Another Day In The Life

by JusticeStandsTRUE

Things are getting busy for the Reagans, especially for Andy, Danny and Linda's adopted daughter, who seems to find trouble at every turn. Danny and Linda get some surprising news, the Reagan's are all placed under protective custody, Andy causes a little trouble for Jamie, and a whole lot more.#3 in the "Life With The Reagan's Series."#1 is Least of These,#2 is Never A Dull Moment

13. Chapter 13

CH. 13: Fights, Stories and Tests

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Andy woke up Thursday morning on her own. Today's a school day, Andy thought it odd that neither of her parents woke her up. Noticing she didn't feel as

tired as she normally did on a school morning made her check her the time. The clock on the nightstand read 9:00 am and Andy had to rub her eyes to make

sure she wasn't hallucinating. School started at 8 am after all. Knowing it wasn't likely for her parents just to leave her home alone without a word, Andy

decided to go in search for the rest of her family, starting with her brothers. Andy quietly opened Jacks bedroom, and noticed that he too was asleep. Andy

crossed the room, and shook him awake. "Jack wakeup, there's something going on?" "What are you talking about?" Jack rubbed the sleepy out of his eyes

before reaching for his glasses. "It's 9:00 and were still in bed on a Thursday," Andy sounded concerned. "I see your point," Jack threw the covers back on his

bed and led the way across the hall to his youngest brother's bedroom. "He's here," Jack whispered looking over at his sister. "Let's wake him up," Andy

walked in. "Sean wake up, we have a problem," Jack pulled his brothers covers back. "Leave me alone," Sean rolled over. "Sean you've got to get up, were late

for school," Andy grabbed his pillow before hitting him with it. "Owe," Sean sat up, taking it from her. "Besides, when have you ever cared about being late for

school? You hate school," he added. "That's not the point, the point is Mom and Dad didn't wake us up, or even bothered to take us," Andy was annoyed at his

unrelated question to the issue at hand. "Do you think they are okay?" Jack looked at his sister, his eyes wide. "I hope so," Andy tried to keep her voice from

shaking. "But there's only one way to find out," she took the lead in walking to their parent's bedroom. The door was shut, and Andy proceeded with a slight

knock. Not hearing anything, Andy opened the door and walked in followed by both her brothers. Noticing both their parents were still in bed Andy moved to

stand next to Danny's side of the bed, while Sean moved to stand next to Linda's. "Mom," Sean whispered. Linda stirred and opened her eyes. "Danny wake

up," Linda nudged him. Danny sat up, and Linda checked the clock. "Dad, you look terrible," Jack mentioned from his place at the foot of the bed. "Thanks a lot

Jack," Danny coughed. "Your Dad and I are both sick," Linda rubbed her eyes, her head aching. "Is that why you didn't take us to school?" Sean asked. "Sean,"

Andy glared at him. "You're not going to school today," Danny stopped them before there was an argument between the two. "You three are just going to have

to keep yourselves entertained today, so Dad and I can get some rest," Linda laid back down. "Yes Mam," the three were willing to agree to just about

anything as long as they didn't have to go to school. "And no going outside," Danny added. Even when he was sick, the detective in him came out, Andy

thought to herself. She always wanted to ask him, what kind of dangers could possible come to them in their own yard, but she wasn't about to voice the

question now while he was sick. "Hope you start feeling better," Jack said as the three walked out and closed the door behind them.

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"So what do you guys want to do?" Sean was the first one to ask. "Watch TV, play video games all day," he named a few thinking of all the things they could do

all day without having to worry about their parents asking how long they had been sitting in front of the TV screen. "Who's going to take care of mom and

dad," Jack looked at his siblings. "You know somebody's going to have to take care of them," Jack sighed. "We are," Andy said quickly. "Who's going to take

care of us?" Sean sounded worried. "Who's going to feed us? Sean asked another question. "We are," Andy answered him again. "Who's going to tuck us in

tonight?" "We are." "Who's going to," Sean started to ask another question but was cut off when his sister grabbed him by the shirt and pulled him just inches

