CH. 9: Good Week For Trouble
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"So Andy you've been in trouble a lot," Jack leaned against the doorway leading into his sister room. "It's what I do best," Andy closed her laptop and turned
her desk chair around to face him. "Then you are the one I need to see," Jack looked behind him, wanting to make sure neither of his parents were coming up
the stairs. "I need help, I don't know how to tell mom and dad that I got in trouble at school." "You've come to the right place little brother, step into my office,"
Andy smiled at him, her eyes revealing that she lived for things like this. Jack stepped in and closed the door behind him before pulling out his slip of paper from
the school. "Before we get into the logistics of keeping it from our parents, I'd like to take this opportunity to relish in the fact that you, Jack Reagan are in
trouble, and I am not. My life could not be any more complete than it is at this very moment." "Shut up, and just tell me what to do," Jack handed her the
demerit slip. "It says here you lost one demerit for chewing gum, and another one for violation of individual classroom rules, and you need mom or dads
signature," Andy read the slip aloud. "When you get in trouble Jack, you really get in trouble," Andy teased him. "Are you going to help me or not," Jack was
nervous. "I'm just saying that compared to my two suspensions for disrespect, fighting, and making a mockery out of a school assignment, this is light. So what
did you do to get the second demerit?" "Jerry Gregory the kid that sits behind me told the teacher that I was chewing gum, and so she gave me a demerit.
Anyways when Jerry got up to do a problem on the board, I tripped him, and got another demerit removed," Jack explained. "You should have quit while you
were ahead, because the gum chewing would be something mom and dad would have probably overlooked without issuing any formal punishment and we
wouldn't have to worry about covering for you." "I know that now," Jack was getting annoyed. "Because if mom and dad were to find out you tripped another
kid on purpose, they would warm your backside on purpose. You are just lucky you came to the master." "The master of what, annoying your brother to death,"
Jack was turning into quite the smart alek. "You know you are getting to where I can actually claim you as a brother, Andy stopped, "let's take a moment of
silence to remember this occasion." "Forget it," Jack took the slip from her. "I'll just tell them, nothing they could do to me, could be worse than dealing with
you." "No, no, no," Andy stopped him, "I'll get down to business, I promise." "Fine, but you better come up with something good after I've had to sit here and
listen to you for the past ten minutes." "I could make it to where they never find out, that good enough for you," Andy looked at him with a straight face. "That
would be great. But how?" Jack was definitely interested. "Let me introduce you to the art of forgery," Andy took a pen out from her desk drawer and
proceeded with signing Linda Reagan on the slip. "Oh wow," Jack said excited, "I might actually get away with this, it looks just like moms signature. How did
you learn how to do that?" "Haven't you ever seen White Collar," Andy just looked at him. "No seriously," Jack appeared as if he was interested in learning. "I
get grounded a lot," Andy mentioned. "Needless to say I have plenty of time to master mom's signature. But I'm still working on Dads, his is a little harder." "So
you spend that time learning how to break the law," Jack looked at her questioningly, "that just sounds wrong." "Hey just be glad I do it," Andy didn't really
want to hear about the laws she was breaking. "So how much is this going to cost me," Jack didn't think there was any way possible she would just help him
out for free. "I wouldn't charge my own brother for our mothers signature, what kind of sister would I be?" "A desperate one." "All I ask in return, is you cover
for me the next time I need it," Andy laid out her terms. "And knowing you, that will be very soon." 'I suggest we keep quiet about this and not tell Sean," Andy
suggested. "Are you kidding me, Sean's a blabbermouth, and lives to get us in trouble," it didn't take much convincing to get Jack to agree. "Tell me what,"
Sean burst into the bedroom? "Has anyone ever told you its bad manners to ease drop," Jack looked at his little brother? "What all did you hear?" "Absolutely
nothing," Sean tried to tiptoe out of the room. "I think we better shake him down," Andy glanced at Jack just before they tackled Sean to the floor. "Mom!"
Sean started to call for help, but Andy clasped her hand over his mouth. "If you want to live to see tomorrow, you will keep your mouth shut," Jack threatened.
"So what's it going to be?" Andy slowly let him go. "I'll keep quiet," Sean mumbled. "But you have to do something for me," Sean was beginning to learn the
fine aspects of bribery. "We are doing something for you," Andy looked at him shocked, "were letting you live." "Letting me live," Sean appeared as if he was
ready to argue? "Yes, were older than you," Jack picked up. "Whatever," Sean walked out, "but this isn't over."
