CH. 22: Knocking over a 7-11 The worst thing in the word had just happened to Andy. She had to be good for a whole week, just so she could help her aunt create a baby shower for her mother. She had to admit things were beginning to look up, the baby shower went by without a hitch and she could return to her normal mischievous self. Most Sunday's were spent all day over at Bay Ridge, at least after mass that is, but today was different. It was mid-afternoon and Danny, Linda and the kids were home, Linda wanting to go through some of the gifts the baby received the day of the baby shower, forcing Danny to help out. With both her parents busy, Andy took the opportunity to work on a few things in her room that she new her parents wouldn't approve of. "What you doing Andy?" Jack and Sean burst into their sisters room without even bothering to knock on her closed door. "Putting my rockets together. It's scheduled for lift-off soon." Andy said with a huge smile. "Where did you get that?" Sean sounded curious yet excited. "The store," Andy said sarcastically. "How'd you pay for it?" Jack asked wide-eyed. "Saved allowance." "Please don't tell mom and dad that when they ask," Jack said immediately. "We'll never see another allowance again." "Wasn't planning on telling them anything," Andy shook her head. "But how'd you pay for it with mom knowing?" "Snuck her car keys out of her purse, paid for it, hid it under the back seat and snuck her keys back in her purse when I got back inside. Now are we done playing 20 questions?" "Mom would kill you if she knew you left the store without her," Sean told her what she already knew. "Which is why she's not going to find out. Is she Sean?" Andy warned menacingly. "What'll you give me?" Sean black-mailed. "I'll let you live." "Get real Andy," Sean was obviously not taking her threat serious. "I'm serious," Andy's eyes widened and remained unblinking as she continued. "You don't know this. But, last night when you were sleeping I implanted a microchip in your head that I can explode with the push of a button." "That's impossible," Sean crossed his arms in front of his chest. "How do you know?" "I put it in your mouth and you swallowed it." "How can it explode then?" "If I activate it on my cell phone." "I guess it's good for me, mom took your phone away this morning," Sean grinned walking out. "He got you there," Jack pointed out. "That's what he thinks. At least until one of the rockets will be heading straight for his bedroom." "What about the other one?" "Don't be anywhere near the main corridor of Blessed Hearts Academy Wednesday morning, it scheduled for lift off." "Have you thought this thing completely through? Because mom and dad are going to kill you." "Its called knocking over a 7-11 so to speak. Only this ones not illegal." "Nice knowing you," Jack walked out in a hurry, wanting plausible deniability when their parents find out and start asking questions. Andy worked for another thirty minutes or so, until she grew tired of the monotony of the rockets instructional booklet and decided to set it aside for a trip downstairs. "Hey Dad," she found her father sitting on the floor of the downstairs living room, taking a screwdriver to her mothers hairdryer. Danny was just about to say something to her but changed his tone completely with a shocked expression and tone. "Dang! I just got shocked!" He pulled his hand away in a hurry. "What happened?" "Your mom asked me to try and fix her blow dryer." "Doesn't mom know that you and electricity is a lethal combination?" "Don't you have something better to do than annoy me?" Danny was obviously not in the mood to deal with her after his sudden shock. "Not really," Andy shrugged. "Find something," he replied emphatically. Andy trudged back up the stairs, wondering what she was going to do to keep herself occupied. She was bored, but had no desire to return to the book reading. She saw her basketball lying in the corner of her room, but it was already dark and knew there was no way her mother would let her go out and play. Sighing, Andy closed her bedroom door and picked up the ball. Taking a seat on the floor, Andy started to bounce the ball off the door repeatevly. She had only been playing for about ten minutes when her mother charged through the door. "If that ball hits that door one more time, I'm taking the door and the ball!" Linda threatened. "Why don't you just take the ball?" Andy said sarcastically. "It's a lot easier than taking a door off its hinges." "Because I'm trying to make a point," Linda started to storm off, but returned shortly when she realized the time. "And go take a shower and get ready for bed." "You know mom, if you think about it, how dirty am I? I only went to mass and grandpas." "The point is to get clean," Linda reminded her. "This cleanliness next to Godliness thing is terribly