What if Tim and Lucy both had kids

Part 10

The atmosphere in Lucy's house was heavy with unspoken words, emotions swirling like a storm that had finally broken after years of being held at bay. Tim and Lucy sat quietly on the couch, neither speaking, both lost in their own thoughts. Lucy occasionally took a deep breath, as if trying to ground herself, but otherwise remained silent, her mind processing the flood of emotions that had been unleashed.
Tim sat beside her, his presence steady and comforting. He didn't press her to talk, knowing that sometimes the best support he could offer was simply being there. As the minutes ticked by, Tim's thoughts wandered to everything Lucy had shared with him. The pain, the loss, the burden she had carried alone for so long—it all weighed heavily on him. He couldn't believe he hadn't seen the signs, hadn't realized how much she was struggling. The guilt gnawed at him, but he pushed it aside, knowing that his focus needed to be on Lucy right now.
After a while, Lucy slowly got up from the couch. Tim watched her, unsure of what she was doing but ready to help if needed.
Tim- Do you need anything?
He asked gently.
Tim- Can I get you anything?
Lucy shook her head, her expression blank.
Lucy- No.
She replied softly, her voice devoid of emotion. She walked toward her bedroom, closing the door behind her.
Tim felt a pang of worry as the door clicked shut. He waited for a few moments, debating whether to give her space or check on her. The silence in the house felt thick, almost suffocating, and after a few minutes, he couldn't stand it any longer. He walked over to her door and knocked lightly.
Tim- Lucy? Are you okay?
He asked, his voice laced with concern.
The door opened slowly, and Lucy stood there, now wearing a hoodie and sweatpants. Her expression was still distant, her eyes tired and red from crying.
Lucy- No.
She said flatly, her tone void of any emotion.
Tim's heart ached at the sight of her.
Tim- Is there anything I can do?
He asked again, desperate to help in some way.
Lucy turned and walked back into her room, picking up a heating pad from her bed. She turned back to Tim, holding the pad in her hand. Lucy- Unless you have a time machine that can send me back to stop him from leaving work early because I wasn't feeling my best due to pregnancy hormones that he didn't know about... then no, there's nothing you can do.
Her words hit Tim like a punch to the gut. He didn't know what to say, how to respond to the pain she was feeling.
Tim- I'm so sorry, Lucy.
He managed, his voice thick with emotion.
Without a word, Lucy walked over and hugged him tightly. Tim wrapped his arms around her, holding her close as she clung to him, the desperation in her grip making his heart ache even more.
Lucy- I can't move on, Tim.
She whispered against his chest.
Lucy- I just can't. It feels like I'm cheating on him every time I try to meet someone else.
Tim gently pulled back, just enough to look at her.
Tim- You don't have to move on, Lucy.
He said softly.
Tim- You were married to him. You had a life together, a family. It's okay to still love him, even though he's not physically here. He was a significant part of your life, and that's not something you just let go of. You're not cheating on him by trying to find happiness again. And no one can tell you what's okay or not, especially people who haven't been through what you have.
Lucy's eyes filled with tears again, but this time they were different—less about the unbearable weight of grief and more about the comfort of knowing that someone understood, that someone didn't judge her for still holding onto the love she had lost.
Tim continued to hold her in the doorway of her room, his arms providing the stability she so desperately needed. After a while, Lucy pulled away, her eyes searching his for some reassurance. Tim gave her a small, encouraging nod, letting her know he was there, that he wasn't going anywhere.
Lucy walked into the kitchen, her movements slow and deliberate. Tim followed her, watching as she heated up the heating pad and grabbed some painkillers from a cabinet. She didn't say anything, and Tim didn't press her to talk. Instead, he just stood by, ready to help if she needed him.
As she waited for the pad to heat up, Lucy leaned against the counter, her eyes staring at nothing in particular. Tim couldn't help but feel a deep sadness for her—for the life she had lost, the pain she had endured, and the struggle she faced every day just to keep going.
When the heating pad was ready, Lucy took it and placed it against her stomach, hoping it would help ease the cramps she was feeling. She popped the painkillers into her mouth, swallowing them with a sip of water. Tim watched her, his heart breaking for the pain she was going through, knowing there was little he could do to make it better.
