CH. 4: Only Time Would Tell
Not getting to bed until the wee morning hours, certainly made crawling out of bed difficult the following morning. But as said the night before, Danny had to be at work, and Frank would be bringing boys home before work, making Linda get up as well. It was relatively early, when Tayler walked through the basement door, finding her mother and stepfather sitting at the kitchen table, downing cups of coffee as if it would have been whiskey in shot glasses.
"Tayler," Linda was the first one to notice her. "I have cinnamon rolls on the stove if you'd like one."
"You made breakfast?" Tayler sounded surprised, knowing that when she lived with her Dad, if she didn't get up to get breakfast before school, she went without.
"When I have time I do," Linda had to admit, that on some mornings they all had cereal for breakfast.
Tayler had no idea where the plates were kept, and she hated to dig through the cabinets, knowing it made her look nosy, but she knew she preferred that, over asking for help.
Linda was about to get up from the table to help her, but Danny placed a hand on her arm, stopping her. "Let her come to us," Danny mouthed.
Linda sighed, but she knew he was right, so she refrained from rushing in. After a few failed attempts, Tayler finally found a plate, and fork. After serving herself, she took a seat at the table.
"I was hoping to see the boys before I left," Danny glanced at his watch. "But I'm going to have to get going."
"Wait just a few more minutes," Linda said. "They will be so disappointed if they miss you. And you know your Dads going to be in a hurry to get to the office." Linda was using her sons as an excuse, but in reality, she just really wanted him there, when she introduced Tayler to Frank and the boys.
Danny caught on to what she was saying, and moved back into the kitchen, deciding that if he was going to be at home for a few more minutes, he might as well have another cup of coffee.
"What time do you think you will be home?" Linda was trying to get an idea of how things were going to go that night. Knowing that it would be their first night as a complete family.
"I don't know," Danny shook his head. He knew she wanted him home for dinner, and to get started on Tayler's room. Yet at the same time, he could never really put a time table on arresting or questioning perps. "I'll try to get home as soon as I can." Was all Danny could think to say.
"Okay," Linda let it go. "The kids and I will go to the store and start getting things for Tayler's room and start cleaning out the basement.
"Getting the basement cleaned out, before I started getting reacquainted with construction, would be a help." Danny figured at least he wouldn't have to worry about stepping over all the boxes and things they had laying around, before he got to work.
"I'll see what we can get done," Linda was hoping they would get a great deal done. Especially if she didn't have to cook. "I'll probably just order Chinese or something for dinner, so I don't have to stop and cook."
"I know the boys won't argue with that," Danny knew how much they enjoyed eating takeout or something along that line.
Tayler hadn't said a word while she ate, and instead listened in to the conversation between her mother and stepfather. She had just finished eating, but was still sitting at the table when Danny looked out the window. "Dads entourage is here." He noticed the black SUV his father rode in.
"I know the boys loved that," Linda could only imagine how much they were going to be talking about it for the next few days.
"Mom! Dad!" Jack and Sean burst through the front door before charging for their parents.
"Hi boys," Linda kissed them both, before getting ready to begin the introductions between her children and father in law. "Tayler," Linda went to stand next to her daughter. "I want you to meet my father in law, Commissioner Frank Reagan," Linda introduced them.
"Tayler," Frank was the first to speak, and to make a move to shake her hand. "Commissioner Reagan," Tayler said softly, a little nervous about meeting her stepfather's family. Remembering things, she had read in the past, about stepparent's families, hating the kids that didn't really belong.
"Nice to meet you," was all Frank could think to say. Considering he didn't know what to tell her to call him. He remembered talking to Danny on the phone the night before, about her still referring to him and Linda as Mr. and Mrs. Reagan. Making him feel like it was a little premature for him to suggest she call him Grandpa. Yet at the same time, he wasn't sure how he felt about her calling him Frank either. That skated along the lines of disrespect in the Reagan household for a child to call a parent or grandparent by their first name, unless there were special circumstances surrounding it, as it was with Danny and Linda. But being a grandfather was different, he wasn't going to be the one enforcing rules and taking care of her needs like a parent did.
"And Tayler," Linda moved on to introducing the boys, who were standing next to their father. "These are your brothers, Jack and Sean," Linda pointed them out.
Neither of the boys, not Tayler said a word to their new sibling. The boys standing with their arms crossed in front of their chest. At least until Danny nudged the boys to say something.
"Hi," Jack and Sean choked out.
Tayler also didn't say a word, she wasn't exactly used to meeting people that were supposed to be her siblings. At least she didn't say anything until Linda repeated her name.
"Hello," Tayler muttered, making her eyes meet theirs.