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"Andrea Mary Reagan!" Linda caught her off guard the second she walked through the back door later that night. "What did I do?" Andy was confused, the
only thing she noticed was the wooden spoon Linda was holding in her hand, while Danny stood in the corner of the kitchen leaning against the counter while
he ate dinner. He had to work a little that afternoon, so like usual anytime she didn't know when he would be home, she fed the kids at their normal time so
they could still get to bed on time. "What do you mean, what did you do?" Linda was obviously pretty upset at this point. "I know you were up on the roof
again." "Oh that," Andy was doing her best to look as innocent as possible, all the while trying to stay as far away from Linda, and hide behind Danny
considering for once in his life he wasn't appearing all that upset with her, and rather just seemed interested to see where Linda was going with this. "Were
you not paying attention to the story your Grandpa told you a couple weeks ago about your father?" "I was," Andy was being completely honest with her, "and
that's why I was up on the roof, I was trying to figure out how many strands of Christmas lights we were going to need when we decorate." "You know, maybe
I should call him, see what he has to say about all this," Linda picked up her phone. "No!" Andy yelled, the last thing she wanted was to have her grandfather
come over there. She'd rather face an irate Linda any day of the week instead of Frank Reagan, he could be downright scary at times. "What do you think
Danny," Linda looked at her husband? "I'd really hate to drag my Dad all the way over here, when we can take care of this in house," Danny spoke for the first
time since Andy came in from outside. "I'm with him," Andy agreed pointing at Danny. "This doesn't mean you are going to escape punishment all together,"
Danny looked at her. "I was afraid of that," Andy mumbled. "What do you think we should do to her," Linda asked Danny? Andy was about to say something,
but Linda hushed her, already knowing it would be a smart alek comment. "I don't know," Danny rubbed his chin, "but I was leaning towards more of a creative
form of discipline rather than a traditional one for this offense." "Have I mentioned how much I hate it when you get creative, it always means extra chores,"
Andy was really getting good at interpreting their means of punishments before they even laid them out. "And I have the perfect one," Linda was sure she
came up with a very suitable punishment that also got something done that she had been meaning to do for the longest but just never got around to it. "You
young lady will be cleaning out the shed every afternoon after you finish your homework, until it is done." The shed!" Andy's eyes were wide, "it will take me
until Thanksgiving to get it all done." "That's kind of what I was hoping," Linda hoped that if they gave her a big enough job it would keep her busy and out of
trouble, at least until Thanksgiving. "But Mom," Andy whined. "Don't but mom me, you broke the rules and you have to be punished for it, we've already been
through this once before remember." "Dad," Andy tried another approach. "Hey don't involve me in this, you know your mothers right." "Yes Sir," Andy knew
there wasn't much she could do, considering if she continued to argue, that would only get her in deeper, much deeper. "Think on the bright side, you will be
able to find all the Christmas stuff," Danny patted her back.
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"How's it coming out here?" Danny walked out into the backyard the following afternoon after he got home from work. "As good as can be expected I guess,"
Andy pulled the sleeves of her hoodie up. "It's getting cooler out here," Danny noted. "It is when you're not working," Andy mentioned. "Hi Dad," Jack walked
out of the shed carrying a plastic tub. "Jack," Danny was surprised to see his son out there working. "Hey, it wasn't my idea, he said he wanted to help," Andy
picked up when Danny looked at her, considering this job was supposed to be meant as a punishment. What she didn't mention was that part of the reason he
was helping her was because of the forgery she helped him with. "I don't care," Danny shook his head, "as long as you get it cleaned up." Danny looked
around the yard that was covered with tubs, boxes and several other things that had been shoved in the storage shed. "Just be sure and put all the Christmas
stuff in the front, where we can get to it easy," Danny reminded them. "So have you done any more thinking on whether or not you are going to let me help
you put up the Christmas lights," Andy looked at him intently? "I'm still thinking about that. "You haven't exactly showed me that you can be trusted," Danny
pointed at her. "How did you come to that conclusion?" "Andy you were up on the roof again last night." "And I told you why I was up there, I was just trying to
help." "Andy I already know how many strands of lights I need, I've been doing it for years. And if you wanted to know, all you would have had to do was ask,"
Danny was being realistic. "I'm sorry," Andy started. "But there is just something about the roof that I like, it's so calming and there's just so much to see."
"Next time if you want calming, use aromatherapy soap, and if you want to see something, use binoculars," Danny was being serious. "The roof isn't safe, and
if you do it again, I'm not even going to begin to lay out the amount of consequences you'll get." "I understand," Andy was getting a little tired of the lecture.
