CH. 8: Ceremonies and Memories

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Once Danny realized that Linda tended to do better hormone wise when she got more rest, this helped make things go a little smoother. They had a busy week ahead

of them, that week marking the one year anniversary that Danny and Andy met. That week was also Andy's award ceremony, and all the Reagans had plans to attend,

and this made her nervous. Attending award ceremonies or special presentations was something the Reagans did full force, and despite Andy telling them multiple

times, that it wasn't necessary for them to attend, they ignored her. It wasn't that she didn't want them to go, she just didn't think she was going to win anything,

and that made her feel embarrassed, especially considering both her brothers already had plaques and trophies displayed. The ceremony was set for the beginning of

the week, and each child had to be dressed in their Sunday best, so to speak. Which was another thing that was making Andy dread that night. She tried to convince

Linda, to just let her wear something she had, but considering it was her first award ceremony, that suggestion was ignored. What made the whole thing worse, was

the fact that if they did go out to get something, she knew that Linda would insist she get a dress. She was dreading the afterschool shopping trip, knowing that

chances were she and Linda would end up arguing about it, Linda would be frustrated and end up calling Danny. Then Danny would talk to her and repeat the same

thing he told her all the time when they weren't listening. Respect your mother.

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It was the beginning of the week, when Andy and Linda were walking through one of the department stores Linda chose. Andy of course chose to trail a short distance

behind her mother, who was busy pulling out several different outfits. "What about this one?" Linda pulled out a long pale pink dress. "Mom its pink," Andy laid out her

number one complaint. Or was it second, Andy couldn't remember, the fact was, it was a dress and it was pink, so she had it in her head that she wasn't going to like

it either way. Linda sighed and kept walking, not really feeling like getting into an argument over the color of something. "What color dress do you want then?" Linda

was trying to get it over with as soon as possible. Yes, Linda knew the trip to find a special outfit should have been something special between mother and daughter,

but when you had a daughter like Andy who could care less about dressing up, and wearing anything other than jeans or athletic pants, made things rather difficult for

the mother who tried her best to clothe her children in nice clothes. "I don't want to wear a dress at all," Andy shrugged admittingly. "This is a special occasion

Andrea, and you can survive wearing a dress for one night," Linda said flatly, leaving no room for argument, at least she didn't think it would. "You know you could

save money, if you just let me wear something I already have," Andy tried the finance card. Sure, Danny and Linda never talked about money around their children,

but that didn't keep Andy from overhearing a time or two when she walked into the room. "Don't you worry about the money," Linda looked at her. "And I'm pretty

sure we can afford to buy you something nice for your first award ceremony since you began taking part in something as a Reagan," Linda smiled at her, looking

forward to the ceremony. "I know Mom, and I appreciate it, really. I just hate dresses." Linda sighed and shook her head. "You're wearing a dress Andy, so you might

as well make the best of it, and pick something out that you can actually stand." "Yes Mam. But I'm still not happy about it," Andy couldn't help but add. "And you

don't have to be, but it would certainly help make this whole thing a lot more bearable," leave it to Linda to add some sort of motherly advice, in a time that Andy

wasn't anywhere interested in hearing it. "But why do I have to wear a dress, it's not like I wear a dress when I play basketball anyway, and these awards are for

playing basketball," Andy tried convincing her mother to let her wear something else. "We've already been through all this Andy," Linda was getting tired of arguing

with her. "I could always wear dress pants, like I wear to church. With a cute shirt, or something like that." "You are wearing a dress, and that's final," Linda said

sternly, before turning to walk away. "No," Andy said. Linda spun around so abruptly, one would think it would have made the baby inside her dizzy. "What did you

just say?" Linda was trying not to cause a scene. "I said no," Andy repeated. Linda wanted to say something further, but she knew that if she did, she would only

cause a scene with all the yelling she was tempted to do. Pulling out her phone, Linda pressed a few buttons before placing it to her ear. "Here it comes," Andy

muttered, already knowing what to expect. "Hello father," Andy said the second Linda handed her the phone. "I'm working a case, and I really don't have time to deal

with your attitude. Now get what your mother says without arguing. Or else." Was all he said before the call ended, not even giving Andy a chance to get a word in.

