CH. 10: Reagan General Hospital Part 1

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Andy rolled over in bed Saturday morning, it was nearing 9:00, and she had absolutely no energy, nor will power to get up. She normally didn't stay in bed for so

long, but she had stayed up a little later than usual the night before, hoping to get her essays completed, knowing that she still had the punishment part of helping

her father around the house to complete. Whereas her mother wasn't thrilled with the idea of letting her stay up, Danny managed to convince her that as long as she

was requesting to stay up for school purposes, there was nothing wrong with allowing her to stay to up an hour or so more, considering it was Friday night. After a few

minutes of persuading on Danny's part, Linda was willing to agree, at least after Danny told her that he was going to stay up a little later anyway, and promised to

tuck her in by at least 11:00.

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"Hey sleepyhead," Linda said walking into her daughter's room to check on her, knowing how unusual it was for her to actually stay in bed that late. Sure, she knew

that Andy wasn't exactly a morning person, but still 9:00 was kind of pushing it. "Hi Mom," Andy stretched. "Are you planning on coming down for breakfast today, or

just lunch," Linda teased. "I'm getting up," Andy sat up. "Dads making breakfast, and he's going to want get started on all the work that needs to be done," Linda told

her. "I'm coming," Andy threw her bedspread back, before crawling out of bed, and following her mother down the stairs. "Just in time for breakfast," Danny said

placing a pancake on the plate in front of her, the second she sat down. "Thanks," Andy gave him a small smile. "What kind of juice do you want Andy?" Linda asked

taking a glass from the cabinet. "Can I have coffee?" Andy looked from Danny to Linda. "Andy your ten," Linda just looked at her. "I don't think you are going to like

it," Danny handed her his cup of black coffee. Andy was about to press the mug to her lips, when Danny stopped her. "You can take a few sips to try it, but nothing

more." Andy nodded, and sipped the hot liquid. The rest of the Reagans stared at her for a moment looking for a face expression, to say what she thought of it, but

her expression never changed, causing Linda to question her opinion. "Well?" "It's good," Andy handed Danny his cup back. Danny gave her a cross look, when he

glanced at his cup, and noticed that half the cup of coffee was gone. "Sorry," Andy gave him a mischievous grin. "Sure, you are," Danny refilled his cup before taking

a seat between her and Sean. "So, I guess that's a no on the coffee?" Andy couldn't help but ask. Danny and Linda exchanged glanced, as if trying to come up with a

mutual decision. "Did you finish your essays?" Danny thought he would ask, before making a decision. "Yes Sir," Andy nodded quickly, kind of proud of herself, for

getting it done before deadline. Looking at Linda again, Danny stood. "You can have a cup with half coffee and half milk, and a little sugar," Danny said filling the mug

with milk. "Lord knows you don't need any more energy, than you already have." "Thanks Dad," Andy gave him a big smile, when he placed the cup down in front of

her. "This isn't going to be an everyday thing though," Linda felt compelled to remind her. "We're only allowing it this one time, because you took your punishment in

strife, and worked hard on getting it done." "I know," Andy nodded in understanding. "But I only did it, so I wouldn't get anymore swats with that dang paddle," Andy

admitted. She was tempted to say the word dam, rather than dang just for emphasis, but she figured that would only get her mouth washed out with soap and then

the paddle, while she was leaning over the sink, trying to rinse her mouth out. "For whatever reason," Linda couldn't help but smile. A few minutes later, and they

Reagans were just finishing up on breakfast. "You two are on work detail with me because of the fireworks," Danny reminded Andy and Jack. "We know," Jack said

pushing his chair in. "Go get dressed, and meet me in the basement," Danny said standing, as he made his own way down the basement stairs.