away from her face. "We are going to take care of both mom, dad and ourselves, and whatever you do, do not ask another question." "Who's going to," Sean

started again. "Do you want to live past today," Andy glared at him. "Fine," Sean surrendered, "but when we end up killing in each other because we are not

under adult supervision, I'm blaming you." "Mom and Dad take care of us when we are sick, it's time for us to grow up and do the same," Andy started to walk

away. "You do know, I'm only 8 right?" Sean followed her. "That's not the point Sean," Andy started to get busy by picking up the dirty dishes on the table and

placing them in the sink. "Do you not remember what happened the last time I used the wash machine?" Sean looked at her as if she had lost her mind. "He's

got a point," Jack voiced concern. "He nearly flooded the entire downstairs, and almost injured Dad and Uncle Jamie in the process." "Which is why he will be

doing the dishes, and I'll be doing the laundry," Andy enlightened them. "I guess that means I'm free," Jack didn't appear too bothered by it. "You are going to

be helping me with the laundry," Andy pointed. "You're not the boss of me," Jack didn't exactly mind helping his parents out, he just didn't like the fact of having

to listen to his sister. "Somebody has to do the cooking, if we want to eat. I mean if you don't want to eat, that's fine, but I kind of figured that you would get

hungry eventually," Andy closed the cereal box. "I'll help," Jack gave in. "Where should we start?" Sean looked around the bottom floor. "I'm going to start by

sorting the laundry," Andy remembered Linda being upset the day before about the overflowing hampers. "I'll go get the hampers," Jack started for stairs. "Oh

and Jack," Andy added, "try not to wake mom and dad." "I'll try," Jack shook his head, "but we both know how light of a sleeper dad is." "Let's just hope, he's

doped up on medicine," Andy grinned. "Did they wake up?" Andy asked the second she saw her brother. "Nope," Jack beamed, obviously proud of himself.

"Hmm," Andy shrugged. "Maybe you have the makings of becoming a detective, and following in Dad and Grandpas footsteps." "Maybe so," Jack didn't exactly

hate the sound of Detective Jack Reagan. "So do you know what you want to do, when you grow up," Andy questioned him? "I don't know," Jack admitted he

hadn't given it much thought. "Mom wants me to go to college though," he added. "She said the same thing to me," Andy enlightened him. "But I don't really

want to go," she shrugged. "I mean I hate school as it is." "Trust me I know," Jack helped her sort through the laundry so she could a load started. "What do

you guys want to do now?" Sean looked at his siblings, once the laundry was started, and the kitchen was cleaned, meaning they had a while before they had

to get started on dinner. "I don't know," Jack shook his head, "I'm not exactly used to having a free day in the middle of the week." "Me neither," Andy spoke

up, "mom usually tries to keep us pretty busy." "Yeah and Dad said we couldn't go outside," Sean remembered. "We probably could and possibly get away with

it, considering he's sleeping and on medication," Andy mentioned. "And it's possible that he could wake up and come downstairs to check on us and then catch

us," Jack listed the one other possibility. "As much as I hate to admit it, he's got a point," Sean pointed at his brother. "And then we would be in trouble for

disobeying him." "Guess that means were staying inside," Andy shrugged, "unless we want to risk it." "Five minutes ago, you said we needed to grow up and

take care of ourselves. Doesn't that mean we need to start listening to our parents," Jack looked confused. "Well when you put it like that, I guess we have

to," Andy shoved him. "Hey don't get mad at me, you are the one that brought it up," Jack hit her with one of the decorative couch pillows. "So are we going to

do it, or not?" Sean interrupted. The three siblings looked at one another appearing as if they were debating on whether or not they should actually risk it. "I

guess it wouldn't hurt to be good for them, one day of our lives, considering they still have the teenage years to go through with all three of us." Andy didn't

exactly look thrilled with her answer, but considering she was the oldest, she changed her mind. "Let's have a pillow fight," Sean brightened, thinking of

something they could do downstairs and inside. "Okay," Jack was obviously in. "I'll go get our pillows," Andy ran up the stairs.

