What if Tim and Lucy both had kids

Part 11

As Tim and Josy drove home, the sun had started its slow descent, casting a warm, golden glow over the city. The car ride was quiet at first, the tension of the day still lingering in the air. Josy glanced out the window, her mind occupied with thoughts of what had just happened. After a few minutes, she turned to her father, curiosity and concern in her eyes.
Josy- Dad, what exactly happened with Lucy today? Why were you at her house instead of work? And why did Theo look so stressed out?
Tim kept his eyes on the road, trying to find the right words to answer her questions without giving too much away. He knew Josy was perceptive, and he didn't want to lie to her, but he also needed to respect Lucy's privacy.
Tim- Lucy wasn't feeling well, and I just wanted to make sure she got home safely. Theo was worried because she wasn't answering her phone. It's nothing for you to worry about, sweetheart. Just one of those days.
Josy nodded slowly, sensing there was more to the story but not wanting to push too hard. She trusted her dad, but she couldn't shake the concern she felt for Lucy and Theo.
Josy- Was it serious? I mean, she looked really tired and... kinda sad.
Tim sighed, his grip on the steering wheel tightening slightly. He didn't want to burden Josy with the details of Lucy's struggles, especially since she was still young and shouldn't have to worry about adult problems.
Tim- Lucy was just having a rough day, Josy. We all have those sometimes. It wasn't anything more serious than that.
Josy studied her father's face, noting the way he carefully chose his words. She knew he wasn't telling her everything, but she also knew he wouldn't lie to her.
She remained quiet for a moment, her curiosity still evident. She could tell that her dad was being protective, and while part of her wanted to press further, she also understood that he was doing it for a reason. Still, she couldn't help but ask one more question.
Josy- But, Dad, what exactly was wrong with Lucy? I mean, she seemed like she was in a lot of pain.
Tim hesitated for a second, then decided to give her a straightforward answer, hoping it would satisfy her curiosity without getting into any personal details.
Tim- Lucy was just on her period, Josy. Sometimes it can be really tough. She wasn't feeling great, so I helped her get home and made sure she was okay. That's all.
To Tim's relief, Josy seemed to accept this explanation. She nodded, the concern in her eyes softening a bit.
Josy- Oh, okay. I guess that makes sense. I heard periods can be pretty awful.
Tim glanced at her, grateful that she wasn't pushing for more. He knew she was trying to understand and be compassionate, which made him proud.
Tim- They sure can be. But Lucy's strong, and she'll be fine. She just needed some time to rest and take care of herself.
Josy leaned back in her seat, her thoughts now focused on something else.
The rest of the drive home was more relaxed. Josy talked about her day at school, sharing stories about her friends and the funny things that had happened. Tim listened, glad to hear her voice fill the car with a lighter, more carefree tone.
As they pulled into the driveway, Tim felt a sense of relief wash over him. The day had been long and emotional, but he was thankful for the bond he shared with Josy. He knew they could talk about anything, and that trust was something he never took for granted.
Tim- Let's go inside and unwind, yeah? Maybe we can order some pizza for dinner.
Josy's face lit up at the suggestion.
Josy- Yes, please! Pizza sounds perfect.
They both climbed out of the car, leaving the heaviness of the day behind them as they walked into their home, ready to enjoy a quiet evening together.

Meanwhile with Lucy and Theo
As the film came to an end, the credits rolled across the screen, casting a soft glow in the dimly lit living room. Theo and Lucy sat quietly for a moment, the sound of the television fading into the background. It had been a good distraction, but now that it was over, the reality of the day slowly crept back in.
Theo glanced over at his mom, noticing the way she seemed more at ease now, though still tired. He knew she appreciated the company, and the movie had helped take her mind off things, if only for a little while.
Theo- That wasn't that bad. I liked it more than I thought I would.
Lucy smiled faintly, her eyes still on the screen as the last of the credits disappeared.