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"What are we going to down here?" Jack asked sometime later. "Look for baby stuff that your mother can go through later on, look for things to get rid of, and

basically clean it out," Danny enlightened them, before getting to work on the shelves. "Oh, and Andy," Danny said getting her attention. "If I even see you looking at

a firework, we will be going directly to your room, and only making a slight detour to get the paddle." "You have nothing to worry about," Andy shook her head. "I

already got a spanking once this week. And I really don't want another one." "Good choice," Danny gave her a half smile. "I thought it was," Andy admitted, helping

Jack move a box labeled Danny's junk. "What's in here Dad?" Andy asked opening it. "It's labeled Danny's junk." "Let me see that," Danny said squatting down next to

them. "This isn't junk. These are things that I had in Andy's room." "You mean your junk room," Jack referred to the name they used to call the room. "That's the

one," Danny said looking through the box. "I took your storage room?" Andy said looking at Danny intently, feeling a little guilty. "It's never been put to better use,"

Danny patted her back. "Yeah," Jack piped up. "At least with you having it, we can see the floor. That's a little more than I can say, about when Dad had it." Danny

gave him a sideways glance, and Andy muttered. "That's only because mom makes me clean it." "Alright out with the past," Danny closed the box, before they had a

chance to find something, that would bring out a long explanation. "And on with the future." "Mom said I had to come down and help," Sean grumbled, taking a seat

on the edge of the basement bed. "Good," Danny said, knowing that with the more help he got, the faster they would get done. "And you can start by taking that box

of old baby stuff up to your mother," Danny pointed to one of the boxes he just got down from one of the shelves. "More baby stuff," Sean shook his head, his eyes

wide. "This is only the tip of the iceberg kid, get used to it. We're going to be overrun with baby stuff, especially after the baby shower your aunt will be determined to

give." "Great," Sean mumbled, thinking of all the trips he was going to be forced to make from the car to the house, carrying things in. "Now get to work son," Danny

said returning to the task at hand. "I don't want to," Sean kicked the floor. "What did you say?" Danny looked at him questioningly, kind of surprised by his son's

attitude. "All I hear is stuff about that stupid baby," Sean muttered under his breath. "You know, either I'm losing my hearing, or you're getting a smart mouth on you

boy." Danny looked at him sternly, "and I won't hesitate to take care of it. Now get moving." "Yes Sir," Sean sighed standing, before picking the box up and taking it

up the stairs. "Sean's starting to sound like me," Andy piped up, once he left the basement. "Don't remind me," Danny said shaking his head, not exactly pleased, that

he had two smart aleks living under his roof, and he had a feeling it was only a matter of time before Jack discovered his. The remaining three continued to look

through the boxes, until Linda called them up for a lunch break. Immediately following the break, Danny and the kids returned to work in the basement, while Linda

worked on going through the boxes of baby items, Sean brought up. Stretching out on the basement bed, Andy peered under the bed. She had a slight headache, and

she couldn't stop sneezing, but she figured it was due to being tired, and all the dust she was breathing in. She was just about to pull out one of the storage tubs,

when she stopped. She really wanted to quit working, and go lay down. The only problem was, she had gotten in trouble, and she knew she had to work for as ever

long her parents told her. She closed her eyes for a few seconds, and the aching in her head subsided. Sitting up, Andy summed up the courage to request a short

reprieve. "Dad, I know I'm supposed to help you all day today. But do you think you could punish me in some other way?" Andy sounded hopeful. "I'm kind of tired,

and would like to go lay down for a few minutes." "Are you feeling alright?" Danny looked at her questioningly, knowing that Andy was never one to request a nap.

"I'm fine," Andy yawned nodding. I'm just tired." "There will be plenty to do before the baby comes, so you can help me later on." Danny wasn't sure if he should

believe her when she said she was fine, remembering the last time she was sick. They didn't find out until she fell asleep in class, and the school nurse called them.

"Thanks," Andy yawned again, turning to go up the stairs.

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The following morning, and Andy was still feeling tired. Linda had gone in multiple times, in an attempt to get her up, knowing they only had an hour before they had

to get to mass, but her attempts appeared futile. "Andrea Reagan, I want you out of this bed and dressed immediately." Linda bellowed, long before giving up on the

soft approach. Andy sighed, but she finally managed to sit up. "This is all your fault you know," Linda said returning to her bedroom a few minutes later, to finish her

hair. "What is?" Danny had no idea, what he was being blamed for, as he tucked his shirt. "You let Andy stay up late Friday Night," Linda reminded him. "It wasn't that

late," Danny knew she couldn't be that tired, from staying up late for one night. "If you are ready, go check on the boy's progress, and make sure Andy did actually

get out of bed, rather than falling back in. You know she is prone to doing that," Linda reminded him. "Please," Danny corrected with a grin. "You do not get to correct

