What if Tim and Lucy both had kids

Part 12

As the afternoon sun began its descent, Tim and Lucy wrapped up their tasks at the station, aware that it was nearly time to pick up Theo and Josy from school. The day had been steady, not too overwhelming, but Lucy could feel the weight of it all pressing down on her.
Tim- (glancing at the clock) We should go get the kids now. We can finish up here afterward.
Lucy nodded, grateful for the break. They headed out to the car, the familiar routine offering a small comfort. The drive to the school was filled with light conversation, mostly about the kids and their plans for the evening.
They arrived at the school just as the final bell rang. Theo and Josy were already waiting by the gate. Tim parked the car, and the kids quickly made their way over.
Josy- (smiling as she got in) Hey, Lucy! Hey, Dad!
Theo- (climbing in after) Hi, Tim! Hello, Mom.
Lucy turned around in her seat, smiling warmly at them.
Lucy- Hey, you two. How was school?
Theo- It was okay. Not too much homework, so that's good.
Josy- Yeah, it was okay! Can we go home now?
Tim- We've got to stop by the station first to finish a few things,
Josy- Do we have to?
Tim- I know it's not what you want to hear, but Lucy and I need to wrap up a couple of things at the station. It won't take long, and then we can go straight home.
Josy- Fine... but it better not take too long.
Tim- It won't, I promise. We'll be quick, and then we're out of there.
As they drove to the station, the mood in the car remained subdued. The streets were bathed in the warm, golden light of the setting sun, casting long shadows that danced along the road. The kids sat quietly in the backseat, each lost in their own thoughts.
When they arrived at the station, Tim parked the car and turned to look at Josy and Theo.
Tim-  You two can wait in the break room while we finish up. It won't be long, I promise.
Josy- Okay...
Theo- Sounds good.
They all walked into the station together, the familiar hum of the building settling around them. The station was quieter than usual, the late afternoon lending a calmness to the place. Tim and Lucy led the way to the break room, where the kids often waited when work ran late.
Lucy- Help yourself if you're hungry, there are snacks and juice is in the fridge. Just hang out here, and we'll be back before you know it.
Josy plopped down on the small couch, pulling out her phone to distract herself.
Josy- I guess I'll just wait here.
Theo, who was usually more patient, sat down next to her and grabbed a magazine from the table, flipping through it without much interest
Theo- It's okay, Mom. Take your time.
Lucy smiled warmly at Theo, appreciating his understanding.
Lucy- Thanks, Theo. We'll try not to keep you waiting too long.
Tim and Lucy exchanged a glance before heading down the hall to finish their work. The station's muted sounds accompanied their steps, a sense of routine settling in as they got back to their tasks.
In the break room, Josy and Theo sat quietly, the minutes ticking by slowly. Josy fiddled with her phone, occasionally glancing at the door, hoping they wouldn't be there too long. Theo, meanwhile, tried to focus on the magazine, though it was clear he was just as eager to head home.
After what felt like an eternity, but was only about thirty minutes, Tim and Lucy finished their work.
Tim- (stretching slightly) That's it. Let's get the kids and head home.
Lucy nodded, feeling the day's weight lift slightly as they walked back toward the break room.
Lucy- (with a small smile) Finally.
As they approached the break room, Tim glanced over at Lucy, noticing the lingering tension in her expression. He could see that despite her words, she was still carrying a lot.
Tim- (stopping her just before they reached the door) Hey, Lucy... are you sure you're okay to drive by yourself? I can give you and Theo a ride home if you need it.
Lucy paused, surprised by the offer but also touched by his concern. She took a deep breath, considering her response.
Lucy- I appreciate it, Tim, but I'm fine. Yesterday, everything just came together, and it was too much, but... I'm okay now. I can manage.
Tim studied her for a moment, knowing she was putting on a brave face. He could sense that she wasn't entirely fine, but he also knew Lucy well enough to recognize when she needed space.
Tim- Alright, but if anything changes, just let me know. And when you get home, text me or something, okay? Just so I know you're both safe.
Lucy- I will. Thanks, Tim.
Tim returned the smile, though a flicker of worry still lingered in his eyes. He wanted to say more, to press her to talk about what was really going on, but he knew now wasn't the time.
Tim- Alright then, let's go get the kids.
They walked into the break room, where Theo and Josy looked up expectantly.
Josy- Are we done? Can we go home now?
Tim- Yep, we're done. Let's get out of here.
They gathered the kids from the break room, and after a few more minutes of wrapping things up, they finally headed out of the station. The sun was lower in the sky now, casting an orange glow over everything as they piled into the car, ready to go home.
As they drove home, the car was quiet, the hum of the engine filling the silence. Tim could sense that something was on Josy's mind, but he didn't push her to talk. He knew she'd open up when she was ready.
After a few more minutes of quiet, Josy shifted uncomfortably in her seat and finally spoke up, her voice hesitant and uncertain.
Josy- (nervously) Dad... can I ask you something?
Tim- Sure, Josy. What's going on?
She hesitated, biting her lip and avoiding his gaze, clearly struggling with whatever was on her mind.
Josy- Don't get mad, okay?
Tim- Okay.
Josy- There's this boy in my class... Ryan. He's been... um, really nice to me lately. Like, we've been talking a lot, and I think... I think he might like me.
