What if Tim had a daughter?

Part 11

As Tim started the car and began to pull away from Lucy's apartment, Olivia crossed her arms and fixed her dad with a mock stern look from the passenger seat.
Olivia- What the hell was that, Dad? You lock me in the car, don't apologize, and then just say 'Alright, Liv, let's head home'? Seriously?
Tim glanced over at her, noticing the exaggerated pout on her face. He could tell she was only half-serious, but still, he knew he hadn't handled that very smoothly.
Tim- You're right, Liv. That was a bit much, huh? I'm really sorry about that. I just wanted to make sure Lucy was okay without making a big scene. But I should've handled it better. Forgive me?
Olivia held onto her fake annoyance for a moment longer, then let it go with a grin but she managed to compose herself.
Olivia- I don't know. I have to think about it.
Tim kept his eyes on the road, but the weight of Olivia's playful yet pointed words hung in the air. He really had messed up back there, and the thought gnawed at him. Maybe he had been too caught up in worrying about Lucy and lost sight of how his actions came off to Olivia. After all, she wasn't a little kid anymore—she understood more than he sometimes gave her credit for.
As the silence stretched between them, Tim couldn't help but feel a bit guilty. Olivia usually let things slide, but this time she seemed genuinely put out, even if she was joking around. He started to speak up, wanting to apologize again, but Olivia beat him to it.
Olivia- You know, Dad... you could make it up to me.
Tim glanced at her, raising an eyebrow. He already had a pretty good idea of what was coming, but he played along.
Tim- Oh yeah? And how exactly do you suggest I do that?
Olivia- Well... I've been thinking about it, and I really want a new iPad.
Tim's heart sank a little. He knew how much Olivia wanted the iPad, but he also knew he couldn't just give in every time she wanted something. As much as he wanted to make her happy, he needed to teach her an important lesson about responsibility and value.
Tim- An iPad, huh? You don't go for the small stuff, do you, Liv?
Olivia grinned, clearly hoping her enthusiasm would win him over.
Olivia- Please, Dad?
Tim sighed, trying to figure out the best way to explain his thoughts to her.
Tim- I get it, Liv. I know how much you want that iPad, and it would be really cool to have. But here's the thing—you can't just get everything you want whenever you want it. Part of growing up is learning that sometimes you have to work for the things you really want.
Olivia's expression shifted from hopeful to slightly disappointed, but she was listening.
Tim- How about this—you work for it. If you save up half of the cost, I'll pitch in the other half. That way, you'll appreciate it even more because you'll know you worked hard to get it. What do you think?
Olivia thought about it for a moment.
Olivia- Okay, deal.
Tim was a little surprised at how smoothly that had gone. He had expected more pushback, maybe even a bit of pouting, but Olivia had agreed almost immediately. He couldn't help but feel a bit of pride in her maturity.
Tim- (with a small smile) Wow, that was easier than I thought. I'm proud of you, Liv.
Olivia shrugged nonchalantly, though a small smile tugged at the corners of her mouth.
Olivia- Well, I really want that iPad.
Tim nodded, feeling relieved that she understood. But before he could savor the moment, Olivia shifted in her seat and turned to him with a mischievous look in her eyes.
Olivia- Now that that's settled... tell me what you and Lucy were talking about back there.
Tim raised an eyebrow, caught off guard by the sudden change in topic.
Tim- (feigning ignorance) What do you mean?
Olivia rolled her eyes, clearly not buying it.
Olivia- Come on, Dad. You guys were whispering like it was some big secret. Spill!
Tim chuckled, shaking his head.
Tim- (teasing) You're too smart for your own good, you know that?
Olivia grinned, waiting expectantly.
Tim- Well, I was just checking on Lucy. She's been going through some stuff, and I wanted to make sure she was okay.
Olivia- Was it about that weird guy at the grill party?
Tim glanced at Olivia, a bit surprised by her question. He hadn't realized how much she had picked up on, but then again, she was a sharp kid.
Tim- The weird guy at the grill party? You noticed that, huh?
Olivia nodded, her expression a mix of curiosity and concern.
Olivia- Yeah, I saw Lucy talk to him, and well, he didn't... I don't know, he was just weird.
Tim's interest was piqued. He adjusted his grip on the steering wheel.
Tim- Weird how? Did something happen?
Olivia hesitated for a moment, then spoke up.
Olivia- It... At first they were pretty close when they talked but he kept staring at her, everywhere accept her face. And after that it seemed like she was really uncomfortable around him.
Tim's concern deepened as he listened to Olivia's account. It was clear that Lucy had felt uneasy.
Tim- That's really concerning. Did that guy talk to you at all?
Olivia shook her head, her expression a mix of relief and wariness.
