What if Tim and Lucy both had kids

Part 7

(I think I messed up the ages in the previous parts but Josy is 12, turning 13 and Theo turned 14 a few weeks ago.)

A few weeks passed by, and Josy's birthday was approaching. Tim had planned a little get-together with friends and family, just as she wished for – nothing too big, as she didn't like large parties. The house buzzed with preparations, and Tim was busy making sure everything was perfect for his daughter.
Theo was struggling to find the perfect gift. He wanted to make sure it was something special, something that would show how much he cared. He stressed over it, going through various ideas but nothing seemed quite right.
Finally, he turned to his mom for help. She suggested a bracelet, something cute and meaningful. Together, they picked out a beautiful bracelet that matched Josy's style perfectly. But Theo wanted to add something more personal. So he decided to make a little album filled with pictures of them, their insiders written down, and other small things he knew she'd like.
The day of the party arrived, and the house was filled with a warm, cheerful atmosphere. Friends and family gathered, chatting and laughing, the air buzzing with excitement. Josy was thrilled with the decorations and the effort her dad had put into making the day special.
As they gathered around to watch her open her gifts, Theo handed her his gift. Josy's eyes lit up as she opened the bracelet box, but it was the album that truly touched her. She flipped through the pages, smiling and laughing at the memories they had shared.
Josy- Theo, this is amazing. Thank you so much.
Theo- I'm glad you like it.
Some of Josy's nosy friends leaned in, trying to get a glimpse of what was in the album.
Friend 1- Ooh, what's in there? Let us see!
Friend 2- Yeah, come on, Josy. Show us!
Josy quickly closed the album, holding it close to her chest and shaking her head with a playful smile.
Josy- No, I'm not showing you guys. This is just for me. Our memories are private.
Her friends groaned in disappointment but laughed it off, understanding that some things were just too personal to share. Tim watched the interaction with a fond smile, glad to see Josy so happy and surrounded by people who cared about her.
As the party continued, Tim walked over to Lucy.
Tim- Hey, Lucy. That album was a really sweet gift. Did you help Theo make it?
Lucy shook her head.
Lucy- No, I didn't even know about it until about ten minutes ago. He did it all on his own.
Tim- Really? So, do you know what's in it?
Lucy- I'm not sure yet, but I'll ask him later. Maybe he'll tell me.
Tim- Let me know if you find out. I'm really curious now. Although, I have a feeling Josy won't spill the beans. She's pretty good at keeping secrets.
Lucy- I'll keep you posted. Maybe you'll have to do some detective work to find out.
Tim- Maybe. It's nice to see her so happy though. Theo really nailed it with that gift.
Lucy- You think so?
Tim gestured towards the table where the opened gifts were displayed.
Tim- Everything's there except the bracelet—she's wearing it—and the album. I saw her run up to her room with it, probably to make sure no one gets the chance to go through it.
Lucy nodded thoughtfully, understanding Josy's desire to keep those memories private.
Lucy- Smart move. I wouldn't want anyone poking around my personal stuff either.
Tim- Exactly. She's never been like that. She always told me pretty much everything.
Lucy glanced at Tim, a knowing look in her eyes.
Lucy- She's growing up, Tim. Kids start wanting their own space, their own secrets.
Tim paused, a hint of sadness crossing his face as he realized the truth in Lucy's words. He watched Josy, now laughing with her friends, and felt a pang of nostalgia.
Tim- I guess you're right. It's just hard sometimes, you know? She's my little girl.
Lucy placed a reassuring hand on Tim's arm, understanding his feelings.
Lucy- She'll always be your little girl, Tim. But she's also becoming her own person.
Tim nodded slowly, taking in Lucy's words. He appreciated her understanding and sought her advice, feeling a bit lost in the whirlwind of emotions.
Tim- How did you handle it when Theo started pulling away ?
Lucy smiled warmly at Tim, reflecting on her own experiences with Theo.
Lucy- Theo's still very open with me about pretty much everything. It's a different journey for each of them.
Tim nodded thoughtfully, absorbing Lucy's wisdom. He glanced at Josy again, seeing her animated gestures and infectious laughter.
Tim- Yeah, I suppose every child grows and changes in their own way.
Lucy nodded in agreement, her gaze following Josy for a moment before returning to Tim.
Lucy- Exactly. It's all part of them finding their independence and figuring out who they are.
Tim sighed softly, a mix of pride and wistfulness in his expression.