"That was the shortest conversation I've had with him," Andy handed Linda her phone. "Now let's pick something out that we both like, but you can tolerate. Do you

want to try a skirt?" Linda was trying to make it a pleasant experience, and forget the difficult time, they just experienced. Andy scrunched up her face, showing that

she was thinking about it. "I don't think so," she finally answered, shaking her head. "Okay," Linda proceeded to another rack of clothing, looking for something both

suitable for the occasion, as well as something she would approve of. "What if we compromised," Linda turned to face her daughter. "How about we get a short red

dress, and some black leggings, you can wear under it." "How about I just get the leggings and wear my basketball shirt with it," Andy couldn't help but smile at the

thought. "How about I take those leggings off you and put you over my knee," Linda just looked at her. "I guess the dress and leggings would be alright," Andy

nodded, at least it beat the alternative. "Let's get it," Linda smiled, grateful to be through with searching and arguing. They were just walking past the shoes when

Linda stopped. "Do you have sandals to wear?" "I have white and tan ones," Andy answered. "We should probably get you a black pair," Linda led the way down the

aisle of the kid shoes. A few minutes later, and Linda and Andy were on their way to Bay Ridge to pick up Jack and Sean.

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Danny walked down the street away from the convenient store, hours upon hours of footage in hand, that he was going to be forced to sit through and watch. "I've

got the footage Jackie. You're going to need to make a pot of coffee. We are going to need every last drop," Danny said, his cell phone in hand. Jackie moaned, "let's

wait until tomorrow Reagan." "We've been at it all day, and were liable to miss something important if we watch it when were half asleep. Besides don't you have

children you need to show your face too." "Yeah," Danny admitted running a hand down his tired face. "So, we are in agreement to start fresh in the morning?" Jackie

wanted to clarify. "I'll drop the footage off at the precinct and sign out for the day," Danny gave in. "In that case, I'm signing out now," Jackie was just about to hang

up, when Danny started to say something further. "Do you have a date?" "Maybe," was all Jackie said before hanging up on her partner, not really interested in having

to answer a thousand questions.

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"Pop!" Linda called, she and Andy walking through the door. "Kitchen!" Henry called back. "We're making a cake," Sean said excitedly, when he saw his mother. "It

looks great baby," Linda kissed his head. "Is Grandpa here yet?" Andy asked, noticing she had yet to see one of her favorite people in the world. "Not yet," Henry

answered, checking the lasagna in the oven. "Do you have plans for dinner Linda?" All three heads, turned to look at their mother, the second the words left their

great-grandfathers mouth, knowing what his question was leading up too. "Not yet," Linda admitted. "I need to check with Danny to see what time he's planning on

getting off tonight." "You are welcome to stay for dinner then," Henry offered. "Francis should be here soon." "Please can we stay Mom?" Andy looked at her mother

pleadingly. "Yeah, Mom please," Jack echoed. "I don't know guys, I have to check with Dad first," Linda told them. "Can you call him?" Sean pushed. "In a minute

honey, he is at work, and I don't want to bother him too much," Linda said. There was a sound at the front door, and then a voice, they all knew, came booming out.

"Are my grandchildren here?" "Grandpa!" Andy, Jack and Sean ran for the living room. Andy in the lead, and Jack and Sean running with chocolate icing all over their

hands. Frank managed to keep their hands off his white shirt and vest. He had just sent them into the kitchen to wash up, when Danny walked in. "Dad!" Both boys

ran to him, forgetting about their dirty hands. Seconds later, after they finished hugging him, Danny looked down, noticing a few dark spots on his shirt. Danny

moaned, but the boys had already disappeared into the kitchen. "Did you get something for the ceremony?" Danny asked, looking up from his shirt, when he noticed

his daughter had yet to approach him, since he walked through the door. Thinking that was a little out of the norm, considering she usually attacked him, any time he

walked through the door. "Yes Sir," Andy's voice was solemn. "Alright, what did you do wrong?" Danny could tell something was going with her. "Are you mad at me,

since mom had to call you today, about my behavior?" Andy ran her upper teeth, over her bottom lip, her eyes staring at the floor, too afraid to make eye contact with

him. "Andy," Danny said gently. Andy didn't say anything, and she had yet to look up, she was too busy studying the pattern on the hard wood floor. "Andy," Danny

repeated, this time he placed too fingers under her chin to lift her head up, so he could make eye contact with her. "Did you change your behavior, when I told you

to?" Danny asked once he had her full attention. "Yes," Andy said again. "Then were done," Danny pulled his tie off, grateful the chocolate hands missed the tie.