Lucy- I'm glad you liked it, sweetheart.
Theo nodded, then noticed the time on his phone. It was getting late, and he realized neither of them had eaten since earlier that day. A thought crossed his mind, and he decided to act on it.
Theo- You know, I was thinking... How about I make us some dinner? I know you love it when I cook.
Lucy turned to look at him, a genuine smile spreading across her face. It was true—she did love it when Theo cooked. There was something comforting about seeing her son in the kitchen, taking care of things with such confidence and care. It always brought her a sense of warmth and pride.
Lucy- you don't have to. I'll handle it.
Theo gave his mom a soft but determined look, shaking his head slightly.
Theo- No way, Mom. You've had a long day. Let me take care of dinner. I promise it won't take long, and besides, I know you love it when I cook.
Lucy sighed, still smiling as she gave in. There was no point in arguing when Theo had that look on his face—the same look his father used to have when he was set on doing something for her.
Lucy- Alright, alright.
Theo nodded, pleased that she was letting him do this for her. He moved toward the kitchen, starting to gather ingredients from the fridge and pantry. Lucy followed him and took a seat at the kitchen counter, resting her chin in her hand as she watched him move around the kitchen.
As Theo worked, she noticed how much he resembled his father, not just in appearance but in the little things—the way he furrowed his brow when he was deep in thought, the way he moved with quiet confidence, and even how he absentmindedly stuck his tongue out when he was focused on something. It was like seeing a part of her late husband brought back to life, and while it was painful in some ways, it was also incredibly beautiful. She loved seeing these glimpses of his father in him, the man who had taught Theo how to cook, how to take care of others, and how to be strong.
Theo- How does pasta sound? I'm thinking something simple—maybe with a creamy sauce, a little garlic, and some fresh herbs.
Lucy- That sounds perfect, Theo.
Theo smiled at her as he set a pot of water on the stove to boil. He started chopping garlic and onions, the rhythmic sound of the knife against the cutting board filling the kitchen. Lucy watched him with a mixture of pride and nostalgia, remembering all the times his father had cooked for them, teaching Theo everything he knew.
After a few minutes, Theo noticed that his mom had gone quiet, and he glanced over at her. She was watching him intently, a distant but tender expression on her face.
Theo- What's on your mind, Mom?
Lucy blinked, brought back to the present by his question. She gave him a soft smile, her eyes misty with emotion.
Lucy- Nothing. Just thinking.
Theo set the knife down for a moment. He could tell his mom was lost in thought, her expression soft but tinged with something he couldn't quite place.
Theo- What are you thinking about, Mom?
Lucy- Nothing important, just work.
Lucy pushed herself up from the stool, brushing aside her lingering thoughts as she joined Theo in the kitchen.
Lucy- How about I help you with that? I can handle the salad while you work on the pasta.
Theo- Sure, Mom.
They moved together in a comfortable rhythm, chopping vegetables and stirring pots. The kitchen was filled with the comforting aroma of garlic and herbs, and the warmth of their quiet conversation. The atmosphere lightened as they chatted about everyday things—work, school, funny stories from the past. It was a simple evening, but it felt special in its own way.
When the meal was ready, they sat down together, enjoying the fruits of their labor. The food was delicious, and Lucy found herself feeling more relaxed than she had in a while. After dinner, they cleaned up the kitchen, working side by side as they washed dishes and put things away.
As the evening wound down, they spent a little more time talking, just enjoying each other's company. Eventually, Theo decided to head to his room to unwind.
Theo- I'm going to finish up some homework and then crash.
Lucy- Alright. Sleep well, sweetheart.
Theo gave her a quick hug before heading upstairs. Lucy watched him go, her heart heavy with love and gratitude for her son. Once he was out of sight, she let out a quiet sigh and headed to her own room, deciding a hot shower might help ease the lingering cramps.