Tim- I'm proud of her, you know? She's turning into such an amazing young woman. But it's hard sometimes, realizing she's not that little girl who used to climb onto my lap for bedtime stories.
Lucy squeezed Tim's arm gently, offering silent support.
Lucy- I understand. It's a transition for both of you. But you've always been there for her, Tim. That won't change.
Tim smiled gratefully at Lucy, appreciating her reassurance.
Tim- Thanks, Lucy. I guess I just have to get used to this new phase.
Lucy nodded, her own memories of Theo's childhood still vivid in her mind.
Lucy- It's a journey. And remember, she'll always need her dad, no matter how grown-up she becomes.
Tim nodded in agreement, feeling a sense of resolve settle within him. He watched Josy and her friends for a moment longer, feeling grateful for the bond they shared and determined to cherish every moment, no matter how quickly time seemed to pass.
As the evening wore on, the atmosphere remained lively and cheerful. Guests continued to mingle and enjoy themselves, with laughter and music filling the air. Josy, surrounded by her friends, seemed to be having a great time.
Tim, taking a moment to rest near the patio, noticed Josy standing by the pool, chatting and laughing with her friends who were splashing around in the water. Her infectious laughter reached Tim, bringing a smile to his face. Feeling a mischievous spark, he quietly approached Josy from behind.
Tim playfully grabbed her by the waist and lifted her off her feet. With a playful shout from Josy, Tim swiftly swung her around and dramatically tossed her into the pool, clothes and all.
Josy hit the water with a splash, surprised but quickly recovering with laughter. She surfaced, her wet hair clinging to her face as she laughed unabashedly at her dad's unexpected move. Tim stood at the edge of the pool, chuckling at Josy's reaction.
Josy swam over to the side of the pool and held her hand out towards her dad. Tim grinned, knowing full well what Josy had in mind. He reached out his hand as if to help her, but instead of pulling her out, Josy gave a swift tug. With a playful yelp, Tim lost his balance and plunged into the pool beside her, also fully clothed.
Lucy couldn't contain her laughter as she watched Tim and Josy's playful exchange by the poolside. She had anticipated the mischief when she saw Tims face, looking at Josy standing near the pool, and now she was thoroughly enjoying the moment. With her phone in hand, Lucy had been recording the scene from the moment Tim made his move.
Josy grinned mischievously, wrapping her arms around his neck.
Josy- Gotcha, Dad!
Tim shook his head, water dripping from his hair.
Tim- Alright, Jo, you got me there!
The guests nearby erupted in laughter, thoroughly enjoying the father-daughter antics. Tim surfaced, his clothes drenched and laughter escaping him. He glanced at Josy, who wore an expression of victory mixed with amusement.
Josy swam over to the pool's edge and climbed out with Tim's help, both of them still laughing. Tim ruffled Josy's wet hair affectionately, and she leaned into his side.
Tim- You're lucky I love you so much, kiddo.
Josy- I know, Dad. But you do realize you started it. Right?
Tim- Yeah, you're right.
Tim glanced over at Lucy, who was still recording, and gave her a nod of appreciation. Lucy winked back, glad to see her best friend so happy with his daughter.
As the evening wore on and the sky dimmed with the approaching night, the lively atmosphere of the birthday party began to wind down. Guests started to say their goodbyes, exchanging hugs and well wishes with Tim, Josy, and each other. Laughter echoed around the backyard as memories of the day were shared one last time.
Lucy and Theo stayed behind to help a little with the cleanup. Meanwhile, Josy, still buzzing with playful energy, noticed Theo walking by the poolside. With a mischievous glint in her eye, she swiftly approached him and playfully pushed him into the pool.
The splash and ensuing laughter drew Tim's and Lucy's attention. They chuckled at the sight of Theo resurfacing, slightly surprised but laughing along with the others.
Theo, undeterred by the splash, climbed out of the pool with a grin, shaking off the water. Josy, sensing a playful opportunity, darted away, giggling as she tried to evade Theo. However, Theo quickly caught up to her, scooping her up.
Josy squealed, her laughter echoing through the backyard as Theo carried her towards the edge of the pool. With a mischievous grin mirroring Josy's earlier antics, Theo tossed her into the water.
Josy hit the water with a splash, laughing uproariously as she surfaced.
Tim and Lucy, thoroughly amused by the scene unfolding before started laughing.
Theo, still grinning from the water exchange with Josy, walked over to where Lucy and Tim were standing. His still dripping. Lucy saw him approaching and smiled warmly at her son, holding out his arms.
