What if Tim had a daughter?

Part 28

Hey everyone, I know it's been a while since I last posted. Life's been a bit hectic with a lot going on, and some unexpected things came up that needed my attention. Sometimes, real life just takes priority. Thanks for being patient—I'm excited to be back and share more with you soon! (Not a guarantee. Just hoping that I'll have a little more time from now on.)

Heads up: This chapter touches on bullying, anxiety, and emotional distress. If these topics are difficult for you, please take care while reading.

Lucy made her way to Tim's office, coffee in hand, expecting to walk into a scene of Olivia halfway through her homework, maybe struggling with a math problem or an essay. But instead, Olivia was lounging comfortably on the couch, flipping through a book.
Lucy narrowed her eyes.
Lucy- You're done with your homework already?
Olivia- Yup.
Lucy- You sure?
Olivia rolled her eyes but still grabbed her notebook, flipping it open and holding it out for Lucy to inspect. Lucy skimmed through the pages, looking for anything half-done or rushed, but to her surprise, everything seemed complete—and neat, too.
Lucy- Huh. Well, that saves me from having to suffer through math.
Olivia- Exactly. You should be thanking me.
Lucy smirked and plopped down next to Olivia on the couch.
Lucy- Well, I guess that means I don't have to pretend to be helpful.
Olivia- Nope! But you can still stay and hang out with me.
Lucy smirked, dropping onto the couch beside her.
Lucy- Lucky me.
They sat there for a while, chatting about their day. Olivia told her about the break room antics, the ridiculous things some of the officers had said, and how she had successfully avoided eating whatever questionable snack had been left in the communal fridge. Lucy, in return, shared a few entertaining stories from her shift, exaggerating a little just to make Olivia laugh.
Lucy noticed the shift in Olivia's mood before the young girl said a word. She'd gone quiet, distant, her usual playful demeanor subdued as she flipped through the pages of her notebook, barely registering the conversation around her. There was something heavier in the air—something unspoken.
Lucy studied Olivia for a moment, her gaze softening as she gave the girl the space to gather her thoughts.
Lucy- You know you can talk to me about anything, right? Whatever's going on.
Olivia hesitated, her gaze darting to her lap, where she fidgeted with the corner of her sleeve. There was a moment where it seemed like she would shrug it off—maybe brush it aside like she often did with tough emotions. But Lucy saw the subtle trembling in her hands, the weight of something pressing on her, and she knew this time was different.
Lucy- Liv, I'm not trying to force you into talking or anything. But if something's bothering you, I'm right here. I'm not going anywhere.
Olivia swallowed, her throat tight, and after a long pause, her voice came out almost too quietly.
Olivia- It's just... sometimes I feel like I'm a burden. Like I'm not supposed to be here, or... like things would be better for everyone if I wasn't around.
The words hit Lucy like a wave, her heart stalling in her chest. She blinked, the pain in Olivia's voice cutting through the air with a sharpness she hadn't expected. Olivia's eyes avoided hers, staring down at her lap as though she couldn't bear to meet her gaze.
Olivia- I don't know. I just... sometimes I feel like... I don't fit in anywhere. Like, I know dad's trying, but I can tell he's tired of me. And... I feel like I don't really belong, anywhere. Not at school, not at home. I'm just... taking up space, and I don't know what I'm supposed to do.
Lucy's heart broke at Olivia's words. She could feel the heaviness of them, like a weight pressing on the young girl's chest, and it made Lucy ache with a deep, protective instinct. She didn't know how to fix everything, but she knew she had to start by making sure Olivia knew how much she truly meant to the world around her.
Lucy reached for Olivia gently, her voice soft as she asked.
Lucy- Can I give you a hug?
Olivia didn't look up, shrugging in a way that made it clear she was trying to hide how she really felt.
Olivia- I mean... whatever.
Lucy didn't hesitate. She shifted closer, carefully wrapping her arms around Olivia and pulling her into a tight, comforting embrace. Olivia tensed for a moment, but then her body relaxed, and for a few moments, the world outside of their little bubble seemed to disappear. Olivia didn't speak, but Lucy could feel the girl's breathing slow as she clung to the comfort of her presence.
Lucy whispered, her voice filled with sincerity.
