What if Tim had a daughter?

Part 8

Tim chuckled again, shaking his head playfully.
Tim- Alright, hoodie thief. We need to go to the grocery store. Do you want to have a snack before we head out, or should we grab something on the way?
Olivia thought for a moment, her eyes lighting up at the proposal of a treat.
Olivia- can we get something on the way? Maybe doughnuts?
Tim smiled, having already anticipated her request. He knew how much Olivia loved doughnuts.
Tim- Sure thing, kiddo. I had a feeling you'd say that. Let's get ready and head out.
Olivia's face brightened, and she hopped off the couch to get her shoes. Tim grabbed his keys and wallet, making sure he had everything he needed. A few minutes later, they were out the door, the afternoon sun casting long shadows as they walked to the car.
The drive to the donut shop was filled with Olivia's chatter about her favorite flavors and what she hoped they'd have in stock. Tim listened with a smile, glad to see her spirits lifting. They arrived at the shop, and Olivia practically bounced out of the car, eagerly leading the way inside.
Once they had their donuts and coffee for Tim, they sat at a small table to enjoy their treats. Olivia savored her chocolate-frosted donut with sprinkles, her mood visibly improving with each bite.
Tim- Feeling better now?
Olivia nodded, her mouth full of donut, and gave her dad a thumbs-up. Tim laughed, feeling a sense of relief that Olivia seemed more like her usual self.
Tim- Good. Let's finish up here, then we'll head to the grocery store.
After they finished their donuts and coffee, they headed to the grocery store. Olivia helped Tim with the shopping, picking out fruits and snacks while Tim focused on the essentials. They worked together efficiently, their worries momentarily forgotten as they focused on the task at hand.
Back home, they unpacked the groceries, and Tim felt a sense of accomplishment seeing their kitchen well-stocked and ready for the week ahead.
Tim Alright, that's everything.
Tim- Thanks for helping out, Livi.
Olivia- No problem, Dad. It was kinda fun.
Tim smiled, appreciating her positive attitude.
Tim- I'm glad to hear that. Now, if you want you can help me clean or do a few more things around the house.
Olivia hesitated for a moment, looking around as if considering her options.
Olivia- Well... I think I'll go to my room for a bit. But maybe later, Dad?
Tim chuckled, understanding her subtle way of declining without outright saying no.
Tim- Sure thing, sweetheart. Go. Ahead and or do whatever you want. I'll handle things here.
Olivia smiled, gave her dad a quick hug, and headed upstairs to her room. Tim watched her go, feeling grateful for the moments of normalcy they were able to share despite the challenges.
With Olivia upstairs, Tim turned his attention to a few remaining chores. He started by folding the laundry, methodically sorting and organizing the clothes into neat piles. The routine of cleaning was soothing, allowing him to clear his mind and stay grounded in the present.
As he worked, his thoughts briefly drifted to Lucy. He wondered how she was spending her afternoon and if she might be thinking about him too. Shaking off the thought, he focused on preparing for dinner.
He checked the pantry and decided to make grilled chicken with roasted vegetables. It was a simple, nutritious meal that he knew Olivia would enjoy. As he started to gather the ingredients, he heard the soft sound of footsteps coming down the stairs. Olivia appeared in the doorway, her face slightly flushed from the excitement of playing.
Olivia- What are you making for dinner, Dad?
Tim- I was thinking of making grilled chicken with roasted vegetables. How does that sound?
Olivia's eyes lit up, and she nodded enthusiastically.
Olivia- Sounds good! Can I help?
Tim- Of course, you can. Why don't you wash your hands and we'll get started?
Olivia hurried to wash her hands, and Tim couldn't help but smile at her eagerness. Together, they worked in the kitchen, Olivia helping to wash and chop the vegetables while Tim prepared the chicken. They chatted about school, friends, and plans for the week as they cooked, enjoying the time together.
After dinner, they cleaned up together, their teamwork making the task go by quickly. With the kitchen clean, they settled back in the living room, deciding to watch a movie before bedtime. Olivia snuggled up next to Tim on the couch, her head resting on his shoulder.
As the movie played, Tim felt a wave of gratitude wash over him. He had his daughter by his side, a comfortable home, and the promise of new possibilities on the horizon. Whatever the future held, he was ready to face it with hope and determination.