me Daniel Reagan, I am not one of your children," this time it was Linda's turn to correct him. "Yes Mam," Danny chuckled, walking out of the room, and down the

hall. "How's it coming Andy?" Danny found her standing in front of the bathroom sink brushing her teeth, still in her pajamas. "Fine," Andy muttered, spitting the

toothpaste in the sink. "I'm tired." "I know," Danny nodded. "But try to hurry, moms going to be ready to go." "I know," Andy placed her toothbrush in its holder on

the counter, before trudging slowly down the hall and into her bedroom. "So much for hurrying," Danny mumbled under his breath when he saw how slow his

daughter was moving. Closing the bedroom door behind her, Andy pulled her pajama shirt off and tossed it onto her bed before looking through the closet for

something her mother would deem appropriate for church. Settling on a pale blue sleeveless shirt, and a tan cardigan, along with a tan pare of dress pants, Andy

tossed them on the bed, before walking over to the mirrored dresser to brush her hair and apply her deodorant. "That's different," Andy said looking down at her chest

and stomach. There were a few pale pink spots, that looked almost like insect bites, and a slight rash surrounding those. Knowing that she had gone outside the day

before after her nap to help her father and brothers carry things out to the shed in the backyard, she ignored the itchy bumps, figuring that she just got bit by

something, and instead pulled her shirt over her head and hurried down the stairs.

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Andy was relatively quiet that afternoon during family dinner, she was still somewhat tired, and not at all that hungry, but she tried eating, just enough to keep from

attracting unwanted attention. Her stomach was aching, but she ignored the pain, as she took another bite of mixed vegetables. She didn't really care for veggies all

that much, but the Reagan rule was, she had to eat a little bit of everything on her plate. Then again, the veggies weren't horrible, she just preferred chocolate cake

instead. But she knew, that if she wanted to avoid a lecture from her mother, and keep her from paying too much attention to her plate, she needed to eat them. A

few minutes after dinner was over, the boys asked their grandfather, if they could play with his pool table in the basement. After getting Franks approval, Jack, Sean

and Nicky left the table. Andy was about to follow them, when Linda stopped her. "Andy, I'd like for you to go lay down and take a nap for a few minutes." "I don't

want to take a nap," Andy complained. "You've been really tired lately, and I don't want you falling asleep in class tomorrow," Linda kept her voice low, but the tone

was stern. "But Mom," Andy started to protest all the louder. "You don't have to go to sleep," Linda compromised. "But I do want you to go upstairs, and lay down in

your Dads old room." Linda said firmly. "No," Andy really wasn't trying to be disrespectful, she just really didn't want to be stuck upstairs when the rest of her family

was downstairs. "I don't want to," she sounded more like a four-year-old, then she did a ten year old. "Go on Andrea, listen to your mother," Danny nodded at the

stairs. "Yes Sir," Andy's voice was low, as she slowly left the table. Walking up the stairway, Andy traced the pattern on the wall with her finger, trying to prolong the

time before reaching the secularity of the bedroom. "I used to do the same thing," Jamie chuckled, walking up behind her. "I'm going, I'm going," Andy figured he had

been sent to make sure she was laying down. "Follow me," Jamie whispered, grinning at her. A smile started to spread across her face, as she followed her uncle into

his old room. "Take this with you, it'll help the time go by," Jamie reached into the nightstand next to the bed and pulled out an old Gameboy. "Oh cool, thanks Uncle

Jamie," Andy sounded excited. "Does it still work?" "I'm not that old," Jamie teased, shoving her with his arm playfully. "It's not coming on Uncle Jamie," Andy

giggled. "It probably just needs a fresh set of batteries." Jamie took the Gameboy from her, before digging through the drawers for batteries. After replacing the

batteries, Jamie handed it back to her. "You better get to laying down now, before your mom comes up here, and spanks both of us," Jamie pointed her towards his

brother's old room. "She wouldn't spank you," Andy laughed at him. "Yeah, well I wouldn't put it past her, your mom can be fierce," Jamie said his eyes wide with

fear. "Your telling me," Andy agreed, making her way into the bedroom. An hour later, and Frank surprised her by walking into the room. "You getting any rest, or are

you too engulfed in your game?" "How did you know?" Andy closed the game before setting it on the bedside table. "I knew what your uncle used to do when your

grandma sent him up to his room," Frank enlightened her. "You going to take it away," Andy started to pick up again, so she could hand it to him. "You weren't sent

up here because you got in trouble. Just to rest," Frank reminded her. "I get sent to my room so much for being in trouble, sometimes I forget," Andy leaned against

the propped up pillows. "I heard about you getting in trouble last week with the fireworks," Frank nodded. "Dad tell you?" Andy grumbled, looking at him. "He did,"