There was a moment of silence, before Frank spoke up, knowing he needed to get to 1PP. "I think I'm going to leave you three to get acquainted," he glanced at his watch. "Yeah, I need to get to work," Danny was more than ready to take his father's leave, and leave the awkwardness that settled in the room.
"Well that went well," Frank looked at his son, as the two walked into the yard.
"Things have been a little icy," Danny admitted. "I was expecting a bit more from the boys. Kind of disappointing."
"Give them time son," Frank clapped him on the back. "This is a big change for them. For all of you. They might not always get along. You and Erin certainly didn't. But they will always be brother and sister. Even if they are just meeting one another."
"I hope so," Danny wasn't certain, after the cold welcoming. "I'm sure Linda is upset about it. I'm glad I have to go to work."
"Danny," Frank looked at him questioningly.
"Linda's trying too hard with Tayler, and it's pushing her away. She was hoping the boys would help bring Tayler out of her shell. But it looks to me, like we're going to have more problems between the three if anything. Especially after Tayler gets more comfortable." Danny explained.
"I'm sure Linda can keep them under control," Frank knew she never had any problems with the boys.
"I hope the boys behave," Danny muttered. Thinking of what was going on inside at the moment.
"What makes you say that?" Frank questioned.
"What I saw on their faces," Danny shook his head. "It was the look of defiance."
"Well you won't find out unless you get to work. Because the boys won't do anything while your here," Frank knew his grandsons better than that.
"I know," Danny nodded.
"Then get to work," Frank ordered. "I know you have cases on your desk."
Yes Sir," Danny smiled, heading for his car.
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"Have you boys eaten breakfast?" Linda asked her sons, knowing they needed to get started on their day.
"Yes," Jack answered, all three of the children still looking at one another.
"We ate with Grandpa," Sean told her.
"In that case, I'm going to go get ready, so we can get to the store," Linda started for the stairs.
"Why are we going to the store?" Jack asked curiously. Remembering his mother going to get groceries the day before she got the call about Tayler.
"Were turning the basement into Tayler's room, and she needs a few things," Linda replied, making her way up the stairs, Jack and Sean following close behind.
"We don't want to go," Sean complained.
"We have to," Linda turned to face them, when they reached the top of the stairs. "Your sister had to leave a lot of her stuff behind, and she needs some things. Now you are going to go, and you are going to be happy about it." Linda kept her tone steady, but there was no denying the order of seriousness in it.
"Yes Mam," Jack mumbled, before going into his room to unpack. He had just started returning his clothes in the duffel bag to their rightful places, when his brother walked in.
"Don't you think it's kind of odd that we have had a sister since we were born, and we are just now meeting her?" Sean wondered aloud.
"It isn't normal that for sure," Jack threw his bag in the closet.
"I wish she wasn't here," Sean said honestly. "I liked it being just you, me, mom and dad."
"You liked it?" Jack said sarcastically, before tossing his foam football, over to his brother. "How do you think I feel? I used to be the oldest. Now I'm stuck in the middle."
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Tayler returned to the basement when her mother went up the stairs. She turned her iPod on lightly, seriously beginning to miss the stereo she had to leave behind. She laid back down on her bed, still tired after the nights of little to no sleep. The sleepless nights, started three nights ago. The first when the cops showed up and took her to family services, the second when she spent the night in a hotel on an uncomfortable bed, and with strangers. The third when she moved into the house that was supposed to be her home, and with people that were supposed to be her family. She was on the verge of falling asleep, when Linda opened the basement door, and told her it was time to leave. Pulling herself together, Tayler tied her shoes, and hurried out the door. Jack was already occupying the passenger seat, so she climbed into the backseat next to Sean. Sean barely glanced at her, as she buckled her seatbelt. She didn't really mind, she didn't have anything to say to them. They were supposed to be her brothers, but they weren't. Not really, how could you be related to someone you didn't know. Linda had just finished locking the front door behind them and climbed into the car. She tried to make small talk between the three of them, but after a few minutes. It was obvious, neither of them were interested in talking. The boys upset about either Tayler coming to live with them, or the fact that they had to go the store. And Tayler, well Tayler was just being herself, at least the Tayler, Linda knew. As soon as they reached the store, Linda knew exactly where to go. Unlike her daughter, who had no idea where to go, nor what all her mother was planning to purchase. With this in mind, Tayler followed Linda closely. The boys on the other hand trailed behind slowly, they knew their way around the store, and we're not too concerned if they got separated. Yet at the same time, they knew they would be in trouble if they got separated simply for not paying attention. Or for running off to a different department without permission. Knowing they were going to need plenty of plastic storage containers for the stuff in the basement, Linda stopped by that aisle first. Finished with the containers, Linda moved on to the aisles that was lined with teenage bedding and bathroom necessities, like bedspreads, shower curtains and decorative trash cans. By this time, the boys were tired of looking at the things that held no interest to them, and they were quick to request a reprieve to another department.
