CH. 12: Tayler Donovan-Reagan
Monday came and again it found Tayler out of school. Only this time she was taken out intentionally by Danny and Linda who had an appointment with family court.
They were sitting on a hard bench outside a small office, she sandwiched between them.
Danny shifted uncomfortably before loosening his tie.
"This reminds me of when I was a kid and would be in a trouble having to sit outside the principal's office waiting for my parents to come get me."
Tayler smirked and Linda replied.
"I wouldn't know," Linda shook her head. "I never spent much time there."
"Me neither," Tayler agreed.
Danny scoffed and shook his head.
"You two are starting to remind me of Jamie, golden boy. Never got into trouble."
"Ugh," Tayler begged to differ. "Did you not just ground me for a week?"
"It's your first time being grounded," Danny said sarcastically. "It's not going to kill you."
"It could," Tayler tried another tactic. "So let's not take any chances and how bout ungrounding me."
"That's not going to happen," Linda was the one to answer. "We want to make sure you understand what you did was wrong."
"Being grounded won't kill you," Danny decided to go about it another way. "Trust me, if it would, I wouldn't be here. By the time I was your age I had been grounded so many times I lost count."
"I'm a newbie, give me a break," she shrugged her shoulders.
"Ugh," this time it was Lindas turn to speak. "Let's not make this grounding thing a habit."
"I'm confused," Tayler looked from Danny to Linda. "He wants me to get grounded more but you don't want me to get grounded more."
"I didn't say that?" Danny said abruptly.
"But you said?"
"I was talking about myself," Danny pointed. "Not my children."
"Don't worry," Tayler eased both their minds. "This isn't my thing."
After what seemed like hours, Tayler Donovan-Reagan descended the stairs of the courthouse with a new name, a new family, and hopefully a new destiny. But that was if she could reach out, grasp it and accept it. While these and other thoughts flooded her mind Danny took a call.
"That was Pop. Dinner at Dad's tonight."
"But it isn't Sunday?" Tayler looked confused.
"That's for tradition. This is for celebration," Linda sounded as if she was already expecting the call.
"What are we celebrating?"
"You," Linda's face held one of the largest smiles Tayler had ever seen.
"Me?!"
"You're officially a Reagan."
"This family's weird."
"And you're in it," Danny grinned.
"Maybe I should have thought this thing through a bit more." She didn't exactly say it regretfully, rather in more of a wondering tone. Wondering what she got herself into.
"Too late now."
Family dinner took on a different feel that evening as Tayler sat in her usual place at the dinner table. She couldn't exactly pinpoint the reason for these differences but it wasn't for lack of trying. She didn't know if it was because it wasn't Sunday, considering there wasn't any shop talk on cases, court hearings, or any other issues the family had recently faced, or because she now held the same name as every other person sitting at the table. She had a feeling it was the latter since every time she looked up from her plate, someone was always looking at her.
They were about to start on dessert when Henry cleared his throat, tapping his glass gently with his fork
"I'd like to make a toast to the newest member of the family, Tayler Donovan Reagan."
"To Tayler," the remainder of the family raised their glasses.
"Thanks, Mr. Reagan, everyone." She finally managed to find her voice, making a quick glance at everyone around the table.
"I'd like to second that," Frank was sure to say first of all, as well as add. "And since you are now officially a Reagan, you hold all that entails, including the advantages and disadvantages. Advantages like," he took an NYPD Courtesy Card from his pocket and slid it across the table. "This gives leniency in the instance of trouble. Which I hope you won't need. That being said, I think we could all say there are more disadvantages. You will from now on be identified with the number one family in law enforcement and will be treated differently. The others," he nodded at Jack, Sean, and Nicki. "Were born into it and haven't had to deal with the adjustments that you will. You will be held to a higher standard in and outside the home. I'm telling you this not to scare you but to prepare you. Just know, that no matter what, you always have us to lean on. You're family and we love you."
"Thank you, Commissioner, " Tayler looked at him, genuinely thankful. "I'll do my best."
"One more thing," Frank recalled. "It's time to dispense with the formalities. No one at this table refers to anyone than by their family title. Do you understand?"
"I think so," Tayler said shakily. Still trying to take in everything he had just said.
"He means," Erin explained starting at the end of the table and working her way down. "He's Pop" she started with Henry. "Uncle Jamie, Aunt Erin, and Grandpa."
Danny and Linda hadn't said much since the conversation started. Glad that the other members of the family were taking initiative with her. Linda felt as if she had said everything she could already and Danny was glad his father took it upon himself to give the what it meant to be a Reagan speech. Knowing he would go about it a lot better than he ever could.
"Are you guys sure?" She looked to Frank to answer.
"I never say anything I don't mean."
That night, Tayler lay in bed awake thinking once again of how much her life had changed in one day. Only this time even more. With the name change, she was showing as if she was willing to accept the changes she was facing. Conceding to live by the rules and regulations every other Reagan did and accepting them as her family and all that entailed. That being said, that didn't mean adapting was going to be easy. It rarely was and she had no doubt this instance would be any different.
"Tayler Rose Donovan-Reagan," she said to herself before rolling over hoping to get some sleep. "Now that's a long name."
