What if Tim had a daughter?

Part 7

As soon as Tim set foot into the house, Olivia opened her eyes and grinned mischievously.
Olivia- I knew you'd carry me, Dad.
Tim chuckled, gently setting her down.
Tim- I figured as much. Now, let's check in on Genny and Tyler.
Olivia nodded, her expression shifting to one of concern as they headed to the living room. Tim picked up his phone and dialed Genny's number, putting it on speaker.
Genny- Hey, Tim.
Tim- Hey, Genny. How's Tyler doing?
Genny- He's alright. The doctors said it's a bad sprain, but thankfully nothing's broken. They put his arm in a sling.
Tim- That's a relief. How are you holding up?
Genny sighed, her voice reflecting her fatigue.
Genny- I'm alright, just exhausted. It's just been a long day.
Olivia- Can we come by and see him tomorrow, Aunt Genny?
Genny's voice softened at the sound of Olivia's concern.
Genny- Of course, Liv. He'd love to see you. It would definitely cheer him up.
Tim- Alright, we'll see you tomorrow. You two get some rest tonight.
Genny- Thanks, Tim. I appreciate it. Goodnight, both of you.
Tim and Olivia- Goodnight, (aunt) Genny.
After hanging up, Tim turned to Olivia with a reassuring smile.
Tim- Tyler's going to be fine. Now, how about we get ready for bed? It's been a long day.
Olivia nodded, feeling reassured by the update. She headed upstairs to get ready for bed, while Tim took a moment to tidy up the living room and reflect on the day's events. The conversation with Olivia about his feelings for Lucy replayed in his mind, and he knew it was something he couldn't ignore forever.
After tucking Olivia in and saying their goodnights, Tim quietly closed her bedroom door and headed to his room, checking his phone and watching TV. Before settling in, he decided to check on Olivia once more. He opened her door gently and peered in, seeing her fast asleep, her breathing steady and peaceful. He returned to his own room.
Tim lay down in bed, but sleep didn't come easily. His mind was racing with the events of the day and the conversation he'd had about his feelings for Lucy. He couldn't shake the thoughts of Lucy from his mind; her laugh, her smile, the way she made him feel. It had been a long time since he'd felt this way about someone, and the realization both excited and terrified him.
As the minutes ticked by, Tim felt a tension building in his body that he couldn't ignore. He shifted uncomfortably, trying to find a position that would help him relax, but it didn't work.
With a sigh, he lay back down, pulling the covers over himself. His thoughts still swirled with the day's events.
Tim took a deep breath, trying to clear his mind. He knew he needed to get some rest. Tomorrow would bring a new day, new challenges, and hopefully, some clarity.
He turned off the bedside lamp and settled into a more comfortable position, the tension in his body finally starting to dissipate. The room was quiet, and gradually, the weight of the day began to fade as exhaustion took over. Tim's eyes grew heavy, and within minutes, he drifted off to sleep, finding a moment of peace in the darkness.
The next morning, Tim woke up at around 7 AM. He stretched, changed into his workout clothes, and headed to the basement for his routine. The familiar motions of lifting weights and doing cardio helped him focus and prepare for the day. After about an hour and a half, he finished his workout, feeling energized and clear-headed.
Tim showered and got dressed, then began tidying up the house. He checked the time: 9 AM. Olivia should be waking up soon. He moved around the kitchen, cleaning up, and started preparing things for the next week.
However, as the clock ticked closer to 10:30 AM and he hadn't heard a peep from Olivia, Tim decided to check on her. He went upstairs and gently knocked on her door before opening it.
Tim- Livi, time to get up. We need to get ready to go to Aunt Genny's for brunch.
Olivia groaned softly and rolled over, her eyes barely opening. She looked a little grumpy, her face showing clear signs of lingering sleepiness.
Olivia- But Dad, why so early? I'm tired.
Tim walked over to her bed and sat on the edge, looking at her with a puzzled expression.