When the movie ended, Tim gently nudged Olivia, signaling it was time to get ready for bed. She yawned and nodded, stretching as she got up from the couch. Tim followed her upstairs, getting ready for bed himself.
After tucking Olivia in and saying their goodnights, Tim quietly closed her bedroom door and headed to his room.
He laid  down in bed, feeling the day's activities catching up with him. His thoughts wandered briefly to Lucy again, but he pushed them aside, focusing instead on the peacefulness of the moment.
He checked his phone and watched an episode of the current series he's watching. 
After that, Tim turned off the bedside lamp and settled into a more comfortable position. 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 to the sound of his alarm clock. He stretched and got out of bed, heading to the bathroom for a refreshing shower. The cold water helped wake him up fully, and he felt ready to take on the day.
After his shower, Tim dressed and went to wake Olivia. He knocked softly on her door before opening it slightly.
Tim- Morning, Livi. Time to get up and get ready for school.
Olivia stirred, blinking sleepily as she sat up.
Olivia- Morning, Dad.
Tim smiled and headed downstairs to the kitchen. He started making breakfast, deciding on scrambled eggs and toast. As the eggs sizzled in the pan, Olivia joined him, dressed and ready for the day.
They ate breakfast together, the morning routine providing a comforting rhythm. Afterward, Tim packed Olivia's lunch, knowing she didn't like the school lunch options.
Tim- Alright, lunch is packed. You ready to head out?
Olivia nodded, finishing the last bite of her toast.
Olivia- Yep, I'm ready.
Tim grabbed his keys, and they left the house, the morning air fresh and crisp. He dropped Olivia off at school, giving her a quick hug before she joined her friends.
Tim- Have a great day, sweetheart. See you later.
Olivia- Thanks, Dad. See you after school!
Tim headed straight to the locker room when he arrived at the station. He greeted a few colleagues with nods, then quickly changed into his uniform. The familiar routine of donning his police gear grounded him further, sharpening his focus for the day ahead.
Once ready, he made his way to roll call. The room was already filling up with officers, their conversations a low hum. Tim found his usual spot and sat down, noticing Lucy in the front row. She caught his eye and gave him a small smile, which he returned with a nod.
Sergeant Grey entered, and the room quieted down. After going over the day's updates and assignments, he announced the patrol pairings.
Grey- As usual, Tim and Lucy, you're together. Stay safe out there.
Tim exchanged a knowing look with Lucy, both of them appreciating the steady reliability of their partnership. They had been working together for a while and had developed a strong professional rapport.
Tim- Ready to roll?
Lucy- Always.
They headed out to their shop, the morning sun already beginning to warm the day. The first part of their shift was uneventful, with only a few minor incidents to check on. They spent their time driving through the neighborhoods, chatting lightly about various topics and occasionally falling into comfortable silence.
Around noon, they decided to stop by a convenience store to grab some coffee and a snack. As they were browsing the aisles, Tim heard a commotion at the front of the store. A man, clearly nervous and agitated, was waving a gun at the cashier, demanding money.
Tim and Lucy exchanged a quick glance, their training kicking in immediately. They moved into position, Tim drawing his weapon and taking a stance behind a display rack.
Tim- Police! Drop the weapon!
The man turned, startled, his eyes wide with panic. For a tense moment, it seemed like he might try something foolish, but then he saw the determination in their faces and the guns pointed his way. His shoulders slumped, and he dropped the weapon, raising his hands in surrender.
Lucy quickly moved in, securing the man's hands behind his back and reading him his rights. The cashier, visibly shaken, thanked them repeatedly as they escorted the would-be robber out of the store.
Tim- We have the scene on cameras but I still need to get a statement.
After handling the failed robbery and ensuring the suspect was taken into custody, Tim checked the time. It was almost time to pick up Olivia from school.
Tim- It's about time to pick up Olivia from school. I'll swing by and get her.
Lucy stretched and sighed, a smile spreading across her face.
Lucy- Mind if I come with you? I really need a break.
Tim- Not at all. Let's go.
They hopped into the patrol car and headed to Olivia's school. The sun was starting its descent, casting a warm, golden hue over the city. When they arrived, Olivia was waiting outside, chatting with a friend.
Olivia- Dad! Lucy!
Tim- Hey, Liv. How was school?
Olivia- Good, nothing too exciting.