XXXXXXXX
The following morning and Tayler wished she had been able to get to sleep sooner. They were all up early with Danny heading off to work, Linda needing to get the kids to school, stop by the office to sign some papers regarding the name change, and return to work for the first time since her daughter came to live with them. A busy day for all of them. Especially for Tayler who was grounded and had a list of chores waiting for her when she got home.
Tayler moved slowly down the hallway of Blessed Hearts Academy as she made her way to homeroom to get the rundown of the day's classes. She had just stuffed her backpack full of books and was slipping through the classroom door barely avoiding being run over by a few of her classmates who were racing to see who could get to their seats first.
"Hey, where were you yesterday?" Becky asked just as soon as Tayler slid into her seat next to her.
Tayler was about to respond but was interrupted when Mrs. Booker stepped in only seconds before calling the class to order.
"Tell you at lunch," she whispered.
A couple of hours later and the bell rang kids filing in and out of the hall while Becky dug books out of her backpack and piled them in her locker before grabbing the few she needed for her next couple of classes.
"How was the party?" Tayler came up next to her to do the same with her stack of books.
"There wasn't," Becky closed the locker before spinning the combination lock a few times.
"Why not?" Tayler looked through the spirals in her locker, wanting to make sure and get the right ones.
"Would you believe that I canceled since you couldn't come?"
"Nice try but no." Tayler soon closed her locker and the two started to join the other students crossing the halls. "So what happened?"
"A certain detective came by asking questions and squashed it since there were no adults."
"Ah," Tayler squinted. Already knowing who she was talking about. "That same detective keeps causing trouble for me too. Anyways I'm sorry you had to cancel your party."
"It's okay," Becky shrugged. "I was still making calls when my uncle came home and he spent the rest of the evening lecturing me."
"I got a pretty lengthy lecture that evening too."
"Bet that wasn't the only thing you got," Becky shook her head.
"You'd be right," Tayler spoke merely half-heartedly.
"I'm grounded for a week. "No tv, no stereo. And from what it sounds like, at least from my stepdad, no internet for even longer."
Becky started to say something about that being rough and she had experienced something similar in the past herself but she didn't get a chance when Tayler continued.
"And that's not even it. While I'm grounded, I have to do tons of chores around the house."
"That is worse."
"That's not it," Tayler held up a finger. "I can't stay hidden down in my room and have to try to get integrated by spending more time with the family."
"Don't shoot the messenger or anything like that, but that may be a good thing."
"That's what Danny said."
"He might be right," Becky shrugged. "I know the situation I was in with my stepmom is different than the one you are in with a whole new family. But that's how we got to where we are today."
"Guess, we'll find out," Tayler was interrupted by the ring of another bell.
"Talk to you at lunch," the two split paths.
Tayler had to suffer through another dreaded English class with Mrs. Winters who she didn't care for. At least not after she gave her a zero for not completing her writing assignment, call her out for not paying attention, and then sent that email to her parents that led to a long lecture and argument. Knowing she was already in enough trouble she decided she should pay attention this particular day or at least pretend to like she was currently doing. She knew she needed to do better and apply herself. And she had every intention to do so. Unfortunately, that day was not today. Her stomach was growling as she had skipped breakfast that morning and all she could think of was the coming lunch hour.
"So where were you yesterday?" Becky didn't forget to ask the question again as they walked about the schoolyard during their midday break.
"I thought your parents might have killed you for running away. But then I saw your brothers and figured they probably wouldn't be in school if their sister was just murdered."
"Actually," Tayler said thinking about it. "They probably wouldn't be all that broken up over it. We don't get along."
"I didn't get along with my stepbrother very well at first," Becky recalled. "But it's a little different for you. You're half-siblings."
"That's the thing," Tayler hesitated. "And kind of why I wasn't here yesterday. I had family court with Danny and Linda and they changed my name to Reagan."
"What?!" Becky sounded excited. "That's big news!"
"I'm still adjusting," Tayler didn't want to hinder her only friend's excitement and support she showed. But she had to admit, she was still trying to wrap it around her head and come to terms with the new handle.
"It's a big change. Leaving behind the name you carried for 13 years."
"Danny and Linda didn't want me to drop it completely. They said they don't want me to forget my first family. But my name is kind of long now. Tayler Rose Donovan-Reagan."
"Now that's a name," Becky agreed.
"Tell me about it."
"So how does the rest of the family feel about you becoming a Reagan?"
"They've all been supportive. They called the family together for a welcome meal. Told me what it meant to be part of the family and reminded me that I am no longer on the outside looking in. Which meant I was to refer to them as their family name rather than such conspicuous titles."
"Does that mean you are going to start calling Danny and Linda, Mom and Dad?"
"Not yet," Tayler hesitated. Wondering if she sounded as nervous as she felt regarding the question. "It's going to take more time for me to adjust to that."
"What did Jack and Sean say about you having the same last name as them now?"
"Nothing. At least not yet. But I have a feeling they'll have plenty to say if we ever have time alone."
"Brothers can be a pain," Becky gave her friend an apologetic smile.
"Can't blame them though. I'd probably feel the same way, had the situation been in reverse."