Tim- You went to bed at your usual time, sweetheart. I even checked on you before I went to bed, and you were fast asleep. How come you're still tired?
Olivia sighed and slowly sat up, rubbing her eyes.
Olivia- I don't know, Dad. I just feel really tired.
Tim- Maybe you just need a bit more time to wake up. Let's get you ready, and once we're at Aunt Genny's, you'll feel better. Something to eat and seeing Tyler might do the trick.
Olivia nodded reluctantly and swung her legs over the side of the bed. Tim stood up and gave her a pat on the back before leaving her room to let her get dressed.
Once Olivia came downstairs, looking a bit more awake but still clearly tired, they headed out. The drive to Genny's house was quiet, with Tim glancing over at Olivia occasionally, her yawns and the way she leaned her head against the window.
When they arrived, Genny greeted them warmly, her tired eyes showing relief at seeing her family.
Genny- Hey, you two! Come on in. Tyler's in the living room.
Olivia perked up a bit at the mention of Tyler and quickly headed inside. Tim followed Genny into the kitchen, where she was putting the finishing touches on brunch.
Tim- Need any help?
Genny- No, I think I've got it under control. Thanks, though. How's Liv?
Tim- Still tired, for some reason. She went to bed at her usual time but couldn't seem to wake up this morning.
Genny nodded sympathetically.
Genny- Maybe she's just going through a growth spurt or something. Kids can be like that.
Brunch was a lively affair. Olivia and Tyler were happy to see each other, and their laughter filled the room, making Genny and Tim smile. The food was delicious.
After brunch, while the kids settled in to watch a movie, Tim and Genny stayed behind in the kitchen to clean up.
Genny- Thanks for helping out, Tim.
Tim- It's the least I can do.
They worked in comfortable silence for a while, then chatted about their plans for the next week. As they finished up, Tim dried his hands on a towel and looked toward the living room.
Tim- Let's see what the kids are up to.
When they entered the living room, Tim noticed Olivia slumped on the couch, fast asleep. Tyler was engrossed in the movie, glancing at his cousin occasionally but not seeming too concerned.
Tim sat down next to Olivia and gently pulled her towards him, allowing her head to rest on his shoulder. She stirred slightly but remained asleep, finding comfort in her father's presence. Tim glanced over at Genny, who smiled warmly at the sight.
Genny- Looks like she really needs this nap.
Tim nodded, stroking Olivia's hair softly as they watched the movie together. He felt a sense of peace settle over him, grateful for these quiet moments with his daughter and sister (and nephew of course) after the recent challenges they had faced.
While the movie played on, Tim's thoughts drifted back to the events of the past few days. He hoped Tyler would recover quickly and that Olivia would soon regain her usual energy.
As the movie played on, Olivia stirred slightly in her sleep, her body adjusting to a more comfortable position against her father's side. Tim continued to stroke her hair gently, feeling a sense of calm wash over him as he watched the screen, half-engaged in the movie and half-absorbed in his own thoughts.
About ten minutes before the movie was due to end, Olivia started to wake up. She blinked her eyes open slowly, adjusting to the light in the room. Tim noticed her stirring and smiled down at her.
Tim- Hey there, sleepyhead. Feeling better?
Olivia rubbed her eyes and yawned softly.
Olivia- Yeah, I think so.
Tim nodded sympathetically, seeing she had no energy and understanding how she felt after a long morning and the emotional weight of recent events.
Tim- It's okay, Livi. You've had a lot going on. Just relax and take it easy.
Olivia nestled closer to her dad, finding comfort in his presence. Together, they watched the rest of the movie in companionable silence, occasionally exchanging glances or sharing a whispered comment about the scenes unfolding on screen.
After the movie concluded, Tim gently nudged Olivia, signaling it was time to head back home. She reluctantly stirred from her comfortable position against her father's side, stretching her arms as they prepared to leave Genny's place.