"As for the Christmas lights, I haven't made up my mind," Danny was trying to be a bit more understanding considering it was something she had been wanting
to do since she moved in with them. Technically she had been misbehaving quite a bit, but at the same time, he had missed so many Christmas's with her
already, and he didn't really see why they couldn't have a little fun with the Christmas lights. "A little help here!" Jack interrupted overloaded with a heavy tub.
Andy hurried to give him a hand, and they soon set it down on the ground. They had just started taking a few things out of the tub to see what was in it, when
Andy pulled out a curved flat object. "Dad, what's this?" Andy stopped him, when he started to walk away. Danny smiled when he noticed the object in her
hand, "that my dear is something that gave your Uncle Joe and I hours of fun." Danny took it from her and rotated it in his hand. "What do you do with it," Jack
asked? "You throw it," Danny pulled his arm back and carefully let the boomerang slide from his hand. "The boomerang came flying back to him in a split second
and Andy yelled, "hit the deck!" She and Jack hit the ground. Danny caught it and laughed, "you two can get up now." "That was cool," Andy wanted a turn.
"That things dangerous," Jack was straightening his glasses. "Can I throw it," Andy tried taking it from him. "I don't know Andy, it can be kind of dangerous,"
Danny held it a bit out of her reach. "Please Dad please," Andy pleaded. "Okay," Danny thought about it and handed her the boomerang. Danny was about to
begin giving her instructions on how to throw it properly but it was no use, the second she took it from him, she threw it as hard as she could and the only
thing it made contact with was the downstairs kitchen window. Andy's mouth dropped, the gum she was chewing fell out of her mouth. "I'm so sorry Dad, that
was a major accident." "I know," Danny let out a deep breath, it seemed like all his kids did was have accidents. At least he hoped they were accidents, then
again he didn't think they would actually try to break things on purpose, sure his kids got in trouble all the time, but that didn't mean they were bad kids or
even brats for that matter. "Am I in trouble?" "Not with me, but we do have to figure out something to tell your mother," Danny looked at her. "Oh my gosh
Mom," Andy leaned over and put her hands on her knees, "she's going to kill me." Andy looked downright sick. "Calm down," Danny placed a hand on her back.
"I'm kind of surprised she hasn't stormed out here yet," Jack stated the obvious. "You're not helping Son," Danny turned his attention to Jack. "I'm going to be
grounded until Thanksgiving of next year," Andy was still freaking out. "Andy, calm down, I said I would handle it and I will." "Dad, this is mom were talking
about." "I know, and everything's going to be fine," he winked at her as he started to walk away. "One things for sure, covering for you two is a full time job,"
Danny muttered heading into the house to face Linda.
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Sean chose that night to insight his revenge on his older siblings. He had it all planned, and it was just about time to put his plan into action. He waited until
Jack was in his parents shower, and Andy was in their shower. They had been in there for about five minutes, when Sean snuck downstairs and over to the
controls of the hot water heater. He knew how to do it, he had seen Danny do it more than once, and he figured there was no reason why it wouldn't work for
him. Sean flipped the hot water switch on the off position and walked right past his parents on his way up the stairs. He thought about telling them to get
ready for the fireworks but decided it against it. He wasn't exactly trying to hide from his offense, he was more than willing to take the blame for it, and the
punishment, all he cared about was getting even at the moment. Sean was just walking past the bathroom he shared with his siblings when Andy ran out and
tackled him, she was sop and wet and didn't even bother to dry off or get dressed. "Sean I'm going to kill you!" Andy was on top of him, slamming her fists into
his neck and back. "Mom! Dad! Help!" Sean was yelling like he had never yelled before. Danny and Linda ran up the stairs, when they heard their son's
screams. Danny almost having a heart attack when he saw Andy in her birthday suit. Danny and Linda exchanged glances, neither one of them sure what to
do. Danny was trying to get a grip on her, but her shampoo was draining off her hair, and making it a little hard since his grip kept slipping. Danny finally
managed to get an arm around her and lift her off of her brother before carrying her back into the bathroom and closing the door behind him. "Get back in the
shower and don't come out again until you're dressed." Linda in the meantime was pulling a now wet Sean off the floor. "What's going on out here?" Jack
walked out of his parent's bedroom, "I lost all my hot water." "We know," Linda looked at him. "And your sister blames Sean for some reason." "I knew it," Jack
ran the remainder of the way down the hall and tackled Sean to the floor. "Here we go again," Danny grabbed Jack. Danny was furious with all three of his
children at the moment, yet he had to admit he was glad that Jack was at least wearing a towel. Then again Jack didn't have a thrill for theatrics like his sister
did. One thing about Andy was that if someone did something to her, she would retaliate right away regardless of what stood in her way, in this instance it was
clothing. "You go finish your shower, I'll fix the hot water heater, Danny pointed at Jack. "As for you," he turned his attention to Sean, "go get out of those wet
clothes and stay in your room." "What has gotten into our children?" Linda followed Danny to the water heater. She was obviously getting quite annoyed at her
children's behavior over the past week. "I don't know Linda," Danny flipped the switch back on, "but I'm about to go talk to Sean to see if he can shed any light
on his near death experience." "Take the spoon with you, I'd like to have at least one quiet night this week, and the spoon will help make that a sure fact,"
Linda was already telling him the kind of punishment to give their son. "I'll talk to him, see what he did, see if it warrants discipline," Danny started up the
stairs. "Are you responsible for all this chaos that erupted this evening?" Danny looked at his son as soon as he walked into the bedroom. "Yes Sir I am," Sean
stood up, not even trying to deny the events that just unfolded. "Well that answers the question if your actions deserve punishment or not," Danny mentioned.