Frank nodded again. "Figures," Andy shook her head annoyed. "He can't keep his mouth shut." Before she even had a chance to think about what she said, Frank

rolled her over, and landed a hard swat to her bottom. "That's for talking disrespectful about your father," Frank pointed at her. "Sorry," Andy knew she said the

wrong thing, as she looked down at the throw she had been using to cover with. "You really need to start thinking, before you speak Andy," Frank scolded gently. "I

know, I hear it from my parents daily," Andy sighed, rubbing her head. "It might would help, if you actually started to pay attention," he advised. "Yeah, I know,"

Andy fell silent. A few moments of silence passed, and Frank spoke up again. "You know your father got into trouble with firecrackers at school once," Frank

remembered. "He started to tell me about that, but he stopped before he even got started," Andy threw her hands up, not really understanding why he would get

started on such an interesting story, but disappoint her by stopping midsentence. "He was just a little older than you, when a friend of his gave him some

firecrackers," Frank started. "Anyways, he apparently got bored one day, and threw them in the teacher's lounge." "Seriously Dad," Danny said standing in the

doorway of his old bedroom. "I always wanted to do that," Andy piped up, now more than ever interested in the remainder of the story. "After almost being expelled, I

would suggest you not try it," Danny said sternly, as he walked further into the room. "So, what happened?" Andy was intrigued, not a bit bothered by the scolding.

"No," Danny looked at his father. "You can't tell me what stories, I can and cannot tell Daniel. Besides, maybe it will act as a warning," Frank continued. "It was like a

riot, when the teachers went charging out of the room, tripping all over one another. And it almost looked like a lynching when I walked through the hallways, all the

administrators gathered outside." "It was actually kind of funny, seeing all the teachers, charge out of the room, and run for their lives," Danny couldn't help but

admit. Thinking that if she already knew part of the story, she might as well learn the rest of it. "I suppose it was also funny, that one of the administrators had to be

hospitalized, because of a near heart attack," Frank reprimanded him, all over again. "No," Danny shook his head thinking about it. "That part wasn't funny. I thought

you were either going to kill me, or send me to military school." "Trust me, I thought about it," Frank was getting upset, just thinking about it. "But your mother in all

her grace, convinced me of otherwise, saying we might need you one day." "I guess she was right," Danny couldn't help but flash a grin. "So, what happened," Andy

giggled interrupting the two. And it was a good thing she interrupted, considering Frank looked like he was about to smack him all over again. "I got a short vacation,"

Danny answered. "I think you should tell her what I did when we got home," Frank looked directly at his son. "I'd rather not," Danny shook his head. "I try not to re-

live painful experiences." Frank was about to say something but Danny just stared at him with a blank expression on his face. "Oh, my God, I'm turning into my

father." Frank laughed out loud, and Andy giggled. "Come on Dad, what happened?" Andy shoved him playfully. "I got grounded for a month, and I didn't sit for that

amount a time either," Danny finally replied. "I can relate," Andy looked at him sheepishly.

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It was now the beginning of the week, and just as assigned, Andy submitted the essay part of her punishment into Mrs. Couric. The detention part of her assignment

was complete, and the Reagans were all hoping to have a better week than they had before, at least Andy was. Then again, how did the saying go, when it rains it

pours. Linda had just gotten home from picking the kids up from school, and after giving them a snack, she got busy on sorting out the laundry. In order to keep the

peace, and help the kids get their work done sooner, Linda always sent the kids upstairs and to their own rooms to do their homework. At least for Andy this time,

who was complaining about having trouble with her math, and needing help, she let Andy stay at the table. Figuring she could help her in between the preparation of