"Really? I'm not in trouble," Andy took a seat on the arm of the chair. "Let's go to Grandpa's office for a minute, so we can talk without interruption," Danny wanted to

remind her of something, but felt compelled to do it away from two boys. "I thought you said I wasn't in trouble," Andy knew she usually didn't have too many good

experiences in there. "Come on," Danny led the way into the room. Andy moved so slowly, that Danny was almost certain, that Christmas would be there before Andy

even made it halfway to the door. "Do you know what this week is?" Danny asked, closing the door to the room, before taking a seat on the edge of his father's desk.

"The week I find myself getting another spanking in Grandpa's office," Andy wasn't sure what else to say. "I already told you, you weren't in trouble," Danny shook his

head, thinking of all the things she could say to that. "Then why are we in here?" Andy wasn't sure if she should believe him or not. "Offices can be used for a variety

of things, and they are a great place to talk without interruption," Danny explained. "Now I'm going to ask you again. Do you know what this week is?" "No," Andy's

voice was low, as she tried to figure out, what he was getting at. "This week is a year since I chased a certain kid down a dark alley at midnight," Danny smiled at her.

Andy's face brightened and she ran to him, "I didn't even remember that." "I did," Danny wrapped his arms around her. "It was the week my life changed forever."

"Mine too," Andy lifted her head up just enough to look at him, without pulling away from his embrace. She didn't think she would ever get tired of feeling him hold

her. "I'm the parent, it's my job to remember. You're the kid, and it's your job to be the kid, and enjoy life." "Thanks Daddy," Andy felt a tear stray down her cheek. "I

never enjoyed life until I got to experience it with you and your family." Danny tightened his grip around her for a brief moment, neither one of them when speaking.

Moments later, and Danny let her go. "We better go, before someone comes looking for us." "Pop will probably have dinner ready too," Andy agreed. They were just

about to walk out of the room, when there was a slight knock on the door, and Frank poked his head in. "Pop said come now or forever hold your peace." "Were

coming," Andy wiped her left hand over her face, trying to dry her face from her tears. "This weeks been a year since I met Dad," Andy smiled, when Frank noticed

the tears. "I know," he smiled back at her. "Does everybody remember but me?" Andy walked out of the room and over to the dinner table.

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The following day, and just as Danny and Jackie had planned, they spent ten grueling hours staring at security camera footage. Danny's cell buzzed, and he reached,

for it from where he let it on the table. "Danny, where you are?" "I'm still at work Linda, why?" Danny was confused, knowing Linda knew there were times, he had to

work odd hours. "Your daughters award ceremony is tonight, and we have to leave in an hour," Linda reminded him. "I know Linda, and I'll be there I promise," Danny

said glancing at his watch. "Danny, this is your daughters first award ceremony, you need to get home and tell her how pretty she looks, and enjoy this special time.

She's really nervous, about everyone coming tonight, and she needs your support." Danny sighed, "I'll be home in a few minutes." A few minutes later, and true to his

word, Danny walked through the front of his home. "Dad you made it!" Andy ran the rest of the way down the stairs excitedly. "Of course, I did," Danny hugged her.

"You didn't think I was going to miss something so important?" "Well I don't know how important it is. I doubt I'm going to get anything, but I am glad you're here,

just in case," Andy admitted with a grin. "Doesn't she look beautiful Danny?" Linda said joining them in the living room. "Of course, she does," Danny winked at Andy.