"I already knew I would be in trouble," Sean shrugged. "I know what I did, and I'll stand by it to the death." "That might just happen, if your mother comes up
here," Danny preferred quiet resilient children when they were in trouble. "Sorry," he mumbled. "For starters, don't ever touch any major appliances, you could
get hurt or mess something up if you are not familiar with them," Danny started with the safety issue first. Hating anytime his children put themselves in
danger. "And secondly, why would you do something like that, you know it wasn't the right thing to do?" Danny took a seat on the edge of the bed next to his
son. "They were being mean," Sean looked at him intently. "You know revenge is never the answer Sean." "Maybe not, but it worked." "Listen buddy, you are
younger than them, and sometimes they aren't going to want you around." "You're just saying that because you're on their side, you were never the
youngest," Sean spat. "Hey," Danny looked at him serious, "show some respect. This has nothing to do with what order I was born in, this has to do with your
actions this evening, and the spanking you are going to get for your attitude, messing with equipment you know better than to touch, and for your mean
behavior towards your siblings." "Yes Sir," Sean was beginning to find the floor a lot more interesting, as well as turn silent.
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After finishing with Sean, Danny walked into Jacks room where he and Andy were talking about Sean and their cold showers. "I still can't believe you came out
in your birthday suit," Jack was laughing so hard he nearly fell of his bed. "Neither can I," Danny interrupted their conversation. "Imagine my surprise when I
came up here and saw my daughter trying to kill her brother. "At least it wouldn't have gotten blood on my clothes," Andy didn't care. "Listen you two, from
now on take it easy on your brother. I don't know what you did to him to make him say your mean, but whatever it is stop it. I don't know what's bothering
your mother but she wants quiet, and that's what she is going to get," Danny was tired of dealing with the upsets of his children and whatever was causing to
make his wife unable to take it in strife like she usually did. For once he, was wishing he was at work, then again if he was gone, he would probably come
home and find three dead bodies that use to be his children. Because one thing was certain in the Reagan house, if mom wasn't happy nobody was happy.
"Hey, this was Sean's fault," Andy had no problem pointing blame on her youngest brother. "I don't care who's fault it is, little brothers are going to be pests
sometimes, trust me, I'm still trying to get used to Jamie. Joe and I were great friends, kind of like you two, but Jamie, Jamie was always a pest." "Is that why
you blamed everything on him when you were growing up," Jack questioned? "What are you talking about?" "That's what Uncle Jamie says." "No I blamed it on
him because I had a good poker face and he didn't, so he would look guilty even when he didn't do anything." "Is Sean being sensitive?" "This isn't about Sean
anymore, this is about you two staying out of trouble the rest of the week," Danny explained. "We get it Dad, no more trouble," Andy and Jack surrendered,
not planning on anyone finding out about the forgery incident. "Thank you, now go to bed," Danny started to leave the room. "And you," he turned back to
Andy. "Don't ever come out of any room in this house unless you are completely clothed."
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The following day went by smoothly, neither of the children getting into trouble, and for once in Linda didn't know how long, but peace reigned. The rest of the
week would have probably been the same but what neither of them counted on was Linda seeing Jacks teacher Mrs. Laraby at the grocery store. Danny had
just gotten home from work, and expected everything to be fine, just as it was the day before, but he found himself totally wrong the second he saw his wife.