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The Reagan siblings were having a great time, thinking that not only did they not disobey but they were still having fun. Then again they didn't take into

consideration, that they might be breaking another rule amidst there fun, and end up breaking something in the process. They were really getting into it, when

Jack stepped a little too close to the Christmas tree and Andy and Sean attacked him. It didn't take long for them to figure out that having a pillow fight near

the Christmas tree was a bad idea, especially considering several of Linda's keepsake ornaments were now shattered and on the floor. "Uh oh," Andy, Jack and

Sean exchanged worrisome glances, the second they heard footsteps on the stairs. "Is there a reason the three of you are trying to tear my house apart,"

Danny started before he even reached the bottom of the stairs. Seeing the disarray of ornaments on the floor, Danny looked at them. "You three better be glad

that it was me that came down here instead of your mother. Or all three of you would be liable to find yourselves grounded on Christmas." "Were sorry," Jack

apologized for them. "If I were you, I'd spend the rest of the day trying to figure out how to tell your mother what you did, when she notices the tree," Danny

coughed again. "We were kind of hoping you would tell her," Andy admitted. "Oh no, not me," Danny shook his head. "You guys got yourself into this mess, and

it's up to you to get yourselves out." "This was all your idea," Andy and Jack glared at their little brother. "You thought it was a good idea until Dad came down

here," Sean argued, not willing to take all the blame. "I don't care whos idea it was," Danny silenced them not feeling up to listening to their bickering. "If you

three don't settle down, you are going to spend the rest of the day alone and in your bedrooms." "Yes Sir," neither of the siblings were all that interested in

spending their one day of freedom cooped up in their bedroom just because they couldn't get along. And decided it was best to just go along with what he

said, saying as little as possible. "Now clean this up, and without hurting yourselves," he added, remembering the time they broke the lamp in Andy's bedroom

and she got hurt. "Yes Sir," the three said again. "Now is there anything you need before I go back upstairs?" Danny changed expression, wanting to make

sure they were taken care of, as he headed into the kitchen. "I don't think so," Jack shook his head looking at his sister, wanting to make sure, knowing she

always had a head full of plans. "Did you eat something?" Danny asked clarifying his question. "We did," Sean answered the next question. "Are you all feeling

alright? Andy, don't overdue," he added. "I feel fine Dad," Andy assured him. "Well I'm glad you do, because I don't," Danny made himself a cup of hot tea,

hoping it would help ease the sore throat he was suffering from. "Maybe you should go back to bed," Jack suggested. "I will son," Danny smiled at him, taking

a seat on one of the kitchen chairs, to drink his tea. "Are you running fever?" Andy placed a hand on his forehead. "Well what's the verdict?" Danny asked

when she didn't say anything, wanting to laugh at both the gesture and face expression she was making. "Oh I don't know," Andy shrugged. "But that's what

everybody did to me when I was sick." "I appreciate the gesture," Danny chuckled at her explanation. "Do you want something to eat?" Sean asked leaning

against the refrigerator. "Not right now Sean, maybe later," Danny stood, deciding to go back to bed. He did have some pretty nice kids, even if they did get

into trouble on a regular basis, at least they weren't mean and completely uncaring, he thought to himself as he made his way up the stairs.

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"Now that our pillow fun is over, what do you want to do," Sean asked? "Something that won't get us sent to our room for the remainder of the day," Jack

didn't really care what they did, as long as it didn't get them grounded on Christmas. "I second Jacks suggestion," Andy pointed at her brother. "If you guys

don't want to get in trouble, then our options are very limited," Sean walked around the house bored. "Hey, if you want to be grounded on Christmas, then be

my guest, I ain't stopping you," Andy raised her hands in surrender. "Party pooper," Sean muttered under his breath. "Besides Jack and I are too busy being

responsible children," Andy handed Jack the laundry basket, before going into the kitchen to look for something to cook. "You're going to be responsible?" Sean

looked at her surprised, "this will be a first." "Shut up," Andy shoved him against the pantry door. "Owe, I'm telling Dad," Sean whined starting for the stairs.