Theo- Mom, come here!
Lucy chuckled, holding out one arm to keep him away from her, but as Theo got closer, she quickly sidestepped, narrowly avoiding his attempt to transfer some of the pool water onto her clothes.
Theo- Aw, Mom! You dodged me!
Lucy laughed heartily.
Lucy- Nice try, T. But no, I'm not falling for that!
Tim joined in the laughter, shaking his head at Theo's unsuccessful attempt.
Tim- Almost got her. Nice try, buddy.
Lucy turned to Theo with a smile, but her tone was firm.
Lucy- You're not getting im my car like this.
Theo- What do you want me to do?
Lucy- I don't know.
Tim, overhearing the conversation, chimed in.
Tim- How about I get you a pair of my old sweatpants and a shirt? They might even fit you.
Theo's face lit up with relief.
Theo- That would be great, thanks!
Tim quickly went inside and returned with a pair of sweatpants and a T-shirt. He handed them to Theo, who accepted them gratefully.
Theo quickly changed into the dry clothes, feeling much more comfortable, they fit perfectly. While Theo was away changing, Tim turned to Lucy with a curious expression.
Tim- So, what were you hoping he'd do? Just strip down right here?
Lucy chuckled, shaking her head.
Lucy- I hadn't thought that far ahead. Maybe.
Tim laughed, giving her a teasing look.
Tim- Really? You think he would have actually done it?
Lucy grinned, nodding.
Lucy- Oh, definitely. At home, he walks around in just his boxers all the time.
Tim- I mean I sometimes walk around like that too, but not when someone else is around.
Lucy laughed softly, nodding in agreement.
Lucy- Yeah, I get that. But I know that he doesn't give a shit, so he might have actually done it.
Just then, Theo returned, looking much more at ease in the dry clothes.
Theo- These fit perfectly, thanks again, Tim.
Tim- Anytime, buddy. Glad they worked out.
Lucy smiled at her son.
Lucy- Alright, let's head home. Thanks for everything, Tim and Josy.
Tim- No problem. Drive safe, you two.
Josy- Thanks for coming! It was great having you here.
Lucy- We had a blast, Josy. Thanks for inviting us.
Theo- Yes, thank you, Josy. Happy birthday again!
They all exchanged good byes. Tim waved them off with a smile, watching as they drove away.
As they drove home, Lucy glanced over at Theo, thinking of something to talk about.
Lucy- So, how are things with that girl you told me about? Was she at the party?
Theo hesitated for a moment before answering.
Theo- No, she wasn't there. Actually, I don't think I want to ask her out anymore. I've seen her being kind of mean to some people, and I just don't want to be with someone like that.
Lucy nodded thoughtfully, understanding his decision.
Lucy- I get it. You deserve someone kind and respectful. Mind telling me who it was?
Theo looked out the window for a moment, then back at his mom.
Theo- It was Alyssa. She's in my math class. At first, I thought she was really cool, but then I saw how she treated some other people, and it just didn't sit right with me.
Lucy- I'm proud of you for recognizing that. It's important to be with someone who shares your values. There are plenty of other nice girls out there.
Theo smiled, feeling reassured by his mom's support.
Theo- Thanks, Mom. I guess I'll just wait for the right person to come along.
Lucy- That's a good plan. You've got plenty of time.
They continued their drive home, talking and laughing, the bond between mother and son growing even stronger through their conversation.
When they arrived home, Theo jump right into the shower.
While Theo showered, Lucy did some laundry. She then headed to the living room, grabbed a book, and settled onto the couch, enjoying the calm and quiet.
Theo finished his shower and changed into his pajamas. He walked through the living room, where Lucy was reading, and gave her a quick smile before heading to his room to play some video games. Lucy smiled back, appreciating the peaceful atmosphere.
As the evening progressed, they naturally fell into their own activities. Theo immersed himself in his video game, while Lucy enjoyed her book.
When the clock struck 10 PM, Lucy called out to Theo.
Lucy- Time to wrap it up, T. We've got a new week starting tomorrow.
Theo- Okay, Mom. I'll be done in a minute.
A few minutes later, Theo emerged from his room, he walked over to the kitchen and grabbed a water.
Theo- Goodnight, Mom.
Lucy hugged him gently.
Lucy- Goodnight, sweatheart. Sleep well.
Theo headed to his room, and Lucy tidied up a bit before heading to bed herself. As she lay in bed, she reflected on the day's events.