What if Tim and Lucy both had kids

Part 3

A few more days passed and Tim and Lucy were on patrol, as Lucy received a call. Her heart skipped a beat as she recognized the number from her son's school flashing on her phone screen. With a sense of trepidation, she answered the call.
Lucy- Hello, this is Lucy Chen.
School- Good afternoon, Mrs. Chen. This is Mr. Rodriguez calling from Theodore's school. I'm calling to inform you that there's been an incident involving Theodore.
Lucy's heart sank at the mention of an incident, her mind racing with worry.
Lucy- What happened? Is he okay?
School- He's physically unharmed, but there was a fight and Theodore was involved.
Lucy's breath caught in her throat at the news, her mind reeling with disbelief.
Lucy- A fight? That doesn't sound like him at all.
School- I understand your concern, Mrs. Chen. We're addressing the situation and would like to request your presence at the school as soon as possible to discuss the incident further.
Lucy nodded in understanding, her voice tinged with worry.
Lucy- Of course, I'll be there right away.
As she ended the call, Lucy's mind raced with concern for her son. She quickly relayed the news to Tim, who drove to the school.
As Tim and Lucy hurried to the school, Lucy's mind were consumed with worry and questions. Lucy's heart raced with concern for her son.
As they arrived at the school, Tim's phone buzzed with an incoming call. With a sinking feeling in his stomach, he glanced at the caller ID and saw it was from Josy's school. His heart clenched with fear as he answered the call.
Tim- Hello?
School- Good afternoon, Mr. Bradford. This is Mr. Rodriguez calling from Josephine's school.
Tim's breath caught in his throat as he listened intently, his mind racing with worry.
School- I'm calling to inform you that there's been an incident involving Josephine. She was involved in a fight.
Tim's eyes widened in shock at the news, his thoughts swirling with disbelief.
Tim- Is she okay? Where is she now?
School- She's physically unharmed, but we would like to request your presence at the school as soon as possible to discuss the incident further.
Tim's heart pounded in his chest as he nodded in understanding, his voice filled with urgency.
Tim- I'll be there right away.
Ending the call, Tim's mind raced with concern for his daughter. He quickly relayed the news to Lucy, who shared his worry. As they approached the school entrance, their first thought was the unthinkable: maybe their kids were fighting.
With a sense of dread weighing heavily on their hearts, they entered the school, Lucy leading the way. As they approached the principal's office, Lucy's eyes fell upon her son, standing in the hallway. Her heart clenched at the sight of bruises and blood on his face, her worry intensifying.
Beside Theo stood a familiar figure – Josy.
As Tim saw Josephine, his protective instincts kicked in. He hurried over to her, checking in on her with a mix of relief and concern. It was then that the truth hit Tim and Lucy like a ton of bricks – Josy was Tim's daughter and Theo was Lucy's son. How did they not recognize before?
With their minds reeling from the shocking revelation, Tim and Lucy exchanged a stunned glance, their thoughts consumed by the realization that their children, wich have spend a lot of time together are each others kids.
Tim and Lucy exchanged a stunned glance, their minds reeling from the shocking revelation. The weight of the situation sank in as they realized the implications of their kids friendship. With their thoughts consumed by the newfound knowledge.
As they entered the principal's office, her heart still racing with concern.
Principal- Mrs. Chen, Mr. Bradford I'm glad you're here. I wanted to discuss an incident involving Theodore and Josephine...
But Lucy interrupted him, her tone sharp with accusation.
Lucy- Wait a minute. You said my son was unharmed. What's going on here? Why did you lie to me?
The principal's expression faltered, caught off guard by Lucy's accusation.
Principal- I apologize for the confusion, Mrs. Chen. I'm sorry for providing false information over the phone. Let me clarify the situation.
Lucy's expression softened slightly at the principal's apology, but her concern for her son remained palpable as she listened intently to his explanation.
Principal- Earlier today, there was an incident involving Theodore and Josephine. It seems there was a confrontation with another student who was messing a little with Josephine. Theodore intervened when the situation escalated. Unfortunately, it resulted in a physical altercation, with Theodore and the other student exchanging punches.
As the principal explained the situation, Lucy's concern for her son intensified. She glanced over at Theo, who had his eyes fixated on the floor, his body tense.