overrated," Andy shook her head. "Your going to see God, if you don't get in that shower!" Linda pointed at the bathroom. "Fine," Andy grumbled as she proceeded to the bathroom. She didn't really want to take a shower, but if it was going to keep her mother happy, she figured she didn't have a choice. Especially considering if she mad her mother mad, she would have to deal with both her parents. XXXXXXXX Monday afternoon and Andy was home from school. It didn't take long and Andy was through with both her homework and rocket. She was in the process of planning on how to get Sean out of his bedroom so she could prepare for lift off when Linda called her to get started on her chores. Andy grumbled, but knew she had to do them. Knowing she was going to be in trouble for the rocket and didn't need to add disobedience to her record. "What do I have to do?" Andy mumbled when she reached the bottom floor. "Please get all the dirty clothes together and take them down to the basement for me. Afterwards, get the towels out of the dryer, fold them and put them away." Andy wasn't thrilled with her assigned chores, but she reluctantly made her way back upstairs to gather the laundry out of the bathroom hampers. It took two trips up and down both set of stairs with the hampers but eventually she finished the dirty laundry and was now ready to start the clean laundry. She had just finished in the basement and had both arms full of towels when her mother stopped her. "While your up there, please ask Sean to gather all the trash in the house so your father can take it outside when he gets home tonight. After that, your done." "Yes!" Andy said excitedly as she struggled to run up the stairs, dropping several hand towels in the process. "Andy!" Linda called, laughing at her daughters exuberance to be completed with her chores for the day. Andy shoved the towels in the bathroom cabinets as quickly as she could. Knowing that with her brother out of his room now was the perfect opportunity to prepare for lift off. After measuring the appropriate distance Andy set the rocket up in the hallway. It wasn't an over powerful rocket, but it was definitely powerful enough to cause slight damage if not pointed in the right direction. Luckily for Andy, after setting it up she accidentally hit it with her foot and it moved in a slight different direction. She wasn't supposed to play with matches, but that didn't keep Andy from taking the one she had hidden from her pocket and light the fuse. Seconds later, and Andy wasn't prepared for the noise. The squeal sounded like a firework going off, directly followed by a shattering of broken glass as it crashed to the floor and the fuse fizzed out. Linda and the boys were up the stairs in no time flat, all three startled by the noise. They found Andy standing in Sean's room, her mouth wide open as she held what was left of her rocket in her hand. "Andrea Mary Reagan!" Linda was not only very unhappy with the mess, but she was also scared out of her mind knowing she could have been hurt. "Just so you know, none of this turned out like I planned it." Andy covered, just as soon as her mother finished speaking. "And just how was it supposed to turn out?!" "I, ugh," Andy wasn't sure what to say, considering she wasn't 100% sure how it was supposed to turn out. "I kind of figured it would just zoom around the room, and knock a few things off the wall." "Clean this mess up now!" Linda ordered. "After that, I want you downstairs and in the corner while we wait for your father to get home and we decide what to do to you." Andy didn't say anything as she crouched down to pick up the pieces of glass that were scattered about the floor. It took several minutes, but eventually she had the larger pieces in the trashcan and was ready to pull out the vacuum cleaner to pick up any of the pieces she might have missed as well as the pieces of shrapnel. "I'm done," Andy's voice was low and her head was dropped as she told her mother the progress of her brothers bedroom. "Then go stand in the corner," Linda pointed at the nearest corner in the living room. Andy walked away sullenly, and Linda was pleased that her daughter was at least showing signs of resentment after the accident. Andy had been standing in the same place for almost fifteen minutes before she spoke. "Oh my God," she moaned aloud. "Andrea Reagan!" Linda glared at her sternly. "What? I'm praying, I'm going to need all the help I can get when Dad gets home." Andy figured that was an excuse anybody who knew Danny Reagan would believe. A short time later, and Linda was surprised to hear a knock at the door. She had just started to cross the room to answer it when Andy spoke up again. "Careful, it could be a wild man with a gun to kill us," she warned. Linda ignored her daughters comment and opened the door before stepping aside to allow her husband