Warning: Mention of a spanking
CH. 12: Crossed Boundaries
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Friday afternoon had been going great for Erin, Nicki and Andy. Erin had taken them out to eat, to get manicures, and for ice cream before they headed home.
She had recommended they go to a musical, or some sort of museum, but at that suggestion, Andy complained that she wasn't grounded anymore, and there
was no reason why she should be punished and subject to any form of culture. "You're just like father," Erin couldn't help but mumble under her breath and
Andy's reaction. Friday evening however, was slowly turning into one of the worst evenings Erin knew. It started out with Erin looking all over the house for the
two girls, but soon found out they were nowhere to be seen. She had called both their cell phones, and was about to call out her family for a search party
when they walked through the front door. "Andrea and Nichole where have you two been," Erin placed her hands on her hips? "We only walked down to the
store on the corner of the street," Nicki picked up for herself and her cousin? "That's beside the point Nicki, you should have told me," Erin chastised, "I would
have went with you." Andy had yet to say anything, rather she just stood back shifting her weight from one foot to the other nervously. "Mom, you can't go
with me everywhere," Nicki shook her head annoyed. "Let's not talk about this now Nicki," Erin corrected. "We're sorry Aunt Erin," Andy finally spoke up, trying
to keep the peace, knowing that when Erin and Nicki got started, it went on for a while. "It's okay Andy, let's just call this one a learning experience," Erin
suggested smiling at her niece. "Thanks Aunt Erin, Danny would be pretty mad at me if he knew about this." "Why don't you two go take a shower and put
your pajamas on," Erin found herself suggesting in order to give each of them a few minutes alone.
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"It's kind of weird without Andy here," Sean kicked into his big brothers room. "I know, it's actually quiet without her music blaring and without you two
arguing," Jack stretched out on his bed. "What are you doing," Sean wondered aloud surprised to find Jack just laying around on his bed? "Nothing, I'm
grounded." "Still can't believe that Andy's isn't grounded, and was able to go to Nicki's," Sean shoved Jacks feet over so he could sit down on the edge of the
bed. "Me instead of her being in trouble is pretty shocking," Jack moaned, "and I think I prefer it the other way around." "Do you want to do something," Sean
looked at his brother? "Like what, I'm kind of limited," Jack admitted. "I don't know," Sean shrugged, "let's go down stairs and bug mom and dad." "Okay," Jack
got up, "I'm not doing anything important." "We don't know what to do, it's boring without Andy here," Jack and Sean jumped the last few steps down the
stairs. "Just a couple months ago, and this was the way it always ways," Linda remembered when it was only the four of them, and how simple things were
back then. "Kind of crazy how much one person can affect the lives of everyone she comes in contact with, especially the four of us," Danny smiled thinking of
their over active daughter. "She certainly keeps us on high alert," Linda laughed. "That's because the last thing you think she would do, she does," Danny was
smiling, "but in reality he was wishing she wouldn't worry him so much with her antics." "I have an idea," Linda said changing the subject before she started
missing Andy too much and decided to drive over to Erin's herself to pick her up, and that would only reveal the parental issues she already knew she had
when it came to letting her children go. "What is it," Sean sounded worried, almost too afraid to ask? "Let's watch a movie, the four of us can all fit on the
couch like we used to," Linda said smiling. "Sorry Mom, but I'm grounded," Jack was in a hurry to escape. "Not during family time, now sit" Linda ordered before
going to search for a movie. "Sorry I asked," Sean whimpered. "Dad, I know I'm grounded, but I didn't do anything that bad to be subject to cruel and unusual
punishment, such as mom picking out a movie," Jack was pleading with Danny to stop her. "Just tough it out son, besides there's always a chance she will pick
out a good one," Danny tried reassuring him, although he himself knew there wasn't much of a chance of that happening.
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Aside from the candy run that Andy and Nicki went on, things had been going great for Erin that evening. But that all seemed to change moments later, almost
like an on and off switch that was suddenly turned on, causing Andy to turn hyperactive all over again. Erin tried suggesting they watch a movie or play a
game, but it was to no avail, and after a while she was at a complete loss with handling the niece, she had to admit she hadn't much time to get to know her,
at least not as much time as Jamie did considering all the times Jamie was stuck babysitting or helping her with her school stuff. "How much candy did you
actually eat," Erin was beginning to figure out what could have caused her nieces sudden bouncing off the wall behavior? "All of it," Andy was jumping up and
down on the couch. "And just how much is all of it," Erin was almost too afraid to ask? "A pound, maybe more, not really sure," Andy shrugged. "Oh my gosh
Andrea," Erin simply walked away after that last comment, almost in tears. It had to be that moment that her cell phone rang revealing on the ID that it was
Frank, who was calling to check on his girls. "Hi Dad," Erin tried to hide the frustration in her voice. "What's the matter honey?" No matter how hard she tried,
she could never hide anything from her father. "Oh Dad, I don't know how Danny handles her," Erin locked herself into her bedroom, where she could have
some peace and allow herself to feel helpless, to the one man that had always been able to make her feel better. "Andy," Frank asked clarifying? "It's Andy and
Nicki, but mostly Andy, Nicki isn't currently trying to wreck my house," Erin explained beginning to feel like Tom Baker on the cheaper by the dozen movie when
he locked himself in the closet for a chance to get away from his twelve kids, then again she only had two, but Andy was making up for the other ten. "Erin
honey, if you can't handle her, maybe you should call your brother," Frank suggested? "Awe Dad, I don't know if I want to do that exactly," Erin took a seat on
the edge of her bed, "that would only make Danny furious." "You never know," Frank chuckled, "he probably expected it." "You really think so," Erin sounded as
if she was only half believing his suggestion, "normally he wouldn't be too thrilled if his kids were acting up while away from him and Linda." "That's true," Frank
said pointedly, "but he also knows how she can be sometimes." "I kind of think she's just on a sugar high or something," Erin knew she had heard a lot of
stories from Danny about all the things Andy was capable of, but she certainly never considered something so trivial, yet something that could change her
completely. "Just think on the bright side honey, eventually she will fall into a sugar coma, just have a pillow and blanket ready," Frank didn't sound too
concerned knowing that he had to handle much worse with his own kids when they were growing up. "She just has so much energy, that if placed in the right
direction, there would be no stopping her," Erin knew in her heart that no matter what her niece chose to do, she would do great things. "Just give her time
Erin, and with Danny and Linda, and the rest of us Reagan's pointing her in the right direction, she will be fine," Frank said reassuringly before wishing them a
goodnight and hanging up the phone with his daughter, so he could call his son.