"Alright everybody in the car," Linda said noticing the time. "Jack! Sean! Get down here!" An hour later, and Danny, Linda and the boys met the rest of the Reagan

family at the door of the auditorium, before filing in to find a seat. Andy having to take her place with the rest of her team members at the front. "Andy sure looks

pretty," Erin mentioned, leaning over in her seat to look at Danny and Linda. "I'm really dreading those teenage years, Linda looked fearful. "I bet you are," Frank

nodded in agreement. "How did you handle it with Erin?" Danny looked at his father questioningly. "I'll let you know, in a couple years," Frank shook his head, turning

his attention to the front. There were trophies, plaques, and certificates for team captain, team motivator, team clown, most improved player, most valuable player,

best free throw shooter, and coach's choice awards spread across a table that was set up on stage, and the coach, assistant coach, principal and other school

personnel were seated on stage, showing they were only minutes from starting. Please let me at least get one, Andy prayed silently, as she chewed on her lower lip

nervously. Her new family was there, and more than anything in the world she wanted them to be proud of her for an achievement. They were about twenty minutes

into the ceremony, and Andy was still sitting in her assigned seat, still hoping and praying she would hear her name called. It didn't take long for Danny who had been

up since the wee morning hours, to get comfortable in the semi dark auditorium. He had only closed his eyes for a second, but that was all it took for him to drift off.

"Danny," both Frank and Linda nudged him. "I'm awake," Danny shifted in his seat, before rubbing his face several times to help him wake up. Danny had just turned

his attention back to the front, when excitement was elated into the family. "The award for the most valuable player goes to Andrea Reagan." The Principals voice

boomed across the auditorium. Andy was beaming as she walked the stage to receive the nicely polished wood plaque, trimmed in gold, her name etched in the

middle. That award however, wasn't the only award Andy received, and she was surprised when she was called again to the front for the best free throw shooter

trophy, and a certificate for the team motivator, and team clown. As soon as the ceremony was over, Andy ran to find her family, grateful that Linda allowed the

leggings, otherwise she knew she would probably be in for a lecture about running in a dress, and a reminder about being modest. "Mom! Dad! Grandpa!" Andy

squealed excitedly, when she was just a few feet away from them. "Were so proud of you baby," Linda hugged her first. "I told you, you would get one," Frank was

smiling, when Andy moved on to him. "She takes after her Dad," Danny said high-fiving his daughter. After being congratulated by the rest of the Reagans, Frank

announced he would be taking them all out to dinner that evening to celebrate, Andy's choice. To no surprise to them, Andy chose pizza.

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It was midweek when things changed for the Reagan family however, at least for Andy, who had a knack for trouble. Andy never intentionally got in trouble, to ruin a

good week. But she was Andy Reagan, and trouble just came naturally, sometimes when she was looking, and other times when it just found her. Andy was beyond

frustrated as she struggled with finding a quiet place to read the book assigned to her by her reading teacher. She was assigned to write a book report, that was due

in just a few days. The only problem was, she had to read the book first, and the book had yet to peak Andy's interest level. Then again, she was barely on chapter

two, and she still had thirteen chapters go. At first, she tried being nice to her brothers, by asking them to be a little quieter so she could pay attention to the book,

knowing that if she got a bad grade on her report, her parents would find out and make her reread the book. The boys however didn't comply, and by the second-time

Andy went in to ask them to be quiet, the negotiations were a lot shorter. In fact, Andy didn't say anything at all, instead she walked over to the gaming console,

ejected the game, and threw it out the open window. "Mom!" Jack and Sean yelled running down the stairs to complain to their mother. "Andy threw our game out the

window," Sean whined when they found her emptying the dishwasher. "Andrea!" Linda called her daughter to join them downstairs. "Why did you throw your brothers

game out the window?" "Because they were being too loud with it, and wouldn't turn it down when I asked them too," Andy tried picking up for herself. "I understand

that Andrea, but that is no reason to just throw it out the window. You could have come down, told me your problem, and I would have taken care of it. But instead,

you chose to take matters into your own hands, and if it's broke, you will be using your allowance to buy a new one," Linda was hoping that would be the end of the

dispute. Andy was about to argue, but was interrupted when the front door opened. "Please tell me that this Madden game I just ran over isn't ours," Danny said

holding the cracked disk in his hand. "Dang it!" Andy yelled throwing the book across the room. The window shattered, and there were pieces of glass covering the