Meanwhile, Tim's gaze shifted to his daughter, silently urging her to confirm or deny the principal's account of the events. After a moment of tense silence, Josy finally spoke up, her voice trembling with emotion.
Josy- That's not what happened.
Her words cut through the air like a knife, drawing the attention of everyone in the room. Lucy and Tim looked at her with a mixture of surprise and concern, their hearts pounding in their chests as they waited for her to speak.
Josephine took a deep breath, steeling herself to tell the truth.
Josy- Theo didn't start the fight. He was just protecting me.
Tims heart clenched at her daughter's words, a surge of protectiveness washing over him as she listened to Josy's account of the events. Lucy's expression softened with relief as he heard his Josy's confirmation of Theo's innocence.
Before Josy could continue, the principal interrupted her, his expression stern.
Principal- Josephine, I understand that you're upset, but it's important to tell the truth about what happened.
But Josy refused to back down, her eyes blazing with determination.
Josy- I am telling the truth. That boy, William Harrison. He was bullying me and trying to do things to me, and Theo stepped in to protect me. It was him, he started the fight, not Theo.
Principal- Josephine, that's a very serious accusation. Are you absolutely certain?
Josy nodded firmly, her gaze unwavering.
Josy- Yes, I'm sure. He was bullying me and trying more, and Theo was just protecting me.
The principal's expression remained stern, his tone authoritative.
Principal- Josephine, making such accusations without evidence can have serious consequences. I need you to understand the gravity of your words.
Josephine's resolve wavered slightly under the weight of the principal's reprimand, but she remained steadfast in her conviction.
Josy- I know what happened, and I'm telling the truth.
Tim's shock at the principal's response was evident in his expression. He struggled to find words to defend his daughter, feeling a surge of frustration at the principal's dismissal of Josy's account.
Lucy noticed Tim's distress and stepped in, her voice calm but firm.
Lucy- Sir, with all due respect, she wouldn't make up something like this. She's not the type to fabricate stories. As a parent, I trust her judgment.
Tim nodded in agreement with Lucy's words, grateful for her support in this situation.
As Tim processed the principal's response, a mix of disbelief and frustration churned in his mind. Before he could voice his concerns, the door swung open, revealing the other boy, William Harrison (15 years old), accompanied by his parents.
The atmosphere in the room grew tense as the Harrisons took their seats, exchanging glances with the principal.
Principal- Mr. and Mrs. Harrison, thank you for joining us. We were just discussing the incident involving your son, Theodore and Josephine.
Mr. Harrison's stern gaze fell upon Josy and Theo, his expression unreadable. Mrs. Harrison's demeanor mirrored her husband's, her lips pressed into a thin line.
Principal- According to Josephine's account, your son was involved in an altercation with Theodore, instigating the fight.
Mr. Harrison's eyes narrowed, his voice laced with skepticism.
Mr. Harrison- That's quite an accusation, Sir. Are you seriously taking the word of a child over my son's?
Tim's frustration boiled over at Mr. Harrison's dismissive tone, but he remained composed, his focus on supporting Josy and Theo.
Tim- Excuse me, but are you implying that my daughter would lie about what happened?
Principal- Mr. Harrison, I understand your concern, but we must consider all perspectives in this matter.
Principal's attempt at diplomacy did little to assuage Mr. Harrison's skepticism, who remained adamant in his defense of his son.
Mr. Harrison- My son is not a troublemaker. I find it hard to believe that he would start a fight without reason.
Tim's jaw clenched as he fought to keep his emotions in check. He glanced at Josy and Theo.
Tim- With all due respect, Mr. Harrison, our kids safety is paramount here. I trust my daughters account of what happened, and I won't stand for anyone questioning her integrity.
Tim's words carried a firmness that reflected his unwavering support for Josy. His resolve to defend his daughter's integrity shone through, his protective instincts kicking into high gear.
Principal- Mr. Bradford, I understand your position, but we need to approach this situation with caution.
Tim- Of course. But let's not forget that Josephine and Theodore were directly involved in this altercation. Their accounts should carry significant weight in determining what truly happened.
Principal- William, I understand this is a difficult situation, but I need to hear your side of the story as well.
William shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his gaze flickering between his parents and the principal. After a moment of hesitation, he spoke, his voice tinged with defensiveness.
William- I was just minding my own business. Josephine started freaking out over nothing, and Theodore just jumped in and attacked me.