dinner and the folding of laundry. "Mom," Andy called, trying to get her mother's attention, who was busy folding a stack of pajamas on the living room couch. "What

is it Andy?" Linda said folding a pair of Sean's pajama pants. "I don't know how to do this," Andy said scratching her shoulder. "What kind of math is it?" Linda asked

walking over to the table, so she could take a look at her daughter's homework assignment. "Long division," Andy grumbled. "Just break it down honey. Only start

with the first few numbers and then move on from there," Linda patted her daughters back. "But Mom, it's really hard," Andy complained. "I'm not going to do it for

you Andrea, that wouldn't help you, when it comes to the test," Linda reminded her. "Your smart, and I know you can do it, if you put your mind to it." "I'll try," Andy

mumbled. "I'm sure you'll do fine, but I'll help you, if you need help," Linda added. "Thanks," Andy sighed, this time scratching her chest. A few minutes later, and

Linda returned to her clothes basket full of laundry, when Danny walked through the door. "How was your day?" Linda asked finishing with her last shirt. "Busy as

usual," Danny sighed. "Just finished up on a case." "Does that mean your due for some time off?" Linda sounded hopeful, so they could get started on nursery plans.

"Probably not," Danny shook his head. "I'm hoping to save all my time off, for when the baby's born." Linda hated to hear that, hoping to have him around the house

a bit more, but she knew he was right. Things were going to get a lot busier when number four made his or her appearance. "We'll just have to make due," Linda said

walking into the kitchen, to check on dinner. "Andy, did you turn your essay in to Mrs. Couric, like you were supposed to?" Danny said taking his jacket off. "Yes,"

Andy said rubbing a hand over her tired face. "Good job," Danny high-fived her, before heading up the stairs, so he could put his gun and shield away in his room. "I

can't do it Mom," Andy whined again, this time scratching her back. "Andy," Linda was about to tell her something about her homework, when she noticed how

uncomfortable her daughter seemed to be. "Come here Andy," Linda had a feeling she knew what was going on. "I'm sorry, I won't complain anymore," Andy said

shaking her head, her eyes wide, afraid that she was in trouble. "You're not in trouble honey," Linda said trying to reassure her. "I just want to check something."

Andy backed her chair away from the table and trudged her way, slowly into the kitchen, still thinking she might be in trouble. Reaching her mother's side, Linda

raised her daughter's shirt. There were a few red spots scattered on her chest, stomach and back. "I was afraid of this," Linda lowered Andy's shirt, and started to lead

her out of the kitchen. "Why, what's wrong?" Andy sounded concerned, as the two started to make their way up the stairs, just as Danny was making his way down.

"But Mom, what about my homework? I have to have it done by class tomorrow." Andy continued to say, when her mother didn't answer. "Oh, you don't have to

worry about having it done by tomorrow," Linda shook her head. "You won't be going to school for at least a week." "Really!" Andy couldn't contain her excitement,

and she would have even started jumping up and down, had she not have been in the middle of the stairwell, and sandwiched in between her parents. Then again, she

wasn't exactly feeling up to jumping for joy at the particular moment. Her head, filled like it weighed a ton. "Our daughter has chicken pox," Linda said looking at her

husband regretfully. "What! Are you sure?" Danny sounded surprised. "Take a look for yourself," Linda raised Andy's shirt again. Seeing the spots, Danny let out a

sigh. "Certainly, looks like the chicken pox. Are there anymore?" "I'm not sure, I'm about to check," Linda said. "But if Andy has it, it's probably only a matter of time

before the boys get it." "Great," Danny mumbled. "We'll be right back," Linda said taking her daughter to her room. Reaching Andy's bedroom, Linda instructed her to

take her pants off, so she could check her legs. Andy dropped her pants to the floor, and a sympathetic look crossed Linda's face. "Oh baby, didn't you notice the

spots on your legs?" "They weren't this bad before, and I wasn't itching," Andy admitted. "There here now," Linda shook her head thinking. "And they really itch now

too," Andy said scratching. "Don't scratch," Linda corrected, pulling a piece of paper and pen from her daughter's desk so she could get started on a list of all the

different things they were going to need to help make her more comfortable. "But they itch," Andy complained. "I know they do baby, and I'm going to get you some