"No, no, no," Andy grabbed him. "I'm sorry. Why don't you help cook something in the kitchen? We will tell mom and dad we both did it." Andy was grasping at

straws trying to come up with something to say to keep him from running upstairs to tell their parents, and getting her in trouble. "Okay," Sean gave in, not

exactly wanting to bother his parents while they were sick. "So what do you want to cook?" "They need soup," Andy nodded. "I'm so tired of eating soup, I

hope no one gets sick, for a long time," Sean remembered the week before when Andy was sick, and all they had to eat was soup. "Hey," Andy picked up for

herself. "I didn't ask to get sick, and I certainly didn't enjoy the amount of time I had to spend at the hospital, the trips back and forth to the bathroom, or

being downright miserable you know." "Sorry," Sean knew he had said too much. "So what kind of soup were you thinking," Sean changed the course of their

conversation? "I was thinking potato-leek soup," Andy said looking through the pantry. "Pop taught me how to make it." "We haven't had that kind in a long

time," Sean was beginning to think her soup idea, wasn't such a bad idea after all.

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Later that afternoon, after the soup was ready, Andy, Jack and Sean carefully carried two bowls of soup and glasses of water up to their parent's bedroom.

"We brought you something to eat," Sean walked into the room before placing a glass of water on each one of their nightstands. "That was really sweet guys,"

Linda smiled. "It sure smells good. What did you make us," Danny wondered? "Potato-leek soup, like Pop makes," Andy answered for them. "Mmm," Linda took

a bite from her bowl. "Its very good Andy, you are turning into quite the cook." "I didn't inherit my cooking skills from Dad," Andy teased, looking over at Danny.

"Hey no fair, no picking on me when I'm sick," Danny took a sip from his water glass. "I don't have the energy to argue back." "You're feeling pretty awful aren't

you Dad," Andy looked at Danny intently? "I've felt better," Danny didn't want to complain. "In that case, I can pretty much do what I want, without being afraid

I'm going to get in trouble, since you don't feel much like doing anything?" Andy couldn't help but smile at him mischievously. "I wouldn't say that," Danny shook

his head. "But I thought you weren't feeling up to dealing with someone as spirited as me," Andy tried sounding innocent. "Care to test that theory?" Danny

coughed. "Cant blame a kid for trying," Andy grinned. Linda set her bowl aside, and took a slight sip from her water cup. "What's the matter mom?" Jack looked

at his mother. "Aren't you hungry?" "That's the thing," a perturbed look crossed Linda's face. "I was just a moment ago, but now the smell of food makes me

feel sick." "Come on Mom, you know you have to eat something if you are going to take your medicine," Andy repeated the same phrase she remembered

Linda telling her just the week before. "I know honey," Linda placed a hand on her daughters arm. "But I don't know what to take, I don't have pneumonia,"

she explained. "My symptoms are a little different than yours and your dads." "What do you thinks wrong with you?" Sean took a seat on his parent's bed. "I

don't know," Linda said honestly. "But you always know what's wrong with us when were sick?" Jack mentioned. "It just seems like that sometimes Jack,"

Linda smiled at him. "But this is a feeling I haven't felt in years," Linda covered her nose with her blanket. "What's wrong?" Andy looked at Linda confused. "I'm

sorry, but the smell of food is making me sick to my stomach," Linda's eyes got wide, just as she jumped out of bed and ran to the bathroom. "Is the soup not

good?" Andy and Sean looked at one another, worried they may have done something wrong. "No," Danny stopped them from thinking that way. "You did a

good job, the soup is very good. But sometimes when you are sick, the smell of food makes you nauseated, and that's what's wrong with mom." "Were sorry,"

Sean apologized looking at Danny. "We thought it help would make you both feel better," Andy picked up where her brother left off. "It's helping me," Danny

smiled at them. "In fact I'm feeling better already," Danny tried reassuring them. Even if he was lying just a little bit. "Hope so," Jack spoke up. "Because it's

hard trying to be quite." Danny chuckled, "so have you eaten yet?" "Not yet," Andy shook her head. "We will eat when you are finished." "I'm fine, you three go

take care of yourselves." "Are you sure?" Sean had to admit he was hungry." "I'm sure," Danny handed Andy his bowl. "I need to go check on your mom

anyways," Danny started for the bathroom after the kids went downstairs. "Do you want to watch a movie while we eat?" Jack questioned his siblings while

they filled their bowls. "It's early enough, before mom or dad come down and make us go to bed." "Do you think we will be going to school tomorrow," Sean

wondered? "Oh yeah, were not lucky enough to get two days of freedom," Andy knew it was likely for one of their parents not to take them or for one of the

other Reagans not to pick them up.