Tim's brows furrowed at William's explanation, his skepticism evident as he exchanged a glance with Lucy. Josy's expression hardened, her eyes narrowing at William's blatant lie.
Josy- That's not true! You tried to touch me even dough I told you to stop and you were bullying me, Theo just stepped in to protect me.
William shot Josy a disdainful look, his frustration palpable.
As William's parents listened to his version of events, their expressions remained stoic, but a flicker of concern passed between them. Mr. Harrison cleared his throat before addressing the principal.
Mr. Harrison- We appreciate the opportunity to hear what happened, but it's clear there's some confusion here. We trust that you'll conduct a thorough investigation to get to the bottom of it.
Mrs. Harrison nodded in agreement, her gaze shifting between the principal and her son.
Mrs. Harrison- Yes, we want to ensure that justice is served fairly.
The principal acknowledged their input with a nod before turning his attention to Theodore.
Principal- Theodore, please share your account of what transpired.
Theo took a deep breath, his eyes meeting the principal's with determination.
Theo- Sir, what Josephine said is true. William was bullying her and trying other stuff. She and I, we-we both told him to stop and go away but he continued and when she was getting her books out of her locker I saw William reaching out and again trying to touch her... touch her on places no one should touch anyone else. I then steppet between them accidentally pushing Josephine.
Theo continued, his voice steady despite the weight of the situation.
Theo- I didn't mean to push her, but I had to act quickly to protect her. William got angry and started throwing punches at me. I tried to defend myself and create some space between Josephine and William to protect her, but it turned into a fight.
Theo's recount of the events was met with skepticism from William's parents, who adamantly defended their son's innocence.
Mr. Harrison- That's enough! We won't tolerate you spreading lies about our son. William would never engage in such behavior.
Mrs. Harrison's expression mirrored her husband's, her gaze hardened as she directed it towards Theo.
Mrs. Harrison- You're just trying to cover for your friend, but we won't stand for it. William is a good boy, and he wouldn't bully anyone.
Theo's resolve wavered under the weight of their accusations, but he remained steadfast in his account of what happened.
Before Theo could continue, Tim stepped in, his voice calm but firm as he addressed William's parents.
Tim- Mr. and Mrs. Harrison, I understand your concern for your son, but Theodore is not lying. I've known him for some time, and he's not the type to make up stories. My daughter wouldn't lie about something like this either.
Tim paused, letting his words sink in before continuing, his tone unwavering.
Tim- And most importantly, I will do everything in my power to ensure justice is served for Theodore and Josephine. As soon as we're done here, I will report your son, (I don't know how it works in the US but where I live you can get reported at the age of 14.) for his unacceptable behavior. You should teach him some respect. No girl should, no not just girls, no one should be afraid of going to school because of people like him. William's actions are not only wrong but also deeply harmful.
The Harrisons' expressions shifted, a mix of anger and defensiveness clouding their faces. Mr. Harrison opened his mouth to respond, but Tim cut him off, his voice growing more intense.
Tim- This isn't just about a fight. It's about ensuring a safe environment for all students. Bullying and harassment, sexual harassment have no place in schools. It's our duty as parents to teach our children respect and decency. Your son needs to understand the consequences of his behavior.
His words carried a quiet conviction, reflecting his unwavering support for Theo and Josy. Lucy nodded in agreement beside him, her expression mirroring Tim's resolve.
Lucy- That's right. Josy wouldn't fabricate something like this. We need to take what both Theodore and Josy are saying seriously.
As the tension in the room reached its peak, Josy, unable to contain her emotions any longer, started to cry. Her tears fell silently, betraying the turmoil within her.
The sight of Josy's tears tugged at Tim's heart, deepening their resolve to seek justice for his daughter and Lucy's son. Lucy reached out to gently squeeze Josy's hand, offering her a reassuring gesture of support. Tim leaned closer, wrapping an arm around Josy's shoulder, his touch a comforting presence amidst the turmoil.
Principal- I think it would be best if we took a short break to allow everyone to gather their thoughts and emotions.
Tim led Josy out of the principal's office, his heart heavy with concern for his daughter. He guided her to a quiet corner of the school hallway, away from prying eyes and ears.
Once they were alone, Tim crouched down beside Josy, his expression filled with empathy.
Tim- Are you okay, sweetheart?