Tim felt his grip tighten on the steering wheel, his protective instincts flaring up instantly. The thought of some boy—Ryan, of all people—liking his daughter sent a surge of irritation through him. He'd seen Ryan around school, and while the kid seemed harmless enough, the idea of anyone showing interest in Josy made his blood boil.
Tim- (forcing himself to stay calm) Oh? And how do you feel about that?
Josy squirmed in her seat, clearly aware of her dad's reputation for being overly protective when it came to boys.
Josy- (awkwardly) I guess I kind of like him too... but it's weird. I didn't want to tell you because... well, you kind of hate everyone who even looks at me like that. I just... I don't know what to do, and I thought maybe you'd understand. But... please don't freak out.
Tim took a deep breath, trying to push down the protective anger rising in his chest. He knew she was right—he'd always been fiercely protective, maybe a little too much. But he also knew that trying to keep her away from every boy who showed interest was only going to push her further into their arms.
Tim- I'm not going to freak out, Josy. But you're right—I'm not exactly thrilled about it. I just... I want to make sure you're safe and that you're thinking things through. Liking someone can be complicated, and you're still so young. It's my job to look out for you, even if it means being a little overprotective.
Josy finally turned to look at him, clearly relieved but still wary of his reaction.
Josy- I know, Dad. And I get it, really. It's just... you can't lock me in my room forever. I'm going to like people, and I want to be able to talk to you about it without feeling like you're going to scare them all away.
Tim let out a sigh, realizing she was right. He couldn't keep her away from boys forever, no matter how much he wanted to. And if he tried, she'd only find ways around it, sneaking behind his back. The best he could do was stay involved and keep a watchful eye on things.
Tim- (reluctantly) You're right. I can't just lock you up and keep Ryan—or anyone else—away from you. But I want you to be smart about this. Take things slow, and don't rush into anything. And if he ever does anything that makes you uncomfortable or upset, you come to me, okay? I may not like it, but I want you to be able to talk to me about this stuff.
Josy nodded, her expression softening as she realized her dad was trying his best to handle this in a way that was fair to both of them.
Josy- Thanks, Dad. I'll be careful, I promise.
Tim gave her a small, tight smile, still not thrilled about the whole situation but knowing he didn't have much choice.
Tim- (sighing) Alright, kiddo. Just remember, I'm always here for you. Even if I'm not happy about it, I'll listen. But don't expect me to be friends with that Ryan anytime soon.
Josy chuckled at that, the tension easing between them as they pulled into the driveway.
Josy- Yeah, I didn't think you'd be inviting him over for dinner anytime soon.
Tim- Not a chance.
As they pulled into the driveway, the light banter between Tim and Josy eased the tension that had built up during their conversation. But even as they shared a moment of levity, Tim couldn't fully shake his protective instincts. As much as he didn't want to overreact, the idea of his daughter being involved with a boy was still difficult for him to accept.
As he put the car in park, Tim turned to face Josy, his expression more serious now.
Tim- Jo, I need to know more about this Ryan kid. I'm not saying you can't like him, but I want to make sure you're being smart about this. What's he like? What's his family like?
Josy sighed, knowing this was coming but still feeling a bit uncomfortable about it.
Josy- (reluctantly) He's... he's really nice, Dad. He's funny. His family seems pretty normal, I guess. His dad works in tech or something, and his mom is a teacher. I don't know much more than that.
Tim nodded, trying to keep his expression neutral. He knew he couldn't push too hard without risking Josy shutting down, but the protective part of him still wanted to know everything.
Tim- That's good to hear, but you know I'm going to want to know more. I might even consider doing a little background check, just to make sure everything checks out.
Josy's eyes widened in surprise, a mixture of disbelief and exasperation crossing her face.
Josy- (half-laughing) A background check? Dad, seriously?
Tim- I'm not kidding, Josy. I'm your dad, and it's my job to look out for you. I'm not saying I'm going to do it right now, but if things get more serious between you two, I want to make sure you're safe and that he's a good kid.
Josy shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips despite her frustration.
Josy- You really are overprotective, you know that?
Tim- Yeah, well, it's in the job description. But seriously, Josy, I want you to be honest with me about this. If anything changes, if you start feeling different about him or if he does something you're not okay with, you have to tell me. Promise?
Josy nodded, appreciating her dad's concern even if it was a bit overwhelming at times.
Josy- I promise, Dad. I'll be careful, and I'll keep you in the loop. But please, no background checks... at least not yet.
Tim chuckled, the tension easing again.
Tim- Alright, no background checks... for now. But I'm still going to keep an eye on things. That's just how it's going to be.
Josy- (rolling her eyes) Yeah, I figured.
They both stepped out of the car, the conversation leaving an understanding between them. Tim knew he couldn't protect Josy from everything, but he could be there for her, guiding her and making sure she stayed safe. And Josy, for her part, knew she could count on her dad, even if he did go a little overboard sometimes.
They walked into the house, the familiar scent of home greeting them as they entered. Josy headed upstairs to her room, probably to text her friends or catch up on some schoolwork, while Tim lingered in the hallway for a moment. He pulled out his phone, a habit he'd developed over the years—checking in, making sure everything was in order.
As he unlocked the screen, a new text notification caught his eye. It was from Lucy.