What if Tim had a daughter?

Part 10

(In this story Lila, Nylas daughter is 13 years old. It's not really important but just in case I put her in, in future.)

The next morning, Tim and Olivia enjoyed a lazy start to their day. They had a leisurely breakfast, with Olivia's favorite pancakes and fruit, and spent some time chatting and relaxing. The sun streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow over their cozy kitchen.
Around 10 AM, Olivia decided it was time to tackle her school presentation. She gathered her materials and settled at the kitchen table, where she always preferred to do her schoolwork. Tim, getting some thing done around the house, occasionally glanced over to see how she was doing.
She was preparing a presentation on Japan She had spent hours researching and gathering information, and now she felt overwhelmed by the sheer amount of material she had to organize.
Tim, noticing her furrowed brow and deep concentration, walked over with a cup of tea for her.
Tim- How's it going, Liv?
Olivia sighed, looking up at her dad with a mix of frustration and anger.
Olivia- Honestly, Dad, I'm so frustrated. There's just too much to cover, and I only get 15 minutes to present. It's impossible. I'm thinking about emailing my teacher and telling him it's not doable. You can't squeeze everything in, in 15 minutes.
Tim- Whoa, hold on. Let's not do anything rash. When is this presentation due?
Olivia- It's due Wednesday. I just don't see how I can fit everything in without leaving out important stuff or going over the time limit. And if I take too much time, my grade will go down.
Tim- Alright, I get it. Why don't you talk to your teacher on Monday? Explain the situation and see if you can get some guidance.
Olivia looked relieved but still a bit overwhelmed.
Olivia- Yeah, I guess there's no other option. I'll talk to him and see what he suggests.
With that, Olivia decided to put away her things. She spent some time in her room, trying to relax and clear her mind. A little later, Tim called out to her.
Tim- Hey, Liv, get ready to head to Angela's.
Olivia paused, then walked out of her room.
Olivia- Who's going to be there? The regular group? Anyone else?
Tim- The usual group is going to be there; Nolan and Bailey, Nyla and James, Aaron, Lucy, Celina... maybe a few of Wesley's friends.
Olivia hesitated before asking, her voice a bit quieter.
Olivia- Is Lila going to be there too?
Tim shrugged.
Tim- I'm not sure. If she's with Nyla this weekend, she'll probably be there.
Olivia felt a twinge of disappointment as she realized that Lila might not be there. It would have been nice to have someone around her age to talk to, someone who understood her world a bit better. Still, she didn't let it show too much. With a small nod, she turned and headed back to her room to get ready.
As she brushed her hair and changed into something comfortable yet nice enough to wear it outside the house, Olivia couldn't help but think about how fun it would be if Lila were there.
Once she was ready, Olivia grabbed her phone and her jacket before joining her dad downstairs. Tim gave her a quick smile as they headed out the door together.
When they arrived at Angela's, it was clear they weren't the first ones there. The warm sound of laughter and conversation greeted them as they walked in. Olivia noticed that Lucy was already there, helping Angela with some last-minute preparations in the kitchen. Every so often, Lucy would take a break to entertain Jack, who was toddling around with boundless energy.
Angela looked up from what she was doing and gave them both a welcoming smile.
Angela- Hey, you two! Glad you could make it.
Tim- Wouldn't miss it.
Olivia gave a small wave and wandered into the kitchen, where she saw Lucy trying to keep Jack occupied with a wooden spoon and a pot.
Olivia- Hi, Lucy. Need any help?
Lucy- Hey, Liv! We've got most of it under control, but you're welcome to keep this little guy entertained for a bit.
Olivia smiled, taking the spoon from Jack and lightly tapping it against the pot, making him giggle. It wasn't exactly what she had hoped for in terms of company, but Jack's infectious laughter did lift her spirits a little.
As Olivia kept Jack entertained with the makeshift drum, she glanced over at Angela, who was bustling around the kitchen with practiced ease.
