What if Tim and Lucy both had kids

Part 21

After the kitchen was clean, Josy tossed the dish towel onto the counter and leaned back against the sink.
Josy-Alright, the chores are done. What's next?
Tim stretched his arms above his head, the long day starting to show in his movements.
Tim- (pretending to consider) Bed sounds pretty good right about now.
Josy- Seriously? You can't call it a night this early. What about a movie?
Tim groaned in mock protest but couldn't help smiling.
Tim- Fine. Pick something good, though. None of that overdramatic teen stuff you usually go for.
Josy- Oh, you mean the movies that are actually interesting? Don't worry, Dad—I'll keep it light for your ancient taste.
Tim chuckled, following her into the living room. Josy flopped onto the couch, grabbing the remote and flipping through streaming options.
They finally settled on a classic action-comedy, something they both could agree on. Josy grabbed a bag of chips from the kitchen, while Tim dug a box of chocolate-covered pretzels out of the pantry.
Josy- (pointing at his snack) Chocolate for (second) dinner? Bold choice, Dad.
Tim- It's called balance. Chips and chocolate—it's practically gourmet.
The movie started, and the room was soon filled with laughter as the ridiculous plot unfolded.
Josy- Did they seriously just outrun an explosion on foot?
Tim- Back in my day, action movies didn't care about logic. That's what made them fun.
Josy raised an eyebrow at him, amused.
Josy- (smirking) Pretty sure logic still wasn't a thing in your day.
Tim: (mock offended) Careful, or I'll switch this to a black-and-white film with subtitles.
Josy- Alright, alright. I'll behave... for now.
As the credits rolled, Josy stifled a yawn, stretching her arms above her head.
Josy- That wasn't half bad.
Tim- (leaning back against the couch) See? Told you my taste in movies isn't completely terrible.
Josy stood up, gathering the empty snack bags and carrying them to the kitchen.
Josy- (calling over her shoulder) I'll give you that one, but don't let it go to your head.
Tim chuckled, watching her go. After a moment, he got up and stretched, glancing at the clock.
Tim- Alright, kiddo. Time to hit the hay.
Josy reappeared in the doorway, arms crossed and a mischievous smile on her face.
Josy- You're going to bed without even asking what tomorrow's plans are?
Tim- (raising an eyebrow) Should I be worried?
Josy- Nope. Just trust me.
Tim chuckled, ruffling her hair as he passed.
Tim- That's what scares me. Goodnight, sweetheart.
Josy- Night, Dad.
As Tim headed to his room, he couldn't help but wonder what she had up her sleeve. But as his head hit the pillow, his curiosity faded into sleep, leaving him unaware of the surprise Josy had planned for the next day.

The next morning the house was quiet except for the soft shuffle of Josy's footsteps as she tiptoed toward her dad's bedroom. She peeked in, finding Tim still sprawled across his bed, snoring softly.
Josy- (calling gently) Dad... Dad, wake up.
No response.
With an exaggerated sigh, she walked over and shook his shoulder.
Josy- Dad. Come on, you promised!
Tim groaned, pulling the blanket over his head.
Tim- (muffled) Five more minutes...
Josy- Nope. You're getting up now.
She gave him another shake, and this time, Tim finally rolled onto his side, squinting up at her with half-lidded eyes.
Tim- (grumbling) Why are you so chipper this early?
Josy- Because someone has to keep this house running. Now get up—we're leaving soon, and I'm not telling you where.
Tim groaned again but swung his legs over the bed, dragging himself upright.
Breakfast was quick—coffee for Tim and a smoothie for Josy. They didn't linger long before heading out.
Tim- (yawning as he grabbed the car keys) You're lucky I trust you, because this whole "mystery trip" thing is suspicious.
Josy- (grinning) Just drive, sleepyhead.
When they pulled into the parking lot of the amusement park, Tim blinked in surprise.
Tim- (looking around) Wait a second... Is this—
Josy- Yep. Thought it was time for a throwback.
Tim chuckled softly, glancing at the colorful rides and buzzing crowds. Memories of their visits years ago flickered in his mind, and he felt a pang of nostalgia.
Tim- You really know how to surprise me.
The first stop was the log flume, a classic favorite. As the ride splashed into the water, a camera captured the exact moment Josy clung to Tim's arm, both of them with comically exaggerated expressions of fear.
