What if Tim and Lucy both had kids

Part 13

Tim put his phone down, feeling a bit lighter after the conversation. He glanced at the stairs, thinking about Josy and the changes she was going through. It wasn't easy, but he was determined to be there for her, even if it meant stepping outside his comfort zone.
With a final sigh, Tim headed to the kitchen, deciding to take Lucy's advice and lose himself in cooking for a while. As he started gathering ingredients, he felt a sense of calm wash over him, knowing that whatever came next, he'd face it head-on, just like he always had.
Tim moved around the kitchen with practiced ease, the aroma of cooking filling the air as he prepared dinner. Despite the familiar comfort of the task, his mind was in turmoil. Thoughts of his daughter's budding relationship with this boy—someone he knew nothing about—gnawed at him. Every fiber of his being wanted to protect her, to shield her from heartbreak and danger, but he also knew that she was growing up. And no matter how much he wanted to, he couldn't stop time.
He considered ways to get rid of the boy, to somehow scare him off or make it clear that he wasn't welcome. But deep down, Tim knew that approach wouldn't work. She would still see him, probably behind his back, and it would only drive a wedge between them. He had to accept that she was starting to explore relationships, as terrifying as that was for him. The only way to keep her safe was to stay involved, to keep the lines of communication open, and to set boundaries.
When dinner was ready, Tim called her downstairs. She appeared, her usual bright smile tempered with a hint of nervousness. He could see that she was bracing herself for the conversation they both knew was coming.
As they sat down to eat, Tim started.
Tim- I've been thinking a lot about... what you've told me earlier.
She looked up at him, her eyes wary but curious. He sighed and ran a hand through his hair, trying to find the right words.
Tim- I'm probably always going to hate every person who likes you that way.
He admitted, forcing a small smile.
Tim- It's not something I can change. You're my little girl, even though you're 13 now. You'll always be my little girl, and I'll always be protective when it comes to you. That's never going to change.
She nodded slowly, understanding but not entirely comfortable with the intensity of his feelings.
Tim- But I know you're growing up.
Tim continued.
Tim- Things are going to change, whether I like it or not. I can't stop that, but I can do my best to make sure you're safe and that you're making good decisions.
She looked at him, a mix of relief and apprehension in her eyes.
Josy- So... what does that mean?
She asked cautiously.
Tim took a deep breath.
Tim- It means I want to meet him. I want to know who he is. And we're going to set some rules.
Tim took a deep breath, ready to lay down the rules he knew were necessary, even if they weren't what Josy wanted to hear.
Tim- First.
Tim began, keeping his tone calm but firm.
Tim- Everything needs to stay appropriate. No getting too close—physically.
Josy immediately frowned, her fork pausing midway to her mouth.
Josy- Dad, we're not doing anything like that.
She protested, a slight edge to her voice.
Josy- You don't have to worry about that.
Tim nodded, appreciating her honesty, but he wasn't going to back down.
Tim- I'm glad to hear that, but this rule isn't up for negotiation. I'm not just worried about now; I'm thinking about what could happen later. Things can escalate quickly, and I want you to be careful. It's not about me not trusting you, it's about making sure you're not put in a situation where things could get out of hand.
Josy looked down at her plate, her expression conflicted.
Josy- I know, Dad. But it feels like you don't trust me...
Tim- I do trust you.
Tim said gently, leaning forward slightly.
Tim- But it's my job to make sure you're safe, even if that means setting rules you don't like. It's not about trust; it's about being responsible.
She sighed, knowing she wasn't going to win this one.
Josy- Okay, fine. No getting too close.
Tim relaxed slightly, thankful she was willing to accept the rule, even if grudgingly.
Tim- Thank you.
Tim could see the resignation in Josy's eyes, but he pressed on, knowing that they still had more to cover.
Tim- Next.
Tim continued.
Tim- When he's over, you're only allowed in the common areas. That means the living room, kitchen, or dining area. He's not going upstairs, and you're not going into the downstairs guest room or anywhere else that's private.
Josy groaned softly, but Tim could see she was trying to hold back a stronger protest.
Josy- Dad, that's... I mean, we're not even doing anything! It just feels like you don't trust me to make good decisions.
Tim- I know it might feel that way.
Tim said, choosing his words carefully.
Tim- But this isn't about trust; it's about creating a safe environment. It's my responsibility to make sure you're protected, and these rules are part of that. When you're older, things might change, but for now, this is how it has to be.
Josy bit her lip, clearly frustrated, but she didn't argue further.
Josy- Okay, I get it. We'll stay in the common areas.