Lucy- Liv, listen to me. You are not a burden. Not to your dad. Not to me. And not to any of your friends. You're not taking up space that doesn't belong to you. You matter. You matter more than words can say. You might not always feel like you fit in, but you don't have to be like everyone else. You're you, and that's exactly how you're supposed to be. And that's more than enough.
Lucy hesitated for a moment before loosening her hold, letting Olivia pull away if she wanted to. And she did—just a little, not fully retreating, but enough to create space between them again. Olivia shrugged, her expression guarded, like she didn't quite believe Lucy's words, or maybe like she wanted to, but didn't know how.
Lucy watched her carefully, reading the small signs—the way Olivia fidgeted with her sleeves, the way her gaze stayed locked on her lap, as if making eye contact might unravel her.
Lucy- Why would you even think that, Liv?
Olivia let out a breath, quiet and unsteady.
Olivia- Because it's true.
Her voice was flat, but there was something beneath it—something raw. Lucy didn't rush her, letting the silence settle until Olivia spoke again.
Olivia- There's this kid at school. He—he said some things yesterday. And it's not like it's the first time, but... I don't know. Maybe he's right.
Lucy felt a cold anger settle in her chest, but she kept her voice calm, steady.
Lucy- What did he say?
Olivia hesitated, then finally looked up—just for a second.
Olivia- That I'm just some weird little kid no one actually wants around. That people only put up with me because they have to. That dad probably wishes he didn't have me, but he's stuck with me, so he just deals with it.
Her voice cracked slightly at the last part, and Lucy's heart clenched.
Olivia- And I know he's just being mean, but what if he's right?
Lucy didn't even try to hide the emotion in her eyes.
Lucy- Liv, that is the biggest load of crap I have ever heard.
That got Olivia's attention. She blinked, caught off guard.
Lucy- You think your dad is "stuck" with you? That he just "deals with it"? Olivia, I have never seen a man love someone the way your dad loves you. You are his entire world. If you weren't around, I swear, he'd be lost. You're not a burden to him. You never were. You never will be. And as for people only putting up with you—do you really think I'd be here right now if I didn't want to be? If I didn't care about you? Do you think your friends spend time with you because they have to?
Olivia didn't answer right away. She just kept staring down, fingers gripping the fabric of her sleeves so tightly her knuckles turned white.
Lucy- Liv.
Still, Olivia stayed quiet. Lucy sighed softly and reached out, gently tucking a strand of Olivia's hair behind her ear.
Lucy- Look at me for a second, okay?
There was hesitation, but Olivia finally lifted her gaze. Her eyes were glossy, filled with doubt and something deeper—something that made Lucy's heart ache even more.
Lucy- You belong here. You belong with your dad. You belong with your friends and anyone else you care about.
A tear slipped down Olivia's cheek, and she quickly wiped it away, like she didn't want Lucy to see. But Lucy saw. And she wasn't going to let Olivia brush this off like it didn't matter.
Lucy- I don't care what that kid at school said. He doesn't know you. Not like your dad does. Not like the people you love do. He was just trying to hurt you, Liv. But just because someone says something, doesn't make it true.
Olivia swallowed hard, her voice small.
Olivia- But what if... what if people just say nice things because they have to?
Lucy- They don't. I don't. If I didn't mean it, I wouldn't say it.
Olivia looked at her, searching her face for any trace of dishonesty. But Lucy meant every word, and she let Olivia see that.
Lucy- You don't have to believe me right away. But I'll keep telling you, as many times as you need to hear it. Because, Liv—you're not just wanted. You're loved.
For a long moment, Olivia didn't move, didn't speak. But then, almost hesitantly, she leaned into Lucy's side. It wasn't much, but Lucy didn't miss what it meant.
Lucy wrapped an arm around her again, this time softer, gentler.
Olivia stayed quiet for a moment, curled slightly into Lucy's side. Lucy didn't push her, just kept her arm around her, waiting.
Then, in a voice barely above a whisper, Olivia spoke again.
Olivia- I just feel like I make things harder sometimes.
Lucy frowned slightly, but stayed quiet, letting Olivia get her thoughts out.
Olivia- Dad never says anything, but I know he's tired. He works so much, and then he comes home and still has to deal with me. And I know he loves me, but... what if things would be easier for him if it was just him?
Lucy's grip on her tightened slightly, but she kept her voice steady.
Lucy- Liv, your dad works hard because he wants to give you the best life he can. Not because he's stuck with you. Because he loves you. You are not making his life harder—you are the reason he keeps going, even when things are tough. You are the reason he's come so far.