"You need to go upstairs and deal with your son," Linda was fuming. "Which one and what did he do," Danny looked confused? "I ran into Jacks teacher at the
store today, and she started talking to me about the note she sent home with Jack on Monday." "What note?" Danny was confused, knowing that very seldom
did Jack get notes sent home, unlike Andy who could wall paper her room with the notes she got. "I thought the exact same thing," Linda shook her head, "I
was standing there like an idiot because I had no idea what she was talking about." "So what did he do?" "From what I could gather from Mrs. Laraby. First he
got a demerit removed for chewing gum, and then another demerit removed for violation of individual classroom rules, in which he got for tripping the student
that told on him for the gum chewing," Linda explained. "He tripped him on purpose, Danny was even more confused, "that certainly doesn't sound like Jack."
"That's what I thought when I first heard it," Linda shrugged. "We would have gotten a call if the demerit slip wasn't signed though," Danny figured.
"Apparently it was signed, so the teacher thought we were aware of his behavior." "And have you talked to him about it," Danny asked? "No, I left him for you,
illegal actions like forgery is your department. Besides if I took care of him, I'd kill him," Linda had yet to call him, and it had been two hours since she got home
from the store. "Our son and I both thank you," Danny sighed heading up the stairs. "Jack, Jack, Jack, I don't think I've ever seen your mother so upset with
you, even when you ran off from the youth center," Danny took a seat on his sons desk chair. "She did sound pretty mad," Jack admitted. "First of all, why were
you chewing gum in class, you know it's against the rules?" "I don't know, I just wanted to I guess," Jack didn't really have an explanation. "If that would have
been your only offense, you could have brought home the slip the day you got it, I would have signed it, and I would have let you off with a warning. But
tripping another student because you are mad at them is nothing more than retaliation, and that is completely unacceptable. In doing that you were showing a
complete lack of respect for your classmates, and your teacher." "I know Dad," Jack shook his head. "Then why did you do it?" "Because it seemed like a good
idea at the time, and because I was mad," Jack was at least telling the truth. "And surprisingly, that isn't even the worst of this situation. What's worse is the
fact that you would keep it from us," Danny stopped and just looked at him for several minutes. "Jack, what would possess you to keep something from us?"
Danny knew that Jack wasn't the one to usually hide something from them. "I mean, where did you come up with the idea of hiding something from us by
forging your mother's signature?" "Never mind," Danny stopped the lecture short. "Andy get in here!" "Yes Daddy," Andy walked into her brother's room, doing
her best to look innocent. "Don't yes Daddy me, you are in deep trouble." "But you should be proud of me, I took the initiative to help my brother out of a jam,"
Andy was trying to make her actions sound as if they were honorable. "And do you think your actions were a good idea?" "Absolutely, and it would have
worked if Mom wouldn't have seen Mrs. Laraby at the store." "Then that is where our problem is," Danny started, "because I'm not sure if you know this or not,
but your name is Andy Reagan, not Linda Reagan. And signing another person's name is called forgery, and in the state of New York, forgery is punishable by
either jail or prison time, fines, probation and or restitution." "I think it's time to move," Andy interrupted. "No you just need to learn how not to break the law,"
Danny interrupted. "Oh come on Dad, I'm a child, no jury in the world would convict me." "I would, and I am," Danny kept his voice low. "Of all the judges in the
world and I have to get a hanging judge," Andy threw her hands up. "I'm not going to hang you, I'm going to spank you," Danny shook his head. "Why not just
hang me, and put me out of my misery?" Andy knew it was coming. "Go wait for me in your room my little law break." "As for you," he turned his attention back
to Jack. "Why didn't you just come to your mother and I to begin with? You wouldn't be in nearly as much trouble as you are in now." "I didn't know how to tell
you," Jack knew he might as well lay all his cards out on the table, "I knew you would be mad." "You're right I am mad, I'm mad about what you did at school,
as well as for getting your sister involved and for covering it up." "That's a lot of offenses I have lined up against me," Jack looked worried. "Which is the
reason you are grounded for your actions at school, and will not be sitting comfortably due to the later offense." "Yes Sir," Jack was tired, thinking of how
exhausting it was trying to keep things from his parents. He had no idea where Andy got the energy to do so all the time, he didn't think he would survive. "I
don't think we have to worry about the kids getting into any more trouble this week, they are all grounded, and have been reacquainted with the luxury of
sitting." "I hope your right, because hardly ever are they all in trouble," Linda noted. "There kids Linda, what else do you want me to say, they are going to get
into trouble at times. At times yes, but all three of them at the same time." "At least they are doing something as a team, you've always said you wished they
would do something together," Danny mentioned. "I didn't mean for two of them to try to kill their brother together," Linda clarified. "Now you are just being
picky on what they do together," Danny smiled at her, lightening the mood.