Olivia. Hey, Angela, is Nyla here yet?
Angela paused for a moment, wiping her hands on a dish towel before turning to Olivia.
Angela- Not yet, but she should be here soon.
Olivia nodded, trying to sound casual as she asked her next question.
Olivia- Do you know if Lila will be coming too?
Angela smiled warmly, catching the hint of hope in Olivia's voice.
Angela- Actually, Lila is with Nyla this weekend, so she should be coming too.
Olivia's face brightened at the news, a wave of relief washing over her.
Olivia- That's great!
Angela noticed Olivia's change in mood and gave her an encouraging nod.
Angela- I'm sure you two will have a lot of fun together. Just hang tight, they'll be here soon.
With that reassurance, Olivia returned her attention to Jack, who was still delighted by the sounds they were making.
As Angela stepped out of the kitchen to check on something in the living room, Lucy turned to Olivia with a playful grin, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Lucy- So, Liv... got any new tea to spill? You filled me in yesterday, but come on, you were in the break room for a while after that. There's gotta be something new, right?
Olivia couldn't help but laugh at Lucy's eagerness.
Olivia- Well, I did hear something about Mrs. Taylor's cat getting stuck in a tree again. But other than that, not much.
Lucy rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed with the non-gossip.
Lucy- Ugh, come on! I'm talking about the good stuff. Who's crushing on who? Any drama I missed?
Olivia- I'm sorry there is nothing new. But I got some school— let's call it drama.
Lucy- spit it out.
Olivia thought for a moment, then leaned in a little closer, lowering her voice.
Olivia- Okay, okay. You know Jason from my math class? He asked Kelly out, and she totally turned him down in front of everyone. It was so awkward.
Lucy gasped, her eyes wide.
Lucy- No way! That's brutal. Poor guy. But hey, good for Kelly for not stringing him along.
Olivia- Yeah, but the way she did it... yikes. The whole class just kind of froze. Even Mr. Thompson didn't know what to do.
Lucy shook her head, clearly reveling in the small-town drama.
Lucy- Middle school, man. It's like its own soap opera.
Olivia nodded, feeling a bit more relaxed as they chatted.
Just as Olivia and Lucy were settling into their conversation, the doorbell rang. Olivia's head shot up, and without a second thought, she sprinted to the door, her heart racing with excitement.
She flung the door open, and there stood Nyla with James beside her, holding little Leah. But what really caught Olivia's attention was Lila, standing just behind them, smiling as she waved.
Olivia- Hi, Lila!
Lila- Hey, Liv!
Nyla smiled at Olivia's enthusiasm as she stepped inside, balancing Leah on her hip.
Nyla- Hey, Olivia! It's good to see you.
James- Looks like someone was waiting for us.
Olivia blushed slightly, but her smile remained bright.
Olivia- I'm just glad you're all here.
Nyla gave Olivia a quick hug before heading into the living room with James and Leah. Lila stayed back with Olivia, and the two girls exchanged a grin.
Lila- So, what did I miss?
Olivia- Nothing much yet. Just some small talk with Lucy. But now that you're here, it's going to be way more fun.
As Olivia and Lila entered the kitchen, Lucy looked up and smiled.
Lucy- Hey, Lila! Long time no see!
Lila- Hey, Lucy! Yeah, it's been a while. How've you been?
Lucy- Busy as usual, but it's good to see you. How about you?
Lila- Same here. I've been all over the place with school and everything, but I'm glad to finally have some downtime.
Olivia- Feels like forever since we've all hung out together.
Lucy- Seriously. We need to do this more often.
The three of them exchanged smiles, slipping easily into conversation. There was a comfortable familiarity between them, even if Lila didn't know Lucy as well as Olivia did. It was clear they were all happy to be in each other's company.
Lucy- So, any plans for the evening?
Lila- Just hanging out and catching up. It's nice to have a chill night for once.
Olivia- Agreed. No stress, just fun.