"What are you going to do?"
"What do you mean?" Tayler looked confused.
"You've got to do something. I've seen you in the hallways with them. You can't even tell live in the same house. They treat you like a stranger."
"We kind of are," Tayler shrugged.
"Again, I'm going to second what the detective. You having to stay out of your room may be a good thing."
"Shut-up," the newest Reagan knew she made sense, but that didn't mean she had to like it.
"Just saying," Becky held her hands up in surrender. "But maybe you should get your parents out of the house and have it out with your brothers."
"Starting something like that isn't my style." Tayler knew she preferred to stand quiet in the back rather than engage in a disagreement or put herself in a position that would make her uncomfortable.
"Maybe so, but having it out with them sooner than later may be the best thing."
"Even so, how would I get Danny and Linda out of the house? I doubt they are going to trust me with the boys."
"Do I have to think of everything?!" Becky said emphatically, just as the bell rang calling them back into the building.
"Give me a break, living with a proactive family is new to me."
"I give up." Was Becky's only response as she made a run for the door.
XXXXXXXXX
It was Linda's first day back to work but she still managed to get off in time to pick up the kids from school and make dinner for her family. She had a package of chicken unthawing in a sink of hot water while she unloaded the dishwasher and ran recipes over in her head, trying to decide just what she wanted to do for their meal. Interrupting her train of thought was her daughter who came up from the washroom.
"I got all the sheets changed. Now, what do you want me to do?"
"You can vacuum the upstairs hallway and mine and Danny's bedroom and then you'll be done for the day."
"Where's the vacuum cleaner?"
"It's in the downstairs closet."
"Yes Mam," she nodded, turning to go in search of the cleaning tool. She was just starting for the stairs, in a hurry to finish her job when Linda spoke.
"How was school today?"
"It was okay," all she could do was shrug.
"Have you made any more friends?"
"Not really."
"Well you have Becky and I'm sure you'll make more soon."
Tayler wanted to say that wasn't likely considering she couldn't even befriend or tolerate her own half-brothers and they lived in the same house and spent a lot more time together than she did with anyone at school. However, she remained
silent on the subject, getting the feeling that if she said anything regarding the subject she'd never getaway.
"Can I go finish my chores now?"
"Go ahead," she nodded. "And check the floor for legos before you start."
"I will," Tayler was quick to grab the vacuum cleaner and hurry up the stairs.
Crouching down on her hands and knees, Tayler started at one end of the hallway and worked her way down searching for the small building pieces Sean may have left behind. She had already uncovered several pieces that blended in with the carpet and had them tucked away in her free hand when the boys came out of one of the bedrooms. They stood leaning against the wall for what seemed like several minutes, at least to Tayler but was really only a moment.
"Cinderella's at it again," Jack stood with his arms crossed in front of his chest, a taunting look on his face.
Tayler chose to ignore him at first, keeping her mind on her work as she found a complete lego man.
"Hey Cinderella," Jack tried again. "We got a pile of legos you can clean up in Sean's room."
"Shut up," Tayler responded with one word. Growing tired of their pestering comments.
"You have to admit it fits the story. You are the half-sister doing extra chores while Sean and I play."
Tayler was about to reply saying they had the story wrong and that Cinderella was actually the step-sister but didn't get the chance before Sean interrupted.
"Not exactly she should be counted as the ugly half-sister."
"Would you two just me leave me alone!" Tayler's released some of the bent in frustrations.
"Why would we do that?" Jack laughed. "This is too much fun."
"Don't you have anything better to do?"
"Not really," Sean shook his head.
"You could try homework," Tayler shrugged. "Might make you smarter. Then again, I'm not sure anything could do that."
"Us?" The boys laughed. "We're not the ones who got an email sent home for not paying attention or doing our homework."
"Like you've never gotten in trouble at school?" Tayler sat back on her haunches, looking at them unbelieving.
"This isn't about us."
"It never is," she grumbled at them.
"Now after you finish in here Cinderella," Jack recentered the conversation. Hoping to get more of a rise out of her.
"You can get started in the bathrooms. Sean and I were sure to make it extra messy when we heard about you having to do extra chores hoping it would eventually make the list."
"I'm not cleaning your stupid bathroom!" Tayler yelled. "I don't care what Linda says."
"You have to do what she says." Sean sneered. "It's how this parent/kid thing works."
"Who cares!" Tayler, who was past her breaking point, Tayler took the brimming handful of legos and pelted them at her brothers who fired them back at her.
Danny, who was in his room changing after arriving home from work was drawn out by the commotion in the hallway. Stepping out, he barely avoided being hit by the flying bits and pieces of toys.
Danny tried to stop them without raising his voice but the war raged on, the three barely taking notice that he was there.
"Hey!" He finally yelled.
The three paused, most of them appearing as if they were on the verge of throwing things again when Danny glared at them. His expression and tone stern.
"Now, I don't care who started it or know what the fight was about but I want it to stop and you can be sure I'm going to find out."
"Are we in trouble?" Sean sounded worried.
"What do you think?" Danny replied when Linda came bounding up the stairs.
"What is going on up here?"
"Nothing," Jack and Sean said simultaneously.