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The following morning came and Andy was right in her predictions, Danny did get up to take them to school. "I certainly didn't miss this place," Andy said

looking around the cafeteria the following day at lunch. "Me neither," Sean shook his head. "It sure was quiet around here yesterday without you," Nicki joined

her cousins at the table they were sitting at. "I don't think a one kid got in trouble," Nicki recollected. "I'll try to make up for it today," Andy leaned back in her

chair. "Andy you can't," Jack warned her. "Mom and Dad aren't feeling up to dealing with trouble." "I'll try," Andy sighed kicking the leg of the table. "But I was

sick last week, and it's been so long since I've been in trouble. It's just not natural." "You're insane," Nicki looked at her cousin as if she had completely lost her

mind. "Nicki," Andy looked at her questioningly. "When was the last time you got in trouble?" "When we were trapped at Grandpas, and he sent us all

upstairs." "Oh my gosh," Andy shook her head. "My parents wouldn't know what to do if I stayed out of trouble as much as you do." The bell rang and Andy

jumped up, "got to go time for basketball practice." Andy had forgotten all about getting into trouble that day. At least until she was face to face with her arch

nemesis Carly Jenkins, the same girl she got into her fight with after she started school. "I see you made the team," Carly looked at Andy after basketball

practice that day. "I see you did as well," Andy shoved past her on her way to the girl's locker room. "It's lucky for you that I did," Carly glared at her. "Or we

would be having a different conversation right now." "Oh come on Carly, we both know I'm a better fighter than you," Andy wasn't about to back down from a

fight. "Just stay out of my way," Carly warned starting to walk away. "Seriously," Andy shook her head at the girl's stupidity. "Were on the same team, you

idiot." "That doesn't mean we have to be friends," Carly shouted. "You know it is becoming clearer and clearer to me, that you can only fix stupid one way,"

Andy started to explain. "And I think I'm going to see if it works," Andy punched her squarely in the mouth. The fight continued, until the Coach Watkins

separated them and escorted them directly to the principal's office, claiming he did not tolerate fighting amongst his players at any team.

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Andy sat in her usual seat across from the principal's desk, she had been there so many times since she started school, she felt as if they should put her name

on the door next to Mrs. Couric's. "As you know Miss Reagan, fighting is unacceptable and requires an automatic call to your parents," Mrs. Couric picked up the

phone. "Wait!" Andy stopped her. "You can't." "And why not," Mrs. Couric didn't really like the attitude she was getting from the kid sitting across from her.

"Both my parent are sick," she explained. "Then I will call the next one on your file that's listed as the emergency contact," the principal pulled out the very first

file in the filing cabinet. "Frank Reagan," the principal read aloud picking up the phone. "I'm dead," Andy mumbled. "Please wait on the bench outside my office,"

Mrs. Couric returned the phone to its cradle. "Commissioner Reagan is on his way." "Yes Mam," Andy muttered, losing all enthusiasm the second she heard her

grandfather's name mentioned. Andy took a seat on the same old familiar bench, vowing to carve her initials on it with the knife Danny gave her the next time

she was in trouble. "I told you not to get into trouble today," Jack stopped noticing his sister outside the principal's office on his way back from the restroom. "I

never made any guarantees you know," Andy gave him a half smile. "Somebody coming to get you," Jack asked? "They called Grandpa," the half smile Andy

held disappeared. "I guess it was nice having a big sister while it lasted," Jack shrugged, "because Grandpa is going to kill you." "Tell me something I don't

know," Andy dropped her chin in the palm of her hand. "Yeah well if I were you, I'd keep those shorts on when you put your uniform back on, you're going to

need all the protection you can get back there when he gets a hold of you," Jack suggested. "Thanks for the tip little brother, now you better get back to class

before your teacher comes looking and you end up sitting here next to me." "Only one Reagan in trouble at a time, that's the rule," Jack hurried back to class.