After a few more minutes of lighthearted conversation, they decided to head out to the backyard where everyone else was gathering. The sun was starting to set, casting a warm glow over the yard. Nolan and Bailey were by the grill with Aaron, while Celina and Angela were setting up a table with food. Nyla and James were sitting near the back, watching Leah play on a blanket.
As they stepped into the backyard, the warm evening air greeted them, and the sounds of laughter and chatter filled the space. Lucy waved to the others before heading off to join Celina and Angela at the table, leaving Olivia and Lila to find their own spot.
The two girls wandered over to a quieter corner of the yard, where the shadows of the trees provided a bit of privacy. They settled onto a couple of lounge chairs, close enough to feel the warmth of the gathering but far enough away that their conversation would remain just between them. It was as if an invisible "DO NOT DISTURB" sign hung above their heads, clearly signaling to everyone else to give them some space.
Lila- This is nice. I feel like it's been ages since we've had a chance to just talk.
Olivia- Yeah, it's been a while. There's always so much going on, you know?
Lila- Totally. It's like school and everything else just never stops.
They both sighed, feeling the weight of their busy lives but also the relief of this quiet moment.
Olivia- So... anything new with you?
The two girls caught up on everything and giggled together, the atmosphere lightening as they looked around the backyard. Their eyes scanned the different groups of people chatting and laughing, the evening carrying on in a relaxed, carefree manner.
As Olivia's gaze wandered, it landed on Lucy, who was talking to one of Wesley's friends near the grill. At first, it seemed like just a normal conversation, but then Olivia noticed how touchy the guy was being—leaning in too close, placing his hand on Lucy's arm a little too often, staring a little too much. What bothered Olivia even more was that Lucy didn't seem to mind; in fact, she was being just as touchy, laughing and leaning into him.
Olivia couldn't stand how close they were standing or the way they were laughing together. It wasn't just the guy she didn't like—it was the fact that Lucy, who she knew liked her dad, was acting like this with someone else.
Olivia's heart sank. Lucy should be with her dad, laughing at his goofy jokes and sharing those little moments that Olivia often caught when Lucy thought no one was watching. It just didn't make sense to her. Why couldn't they see what was so obvious? They liked each other, so why was Lucy here, flirting with some random guy? He isn't even good looking or something like that. Lucy is way out of his league.
Finally, after the guy walked away, Olivia decided to approach Lucy.
She walked over, trying to keep her tone casual, but there was no mistaking the curiosity in her eyes.
Olivia- Hey, Lucy, who was that guy?
Lucy turned, surprised to see Olivia standing there. She smiled, not picking up on Olivia's deeper concern.
Lucy- Oh, him? He's one of Wesley's friends. I think his name is Lucas or something.
Olivia tilted her head, trying to sound nonchalant but failing to hide her curiosity.
Olivia- He seems like he's never heard of personal space. Why was he all up in yours?
Lucy chuckled at Olivia's bluntness, shaking her head.
Lucy- Yeah, he was a bit touchy, wasn't he? But it's not a big deal, Liv. Some people just don't get that they're being too much. I was just being polite.
Olivia- You didn't have to be that polite. I mean, it wasn't just him being touchy. You were too.
Lucy blinked, taken aback by Olivia's observation. She hadn't realized how closely Olivia was watching, and the directness of her comment left her flustered. She could feel her cheeks heating up as she tried to formulate a response.
Lucy- Was I? I didn't really notice... I was just... you know, trying to be nice.
But Olivia wasn't convinced. She crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow as if daring Lucy to try and talk her way out of it.
Olivia- Come on, Lucy. I was watching, and you weren't just being polite. You were definitely being touchy too.
Lucy blushed deeper, caught in the moment and trying to think of something that would explain her behavior. She glanced away, looking a little embarrassed.
Lucy- Well... maybe I thought he was kind of cute, okay?
Olivia's eyes widened at the admission, her surprise evident.
Olivia- You think he's cute?