enough room to step in. "Is this the wild man you were referring to?" "Well you never know," Andy shrugged with a small grin. "Danny, what happened to your house key?" Linda knew his knocking on his own front door was odd. "I don't know, when I took me key ring out to get it, it wasn't there. Somebody must have taken it," he looked at Andy, obviously thinking he knew who the guilty party was. "How do you know it was me?" Andy looked at him shocked that he would even suggest such a thing. "Because anything that ever happens around here points to you." "I want my day in court," Andy huffed. "In that case, I'll be the judge," Danny volunteered. "I don't want a hanging judge," Andy replied sarcastically. "We have a much bigger matter we need to deal with right now," Linda interrupted their banter. "Your daughter set off a rocket in our house." "What?!" Danny looked from Linda to Andy. "Hey," Andy raised her hands in surrender. "Your the one who told me to find something to do yesterday. So this is technically your fault." She tried picking up for herself in justifying her actions. "And this was all you could come up with?!" Danny raised his voice, surprised by her reply. "And no! Don't you blame me this on me!" "Well I was kind of working on it before you told me to find something to do. I was just taking a break when I came down here." Andy figured she might as well give in by telling him the truth, knowing it wouldn't do any good to get her out of trouble. "You blew up a rocket in my house and broke one of my windows!" Danny was still having trouble believing it, but he was trying to make her understand how what she did was wrong. "I didn't know it had your name on it," Andy replied sarcastically. Her fathers words obviously not sinking in. "Everything in this house belongs to me. Including you," he said pointedly. "Possessive much?" Andy muttered. "Go to your room," Linda pointed at the stairs, having enough of her daughters attitude. Andy frowned, but she didn't say anything as she huffed up the stairs. Danny sighed and looked at his wife, "show me the damage." "It's only the window," Linda led the way up the stairs and into their youngest sons bedroom. "And Andy already cleaned up the mess." "We're going to need to find something to cover it with before I can get another one," Danny observed. "I'll get a blanket to help keep the weather from coming in," Linda nodded. "I'll get some cardboard," Danny headed for the shed. The two returned to the scene of the accident a few minutes later, Linda holding the cardboard in place while Danny worked on keeping it from moving around after they were completed with the task. "So what do you think we should do with Andy?" Danny asked his wife while they worked. "In her defense, she didn't mean to break the window," Linda mentioned. "But she still set a rocket off in our house." She said all in one breath. "I know I want her to pay for it?" Danny mentioned. "I'll make a list of extra chores she can do after school," Linda nodded in agreement. "And she won't be getting any allowance for awhile since we both know that's how she paid for it." "Unless she got ahold of your credit card again," Danny remembered. "That will never happen again," Linda said seriously. "I check the account weekly." "So we know she got it in store," Danny interpreted. "Which means she somehow managed to sneak it past me when we were shopping," Linda was showing signs of guilt. "It's not your fault," Danny rubbed her arm reassuringly. "I know," Linda sighed. "But none of this would have happened if I would have kept a better eye on her." "Andy's old enough to know better," Danny said sternly. "And she snuck it past you because she knew you would have said no." "What are we going to do with her?" "I don't know," Danny shook his head. "I'm waiting for you to tell me," he smiled at her. "In that case were going to be here awhile," Linda had to admit she was still at a loss, even though she had been thinking about it since she examined the mess. "Because I don't know." In the end, it was decided that Andy would not only be paying for the window, but she would lose her allowance until further notice, she would be grounded for a week and she would only be allowed out of her room for meals, chores and school. XXXXXXXX Even with Andy's knowledge of her list of punishments awaiting her when she got home from school, they did little to stifle her behavior within the hallways of Blessed Hearts Academy, and two days later she was proving that she was indeed the daughter of Danny Reagan. "Can you just tell us what's going to be on the test rather than wasting all this time and boring us to death with this stupid lecture?" Andy interrupted her social studies teacher about 30 minutes into the class. "Go to the principal Miss Reagan," making it obvious her teacher wasn't in the mood to deal with