Andy spent the remainder of her time sitting in silence, wishing she would learn how to think before she jumped into something that would get her into trouble.

Danny was always onto her about doing that, but once again she faltered into remembering to do so until after she was already in trouble. Andy was leaning

her head against the wall her eyes closed when she heard a familiar voice say her name. Andy stood when she heard her grandfather's voice, remembering

her parents always stressing respect, especially when in trouble. "I'm going to go speak to the principal," Frank's voice was curt. "Wait for me here." "Can I go

get my stuff?" Andy asked carefully looking up at her grandfather timidly. "Go ahead," Frank nodded, noticing she was still in her gym clothes, and didn't have

her backpack with her. "Come right back here when you're finished," Frank added as she started to walk away. "Yes Sir," Andy hurried, not wanting to get into

any more trouble that day. Frank took a seat in the principal's office, the same seat his granddaughter occupied just minutes ago. It had been a long time since

he sat in the principal's office, Frank thought to himself. It had been years since his youngest graduated high school, and an even longer time since he had to

pick one of his kids up from school for getting into trouble. Then again, he never spent much time in the principal's office with Jamie, it was more Danny he

recalled, kind of made since he would be there with one of Danny's kids, especially the one that was just like him.

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Andy walked through the front door of her home solemnly, followed shortly by her brothers and grandfather. "All of you go on up to your room, and do your

homework," Frank looked at his grandchildren. "Andy, I'll be up in a few minutes to deal with you," Frank looked at his granddaughter. "Yes Sir," Andy turned

away from him. "Oh and loose the shorts from under your pants," he added. "How did you know?" Andy looked at him questioningly? "There isn't much that

gets by me," Frank shook his head. "And there isn't much your father didn't try," he added. "Now get on upstairs," he pointed. "Yes Sir," Andy trudged up the

stairs, feeling as if she was about to face a very untimely death. A few minutes later, after talking with Danny and Linda, Frank made his way to his

granddaughter's bedroom. "I know your parents have taught you right from wrong Andrea," Frank started taking a seat on the edge of the girl's bed. "So I

don't guess I need to start this talk out by explaining to you how fighting is wrong. Especially starting it the way you did." "But isn't there times when fighting is

necessary?" Andy looked at him questioningly. "Yes there is," Frank admitted. "And you are old enough to know when those times are." "I know," Andy said

solemnly. "Then why did you do it? You know starting fights is unacceptable." "I guess I didn't think," Andy said truthfully. "Then it looks like your punishment

needs to be something that will help you remember. Perhaps a stinging backside will do that," Frank picked up the wooden spoon he had brought up from the

kitchen.

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"Andy," Danny walked into his daughter's bedroom sometime later. "How are you feeling," Andy asked seeing him? "I was feeling better until this happened,"

Danny admitted. "I'm sorry," Andy looked at him apologetically. "You usually are after you get in trouble," Danny nodded at her. "So are you going to punish me

too," Andy looked worried. "I assume your grandfather already took care of your punishment?" Danny knew that he did, considering he came in and talked to

him before he did anything. "He talked to you didn't he," Andy was relatively smart when given the opportunity. "He did," Danny nodded. "So I assume you're

not going to punish me then?" Andy asked carefully. "If I can assume you already learned your lesson, then I won't," Danny looked at her carefully. "The Frank

Reagan special has a tendency to do so," Andy's eyes were wide. "Works pretty well doesn't it?" Danny tried hiding a smile, remembering his own days of

being in the same shoes as his daughter. "There are no words," Andy shook her head. "Alright let's get back to business," Danny changed the process of their

conversation, holding a slip of paper in his hand from the school. "The coach said that if either you or Carly get into another fight with each other, or with

another one of the players, he will have no choice but to bench you for two games. Now do you want that to happen? I know how much you like basketball."