Tim thanked Genny once more for the wonderful brunch and the chance to spend time together. Genny hugged both Tim and Olivia tightly, expressing her joy at having them over. With promises to see each other for next week for brunch. It's their tradition to meet at least every Sunday for brunch.
During the drive home, Olivia leaned back in her seat, occasionally glancing out the window. Tim stole glances at her from time to time, noticing a mixture of contentment and lingering tiredness in her expression.
Tim- Feeling better now, sweetheart?
Olivia- I don't know.
Olivia's voice trailed off as she stared out the window, her expression thoughtful and distant. Tim glanced at her with concern, noting the weight of recent events lingering in her eyes.
Tim- You've been through a lot lately.
Olivia nodded slowly, her gaze still fixed on the passing scenery outside.
Olivia- Yeah... it's been a lot to take in.
Tim nodded in understanding, his concern deepening for his daughter.
Tim- I know, sweetheart. It's okay to feel however you're feeling. Just know I'm here for you.
Olivia managed a faint smile, appreciating her dad's understanding.
Olivia- Thanks, Dad. I just need some time, I think.
Tim nodded reassuringly, steering the conversation gently.
Tim- Of course. Take all the time you need.
They drove on in companionable silence, Olivia occasionally sighing softly as she processed her thoughts. Tim respected her need for space, focusing on navigating the familiar streets back home.
Upon arriving, they both got out of the car, the routine offering a moment of normalcy. Tim walked beside Olivia as they entered the house.
Tim- Do you want me to get you a bath ready?, So you can just relax a little.
Olivia considered the offer, feeling the weight of fatigue and emotional strain.
Olivia- Yeah, that sounds nice, actually. Thanks, Dad.
Tim smiled warmly, glad to have found a way to provide some comfort for his daughter. He headed to her bathroom to prepare a warm bath. Olivia went to her dad's room to steal one of his hoodies before gathering some other things from her room.
Once the bath was ready, Tim called out to Olivia, letting her know it was all set. She entered the bathroom, greeted by the steam rising from the tub. Tim stepped out, giving her privacy while still being close by if she needed anything.
Olivia eased into the warm water, letting out a sigh of relief as the tension began to melt away. Tim occasionally   checked in on her from time to time, ensuring she was okay without intruding on her space.
After a while, Olivia emerged from the bath, feeling refreshed and more at ease than she had in days. She found Tim in the hallway, ready with a comforting smile.
Tim- Feeling better?
Olivia nodded, a small but genuine smile spreading across her face.
Olivia- Yeah, thank you.
Tim opened his arms as Olivia approached him, and without a word, she wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug. Tim returned the embrace gently, holding her close. They stood there for a moment, the quiet warmth of their embrace conveying more than words could.
Tim could feel Olivia's gratitude and the weight of her emotions in the hug, and he held her a little tighter, silently reassuring her of his love and support. Olivia nestled into the comfort of her dad's embrace, finding solace in his presence.
After a while, they parted, but Tim kept a hand on Olivia's shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze.
Tim- Anytime you need a hug like that, you know where to find me, okay?
Olivia nodded, her eyes reflecting her gratitude and a hint of lingering fatigue. She smiled up at him, her expression softening.
Olivia- Thanks, Dad. I needed that.
Tim returned her smile, feeling a surge of love for his daughter.
Tim- I'm here for you, always.
They shared another brief smile before heading downstairs together, ready to continue their day.
As Tim and Olivia descended the stairs, they both felt a sense of calm settle between them. In the living room, they settled onto the couch together.
Tim glanced down at Olivia, noticing something familiar about her attire. He chuckled softly when he realized she was wearing one of his hoodies, a navy blue one that was slightly oversized on him and way too big for her small frame. It was a hoodie he often wore around the house, and seeing Olivia in it brought a smile to his face.
Tim gently nudged Olivia with his elbow.
Tim- Rocking my hoodie there?
Olivia looked down at herself and then back up at Tim, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.
Olivia- Yep! It's comfy.
Tim chuckled again, shaking his head playfully.