the unruly girl by not even giving her a warning. Which was secretly what Andy wanted anyway. "Anything to get out of here," Andy got out of her seat and hurried out of the classroom. Anxious to get to her locker so she could retrieve the rocket and get in into place before the halls started to fill once more. Already having experience with the rockets abilities, it didn't take her long for her to have it ready for action, and seconds later, it was doing just that. Unfortunately, she hadn't planned for it to fall over and start on its own collision course which included a minor failure causing it to smoke and set off the fire alarm all before crashing through one of the schools ancient windows. Andy knew she needed to make herself scarce immediately after the blaring fire alarm went off, but she just couldn't help herself from wanting to see the looks of shock on all the administrators faces. Just as she was on the verge of disappearing the schools security guard Officer Realm grabbed her by the shoulder. Andy's expression fell when she knew she had been caught and as much as she hated knowing that she was going to be in trouble she couldn't help but smirk. "Miss Reagan!" The principal Mrs. Couric raised her voice once she, Andy and vice principal Mrs. Harrison were alone in her office. "Yes," Andy looked up smiling. "Why did you bring a rocket to school?" "Yes," Andy was obviously not willing to offer any information. "Are you aware that it is against school policy to bring any kind of explosive on school property?" "Yes," Andy said again. "Then why do it?" "Yes," Andy reapeated. The principal was fuming but eventually decided that she might as well have her secretary to call one of Andy's parents. Knowing there wasn't much she could do without one of them present. Andy was surprised to be left sitting in the principals office rather than being asked to sit outside the office like usual while she waited for one of her parents. Unfortunately for Andy, it didn't take long for her father to be shown into the all too familiar office. Andy's eyes widened when she saw her father, obviously expecting her mother to have been the one to show up. "We tried to call your wife, but didn't get answer." Mrs. Harrison stood to shake his hand. "She's works in the emergency room at St. Vic's, and they are usually very busy," Danny enlightened her. "I apologize for having to drag you down here," this time it was Mrs. Couric's turn to speak. "But your daughter isn't being very forthcoming with us regarding the matter, and since she will not be able to stay I thought you might as well come pick her up, thinking you might be able to get something out of her." "Oh, I'll be able to get something out of her, I can assure you," Danny glared at Andy. Causing her not only to gulp but to shift uncomfortably in her seat. Half an hour later, and Danny was escorting his daughter out of the school and into the car. "So let me get this straight, you misbehaved in class, disobeyed your teacher by not going to the principals office, set off an explosive, broke a window and then refused to be forthcoming to those in authority," Danny had to take a breath by the time he finished listing her offenses. "It sounds so bad when you say it," Andy had to admit that at first she hadn't seen too much wrong with the whole incident. At least until her father started to name them in order. "What would possess you to do something like this?" "Dad, I already told you I was going to knock over a 7-11 as soon as the baby shower was over. I kind of figured you'd prefer this over something like that. But if you're not sure, I can do both and let you decide," Andy shrugged. "You just don't get it do you!" Andy's eyes widened when he yelled and it even made her turn serene and apologetic. "But you will, by the time your mother and I get through with you," he pointed at her. "Now I'm going to have to go back to work." "What about me?" Andy mumbled. "Your staying with Gramps," Danny started to pull out of the school parking lot. "Anod when we get there, you are to go straight to my old room and stay there unless you are told to come out." "Dad, it's 10 am," Andy looked at him confused. "I'm sure I'm going to have to go to the bathroom sometime before you come get me tonight." "You know what I mean Andy!" Danny raised his voice again. Obviously not in the mood for her irrelevant questions. Andy's head dropped and the remainder of the trip turned silent, Andy too worried that she would dig herself in deeper if she kept talking and said something smart alek, which wasn't especially hard in her case. It wasn't long, and Andy and Danny walked through the kitchen door. "Grandpa, what are you doing here?" Andy was surprised to find her grandfather at home mid-morning. "I could ask you the same question," Frank looked from his granddaughter to his son, getting