"Can we go look at the toys?" Sean was the one to ask.
"Yes," Linda replied. The boys started to take off, but Linda stopped them immediately, still wanting to ensure a few words of warning. "But stay together, and don't leave the toy aisle. I don't have time to go searching the whole store for you," Linda let them go. Thinking it would be a lot easier to shop with Tayler, without having to listen to the boys complain about not wanting to look at bedding and such things.
Reaching the start of the aisle, Linda looked at her daughter. "Find something you like."
Tayler didn't move for a while, she was too mesmerized by the different patterns of bedding that was set up, one right after the other. She couldn't believe she had just been told that she could pick out something she wanted, without getting a stipulation on price, like she got with her father.
Linda had already taken several steps into the aisle and started looking around, yet when she turned around, she could tell, that Tayler had yet to move. "You don't want me to pick it out," she teased. "I'll pick out something pink."
Tayler smiled, and took a few steps in, before scanning the items on the shelf. "I kind of like this one," she stopped near the center of the aisle, before pointing out a navy-blue bedspread with orange and turquoise medallions covering it.
"That is a pretty one," Linda agreed.
"It's kind of expensive though," Tayler shied away from it, in search of a cheaper one.
"It's not too bad," Linda looked at the price sticker. "Considering it comes as a set, and you get a set of sheets, the comforter, two shams, and a decorative pillow." Of course, Linda wasn't one to just delve in to her children's every want. Or just allow them to pick out the most expensive thing on the shelf. But she decided to make an exception this one time, considering she had never had the opportunity to buy her things in the past. She had no intention of spoiling her, knowing she didn't do it with her sons, and she had no intentions of doing it with her daughter either.
"Yeah, but I need a full size though," Tayler reminded her of the size bed that was in the room. "And that makes it more expensive."
"I think we should get it," Linda picked out the appropriate size, before handing it to her daughter. "How often do you get a set of new bedding after all?"
"Still," Tayler shook her head. "I'd feel better if I found something for like $20."
"I don't think you are going to be able to find something for $20 that fits a full-size bed. Let's just get it, and not tell Danny how much it cost." Linda was trying to make a joke, knowing that Danny wouldn't get upset over something like that. Unfortunately, her comment backfired on her.
"I don't want to make him mad because I needed something," Tayler placed it back on the shelf.
"Tayler," Linda picked it back up again.
"All this trouble could have been saved, if I just would have brought my bedspread from home," Tayler didn't sound as if she was even interested in shopping anymore.
"Tayler, did your dad ever hit you?" Linda thought of the comment her daughter had just made, about Danny getting mad at her.
"Are you kidding?" Tayler smiled. "He wasn't home enough to hit me."
"Are you sure?" Linda wanted to make sure, she wasn't dealing with a case of abuse. knowing that changed everything.
"My dad was a lot of things," Tayler said truthfully. "But he never would have hurt me."
That's one thing in his favor, Linda thought to herself. Considering she hadn't exactly had a great deal of positive thoughts towards the man she used to love. At least not of lately. "I'm sorry Tayler, I shouldn't have said it like that. Danny would never get angry about something like that. He does get angry at times, but he doesn't take it out on his family. And especially when it comes to buying things his kids need." Linda looked her directly in the eye, hoping to clear the matter up enough, to make her daughter interested in shopping.
"But I'm not his kid," Tayler's voice was low.
"Maybe not biologically," Linda didn't want to get involved in all that, at least not in public. "But you are his responsibility. And his job is what's going to pay for things you need. And he understands that." Linda, started to move on to the aisle over, insinuating the conversation was over, at least for the time being. Tayler and Linda picked up a few other things, Linda figured she might need. It wasn't everything Tayler was going to need for her bedroom and bathroom. But figuring it was going to take them some time to get the room ready constructional wise, Linda didn't see any reason why they couldn't wait. At least until, they were able to do a little more planning. "Do you need any deodorant and shampoo, or anything like that?" Linda asked moving on to the hygiene care aisles.
"I need some shampoo," Tayler chewed on her lower lip. Trying to figure out how she was going to tell her mother, that she couldn't afford it. She had told Danny the night before, regarding the meal. But that was because she didn't have a choice. And she was kind of hoping she wasn't going to have to tell her mother so soon. Thinking that eventually she would get an allowance, and could purchase it then.