Olivia bit her lip, looking down.
Olivia- And I just... I don't know. Sometimes at school, I feel like I don't really belong. The other kids, they just see me as the little one. And it's not like they're mean about it, but I can tell I'm different. And sometimes I wonder if they actually like having me around, or if they just don't want to be rude.
Lucy sighed softly, brushing Olivia's hair back.
Lucy- Liv, people don't just keep someone around because they feel like they have to. Your friends wouldn't spend time with you if they didn't like you. I mean I wouldn't be here if I didn't want to be. And your dad? If you asked him right now, he'd tell you that you are the best part of his life.
Olivia hesitated, her voice small.
Olivia- You really think so?
Lucy- Liv, I don't just think so—I know so.
She pulled back slightly, just enough to look at Olivia, her expression gentle but firm.
Lucy- You don't see it the way I do, but your dad? He's always happiest when you're around. I mean, have you ever noticed how his whole mood changes when you walk into the room?
Olivia blinked, like she wasn't sure what Lucy meant.
Lucy- Seriously. There have been days where he's been all grumpy and serious, especially if things were stressful, and then you show up and suddenly he's smiling like an idiot. He tries to hide it, you know. Especially if coworkers are around. But he's not really good at it.
A small crease formed between Olivia's brows, like she was trying to remember.
Lucy- And the way he looks at you, Liv? That's not just any look. That's the look of someone who loves their kid more than anything in the world. Every time you talk, every time you laugh, even when you're just rambling about random stuff—he looks at you like you're the best thing that ever happened to him.
Olivia stayed quiet, taking it in.
Lucy- And don't even get me started on the way he tries to be all tough in front of coworkers. I've literally seen him turn away to hide a smile when you say something funny, like he doesn't want them to know he's just a big softie when it comes to you.
That got a reaction. Olivia let out a tiny, breathy laugh, and Lucy smiled.
Lucy- See? You don't even realize how much you mean to him. And one day, Liv, I hope you'll see it too.
Olivia didn't answer right away, but there was something different in her expression now—something lighter. Like maybe, just maybe, she was starting to believe Lucy's words.
Olivia tilted her head slightly, eyes narrowing just a bit.
Olivia- Wait... how do you even know all of that?
Lucy froze. Just for a second. She suddenly felt very caught. Like she'd been caught red-handed.
Because, yeah. She might have watched too closely sometimes. Or too long. Or maybe—maybe she'd even been staring a few times, without even realizing it. Even when Olivia wasn't around. Especially if no one was around...
Lucy- Uh—
She tried to come up with an explanation. Something casual. Something that wouldn't make things... weird.
Lucy- Well, you know, I work with the guy every day. You start noticing things after a while.
Olivia considered that for a moment, then gave a small nod.
Olivia- Yeah... I guess that makes sense.
Lucy let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. Thank God. That had been way too close.
She quickly steered them back to where they'd been before—because, really, this wasn't about her. This was about Olivia.
Lucy- The point is, Liv, you don't see what the rest of us do. But that doesn't mean it's not real. Your dad? He's crazy about you. And I don't mean that lightly.
Olivia was quiet again, but something in her eyes was softer now. Less weighed down.
Lucy- So even if you can't believe it just yet, I'll keep reminding you. Because you deserve to know how much you matter.
Olivia hesitated, then leaned into Lucy again, just a little.
Lucy didn't say anything—she just wrapped an arm around her again, holding her close. Because sometimes, that said enough.
Lucy looked at Olivia, her tone soft.
Lucy- Do you want me to get your dad? Or maybe someone else?
Olivia paused, a flicker of doubt crossing her face. She shifted uncomfortably before speaking in a small voice.
Olivia- You don't have to stay if you don't want to...
Lucy raised an eyebrow, a soft smile tugging at her lips.
Lucy- Liv, you're not bothering me. I want to be here for you.
Olivia's gaze dropped to the floor, her voice even quieter now.
Olivia- I don't know... I just... I don't want you to feel like you have to stay with me.
Lucy's heart warmed at Olivia's concern for her, but she also wanted to make sure Olivia knew it was okay to ask for space if she needed it.
Lucy- Well, I can always leave if you want. But only if I'm bothering you, okay?
Olivia quickly shook her head, her voice a little more firm.