medicine for them," Linda said handing her daughter the list. "Take this downstairs, give it to your Dad, and tell him that I'm checking on Jack and Sean, and to

please go to the store, and get the items on the list. Then come straight back here and take a bath," Linda explained. "Okay," Andy nodded, opening the door of her

bedroom. "Uh Andy," Linda stopped her. "Aren't you forgetting something?" Linda pointed at the pants on the floor. "Why put them on if I'm just going to have to take

them right off to take a bath?" Andy looked at her mother confused. "It doesn't make any sense." "Well I'm sure your father is going to have something to say about

you only wearing a t-shirt and panties," Linda tried convincing her to put them on anyway, rather than just make her put them on. "He'll get over it," Andy shrugged,

ignoring her mother's comment. Linda had just started for her youngest son's bedroom, when she heard her husbands raised voice. "Andrea Mary Reagan!"

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An hour or so later and Danny returned with a bag from the pharmacy. "Here's the Benadryl to help them sleep, calamine lotion for their spots, oatmeal for their bath,

and meds for the flu symptoms." Danny sounded tired, knowing it was only going to get a lot worse. "Glad you got more than one bottle of everything," Linda

mentioned, taking everything out of the sack. "Boys have it too?" Danny was almost afraid to ask. "Sean has a runny nose, and a few spots, but not as bad as Andy

who is running a fever," Linda enlightened him. "But it's not like Andy ever says anything when she feels bad," Linda sounded slightly annoyed. And it's probably why

she's been so tired lately, and Sean so irritable. "And Jack?" Danny wondered. "So far so good, no spots and he doesn't seem to be feeling bad," Linda shrugged.

"But," Danny could tell she wanted to say more. "But if the other two have it, it probably won't be long." "Should I hang a shingle on the door, that reads Reagan

General Hospital?" Danny said with a half-smile. "No, but you can go check on your children. Because we have even a bigger problem than just the kids having a slight

case of the chicken pox," Linda said. "Why? What's wrong?" Danny looked concerned. "Danny I'm pregnant if you've forgotten," Linda pointed at her growing belly. "I

know," Danny nodded. "I never had the chicken pox growing up," Linda enlightened him. "And they are highly contagious, so if I contracted them, the baby could get

them too." "Are you serious?" Danny was beginning to look sick himself. "Yes, so I cannot have any unnecessary contact with them," Linda shook her head upset, she

hated that the kids weren't feeling well and she couldn't take care of them. "Who's going to take care of the kids?" Danny looked confused. "You will, you are there

father," Linda reminded him. "I know that," Danny shook his head. "But I have to work." "You stay home with the kids, and I'll work. I'll even pick up a few more extra

shifts at the hospital," Linda sounded as if she had it all planned out. "But Linda you can't," Danny complained. "Someone has to work Danny, so we can feed the baby

when it comes." "I thought you were going to breastfeed," Danny looked completely and utterly confused. "I am," Linda was getting annoyed at his questions, and

fear of taking care of his own sick children. "But we have to feed me, if I'm going to feed the baby," Linda shoved the laundry basket at him. "Now take these clean

pajamas up to your children. They are going to need them this week. Oh, and make sure Andy is getting out of the bathtub, so Sean can get in," Linda ordered. "Yes

Mother," Danny said sarcastically.

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"Andy," Danny said knocking on the bathroom door. "I'm done," Andy said opening the door, wrapped in large towel. "Well at least, you're wearing a towel this time,"

Danny said handing her a pair of pajamas. "Oh, gosh Dad I was wearing my panties, besides it's nothing you haven't seen before," Andy said walking towards her

bedroom. "Don't remind me, you came charging out of the bathroom, trying to kill your brother in your birthday suit," Danny was certain, that unless he was there, he

wouldn't have believed that one. Then again, half the stunts she pulled, he figured he would need to be there to believe them. "That isn't the only time," Andy shook

her head. "I vaguely remember losing my pants for that spanking you gave me when I got involved in your case." "That's because you called a MURDERER," Danny

put emphasis on the word murderer, still shocked that a ten-year-old would have the gumption to do so. "Is somebody doubting their mad skills as a detective?

