It was early morning, and the sun cast a warm glow across Tim's kitchen as Lucy helped Emma finish up breakfast. She had adjusted to staying at Tim's place, and though she hadn't expected to feel so at home, it felt right. The coziness of the kitchen mixed with Emma's laughter made it easier to settle in.L: Here you go, Emma,pancakes, just the way you like them.Emma's eyes lighting up, still rubbing sleep from her eyes
E: With extra syrup?
L: Let's see... extra syrup for the young lady? Just for you!Emma giggled and dug in, smothering her pancakes in the syrup Lucy had set aside for her. As Lucy poured herself a cup of coffee, she noticed Tim lingering by the doorway, bag in hand, getting ready for his shift.
T: Alright, I'm heading out. You two have fun, alright?Lucy lifted her coffee
L: We'll be just fine, Officer Bradford. Good luck out there.
Emma's mouth full of pancakes, waved with sticky fingers
E: Bye, Daddy!
Tim chuckled, waving back at Emma before heading out the door. The house felt a little quieter after he left, but Lucy turned her attention back to Emma. They were already planning to color, read books, and play with Emma's impressive collection of stuffed animals.---
Lucy and Emma had moved to the living room, each holding a crayon as they doodled together on a large sheet of paper. Emma was animatedly describing each scribble as they colored, explaining which stuffed animal each shape represented. They were so absorbed in their drawings that they didn't hear the front door click open as Tim returned. Quietly, he stepped into the hall and leaned against the wall, smiling as he listened to Emma's chatter.
Emma proudly held up a purple scribble
E: Lucie, look! This one is Mr. Huggles!
Lucy gasped in admiration.
L: That is amazing, Emma! You captured him perfectly.
E : And he's got his friend Princess Ella.
Emma points to a blob of pink crayon.
E: They go on adventures together.
Tim watched them from the hall, surprised at how comfortable they seemed together. Lucy had a way of listening to Emma, like everything the little girl said was the most interesting story in the world. He'd never seen Emma this animated, this at ease with someone new.---
Tim decided to make his presence known. Clearing his throat, he stepped into the living room. Lucy and Emma both looked up, startled to see him standing there.L: Tim! I thought you'd gone to the station.T: I did, but I realized I forgot something important.
Emma jumped up, running over to hug Tim's leg as she grinned up at him.
E: Daddy! Did you come home to play?
Tim knelt to Emma's level.
T: Not quite, sweetheart, but I wanted to check in. I mean, who knows what sort of adventure you two might have been up to without me?
Emma giggled, wrapping her arms around his neck, and Tim lifted her up. Lucy stood to the side, watching them with a smile, sensing that Tim was making an excuse just to spend a few more minutes with Emma,and maybe even with her.
L: So, Tim... are you checking up on us?T: Maybe. Just making sure my new babysitter is up to standard.
Lucy laughed, feeling oddly warm at his comment. She could tell he was only teasing, but his words felt reassuring somehow, a sign of trust.
---
Emma's face brightened as she wiggled out of Tim's arms, dragging him to sit with them on the floor.E: Daddy, Lucie and I were coloring! Look, I made Mr. Huggles!
She pointed proudly to the purple blob she'd drawn, and Tim chuckled, nodding.
T: That's... perfect, Emma. And I'm guessing this pink one is Princess Ella?
Emma nodded happily, and Lucy chuckled, holding up her own drawing of what could have been a castle,or maybe just a square surrounded by lots of color.
L: We've been busy creating their kingdom.T: Sounds like you two have it all planned out.
They spent the next few minutes in that cozy scene, Tim listening as Emma explained the epic story she and Lucy had concocted. Emma was completely engrossed, her small hands animated as she described the kingdom and its residents. Lucy stole a glance at Tim, catching the softened look on his face as he watched his daughter.It was a rare side of Tim she hadn't seen before,gentle, calm, unguarded. She turned back to Emma, feeling a quiet gratitude for the chance to witness this part of their lives.---
After a while, Tim glanced at his watch and sighed.
Tim stood up.
T: Alright, I really do have to go this time. Thanks for keeping her entertained. I'll be back tonight.L: You're welcome, Tim. Don't worry; we've got a full day planned. Plus, I'm just doing my job.
As Tim started to leave, Emma ran to him once more, giving him a big hug around his legs.E: Bye, Daddy!Tim knelt, hugging her back tightly before looking up at Lucy.T: Call if you need anything.Lucy nodded, and they shared a brief smile, the kind of unspoken understanding that had grown between them over the last few days. For a moment, she felt a pang, realizing how much she enjoyed these moments in Tim's home. Watching him with Emma, seeing the trust he was beginning to place in her,it meant something she hadn't fully anticipated.As Tim walked out the door for the second time, Lucy turned back to Emma, who was already gathering her crayons for another adventure.
Emma looked at Lucy excitedly.
E: Lucie, can we make a castle for Princess Ella and Mr. Huggles?L: Absolutely. Let's make it the best castle they've ever seen.---In the warmth of Tim's living room, surrounded by colorful drawings and Emma's happy chatter, Lucy felt at home in a way she hadn't expected.
YOU ARE READING
The babysitter
RandomBefore joining the academy, she was short of money. She asked her parents but obviously they shut her out. Lucy Chen found a babysitting job that is getting paid 30 dollars an hour.