The shower was scalding hot, just the way she liked it when she was trying to relax. The heat helped a little, easing the tension in her muscles, but it didn't completely banish the discomfort. After a while, she realized she had been standing under the water, lost in thought, for longer than she'd intended. She turned off the water and stepped out, drying off and slipping into some comfortable clothes. She took her time blow-drying her hair, letting the familiar routine calm her mind.
Finally, she climbed into bed, feeling a bit more at ease. It was then that she picked up her phone, noticing the missed calls and texts from Theo earlier in the day. Seeing them made her heart sink. She could feel the panic and fear in his messages, and it made her feel awful for worrying him like that.
One of the messages, though, was from Tim. He was checking in on her, asking how she was holding up, if she needed anything, if she was okay. His words were simple but full of concern, and they touched her deeply.
Lucy hesitated for a moment before typing out a response.
Lucy: Thanks for checking in, Tim. I'm doing okay. I appreciate you being there earlier.
She hit send and set her phone down, feeling a little lighter after reaching out. She curled up under the covers, her mind still swirling with thoughts but her body finally beginning to relax. As she closed her eyes, she felt a sense of comfort in knowing that she wasn't alone anymorre—that Tim was there for her, even when things felt overwhelming.
Lucy lay in bed, the quiet of the night pressing down on her as she tried to find sleep. Her thoughts felt like an unrelenting storm, each one crashing over her with relentless force. The echoes of the past five years, the pain of loss, and the guilt of not being the mother she wished she could have been were all swirling in her mind. The more she tried to push them away, the louder they seemed to grow, filling the quiet space with a cacophony of regrets and what-ifs.
She tossed and turned, trying to find a comfortable position, but the discomfort of her cramps and the weight of her thoughts made it nearly impossible. Every time she closed her eyes, memories of her husband and daughter surfaced, bringing with them a wave of sorrow that was hard to push aside.
After what felt like hours of restless turning, Lucy finally managed to fall asleep, exhaustion overtaking her. It was earlier than usual, but her body and mind were both pleading for a break. She slipped into a fitful sleep, her dreams a confusing mix of past and present, joy and sorrow.
The next morning, the blaring sound of her alarm jolted her awake. Her first instinct was to sprint to the bathroom, the urgency of her cramps and the fear of a potential mess propelling her forward. She barely made it in time, her relief palpable as she avoided an accident. The pain was still intense, but she focused on the small victory of making it to the bathroom without any issues.
After a quick routine in the bathroom, she changed into fresh clothes, the discomfort of her period still strong. With a deep breath, she forced herself to head downstairs. The thought of making breakfast for Theo was a small but necessary distraction, a way to keep herself grounded and to ensure she could face the day.
In the kitchen, Lucy moved slowly, the cramps making every movement a challenge. She began preparing a simple breakfast, trying to maintain a semblance of normalcy despite her own discomfort. The act of cooking, though laborious, offered a small sense of routine and purpose. She put together a quick meal—some scrambled eggs, toast, and fruit—hoping it would be enough to keep Theo satisfied.
As she worked, her mind wandered back to yesterday's events. The weight of the conversations she'd had with Tim, the memories that had resurfaced, and her own lingering guilt made her movements feel even more laborious.
When Theo came downstairs, she greeted him with a tired but genuine smile, doing her best to appear more composed than she felt.
Theo- Morning, Mom. This looks great.
Lucy- Morning, sweetheart. I hope you're hungry.
Theo sat down at the table and started eating, and Lucy joined him with her own plat, forcing herself to eat a small portion of the breakfast she'd prepared, knowing that she needed the energy to make it through the day. They talked about mundane things—his plans for the day, the homework he needed to finish—and Lucy listened with a half-hearted attention. It was hard to fully engage, but she took comfort in the normalcy of their routine
As Theo finished his breakfast, Lucy's phone rang. It was Tim.
Lucy answered, her voice a bit strained but trying to sound cheerful.
Lucy- Hey, Tim.