Because I only did it, because I knew you would protect me," Andy tried justifying the whole ordeal. "I don't want to think about it," Danny ran a hand through his

hair, trying to forget. "Really Dad, are you?" Andy pushed. "Just get dressed and lay down please," Danny pointed at her bed. "Your more annoying sick, then you are

when your well," Danny muttered under his breath, making his way to his youngest son's room.

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"Dinners ready Danny," Linda said walking out of Jacks room with Jack. "I'm coming," Danny said walking out of Sean's room. "I'm hungry," Sean pushed his way in

between Danny and the doorway. "I'll bring you a tray," Danny shoved him back in his room and away from his mother. "Owe Dad, what did I do?" Sean looked at

Danny strangely, when he closed them both back into the room. "I'm sorry Sean, and I'll explain it all to you as soon as I go get your sister." Danny said thinking that

if he was going to explain it to one, he might as well explain it to the other one, while he was at it. After ushering Andy into her brother's room, Danny took a seat on

the edge of the bed. "I really hate to tell you this guy's, but you can't be around your mother right now." "Why? I was around her earlier today, and she wasn't afraid

of me then," Sean looked confused. "She's not afraid of you Sean," Danny chuckled. "But you are contagious right now, and we can't take any chances of your mom

and the baby getting the chicken pox," Danny tried explaining as best he could, at least to a little boy who was used to his mother being his main caregiver anytime

he wasn't feeling well. "But Dad, aren't you afraid you'll get the chicken pox too?" Sean asked. "I already had them," Danny shook his head. "I had them when I was

about Andy's age." "Were both going to die," Andy glanced at her brother worried. "What makes you say that?" Danny looked at his daughter, wondering what would

possess her to say such a thing. "I know I've only lived here a year, and I was only sick once, but when I was, Mom was so gentle. To check if I had a fever, she

would brush her hand gently across my forehead, and when she wanted me to take my medicine, she would say. You need to take your medicine baby, it will make

you feel better. But when you wanted me to take my medicine, and I didn't want to. All you said was, you're going to take it and you are going to like it," Andy

remembered when she had pneumonia a few months back. "Go to your room and lay down. I'll bring you something to eat, and some medicine to help with the fever."

Danny was preparing himself for a long week, and he really wasn't in the mood to deal with his daughter's uncanny attitude. Andy started to walk out, and Danny

stopped her. "Oh, and Andy, you are going to take it, and you are going to like it." "I miss Mom," Sean sounded as if he was about to cry. "You and me both," Danny

tucked Sean in before hurrying downstairs for the trays Linda was preparing for them. "Mom, can I go stay at Grandpas?" Jack asked looking up at his mother, from

where he sat at the dining room table eating dinner, while his parents worked on the trays. "I don't want to get the chicken pox." "I understand how you feel son,"

Linda smiled at him apologetically. "But you will probably get it eventually." "But why? How did they get the chicken pox in the first place?" Jack complained. "I don't

know Jack," Linda shook her head. "But part of me thinks, Andy contracted it when we went to Kingston to visit the family." "This is all Andy's fault!" Jack jumped up,

angrily. "Jack Francis!" Linda turned her full attention on her eldest son. "You watch that attitude, before you don't watch TV for a week." "Yes Mam," Jack mumbled,

silently returning to his seat. "Besides, I don't think your sister got sick on purpose," she reminded him. "Now finish eating and then get ready for bed," Linda added.

"But Mom, its early," Jack complained. "Jack," Linda chided gently. "It is early Linda," Danny didn't know why he was picking up for the boy that just lashed out, but

he couldn't help but do so, knowing it was only a matter of time before he met the perpetual doom of the chicken pox. "Andy and Sean are both sick, and neither of

them are going to sleep." "You don't have to go to sleep," Linda changed her mind, before going into the kitchen to get a few napkins for the trays. "Thank you," Jack

mouthed at Danny. Danny nodded, but he couldn't help but whisper. "You better watch it buddy. Because if you bring monster momma back, I'll be bringing back the

paddle." "Yes Sir," Jack said quickly. "And as long as your siblings don't need me, and If you hurry in the shower, I'll play a video game with you before bed." The

second the words left Danny's mouth, Jack jumped up, carried his dishes to the sink, and all but ran up the stairs and into the bathroom.