"Which one do you like?" Linda was sure, there was already a certain kind she was use to using.
"I usually got this one, when I went with Dad." Tayler picked up a bottle of shampoo and conditioner mixed.
Linda took it from her, and placed it in the cart, before moving on to the bath soap.
"But I don't have any money," Tayler started to pick the shampoo up out of the cart, so she wouldn't have to make eye contact.
"And that's the beauty of being a child and having parents that care for you," Linda stopped her. "I buy everything the boys need, and I'm going to buy everything you need."
"That's different though," Tayler sounded as if she was trying to get Linda to understand. "They are used to you taking care of them."
"And I want to take care of you too," Linda said seriously, trying to remember they were in public. "The same as your dad did, if not more. I am your mother."
"Thank you," Tayler really didn't feel like arguing, and she was grateful for everything, so she eventually gave in, happy about all the new things she was getting.
Both mother and daughter were trying not to have a breakdown, while at the store. Linda was trying to be understanding, regarding her daughter's feelings. But they were also frustrating. She didn't like her child being concerned over money, and not being able to have a necessity like shampoo. She had seen the bathroom at Tim's place, and Tayler had all the things she needed. She didn't really care for the man from her past, but at least he took care of her, possession wise. The only thing she seemed to lack was love. Linda knew Tim, and she knew he loved their daughter, she just had a feeling he had a difficult way of showing it.
"Now let's go see if we can find those pesky brothers of yours," Lind smiled.
Tayler gave her a fake smile, but she wasn't exactly in a hurry to find them. Then again, she really couldn't blame them. Neither of the three siblings had tried to get to no one another. And it wasn't like it was going to happen after barely meeting one another for the first time just a couple hours ago. Linda led the way to the designated toy aisles, but it didn't take long for her to discover, neither of her sons were nowhere to be found.
"I told them not to leave," Linda mumbled aggravated at her son's decision to disobey her. Wondering where she should go look for them. Neither of them had cell phones yet, so it wasn't as easy as just clicking a few buttons.
"Where do you think they went?" Tayler questioned.
"I don't know?" Linda thought. "Where would you go?"
"Entertainment section," Tayler smiled.
"They might be there," Linda shrugged, before moving on to the department her daughter suggested.
"Jack and Sean Reagan." It was obvious Linda was mad. But she was trying to keep her tone down, so she wouldn't bring them any attention.
"We wanted to look at the games," Jack tried to explain.
"I don't care what you wanted to look at," Linda looked at her sons seriously. "You displaced my trust, when I trusted you to go off on your own. Making that deliberate disobedience." Linda took a deep breath, and turned her attention to her daughter. "Tayler, do you need anything else?"
"No Mam," Tayler was quick to say, shaking her head slightly. She knew Linda wasn't upset with her. But she had never seen her mother act in that manner. She had always been soft spoken with her, and it made Tayler think, that the woman wasn't one to recon with. Then again, she had never really had much of a problem with misbehaving or discipline.
"Then we are going to the car," Linda pivoted, and headed straight for the checkout, so they could go home.
The car ride home was again quiet, Jack and Sean both knowing they were going to be in trouble. And Tayler, simply not having anything to say.
"You two go to your rooms," Linda said as soon they pulled into the driveway. Jack and Sean readily obeyed, leaving Linda and Tayler to unload the car. They left everything in the living room, knowing that they didn't need any added things in the basement, considering the plan for the day was clean everything out, so Danny could get started on the hard stuff when he got home. "You can go ahead and get started in your room. I'll be down to help you, as soon as I finish dealing with your brothers." "Where do you want me to start?" Tayler asked, house projects being totally new to her.
"You can take the tubs we just bought, and start taking everything off the shelves," Linda figured, the job wouldn't be too difficult for her to handle.
"Yes Mam," Tayler picked up the tubs and hurried down to her room. Being alone in the basement, Tayler changed her clothes into something more appropriate for work, and got started on what her mother told her to do. On one of the shelves, she found stacks of old clothes, that she figured was used for rags and cleaning. On another shelf she found a radio/cd player stereo. And on another, cleaning supplies. The cleaning supplies and old clothes were easy enough to store away, but the stereo on the other hand, wouldn't fit. Making her set it on top of one of the closed containers, and move on to something else.
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Considering she was planning on saying the same to both boys, Linda decided it would save time if she put them together to get started on the lecture. "I'm very disappointed in you for disobeying me. You both knew better than to do something like that. I was worried someone took you. On top of that, we are going to be really busy this week, and I didn't have time to go looking for you."
"Yes Mam," neither of the boys knew what to say, knowing they were in the wrong.
"You are both losing your video game and tv privileges, for your actions while we were out." Linda moved on to the punishment part of the lecture.