the feeling that she was in some sort of trouble. "You don't want to know," Andy replied. "You really don't want to," Danny echoed. "Your grandfathers sick," Henry told his great-granddaughter. "Really?" Danny was trying to figure out the last time his father had been sick, knowing it didn't happen very often. Danny didn't get much of a reply, Henry being too busy shoving a thermometer in his sons mouth. "I'm fine Pop," Frank jerked it out of his mouth. "Did somebody get sent home from work?" Danny whined teasingly. "No!" Frank glared at him. "What do you need Danny?" Henry interrupted before Danny continued with his teasing. "I was going to see if Andy could stay here till me or Linda got off. But if your sick, I can see if she can stay with Erin in her office." "She'll be fine here," Frank replied. "You sure?" Danny knew that when he was sick, the last thing he wanted around was his 10 year old boisterous trouble maker daughter. "I'm fine," Frank repeated. "I'm just going to take it easy." "Andy," Danny turned his full attention on his daughter. "Don't bother your grandpa and focus on your school assignments." Andy didn't say anything, but a disgruntled look did cross her face when he said the words school assignments. "Just remember your in enough trouble already and then think about what'll happen if you keep it up. You already know that Gramps and Grandpa don't need my permission to use this," Danny pulled a wooden spoon out of the kitchen drawer. "I think I'm going to go myself comfortable in my cell," Andy grabbed her backpack and hurried out of the kitchen. "I told her to stay in my old room," Danny interpreted his daughters words. "If she comes down, just show her this. I know it's been awhile since you used this on me and my siblings, but I'm sure you still remember how to yield one of these," Danny handed him the wooden spoon. "She already knows she has one coming as soon as she gets home tonight from either me or Linda, so you shouldn't have any problems with her. But it is Andy," Danny admitted. Knowing it was never a safe bet to count her out of anything. "So what happened?" Frank had to admit he was curious to know what she did to get in as much trouble as she seemed to be in. After relaying part of the mornings events, Danny continued. "Luckily, I was able to talk them into not suspending her and just sending her home and making part of her school punishment be taking part in the school play that they were having trouble finding participants for." "How'd you do that?" Henry was beginning to wish he could have seen that, knowing that his eldest grandson was better at interrogations than convincings. "I told them that since she didn't set the rocket off it in a crowded hallway, she had no malicious intent and was only trying to have a little fun." "Now look who sounds like a lawyer," Henry chuckled, glancing at Frank. "Don't even joke about something like that. And I didn't do it for her. I did it because I'm busy with a case and Linda has a full schedule at the hospital this week and neither one of us can stay home with her." "Then you better get going," Frank nodded at the door. "You will call me if she gets out of hand or you need to go to the doctor," Danny started to say but was soon cut off. "Already went," Frank interrupted. "What did he say?" Danny was surprised that he hadn't said anything before. "Nothing, now leave," Frank ignored him. "Grouchy today isn't he?" Danny laughed, looking over at Henry. "Get out!" Frank ordered. "Before I use this on you," he picked up the wooden spoon that was still sitting on the kitchen table. "Definitely a bit more touchier than usual," Danny said assertively, with a large grin spreading across his face. "Get out!" Frank repeated throwing the spoon at him, while Danny dodged it. "Your going to break something," Danny kept the teasing up. Frank started to stand and Danny jerked the back door open. "Got to go," Danny was laughing when he said it. "One of these days," Frank sighed looking over at Pop. "He's just Danny being Danny," Henry shook his head. "And the fact that he was one just like him makes it all worth it," Frank said leaving the kitchen so he could get some rest. XXXXXXXX Andy sat at the desk near the window drumming a beat with a pen and pencil on her math book. She was trying to concentrate on the list of assignments she had received before leaving, but she was finding it easier said than done as her hyperactive brain refused to be stiffened as she struggled with remaining in her seat or even in the room for that matter. Deciding to take an unneeded break, Andy rolled under the bed to make another mark on the slat, the same as her father had said he had done when he had been in trouble and sent to his room. Andy was now following in his footsteps, only she had two rooms she found herself spending a lot of time in, hence