Tim- Morning, Lucy. Just wanted to let you know that I'm here to pick you up. Are you and Theo ready?
Lucy glanced at Theo, who was now putting on his shoes.
Lucy- We're ready. We'll be out in a minute.
Tim- Great. I'll see you soon.
Lucy ended the call and gave Theo a reassuring smile.
Lucy- Tim's here to pick us up. Let's head out.
Theo grabbed his things and followed Lucy out the door. They made their way to the car, where Tim was waiting. Lucy got into the front seat, while Theo climbed into the back, settling next to Josy, Tim's young daughter who was also heading to school.
Josy greeted Theo with a cheerful wave, her presence a welcome distraction.
Josy- Morning, Theo!
Theo- Morning, Josy.
Lucy gave Tim a brief smile as he started the car, and he responded with a warm nod.
Tim- How are you doing this morning, Lucy?
Lucy- I'm hanging in there.
As they drove toward the school, the atmosphere in the car was filled with the usual morning chatter between Theo and Josy. The kids exchanged stories about their upcoming school day, talking about their friends and the projects they were working on. Lucy listened from the front seat, occasionally glancing back at them, grateful for the distraction their conversation provided.
Tim, focused on the road, kept stealing glances at Lucy. He could tell she was doing her best to keep up a brave face, but the strain was evident. Her smile didn't quite reach her eyes, and there was a tension in her shoulders that hadn't been there the day before.
As they pulled up to the school, Tim parked the car, letting the kids out. Josy and Theo hopped out, exchanging quick goodbyes with Tim and Lucy.
Josy- Bye, Dad!
Tim- Bye, Josy!
Theo- Bye, Mom! See you later!
Theo called as he exited the car
Lucy- See you later, Sweetheart. Have a good day!
Lucy responded, mustering as much cheer as she could.
They watched them go, waiting until they disappeared into the building before Tim turned to Lucy. The car felt quieter now, the absence of the kids' chatter making the tension between them more noticeable.
As Tim pulled away from the curb, he glanced at Lucy, his tone softer, more serious.
Tim- Lucy, how are you really doing?
Lucy sighed, leaning her head back against the seat. The weight of his question felt heavy, but she knew he was asking because he cared.
Lucy- I'm managing.
She admitted, her voice betraying her exhaustion.
Lucy- It's just... been a lot.
Tim nodded, understanding.
Tim- I can see that. You don't have to keep pushing yourself so hard. I talked to Grey this morning, and we're staying in today. No patrol. We can catch up on paperwork, maybe tackle some admin stuff. I thought it might give you a chance to take it easy.
Lucy- Did—
Tim- Don't worry. I haven't told him anything and I won't tell anyone.
Lucy looked at him, surprised but grateful.
Lucy- Thanks, Tim. I appreciate that.
Tim's concern for her was palpable. He knew Lucy was strong—she always had been—but he also knew that even the strongest people needed a break sometimes.
Tim- You've been through a lot, Lucy. It's okay to let yourself rest.
She nodded, feeling the truth of his words. The prospect of a day spent at the station, away from the chaos of the streets, was a relief.
Lucy- I know. I just... I don't want to let anyone down.
Tim gave her a reassuring look.
Tim- You're not letting anyone down, Lucy. You're doing what you need to do to take care of yourself. That's the most important thing.
Lucy managed a small smile, appreciating Tim's unwavering support.
As they continued driving toward the station, the tension in Lucy's body slowly began to ease. She knew today wouldn't solve everything, but having a friend like Tim by her side made it a little easier to face whatever came next.
When they arrived at the station, Tim parked the car and turned to her one last time before they went inside.
Tim- We'll take it slow today. And if you need anything, you just let me know, okay?
Lucy- Okay. 
Lucy agreed, feeling a little more at ease.
Lucy- Thanks, Tim. It really helped a lot, everything.
Tim- Always.