floor. No one said a word, at least not at first. Jack and Sean both stared at one another, their mouths gaping open, astounded by their sister's actions. Andy was

shocked, and Danny and Linda were just as surprised as their daughter, if not more. Unfortunately for Andy, that surprise was beginning to wear off, and turning into

rage. "Boys, go outside," Linda managed to find her voice. "And stay there until we tell you to come in." "But what if one of us gets hurt?" Sean asked. "Or we have to

go to the bathroom." "You can come in for those reasons. Now get out," Danny showed them the door. "Andrea," Danny pointed to the couch. "I'm so sorry Dad. I

don't know what happened." "I can tell you what happened," Linda said, her arms crossed in front of her chest. "You broke the window." "It was an accident," Andy

said trying to weasel herself out of trouble. "You know that is a little hard for us to believe you, considering your track record. You have been known to throw things in

the house before," Danny said pointedly. "Since when?" "The baseball," Danny reminded her, "and about a thousand other things." "Andy, you know you are not

allowed to throw things in the house, especially your school books," Linda felt compelled to add. "I know Mom, and I'm sorry, really, it won't happen again," Andy was

getting a little worried, knowing it wasn't likely that she would be able to escape punishment. "You bet it won't happen again, because you're paying for the window,"

Linda was the first to stay. "And you're grounded until the game and window is paid for," Danny added. "What! But Dad!" Andy jumped up, raising her voice.

"Andrea," Danny warned, his voice just as high. "Do you really want to add disrespect to your list of things to be punished for this evening?" "No Sir," Andy said

quickly, retaking her seat. Sure, Andy was forgetful, especially when it came to rules such as throwing things in the house. But one thing Andy wasn't, was stupid, and

considering she was already grounded for who knew how long, she really didn't want to add not being able to sit comfortably for that period too. "Good choice," Danny

calmed. "But how will I pay for it?" Andy looked from Danny to Linda. "I'm too young to get an actual job." "I'm sure Erin, Jamie, and Grandpa have plenty of house

chores you can do for them on weekends and after school," Danny answered her question. "And if not, I know we have plenty you can do here." Linda added rubbing

her hands together, thinking of all the things she could do for her. "I'm thinking toilet cleaning in both bathrooms, polishing the furniture, cleaning out the car, help

me organize my bedroom, so we will have room for a crib." Andy had yet to say anything, all she could do was sit there unhappily. "This is so unfair," Andy grumbled.

"What's unfair, is me having to replace another broken window," Danny mumbled. "Why are you afraid of the broken window theory? And more crime is going to erupt

in the house?" Andy scoffed. "Absolutely, no crime is going to come from this house," Danny pointed at her seriously. "And I'm taking my criminal justice books back

that you've been reading," he added. "Dad!?" Andy complained again. "Don't Dad me, and drop the attitude." "When can I have them back?" Andy seemed to be more

upset about the loss of the books, than anything else. "When you get a better attitude. You know I really don't like coming home to you getting yourself into trouble,"

Danny shook his head. "It isn't the way I'd like to spend my evening with you." "I know," Andy nodded solemnly. "And I'm sorry. Can I go back to my room now?" "Go

ahead," Linda's voice was low, not really upset with her any longer. "Oh, and Andy, next time, don't wait till last minute to start an assignment," Linda gave her a half

smile. "Yes Mam," Andy grinned, heading for the stairs.

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With Friday marking a year since Danny and Andy met. Danny had plans to mark it by taking Andy back to that place, and giving them the opportunity, to walk the

exact street that changed both their lives forever. Unfortunately for Danny however, he had to work a few additional hours, chasing down suspects from the

surveillance videos. It was after 11:00 pm, by the time Danny got home, and normally considering the time, he would just postpone his plans, it wasn't like Andy

knew anything about it them to begin with, so there wasn't any chance in him disappointing her. The only problem was, he would disappoint himself if he didn't forge

ahead with his plans. He wanted to do this with his daughter, and he didn't care what time it was. Yawning, Danny took the stairs two at a time, he was exhausted

and more than ready for a shower. "Andy wake up," Danny patted her back several times. "Dad," Andy moaned, sitting up, blinking her eyes several times. "Get up