XXXXXXXX

"Andy," Danny said walking into his daughter's room, tray in hand. "I'm still here," Andy said looking up, from where she sat in bed, leaning against the headboard,

reading the last of her Teddy Roosevelt book. "Good to know," Danny sat the tray down in front of her. "I have some medicine here for you," Danny said reading the

back of the bottle, before pouring the appropriate amount. A disgusted look, crossed Andy's face, and she couldn't help but let out a slight moan. "None of that,"

Danny chided gently. "As the week goes on, chances are you will feel worse, before you start feeling better." "Thanks for the encouragement," Andy groused. "So, you

might as well get used to taking it, and make the best of it," Danny continued, after he was interrupted. "But I," Andy started to say, just as Danny shoved a spoonful

of medicine in her mouth. "Dad!" Andy sputtered, coughing. "That's low, even for you." "I know," Danny tried not to laugh. "And I'm sorry, is there anything I can do,

to make you feel better?" "Can you call Grandpa for me?" Andy said thinking. "Why?" Danny wondered what the sudden interest was in calling his father. "I wanted to

ask him something about Teddy," Andy smiled at him sheepishly. "You can call him," Danny gave his permission. "I'm sure he would like that." "Thanks," Andy sat up

straighter in her bed. "So, are you going to call him?" Andy said after a few moments of silence passed. "I already told you, you could," Danny looked at her confused.

"Dad, you took my phone away," Andy reminded him. "Last week, because of the fireworks." "I forgot," Danny handed her his phone, before going to check on Sean.

XXXXXXXX

Things were a lot different, in the Reagan house the following morning. For one, there was only one child to get ready for school. And instead of Danny rushing off to

work, he was still walking around in his pajama pants and t-shirt, his sick children still fast asleep. The morning routine wasn't too rough on him, neither of the kids

were complaining too much about feeling bad, aside from the occasional moan, groan and reminder not to scratch. He had given them their medicine, and they were

now resting comfortably. At least as comfortably as they could, considering the circumstances. Danny had just settled in front of the downstairs TV, controller in hand,

when his phone rang. "The kids are fine Linda, you've only been gone for a couple hours," Danny said answering it. "The school just called," Linda didn't even bother

to make a reply to his comment. "Jacks sick, and you need to go pick him up. They think its chicken pox." "And then there were three," Danny said hanging up, before

making his way up the stairs. "Andy, the school just called, and I'm going to have to go get Jack, he's sick." Danny said walking into his daughter's bedroom, a few

minutes later after getting dressed. "Does he have the chicken pox?" Andy looked up from her drawing pad. "That's what the nurse said," Danny shrugged, every fiber

inside of him, hating even the mere thought of having to tend to three sick children alone. "Moms at work, so I'll be leaving you and Sean alone," Danny got back to

the real reason he went in there. "Okay," Andy shook her head, not too concerned. "I won't be gone long, but I'm going to give this back to you just in case you need

something," Danny said returning her cell phone to her. "You and Sean can go watch TV in mine and your moms room. But keep your phone with you okay," Danny

said wanting to give them something to do while he was gone, hoping it would keep them from trying to kill each other. He knew they were sick and all, and chances

were, the fight wouldn't be an all out brawl, but when it came to Andy and Sean, there was no telling what they would do, especially when left alone. "We'll be fine

Dad, we've been left home alone before," Andy reminded him. "True," Danny nodded his agreement. "But that was because you wanted to spend the night with Nicki,

and it was under condition of not destroying my house or killing your brother," he reminded her. "Don't worry Dad, I'm not feeling too good. So, I don't really have the

energy to wrestle Sean or destroy the house," Andy yawned. "Thank God, for once I don't have to worry," Danny shook his head. "You know that's kind of mean,"

Andy set her drawing pad aside. "Glad your own kid is sick." "I didn't mean it like that," Danny smiled, patting her leg. "You know the only good thing about this whole

chicken pox thing is, I don't have to go to school." Andy said, not enjoying the feeling sick and itching miserably at the same time. "Hang in their kiddo, it's going to

be a long week." Danny was almost certain that he was going to come out the winner, in the feeling miserable section, especially after he brought Jack home and had

to single handedly care for three sick children for a whole week.

Hope you all enjoyed the update... I know I enjoyed writing it... Thanks for all the follows, favorites, and reviews... JusticeStandsTRUE