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"Thanks for watching the kids for me this afternoon," Linda looked at Henry and Frank Thursday night. "It was no problem," Henry smiled, "I like having them
around, they keep me young." "They keep me on my toes," Linda had a bit different of an outlook. "Mom, what are we going to eat for dinner," was the first
thing Jack asked when he saw his mother? "I don't know Jack, I just got off work and haven't had much time to think about it," Linda took a seat on the couch
as Jack walked away to find his siblings. "You look tired," Frank noticed. "I'm exhausted," Linda admitted. "Danny and I have both been working some long
hours, and it along with three kids, it hasn't been easy. If one of them isn't in trouble, they are planning to get in trouble. If one of them isn't sick, they are on
the verge of getting sick. And about a hundred other things." "Don't get me wrong, I love my kids and I love my job, but sometimes it isn't easy." "Dad!" Andy,
Jack and Sean ran to Danny the second he walked through the door. "Danny walks in and they want him to play with them. I walk in and they ask me what's
for dinner," Linda shook her head. "Hi Dad," Danny walked in the living room. "Hi Honey," Danny sat down. "What's for dinner?" "And I know where they get it
from," Linda threw her hands up. "And I'm going to tell you the same thing I told your son just moments ago, I don't know." "Andy helped me cook dinner
tonight, and we have plenty," Henry announced, "eat with us." "That would be wonderful Pop thank you," Linda really didn't feel like just picking up
hamburgers or pizza on the way home. "Sean!" Andy yelled from upstairs. Just before they heard him yell. "Mom! Andy threw the baseball at me!" "He started
it," Andy hollered back!" Linda stood and walked over to the foot of the stairs, "both of you come down here right now and stand in the corner." "Mom! No!"
Andy and Sean both yelled. "And if I have to come up there, I'm coming up there with the spoon," Linda had a feeling that would end the arguing much quicker
than anything else would. Andy and Sean slowly trudged down the stairs and over to two separate corners. "How long do we have to stand here," Sean
turned back to his mother? "Until I tell you to come out," Linda started up the stairs to check on Jack. "Jack Francis Reagan! Get down stairs and stand in the
corner with your siblings." Linda followed her eldest son down the stairs. "Danny, I've had it with our children," Linda looked upset. "If it isn't Andy and Sean
fighting, it's Jack skateboarding in the upstairs hall way. These kids just don't think before they act." "It's not that big a deal Linda, they've done worse," Danny
was used to Andy and Sean not getting along, as for Jack, well it wasn't like he and his siblings didn't play hockey in the house. "That's exactly my point Danny,
they are always in trouble." "I'll talk to them Linda, see if I can't get them to understand the results of their choices," Danny stood. "The only thing that's going
to change their behavior is a lot more discipline," Linda turned to help Pop in the kitchen. "Mom sounds mad," Andy turned away from the corner. "Yes, and you
are not helping," Danny looked at her serious, "and I suggest you turn back around before your mother comes back in here." "Dad, we've been standing here
for ten minutes," Sean complained. "No you haven't, it's barely been five," Danny contradicted. "And the next person who says another word while they are
supposed to be standing in the kitchen will automatically get another five added to the clock." Jack was about to say something but turned around as soon as
Danny finished his sentence. "Danny," Frank took his son aside, noticing his daughter in laws behavior. "When was the last time you and Linda had a night out,
just the two of you?" "Whew," Danny let out a breath. "Since before Andy I guess." "That's been awhile, eight months," Frank mentioned. "Yeah well between
work, the kids and their schooling, we don't have much time with just the two of us," Danny admitted. "What are you doing Saturday," Frank asked? "Linda and
I are both working?" "Saturday evening," Frank clarified. "Let's see," Danny thought about it, "I will probably be trying to keep Andy from killing her brother, or
doing something stupid, and Jack well, I'm sure he will come up with something." "Pop and I aren't doing anything," Frank shrugged his shoulders. "Why don't
you take Linda to a nice place, and let me keep the kids from killing one another or doing something crazy." "Dad, you just spent over a week trapped with my
kids, and they almost drove everyone to take their chances by running out the door." Sure Danny was exaggerating a bit, but not by too much, at least he
didn't think so. "I'm not concerned," Frank shook his head. "You know you might really regret volunteering for this job detail," Danny chuckled. "I handled four
kids Danny, one of them including you, and you didn't turn out too bad." "Turn out too bad," Danny looked at him?