"Tayler," Linda looked at her daughter. "I told you to clean up here not help make a bigger mess."
"Just a minute Linda," Danny stopped her. "I get the feeling she's not to blame. At least not entirely." He could see the guilty expression on his youngest son's face.
"You three go wait in my room," he nodded at the open door. Wanting to have a few minutes with his wife.
The three left their parents in the hallway, Danny being sure to close the door behind them wanting to enlighten her of all he overheard yet wanted to get them to speak for themselves truthfully.
Inside the room, Sean took a seat on the edge of the bed.
"Now we're all going to get it," he said foreseeing the future.
"How's that?"
"I don't know, but you can bet it won't be good." He laid down.
"Well it's Jack's fault we're in this mess," Tayler pinpointed the blame.
"I don't think that's going to matter to dad when he comes in. His hand will be just as hard on my butt as yours regardless."
"What makes you say that?"
"That's usually what happens when we get sent to the bedroom."
"At least I don't have to vacuum," she smirked when she heard the hum of the vacuum cleaner.
"That's one thing you got going for," Sean was still laying on the bed. "Because you won't have anything going for you soon." He said just as soon as the door opened and their father walked in.
"Sean sit up, Jack, Tayler sit down."
Danny crossed the room to stand in front of them, his arms crossed in front of his chest for effect. His mannerisms weren't nearly as stern as before, causing Tayler to let out the breath she didn't know she had pinned up.
"Now suppose you tell me what caused the lego war?" He didn't say to anyone in particular, but he did eye each of them evenly.
Neither of them said a word. Each vying to remain silent, Tayler taking the vow a step further, her lips practically glued together.
"Jack," he started in on his eldest son.
"It was nothing," Jack said the first thing that came to mind.
"Tayler," he shifted his eyes to the girl sitting between both boys.
Tayler wasn't sure what to say even if she could speak from the nerves overpowering her mind and body.
This form of parenting completely new to her. Never remembering her father ever caring enough to get to the bottom of anything. Or even pick up for her as Danny did just moments ago.
"Tayler," he repeated, the grim tone reappearing.
"I, I, I," she stuttered.
Danny knitted his brows together, never remembering her stutter before, even when she knew she was in trouble after running away.
"Go to your room," he decided to change tactics. He was almost certain that since she ran away and they spent time alone that he had alleviated any fears she had of him treating her harshly. And he didn't think it was fear he saw registering across her face. But he knew he had to get to the bottom of the incident and if he had to be stern to do it he would.
"Yes Sir," she was quick to hurry out of the room and down the stairs to the basement.
"Now that it's just the three of us," Danny narrowed his gaze on Jack. "I suggest you start talking. And before you decide to skim the truth, you should know I heard some of what unfolded out there."
"What exactly did you hear?"
"Start from the beginning and I'll let you know."
Jack grumbled but between the two brothers, they managed to spurt something out.
"I don't think you two should have teased your sister about Cinderella. Because you two are going to have your own set of extra chores." Danny started with the first part of their punishment. "And secondly, you are both grounded."
"From what?" Sean's expression dropped.
"Video games," Danny knew if anything would get their attention it would be the removal of their X-Box. "Now go downstairs and ask your mother what she wants you to do."
Neither boy spoke but they did nod in understanding before solemnly leaving the room.
Danny didn't want to keep Tayler waiting for long, but he had to admit he had no idea what he was going to say to her. True, the boys were almost entirely to blame but he couldn't let her escape punishment completely. She did after all throw the first handful. She didn't deserve such a severe punishment as the boys and she was already grounded and had a list of extra chores from her past offense yet he didn't think her actions warranted a spanking. He couldn't make her stay in her room. But that was a reward in her mind. He was trying to run the list of consequences he and his siblings received as children, but Tayler was almost always better behaved than he was as a child.
He considered consorting his wife, but since he handled the boy's punishment without consorting her, he figured it was only fair he do the same with his stepdaughter.
"Tayler," Danny reached the floor of her bedroom.
"Yes sir," she crossed the room.
"Have a seat," he pointed at her bed while he pulled out the desk chair for himself.
Tayler obeyed, dropping her head in shame. Being in trouble so often was beginning to get to her.
"I'm sorry," she mumbled. "It's all my fault."
"Just a minute there," he stopped her before she went any further. "And look at me when I'm talking to you."
Tayler raised her head hesitantly but eventually managed to draw it up enough to make eye contact with him.
"You aren't completely innocent by throwing the legos first. But I know the boys started it by talking to you the way they did."
"I know what you're going to say and you're right. I've got to learn to ignore people's comments." Tayler was certain she had already told herself everything that needed saying.
"That's true," Danny nodded. "But I don't think I'm in any position to lecture on that. It's easier said than done after all."
"Then what?" She loved at him confused.
"I'm not sure," he shook his head. "Other than you three were behaving exactly like brothers and sisters. I should know, after living with three of them."
"Are you going to punish me?" She asked nervously.
"Don't you think you deserve it?"
Tayler hated to admit it and part of her wanted to say no, considering she didn't like the trouble she was already in and hated to add more. But here he was being so caring and understanding she couldn't help but nod her head yes.