"No Sir," Andy shook her head, answering quickly. "Then I highly suggest you keep your attitude in check. Because if this continues, I will take you off the team

myself. Now is that clear?" "Very clear," Andy knew he was being completely serious. Despite the fact knowing he would hate to take something she loved away

from her, and she knew it. "Thank you, now go on downstairs and get something to eat, Grandpa ordered a pizza, and it should be here," Danny hugged her.

"Are you going back to work tomorrow?" Andy picked her head up to look at him. "Probably," Danny nodded. "I didn't have as bad of a case of pneumonia as

you." "That's because the only reason you got it in the first place was because you are always taking my food or my drinks," Andy laughed. "Get out of here,"

Danny pushed her out of the room. "Just saying," Andy said before hurrying away from him.

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"Dad said I could come down here and eat," Andy looked at Frank when she saw him, knowing he told her to stay in her room. "I know," Frank nodded at her.

"Are you still mad at being called down to the school?" Andy chewed on her lower lip nervously. "Come here Andy," Frank opened his arms to her. Andy walked

into his arms, and enjoyed the hug he gave her. "You know I didn't like punishing you right?" Frank pulled her away from him for a moment. "I know," Andy

sighed. "Then please do me a favor and never get into trouble when your parents can't take care of you. I don't mind filling in for them, but that doesn't mean I

like doing it." "I know and you were right, I knew better than to do what I did," Andy said, knowing he felt bad. "Its over now, so lets just put it behind us, and

get something to eat," Frank hugged her one last time before ushering her into the kitchen where the boys were already eating.

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"Grandpa," Sean spoke up later that night as he and his siblings sat in the living room with their grandfather. Giving Danny and Linda some time to continue

resting without having to be worried about the kids eating or getting to bed on time. "What is it Grandson?" Frank looked at him over the brim of his coffee cup.

"Would you tell us a story?" "I guess we have time for a story," Frank glanced at the clock? "What kind of story would you like," Frank really didn't have to ask.

He already knew their favorite stories were those of Danny when he was growing up. "Do you remember when we were on the roof putting up the Christmas

lights and you said that Dad tried to kill you when he was growing up," Andy looked at him, hoping he did. "I do," Frank nodded. "Can you tell us one of those

stories?" "I think I can manage that," Frank smiled at her, trying to settle on a story. "When your dad was a kid, he always loved Christmas," Frank started out.

"Anyways, he always begging to help me get out the Christmas decorations. And your Grandmother had some really old decorations that belonged to her

grandparents. These decorations really meant a lot to her, and she really enjoyed having them around the house." "And," Jack pushed, when Frank stopped.

"The only problem was, she wanted the electrical ones working. Now the cords were real fraired, and a lot of them needed a little work. Now Danny, really

enjoyed helping me. The only problem was, his mind had a tendency to scatter at times, and he wouldn't always pay attention to what I was telling him. Frank

explained remembering the scene vividly.

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CHRISTMAS TIME: HOME OF FRANK AND MARY REAGAN.

"What you working on Daddy?" Six year old Danny Reagan asked coming down the stairs, and finding his father working on an old light up Santa Clause. "I'm

trying to fix one of Mommy's decorations," Frank sat on the floor of the living room. "Can I help?" Danny squatted down next to him. "Sure," Frank shook his

head at the little boy who was smiling at him with a toothless grin. "What can I do?" "Hand me that light bulb," Frank held his hand out. Danny handed him the

light bulb, and Frank carefully screwed it in before moving on to the major infraction of the decoration, the cord. Danny was laying on the floor, listening to the

Christmas music his mother had on, and apparently misheard thinking his father told him to plug the cord into the wall, when in reality, the only thing he said

was hand me the electrical tape. "What did you say Daddy? You want me to plug it in." Danny plugged the cord in seconds before hearing Frank yell and seeing

him fall flat on the floor. "Daddy," Danny sat on top of his chest. Frank had yet to move, and Danny yelled running up the stairs. "Mommy! Mommy!" He yelled

running into his brother's bedroom. "Daniel Reagan," Mary chastised. "I'm trying to get your brother down for his nap." "I'm sorry mommy," Danny was in tears.