Tim smiled and nodded as Olivia got into the car. They headed back to the station, but later in the afternoon, they were called to a residential neighborhood where two neighbors were having a heated argument over a fence one had just installed. The fence encroached slightly onto the other's property, sparking the conflict.
They separated the woman and the man, listening to their sides of the story. The woman, clearly agitated, explained her situation first.
Woman- My neighbor took down my fence, and now I can't let my dogs out! They keep running into his yard, and it's causing all sorts of problems.
Tim and Lucy nodded, taking in her frustration and the seriousness of her concern.
Tim- Alright, ma'am. We understand. Let's hear what your neighbor has to say.
They turned to the man, who seemed equally frustrated but more composed.
Man- Look, I just did what she wanted me to do. I had a handshake deal with the previous owner of her house about the placement of the fence. Everything was fine until a week ago when she told me to take it down because it was on her property, so I did. And now, I don't want to install a new fence. I don't need it.
Lucy- So, you had an agreement with the previous owner, and you removed the fence when asked. Is that right?
Man- Exactly. I don't need a fence, but now she's mad because her dogs are getting into my yard.
Tim- This is ridiculous.
Tim breathes out, taking a few steps back to collect himself and avoid raising his voice at the woman.
Man- I know.
He grumbled to Tim, clearly frustrated with the whole situation.
Tim took a deep breath and turned back to face both neighbors, trying to maintain a calm and composed demeanor.
Tim- Ma'am, I understand your frustration, but you can't force him to put up a fence on his property. This is your problem to solve. If you wanted the fence removed because it was slightly on your property, then you need to live with the consequences of that decision.
Woman- But it takes up a lot of space! It's causing so many issues!
Tim- I understand that it's inconvenient, but you made the request for the fence to be removed. Now, it's up to you to find a solution that works for you and your dogs. I suggest installing a new fence within your property lines or finding another way to keep your dogs contained. But you cannot harass your neighbor about this again.
The woman started to raise her voice, clearly upset.
Woman- This is unfair! I've been living here for two years, and now I have to deal with all this!
Tim held up a hand, about to say something but Lucy stepped in because she knew, he was about to lose it.
Lucy- Ma'am, you have to understand that this situation is a result of your request. You asked for the fence to be taken down because it was slightly on your property. Now you have to find a solution that works for you. If you need help, you can consult a professional to install a new fence properly. But the responsibility lies with you.
The woman started to raise her voice even more, her face reddening with anger.
Woman- This is unfair! I've been living here for two years, and now I have to deal with all this!
Tim could see that the situation was escalating, and he decided it was time to wrap things up. He gave the woman a stern look.
Tim- Ma'am, this conversation is over. You need to resolve this on your own and harassing your neighbor is not the solution.
The woman opened her mouth to argue further, but Tim and Lucy turned their attention back to the man.
Tim- Sir, thank you for your cooperation. We appreciate your patience. Good luck with everything.
Man- Thanks, officers.
Tim and Lucy gave him a nod before heading back to their shop. The woman continued to rant and rave as they walked away, but they didn't engage further. They got into the shop and started driving back to the station.
Lucy- Well, that was something.
Tim- Thanks for stepping in.
Lucy- I saw you were about to lose it.
Tim- How could I not? She's been living there for two years and it comes up just now. That woman is crazy. I'm glad she's not my neighbor.
Lucy laughed, nodding in agreement.
Lucy- Absolutely. Let's get some coffee. We both need it after that.
Tim- Sounds like a plan.
They stopped by a nearby café to get some coffee. Tim also picked up an ice tea and a pastry for Olivia, knowing she'd appreciate the treat. The café was bustling with the afternoon crowd, but they managed to get their order quickly.
Back in the shop, they sipped their coffee as they drove back to the station.
When they arrived at the station, they found Olivia happily chatting with some of Tim's colleagues, clearly enjoying the company.
Tim- I've got you something.
Tim handed her the ice tea and pastry.
Olivia's face lit up with a big smile as she took the things from her dad.
Olivia- Thanks, Dad!
Tim- You're welcome, sweetheart. Now, just hang tight while we finish up some paperwork.
Olivia went to the break room to enjoy her treat and chat with more officers who passed by. She loved drama and always wanted to know the latest tea. The station had a relaxed atmosphere as the day wound down, with most officers wrapping up their own tasks.