Josy sniffled, wiping away her tears with the back of her hand.
Josy- I just want to go home, Dad.
Tim's heart softened as he looked into Josy's eyes, filled with a mix of sadness and uncertainty. He reached out, gently brushing a stray tear from her cheek.
Tim- I know, sweetheart. But I need you to be brave just a little longer, okay? I believe in you. I know you weren't lying in there and I won't accept his behavior.
Josy's eyes widened in surprise at her dad's words, a glimmer of hope flickering in her gaze. She nodded slowly, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
Josy- Thanks, Dad.
Tim pulled her into a warm embrace, holding her close for a moment before they were joined by Theo and Lucy, who had been waiting nearby.
Lucy- Is everything alright, sweetheart?
Josy nodded, her expression still tinged with sadness but also with a newfound sense of reassurance.
Theo stepped forward, his concern evident in his eyes as he approached Josy.
Theo- Josy, are you okay?
Josy managed a small nod, offering him a weak smile.
Josy- Yeah, I'm okay. Thanks, Theo.
Tim placed a comforting hand on Theo's shoulder, his heart swelling with gratitude for Theo's bravery.
Tim- Thank you, Theo. For protecting Josy.
Theo's eyes widened in surprise at Tim's words, a hint of relief washing over his features.
Theo- Of course. Josy's my friend. I couldn't just stand by and do nothing.
Tim nodded in understanding, his admiration for Theo growing with each passing moment.
Lucy smiled warmly at Theo, her pride evident in her expression.
Lucy- Well, you did a great job, sweetheart. I'm proud of you, bud. You did the right thing.
Theo's cheeks flushed slightly at Lucy's praise, but he nodded, a small smile playing on his lips.
Theo- Thanks, mom.
Tim nodded in agreement with Lucy's words, his appreciation for Theo's actions unwavering.
Tim- Josy's lucky to have you looking out for her.
As they returned to the principal's office, Tim's realization about the security cameras prompted him to demand access to the footage. The principal hesitated but eventually agreed, and they reviewed the events of the altercation.
After seeing the evidence, the principal's demeanor shifted, and he took decisive action. William was expelled from the school, and the principal offered a sincere apology to Tim and Lucy.
Lucy, however, redirected the apology to where it belonged.
Lucy- We're not the ones you should be apologizing to.
The principal turned to Theo and Josy, offering them a heartfelt apology for not taking their concerns seriously.
Before Tim and Lucy left, Lucy demanded the principal's informations, which he provided. Tim's voice was firm as he addressed the principal.
Tim- I'll be making sure you never set foot in a school again.
The principal attempted to defend his actions, stating that it was an overreaction and that he couldn't take sides in such situations. Tim's eyes narrowed with anger as he replied.
Tim- You clearly did take a side. But accusing a 12 year old girl, my daughter of lying when she bravely spoke up about what happened and what that boy tried to do to her is what's motivating me to take action against you.
With that, Tim slammed the door behind them, leaving the principal to contemplate the consequences of his actions. Outside the office, Tim and Lucy found their kids waiting anxiously. Josy insisted on Theo going to the hospital, not wanting to leave his side.
Theo hesitated, his reluctance evident as he glanced down at his scraped and bruised hands. Josy squeezed his arm gently, her eyes filled with concern.
Josy- Theo, please. You need to get those looked at. What if they get infected?
Theo bit his lip, torn between his desire to stay with Josy and the practical necessity of seeking medical attention.
Theo- I'm fine. It's not that bad.
But Tim intervened, placing a reassuring hand on Theo's shoulder.
Tim- Look, you don't look as bad as that other boy but you took quite a beating in there. Let's get you checked out, just to be safe and get things documented for processing.
Theo relented with a resigned nod, knowing that arguing further would be futile.
Theo- Fine.
They made their way to the shop, Tim taking the driver's seat while Lucy ushered the kids into the back of the shop.
Upon arrival, Lucy quickly checked Theo in at the reception desk. He and Lucy were then led away by a nurse to be examined, while Tim and Josy waited in the waiting area.
As they waited in the hospital's waiting area, Tim glanced over at Josy, his expression filled with concern.
Tim- Josy, sweetheart, can I talk to you for a moment?
Josy looked up at her dad, her eyes reflecting the weariness of the day's events. She nodded silently, and Tim motioned for her to join him in a quieter corner of the waiting room.