They stood in the kitchen in silence, the weight of everything that had been said hanging heavily in the air. But despite the sadness, there was a sense of comfort in knowing that they didn't have to face it alone anymore. Tim was determined to be there for her, to help her carry the burden she had been shouldering for so long.
Lucy walked back into her room, the heavy atmosphere still clinging to her like a shroud. She moved toward the bathroom, her steps slow and deliberate as if she were carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders. The cramps were relentless, and she knew that she needed to get rid of the tampon inside her—a necessity during her long drives, but one that always seemed to make the pain worse.
She shut the door behind her, trying to find some semblance of privacy, though she knew Tim was just outside. She walked over to her bathroom and leaned against the sink, her hand pressing the heating pad to her abdomen, trying to soothe the ache that seemed to resonate through every inch of her body.
Tim, on the other side of the bedroom door, felt a wave of anxiety wash over him. He hated that she had closed the door, that she was shutting him out again. He wanted to be there for her, to make sure she was okay, but he also knew he couldn't just intrude on her space. After a moment of hesitation, he gently knocked on her bedroom door, but there was no response.
His worry mounting, Tim slowly opened the door and stepped into her room, his heart pounding in his chest. He walked over to the bathroom door, his hand hovering for a moment before he knocked again, this time on the bathroom door.
Tim- Lucy?
He called out, his voice tinged with concern.
Tim- Is everything alright in there?
There was a brief pause, and then Lucy's voice came through the bathroom door, still sharp but laced with a hint of vulnerability.
Lucy- I chose this bathroom for a reason, Tim.
She sighed, the frustration clear in her tone.
Lucy- I was hoping the room between us... would provide a little more privacy.
Tim felt a pang of guilt, realizing he had overstepped. He had been so focused on making sure she was okay that he hadn't considered that she needed space in that moment. He took a step back from the door, giving her the distance she had asked for.
Tim- I'm sorry, Lucy. I didn't mean to make you feel crowded.
He said softly, his voice full of sincerity.
Tim- I'll wait outside.
For a moment, there was only silence. Then, Lucy's voice came again, softer now, as if the distance between them had lessened some of the tension.
Lucy- Thanks, Tim.
Without another word, he quickly left her room, closing the door behind him.
Tim walked out of Lucy's room, closing the door quietly behind him. He let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding, running a hand through his hair as he made his way back to the living room. The silence in the apartment felt oppressive, every tick of the clock amplifying his worry. He sat down on the couch, his hands resting on his knees, but he couldn't relax. His mind was racing, filled with concern for Lucy.
After what felt like an eternity, he heard the soft sound of the bathroom door opening. He immediately put the magazine down and stood up, his heart pounding in his chest as he waited for her to appear. A few moments later, Lucy emerged from the hallway, looking worn out but more composed than before.
Tim- Lucy
He began, but she shook her head, cutting him off.
Lucy- Don't.
She said softly, though there was no anger in her voice now, just a deep weariness.
Lucy- Just... let's not talk about it, okay?
Tim swallowed the apology that was on the tip of his tongue, feeling a pang of guilt for barging in like that, even unintentionally. But before he could say anything more, Lucy gave him a look that clearly conveyed she didn't want to discuss it further.
Lucy- Let's just forget about it.
She said, her tone calm but firm.
Lucy- We'll both just... never mention it again.
Tim nodded, though he couldn't help the worry that still lingered in his mind.
Tim- I'm sorry, Lucy. I didn't mean to—
Lucy cut him off again, this time more gently.
Lucy- I know, Tim. It's okay. Really. Let's just move on, okay?
She offered a small, tired smile, trying to reassure him.
Tim could see that she was still exhausted, both physically and emotionally. He forced himself to smile back, even though he felt far from okay about how things had gone.
Tim- Okay. We'll move on.
Lucy sank into the couch with a heavy sigh, the exhaustion evident in her every movement. She adjusted the heating pad and then reached for the remote, flipping through channels with a distracted air. After a few minutes, she got up to reheat the heating pad, and when she returned, she flopped down on the couch again, curling up on one end, wrapping herself in a blanket of silence.
Tim settled on the other end of the couch, trying to give her space but also staying close enough to offer any support she might need. The TV played softly in the background, but neither of them paid much attention to it. The silence between them was a quiet one, filled with unspoken understanding and concern.