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"Sibling meeting in my room in five minutes," Andy stopped by both her brother's bedrooms later on that night. "What do you want Andy," Sean yawned? "I just
finished my homework and I want to watch a movie before we have to go to bed." "Close the door Jack, I don't want mom and dad to hear." "What did you do
this time," Jack closed the door and jumped on her bed? "I didn't do anything," Andy scoffed. "Then what do you want from us?" "Do you guys have any
money?" "No you can't borrow any money," Jack said immediately, looking at her as if she was crazy. "It's not for me," Andy shook her head. "Andy do you have
a stray puppy hidden under your bed that you're trying to feed," Sean stuck his head under her bed? "It's for Mom and Dad guys," Andy looked at them
serious. "I want to get them a hotel reservation for Saturday night, somewhere in the city." "That would be really cool Andy," Jack shook his head. "But do you
know how much a hotel in New York City cost?" "Not of the top of my head," Andy admitted. "The internet says it will probably be around $200," Jack showed
her the image on his phone. "That's a lot of money," Andy let out a long breath. "There's no way we could get $200 by Friday," Sean knew it was true. "Aren't
you guys at least willing to try," Andy looked at her brothers pleadingly? "Oh I'm willing to try," Jack was in, "but it isn't going to be easy." Andy took out a pad
of paper and wrote down their goal. "So how much do you have," Sean asked? "I got $5 for helping out our neighbors the Stevens carry in their groceries last
week," Andy remembered before pulling out another wad of cash that was shoved in her desk drawer. "You took money from the Stevens, the older couple a
few houses away," Jack asked clarifying? "It was cloudy that day, and they were in a hurry and I just so happened to be walking by and I was asked to help,"
Andy tried picking up for herself. "Boy are you lucky that mom and dad didn't find out about that, taking money from an old person is breaking one of the
Reagan 10 commandments," Sean picked up. "If they would have seen you, Dad would have escorted you over himself. And after making you give the money
back, he would have clouded up you backside," Jack said wide eyed. "I didn't exactly take money from them. I took it from their grandson. He said he didn't feel
like unloading groceries and offered me money to do it," Andy explained. "That's a little better," Jack shrugged. "On second thought, maybe we shouldn't get
the hotel, we would probably end up with another sibling," Andy looked at Jack seriously. "I guess it's a chance we will have to take," Jack sounded as if he
was completely on edge with the possibility. "We have gotten into a lot of trouble this week," Sean wasn't saying much. "We'll see what we can dig out," Jack
and Sean both headed for their bedrooms. "So in all we have $150," Jack calculated. "That's not enough," Sean rested his chin in his hand, "we are $50 short."
"Anybody got any ideas of how we can come up with that," Andy for once was coming up blank? "We could ask Grandpa," Sean brightened. "We can't borrow
money from Grandpa," Andy shook her head. "In that case, were screwed," Jack tossed the spiral. "Do you think there's even a chance he would give it to us,"
Andy appeared as if she was partially considering it? "We would pay him back," Sean shrugged. "Making a deal with three children, that's a good investment,"
Andy muttered. "It's for his son, Jack thought about it. "I guess we can try," Andy gave in. "But when will ask him, we would have to make the reservations
tomorrow morning," Jack posed another problem? "We will just have to call him," Andy pulled out her cell phone and put it on speaker. "Have you gotten into
more trouble, and need someone to rescue you," was the first think Frank said when he heard his grandchildren's voices? "No," Sean laughed. "Well it's got to
be something important to get you three to call me," Frank mentioned. "Can we borrow $50," Jack spat out, he never was one to know how to ask something
gently? "Before you say no," Andy tried to cover for her brothers blunt approach, "it's not for us, it's for mom and dad." "Do your parents know you are asking
me for money," Frank thought it odd that if his son and daughter in law were experiencing hard times, why would they only be asking for $50? "NO!" all three
kids were finding it hard not to shout. "Then why do you want the money," by now Frank was confused? "We want to do something nice for them and get them
a night in a hotel," Andy enlightened him. "We already have $150 of it," Sean added. "Where did the three of you get $150?" "Nothing illegal Grandpa, don't
worry," Jack laughed. "Anyways, if you give us the money, we will be really good all weekend Grandpa," Andy hated to rush the conversation, but she knew it
was only a matter of time before her parents came up and overheard them on the phone. "Don't lie to me child," Frank knew that asking them to behave for
too long a period of time would be impossible. "Okay forget being good, I didn't think we could do it anyway. But we will pay you back." "Don't worry about it,"
Frank couldn't help but smile at their eagerness. "The three of you help me get the Christmas stuff down from the attic when it gets closer to Christmas and we
will call it square." "Thanks Grandpa, we didn't know what else to do," Jack admitted. "Now is there anything I can do for the three of you?" "Can you call and
make the reservations, I don't think the hotel is going to take three kids very serious." I'll do it first thing in the morning," Frank promised before telling them
goodnight and he would see them the following day.