Once they were alone, Tim took a deep breath, his gaze locking with Josy's.
Tim- I need to ask you something, and I want you to know that you can tell me anything, okay? Did that boy, William or anyone else, do anything to you? Did someone hurt you? Do things you didn't want them to? Or touched you on places they shouldn't have?
Josy hesitated for a moment, her mind flooded with memories. She shook her head slowly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Josy- No, Dad. None of that happened. William was trying to, but Theo stopped him. He accidentally pushed me when that happened, and I got hurt a little when he did that, but that's all.
Tim sighed in relief, his shoulders relaxing a bit.
Tim- Where did you get hurt?
Josy hesitated, her eyes dropping to the floor. She shifted uncomfortably, not wanting to answer.
Josy- It's... it's okay, Dad. It's not a big deal.
Tim's concern deepened at her reluctance.
Tim- Sweetheart, I need to know where you got hurt. If you don't want to tell me, maybe you could talk to Aunt Genny about it? But you need to tell someone.
Josy bit her lip, considering her dad's words. She knew he was only trying to help.
Josy- Okay, Dad. I'll talk to Aunt Genny.
Tim reached out and gave Josy a reassuring hug.
Tim- Thank you, sweetheart. I'm proud of you for being so brave. We'll get through this together, okay?
Josy nodded, feeling a bit better knowing she had her dad's support.
A few moment later, Lucy and Theo returned to the waiting area. Lucy's expression softened when she saw the father-daughter duo huddled together.
Lucy turned to Tim, her expression thoughtful.
Lucy- Tim, I think I'm gonna take the rest of the day off. I can take Josy to my place if you want. So she isn't alone.
Tim- Thanks for the offer but I think I'm taking the rest of the day off too.
As they left the hospital and drove to the station.
Once they arrived, Tim and Lucy talked to Grey, quickly changed out of their uniforms and clocked out for the day. Tim glanced over at Josy, who waited patiently by his side, her expression tired but relieved to be heading home.
Tim- Ready to go, sweetheart?
Josy nodded, and they made their way out of the station together. Lucy and Theo went their separate way.
Tim and Josy drove home in silence, the quiet hum of the car providing a sense of solace amidst the chaos of the day. When they stepped into their home, Tim couldn't help but feel a wave of exhaustion wash over him. He glanced at Josy, her tired expression mirroring his own feelings.
Tim- How about we order some food tonight? Anything you're in the mood for?
Josy managed a small smile, grateful for her dad's consideration.
Josy- Pizza sounds good.
Once they arrived home, Tim gently suggested for Josy to talk to her Aunt Genny, hoping she might feel more comfortable opening up to her.
He called his sister and filled her in on what happened. After a brief conversation, Genny promised to come over right away to offer her support.
Within half an hour, Genny arrived at Tim's house, greeted by Tim and Josy at the door. She immediately enveloped Josy in a warm hug, sensing the tension and concern in the air.
Genny- Hey there, sweetheart. How are you holding up?
Josy managed a small smile, grateful for her aunt's presence.
Josy- Hi, Aunt Genny. I'm okay, I guess.
Genny's embrace was warm and reassuring as she led Josy to the living room. Tim followed quietly, observing the gravity of the situation etched on both their faces. They settled on the couch, creating a safe space for Josy to share.
Genny- Sweetheart, your dad told me a bit about what happened today. How are you feeling now?
Josy took a moment to collect her thoughts, her voice barely above a whisper.
Josy- It was scary. William was being mean to me, and Theo tried to help. But then he accidentally hit me with his elbow... It really hurt, and I was scared.
Genny listened attentively, her heart breaking for Josy's vulnerability and fear.
Genny- I'm so sorry that happened. It's okay to feel scared and hurt. I'm here to listen to whatever you want to share, and we can take things at your pace.
Josy nodded, feeling a wave of relief knowing she could confide in her aunt. She appreciated Genny's presence, her words providing a sense of comfort amid the turmoil of the day's events.
As they talked, Tim sensed Josy's need for space and privacy. He quietly excused himself from the room, slipping down to the basement.
In the dimly lit basement, Tim slipped on his boxing gloves and approached the punching bag hanging in the corner. Each punch was fueled by a mix of frustration and protectiveness for Josy. He was mad at himself. He wasn't there to protect his beautiful, sweet, amazing little girl.