Josy- (pointing at the photo later) I look terrified, but you look like you've seen a ghost.
Tim- That's because I had—you, ripping my arm out of its socket.
They stopped for snacks after a particularly wild roller coaster. Josy opted for a massive bag of cotton candy, while Tim went for a hot dog and a soda.
Tim- How do you eat that stuff without it turning your hands blue?
Josy- (grinning, showing her slightly sticky fingers) Who says I don't?
They laughed, taking a seat at a nearby bench to rest.
Josy started flipping through the string of ride photos they'd collected throughout the day.
Josy- (holding one up) Look at this one!
The picture showed both of them mid-scream on a roller coaster—Josy with her hands thrown up, while Tim clutched the safety bar like his life depended on it.
Tim- (mocking himself) That's my "Why am I doing this?" face.
Josy- And this one—
She held up another photo, this time from a spinning ride. Josy looked like she was having the time of her life, her head thrown back in laughter, while Tim's face was a mix of dizziness and resignation.
Tim- (pointing at it) That's not just a look of regret. That's me realizing I'm too old for spinning rides.
Josy- (laughing) Oh, please. You survived.
Another photo made them both pause. It was from the bumper cars, with Josy grinning wickedly at the camera as she slammed into Tim's car. Tim, meanwhile, had an exaggerated look of betrayal.
Josy- (teasing) You're too easy to target.
Tim- (pretending to be offended) I let you win, clearly.
They kept flipping through the photos, each one sparking a new round of laughter or teasing.
After a few more rides, they grabbed ice cream cones and wandered through the park, stopping occasionally to watch performers or admire the carousel. Tim carried a stuffed lion Josy had won at a ring toss game—a goofy-looking thing with lopsided eyes and a slightly frayed mane.
Tim- (examining the lion) This guy's seen better days.
Josy- Hey, don't be mean to Leo. He's perfect.
They found another bench to sit on, their ice creams nearly finished.
Tim- You know, this place hasn't changed much.
Josy- (nodding) Feels like we were just here yesterday, even though it's been years.
Tim looked at her, his smile softening.
Tim- (quietly) We've made some good memories here.
Josy held up the string of photos.
Josy- And we've added some new ones to the collection.
As they walked back to the car, the golden hues of the setting sun painted the amusement park in a soft, nostalgic glow. Josy hugged Leo, her new stuffed lion, close to her chest, while Tim carried the photos carefully tucked into his jacket pocket.
Josy- Thanks for today, Dad.
Tim unlocked the car and paused for a moment, leaning against the door before opening it.
Tim- (with a warm smile) No, thank you, Josy.
She gave him a curious look, her head tilting slightly.
Josy- For what?
Tim- For this weekend. For making me laugh, for reminding me what it's like to just have a little fun. I don't always say it, but... I'm really glad we got to spend time like this. It means a lot to me.
Josy's expression softened, and she gave a small, almost bashful shrug.
Josy- Well... you deserve it. Besides, it's been fun for me too. Even if you are bad at spinning rides.
Tim- (chuckling) And bumper cars, apparently.
Josy- You said it, not me.
They climbed into the car, the mood light but filled with unspoken gratitude. On their way home, Josy's stomach gave an audible growl, and Tim glanced over at her with a smirk.
Tim- Hungry?
Josy- Uh, yeah. All that screaming works up an appetite.
Tim pulled off the road at a small, cozy diner they'd been to once or twice before. The sign outside flickered slightly, and the smell of fried food and coffee hit them as they walked in.
Settling into a booth, they both scanned the menus.
Josy- (muttering) Cheeseburger and fries for me. What about you?
Tim- (flipping the menu closed) Same, but I'm adding a milkshake. The real question is—vanilla or chocolate?
Josy- (grinning) Chocolate, obviously.
They placed their orders, and while waiting, they chatted about their favorite moments from the day.
Josy- Okay, but the spinning ride? You looked like you were reconsidering all your life choices.
Tim- (dramatically) Because I was! Who invented that torture device anyway?
Josy- And the log flume—classic. You holding on for dear life while I was just enjoying the view.
Tim- (mockingly) Oh yes, you were so calm... except for the part where you screamed louder than anyone else. Pretty much the whole time.
They both burst into laughter, drawing a glance from the waitress who brought their food over.