Around 3:00 PM, Lucy shifted, the discomfort in her face showing through even as she tried to remain calm.
Lucy- I have to pick up Theo from school.
She paused, glancing at Tim.
Lucy- I need you to get me back to the station to get my car.
Tim shook his head gently, his concern clear.
Tim- I'm not going to let you drive right now, Lucy.
He said firmly, his voice soft but resolute.
Tim- I'll text Josy and let her know that Theo and she should take the bus here.
Lucy opened her mouth to protest, but she stopped herself, knowing she didn't have the strength to argue. Instead, she nodded, her shoulders slumping slightly.
Tim quickly sent a text to his daughter, informing her of the change in plans. After a moment, he turned back to Lucy, trying to offer some reassurance.
Tim- Theo will be fine. Josy's with him. Nothing will happen.
Lucy's eyes met his, a mix of frustration and worry there.
Lucy- I just hate letting him take the bus, even though he's 14. I know how kids, teens can be... I just don't want anything happening to him.
Tim nodded, his own experiences reflecting in his gaze.
Tim- I get it. I hate letting my Josy take the bus too. I've been in the force long enough to see things, and especially after that incident a few weeks ago, I don't want her traveling alone if I can help it. But they'll be fine.
Lucy took a deep breath, the tension in her shoulders easing just a bit.
Lucy- I know. Thanks, Tim.
Tim offered a reassuring smile, doing his best to convey that everything would be okay. He sat quietly for a moment, letting the weight of their shared concern settle between them.
Tim quickly texted his Josy, letting her know that Theo and she should take the bus to Lucy's house.
After sending the message, Tim glanced over at Lucy. She sat on the couch, looking hollow and distant, the exhaustion from the day clearly taking its toll on her.
An hour later, the front door creaked open, and the sound of hurried footsteps filled the quiet apartment. Theo rushed into the room, his face a mixture of relief and distress as his eyes locked onto his mother. Without hesitation, he moved to her, pulling her into a tight hug.
Theo- Mom!
Lucy, startled by his sudden entrance and the anxiety in his voice, looked up with concern.
Lucy- Theo? What's wrong?
Theo pulled back slightly, his worry still evident as he spoke.
Theo- I tried calling you, I-I texted you, but you didn't answer your phone. I thought something happened to you!
Lucy's heart ached at the sight of her son's distress. She reached out and took his face in her hands, trying to steady her own emotions.
Lucy- I'm sorry, honey. I've been feeling unwell and I didn't mean to worry you.
Theo's expression softened slightly, but the concern remained.
Theo- Josy said that Tim texted her, we should take the bus to get here. I was really worried.
Lucy glanced over at Tim, who was standing nearby with a supportive look.
Tim- Everything's okay, Theo. Your mom just needed some rest.
Theo turned to Tim, still anxious but finding some reassurance in his calm demeanor.
Lucy- Let's sit down and talk. We'll figure everything out.
She guided Theo to the couch, where they both sat down. Theo looked around the room, taking in the situation with a concerned glance.
As Lucy and Theo settled onto the couch, Theo still clutching his mother's hand as if afraid to let go. Josy walked into the living room, slightly out of breath, carrying Theo's backpack and a few other items he had hastily dropped when he rushed to his mom. Her face showed a mix of concern and determination, her eyes flicking between the three of them as she entered the living room.
Josy- Hey, I brought Theo's stuff.
She said, placing the backpack and items down near the couch. She gave Theo a small, reassuring smile before turning her gaze to Tim, silently asking if everything was okay.
Tim nodded slightly, appreciating Josy's presence and how she was always so considerate in situations like this. Josy moved closer to her dad, standing by his side, but her eyes remained focused on Lucy and Theo.
Lucy- Thanks, Josy.
Lucy managed a small smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. She looked at her son, and then back at Josy. Theo glanced at Josy, his expression still troubled but slightly relieved.
Theo- I'm sorry I freaked out. I just... I got scared when you didn't answer, Mom.
His voice was small, filled with the worry that had been gnawing at him since they couldn't reach Lucy.
Lucy squeezed his hand gently, her heart aching at the worry she had caused.
Lucy- It's okay, Theo. I'm sorry for scaring you. I should have been more careful about keeping my phone on me.