Tim- Good.
Tim said, relieved that she was willing to accept the boundaries, even if reluctantly.
Tim- And he can only come over when I'm home. I need to be around, just in case. I know you're not thrilled with these rules, but they're important.
Josy sighed, clearly unhappy with the last rule, but she didn't argue.
Josy- Alright, Dad. He can only come over when you're home.
Tim nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over him.
Tim- Thank you. I know these rules aren't exactly what you want to hear, but they're important to me—and for your safety.
Josy gave a small, reluctant nod, and Tim could see that she was accepting his terms, even if she didn't fully agree with them. But he wasn't done yet.
Tim- And Josy.
Tim continued, his voice softening.
Tim- I need you to promise me something.
She looked up at him, her expression wary.
Josy- What is it?
Tim- I want you to promise me that you'll follow these rules, even when I'm not around. If you're at his place, the same rules apply. No getting too close, and no being alone in private spaces. Can you do that for me?
Josy hesitated for a moment, her eyes searching his for a sign of flexibility, but she found none. Finally, she nodded.
Josy- Okay, Dad. I promise I'll follow the rules, even when you're not there.
Tim- Good.
Tim said, his voice laced with relief.
Tim- I appreciate that.
He paused, feeling the weight of what he was about to say next.
Tim- And there's one more thing I need you to promise me.
Josy frowned, clearly wondering what else he could ask of her.
Josy- What is it?
Tim leaned forward, his gaze locking onto hers.
Tim- Promise me that if anything feels wrong, or if something happens that makes you uncomfortable, you'll come to me. No matter how small or big it is. I don't care if you think it's silly or if you're worried I might be upset. I want you to come to me. Can you promise me that?
Josy's expression softened, and Tim could see a hint of emotion in her eyes. She nodded slowly, her voice sincere.
Josy- I promise, Dad. If something feels off, or if anything happens, I'll tell you.
Tim felt a surge of gratitude and pride.
Tim- Thank you, Sweetheart. That means a lot to me.
They sat in silence for a moment, the gravity of their conversation hanging in the air. Tim knew this was a pivotal moment in their relationship—an acknowledgment that things were changing, but also a reassurance that they would navigate those changes together.
Finally, Tim smiled, trying to lighten the mood.
Tim- Alright, enough serious talk. How was your day? Anything interesting?
Josy hesitated for a moment, then let out a sigh.
Josy- Actually, I got my math exam back.
Tim- Oh, how did it go?
Josy's face was a mix of disappointment and relief.
Josy- I got a B+.
Tim gave her a warm, encouraging smile.
Tim- A B+ is really good, especially considering how math has been for you. I know it's not always easy.
Josy nodded, her shoulders relaxing a bit.
Josy- Yeah, I'm happy with it, but I was really hoping for a bit better. Math has always been hard for me.
Tim- I understand. It can be tough. But a B+ is a solid improvement. And it looks like Theo's help made a big difference.
Josy- Definitely. I don't think I would have passed without his help. He's really good at explaining things in a way that makes sense.
Tim- That's great to hear.
Josy- Yeah, he has. He's really patient with me, even when I ask the same question over and over again.
Tim chuckled, a warm smile spreading across his face.
Tim- I'm sure he doesn't mind.
Josy- Yeah, I guess so.
They continued eating, the atmosphere more relaxed now that the heavy conversation was behind them. The familiar sounds of dinner—the clinking of forks, the quiet hum of the fridge—created a sense of normalcy that both of them appreciated.
Tim- So, aside from the math exam, anything else interesting happen today?
Josy shrugged, taking another bite of her dinner.
Josy- Not really. Just the usual stuff. Classes were okay, nothing too exciting.
The rest of dinner passed in comfortable quiet, the earlier tension fading as they focused on their meal. The occasional clink of forks against plates and the hum of the refrigerator filled the room, creating a soothing backdrop to their thoughts.
Tim glanced over at Josy as she finished her last bite, noticing the contented look on her face. He couldn't help but smile, feeling a warmth that came not just from the meal but from the simple pleasure of sharing this moment with her.
As he leaned back in his chair, a thought crossed his mind. He remembered the plans she had hinted at for the weekend but hadn't yet revealed. He figured now was as good a time as any to ask.
Tim- Josy.
He began, his tone light.
Tim- So are you finally going to tell me what you have planned for Sunday? Or are you still keeping it a secret?
Josy looked up, her eyes twinkling with mischief. She wiped her mouth with a napkin, clearly enjoying the suspense she had been building.
