secrets

The Rookie: Turmoil and Truth (Chapter nine)

Tim's POV

Tim paced anxiously in the waiting room, his heart racing with every passing minute. Ella and Jake were curled up on the chairs, their small hands clasped together, a picture of innocence amidst the chaos surrounding them. The sterile hospital environment felt suffocating, and the relentless ticking of the wall clock only amplified his anxiety.

"Daddy, will Mommy be okay?" Ella asked softly, her large eyes filled with worry.

"She's going to be fine, sweetheart," Tim replied, though he felt a knot tighten in his stomach. "The doctors are taking good care of her."

Just then, a nurse stepped into the waiting area, her demeanor calm yet serious. "Tim Bradford?" she called, and his heart skipped a beat. "I have an update on Lucy."

"Is she awake? Can we see her?" he asked, already moving toward her, desperation lacing his voice.

"She's awake but in quite a bit of pain," the nurse said gently. "She's asking for her kids. You can go in, but please keep it brief."

Tim nodded, and he felt a mix of relief and dread. "Thank you."

He turned back to the kids. "Okay, let's go see Mommy."

As they walked down the hallway, Tim took a deep breath. He was about to face Lucy, who had every reason to be angry with him. The memories of their fight still weighed heavily on his mind, and he wondered how she would react to seeing him again.

---

In Lucy's Room

As they entered the room, Lucy lay in the hospital bed, her face pale and strained. The sight of her in a hospital gown with IV lines attached sent a wave of pain through Tim's heart. She looked fragile, and he hated that he couldn't do anything to take away her pain.

"Mommy!" Jake shouted, rushing to her side.

"Hey, baby," Lucy replied, her voice hoarse but warm. She reached out to hug him tightly, tears brimming in her eyes. "I missed you so much."

"Me too!" Ella chimed in, coming closer. "We were so worried!"

Tim watched from the doorway, feeling both relieved and heartbroken. Seeing Lucy with their children brought him immense joy, but he felt the weight of the unresolved tension between them.

"Can you tell me a story, Mommy?" Jake asked, his little face lighting up.

"Of course," Lucy said, forcing a smile despite the pain etched on her features. "Once upon a time..."

As Lucy began to weave a tale for her children, Tim felt the warmth of their connection but also the distance between him and her. He wanted to step forward, to tell her how much he cared and how sorry he was, but he couldn't shake the feeling that she wasn't ready to hear it.

"Lucy," he started, his voice breaking the moment. "I—"

But Lucy's expression shifted. The smile faded as she turned her gaze from the kids to him, her eyes clouded with pain and resentment. "What are you doing here, Tim?" she asked, her tone icy.

"Lucy, I just wanted to see you," he said, his heart sinking at her words.

"I didn't ask for you to come," she replied sharply, turning back to the kids. "I'm fine, sweethearts. You don't need to worry about me."

The room fell silent, the air thick with unspoken tension. Tim felt a stab of guilt. All she could remember was the fight, the hurtful words exchanged, and him leaving her alone with their children.

"Mommy, are you hurt?" Jake asked, noticing the grimace on her face.

"I'm okay, honey," Lucy said, forcing a smile. "Just a little sore."