"I wouldn't be a good father to you if I let you off without some sort of discipline."
Tayler didn't say anything for the longest time, running his words over and over again in her mind. What got her attention was the way he so easily referred to himself as her father. It wasn't forced yet it didn't seem to slip out either. And she was beginning to think he was serious about being her father.
"My dad never took the time to punish me. Let alone talk to me or explain the reasoning behind it."
"Well, you might not always like it," Danny was certain. "But I'll always take time for you."
"So what's my fate?" Tayler was anxious to hear what she was going to succumb to.
"I think a night of babysitting will do fine," Danny thought it over.
"Awe, but Danny," Tayler grumbled. "We don't get along. That's the reason we're down here remember?"
"That's exactly my point. Maybe if you were forced to spend a little time together, you'd have a chance to get to know one another."
"Things could also get worse. Now, do you really want to take that chance?"
"I know where you're going with this," Danny said with a cocked brow. "And it's not going to work."
"Please Danny," Tayler tried. "Can't you punish me in some other way?"
"Tayler," Danny tried to get her to understand. "Do you know how often your mother and I get a chance to go out anywhere together?"
"Should I?" Tayler's expression reminded him that she knew little to nothing regarding their life together.
"I guess not," Danny softened.
"You know there's no way Linda's going to agree to this after I ran off."
"I think she could be persuaded."
Tayler shrugged. "You know her better than I do."
"I'm doing it because I think you can be trusted not to run off again," his voice turned serious again. "Because you know I'll come after you, find you, and then I'll bring you home and make your life miserable because you'll be in more trouble than you're in now."
"I already told you," Tayler sighed. "I'm not going to run away again."
"You have no idea how relieved I am to hear you say that," he said truthfully.
"When can I get on the internet?" She changed the subject.
"Not for a while yet," he shook his head.
"Danny," she complained.
"It puts too many thoughts in your head about step-families," he repeated what he told her on the trip home.
Tayler didn't appear happy about it but she didn't say anything.
Danny stood and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Let's go see if your Moms got dinner ready.
Tayler stood and begrudgingly followed him up the stairs. She wasn't looking forward to the night she was going to have to spend with the boys, but she was dreading that evening with them even more. This was the day that started the dreaded upcoming event.
Dinner that evening wasn't an active affair as usual. The boys weren't talking a mile a minute and that suited their sister just fine, who often grew intolerant of them. The two brothers weren't looking forward to the kitchen cleanup they had been assigned but Tayler could care less of their feelings and spoke.
It wasn't constant chatter but she did at least speak freely. Which was a change altogether for the girl.
XXXXXXXX
The following day after school things went about the same as before. Only this time, Tayler wasn't the only one helping out around the house, and while she cleaned her bathroom, Sean cleaned his and Jack cleaned his parents.
"Bathroom is clean," Tayler returned from the basement. "Can I get on the internet now?"
"Danny said no internet, remember?"
"Augh," Tayler whined. "For how long?"
He didn't say," was all Linda recalled during their talk on punishment.
"Can't you ask him?"
"No," Linda said firmly. "He's working."
"But I'm bored."
"That's your fault."
"I can't watch tv or listen to music." Tayler fell back on the couch. "There's nothing to do."
"I can give you more chores," Linda teased.
"That's not what I meant."
"Have you finished your homework?"
"Not yet, but I don't have too much left."
Linda nodded and returned her attention to the text she was responding to on her phone.
"I overheard you and Danny talking." Tayler could see the person she was replying to was the one that would give her the perfect opportunity to get her babysitting punishment over.
"About what?" Linda figured she should ask before going full-out mother mode on her about eavesdropping.
"The retirement party for one of your coworkers."
"Mhmm," Linda nodded. "It's Elise, the lady that trained me when I first started."
"It's tonight isn't it?"
"That's right."
"Are you going?"
"No," the mother replied half-heartedly.
"Why don't you?"
"Because it takes time to get a sitter."
"I've stayed alone lots of times and I can keep the boys.
"And have you run off again and leave the boys alone, I don't think so.
Tayler sighed, her head dropping guiltily. "I wouldn't do that."
"Tayler," Linda was careful how she said it, but given the girl's track record, she had to be truthful. "What do you want me to say? You did run away."
"I know," Tayler nodded. "But your husband has made it very clear that if I even so much as put a toe out of this house without permission I'd be as good as dead."
"I'm sure he didn't say that?"
"Maybe not in so many words, but that's what he meant," Tayler interpreted.
Linda hesitated, but she couldn't help but question. "Why would you volunteer for something like this?"
"I don't know," Tayler shrugged, knowing she had to say something, but it had to be anything but the truth. "Can't I just volunteer to be nice?"
"Yes," Linda said, but she had yet to buy her daughter's explanation. "But you have to admit it doesn't sound like you."
"And I thought you wanted me to adjust to being part of the family."
"I do, but." Linda started to say but was cut off.
"If you don't want to, that's fine with me," Tayler grabbed her backpack before heading to the dining room table to finish her homework. "I know I've got plenty other things that do. And none of them involve babysitting."
"No," Linda stopped her. "I'd like to go, I just."
"Don't know if Danny wants to go?"
"Not exactly, but?"