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They were only about thirty minutes into the classic movie of Mary Poppins, when Danny's cell buzzed. "I have to take this," Danny stood looking over at Linda,
"its Dad." "I wish my phone would ring," Jack whispered to his brother while Danny walked away into the other room where he could hear better. "Hi Dad,"
Danny thought it a little odd that his father would be calling him on a Friday night. "And how is my eldest and his family doing this evening?" Frank knew he
couldn't just call and tell Danny to call and check on his kid, and instead settled on a few minutes of small talk before hinting for him to call his sister, unless
Danny himself brought Andy up. "Nothing too much," Danny sighed digging through the fridge for a couple sodas for himself and the others, "just watching a
movie with Linda and the boys." "What are you watching," Frank wondered? "Mary Poppins," Danny mumbled under his breath, slightly embarrassed. "I
remember those days," Frank laughed, "the days you would settle on anything just so you can enjoy a few precious moments with your wife and kids." "It
would be even better if my eldest was here," Danny mentioned, "but she was begging to go to Nicki's for the night." Great, Frank thought to himself, that's just
what he wanted, for Danny to bring Andy up by himself. "Yeah I know, I talked to your sister a few minutes ago," Frank mentioned hoping Danny would ask
how they were doing. "I'm sure they are all having a great time," Danny was now digging through the pantry for some cookies or something similar. Well that
didn't work nearly as nice as I wanted it too, Frank shook his head, deciding that he was just going to have to suggest Danny call his sister. "I think it might be
nice if you called your sister to check on how their evening is going," Frank hinted around. "I'm sure they are fine Dad," Danny wasn't exactly ignoring his
concern, he was just a little preoccupied. "Humor your old man son," Frank finally decided that he was just going to have to come right out and say it. Danny
stopped what he was doing and finally questioned, "Is Andy causing trouble?" "I'm not saying anything Danny," Frank was neither confirming nor denying.
"Thanks Dad, now I'm worried," Danny had to admit he was beginning to feel a little uneasy, and lost all track of looking for the cookies. "Well I'll let you go, so
you can call and check on Erin and the girls, and I can call and check on your brother," Frank was about to hang up but Danny stopped him short. "Calling to
check up on all your children tonight Dad, looking for a few problems to help solve," Danny couldn't help but take the opportunity to give his father a hard time.
"Not at all my boy, and don't forget to pick up the roast," Frank hung up deciding that while he was calling and checking up on his two eldest children, he might
as well call and check up on his youngest.
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"Just a second Danny, I can hardly hear you," Erin found herself shouting into the speaker of her phone when her cell rang again, "the girls have music on
really loud." "I was just wanting to call and check on Andy, how is she doing," Danny found himself intrigued in his daughters evening. "Did Dad call you," Erin
was beginning to put the puzzle pieces together in her head? "He might have suggested I put a call in," Danny enlightened her. "Really, he only suggested,
because I told him not to call you in the first place," Erin enlightened him of part of their conversation. "Okay, he may have more than suggested," Danny said in
all reality. "I figured as much," Erin smiled. "Oh great, that means there really is something going on with my daughter," Danny's voice was showing worry. "It's
nothing that bad," Erin told him of the evenings events. "Augh," Danny ran a hand through his hair, "do you want me to come get her?" "I think it's only
because she's had too much sugar really Danny, it's nothing too bad," Erin was trying to keep Andy out of trouble. "That's beside the point Erin, there's no
reason for that kind of behavior, and she knows it," Danny wasn't exactly mad at his daughter, rather just disappointed. "Don't be too upset with her Danny,
I'm not upset with her," Erin was noticing that the girl was slowly beginning to calm down. "Well let me at least talk to her," Danny sighed? "That's really not
necessary Danny," Erin really didn't want him to yell at her. "I'm not going to yell at her Erin, but I know how to get her to calm down, it's something I had to
come up with when I was having to take her to the precinct with me a lot," Danny explained, "not to mention, I kind of want to check on her, we've been
missing her over here." "Andy, your Dad wants to talk to you," Erin held the phone out to her. "Am I in trouble," Andy asked, immediately beginning to calm
down? "Hey Andy, are you having fun," Danny asked? "I am," Andy admitted, "but I think I may have gotten a bit out of hand." "Well you realized it kiddo, and
that's the first start," Danny noticed just how much she had changed since she first came to move in with him. "I just wish I knew how to calm myself down
sooner than later when I get out of control," Andy mumbled, "are you going to come get me, I'm sure you and Aunt Erin are furious?" "I'm actually not that
upset," Danny was being completely honest, "your actions could have been better but you realized your mistake." "Thanks Dad," Andy said quietly. "Now are
you completely calm yet," Danny asked gently? "Not yet, but I think I'm getting there," Andy couldn't keep her foot from tapping out a beat to the music. "In
that case, let's do what we do at the precinct okay," Danny continued. "Take a seat on the couch, close your eyes, and take a deep breath." Andy did what
Danny told her and Danny continued, "Now ignore everything going on around you, and dwell on the silence, allowing it to calm you." It only took a few
minutes, and once Andy opened her eyes, she was back to normal. After telling Danny goodnight and handing Erin the phone, Andy went into the kitchen for a
bottle of water, and a movie for her and Nicki to watch. "Oh wow Danny, how did you do that," Erin was amazed at her brothers ability to calm her in less than
a few minutes, it was almost like magic she thought to herself, thinking of how quick she went to jumping on the couch, to simply sitting in silence. "You just
have to know how to handle her," Danny yawned, "and in most cases, it works better than just yelling at her." "A lot quieter anyways," Erin smiled. "Anyways,"
Danny shrugged, "I better get back to Linda and the boys." "Have a good night big brother," Erin sometimes found herself grateful for her brother. "Oh and if
you have any more trouble with her, just take out your wooden spoon, she has a great respect for it, and you won't even have to use it," Danny smiled at the
girls sudden change in behavior anytime it was brought up. "She seems fine now," Erin mentioned watching her and Nicki look through their cabinet of DVDs.