Olivia- Not really. He just said "Hi" when he arrived, and that was it.
Tim's concern was evident as he absorbed Olivia's observations. He took a moment to ensure he had all the facts.
Tim- Are you sure? Was the only one who seemed weird?
Olivia- Yeah, I'm sure. He was the only one who gave me a weird vibe. Everyone else was nice and normal. (pauses) I'm really sure, Dad.
Tim nodded, though his worry didn't entirely fade. He wanted to be sure Olivia was safe and not feeling uneasy about anything.
Tim's worry remained, but he was grateful for Olivia's perceptiveness and honesty. He took a deep breath, trying to steady his voice.
Tim- Thanks for telling me, Liv. It's really important to keep an eye out for things that don't seem right, and I'm glad you did.
Olivia's expression softened slightly, relieved that her father was taking her seriously.
Tim- If you ever feel uncomfortable or unsure about something, please let someone know. It doesn't have to be me—Aunt Genny, Angela, Wesley, James, Lucy, Nyla, or even your teachers at school. It's best to talk to a trusted adult who can help.
Olivia nodded, taking in her father's words.
Olivia- I will, Dad. I promise.
Tim- Good. Just remember, it's always better to speak up if something feels off. You're smart and aware, and that's really important.
They reached their house, and Tim felt a bit of tension ease from his shoulders. His daughter's safety and well-being were paramount, and it was comforting to know she was aware and willing to communicate.
Tim- (smiling) Alright, let's get inside and relax for the evening. I'll check in with Lucy and make sure she's alright.
Olivia- Okay.
Tim made his way to his bedroom and immediately reached for his phone. He dialed Lucy's number and put the call on speaker, deciding to get a head start on changing into something more comfortable.
Tim: Hi, Lucy. I just wanted to check in and see how you're doing.
Lucy: Hi, Tim. I'm okay, just feeling a bit shaken up. Thanks for stepping in earlier.
Tim had just started removing his clothes when Olivia burst into the room. At that moment, he was only wearing his boxers, and he looked up, surprised by her sudden entrance.
Tim- Thanks for knocking, Liv!
Olivia didn't seem to mind his state of undress or the ongoing phone call. Instead, she marched in with a proud grin on her face and held up a small pile of cash.
Olivia- Dad, look! I've enough money for the iPad!
Tim quickly grabbed a nearby sweatpants and slipped them on, trying to maintain some semblance of modesty while still talking to Lucy.
As Tim grabbed his sweatpants and quickly pulled them on, Lucy's chuckle came through the phone, lightening the mood.
Lucy- Sounds like you've got your hands full, Tim.
Tim- Yeah, just a bit. Olivia, could you give me a moment here? Maybe wait in your room or the living room for a bit?
Olivia- Okay, Dad. I'll be in my room. But fast!
Tim- Absolutely. I'll come by once I'm done here.
Olivia left the room, her excitement palpable as she headed down the hallway. Tim shook his head with a smile, returning his attention to the phone call.
Tim: Sorry about that. She's pretty excited about getting that iPad.
Lucy: It sounds like she's really determined.
Tim: You know, I should probably fill you in on what happened after I dropped you off. I was a bit of a mess with the whole situation.
Lucy- Well locking someone in the car isn't the nicest thing to do. What happened?
Tim: Yeah, I know. I wasn't exactly proud of it. And I did apologize— well after she asked me what the heck that was.
Lucy: That must have been a bit of a scene.
Tim: It was. And Olivia wasn't as forgiving as she usually is. She was a little annoyed and told me I could make it up to her by getting her a new iPad.
Lucy: (laughing softly) Wow, she really went straight for the big ask, huh?
Tim: Yeah, she did. But I couldn't just give in like that. I told her she'd need to work for it—save up half the cost, and I'd cover the rest. I thought it was a good way to teach her about earning things, but it seems she has played me. I didn't know about that money and I have no idea where she's got it from.
Lucy: Sounds like she has quite the knack for making things work in her favor.
Tim: Yeah, she certainly does. I wanted her to really work for it, you know? Not just run to her room, dig up some money, and come back with a pile saying she's ready to buy the iPad.
Lucy: I can see that. Kids have a way of surprising you with their resourcefulness. Maybe she's been saving up for a while?
Tim: Yeah, I'm not sure where she could've gotten the cash. I mean, I don't give her physical money. She only has a card for her allowance and occasional small purchases. It's a bit of a mystery.
Lucy: Sounds like it. Well, kids can be pretty inventive sometimes. Maybe she's been saving up in some unconventional way.
Tim: (chuckling) Could be. I'll have to have a talk with her about it. Anyway, I need to get going. I've got a few things to take care of before the evening wraps up.