the two beds she marked up. Finishing with the usual task, Andy noticed something she didn't remember seeing before. Reaching for the flash light, Andy shifted over to the corner near the front of the bed. Shoved under the slat, was a crumbled small white envelope. It was hard to get it out, but eventually she managed to pry it out. Opening the envelope, Andy read the crumbled sheet of paper. She smiled when she read its contents, it had been written by her father himself when he was young. After reading only half, she observed it to be a note written by a time when he had closed to runaway from home. Detailing how he couldn't handle his siblings, among several other things. "Andy," Frank opened the door to his sons bedroom. "I'm still here," Andy rolled out from under the bed. "Aren't you supposed to be doing your school work?" "You caught me," Andy grinned. "Come with me to my room," Frank figured she was needing a change of scenery. "But Dad said I have to stay," Andy started. "You let me take care of your father." "Yes Sir," Andy nodded, following his down the hall. "Are you going to give me the Frank Reagan Special?" She sounded worried. "No," Frank kept his tone solemn. "That's left for your mom and dad. But I do want to talk to you," Frank returned to his place on his bed where he had been resting. "I'd like to talk to you too," Andy sounded serious. "You got any suggestions on surviving my parents?" "Andy, you intentionally set a rocket off in the hallway of your school." Frank said blankly, knowing full well that she knew better that to make her actions into a game. "I know," Andy knew it sounded bad. "And that was after you'd already been in trouble for doing it at home. I'd say you deserve everything they get." "I knew it was inevitable," Andy admitted. "But that doesn't mean I'm going to enjoy it." "Do you think the discipline you'll receive tonight will make you think?" "I'm sure it will do something," Andy shifted uncomfortably. "And that's why you'll get it," Frank pointed at it. "Because your parents care about you. Now get out of here so I can get some sleep." "I need to get back to my cell anyways," Andy gave him a small smile. It was nearing 5:30 when Frank's cell buzzed, his caller ID revealing it was daughter in law calling. "I'm so sorry Frank," Linda apologized just as soon as he picked up the phone. "I'll be there to get Andy as soon as I get a break. I have to work extra hours tonight. Were swamped here in the ER. I know your sick and the last thing you need is your ill-mannered granddaughter. "She hasn't been any trouble Linda. I've talked to her and I think it helped make her realize how wrong she was." "I called my neighbor and she's going to stay with the boys tonight, and then me or Danny, whichever gets home first will take them to school in the morning." "What about Andy?" "I really don't want the neighbor to have to deal with a sulking child, so I'm going to ask Erin if she can stay with her." "Just leave her here Linda, Danny said she can't go to school till the window gets replaced and that won't be till day after tomorrow." "That would be a great help," Linda thought aloud. "But she hasn't been punished yet and we can't just leave it till tomorrow," Linda remembered, beginning to wish that Danny would have just taken care of everything. Yet she knew they always discussed things as a couple and they weren't expecting to work all night. "Just tell me what you were thinking and I'll take care of it." "Are you sure?" Linda hated to place such a burden on him, despite the fact she trusted him completely with the well-being of her children. "I've certainly had enough practice with her father," Frank sighed. XXXXXXXX After finishing the phone conversation he was having with his daughter in law, Frank sat alone, knowing he needed to say something to her that was going to have an impact. "Andy," Frank made a short rasp at the door. "There's been a change of plans," he enlightened her after walking into the room. "What is it?" Andy looked at him questioningly. "Your mom and dad both have to work tonight, so you're staying here." "Sweet," Andy said happily, thinking she was escaping trouble for the night and she started to hurry out of the room so she could rush down the stairs. "Not so fast," Frank grabbed her by the arm, just as she was crossing the doorway. "We have some unfinished business." "Ugh," Andy sulked. "You mean the Frank Reagan Special don't you?" She asked carefully. "And more?" Her grandfather added. "More," Andy complained whining. "Andy, you know you deserve everything you get. You were disrespectful at school and disobeyed your teacher when she told you to go to the principal. "I really only did that to get out of class," she admitted. "But you still did it," he reminded her. "Your right," she admitted unhappily. "The first rocket trouble you got