"I'm sure she is, but tell her I love her and I'll pick her up tomorrow afternoon sometime," Danny added before hanging up the phone and returning to the
couch with an armful of snacks.
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The following morning found Andy and Nicki relaxing by the pool outside of Jamie's apartment building, while Erin and Jamie visited inside his apartment. "You
know it's been so hot lately, we should try and convince Grandpa to get a swimming pool in the backyard," Nicki stretched out on a beach towel next to the
pool, while Andy swam around next to her. Andy laughed out loud, "Yeah I seriously doubt he's going to go for that one." "I'm willing to try," Nicki reached for
the bottle of water next to her. "So are you going to get in willingly, or am I going to have to pull you in," Andy asked scheming? "I'll get in," Nicki sat up before
running a hand down her leg. "Augh, I should have shaved this morning, I'm very prickly." "You're doing better than me, I haven't shaved before," Andy
admitted. "Really," Nicki sounded confused as she slid over the edge of the concrete and into the pool. "Well when you come from a background such as I have,
there isn't much you can do about it," Andy climbed up on one of the floats they brought with them. "Any money my foster family got from the state for caring
for me, they spent on entertainment products," she started to explain, "and it's not like there was people lining up to teach me how to do it right, without
having to go to the hospital for slicing a chunk out of my leg." "You certainly don't sound bitter about the whole thing," Nicki noticed. "I kind of grew accustomed
to it after the first year," Andy shrugged, "besides that life is over now." "You should tell Aunt Linda, she probably has no idea," Nicki pressed. "I don't know,"
Andy wasn't exactly afraid to tell her, she trusted Linda with her life, she just didn't want her to feel like she was a baby, considering she had never done it
before. "You know I would like to show you, but considering Aunt Linda hasn't been able to teach you many things, I get the feeling this is something she
would jump at the opportunity to teach," Nicki had a point. "Guess I never thought about it like that, but I guess she could feel a little off, considering I had to
learn how to do a lot of things on my own, and then after I was adopted, I stayed with Danny all the time," Andy was highly beginning to consider asking Linda
for help. "Anyways, I'm sure she would love to teach you," Nicki didn't want to pry, and decided to go underwater, as a means of changing the subject.
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"Hey kiddo, did you have a good time at Nicki's," Linda walked into her daughter's room later that afternoon. "It was good, I'm just a little tired," Andy yawned
from her place on the bed. "What are you doing," Linda asked taking a seat on the bed next to her? "Watching Netflix on my laptop and unpacking," Andy
stretched. Linda smiled, "getting Netflix was one of the best things I talked Danny into." "I would have to agree," Andy laughed. "So what did you and Nicki
do," Linda was curious? "I suppose Dad told you about my sugar rush," Andy asked quietly? She didn't think she would be in trouble, considering if she was,
Danny would have taken care of that last night, or even as soon as he picked her up, but that still didn't keep her from being careful. "He mentioned it, Linda
nodded, "but he also said you were able to calm yourself down fairly easy." "I did," Andy gave her a half smile, sounding pleased with herself. "Aside from your
slight sidestep off the straight and narrow, what else did you do," Linda didn't want to sound nosy, but she had to admit she was curious about her daughter's
first sleepover, happy that it was with her niece? "Watched movies, played a couple games with Aunt Erin, and then this morning, Aunt Erin took us to Uncle
Jamie's apartment so we could go swimming," Andy was beaming when she said that last part. Linda noticed that ever since Danny taught her how to swim,
Andy loved anything that had to do with water fun. "I'm glad you had so much fun with Nicki, but I have to admit that we are all glad that you are home," Linda
couldn't help but tell the truth. "I'm glad to be home too mom," Andy hugged her, finally coming to the decision to ask Linda for help. "Well I better go check the
dryer," Linda stood, "and check on your Dad and brothers while I'm at it, they are supposed to be working in the yard, and to be completely honest, I'm kind of
afraid of what they are doing instead." "Hey Mom," Andy stooped her, just before Linda walked out the door. "I need to talk to you about something," Andy ran
her upper set of teeth over her lower lip nervously, "I need help." "Is everything okay honey," Linda was standing next to her daughter in a matter of seconds?
