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SSN 3 Ep 3 – La Fiera
Lucy can’t stop smiling the entire drive back to the station. She’s feeling pretty good about her performance at the range and nothing is going to take that away from her; especially not Tim being bitter about it. She gets back to the Mid-Wilshire Station and is quickly paged to the front desk where she finds Tamara waiting for her.
After finding out Tamara already sold off her car her spirits are starting to dampen. They get back in the shop and Lucy looks at Tim and realizes it looks like he’s holding back a laugh.
“Seriously, just say whatever version of ‘I Told You So’ you’re clearly thinking,” she says annoyed.
“I’m just saying you should have seen this coming. I mean you gave your car to a girl in high school; of course she’d rather have the money,” he says stating the obvious.
“I get why she did it, I just wish she would have told me first! I mean that was my car…that was my…” she says trailing off as her voice gets quieter.
“You safe place,” Tim says finishing her sentence for her, “I get why you were attached to that thing, and you did a good thing by giving it up, but Chen, a safe place doesn’t have to just be a physical thing, it can be a person or a thing. I mean growing up I played lots of sports to keep me out of the house,” he says in an attempt to let Chen know he relate to what she’s going through.
Lucy looks at him softly and realizes he’s just willing shared something personal with her so she decides to leave it be and not interrogate him any further.
“You’re right, again,” she says rolling her eyes at him.
“I know,” he says smugly before changing the subject, “You said she goes to school around here right?” Tim asks to Lucy’s surprise.
“Yes, why?” she asks.
“Well, there’s a decent lunch spot around the corner so why don’t we head over there and just see if we can run into your puppy,” he suggests.
“Um, ya, that’s a great idea actually, thanks,” Lucy says.
Tim just responds with a cocky grin and starts driving.
After work Lucy drives Tamara to the closest Sweet Greens so she can ensure the teen eats something healthy for once. They each order then grab one of the tables near the window.
“So, SCLA?” Tamara asks, “you really think I could get in?”
“Of course you could, there are a ton of scholarships out there and you can even apply to ones that you don’t fully meet the requirements for because sometimes if no one applies the money just sits there and doesn’t get used,” Lucy tells her.
“Okay good. Because I know I told you I put the rest of the money from your car in my college fund but that car was not worth much,” she says with a smirk.
“Rude!” Lucy says laughing, “It was totally worth something when I bought it!”
“Sure it was,” Tamara teases.
“Anyways, I’m glad you’re still willing to meet with the social worker, I think it will be good for you to have your own safe place,” says Lucy.
“I mean sure, I don’t really know what they are going to do with someone who is almost 18, I mean I’m practically an adult,” Tamara says.
“I know, but once you turn 18 your options will change and honestly will probably become better, especially if you get into college and get a part-time job. Tamara, the more you can prove how capable you are the better chance you’re going to have and that’s a good thing,” Lucy insists.
“I know I know,” the teen responds rolling her eyes.
“So speaking of college, do you have any idea of what you want to take?” Lucy asks.
“I don’t know, it’s like, there are too many options but I’m leaning towards something to do with law or maybe something like social work. I just want to be able to help people like me you know,” Tamara says allowing herself to be a little bit vulnerable.
“That’s good; it’s great that you already have some idea. I had no idea of what I wanted to do but even if I had my parents made that decision for me anyways. It was psychology or medical school,” she says with an annoyed tone.
“Wow, quite the options,” Tamara jokes, “So how did you end up becoming a cop?”
“Well, I completed my degree, had no idea what I wanted to do next, so reluctantly I started grad school. I was miserable so I dropped out and honestly I saw a booth for the LAPD at a career fair and realized it was a way I could actively help people, you know see the change I was making,” Lucy tells her.
“Well, for my sake, I’m glad you did,” Tamara says.
The two women finish their food and then Tamara directs Lucy to her cousin’s place. It looks fairly decent so Lucy isn’t too concerned. Tamara gets out of the car and grabs her bag and makes sure to thank Lucy for all the help.
“Hey, thanks for today,” Tamara says.
“No problem, and call me, anytime if you need anything, I mean it,” Lucy tells her.
Tamara nods and shuts the car door and heads up the stairs to the apartment. Lucy waits for the teen to get inside safely before pulling away. She drives back home with a smile on her face because she feels like her day managed to end on a high note after all.