Tim replied, offering her a supportive smile.
Together, they stepped out of the car and headed into the station, ready to face the day.
Tim and Lucy walked into the station, the familiar hustle and bustle of officers and staff moving through their morning routines filling the space. But today, instead of heading out on patrol, they made their way to Tim's office. The small room, with its organized chaos of files and paperwork, offered a sense of privacy and comfort—exactly what Lucy needed.
Once inside, Tim set his things down on his desk, then turned to Lucy.
Tim- You can set up here if you want.
He offered, gesturing to a chair across from him.
Tim- No rush on anything today. Just take it easy.
Lucy nodded, grateful for the quiet space.
Lucy- Thanks, Tim.
She said, her voice softer than usual. She settled into the chair, pulling out her own work to focus on. The station was quiet today, the kind of calm that was rare and precious in their line of work. It was a welcome change, especially given everything that had been weighing on her mind.
As the morning wore on, Lucy found herself comforted by the routine tasks—sorting through reports, updating case files, and organizing paperwork. The simple, repetitive nature of the work helped her focus, keeping her mind from wandering to darker thoughts. And thankfully, the station's bathrooms were clean and easily accessible, a small but significant relief as she dealt with the discomfort of her period.
Tim worked across from her, occasionally glancing up to check on her. He didn't push her to talk, knowing that sometimes just being there was enough. But every so often, he'd offer her a cup of coffee, tee, water, or a quiet word of encouragement, his way of letting her know that he was there if she needed anything.
By early afternoon, Lucy had settled into the rhythm of the day. She was grateful that they weren't out on the streets, dealing with the usual chaos of patrol. The station, with its clean bathrooms and quiet corners, felt like a sanctuary today.
Tim, meanwhile, kept an eye on her, his concern evident in the way he occasionally checked in.
Tim- How're you holding up?
He asked at one point, leaning back in his chair as he looked over at her.
Lucy looked up from the report she was reading, meeting his gaze.
Lucy- I'm okay.
She replied, offering him a small smile.
Lucy- Really, Tim, what you've done today, yesterday... it's helped more than you know.
Tim returned her smile, though he could see there was more behind her words. He didn't push—he knew better than to pry. But the unspoken understanding between them was clear.
Tim- I'm glad to hear that.
He said simply.
Tim- If you need anything, just let me know.
Lucy took a moment, gathering her thoughts. She looked down at her hands, fidgeting with the edge of the report in front of her before finally speaking.
Lucy- Tim, you're the only one who knows about this, about my little angel.
She began, her voice soft but clear.
Lucy- I've kept it, my miscarriage to myself for five years... I never told anyone, not even Theo knows about it.
Tim's expression was full of understanding as he nodded, remembering the conversation from the day before.
Tim- I'm honored that you trusted me with something so personal, Lucy. That means a lot.
Lucy met his gaze, her eyes filled with a mix of gratitude and relief.
Lucy- It feels... strange, but also good, to finally let someone in.
She admitted.
Lucy- I didn't realize how much I needed to talk about it until I did. And knowing that you're the only person who knows, that you're not judging me... it makes it a little easier to carry.
Tim leaned back in his chair, watching her with that same steady gaze.
Tim- You don't have to carry it alone anymore.
He said quietly.
Tim- And you don't have to share it with anyone unless think you're ready.
Lucy nodded, feeling the truth of his words.
Lucy- It's just... I've always felt like I had to be strong, like I couldn't let anyone see me struggle. But yesterday... it felt like a weight lifted, even if just a little.
Tim- You don't have to be strong all the time.
Tim reminded her gently.
Tim- You're allowed to have moments where you lean on someone else. That doesn't make you any less strong. If anything, it makes you stronger.
She gave him a small, grateful smile, the kind that said more than words could express.
Lucy- Thank you, Tim. For being that person I can lean on.
Tim- Always, Lucy. Always.
He replied, his voice filled with sincerity.