"But what?" Tayler knew she all but had her exactly where she wanted her.
"Nothing," Linda changed her mind. "We'll go."
"Okay," Tayler plopped her math book onto the table.
"I'm going to go get ready," Linda started for the stairs in a hurry. "Thank you."
Seconds later, and Linda was in her room, leaving Tayler alone to congratulate herself.
"After tonight, one punishment down."
Tayler didn't spend much time concentrating on her homework. She was too busy concentrating on what all she was going to do once her parents were gone. And the first thing on the list was the internet, followed shortly by a movie or binge-watching a few episodes of a television show.
Just as she was trying to decide what she would watch, Danny came in from work. He hadn't even had a chance to remove his jacket or catch his breath when Tayler bombarded him.
"I talked to Linda. You're going out tonight."
"Does she know why you convinced her to go?"
"I don't think so," Tayler shook her head. "She was pretty easy."
"Did she say where we're going?" Danny knew Linda never planned anything that fast.
"Retirement party."
"You convinced her to go out for a retirement party. That's not exactly what I had in mind for the punishment in us going somewhere."
"Well you didn't specify," Tayler said pointedly.
Danny ran a hand through his hair frustrated.
"Why didn't you call me? I would have made an excuse to work late."
"You took my phone away remember?"
"Stop there," Danny held up a hand. "Did she sound like she wanted to go?"
"I don't know, kind of. She's your wife."
"And she's your mother."
"I'm no detective. But if she mentioned it to you last night. I'm pretty sure that means she's interested."
"Drop the teenage attitude."
"Hey, I'm just doing what you said."
"Maybe we only have to stay for a few drinks," Danny tried to come up with ways to make the night a little easier on him. "I can take her to dinner later." He wasn't talking to Tayler but he said it aloud and that made her overhear.
"I seriously don't need nor want to hear about any of this."
"I wasn't talking to you."
"Well, you're the one that said it out loud.
"Finish your homework," Danny pointed at the table. "I'm going to go see if I can salvage my evening."
Linda was still getting ready when Danny came in, dropping his gun in the safe.
"Tayler said you wanted to go to a retirement party?" He wanted to clarify.
"I'd like to," Linda stood in the closet, looking through her clothes. "I'm just worried about leaving Tayler."
"She'll be fine," Danny pulled out a clean shirt.
"Are you sure?" Linda hesitated. "If she was to take off again, the boys would be alone."
"I don't think she's going to do that."
"You have to admit, she hasn't given us any reason to trust her."
"I know," Danny agreed. "And that's why I think it's important we do."
"What? That doesn't sound like you?"
"I don't know what it is," Danny had to admit, he was confused regarding his decision himself. "I've never taken on the raising of a 13-year old I'm still getting to know."
"I just don't know what to do," Linda was frustrated. "After that fight, they got into yesterday. We're liable to come home to three dead bodies lying on the floor."
"Well at least I know what to do about it." Danny knew she was exaggerating.
"This isn't funny Danny. They will probably get into another fight and try to kill each other."
"Linda," Danny looked her in the eye. "We don't have to go."
"But I want to."
"You're confusing me."
"Would you talk to her?"
"Me," Danny pointed at himself. "You're the one worried about it."
"Aren't you?"
"They'll be fine," he assured her. "They get along like siblings. Trust me, I should know. It's a wonder, Erin and I survived each other."
"Well, I'd feel better," Linda went in search of Tayler once again.
Just when Danny thought he was going to get a few minutes peace before being drug somewhere he didn't want to go Jack came in.
"Dad," he complained. "Mom said you were going out and leaving Tayler with us."
"That about covers it," Danny looked through his ties, to find one to match the shirt he was wearing.
"Do you have to go?" Jack complained following his father around
"Yes," Danny said for about the umpteenth time.
"But do you have to leave Tayler in charge?"
"Do you have a better idea?"
"You could leave me in charge?" He suggested.
"I asked if you had a better idea."
"But Dad, Tayler hasn't been here long and doesn't know the rules of the house.
"Oh she knows," Danny said seriously. "Trust me, your mother has gone over them with her over and over again."
"But Dad," he tried again.
"Jack, your sister is more than capable of being in charge. She spent a lot of time alone and she's older."
"She also ran off," the boy grumbled.
"Jack," Danny sighed, gripping the bridge of his nose in frustration.
"Oh come on Dad, if me or Sean would have done that. We'd be dead right now."
"The way your mother and I parent your sister is our business. Now I expect you to be good and help your sister. Or you just might end up dead." He said warningly.
"Half-sister," Jack muttered under his breath as he walked away to find his brother.
XXXXXXXX
"No parents," Sean looked at his brother the second Danny and Linda locked the door behind them. "What do you want to do first?"
"You're not going to do anything till your homework's done," Tayler was taking being in charge serious.
"You can't tell us what to do," Sean sneered.
"I'm in charge and you're both grounded remember?"
"So are you," Jack needled her.
"How can I forget? It went along with hours of lecture."
"Yeah, well you got off lucky," Sean grumbled. "If one of us would have run off, he'd still be getting yelled at and Dad would have been a lot harder on us than he was on you." He complained, feeling a bit jealous of how light his sister was getting off.