"Yes Mam," they mumbled, unhappily.
"And you will also be helping your sister and I in the basement today and the rest of the week, until we get it completed."
"Why do we have to help?" Sean grumbled.
"Yeah, it wasn't our idea to completely redo the basement," Jack added.
"You are doing it, because Tayler is your sister. And in this family, we help one another," Linda explained, figuring that would be the end of it.
"But we don't even know her," Sean had a point. "She can't be our sister if we don't know her."
"Then get to know her. Because she is your sister, and will be for the rest of your lives." Linda was furious, with all the nonsense they were spouting.
"I don't want her to be my sister," Jack said honestly. "I used to be the oldest. But you just had to bring Tayler to live here."
"Jack Reagan, I'm surprised at you. She is your sister, and had nowhere to go. How would you feel if you were in her place?" Linda let the question drop, not really looking for answer, rather she just wanted to give them something to think about. "You will never know though, because you know that if something was to happen to me and your father. That your grandfather would take in. Because that is not the case in a lot families. And you should be grateful you were born a Reagan." Linda started to storm out of the room until she remembered something. "And you have five minutes to get down into that basement and get to work!"
"Yes Mam," they grumbled. Neither of them very happy about it, but they did show signs of obeying this time.
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Linda reached the basement before her sons did, and she found Tayler picking up her luggage and placing them on top of her bed, so they would be out of the way.
"I boxed up the cleaning supplies," Tayler gestured at one of the tubs. "But the stereo won't fit in any of the tubs."
"That's okay," Linda shook her head. "I'm going to have to find a place for the cleaning stuff."
"Sorry," Tayler was quick to apologize. "I shouldn't have boxed them up," she figured.
"I have to carry them up the stairs in something," Linda smiled.
"I really hate that you and Danny are having to do all this reconstruction in your home for me." Tayler looked down, feeling guilty.
"We're just glad the room is getting used for something other than storage," Linda admitted. "We'd much rather have you, then have this room cold and dark like usual."
"Thanks," her voice was low. "Do you want me to take something upstairs?"
"No," Linda shook her head. "I have two boys that should be down here any minute that are going to do everything I tell them to."
Tayler was quick to let that conversation drop. Not really wanting to get involved when it came to her brothers being in trouble, especially since neither of them we're really getting along with one another.
Just as Linda said, both Jack and Sean were in the basement in a matter of minutes. "What do you want us to do?" Sean approached his mother.
"You two can start taking all those boxes on that shelf to the attic." Linda's tone was back to sounding stern.
"Yes Mam," Jack stacked two on top of each other and hurried away from his mother's icy tone.
"I didn't know what to do with the stereo," Tayler went over and picked up the stereo she had placed atop the wash machine.
"Do you want it?" Linda offered, admitting that she didn't know what to do with it either.
"I can have it?" Tayler looked at her mother surprised, not really expecting to be offered something like that. Although she had to admit, that she was missing the one she had to leave behind.
"It was Danny's," Linda answered. "But the boys got him a new one for Father's Day."
"And he won't mind?" Tayler wanted to double check. Hating when she assumed something, only to be let down in the end.
"I don't think so," Linda shook her head. "But you can ask him if it will make your feel better." Linda knew he wouldn't mind. She was just trying to get her talk to them more. So far, she was saying a bit more to her, than she had the day before. But it wasn't much of a step up, considering it was mostly her trying to ease her mind. Afraid she was doing something wrong.
"Thank you," Tayler nodded, before turning away to get started on something else.
Linda took a deep breath, trying to regain control of her nerves, feeling as if she was at a complete loss with all three of her children, especially Tayler. She had to admit, she had expected a bit more from her sons. Why she didn't know. It just seemed like in the past, they were a bit more gracious to strangers, and appeared as if they were at least willing to get to know them. Here Tayler was their own sister, and the only reason they said hello, was because Danny made them. As for Tayler, she was just wishing things would go a bit smoother when speaking to one another. She knew she had to be the parent to her child, and not just her friend. But at this point, she didn't even care if she didn't accept her as a mother. She would just be happy if she didn't treat her like she had the plague. "I'm not sure what Danny's planning on doing construction wise down here," Linda was doing her best to say something that could act as a conversation starter. "So, you might have to sleep on the couch for a couple nights."
"That's cool," Tayler didn't sound too concerned. "It's got to be better than that bed at the hotel the other night."
"Augh," Linda moaned, remembering the dreadful sleepless night. "Was your bed as hard as ours?"
"Like a rock," Tayler chuckled, smiling.
"You should have heard Danny last night," Linda laughed. "He was so happy to be home. Just because he missed his bed."