and get dressed," Danny said tossing a pair of pants and shirt at her. "Where are we going?" Andy said tossing the bedspread back on her bed, and reaching for the

clothes. She was totally confused, to why her father would come into her room at 11:15 and wake her up to go somewhere, but she ignored her confusion, and

continued to get dressed. "You'll see," Danny pulled one of her jackets from the closet. Finishing up with her socks and shoes, Andy followed her father down the

stairs, out the door, and over to the car. "Did you tell Mom you were taking me with you? She'll be really upset, if she wakes up and finds me gone," Andy really

wasn't interested, in getting into any more trouble. "I took care of it," Danny drove the rest of the way in silence. "Isn't that the children's center?" Andy pointed at

the large building on the street corner, just before Danny drove past it. "That's the one," Danny glanced at the building. "Well since you drove past it, I don't guess I

need to worry about you taking me back," Andy said lightly. "They'd never take you. Trust me," Danny laughed out loud. "By the time, I would finish answering all

their questions regarding your behavior and the amount of trouble you've gotten into. They'd show me the door." "Lucky me," Andy giggled, as Danny continued to

drive another several minutes. Danny pulled over on a nearby street corner and unbuckled his seatbelt. "Let's take a walk," Danny said glancing at her, before

stepping out of the car, followed closely by his daughter. "This is where we met," Andy looked at Danny with a smile. They walked a few more feet, till they reached

the front of the store that had the booth set up that night. "And I believe it was right about this time, when I noticed you standing beside me," Danny glanced at his

watch, being careful to stand in the exact same place he did before. "So that would put me right here," Andy moved to stand on the opposite side of him. Seconds

later, and Andy started to run down the empty street. "Come on Dad!" Andy stopped to call him. "Come get me, just like you did that night!" Andy started to make a

run for the alley. Danny smiled at her idea of reenactment, and chased after her, knowing he had to catch her at the exact same place he did before. Pushing himself

to run faster, Danny reached out and grabbed her. "You know it isn't safe to run the streets at midnight, right?" Danny couldn't help but remind her. "I know you

wouldn't let anything happen to me," Andy smiled at him as the two walked over to the same park bench they sat at, that time she ran off and told him about the

guys that threatened her. "That's one thing that's changed since we first met," Danny recalled. "You were scared, and didn't trust me at first." "You were a cop," Andy

shrugged. "I was afraid you were going to make me go back to the Wilsons foster home." "How many foster families did you have?" Danny was hoping to find a little

more out about her past, knowing she didn't bring it up all that often. "I lost count after the first year," Andy shook her head. "What were they like?" "A lot different

than your house, that's for sure," was all Andy said to answer the question. "How so? Tell me a little more about your foster families," Danny pushed. "You don't want

to know Dad trust me, they would only make you upset," Andy tried ignoring his question by faking a yawn. "Andy," Danny nudged her. "I don't want to force you, but

I am your father, and I'd like to know everything I can about your past." "Sorry, but I don't remember anything about the day I was born," Andy smiled at him

sheepishly. "I wouldn't imagine so," Danny shook his head. "But that wasn't exactly what I was getting at." "There isn't much to tell Dad," Andy shrugged. "Most of

the homes were overloaded with so many kids that it made looking for even a small place of quiet difficult. I think it was the Elliot's house that I had to stay inside my

bedroom for two days, because Mrs. Elliot caught me in her closet. I wasn't doing anything, just sitting on the floor hiding in their clothes, where it was quiet. They

had a two-month-old foster baby, that cried all the time, and I had to share my room with the baby, along with one other little girl, that was several years younger

than me. It was my job to tend to the baby, anytime I wasn't at school, and sometimes I would be so tired, that I wouldn't even wake up when the baby was crying at

night. At least not until one of my foster parents came in and yelled at me for not tending to the baby." Andy was right Danny thought to himself, he was getting

upset, just thinking about the way some of the foster families treated his daughter. "How old were you?" "Eight, I think," Andy said trying to calculate the families she

stayed with in her head. "And I'll tell you more about my past. Talking about it doesn't bother me," Andy said plainly. "But we'd be here all night and Mom would kill

you for having me out all night." "Well at least you know how to change a diaper, that will definitely come in handy," Danny tried lightening the mood, not wanting her

to sense how upset he was. "I forgot," Andy looked at him with a grin. "I bet you wouldn't have said that to the Elliot's," Danny shook his head. "I wasn't an idiot,"

Andy looked surprised by his statement. "Then why say it to me?" Danny teased. "Your different," Andy shrugged again. "I guess so," Danny pulled her closer to him.