"Yeah, it's nothing like that," Andy shook her head, hoping to reassure her in some way. Linda knew that she couldn't have done anything wrong, considering if
she would have, she probably would have gone to Danny. Andy had yet to get sick with them, so she had no idea who she would go to when that day came,
and knew they would just have to wait it out, until that day came. "Talk to me honey," Linda led her over to the bed where they could sit and talk? "I'd like to
learn how to shave," Andy asked carefully twisting her hands in her lap. She didn't think Linda would be against teaching her, yet the fact remained Linda could
very well say no and say that she was too young, and Andy would have no choice but to abide by it considering she was her mother after all, then again she
was twelve. "Of course honey, I'd be glad to teach you," Linda placed an arm around her, not even attempting to hide how happy she was feeling inside. "What
do you think Dads going to say," Andy wondered aloud? "He won't mind, if I say its okay with me, he will be fine," Linda reassured her, "besides I assume he's
going to decide and teach Jack when he's ready." "I didn't think he would mind," Andy mentioned, "but I have to admit I'm still trying to figure him out." "You'll
be doing that the rest of your life," Linda laughed. "Thanks a lot," Andy shoved her bag up under the bed signaling she was through unpacking. "Since the boys
are outside working, or supposed to be working," Linda had no idea what they were actually doing, "how about the two of us run to the store and get you a
razor and shaving cream?" "Really," Andy was doing her best to keep from getting too overly excited? Linda knew she had at least a hundred things to do
around the house, but if it meant she would have the opportunity to teach her daughter something, she knew the work would still be there when she got back.
"Sure," Linda stood up, "I'm going to go check the wash machine and dryer, run outside and tell your Dad that you and I are going out for a few minutes, while
you change your clothes and get your shoes on." "Okay," Andy grabbed a pair of denim shorts out from one of her dresser drawers, and a yellow and green
stripped t-shirt, before taking up the task of searching for her khaki colored flip flops.
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"Alright Jack watch what I'm doing son," Danny started to mix the oil in with the gas of the lawn mower, thinking it was about time the boy learned how to
handle some of the bigger chores. "Danny," Linda opened the back door and walked out into the yard. "What is it babe," Danny glanced up at her before
screwing the cap back onto the push mower? "Where's Sean," Linda asked when she noticed he was nowhere to be seen? "He's supposed to be pulling the
weeds out of your flower bed," Danny looked around for his youngest. "Maybe I should go look for him," Linda sounded a bit concerned. "Its fine Linda, I can
go find him before I start weed eating, Jacks going to mow today," Danny looked proud. "Are you sure he's old enough," Linda kept her voice low, only wanting
to voice her concern to her husband not wanting to discourage their son. "I was the same age as he is when my Dad taught me," Danny shrugged, willing to
give the boy a shot, knowing that most of the time, the boy was relatively responsible. "Whatever you think," Linda moved on to the real reason she went out
to talk to Danny. "Andy asked me to teach her how to shave, so I'm going to take her to the store to get a few things." "Do you think she's old enough," Danny
squinted, repeating the same question his wife did just seconds ago? "Knowing Andy the way we do, I'm afraid that if I don't teach her, she would probably try
and do it on her own," Linda had a point. Danny chuckled, "then she would cut a gash in her leg, and we would end up in the ER." "I have no doubts," Linda
shook her head as she started for the back door to see if Andy was ready, "in fact I'm kind of surprised we haven't ended up there yet." "Give her time," Danny
teased as he went in search for Sean, "she's only been here a couple of months." "Don't remind me." Linda and Andy had just pulled out of the driveway, when
Danny found Sean riding his bicycle down the sidewalk with one of his neighboring friends. "Sean Daniel," Danny raised his voice in order to get the boys
attention! "Uh oh," Sean glanced at his friend Seth, "I better go before I get in trouble, I'm supposed to be helping my Dad." Sean hurried back to the driveway
of his own home and set his bicycle aside, before moving to stand in front of his father. "Sorry Dad," Sean looked up at him, "I got a little sidetracked." "I know
you want to play son," Danny placed a reassuring hand on the boys shoulder to show that he understood, "but your chores have to come first. Do you
understand?" "Yes Sir," Sean nodded, "can I go get started?" "Go ahead," Danny knew he needed to keep a close eye on Jack, and get started with his own
work.
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"Which razor do you want," Linda wanted to give her a choice, rather than just pick one out for her? "They have the Gillette Venus Swirl razors in blue and
purple, and the Venus Embrace razor in green and pink," Linda laid out her options. "I want the green one," it didn't take Andy but a second to make her
decision. "Is it because of the product, or the color," Linda already had a feeling she knew the answer to her question? "I like green," Andy shrugged. "It's
whatever you want," Linda didn't think there would be much of a difference in the actual product. "I want this one," Andy repeated happily. "Now for the shave
gel," Linda moved on further down the aisle, to start laying out more options for her young daughter. "How do I know which one to pick," Andy looked at her
confused? "Well it looks like they have Satin Care Sensitive Skin, Venus Olay, and just regular Satin Care," Linda proceeded to point the various shaving
creams. "Do you know if you have real sensitive skin to certain products or anything like that," Linda figured that must be the only question she had yet to ask
the girl since she came to live with them? "I don't know," Andy felt bad that she didn't know the answer to her own health. "Hey don't worry about it," Linda
placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, "it isn't your job to know, that will be my job to know everything about you, from now on." "Maybe I could learn,"
Andy asked hopefully? "Sure," Linda picked one of the cans up, "we can learn together. But in order to keep you from breaking out just in case you do have
sensitive skin, perhaps we should get one that prevents it." "Sounds good," Andy pulled the cap off in an attempt to see what it smelled like. "I don't think you
are going to find out by just taking the cap off," Linda said pointedly, "you probably have to spray some out." Andy was just about to press the button down
when Linda stopped her, "but not until after we buy it okay?" "Okay," Andy placed it in the small carrying basket, they were using for their shopping. After
picking up a few other items, Linda thought they might need, the two headed for home. Pulling into the driveway, Linda was pleased to see that the yard work
was done and it looked great. "Hey, did you have a successful shopping trip," Danny asked walking into the front yard a basketball in hand, followed closely by
his two boys? "We did," Linda smiled before grabbing the sack from the store and leading Andy into the house and up the stairs. With the boys outside, playing
a game of basketball, Danny trying to reward the two boys for a job well done, he was more than happy to get involved. Linda decided to take the opportunity
to teach Andy how to shave. "Alright go put your swimsuit on and meet me in my bathroom," Linda directed, thinking the girl would be a little more comfortable
if she at least had her swimsuit on while she taught her, as she headed into her own room to start running a little water in the bathtub. "How many times have
you cut yourself," Andy asked curiously, taking a seat in the warm water? "I don't know," Linda shook her head. "Does it hurt," Andy's voice was a little shaky?