"I'm sorry he had to come get me and stay in a hotel," Tayler felt guilty for their lack of sleep.
"Tayler," Linda took another deep breath. "You don't have to apologize for everything. None of this is your fault."
"But it is," Tayler nodded. "I was born."
"I know, I was there," Linda remembered the birthing experience as if it was yesterday.
"And then my Dad died," Tayler's guilt trip started to return.
"Number one, I am glad you were born. And number two, your father's death was not your fault." Linda started to say again, how much she regretted not being more involved in her daughter's life. But she stopped, just as soon as she started, not wanting anything to happen like it did the night before, and Tayler start saying she didn't care.
"Yeah, but if he wouldn't have died. I wouldn't have had to put you, Danny, Jack or Sean in the position of making room for me in your own home." Tayler figured she had a point.
"And I'm going to tell you what I told you before. We're just glad we have the room for you to live in, rather than it be used for storage." Linda repeated. She didn't want her voice to sound stern, at least not as stern as it was with the boys. But she did want to get the point across. "And for the record, I am more than happy, that you were born. Even if the hospital part wasn't enjoyable." Linda face expression changed to a smile.
The two fell silent for a moment, each of them continuing with their work. Tayler's thoughts returning to the questions that had plagued her for years, about her birth, and early life. Questions that she had never felt comfortable asking her father, as if he would have been able to answer them anyways. "Linda," Tayler said carefully, her voice unsecure, unsure if she should continue with the question. "Can you tell me a little bit about when I was born?"
"Like what?" Linda asked, so she would nowhere to begin.
"I don't know, I don't remember anything." Tayler wasn't sure where to start.
"You were 7 pounds and 3 ounces when you were born," Linda decided to start at the beginning. "You had a headful of blonde hair, and a scream to match."
Tayler smiled, thinking how much things had changed for her, and how quiet her personality was now.
"I remember when you were a couple weeks old I took you to get your first professional pictures done.
"How was that?" Tayler asked interested.
"You cried almost the whole time," Linda shook her head, her eyes wide, remembering it, as if it was yesterday.
"Sorry," Tayler apologized.
"Come up stairs with me for a minute," Linda thought of something, she figured her daughter might like to see. "I want to show you something."
"But what about the room?" Tayler glanced back at both her mother who was walking behind her, and the messy basement.
"It isn't going anywhere," Linda kept walking. "And it will give the boys a little more time to catch up by getting all the boxes out."
"But," Tayler didn't like leaving the room, when there was still work to be done.
"You sound like me," Linda chuckled admittingly.
"How?" Tayler asked clarifying.
"You don't want to stop working once you get started," Linda stopped when she reached the living room, and knelt next to one of the shelves where her photo albums were kept. Pulling the first one out, Linda flipped it open. "This is your baby picture." Linda smiled.
"Where did you get this?" Tayler took a closer look.
"I was there when they took the picture. And it was the one picture you weren't crying in. You were asleep when we laid you down for it, but when we put you down, you woke up and cried until we picked you back up."
"Sorry," Tayler apologized again.
"You were a baby," Linda shrugged. "I was just glad they got one picture while you were still asleep." Linda flipped the next page over, and showed her Jacks baby picture. Jack was awake for his picture, and had a half smile on his face. She was just about to turn the page to Sean's baby picture, when Danny walked in.
"You two are working hard," he gestured at the photo album in their hands.
"This is the first break we've taken," Linda teased him.
"I'm going back," Tayler got up and returned down the stairs.
With Tayler, Jack and Sean in the basement working, it gave Danny a chance to question his wife about her first day with all three children. "How did it go today?" Danny asked the question, he had been wondering about all day, especially after what he saw that morning.
"For one, I'm not happy with your sons," Linda said first of all.
"My sons?" Danny didn't know what to think about that, and he was almost too afraid to ask what brought out his wife's unhappiness towards them.
"When they get in trouble, they are your children," Linda wasn't showing any signs of claiming them.
"What did they do?" Danny was expecting the worst, but he really didn't think it could be that bad, knowing that otherwise she would have called him at work.
"They completely disobeyed me when we were in town," Linda wasn't used to complete and utter disobedience from her children. "And when I brought them home to punish them. They spout something about being upset about Tayler being here, and not wanting a sister."
"That doesn't sound like them," Danny had to agree with his wife, knowing how out of character it was for them. "I guess all we can do is give them time. They are acting out because they are unhappy, and not used to having a sister and Tayler is used to being an only child."
"I just wish things were going a bit smoother," Linda sighed. "Because nothing is going to change for us or them, until we become a family."