Lucy: Totally understandable. Thanks again for checking in and for being so considerate about everything earlier.
Tim: Of course. It was the least I could do. I'm glad I could be there for you.
Lucy: I really appreciate it, Tim. It means a lot.
Tim- Anytime, Lucy. See you on Monday.
Lucy: Sounds good. Take care, and good luck with your situation.
Tim: Thanks!
Tim ended the call, feeling a bit more settled after his conversation with Lucy. He took a moment to gather his thoughts before heading down the hallway. Tim made his way to Olivia's room, where he found her sitting cross-legged on her bed. He set a chair in front of her and took a seat, facing his daughter with a concerned expression.
Tim- Alright, Liv. I need to ask you something. Where did you get all that money from?
Olivia's eyes widened slightly, but she quickly covered her surprise with a casual shrug.
Olivia- I've just been saving up for a while. You know, doing chores and stuff.
Tim- (raising an eyebrow) Really? Because I didn't give you any cash, and I know you usually use your card. So, where did this money come from?
Olivia hesitated, her smile fading a bit as she looked down at her hands.
Olivia- Well, I've been helping out some kids at school with their homework and stuff. A few of the parents wanted to pay me for it, I did it for free at first, but then they insisted I keep it because I was really helping out their kids and they were still saving money because they didn't have to hire a tutor.
Tim's expression softened as he listened. He hadn't expected this, but he was pleased to hear Olivia had been working hard in such a constructive way.
Tim- You've been tutoring kids and earning money?
Olivia- I guess so.
Tim- And why didn't you tell me?
Olivia fidgeted with her hands, avoiding eye contact.
Olivia- Well, I started getting paid on Monday, and I didn't really know how to tell you. Plus I wasn't sure how you'd react.
Tim- I see. I'm a little disappointed that you didn't tell me about it sooner.
Olivia looked down, her cheeks flushing slightly.
Olivia- I'm sorry, Dad. I didn't mean to keep it from you. I just didn't know how to bring it up.
Tim- I understand. But you're still pretty young, and I want to make sure that everything you're doing is above board. I'm not trying to be overprotective, but it's important for me to know that there's nothing inappropriate or concerning happening, especially with something like tutoring.
Olivia's eyes widened slightly, a mix of surprise and understanding in her expression.
Olivia- I get it, Dad. I've just been helping some classmates with their homework. It's all been very straightforward.
Tim- That's good to hear. It's really impressive that you're taking initiative and earning money through something like tutoring.
Olivia's face brightened with pride at the compliment.
Olivia- Thanks, Dad! I really enjoy helping them out, and it's nice to see their progress.
Tim- I can see that. It's a great way to use your skills and make a positive impact. I'm also impressed by how much you've managed to save up in just a week.
Olivia- About that... I think I made a little more than you think.
Tim- How much more are we talking about?
Olivia looked a bit hesitant but then took a deep breath, clearly wanting to be honest.
Olivia- Well, I've actually made more than just the amount for the iPad. I was thinking of saving up for something else too.
Tim raised an eyebrow, curious but also cautious.
Tim- That's a lot of money for a 11 year old.
Olivia- Yeah, I guess it is. I was actually planning to save the rest of it.
Tim. It's great that you're thinking about saving. How about we talk more about managing it tomorrow? We can discuss how to handle the money, make sure you're saving properly, and plan for any future expenses.
Olivia nodded, her expression brightening at the thought of having a more detailed discussion.
Olivia- That sounds good. But can i get that iPad now?
Tim- Well, since you are covering half the cost yourself, I think it's only fair that we get it for you. We can go pick it up tomorrow after brunch with Aunt Genny and Tyler.
Olivia's eyes widened with excitement.
Olivia- Really? Already?
Tim- Yep, really. But remember, we'll still have our chat about managing your money and setting some goals for your savings. And now that I know about your side hustle, covering half of the cost for something you want, won't be enough anymore. I have to figure out something else.
Olivia's excitement was tempered with curiosity.
Olivia- What do you mean?
Tim- Well, I need to find another way of you earning things.
They made their way to the living room, where Tim settled onto the couch and Olivia plopped down beside him, clutching her blanket. Tim grabbed the remote and turned on the TV.
After they finished watching their show, Olivia headed upstairs, getting ready for bed. Tim followed her a few minutes later and went to her room.
Tim- Alright, Livi. Time for bed.
Olivia- Good night!
Tim- Good night, sweetheart.
Tim turned off the light in Olivia's room and made his way to his own. He got ready for bed and settled into bed, feeling a mix of contentment and curiosity about their upcoming discussion on managing money.
He picked up his phone and noticed a few messages—nothing urgent, just some routine updates. One text stood out, though: it was from Lucy.