into was bad enough," Frank started to explain before he was interrupted. "I know it was wrong," Andy admitted. "But I didn't know it was going to turn out like that. I didn't think it had that much power behind it. That was just a bonus," she couldn't help but grin, still pleased with her purchase. "We understand that," Frank nodded. "And that's why it has made this second time even worse. And what makes it worse is that you not only knew better, but you knew the damage it would cause but chose to do it anyway." "I was just trying to add some fun to the place, it's terrible." "It wouldn't be if you spent the time learning. Your supposed to be getting an education." "You sound like my parents," Andy didn't know how many times she had heard Danny and Linda say the exact same thing. "And we're all getting a little tired of repeating it!" Frank raised his voice a bit, to get her to understand how serious he was. Andy's eyes widened, clearly not expecting the change in his behavior. "I talked to your mom and she wanted me to be sure and tell you, that you are grounded for two weeks now, no tv, music or phone." "This isn't going to be fun," Andy pouted as she placed her phone in his open hand. "No," Frank took a seat on the edge of the bed before pulling out the paddle he had used multiple times on his own children. "This isn't going to be fun for either of us." "More for you than me," Andy begrudgingly trudged the short distance to where her grandfather was sitting. Knowing there was no use in trying to keep the discipline from coming. "Andy," Frank stood her in front of him where he could look her in the eye. "Do you really think that anyone in this family enjoys punishing you?" "I guess not," Andy had to admit neither of her parents ever looked to be enjoying themselves when she was in trouble. "We all love you so much, that the only reason we punish you is because we want you to grow up to be a good person, one the Reagan's can be proud of. "Do you understand?" "Yes," Andy nodded solemnly. "Good," Frank gave her a small reassuring smile before he did what he had to in filling in for his son. XXXXXXXX Andy remained in the room she was occupying for an hour so after she received her punishment. She was no longer crying but that didn't she was feeling much better. She knew she had done wrong and deserved punishment, but again, that didn't mean she had to enjoy it. It was almost 6:30 when Andy felt the time was right to leave the room and speak with her grandfather once again. Not finding him in his room, Andy tiptoed down the stairs. "Grandpa," she found him sitting in his usual arm chair reading one of the books he had taken from the shelf. "Andy," Frank looked up, setting his book aside. "I'm sorry you had to spank me when you were supposed to be spending your time resting since your sick," Andy's expression was solemn and her head was dropped. "Andy I'm not dying," Frank gave her a reassuring smile. "And I'm use to having to deal with unwanted actions when not feeling well. I had a lot practice with my own children. Your father never gave me a break." "Guess it runs in the family," Andy shrugged. "Come sit with me Andy," Frank patted the chair next to him. "Did your mom or dad call you?" He had a feeling she had received a severe tongue lashing, and that was what brought on another show of "Mm," Andy nodded. "There disappointed in me. I feel worse now than I did when you spanked me." "Spankings are only meant to get your attention and to help you think. Also to make you realize how what you did was wrong." Frank explained something he hoped she already knew. "I think I understand that now," Andy said truthfully. "You know something Andy," Frank decided that now that had she had come to the realization of how wrong and how warranted her punishment was, it was time to open up about something that he thought would help encourage her to do better. Andy looked at him intently and Frank continued. "You may get into trouble a lot, and do things we've never even imagined doing. But we all love you. And I don't know what we ever did without you." "I keep your home life interesting," she grinned happily. "And I love you too, Grandpa," Andy hugged him. XXXXXXXX Four days later, and the Reagan's were sitting at the dining room table, enjoying their Sunday dinner. They were just staring on desert, when Andy spoke up. They had yet to bring up her week of indiscretions, but Andy was never one to be embarrassed by any of her actions, no matter how absurd. "So by now, I assume you all know I blew up a rocket." "It wasn't exactly a secret," Jack said sarcastically. "Shut-up," Andy kicked him from under the table. "Not at the table," Linda corrected them both. "Anyways," Andy continued before she was so rudely interrupted. "I now have to perform in the school play." "Certainly makes for an interesting