Lucy bit her lip, half-smiling, half-cringing as she nodded.
Lucy- Yeah... I guess so. He's not bad-looking, and he was funny. It doesn't mean anything serious, though. Sometimes you just... feel like flirting, you know?
Olivia didn't look entirely convinced, but she could tell Lucy was being honest. Still, it didn't sit well with her, knowing that Lucy liked her dad but was flirting with someone else.
Olivia- Lucy, you're way out of his league. Seriously, you can do so much better.
Lucy couldn't help but laugh a little at Olivia's bluntness, though her blush hadn't quite faded.
Lucy- You think so?
Olivia nodded emphatically, her expression serious.
Olivia- I know so. You're smart, funny, and way too good for some random guy who doesn't even know how to look into your face while talking.
Lucy- Wait, what do you mean by that? What are you talking about?
Olivia sighed, her face scrunching up as she tried to find the right words without making it too awkward. But she knew she had to be honest.
Olivia- His eyes weren't on your face or even above your shoulders, Lucy. He was literally staring at your... well, let's call it your 'girl parts.'—He was staring at your boobs. Okay?
Lucy's eyes widened in shock, her blush deepening from embarrassment rather than the lightheartedness she'd felt earlier.
Lucy- What? Seriously?
Olivia nodded, her expression full of concern.
Olivia- Yeah, it was pretty obvious. And that's why I'm saying you're way out of his league. You deserve someone who sees you for more than just... that.
Lucy felt a wave of embarrassment wash over her. She hadn't even noticed where Lucas had been looking, too caught up in the light flirting and the moment. Now, hearing Olivia point it out, she felt a bit grossed out by the whole interaction.
Lucy- I had no idea...
Olivia- I know, and I'm sorry for pointing it out like this. But you're worth so much more than some guy who's just staring at you like that.
Lucy nodded, taking a deep breath to push away the awkwardness and the disappointment that had settled in.
Lucy- Thanks for telling me, Liv. I guess I got a little too caught up in the moment.
Olivia- I'm really sorry, Lucy. Are you mad at me for pointing it out?
Lucy shook her head, the tension easing out of her shoulders as she looked at Olivia with a small, reassuring smile.
Lucy- No, Sweetheart, I'm not mad at you. If anything, I'm grateful you told me. It's better to know, even if it's kind of embarrassing. But... can you do me a favor?
Olivia nodded quickly.
Olivia- Of course, anything.
Lucy- Let's just keep this between us, okay? I don't want anyone else finding out about this... especially not the guys. It's bad enough as it is.
Olivia- I won't say a word, I promise.
As the two girls wrapped up their conversation, Lucy couldn't help but feel a little more self-conscious after Olivia's revelation. They decided to join the others, but now, Lucy was more aware of her surroundings, her eyes subtly scanning the crowd.
As they neared the group, she noticed Lucas again, standing off to the side. At first, he seemed engrossed in a conversation with Aaron and the girl he'd brought along, but then Lucy caught him glancing in her direction. His eyes trailed down from her face, confirming everything Olivia had said. The way he looked at her—and the girl Aaron had brought—made Lucy's skin crawl.
Trying to shake off the discomfort, Lucy focused on the rest of the evening. The night wore on, and people started heading home. The mood was relaxed, the sound of laughter and goodbyes filling the air. As Lucy was getting ready to leave, she felt a tap on her shoulder. Turning around, she saw Lucas standing there with a casual smile.
Lucas- Hey, Lucy. It's getting late. Do you want a ride home? I'm heading that way.
Lucy hesitated, her discomfort from earlier bubbling back up. She didn't want to be rude, but the last thing she wanted was to be stuck in a car alone with him. Just as she was about to politely decline, Tim, who had been nearby, overheard the exchange and immediately sensed her unease.
Tim- Actually, Lucy, I'm headed out too. I can give you a ride.
There was an unmistakable firmness in Tim's tone, and Lucas's friendly smile faltered as he tried to salvage the situation.
