What if Tim had a daughter?

Part 1

*If my language (grammatical errors) bother you, then don't read the story. English is not my native language, it's only one of the different languages I speak. And if you don't care, enjoy reading it.*

The fluorescent lights of the LAPD precinct flickered softly as Officer Lucy Chen glanced at the clock on the wall. It was nearing the end of her shift, another day of navigating the unpredictable streets of Los Angeles as a rookie cop.
As she gathered her belongings, Lucy couldn't shake the exhaustion that weighed heavily on her shoulders. The demands of the job were relentless, but she was determined to prove herself, especially to her Training Officer, Tim Bradford.
Speaking of Tim, Lucy couldn't help but smile at the thought of her seasoned mentor. Despite his gruff exterior, she knew there was a depth of wisdom and experience beneath his tough demeanor. He had taken her under his wing since day one, guiding her through the trials and tribulations of life on the force.
But there was another reason Lucy admired Tim—a reason that had nothing to do with police work. It was his unwavering dedication to his daughter, Olivia. Lucy had seen glimpses of their bond during her time at the precinct, the way Tim's eyes lit up whenever he talked about Liv or how he always made time for her, no matter how busy his schedule is.
In the midst of her thoughts, Lucy's attention was drawn to a familiar figure entering the precinct—a young girl with a radiant smile that could rival the sun. It was Olivia, Tim's daughter.
Lucy- Hey there, Liv!
Lucy called out, waving to the girl as she made her way over.
Lucy- Waiting for your dad again?
Liv nodded eagerly, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Olivia- Yep! He said he'd be done soon. Can we hang out until then?
Lucy's heart warmed at the sight of Liv's enthusiasm. Despite the chaos of the precinct, there was a sense of innocence and joy in the girl's presence that brought a much-needed respite from the rigors of the job.
Lucy- Of course, Liv
Lucy replied, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
Lucy- Let's go grab a snack from the break room.
Olivia- No, my dad has snacks in his office. The good stuff
Lucy- Even better!
Lucy chuckled, amused by Liv's insistence.
Lucy- Lead the way then, Liv.
Liv grinned, her excitement palpable as she took Lucy's hand, pulling her along the bustling corridors of the precinct. As they reached Tim's office, Liv pushed open the door with a flourish, revealing a small haven amidst the chaos—a cozy corner filled with books, and an assortment of snacks neatly arranged on Tim's desk.
Lucy- Wow, your dad really knows how to stock up
Lucy remarked, impressed by the array of treats before her. Liv beamed with pride, her eyes shining with mischief.
Olivia- Dad says a well-prepared officer is never caught without snacks
she declared, reaching for a bag of chips and offering it to Lucy.Lucy accepted with a grateful smile, settling into one of the couch in his office. As they indulged in their impromptu snack time, the tension of the day melted away.
Lucy- And, everything alright?
Lucy asks. Olivia signs.
Olivia- I don't know. I sometimes just wish I had a mom.
Lucy's heart twinged with empathy at Olivia's words, recognizing the longing in the young girl's voice. She knows it's not easy for Tim to handle everything as single father, but she knew that some wounds ran deeper than words could express.
Lucy- I understand, Liv,
Lucy replied softly, her gaze gentle.
Lucy- It's okay to feel that way. But you know, you have an incredible dad who loves you more than anything in this world.
Olivia nodded, her eyes glistening.
Olivia- I know, but sometimes... it's just hard.
Lucy's heart went out to Olivia.
Love- I get it, Liv
Lucy murmured, her voice filled with understanding.
Lucy- But you're not alone. You have aunt Genny, your dad, and you have everyone in this Station. We're family, remember?
Olivia shrugs her shoulders,
Olivia- I guess you're right but I can't talk to these people.... Not about everything.
Lucy nodded, understanding Olivia's hesitation.
Lucy- What about Angela and Genny?
Olivia- I- I can't tell them anything I don't want my dad to know about. They tell him everything.
Olivia says shaking her head.
Lucy- Yeah I get it, Liv. But you know you can trust me, right? Whatever you share with me stays between us. I promise... I won't tell anyone, especially not your dad.
Olivia- I know you would keep it to yourself. (Almost whispering) I trust you
Lucy smiled warmly at Olivia's response, grateful for the trust the young girl was placing in her.
Lucy- Thank you, Liv
Olivia- for what?
Lucy- trusting me, I've only been here for six months.
Olivia- You may have only been here for six months, Lucy, but I can tell you're someone I can trust. You're different.
Lucy- did your dad teach you that
Olivia- no, but every time he introduced me no one of his girlfriends I just knew I couldn't trust them and when I met you it was just different. I don't know how to explain.
Lucy's heart swelled with a mixture of emotions at Olivia's words—gratitude for the trust she had earned, empathy for the young girl's experiences, and a newfound sense of determination to be there for her in any way she could.
Lucy- I'm glad you feel that way, Liv.
They continue their chat while eating their snacks.
Olivia- can I ask you something?
Lucy- sure what is it?
In that moment Tim walks in.
Tim- Hey Livi, how was school?
He walks over to his daughter and gives her a hug
Olivia- good
Tim- boot, what are you doing here?
Lucy- ahmm
Olivia- she was helping me with my homework (she knows her dad doesn't like people in his office, accept his daughter obviously)
Tim- ohh, thanks Chen
Lucy- anytime , Sir
Tim nodded in acknowledgment before turning his attention back to Olivia.
Tim- Well, if you're all set, why don't we head home? I'll make your favorite dinner tonight.
Olivia- dad?
Tim- Yes sweetheart
Olivia- can Lucy join us? Pleeeaaassssee daddy
Tim looks at his daughter, (she's looking at him with puppy eyes) signs, looks to Lucy and then again at his daughter.
Tim- you have to ask her if she wants to
Olivia turns so Lucy. Lucy, catching the unspoken request in Olivia's eyes, couldn't help but feel touched by the invitation.
Lucy- Of course, Liv. You're lucky I can't say no to you.
Tim- You're not the only one
Olivia- okay, let's go home then
Tim- okay, lets go
Lucy- yeah I have to finish something first. I'll see you later then.
Tim- Alright, I'll send you the address.
Lucy smiled gratefully.
Lucy- Thanks, Sir. See you later then.
Olivia- See you later, Lucy!
Olivia chimed in cheerfully as she followed her dad out of the precinct.
Once they arrived home, Tim headed for the shower while Olivia quickly tackled her homework, determined to finish before her dad found out she hadn't done it yet.
As Tim started cooking, the savory aroma of spices filled the air, mingling with the warmth of home. Just as he was about to check on the simmering sauce, the doorbell rings.
Tim- (shouting) Livi can...
Olivia- (cutting her dad off) I'll get it dad
She says while running towards the door to open it
Olivia- hey, Lucy
She says while almost jumping at her for a hug. Lucy returned the hug, laughing at Olivia's infectious enthusiasm.
Olivia- I'm so glad you're here!
Lucy- Hey, Liv! It's great to see you too!
Olivia- Come on in! Dinner smells amazing already.
She guides Lucy into the kitchen, where Tim is cooking. On her way there she sees some cute pictures of Tim and his daughter.