Tim checked in on Olivia every now and then, ensuring she was okay and not causing too much trouble. After Lucy finished her paperwork, Olivia saw her talking to some other officers and figured she could go over to her since Lucy wasn't working anymore.
Lucy- Hey, Liv! How's it going?
Olivia- Good! What's up?
Lucy- Just have to drop off these files at Sergeant Grey's office real quick.
Olivia- Can I come with you?
Lucy- Of course.
As they walked together, Olivia filled Lucy in on the station's gossip, clearly enjoying herself. Lucy listened with amusement and interest.
Lucy- So, what's the latest?
Olivia- Well, you won't believe what happened with Officer Jenkins and his wife...
Lucy laughed as they reached Sergeant Grey's office and quickly dropped off the files. As they were heading back, Tim called Lucy on the radio.
Tim- Lucy, is Olivia with you again?
Lucy- Yep, she's with me. We just dropped off some files at Grey's office. We'll be there in a minute.
Tim- Got it. Thanks.
As Lucy and Olivia walked back to Tim, Lucy turned to Olivia.
Lucy- So, I want to know the rest of the tea. Are you going to be here tomorrow?
Olivia- I have practice tomorrow, but I'll be back on Friday. I can fill you in then.
Lucy- Perfect, can't wait!
Tim, overhearing a bit of their conversation, looked up as they approached.
Tim- What are you planning to fill Lucy in on?
Olivia- Oh, just stuff.
She grinned at her dad before turning to Lucy.
Olivia- Bye, Lucy! See you Friday!
Lucy- Bye, Olivia! See you then!
Tim smiled, shaking his head as he watched Olivia, about to walk off. He turned to Lucy.
Tim- Thanks for keeping her entertained.
Lucy- Oh, no, she was entertaining me.
Tim raised an eyebrow, a skeptical look crossing his face as he turned to his daughter. Olivia noticed the expression and grinned back at him, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Tim- What were you doing, Livi?
Olivia shrugged casually, her grin widening.
Olivia- Just talking.
Tim's eyes narrowed slightly, not entirely convinced.
Tim- Just talking, huh?
Before Olivia could say anything more, Lucy stepped in, sensing the need to smooth things over.
Lucy- She was just talking about school, and you know, girl stuff. Nothing to worry about. And probably nothing you want to know.
Tim looked between Lucy and Olivia, then sighed, shaking his head again, a small smile tugging at his lips.
Tim- Alright, alright. Just don't get into too much trouble, okay?
Olivia- Me? Trouble? Never!
She flashed a wide, innocent smile that only made Tim chuckle.
Olivia- Bye again, Lucy!
Lucy- Bye, Liv! See you Friday!
As Tim and Olivia made their way out of the, Lucy headed towards the locker room.
In the locker room, Lucy quickly changed out of her uniform. She swapped her uniform for a pair of jeans and a comfy sweater, ready for a relaxed evening.
Once she was changed, she grabbed her bag and checked her phone briefly for any messages. Finding nothing urgent, she headed out to the parking lot.
As Lucy walked through the parking lot, she noticed Tim and Olivia getting into the car. Olivia was chatting animatedly, her hands gesturing enthusiastically as she spoke. Tim, on the other hand, had a look on his face that Lucy had come to recognize—one of fond attention that he reserved for his daughter. He seemed to be soaking up every word Olivia was saying, even if he wasn't always visibly engaged.
Lucy thought to herself how sweet it was to see Tim like that. The way he listened so attentively, the little smiles he gave, and the occasional chuckle—it was a side of him that was warm and genuine. She admired the bond they had, a father-daughter relationship that was clearly very special.
Suddenly, Lucy realized she had been standing there, almost as if in a trance, staring at them. She quickly shook herself out of it, hoping no one had noticed her lingering gaze. With a self-conscious smile, she turned and headed to her car.
Once inside her vehicle, Lucy started the engine and drove home. The drive was serene, the evening light casting a soft glow over the roads. As she drove, her thoughts wandered back to the day's events and the quiet moments of connection she had witnessed between Tim and Olivia. She felt a sense of contentment, knowing that despite the chaos of the day, there were these simple, genuine moments of connection and joy.
When she arrived home, Lucy took a moment to unwind. She slipped out of her shoes, took a shower, changed into comfortable clothes, and settled in for a peaceful evening. Her thoughts drifted to the upcoming shift and the promises of a new day.