XXXXXXXX
"I want you three to be on your absolute best behavior while you are with Grandpa," Linda took over for Danny giving the usual behavior speech. "We know,"
the three placed their duffel bags by the door. "Don't just tell me that you know, show me that you know," Linda followed them. "Yes Mam," the three were just
trying to get her to stop badgering them. "Linda, I just talked to Dad, and he said for us to pack a bag, were staying in a hotel tonight," Danny grinned at her.
"But why," Linda was confused? "He wouldn't give me any details, all he said is he knows people," Danny hurried up the stairs. "Mission accomplished," Andy,
Jack and Sean smiled at one another once their parents left them alone at Franks. "Thanks for helping us Grandpa," Andy handed him the Ziploc full of money.
"You guys keep it," Frank didn't like the idea of taking money from his grandchildren. "You have to take it Grandpa," Sean pulled on his hand pleadingly.
"Otherwise it won't be from us," Jack added. Frank sighed, "I'm not happy about it, but I'll do it for three of my favorite grandchildren," Frank wrapped the three
of them in a hug. "Hi everybody," Jamie walked through the door. "Uncle Jamie," the three jumped on him, tackling him to the floor. "Hey, hey, hey, what's this,"
Jamie was barely able to lift his head up off the floor? "We missed you," Sean had him in a headlock. "Really I can't tell," Jamie somehow managed to pick
himself up off the floor. "Will you a watch a movie with us," Jack asked? "Sure," Jamie had to admit he started to miss them after he had been with them every
day for over a week. "What kind of movie?" "How about a scary one," Andy spoke up. "Absolutely not, you are much too young to watch scary movies," Frank
put an end to that option. "Awe, please Grandpa," Jack tried. "No," Frank said again. "Don't you remember what happened when Pop told you a scary story?"
"What do you expect we were scared, he said two people died in your house, and then they walked the halls? I was so scared I wouldn't even get up to go to
the bathroom that night." "That's exactly my point," Frank nodded, "pick something else." By the time the movie was over, it was almost midnight, and Jamie
was just leaving when Frank sent the kids upstairs to get ready for bed, Henry snoring in his chair. "You just about ready for bed," Frank stopped by Danny's
old bedroom to check on Andy's progress? It had been a long time since he had to tuck kids into bed, and he had to admit he was a little out of practice, but it
was apparent he hadn't exactly lost his touch, considering he had two down and there was only one to go. "Almost," Andy pulled the bedspread back. "You
know that was a nice thing you got started for your parents," Frank noted. "Yeah well I figured it was the least I could do for them, the boys and I have gotten
into quite a bit of trouble lately, me of course in the lead," Andy was sure to add. "You know they don't expect you to try and make up for things." "Maybe not
me, but they do seem to be wanting to make up for lost time, at least Dad anyway," Andy mentioned. "How's that," Frank looked at her confused? "Because I
got in trouble for getting on the roof again this week, and when I asked Dad about him letting me help him on the roof with the Christmas lights, he didn't give
me a flat no, like I expected," Andy shrugged. "You know what I think," Frank smiled? "I think he feels bad because he missed out on so much of your life when
you were little." "He should be glad he got to skip out on all the diapers, the potty training, the teething process and the terrible twos," Andy mentioned. "I
have a feeling he would have gladly taken the rough things, in order to take part of the good things," Frank added. "He didn't miss much, because to be honest
with you I don't think I've out grown my terrible twos," this time it was Andy's turn to smile at him. "Pretty sure that's obvious," Frank laughed. "So how do you
feel about me being your sons real kid," Andy turned serious? "Couldn't be happier," Frank's voice was low, "because in all honestly I could see the similarities
between the two of you since the first time you walked through my door and stood toe to toe with Pop without backing down, among hundreds of other
things." "Really?" "Yes really, now get to bed, your mother would have a heart attack if she knew you were still up at midnight," Frank tucked her in. "What
happens at Grandpas stays at Grandpas," Andy got comfortable before falling asleep.
This chapter was a lot of fun to write, I loved the boomerang part... Thanks for all the follows, favorites and reviews... JusticeStandsTRUE