Tim, standing nearby with Josy at his side, took a moment to let the quiet settle before speaking up.
Tim- We should probably get going, Josy.
He said softly, glancing at his daughter. Josy nodded, understanding the need to give Lucy and Theo some space.
Tim turned back to Lucy, his expression serious but warm.
Tim- I'll come by in the morning to pick you up since your car's still at the station. And, Lucy, don't hesitate to call me if you need anything. It doesn't matter what for or what time it is. Just call, okay?
Lucy looked up at Tim, her eyes filled with gratitude. She knew she could always rely on him, and his offer of support meant the world to her, especially right now.
Lucy- Thank you, Tim. I really appreciate everything.
Tim gave her a reassuring smile.
Tim- Anytime. Take care, and try to get some rest.
He turned to Theo, who was still sitting next to his mother.
Tim- Theo, it was good to see you. Take care of your mom, alright?
Theo nodded, offering a small, appreciative smile.
Theo- I will. Thanks, Tim.
With that, Tim gave a final nod to Lucy and Theo, then guided Josy toward the door. Josy gave a quick wave to Theo and Lucy before following her dad out, the two of them leaving quietly to give the mother and son some privacy.
Once outside, Tim took a deep breath, glancing back at the door for a moment before turning to Josy.
Tim- Let's get home. It's been a long day.
Josy nodded, her expression thoughtful as they walked to the car.
Back inside, Lucy and Theo remained on the couch, the tension gradually easing. Lucy leaned back, her exhaustion starting to catch up with her again, but she felt a bit more at peace knowing that Tim would be there for her whenever she needed him.
Theo- You okay, Mom?
He asked softly, his concern still evident in his voice.
Lucy- I will be, Theo. I will be.
She said with a small smile, trying to reassure him as much as herself.
Theo sat quietly next to his mom, his eyes wandered around the room, and they eventually landed on the heating pad that Lucy had draped over her midsection. A light bulb went off in his head, and he quickly pieced together what was going on.
Theo- Oh... I get it now. It's that time, isn't it?
Lucy glanced at the heating pad and then back at her son, a small, sheepish smile playing on her lips.
Lucy- Yeah. And as usual, it's overstaying its welcome.
Theo chuckled softly, shaking his head.
Theo- She never knows when to leave, huh?
Lucy laughed, appreciating Theo's lightheartedness.
Lucy- First of all it's a he. And nope, and he's as annoying as ever.
Theo grinned at his mom's response, amused by the idea of personifying the situation.
Theo- Wait, why is it a he?
Lucy raised an eyebrow, her smile turning slightly mischievous.
Lucy- Because, sweetie, men can be a real pain sometimes. Well pretty often.
Theo let out a quick laugh, appreciating his mom's playful tone.
Theo- You've got a point there, Mom. But, girls can suck too, you know.
Lucy chuckled, nodding in agreement.
Lucy- Oh, absolutely. But right now, I'm blaming 'Mr. Red' for all my problems.
Theo smirked, leaning back against the couch.
Theo- Fair enough.
With that, Theo got up from the couch, determined to help his mom feel better. He picked up the heating pad from her lap, giving her a smile.
Theo- I'll go reheat this for you.
Lucy watched him head to the kitchen, her heart warming at how thoughtful he was. As she waited, she couldn't help but think of how much Theo reminded her of his dad—the way he was always so considerate, always looking out for her. The thought brought a bittersweet ache to her chest, but she quickly pushed it aside, focusing on the present moment.
As Theo carefully maneuvered his way back into the living room, balancing the heating pad under one arm and two bowls of ice cream in his hands, Lucy couldn't help but laugh softly at the sight of him. He looked so focused, trying to keep everything from toppling over, and it warmed her heart.
Lucy- Here, let me help you with that.
She reached out and took the bowls of ice cream from him, a grateful smile on her face. Theo grinned, relieved to have his hands free again, and handed her the reheated heating pad.
Theo- Thanks, Mom.
Lucy chuckled, placing the bowls on the coffee table before taking the heating pad and settling it back over her midsection. The warmth immediately brought some relief, and she sighed contentedly.
Lucy- Thanks sweetheart. This is perfect.
Theo plopped back down on the couch beside her, grabbing one of the bowls of ice cream and handing the other to his mom before turning on the TV.