Josy- You'll find out soon enough, Dad.
She teased, trying to keep a straight face but failing as a grin spread across her lips.
Tim chuckled, shaking his head.
Tim- You've been keeping me in the dark for a while now. Give me a hint at least?
Josy pretended to think it over, her brow furrowing in mock seriousness.
Josy- Hmm, let's see... It's something we haven't done in a while, and you're going to love it, I think. That's all you're getting.
Tim raised an eyebrow, intrigued but still in the dark.
Tim- Well, that narrows it down... to absolutely nothing.
He said, feigning exasperation.
Tim- You're really going to make me wait, aren't you?
Josy laughed, a light sound that filled the room.
Josy- Yep! But trust me, it's going to be fun. You'll just have to be patient.
Tim sighed dramatically, leaning back in his chair.
Tim- Alright, alright. I guess I can wait a little longer.
He paused for a moment, then added with a smirk,
Tim- But just remember, I'm the one driving if we're going anywhere, so you're going to have to tell me eventually.
Josy's grin widened, clearly enjoying the game. She shook her head, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
Josy- Nice try, Dad. But you'll just have to wait.
Tim chuckled, shaking his head in mock defeat.
Tim- You've got it all planned out, don't you?
Josy nodded confidently, leaning back in her chair.
Josy- Yep. And I promise, it's going to be fun.
Tim raised his hands in surrender, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
Tim- Alright, I'll let you keep your secret... for now. But don't forget, I'm pretty good at figuring things out.
Josy just laughed, the sound light and carefree.
Josy- We'll see about that, Dad.
With that, they both stood up to clear the table, moving in a well-practiced rhythm that spoke to their close bond. As they washed the dishes together, the conversation shifted to lighter topics—school gossip, a funny story from Tim's day at work, and the latest book Josy was reading. The earlier tension was forgotten, replaced by the easy, familiar banter they shared.
When the kitchen was finally clean, they made their way to the living room. Tim settled into his spot on the couch, and Josy curled up beside him, resting her head on his shoulder. The TV flickered to life, but neither of them was really watching. Instead, they continued to chat, their voices low and relaxed as the evening wore on.
As the evening stretched on, the conversation between Tim and Josy ebbed and flowed, punctuated by moments of comfortable silence. The TV played quietly in the background, more as a source of ambient noise than entertainment. They talked about everything and nothing—the kind of easy chatter that comes with deep familiarity.
Eventually, Josy shifted on the couch, stretching her legs out and letting out a contented sigh. Tim glanced over, noticing the way her eyelids drooped slightly. It was a sign that the day had caught up with her.
Tim- You look like you're about ready to call it a night.
Josy nodded, a small smile playing on her lips as she sat up.
Josy- Yeah, I think I might head upstairs. It's been a long day.
Tim reached over to ruffle her hair gently, earning a half-hearted swat from her in return.
Tim- Alright, Sweetheart.
Josy stood up, stretching her arms above her head before giving her dad a quick hug.
Josy- Goodnight, Dad.
Tim- Goodnight, Sweetheart. Sleep well.
With that, Josy made her way upstairs to her room. The quiet of the house enveloped her as she entered the familiar space, a sanctuary that had seen her through countless ups and downs. She changed into her pajamas and did her night routine.
Sitting down on her bed, Josy pulled out her phone and scrolled through it absentmindedly, catching up on messages and checking in with friends. After a few minutes, she put it aside, feeling the gentle pull of sleep start to take hold. She turned off her bedside lamp, allowing the room to sink into darkness, with only the soft glow of her nightlight to keep the shadows at bay.
Meanwhile, downstairs, Tim stayed on the couch for a little while longer, his mind drifting back over the events of the day. There was a sense of satisfaction in knowing that he somehow managed to talk to his daughter about this whole situation, even though he knew there were much more to come. With a quiet sigh, he turned off the TV, the room plunging into a peaceful quiet.
Tim headed upstairs, pausing briefly outside Josy's room. The soft glow from under her door told him she was settling in. With a small, satisfied nod, he continued to his own room.
In the bathroom, Tim took a quick shower, the warm water washing away the day's tension. As he brushed his teeth, he replayed the conversation with Josy in his mind, feeling both relief and the weight of what lay ahead. He's sure his wasn't the only conversation they would have.
Finished with his routine, Tim slipped into bed. The mattress welcomed him, and as he stretched out, the stress of the day began to fade. With the house quiet and knowing Josy was safe, a sense of calm washed over him.
He closed his eyes, letting sleep take over, comforted by the thought that whatever came next, they would face it together.