"Even with your past, it didn't take you long to adjust living with us," Danny remembered, looking around the part of New York that changed his life forever. "Why do

you think that was?" Danny asked, looking down at his little girl. "I don't know, maybe it was because I wanted a family so bad," Andy thought about it. "Want do you

think?" "I'm not sure," Danny shook his head. "But did you know that my Dad did tell me that you acted just like me, even before we knew you were my biological

daughter?" Danny smiled down at her. "Really," Andy giggled, before picking her feet up and pressing them against her chest, before laying her head against his arm.

"Why do you think that was?" "Blood I guess, and the fact that we just can't help ourselves," Danny shrugged. "In that case, why are you so hard on me when I do

something wrong?" Andy didn't think there was anything wrong in taking every opportunity to talk her way out future disciplines. "Because you did something wrong,"

Danny said simply. "And because that's the way my parents handled me." "Now let me guess, the next words you are going to say is, and I turned out alright," Andy

teased. "Well I did," Danny placed an arm over her shoulder. "Your turning into Grandpa," Andy giggled. "You know even if I wasn't able to spend as much time as I

would have liked with you when you were little, I'm still happy with the way things turned out, and all the changes that took place this past year," Danny went back to

being serious, for a moment. "You mean when Michelle told you, you were my biological father? She thought I was at the precinct because I was in some kind of

trouble," Andy remembered. "Well if I remember correctly, the reason, you were there was because you were in trouble, and got suspended," Danny said pointedly.

"We both know she thought I got arrested," Andy nodded. "I haven't had to arrest you yet, although I thought I was going to have to, if you were the one that pulled

the fire alarm." "I was tempted, but I'm glad I didn't," Andy admitted. "That makes two of us," Danny agreed. "You'd still be in trouble for that one." Andy smiled, and

the two turned silent for several minutes, both taking the time to just remember the past. "I know it sounds weird, but I felt loved the first day you brought me

home." Andy broke the silence, she felt a little odd saying it, but she felt the need to continue. "I know it was impossible for you and mom to do so, considering you

didn't know me all that well. But I did feel it, and not only from you and Mom, but from the rest of your family as well. Feeling loved, was a new experience for me. I

had never felt it before, and I must admit it was a little odd at first. But at the same time, I loved it more than anything in the world." "Your mother and I did love you

from the very beginning," Danny said honestly. "Dad," Andy shook her head. "You don't have to lie to me. You barely knew me, when I moved in." "Linda loved you,

the day she met you," Danny combated. "And you kept me awake every night after we met, because all I could do was think about you." "Why?" Andy asked

wondering. "Let's just say, I could see something in you, that reminded me of myself when I was your age." "Do you think that's because of the biological kid thing?"

Andy didn't know why she acted the way she did, but she figured there had to be a reason behind it. "Maybe," Danny shrugged. "Your Grandpa certainly seems to

think so. He must remember things I did as a kid, that I don't." "I'm going to have to ask him about that," Andy said with a grin, spreading across her face.

XXXXXXXX

At least I got to take you home with me tonight," Danny said pulling into the driveway of his home. "Dad?" Andy's voice was low, but there was no mistaking the

seriousness behind it. "Thanks for taking me tonight." Danny let out a long breath he didn't realize he was holding, as he looked her directly in the eye. "You're

welcome kid. It was just as much for you as it was for me." "Can we do it every year?" Andy asked carefully. "Make it a tradition?" Danny picked up. Andy nodded,

and Danny smiled. "I'd like that." "I love you Dad," Andy hugged him. "I love you too Andy." The two holding onto to one another for several minutes. They may had

missed several years of being together, but they were willing to make the best out of every minute they had left.


Hope you all enjoyed the update... Thanks again for all the follows, favorites, and reviews... JusticeStandsTRUE