"If you two are so concerned about my punishment, you need to get a life."
"We need to get a life?" Jack looked at her dumbfounded. "We're not the ones who hide away in our rooms."
"What do you expect? I'd have to be around you two if I didn't."
"We're seriously not that bad. After all, it could be a lot worse. You could be in Plattsburgh with your family."
"Shows how much you know. They never wanted me around. They aren't my family and they never were."
"Looks like we have something in common. We don't want you around either."
"Yeah well you might as well get used to it because I'm not going anywhere," she combated. "I tried that once and the parents were furious. And I'm not sure if you noticed but I'm especially not going anywhere now with the name change."
"Why would that matter?"
"Because Grandpa would have everybody out looking for me and then when they found me I'd be brought back here and be in even more trouble with our parents."
"They aren't your parents!"
"What else are they? My mother is Linda. The same as yours. And whereas I have to admit I've been a little confused about what Danny is to me since the name change. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't call him a deadbeat parent."
Things were just beginning to escalate when they were interrupted by a knock at the door.
The three stared at one another, worry showing on the brother's faces as Tayler approached the door.
Tayler turned the lock and placed a hand on the doorknob.
"Mom said not to answer the door for anyone." Jack stopped her.
"I don't think she meant the police commissioner, stupid." Tayler opened the door before stepping aside so he could come in.
"What's going on here?" It didn't take long for Frank's detective skills to take over. Especially when he saw the looks of complete animosity anytime they looked at one another.
"Nothing," the three were quick to spread about the room.
"Linda call you to check up on us?" Tayler didn't need an explanation as to his arrival.
"She also said you needed dinner," he carried the pizza box to the table.
"You just saved our lives," Jack said happily. "I was getting worried Tayler was going to have to cook."
"How would you know if I can cook or not?" Tayler said sarcastically.
Jack was on the verge of arguing tile Frank stepped in.
"No bickering, just eating."
Silent looks of contentment crossed their faces but that's all they were as Frank kept them at bay.
During dinner, Frank tried to get to the bottom of the problem that so obviously existed with his grandchildren.
"Now suppose one of you tell me what's going on with you three?"
No one said a word and instead just exchanged glances. At least until Tayler broke the silence.
"Let's just say we're getting to know one another."
"Are you almost done?" He asked hopeful.
"Not sure yet," Tayler shook her head.
"Finish it," he encouraged. "And make it soon."
Three heads nodded, showing they understood, and quickly returned to their meal. Afterward, the boys were sent upstairs to finish their homework while Frank cleared the table and Tayler remained at the table with her math book.
She didn't have many questions left, and by the time Frank returned to the table he observed the sheet of paper to be completed. At the top, there was a line for her name and day's date, however. The date had been filled in but the name was left blank.
"Never cared for math myself," he made conversation.
"Neither do I," she admitted.
"Looks like you didn't have too much trouble," he confirmed.
"But you forgot to fill in your name," he picked up one of the pencils she had sitting on the table before filling it in with Tayler D. Reagan.
"That's going to take a little time getting used to," she packed the paper away into her binder before shoving it into her backpack.
"I can imagine," Frank was glad she was opening up to him, even if it was a simple statement. "You've been used to Donovan for 13 years."
"If I thought a new name was difficult, you should hear my new name, Tayler Rose Donovan-Reagan."
"It is lengthy," Frank agreed with her. "We just don't want you to forget your other family. But I want you to know if you ever feel like dropping Donovan, we would support you."
"Really?"
"Of course, we love you and as we hope you know by now are glad you are here."
"I don't think Jack and Sean feel that way." Tayler wasn't necessarily trying to get them in trouble but she couldn't help but wonder what he would say.
"The three of you will have disagreements from time to time. It's what siblings do. But in time, they will learn to accept you. One thing about Reagans is, we're known for being hard-headed. And I'm sure they are just enacting on that. But it'll pass."
"You think so?"
"I can assure you," he promised.
Tayler gave him a small smile, and then suddenly remembered her manners.
"Thanks for the pizza, I was wondering what we were going to eat."
"Your mom thought you might enjoy that. She said she didn't have time to cook dinner before she left."
"It was kind of sudden that they decided to go."
"That's what your Dad said."
"He didn't want to go," she enlightened him.
A few minutes later and the two moved on to the living room. The sofa being a great deal more comfortable than that of the hard kitchen chairs.
"Can I get on the online?" She asked after the two had been sitting for at least ten minutes.
"Are you allowed?" Frank wasn't certain on how he should proceed.
"Yes?" She nodded. "Sometimes."
"For a few minutes, yes."
Tayler was quick to reach for the tablet left on the coffee table before proceeding to an online check engine. She had been looking up a variety of different things from movies to music for at least half an hour before her brothers appeared, trying to get her into trouble.
"Dad said you were grounded and couldn't get on the internet," Jack intentionally pointed her out.
"Tayler is this true?" Frank silenced his grandson.
"Maybe," she shrugged.
"Tayler!" He used the same tone of voice he used with his grandsons.
"It's true."
"So you lied to me then when I asked if you were allowed."
"I guess, she sounded as if it was no big deal.