"Sometimes," Linda didn't want to lie to her, "but you just have to be careful." "That's not very reassuring when it comes to me," Andy mumbled. "Listen, Andy
you don't have to learn right now if you are not ready," Linda didn't want to push her. "No, I'm ready," Andy tried to reassure herself. "It's up to you," Linda
handed her the razor.
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"So how did it go with Andy," Danny asked later on that night, as he and Linda got ready for bed? "She was a little nervous at first, but she did good, certainly
listened to every word I said," Linda sounded pleased that she was intentive, and willing to obey when it came to something important. "That's the best news
I've had all day," Danny shook his head, "but I still can't help but think she's growing up too fast." "I know how you feel, but we should just be glad she hasn't
started her menstrual cycle yet," Linda mentioned thinking on the bright side. "You think it will be soon," Danny was almost too afraid to ask, his eyes showing
complete and utter fear, something Linda wasn't exactly used to seeing. "She did just turn 12 before you met her, according to her birth certificate," Linda
mentioned, "and I was 12 when I started." "That isn't very reassuring," Danny shook his head. "Just wait till her attitude picks up, that's when we will know it
will be soon," Linda said matter of factly. "Augh," Danny moaned, "I have to admit I'm not looking forward to those days. She has a major attitude as it is." "You
haven't seen nothing yet," Linda laughed out. "Please stop honey," Danny was pleading with her, having heard more than enough. "And after she starts,"
Linda was by no means willing to stop yet, if it meant she could torment her husband a bit longer about his little girl growing up. "That means it's going to be
time to give Andy the sex talk." "AUGH," a disgruntled look covered Danny's face, as he fell face down into the bed, covering his head with a pillow. "Don't use
the word sex and either of our children's names in the same sentence," his voice was muffled. "Danny we can't keep her from growing up," Linda didn't like the
fact of the matter either, but what else could she do other than accept it. "Yes we can, we can lock her in the basement," Danny knew he couldn't actually do it,
but it didn't keep him from wishing that he could. "At least I only have one child to talk to," Linda teased, "You have both boys to talk to." "Any chance you
would be willing to trade," Danny looked like he was near tears by the time Linda finished. "You want to have the sex talk with our daughter," Linda looked at
him unbelieving? "Not really," Danny thought of the awkwardness and quickly decided that if his father survived talking to his three sons, surely he could
surviving talking to his two.
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"I heard the two of you had a sleepover Friday night," Pop looked over at his great granddaughters Sunday afternoon during family dinner? "We did," Andy
smiled at him in between bites of chocolate cake. "And I'm sure the two of you had loads of fun," Henry went on. "Tons," Nicki answered his next question.
"Just don't let them eat candy, if they ever come stay with you," Erin interrupted. "Guess I never should have given them money for it then," Henry looked
down at his plate. "SO it was your fault," Erin and Danny looked at him simultaneously? "As a matter of fact it was, spoiling my great grandchildren is what I live
for," Henry was by no means ashamed. "That's fine Gramps, but would you please check with their parents before you buy them certain things that can drive
their parents crazy," Erin was the one that had to deal with the two hyped up girls. "Erin has a point Gramps," Danny added, "Andy does not need any help
with the energy level." "Sorry Erin and Daniel, but I'm afraid it's something you will just have to adapt to," Henry didn't show any signs of stopping his spoiling.
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"Danny," Jamie whispered, trying to get his brothers attention later on after dinner. "I got a few surprises for the kids," Jamie revealed a package of water
balloons he had hidden in his pocket. "Now you're talking," Danny followed his brother out the back door. "You know we should probably get some help with
filling these up, so we can start playing sooner than later," Jamie mentioned getting a little tired of tying the balloons while Danny filled. "That's a good idea,"
Danny turned the water off, "I'll go get one of the kids." "Sean come here," Danny whispered, motioning for him to follow him. "What are you doing out here
Dad it's hot," Sean followed him out the back door and further into the yard and behind the barricade Jamie was setting up? "Just keep following me," Danny
showed him a large trash can size half way filled with water balloons. "Oh wow," a large grin started to spread across the boy's face! "We're going to have a
little family fun," Jamie handed him a filled water balloon. After adding several more balloons to the trash can, Danny sent his son to get the other kids. "Jack,
Andy, Nicki, Dad wants you outside right away." "What does he want," Nicki asked him confused? "He didn't say," Sean fibbed. "What did I do now," Andy
wondered aloud? "Are we in trouble," Jack was trying to figure it out? "All he said, was to tell the three of you to get outside immediately," Sean stepped out of
the way, neither of the three wanting to disobey any order their father or uncle gave. "You guys aren't going to want to miss this," Sean grinned at the rest of
his family excitedly, before running through the house to catch up with the others. By now, Danny and Jamie had two separate barricades set up, one on each
side of the yard, and two large trash cans filled with various colors of water balloons. "Dad!" Andy called as she, her brother and cousin stepped out into the
yard. "Sean said you wanted us to come outside," she continued despite the fact neither he nor Jamie were nowhere to be seen. It was literally only seconds
before Danny and Jamie jumped up from behind their barricade, and plastered each of the kids with several water bombs. Andy's hair was plastered to her
face, while the back of Nicki's shirt showed a huge water spot. One side of Jacks shorts were dripping wet, while Sean decided that he might as well take his
shirt off considering they had barely gotten started and he was already dripping wet. The fight between Danny, Jamie and the kids ensued for another several
minutes, before Danny focused on another target, his sister Erin who was watching innocently with the rest of the family on the back porch. "Jamie!" Danny
yelled, "Cover me," he ran out into the open yard to pull his sister off the porch. "Danny! No!" Erin was yelling, "I don't want to get wet! Danny! Stop!" she
continued to yell, "DANNY!" she screamed for the last time, but it was no use when Danny plastered her with several water bombs simultaneously, courtesy of
his kid brother, that took it open himself to help out. By the time the boys relented, Erin was dripping wet, her ferocity finally beginning to dissipate when she
realized there was nothing she could do, pledging to get them back later on. Satisfied they tormented Erin enough, Danny and Jamie turned their attention to
their father. "Daniel, Jamison,"Frank stopped them in their tracks. "Don't even think about it," he warned "or I will quickly become the parent of an only child."