punishment." Henry figured, knowing that his great-granddaughter would never intentionally take part in something such as a school play. Especially considering it would make her spend even more time at the place she hated. "Yeah, well I am tempted to screw the entire play by quoting Patrick Henry instead of Betsy Ross, 'give me liberty or give me death.'" "You screw that play up intentionally and that's exactly what you'll get, DEATH." Danny pointed at her seriously. "Anyways," Andy wasn't a bit bothered by her fathers threat. Knowing that really wasn't the reason she brought the whole thing up in the first place. "If I have to do the stupid play, would you at least come see it?" She looked at each of the members surrounding the table. "Wouldn't miss it," Frank was the first to speak up. "We'll all be there will bells on," Henry spoke for all of them. "I'd like for you all to come," Andy admitted. "But you can leave the bells at home." "When's the play?" Jamie asked. "Next month," Linda answered. "On the 22nd at 6:30 pm." "What about you Dad? Will you be able to go?" Andy knew that her father was the one that would be the most likely to miss it. That or her grandfather. At least if they had a case or something as equally important came up. "I don't know, I'll see what I can do." Andy chewed on her lower lip at his response, she knew she couldn't say anything. There was nothing to say, it was his job and sometimes that meant he had to miss things in his children's lives. Then again, it was just a stupid play. Even if she knew she was going to try her best to make it a success. She couldn't help but remain silent, at least partially as she pondered these things the rest of the day. She didn't want to let on that she was disappointed. Knowing that he would never intentionally miss the one night performance. That being said, she never dreamed she would partake in something along the lines of a dramatic performance. At least not play wise, figuring she created enough drama in home on a daily basis. Later that night, after returning home, Andy was fulfilling part of her original punishment, by remaining in her room. "You have no idea how reassuring it is to find you accepting your punishment and being where your supposed to be for a change," Danny said finding his daughter lying on the floor of her bedroom doing a word search puzzle. "Yeah well, Grandpa had said something about me already knowing better before I do something, and I really needed to start thinking things through before doing them." "Hmm, maybe you should start staying with Grandpa more often," Danny shrugged. "I mentioned that to him and he said that he already revised his four, and that he was just filling in for his son because the two of you have the same goal. And it's for me to grow up into a Reagan that you can be proud of." Danny took a seat on the edge of the bed and motioned for her to come sit next to him, making a mental note to call his father later and think him for everything he did in trying to get through to her. "You know I love you more than anything in the world right?" Danny knew that now that the punishment had been taken care of, he still needed to tell her how much he loved her even though she had been in trouble. The same as Frank had done earlier. "Even more than your job?" Andy asked the ultimate question. Knowing it wasn't usual for him to show his softened side. Then again, he didn't really have to, Andy, along with her brothers, both knew how much their father cared and loved them. "More than my job, Danny nodded at her. "Your my child and apart of me." "Isn't your job apart of you too?" "Of course it is, it has made me who I am. But I wouldn't be where I'm at without the love of my family," he said specifically. "You mean Grandma and Grandpa?" "All of my family," Danny clarified. "Grandma and grandpa put me on the right path, and stood by me no matter the mistakes I made. Gramps, always believed that I would work NYPD. Erin and Joe made me tough and Jamie made me care. And you, your mother and brothers showed me how to approach certain people with a softer side." "Wow," Andy side wide-eyed. "Being a detective requires a lot of personalities." "I never thought about it like that," Danny admitted shaking his head. "But yes, you are right." "Maybe I can be a detective someday too," Andy brightened, thinking. "Maybe so," Danny knew they had another several years before they participated in deep conversation regarding her future. And for that, he was grateful. Not quite ready for the daughter he had just brought into his home to grow up. "Just promise me, you won't hurry to grow up." "I wont," Andy shook her head, looking into his face intently. "I'm not ready to leave you just yet." _ I enjoyed this chapter and I hope you alll enjoyed the update. Thanks for all the follows, favorites and reviews... JusticeStandsTRUE