"It's no reason to cry son," Mary patted his cheek gently. "No," Danny shook his head. "I think I killed Daddy," Danny pulled on her hand. "What?" Mary ran

down the stairs, followed closely by her son. "Frank!" Mary couldn't help but yell. By the time they reached the bottom of the stairs, Frank was just pulling

himself up off the floor.

XXXXXXXX

PRESENT DAY:

"I'm sorry," Danny said coming down the stairs, interrupting his father's story. "What else do you want me to say?" "Nothing," Frank laughed out loud at his

sons face expression. "The kids asked me to tell them a story." "And you just so happened to choose that one," Danny shook his head at his fathers choice in

stories. "Andy asked me to tell them one, about a time when you nearly killed me," Frank shrugged, "so I did." "Haven't you been heard from enough today?"

Danny nudged the girl who was sitting on the couch. "Sorry," Andy laughed. "But you have to admit, it's a good story." "I don't have to admit anything," Danny shook his head. "How's Linda doing?" Frank looked at his son, knowing he had seen very little of her that evening. "I don't know," Danny shrugged. "I came

down to get her some crackers and sprite, hoping it will calm her stomach. "When do you think she will get better," Jack asked? "I don't know son, but you can

all help her by being really good," he looked primarily at Andy before continuing. "And by being in bed in 30 minutes." "Awe," the kids moaned, before telling

their grandfather goodnight and running up the stairs. "Let me know if there's anything I can do," Frank followed his son into the kitchen. "You've done more

than I could ask Dad, thank you," Danny walked his father out before hurrying up the stairs to take care of Linda.

XXXXXXXX

"So what do you thinks wrong with you?" Danny walked back into his bedroom. "I'm not a hundred percent sure," Linda shook her head. "I'm tired, I'm dizzy

any time I get out of bed, and my back is killing me." "You said earlier, that it's been years since you've felt like this," Danny remembered. "When was this?"

"Nine months before Sean was born," Linda looked at him seriously. "Do, do, do you think it's possible," Danny stuttered? "The hotel," Linda's eyes were wide.

"Oh my God," Danny took a seat on the bed, feeling like he would pass out if he didn't. "When can we find out for sure?" Danny knew he wouldn't be able to

get any sleep, or even be able to think straight before he knew something for sure. "Tonight, if you felt well enough to run by the store and picked up a

pregnancy test," Linda couldn't help but be on edge as well. "I'll do it," Danny started getting dressed. Sure he wasn't exactly feeling wonderful at the moment,

but he felt well enough to run to the store and pick up a pregnancy test. Thinking he could live with the embarrassment of paying for it at the front counter, as

long as he knew the truth, and preferably sooner than later. The second Danny got home, he ran up the stairs to give Linda the test. "Are the kids in bed?"

Linda asked walking into the bathroom. "I don't know," Danny shook his head jittery. "Well before we find out about having another child, maybe you could

take care of the ones we already have, by making sure they are in bed," Linda couldn't help but laugh at his nervousness. "Fine, I'll be right back," Danny didn't

exactly seem happy about it. "Its going to take a few minutes Danny," Linda called after him.

XXXXXXXXX

"What did I say about being in bed in thirty minutes?" Danny found all three of the kids playing a game in his youngest's bedroom, at least for the time being.

"Has it been thirty minutes?" Andy tried sounding innocent. "You all know how to tell time, now get in bed," Danny was in a hurry to get back to Linda. After

tucking the three they already had into bed, Danny all but ran back to his own bedroom. "Well," Danny asked nervously? "Are you ready for number four?"

Linda dropped the test.

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I actually got the soup name from my Blue Bloods cookbook... Hope you all enjoyed this chapter, I thought it was fun... Many of you were expecting another baby, and its going to happen. But not until after the Christmas story... I am going to try and get another chapter up by Saturday. That will be on Andy's first Christmas with the Reagan's... Thanks for all the follows, favorites, and reviews, you keep me writing... JusticeStandsTRUE