"Oh come on Dad, you know you can't get rid of me that easy," Danny felt as if he had an ace in the whole, "I have children that need me." "Ugh, I don't have
kids," Jamie stuttered, "but I am the baby in the family." Jamie was never one to use that line for his advantage, but at this moment in time, he was willing to
try anything. "Think about it," Frank wasn't letting on. Danny and Jamie were both holding several water bombs in their hands as they thought about the last
few words Frank spoke. He could mean anything by that, they considered, things that could make their lives straight up miserable. Both deciding they didn't
want to take any chances with their father's wrath, they dropped the bombs to the ground. "Very wise decision," Frank smiled at his sons. Frank had just
stepped back onto the porch when Andy snuck up behind her father and uncle, and pulled the handle back on the sprayer attached to the water hose, dousing
both of them. "Andy!" Danny was trying to shield his face from the oncoming stream. "Drop the hose," Danny was trying to take it away from her, but Andy kept
sidestepping him. "I knew I always like her," Frank laughed out loud looking over at Henry and Linda, "anyone who can give that boy of mine a run for his
money is downright amazing in my book." Danny had finally managed to pull the hose away from her, and wrap her in a hug. "Awe Dad, I wasn't that wet,"
Andy knew there was no point in resisting so just gave in, and just hugged him back. "Just when I thought my children were grown, I come too realized, they
are still just children themselves," Frank shook his head when he saw Erin pick up the hose and reek a little havoc on her brothers, as a means of revenge.
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"Hey kiddo, what you doing," Danny asked stepping into his daughter's bedroom later that night just before bedtime? "Reading," Andy looked up from where
she was already relaxing in bed. "Your reading," Danny looked concerned. "Are you feeling okay, not setting sick are you," Danny felt her head and neck for a
fever? "I'm find Dr. Reagan, thank you," Andy placed her book aside already knowing there was no way, Danny was going to give up that easy. "Did your mom
ground you," Danny knew the only time she ever picked up a book was when she was grounded, yet he knew he didn't ground her? "No Dad, Mom didn't
ground me," Andy shook her head. "Grandpa, or Aunt Erin," Danny thought of the people that may have grounded her for some reason, but forgot to tell him?
"No Dad," Andy sighed, "and before you ask, it wasn't Uncle Jamie or Gramps either." "Then why or reading," Danny was obviously losing it? "Because I felt like
finishing the chapter I started last week when I was still grounded," Andy finally answered him. "Well why didn't you just tell me that at the beginning," Danny
looked at her confused? "Because you didn't ask me," Andy grinned. "Makes since, Danny smacked her with one of the loose pillows on her bed playfully, before
placing a kiss on her forehead and started for the door, so he could move on to check on his sons status of getting ready for bed. "Hey Dad, are we going to
the youth center tomorrow," Andy questioned him? "Yes," Danny shook his head, "your mom and I both have to work, and Jack has to do a little community
service this week." Andy nodded her understanding, but pressed on, a little unsure of how to continue with her question. "So last week when I had to work at
the center, I kind of enjoyed helping out, do you think you could ask Mrs. Randall if I could keep volunteering," Andy asked him nervously. Danny smiled at the
girl in front him and nodded, "So you like helping people?" "I do," Andy admitted. "It runs in the family," Danny thought of all the years the Reagan's had put
into serving the community. "But I was adopted," Andy looked at him confused? "You've lived with us long enough to adapt to the lifestyle," Danny chuckled,
"but to answer your question, yes I think I could manage to get you a little volunteering job to add to your resume." "Thanks Dad," Andy tossed her book
aside, "doesn't look like I need to read anymore to help keep my mind off of it," Andy reached for the remote to her stereo to turn her music back on." And just
when I thought she was getting a little more mature, she goes right back to her old ways, Danny couldn't help but smile as he turned the light off on her, "go to
bed."
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"Jack," Sean stopped by his brother's bedroom, on his way to his own room to begin getting ready for bed. "What you need little brother," Jack pulled the
bedspread back on his bed? "The new Racing game comes out tomorrow, and we need to go get it," Sean sounded as if he had, had the day marked on his
calendar for months. "Yeah well, mom and dad both have to work, so I doubt were going to get it," Jack turned his lamp on, so he could turn the main light off.
"Not to mention, it's not like either one of us are exactly made of money," Jack added. "We could both pay half," Sean recommended, "I still have some birthday
money left, and I'm sure you do to." "That's one barrier knocked down," Jack sat up from where he was already lying in bed. "So all we have to do now is figure
out how to get there," Sean shrugged, "no problems." "Yeah sure Sean, that's easier said than done," Jack said in all reality. "Time for bed boys," Danny
interrupted their conversation. "Dad can you take us to go get the new racing game tomorrow?" "I don't know Sean, we'll see, I'm trying to get a case
wrapped up and your mother just found out she has to work a double shift, because one of her coworkers is sick," Danny wasn't making any promises,
knowing that chances were, they wouldn't get around to the store before they closed the next day. "Okay," Jack laid back down, while Danny turned the light
off and followed Sean into his room. "So when you said we'll see, is that a we'll see yes or a we'll see no," Sean asked changing into his pajamas. "It's just a
we'll see son, I have no idea what tomorrow holds and we might not be able to make it to the store," Danny pulled the boys blankets back on his bed. "But
Dad," Sean tried with another question. "Enough with the questions," Danny picked him up and tossed him on the bed. "That was fun," Sean laughed, "do it
again." "No, now go to sleep," Danny ruffled his hair.