Lucas- Oh, I don't mind. I was thinking we could maybe hang out a bit more, you know, grab a drink or something.
Lucas's casual tone didn't match the look in his eyes, and Tim didn't miss the not-so-subtle implication. He stepped forward, positioning himself between Lucy and Lucas.
Tim- I appreciate the offer, man, but Lucy's riding with me. It's on my way, and besides, I already promised her.
Lucas looked like he wanted to protest, his eyes darting between Tim and Lucy, but the resolve in Tim's expression made it clear that this was non-negotiable. Lucas finally raised his hands in mock surrender, forcing a smile.
Lucas- Alright, alright. No worries. Maybe next time, Lucy.
Lucy managed a tight-lipped smile, nodding slightly, grateful for Tim's intervention.
Lucy- Yeah, maybe... (mumbling to herself but Tim could hear) definitely not happening.
With that, Lucas turned and walked away, clearly disappointed but unwilling to push further. Once he was out of earshot, Lucy let out a small sigh of relief.
Lucy- Thanks, Tim. I really wasn't looking forward to be stuck in a car or anywhere with him.
Tim- No problem, Lucy. I had a feeling you might need a little backup.
As Tim and Lucy were standing there, Tim called out for his daughter, scanning the backyard for her.
Tim- Livi! Come say goodbye! We're heading out.
Olivia, who had been chatting with Lila, looked up and saw her dad waving at her. She quickly made her way over.
As they almost reached the car, Lucy let out a sigh of relief, grateful that the evening had taken a turn for the better.
Olivia looked up from her feet, her curiosity getting the better of her.
Olivia- Lucy, why are you coming with us? I thought you'd have your own ride.
Lucy glanced over at Tim, who was unlocking the car doors, and then at Olivia.
Lucy- Oh, I just decided it was easier to hitch a ride with you guys. I didn't really want to hang around here any longer, and it's a bit of a trek to get home from here.
Olivia nodded, accepting the explanation but still intrigued.
Olivia- Got it. It's cool having you come with us. It'll be nice to have some company on the way home.
Tim opened the car door for Olivia, who slid into the back seat, and then he held the door open for Lucy. Once they were all settled in and Tim started the car, the conversation turned to lighter topics as they drove away from the party, leaving the earlier tension behind.
As they pulled up to Lucy's apartment building, the streetlights cast a warm glow on the quiet street. Tim parked the car, and the trio began their goodbyes.
Tim- Well, Lucy, here we are.
Lucy- Thank you, Tim. I really appreciate the ride and everything.
Olivia slid out of the back seat, moving to the front as Tim got out to stretch his legs. Tim waited until Olivia had closed the door and then approached Lucy, his concern evident in his eyes.
Tim- Hey, Lucy. Before you head in, are you sure you're alright? I know that guy was a bit... weird.
Lucy- I'm fine, really. Just glad to be home. Thanks for checking in, Tim. It means a lot.
Olivia, still waiting in the car, opened the door to join them. Tim quickly noticed her and said with a reassuring tone:
Tim- Liv, close the door and wait for a second, okay?
Olivia nodded, closing the car door as Tim continued speaking with Lucy. A few minutes later, Olivia reopened the car door, her face showing a mix of confusion and surprise.
Olivia- Why—
Before she could finish, Tim swiftly closed the door again and locked the car. Olivia's eyes widened, clearly startled by the quick movement. Lucy couldn't help but let out a chuckle at the situation. It was a sound that warmed Tim's heart, one of the most beautiful things he had ever heard.
Lucy- Well, this is one way to say goodbye. Thanks again, Tim. You really did save the day.
Tim let out a chuckle too.
Tim- Anytime, Lucy. Take care, okay?
Lucy gave them a final wave before heading towards her apartment building. Tim and Olivia watched until she had safely entered the complex. Once she was inside, Tim back into the car.
Tim- Alright, Liv. Let's head home.