Between bites of their burgers, they had moments of quiet, comfortable silence. Occasionally, Josy would point out something happening in the diner—a toddler dropping his toy or an older couple sharing dessert.
As they left the diner, stuffed and satisfied, Tim turned the radio on low, the car filled with the faint hum of music.
Josy- (yawning) I think all the excitement's catching up with me.
Tim- Better not fall asleep yet. I might take a wrong turn and drive us into the middle of nowhere.
Josy gave him a sleepy chuckle but leaned her head against the window. Within minutes, her breathing slowed, and she was out like a light.
When they pulled into the driveway, Tim glanced over at her, reluctant to wake her up. He reached over and gently shook her shoulder.
Tim- Josy... hey, we're home.
She stirred with a groggy groan, rubbing her eyes.
Josy- (grumbling) Why'd you have to wake me up?
Tim- (laughing softly) Well, I could've carried you inside and tucked you into bed, but I figured you might want to, you know, shower or change or something. Unless you like sleeping in clothes you wore on the amusement park.
Josy blinked at him, still half-asleep, and gave a reluctant nod.
Josy- (muttering) Fine... you're lucky you're right.
Tim- Always am.
As they stepped into the house, Josy let out a long yawn, leaning against the wall as she toed off her shoes. Tim locked the door behind them and glanced over, amused at how utterly exhausted she looked.
Tim- (teasing) You sure you can make it up the stairs, or do you need me to carry you?
Josy shot him a tired but playful look, one brow raised.
Josy- (smirking) I mean, if you really want to...
Tim- (grinning) Nice try. I'd probably end up dropping you halfway up, and then we'd have a whole different problem.
Josy pushed herself off the wall and began trudging toward the stairs, throwing a glance back at him.
Josy- You're lucky I've got enough energy to save you from that embarrassment.
Tim- (mock-relieved) Phew. Dodged a bullet.
They headed up the stairs, Josy trailing a little behind but managing to keep up.
Josy- (half-laughing) These stairs feel a lot taller than they did this morning.
Tim- (chuckling) That's what a day full of rides and sugar will do to you.
Once at the top, they parted ways, Josy heading into her room while Tim grabbed a towel and headed for his own room.
The warm water of the shower helped wash away the sticky remnants of cotton candy and the general grime of a day spent at the amusement park. Josy felt herself waking up slightly as the steam surrounded her, her earlier grogginess fading a little. She scrubbed at her arms, laughing quietly to herself as she remembered the log flume picture of her clinging to Tim's arm in mock terror.
In the bathroom down the hall in Tim's room, Tim was doing the same—replaying the highlights of the day in his mind. The way Josy's laughter rang out over the noise of the park, the goofy faces they made for the camera, the look of triumph on her face when she won that scruffy stuffed lion. He shook his head with a smile as he rinsed the shampoo from his hair.
A little while later, Josy emerged from her room, her hair damp and her skin pink from the hot shower. She shuffled into the kitchen to grab a glass of water, finding Tim already there, sipping on a mug of tea. He looked up and smirked.
Tim- Look who's awake again.
Josy- (grinning) Barely.
She poured herself some water and leaned against the counter, her earlier exhaustion replaced by a cozy, end-of-day tiredness.
Tim- (nudging his tea toward her) You want some? It's chamomile. Supposed to knock you out faster.
Josy- (wrinkling her nose) I'll stick to water, thanks.
They stood there for a moment, the hum of the fridge filling the comfortable silence.
Josy- (after a sip) Today was fun.
Tim- (smiling) It was. You know, for someone who teased me mercilessly, you weren't so bad to hang out with.
Josy- (laughing) Right back at you, old man.
Tim chuckled, finishing his tea before stretching and setting the mug in the sink.
Tim- Alright, kiddo. I'm officially calling it a night. Don't stay up too late thinking about bumper cars.
Josy- (mock-serious) I make no promises.
He ruffled her damp hair on his way out, earning a sleepy glare.
Josy- (grumbling) Really? I just showered.
Tim- (grinning) Just keeping you humble.
Josy- Of course...
She rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her smile.
Tim- Good night, sweetheart.
Josy- Night, dad.
a moment later, she headed back to her room. It wasn't long before the house fell quiet, the day's excitement finally catching up with both of them as they settled into bed, ready to call it a night.