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"Sean I have a brilliant idea," Jack found his brother playing a game of basketball the following day at the youth center. "What?" Sean threw the basketball to
one of the other kids so he could talk to his brother. "We passed a video game store, a few blocks away from here, and I'm on break for the time being," Jack
winked at his brother. "I brought my money with me," Sean looked at him smiling. "But what about Dad?" "What about him, as long as we hide the game,
there's no possible way he could find out," Jack was quickly turning into the not so angelic child. "You sure," Sean looked at him with a raised brow? "You know
we'll get that stupid spoon, if he grabs a hold of us." "How bad do you want that game," Jack was more than willing to take his chances? Sean sighed, as he
ran his options through his head, "Let's do it." It was fairly easy to escape the center, with Mrs. Randall busy working on paperwork in her office, and the
majority of the other workers and volunteers busy watching the kids. Even Andy, who was actually the least of their worries, considering they could always
blackmail her, was busy helping one of the other workers in the pool with the younger kids.
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Much to Danny's surprise, he was able to wrap up the case much sooner than he had expected. After the lab was able to lift the DNA from the necklace, Danny
and Jackie were able to arrest one of the past detectives old suspects, and question him until he relayed everything from the past. Considering Linda was
working late, and the boys wanted to get their game, Danny decided that rather than get started on his next case, he would instead spend a little time with
his children, and get a fresh start on the case in the morning. "Andy," Danny located his daughter in the pool. "Let's go home," he gave her a quick helping
hand in lifting her out of the pool. "Where are your brothers," he questioned, while Andy dried herself off? "I don't know," Andy shook her head, "I haven't
seen them for a while." Jack is supposed to be working here this week, Danny mumbled to himself before sending Andy to get dressed and going in search for
the boys himself. Danny was just walking out of the pool area, when he realized he forgot his cell phone in the car, and knew that he needed to get it,
considering with the job he had, he knew he was always on call. "I can't believe we are actually going to get away with it," Sean mentioned opening the front
door to the center. "What we're you saying, you were going to get away with," Danny said coming up behind them? "Uh oh," Sean froze glancing at his brother,
before both boys turned around to face their father. "And just what is it, did you two think you were doing," Danny was trying to keep his voice low while they
were at the center, instead of yell at them, which is was he really felt like doing? "We wanted to go get our game," Sean mumbled holding the game in his
hand. "I'll take that," Danny took the game from him and placed it in his suit pocket. "Dad, I'm ready," Andy announced, finding her brothers and father near the
door. "You three get in the car," Danny handed Andy his keys, "I'm going to go talk to the manager for a few minutes." "I don't know what you two did," Andy
mentioned sliding in the front seat of Danny's jeep, "but he looks plenty ticked off at the moment." "We left the center, so we could go get our game," Jack
enlightened her. "You did what!" Andy looked at him as if he was an idiot, "you know I always thought you were pretty smart," Andy paused, "but apparently I
was wrong." "Shut up Andy," Jack shoved her, as Danny was getting in the car. "Jack," Danny threw his eldest son a look. "But she," Jack protested. "I don't
want another sound out of either of you until we get home," Danny turned around in his seat to look at the boys in the backseat. "Yes Sir," both boys spoke up
immediately, already knowing they were in plenty trouble, and didn't really want to add disrespect to their list of misdeeds. Even Andy, who wasn't even in
trouble chose to keep quiet the majority of the ride home, at least until her stomach kept growling, and she couldn't resist the temptation any longer. "Dad,
what are we going to eat for dinner, I'm hungry?" "I don't know Andy, I haven't really thought about it," Danny admitted, remembering that here was no reason
to be upset with her, thinking this may in fact be one of the only times she was ever completely innocent. "Okay," Andy wasn't exactly satisfied with his answer,
but decided not to push it. "How about we pick up hamburgers," Danny softened, knowing they still had to eat. "That sounds good," Andy nodded her
agreement. Pulling into a drive thru, Danny glanced at the boys, "what do you want to eat?" "I'm not hungry," Jack was a little preoccupied thinking about how
wrong his evening was turning. "You've got to eat something Jack," Danny nudged him. "A hamburger with no onions," Jack finally spoke up. "With french fries
and a Dr. Pepper," Danny guessed the remainder of his order. "You got it," Jack forced a smile.
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Dinner that evening was unusually quiet, both boys knowing they were in loads of trouble. Danny although he was clearly upset with their actions, just couldn't
think of much to say, and Andy on the other hand figured it wouldn't be too easy to have a one sided conversation with people who pretended to listen. "Can
we be excused," Jack looked at Danny once he and Sean were finished with their meal? "Yes," Danny nodded at him, "throw your trash away and go on up to
your rooms, I'll be up later." "Yes Sir," both boys pushed their chairs back before gathering up the remainder of their meal and tossing it into the trash can. "I
knew this was going to come back and bite us," Sean looked at his brother as they made their way up the stairs. "You wanted the game too," Jack was by no
means willing to take full blame for the incident. "Yeah well, dads got it now, and there is no telling how long he's going to keep it from us," Sean shook his
head. "I'm expecting it sometime next year, if we're lucky," was the last thing Jack said before reaching the doorway to his bedroom. "Can I be excused too,"
Andy's voice was low? "Sure kiddo," Danny gave her a weak smile, "but pick your trash up first." "Do I have to go to my room too," Andy already knew the
answer but she may as well try to lighten the mood?" "No you don't have to go to your room," Danny softened before pulling her into a hug. "You know I love
you right," Danny squeezed her a bit tighter? "I love you too, Detective," Andy always enjoyed Danny's hugs, felling like she missed so many of them when she
was younger, that she never wanted him to let go. "That's Detective Dad to you," Danny looked down at her. "I know," Andy giggled. "Since the boys are going
to be up in their rooms the rest of the evening, how about the two of us do something, "Danny asked her? "Sure," Andy was more than willing to have him all
to herself. "Let me go talk to your brothers and then I'm all yours," Danny released her before heading into the kitchen for the wooden spoon.