Olivia- No, you're not bothering me.
Lucy nodded gently, a little relieved.
Lucy- I just asked because I thought maybe you'd feel more comfortable with someone else. If you think you might, I'd totally understand.
Olivia hesitated, but then her expression softened as she shook her head again.
Olivia- I don't want anyone else. They're either going to be all over me or ask too many questions. I just... I just want you here.
Lucy felt a warmth spread through her chest, grateful for the trust Olivia was showing.
Lucy- Okay, then. I'm not going anywhere. We can just be here for a while.
Olivia pulled her knees to her chest, curling up against Lucy's side, her small frame sinking into the warmth of Lucy's embrace. She rested her head gently on Lucy's shoulder, closing her eyes as if to settle into the quiet. Lucy, holding her gently, didn't say anything—just let the silence surround them, the kind of silence that wasn't awkward but comforting. They sat there like that for a while, together, without needing to speak a word.
After a while, Lucy finally spoke up, her voice soft but steady.
Lucy- Have you talked to your dad about this? What did he say?
Olivia didn't answer right away. She stayed curled up, her fingers absentmindedly picking at the hem of her sleeve. Lucy gave her time, not pushing, just waiting. Finally, Olivia mumbled, almost too quiet to hear.
Olivia- I didn't tell him.
Lucy wasn't surprised, but she still felt a small pang in her chest.
Lucy- I think you should.
Olivia tensed slightly.
Olivia- I don't know...
Lucy sighed, choosing her words carefully.
Lucy- Do you remember what I told you a while ago? That you can come to me for anything, and I won't tell your dad what we talk about unless I really have to?
Olivia lifted her head slightly, her expression cautious, but she nodded.
Lucy- And I meant that, Liv. I would never go behind your back or break your trust. But this...
She hesitated, just for a second, before continuing.
Lucy- This is something I don't think you should keep from him. And I don't think I can either. This isn't just some small thing, something you might feel a little uncomfortable about—this is about you and your wellbeing. And your dad? He'd want to know.
Olivia swallowed, her grip tightening around her knees.
Lucy- I don't want to make this decision for you, Liv. But I do think you should tell him. And if you need me to be there when you do, I will be.
But that talk should definitely happen.
Olivia didn't answer right away, but she wasn't pulling away either. Instead, she stayed curled up against Lucy's side, quiet, like she was trying to sort through everything in her head.
Lucy let the quiet settle between them for a moment, letting Olivia think. Then, gently, she spoke again.
Lucy- Do you want me to get your dad now? Give you both some space to talk? Or would you rather wait until tonight and talk then?
Lucy gave Olivia time, not pushing her to decide right away. But after a moment, Olivia let out a quiet breath.
Olivia- ...I'll talk to him tonight.
Lucy met her eyes, searching for any hesitation, but Olivia seemed sure. So Lucy just gave her a small nod.
Lucy- Okay. Tonight.
She didn't push any further, didn't make a big deal out of it. Just let it sit. They stayed like that for a while longer, the quiet between them comfortable. But eventually, Lucy knew she had to get back to work.
Lucy- Look, I have to get back to work. Do you want to stay here, or do you want to come with me?
Olivia lifted her head slightly, thinking about it. Lucy offered another option.
Lucy- Or, if you want, you can stay here, and I'll send your dad over. He can work in here, and you can just hang out here. Whatever you want.
Olivia considered that, then shook her head.
Olivia- I'll come with you.
Lucy smiled, giving her shoulder a light squeeze before getting up.
Lucy- Alright. Let's go.
The two of them made their way to the community desk area, where Tim was already working. Lucy headed straight for him, grabbing some of the files she needed, while Olivia settled into a seat next to her.
After a few minutes, Lucy glanced at Olivia, then at the stack of files. She sifted through them, making sure to pick ones that weren't sensitive or too boring, and handed one over.
Lucy- Here, if you wanna take a look. Nothing exciting, though.
Olivia took it, flipping through the pages with mild curiosity. But when Lucy came across the report about the drunk guy they'd arrested earlier—the one who had gotten vomit on her—she made a face and promptly walked it over to Tim.
Lucy- Yeah, I'm not dealing with this one.
Tim, already knowing what it was, chuckled before taking the file from her.
Tim- Can't handle a little puke in a report?
Lucy shot him a look.
Lucy- I think I've had enough of that guy for today, thanks.