"How did things go with Tayler today?" Danny moved on to his next question, knowing there wasn't much he could say to his wife's previous statement. He knew she felt bad, hell so did he. But until their children decided to drop their guard around one another, there wasn't anything he could do. He knew the boys could be stubborn, just like all the Reagans, and he was beginning to gather that Tayler could be just as stubborn. He knew Linda was, and he was gathering that Tayler could be the same as her mother.
"I've heard yes Mam and no Mam, about a thousand times today. But that was about it. At least until she asked me about when she was born. So, I'm going to count that as a first step to acknowledging me as a part of her life," Linda was grateful for at least that much of change. Even if it was only one question about her past.
"Has she dropped her guard any? Letting you be a mother to her?" Danny didn't think so, but he figured there was no harm in asking.
"Not much," Linda thought about it. "She doesn't like us having to rearrange our home for her. And trying to buy her things is like pulling teeth. She was only used to Tim providing her things for so long, that she can't accept the fact that someone else wants to do the same."
"I guess we just have to keep acting like we want to do it." Danny figured.
"We have a long way to go before we become a family," Lind muttered. She was close to taking a seat on the sofa and dropping her head in her hands and crying, but she refrained, afraid that one of the children would come up. She was hoping for more, but once again she found those thoughts being smashed into pieces in front of her.
"Don't cry Linda," Danny hugged her, knowing she was upset. "This is only the first official day of being parents to three."
"I know," Linda wiped a stray tear away.
"I'm going to tell you like you've been telling Tayler, this is the first step."
Linda took a deep breath, regaining control of herself, when she heard footprints coming up the basement steps. Knowing she and Danny both needed to get to work.
"Where do you want this mom?" Jack asked, carrying a box of old toys that belonged to him and his brother.
"I guess the attic," Linda was beginning to think of all the extra work they were going to have to do in organizing the attic, once they were done with the basement.
"Can we quit after this?" Jack sounded tired.
"No," Danny said abruptly, answering for his wife. "You will be working until we're done."
"But Dad," Jack complained.
"Are you really going to argue with me?" Danny's gaze rested on the boy's face.
"No Sir," Jack let it drop, before making his way to the attic. He was already in enough trouble with his mother, and he really didn't want to add his father to that list.
With Jack gone, Danny turned his attention back to Linda. "I'm going to go change, I called in reinforcements to help me in the basement, and he should be here in bit."
"Your poor brother," Linda already knew who he was talking about.
"He said as long as he gets a free meal out of it, he'd help."
"I'll pick up Chinese," Linda smiled. "You can keep the kids with you."
"Thanks a lot," Danny said sarcastically, heading up the stairs.
XXXXXXXX
A few minutes later, and Danny made his way to the basement to get started on his job. He was tired from lack of sleep, as well as from working all day. But he put those feelings aside, knowing he had to be a dad or stepdad for a while. Tayler was already there, and she was just plugging the stereo in, when he reached the floor. "My stereo," Danny smiled, glad there wasn't going to be an awkward silence while they worked. Then again, he knew that when his kid brother got there, it was going to be anything but silent.
"Linda said I could have it," Tayler covered, never the type of person that messed with something that didn't belong to her, and she was hoping he would understand. "Is that okay?"
"Sure," Danny shrugged. "I'm just glad it's being used."
"That's what she said," Tayler noticed.
"Linda showed me the stuff you got for the room," Danny mentioned after a while, while he started marking off the wall he would be erecting so they could separate the washroom from her bedroom.
"I'm sorry if it cost too much," Tayler apologized, chewing on her lower lip.
"As long as you like, because you're going to be the one looking at it, when you get in trouble and I send you to your room." Danny said plainly. He knew how kids were, and even if she did have her guard up now. He knew that eventually it would drop, and she would turn into a normal teenager. Sure, she may not be a bad teenager like her mother, at least that's what he hoped for, but she was still a teenager.
Tayler was surprised by what he said, but she did manage to come back with a reply. "I don't get in trouble."
"You're a better kid than I was," Danny laughed out loud. Not thinking there was a kid alive that hadn't gotten in trouble, at least once.
"What are you talking about? All kids are better than you were."
Danny was interrupted by an all too familiar voice, that he had known for a long time. "Did I ask for your opinion kid?" Danny knew it was his brother Jamie coming down the stairs.
Tayler didn't say anything, but she was smiling at the wittiness that was behind the men's voices. She didn't have any siblings, and she wasn't used to the teasing, but it sounded fun.
"Sean said you were down here." Jamie said when he reached the foot of the stairs.
"Yeah," Danny spoke up. "Tell that boy to get down here. He's supposed to be helping."