Jack started to tiptoe up the stairs, content his job was done when Frank called him back.
"Oh, and Jack," Frank wasn't about to let the boy go without even a word of chastisement. "No one likes a squealer. Now it's getting late and I think it's time you and your brother got ready for bed."
"What about Tayler?" Sean protested the treatment he saw as unfair.
"Sean!" The one look Frank gave him was enough to send him moving.
"I'm going!" He all but ran up the stairs.
"As for you," he turned his attention back to his newly appointed granddaughter once the two were alone. "I don't care for lying. And neither do your parents."
"It's not that bad," Tayler didn't see the problem in it. Especially if and when it worked to get her out of trouble, or at least lighten it."
"Let me put it to you this way then," Frank wanted her to be sure and understand where he was coming from. "You lie to me again and I'll do what I do to any other grandchild in my family that lies and that's put you over my knee."
Tayler's eyes widened but Frank interrupted before she had a chance to say anything.
"And before you say something about me not having authority over you, I'll remind you of what I told you at family dinner. You are a Reagan and have to take the good with the bad. And if you don't think I'll do it you can ask your brothers about it."
"You've disciplined Jack and Sean?" Tayler said unbelieving.
"They are my grandchildren and I love them enough to step in for their parents when necessary. I want them to grow up into people I can be proud of."
Tayler didn't say anything at first, but it did appear as if she was in deep thought. Frank himself was just as silent as he watched her expressions change.
"My biological grandparents never liked me," she finally decided to speak the truth.
"How come?"
"I don't really know," she shrugged. "But I think it's because I wasn't anything like their family. I'm sure Danny told you about my dad and uncles. I don't know everything they were involved in but the whole family's conniving in some which way or another."
Frank didn't reply but he did nod in understanding.
"Anyways, the last time I saw them was at the funeral and I'm not sure if Danny or Linda knew it but I think they did because Danny was quick to take me to the car. Anyways, the Donovans were trying to put on an act in front of people. But after being around someone for almost 13 years you know the truth."
Frank wasn't going through all the back and forth of apologizing for things she had to go through, figuring she had heard enough of that already. But he did reply, and when he did, his tone was calm and his eyes clear when he looked at her.
"I'm going to tell you the same thing I've told my other grandchildren. Life is never a bed of roses but I'll always be here for you. For the good and the bad."
Tayler pondered his words for several minutes and even though she didn't know him very well, something inside her made her believe him.
"I think I'm beginning to see the similarities between you and your son."
Frank laughed. "Not many people say were alike."
"Maybe it takes someone new."
"Remind me to tell him about that," Frank couldn't help but shake his head at her observation.
"Speaking of telling him things, do you think we could keep me getting on the internet kind of quiet.
Frank was about to reply with he couldn't believe he was going on with this when Tayler spoke again.
"Just this once, he wouldn't be happy if he knew."
"One thing about me is, I typically handle things on my own. And I'm willing to give you another chance seeing as you are new to the family and don't know the way we live. But this is your last one," he warned. "From now on you are officially one of us."
"I wouldn't mind being treated a little differently when it comes to that," she tried.
"Not going to happen."
"Can't blame me for trying," she sighed.
XXXXXXXX
The two didn't say much after that as they were both involved in the books they were reading. At least Frank was, Tayler on the other hand pretended to be. When in reality it was all she could do to keep her mind off the pain she was feeling in her head. She closed her eyes multiple times, and that at least helped ease it, but not by much. She wasn't one prone to headaches and when she did get one, she knew it was the start of an illness. She very seldom got sick, but it had happened often enough in her lifetime for her to know when it was coming. After all, she had practically taken care of herself over the past few years. She didn't remember letting on to her father much unless she felt it necessary she go to the doctor and needed money. Other than that, if she felt like she needed to miss school, she simply stayed home and he'd never know the difference.
And that was exactly what she planned on doing this time.
"Grandpa," Tayler said carefully.
"Hmm," Frank looked up from his book.
"Are you going to be here awhile?" She didn't like asking, but she knew she needed to get some rest.
"Why? Are you ready for me to go?"
"No Sir," she was quick to say. "I'm tired and want to go to bed. But I don't think Linda would like it, even if they are asleep. I was supposed to be the one left in charge."
Frank smiled, he didn't think his daughter-in-law would mind, seeing he had already checked on both boys and knew they were fast asleep. He didn't think it would matter to Tayler either way and in reality, all he cared about was that she trusted him enough to speak up.
"I can stay. You get ready for bed."
"Thanks," Tayler forced a small smile, so he wouldn't get suspicious as to the real reason she wanted to sleep.
She hadn't felt well most of the days and she was beginning to struggle with pushing through as well as hiding her symptoms that were not only increasing but getting worse. She had gone through half a bag of cough drops that she hid in her pocket to keep from coughing or at least keep it contained. She knew why she was sick now, and it was all her fault for running off and getting stuck in the rain and having to stay in cold wet clothes till they reached the hotel a couple of nights ago. She didn't know how much longer she would be able to keep this charade up and if she was being honest, part of her wished they would figure it out.
Merry Christmas and hope you all enjoyed the update! JusticeStandsTRUE