Tim smirked but didn't argue, setting the file aside as Lucy turned back toward her desk.
Before she walked away, Tim glanced at Olivia, then back at Lucy.
Tim- Why is Liv here?
Lucy, without missing a beat—
Lucy- She's bored.
Tim didn't question it, just gave a small nod and went back to work. And with that, Lucy returned to her desk, Olivia still next to her, flipping through the harmless reports. They worked like that for a while, side by side, in quiet but comfortable company.
The rest of the day passed in a blur of paperwork and routine tasks. Olivia remained by Lucy's side, occasionally flipping through reports but mostly just enjoying the quiet presence of someone she felt safe with. Neither of them said much, but they didn't need to.
Eventually, shift change rolled around, and both Tim and Lucy went to change out of their uniforms. Olivia waited near the lockers, her arms crossed as she leaned against the wall. When Tim came out, dressed in his regular clothes, he pulled Olivia into a quick side hug, before they headed home together.

Lucy went her own way, but later that evening, as she was getting comfortable, her phone buzzed.
Tim: Bet you've burned that uniform by now.
Lucy smirked, shaking her head before typing back.
Lucy: I should've. Pretty sure I can still smell it.
Tim: That's the price you pay for getting too close to the action.
Lucy: Oh yeah? Next time, you can take drunk guy duty.
Tim: Nah, I think you've got a real talent for it. Natural magnet for puke.
Lucy rolled her eyes but found herself smiling anyway.
Lucy: Keep talking, and I'll make sure you're the next victim.
Tim: 😂😂
Tim: You wouldn't.
Lucy: Try me.
Their conversation continued in that easy, teasing rhythm—something light after a long day. Tim wouldn't openly admit it, but he kind of liked texting Lucy, a lot. She was easy to talk to, and it wasn't just about work or the occasional banter. It was nice.

Meanwhile, after their usual routine, Olivia sat curled up in her bed, hugging her knees to her chest. She knew she should talk to her dad. She had told Lucy she would. But when she thought about actually bringing it up, her throat felt tight, and the words wouldn't come.
So she didn't.
Olivia lay curled up in her bed, her arms wrapped around her knees beneath the dim glow of her nightlight. Her room was quiet except for the faint sounds of the house settling. She knew she should talk to her dad. She had told Lucy she would. But the thought of actually saying the words out loud made her stomach twist.
So she stayed silent.
After a while, she heard soft footsteps approaching. She quickly shut her eyes, keeping as still as possible. There was a knock on the door and when she didn't answer, it creaked open just a little, and Tim stepped inside.
He checked on her every night before he went to bed. Always had.
Standing at the edge of her bed, he glanced down at her. She wasn't really covered, her blanket bunched up near the foot of the bed rather than over her. With a quiet sigh, he reached down and gently pulled the blanket over her, tucking it around her small frame.
Then, leaning down, he pressed a light kiss to the top of her head.
Tim- Sleep well, Livi.
He murmured softly.
Tim- Love you, sweetheart.
Olivia's throat tightened, but she stayed quiet, keeping her breathing even. She wanted to say something back. Wanted to tell him everything.
But she didn't.
Tim lingered for a moment, but eventually, he straightened and stepped out, closing the door behind him.
Olivia stayed still until she heard his footsteps fade down the hall. Only then did she let out a slow breath, her fingers gripping the blanket he had just tucked around her.
Maybe tomorrow.
But not tonight.
That night, Olivia tossed and turned beneath the covers, her mind refusing to quiet down. No matter how tightly she curled up or how many times she flipped her pillow to the cooler side, sleep just wouldn't come.
It wasn't the first night like this.
She had felt it the night before too—the weight in her chest, the unease that wouldn't let her rest. But tonight, it was worse. Every time she closed her eyes, her thoughts spun in circles. She should just tell her dad. Get it over with. It wasn't like he'd be mad at her, right?
But every time she thought about actually saying the words, about looking at him and letting them out, she felt small.
She shifted onto her side, staring at the faint glow of her nightlight against the wall. The house was silent now. She wondered if her dad was asleep yet. Probably. He'd had a long shift.
Olivia let out a slow breath and pulled the blanket tighter around herself.
Eventually, exhaustion won out, but even when she drifted off, her sleep was restless—filled with half-dreams that left her waking up every so often, heart pounding for reasons she couldn't quite name.