't find me, and end up having to stay at school longer than necessary. They will be very upset." "They take

after their father," Frank chuckled before hanging up.

XXXXXXXX

"Hello Father," Andy said sliding into the front seat of the car. "Alright, what did you do this time?" Danny was surprised when she referred to him as father rather

than dad. "Nothing. I just thought I'd make you worry a bit," she grinned. "You're going to end up in your room yet," Danny pointed at her. "Hey, you've got to admit,

it made you think," Andy laughed. "Can we go get ice cream?" Sean asked from the backseat. "Yeah," Danny thought about it. "I want to talk to you about something

anyways." "Are we in trouble?" Jack asked carefully. "No, you are not in trouble," Danny shook his head. "In that case, bring on the ice cream," Jack buckled his seat

belt. Minutes later, found Danny, Andy, Jack and Sean sitting around a small table eating their chocolate sundaes. "So, what did you want to talk to us about?" Andy

said with her spoon in her mouth. "It's about this weekend," Danny set his spoon down. "I think you should run away to Grandpas," he said with a grin. "Really?" Sean

said jumping up. "Yes really," Danny chuckled. "I don't guess I have to ask if your excited." "Are you kidding, I wont to have to wash any dishes, just because I didn't

do my homework," Sean sounded as if he was ready to get in the car and go straight to Franks. "Sit down Sean," Danny could see that several customers were

starting to look. "When are we going?" Jack asked scraping the bottom of his ice cream dish. "Gramps is going to pick you up after school. And you'll come home

Sunday afternoon, after family dinner." "I'm done," Andy set her spoon down. "Time to go home." "When have you ever been in such a hurry to go home to monster

momma?" "Are you kidding me, I have to pack," Andy started for the door of the building.

XXXXXXXX

Sunday afternoon, and Danny and Linda were back at Franks for family dinner, and to pick up the kids. "Did Linda enjoy her weekend?" Erin asked walking into living

room, where her brother and father were talking. "Yes," Danny nodded. "We stayed home all weekend." "And did you get a chance to talk?" Frank questioned. "I

never wanted to contradict Linda and the decisions she makes as a parent, but she agreed that she's gone a little too far. And have decided that before she punishes

one of the children, we'll talk about it first. I think that will help quite a bit, at least make the kids not mind having to be with mom in the evenings after school.

Because there's no way I can leave a tour early every day to stay with them." "I can pick them up occasionally, when I get Nicki, if they need a break," Erin

volunteered. "So how were the kids this weekend?" Danny was almost afraid to ask. "There were a few bumps in the road," Frank admitted. "Mhmm, and I'm sure

most of those bumps started out with Andy." "Most of them," Frank nodded. "Anything I need to be aware of?" Danny was hoping for a no. "No," Frank shook his

head. "Grandpas privilege, I don't have to say anything." "Thanks for keeping them," Danny nodded. "Monster Momma is leaving, and she's getting back to her old

self thank God." Danny was grateful that things were going to start going back to normal. "And like you didn't enjoy your time with her," Jamie nudged him teasingly.

"Shut up Jamie," Danny glared at him. Jamie was about to say something further, when they were interrupted by yelling. The voices sounding very similar to that of

Andy and Sean. "Things are definitely getting back to normal," Danny said standing. "Somebody better get up there," Nicki said reaching the bottom of the stairs in a

hurry. "Andy's trying to kill Sean again." "What do you mean again?" Danny started heading for the stairs. "She did it yesterday too," Nicki said carefully. She didn't

exactly want to tattle on her cousin. But what could she do, he did ask after all. "Andrea!" Danny yelled as he walked up the stairs. "Dad! Help!" Sean creamed.

"Andy! Stop!" Danny grabbed her. "Stop trying to shove your brothers head in the toilet!"

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