Jamie returned a few minutes later with Sean, and Danny looked up from what he was working on to chastise him for a moment before putting him to work again. "Weren't you told that you had to work with the family today?" Danny started it out as a simple question.
"Yes Sir," Sean's attention was focused solely on the floor.
"Then why aren't you down here? I know it doesn't take that long to carry a box up to the attic."
"I don't know," Sean muttered so low, Danny could barely make out what he had just said.
"Speak up son."
"I'm tired," Sean complained. "And I don't want to work."
"We're all tired, son. Me, your mother and sister were up late last night. And your uncle and I also worked all day."
Tayler started to pay attention, when she heard her stepfather tell his son something about his sister, and it made her nervous. He and his brother already didn't like her, and she was worried this would only make it worse.
"But you weren't too tired to disobey your mother today, were you?" Danny asked another question.
"No Sir," Sean really wasn't enjoying where all this questioning was going, considering he was already in trouble with his mother.
"Then let's get back to work," Danny let it go at that. Danny's attention shifted back to his brother, so he and Jamie could get started on the hard stuff. While Sean made himself, scarce and got back to work, doing his best to stay out of the line of fire.
Tayler kept her eyes focused on what she was working on, but her attention was focused on what she observed that day between her mother, stepfather and half-brothers. Now that she had time to think about it, she was beginning to notice a pattern. When they chastised the boys, they immediately turned contrite, and didn't really argue like most children she had observed in Plattsburg. Making her think that the family expected respect. Her half-brothers never appeared to be afraid of their parents, making her know that the adults in the family weren't abusive. And when the boys got home that morning, from being with their grandfather for the past couple days, they ran in the house and directly to their parents for a hug, appearing to be happy to see them. Making her think, there was a lot of love between the children and their parents.
"Tayler," Danny pulled her away from her thoughts when he said her name.
"Sir," Tayler was trying to focus her attention on him. Not wanting to be called down on, like she observed between he and Sean.
"Come over here," he gestured with his hand, for her to join him and Jamie.
Tayler set the trash bag down that she had been stuffing all the old caulking into, that she was digging out of the shower, and walked over to the two men.
"This my brother Jamie," Danny introduced. He wanted to introduce him as his pain in the ass brother, but he refrained, since Jamie was going to be her uncle, and she was still a kid after all. "Jamie, this is my stepdaughter Tayler."
"Nice to meet you Tayler," Jamie smiled. "And good luck."
Tayler didn't say anything, but she did have a confused look on her face, causing him to warrant her an explanation.
"You're going to have to live with him," he teased, pointing at Danny.
"I'm not that bad," Danny shook his head, shoving his brother playfully.
"You got pretty lucky with Linda," Jamie kept the brotherly banter up. "Linda's great. Although she can also be a force that you don't want to recon with. But I don't think that happened, until she became a Reagan."
"Ignore him," Danny pointed at his brother, letting her get back to work. "As for you," he turned his attention back to Jamie. "Did you come here to work or to talk my new kid?"
"Both," Jamie smiled at him sarcastically, before starting to work on his job.
Tayler had just returned to the shower, when she heard her stepfather refer to her as his kid. She didn't mind that was for sure, it was just new to her, and that made her think. She didn't want to compare her father with her stepfather, but she really couldn't help herself. They both seemed so different. Yet at the same time, her father was also different at the beginning. Remembering that it wasn't until her father got involved with the Valdez family several years ago, that he changed. She didn't think Danny would do that, he already seemed better than her father, but that didn't keep her from wondering. Her mind was literally racing, and she was so confused by the day's events. It was obvious her half-brothers didn't like her being there, they weren't even trying to hide their feelings. They hadn't said anything to her, but Tayler figured, that was only because they didn't want to get in trouble. Danny and Linda hadn't acted like that towards her, and they were the ones having to make a lot of adjustment within their home and finances. Danny didn't seem to care about all the work he was going to have to do, and Linda appeared as if she was having a great time shopping for new things for her. They seemed happy, with having her there. Or were they just better at hiding their true feelings? She knew Linda was a nurse, so she naturally had to keep a professional demeanor. Danny was a detective, making her think it would be second nature for him to be able to lie, and you would never know it. He didn't seem like the type to hide his personality, in fact he seemed quite vocal with his opinion. Then again, she wasn't good at reading people's personalities. She never knew her father was deep in the Valdez Crime Family. He always seemed so professional with his suit, tie and briefcase, and she never knew he had two jobs. He was good at living in the shadows, and part of her thought that Danny and Linda would be the same. But only time would tell.
Hope you all enjoyed the update... Thanks for all the follows, favorites and reviews... JusticeStandsTRUE