Lucy: Hey Tim, I'm dying to know—where did Olivia get that money from? I can't go to sleep until I find out!
He smiled at text and decided to respond.
Tim: Still awake?
A moment later, Lucy replied.
Lucy: Yep, still up. Just can't stop thinking about it. What's the full story?
Tim chuckled when he saw Lucy's response. He decided a call might be quicker and more satisfying for her curiosity. He dialed her number, and it rang for a moment before Lucy picked up.
Lucy: Hey Tim! I'm so glad you called. I'm on the edge of my seat here!
Tim: Hi Lucy! I figured a quick call might be better. So, what's the full story you want to hear?
Lucy: (Muffled) Just give me a second.
Tim: Alright, take your time.
Tim heard some shuffling sounds and then a brief silence as Lucy muted herself. He waited patiently, scrolling through some notifications on his phone. After a few minutes, the call unmuted, and Lucy's voice came through clearly.
Lucy: Okay, I'm ready for the story now!
Tim: (Chuckling) Before we get into that, I have to ask—what were you doing? You sounded like you were in a hurry to mute yourself.
Lucy- You really want to know?
Tim- I am a curious person.
Lucy: Well, if you really want to know, I might have been in the bathroom when you called. I had to finish up some business quickly before I could focus on the story. Didn't think you'd want to hear all that background noise!
Tim: Oh... yeah, maybe I shouldn't have asked.
Lucy: Hey, you wanted to know! But don't worry, all done now, and I'm all ears.
Tim: Well, that'll teach me not to be too curious. But okay, back to the story.
Lucy: Alright, enough suspense! Tell me the story already!
Tim: Hold on a second. What if I make you guess first?
Lucy: Come on, Tim! I'm terrible at guessing games. Just spill it!
Tim: Okay, okay, I'll give you a hint. It has to do with something she's really good at.
Lucy: Ugh, okay, ... Is she... I don't know, making some spots bets or something like that?
Tim: Good try, but no. Alright, I'll put you out of your misery. She's been tutoring some of her classmates, and apparently, she's so good at it that the parents insisted on paying her.
Lucy: No way. She has told me that she has been helping her classmates out a few weeks ago. But she never mentioned getting paid for doing it.
Tim: Yep, she didn't tell me at first either. Apparently, she started getting paid on Monday. Before that, she was doing it all for free—just helping out her classmates because she wanted to. But then the parents noticed the improvement in their kids' grades and decided to start paying her.
Lucy: That's so sweet. She was just helping them out of the kindness of her heart, and now she's getting paid for it? I mean, that's amazing! It just shows what a good kid she is.
Tim: Yeah, dion't tell her but I was really proud when she told me. She didn't even think about asking for money—it was the parents who insisted on paying her when they saw how much their kids were improving.
Lucy: You've got a good one there, Tim. It's impressive that she's already so responsible and generous at her age.
Tim: I know, right? Sometimes it feels like she's growing up so fast. But at least she's learning some important lessons early on. Anyway, enough about that—how are you?
Lucy: Oh, I'm fine. Nothing too exciting on my end.
Tim: Lucy, come on. I know you better than that. Olivia mentioned that the guy at the party was pretty intrusive. You sure you're okay?
There was a brief pause on the other end of the line. Tim could sense Lucy hesitating, trying to brush it off, but he knew something was bothering her.
Lucy: Yeah, that guy was... a bit much. I guess it shook me up more than I realized.
Tim: I'm sorry. That sounds really uncomfortable. Do you want to talk about it?
Lucy: No, it's fine, really. I don't want to dwell on it. I just want to forget about the whole thing and move on.
Tim: Okay, I get that. But just know I'm here if you ever want to talk, even if it's just to vent a little.
Lucy: Thanks, Tim. I appreciate that.
As their conversation continued, it drifted into lighter topics—weekend plans, funny stories, and the latest shows they were watching. The tension from earlier eased, and they found themselves laughing and enjoying the moment.
Just as Tim was about to share a funny anecdote, there was a soft knock on his door. He glanced up, seeing Olivia standing in the doorway, looking a bit pale and uncomfortable.

Olivia- (Quietly) Dad, I don't feel good. My tummy hurts, and I feel... kinda sick.
Lucy: Is that Olivia? Is she okay?
Tim: (Turning his attention to Olivia) Hey, sweetheart. Come here. Let me feel your forehead. (To Lucy) Yeah, it's Olivia. She's not feeling too great. I think I'd better go take care of her.
Lucy: Of course. Go be with her. I hope she feels better soon.
Tim: Thanks, Lucy. I'll catch up with you on Monday. Take care
Lucy: You too.
Tim hung up the phone and focused on Olivia.