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"First of all, you were gone from the youth center much longer than your break," Danny started. "I didn't think it would last that long honest," Jack picked up for
himself. "But that's not the point son, you had a responsibility to put in a full week no questions asked." "Guess I wasn't very responsible was I," Jack looked to
his father for answers. "No," Danny shook his head, "you weren't. Listen Buddy, I know you're only 10 and all but that's when you have to learn about
responsibility while you're young," Danny was hoping he was driving the point home. "I really messed that up," Jack felt guilty. "Do you think you can ask Mrs.
Randall to give me another chance?" "I'm sure she will, after you apologize," Danny nodded. "Thanks," Jack sighed, already knowing that there was no way
this conversation was even close to being over. "Now do you want to tell me the other reason we're up here," Danny looked at his eldest son gently? "Because
we left the youth center without permission," Jack just about hit the nail on the head with his answer. "Don't you realize how dangerous that could have been,
not only could you have been kidnapped, but you could have been killed as well," Danny didn't even like to think of that possibility, but knew it was something
he needed to get across, for the boys sake. "I guess I didn't think about that," Jack admitted. "Do you know how much that would have affected your mother
and I, if we would have learned that our son, the child that we have taken care of for so many years was gone," in most instances Danny wouldn't have been
so realistic to the kid, but at this particular moment he couldn't even realize life without his three children. "I'm really sorry Dad, I would never do that
intentionally," Jack appeared as if he was finally realizing the reality of the situation being much more than that of a simple video game. "I know you wouldn't
Jack, you are much too smart for something like that, but that's not exactly the point right now is it?" "I, I, I guess not," Jack stuttered. "Then you realize how
serious this was then?" "Yes Sir," Jack knew the end was near. "In that case you are grounded for another week, and I'm pretty sure you know what this
means," Danny took the wooden spoon out from behind his back.
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Finished with Jack, Danny moved on to his youngest, to have a similar talk, only a lot less realistic regarding the dying part, considering the boy was only 8 and
the last thing he wanted to do was give the kid nightmares. Descending the last step of the stairs, Danny Reagan was exhausted, disciplining the children you
loved more than life itself really took it out of you, and Danny was finally beginning to realize why his own father always seemed so tired during his own
teenage years. "Hey Dad," Andy rushed him the second he walked into the kitchen to make a pot of coffee, knowing that it would be a long time until Linda got
home and they could talk. "Can we go outside and play basketball PLEASE," she peered up at him with the best puppy dog eyes she could muster? "In a
minute baby," Danny ran a hand down his face. "Let me get a little coffee in me, and I'll play with you," Danny reassured her, knowing he couldn't back down
from his word when he told her would spend the evening with her, despite the fact he was feeling a little worn. "I'm going to go put some shorts on," Andy told
him before running up the stairs and into her bedroom. "Come on coffee do your magic," Danny was tempted to move the pot and shove his head up under the
coffee maker.
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"Hello my dear brothers," Andy was glad to find them both in the same room. "What do you want this time," Sean already had a feeling he knew what she was
doing, the same thing he always did to her when she got in trouble, gloat. "Oh nothing," Andy ignored him. "Augh," she relaxed stretching out on her brother's
bed, "this is the greatest day of my life." "What makes you say that," Jack wasn't sharing her exuberance. "Are you kidding me, I'm just glad you left me out of
this whole incident," you two in trouble and me being completely innocent is something I would like to relish in for the time being." "Why, because it won't last
long," Jack looked at her confused. "You know it," Andy grinned before running out the door and down the stairs to find Danny. "Come on Dad lets go," she
pulled Danny out of the house and into the driveway so they could start playing before it got dark. "I'm coming Andy," Danny was laughing at her excitement,
feeling much better now that he got several cups of coffee into his system. "You know I bet you were a wild child in your younger days," Danny was pretty sure
it was a safe bet. "Not really," Andy admitted to him. "Now I find that rather hard to believe based on what I've witnessed since you came to live with us." "I
was saving it all for you," Andy grinned thinking of how much better her life was now that she could express herself much more freely than she could at anyone
of her foster homes.
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"You ready for bed," Danny asking walking into Sean's bedroom at the kid's usual bedtime? "Almost," Sean was looking around for his pajama shirt. This is,
Danny found it shoved in between the boy's bed and the wall. "That's the one," Sean was just finishing up with the last of the buttons before he was caught
off guard by Danny picking him up and tossing him onto the bed. I wasn't expecting that, Sean laughed. Yeah well I love you, even though you are in trouble,
Danny kissed his head before turning the light off. Danny was just making his way into Jacks bedroom, when he saw Andy coming out of the bathroom from
taking a shower. "I know, go to bed," Andy already had a feeling she knew what he was about to tell her. "You got it," Danny pointed at her, "I'll be in, in a few
minutes to take you in." Danny stretched out onto the couch later that night as he waited for Linda to get home, hoping to get a few minutes of sleep. He had,
had a very full day, and was more than ready to go to bed. Being an only parent was difficult.
Well today's my birthday, so I thought I would try and get a chapter posted for you. This chapter is a little longer that I originally expected, but I can't help myself, it's just so much fun to write. Again thanks so much for all the favorites, follows and reviews, you keep me writing. JusticeStandsTRUE
