Shields- A Tom Hiddleston Fanfiction

Chapter 33

So.... Im'a back! Just fyi, I am completely and utterly great. There is no need to feel concerned for me because of the things I am writing. I promise you. Enjoy this chapter! Btw, it's about sometime in July, I think, in this story. So, I am officially jumpin' ahead in time. Lol Here's a long chapter for you!

3 months later

"Jeez, I don't know how you did it." I walk around the house, now empty of anything, and looking much better than when I left. Joel puts a hand on my shoulder.

"While you were gone, we managed to get a team of friends in here and help out. Your things were moved into a storage facility I am renting." He lets out a small breath, giving me a small hug. "I know it's not the first thing you want to do after leaving... there. But you might need to go through some of your stuff. We put some of Holly's more precious things in with your things, in case you wanted them. If not, just let me know."

I nod once, patting his back before stepping away. "What are we going to do with this house, now? I can see that you've done some renovation. It looks nice."

Joel leans against the wall. "I think I will probably put it up on the market. Some family can make good use of it." He turns to me. "Do you want a ride to your hotel, or is Tom going to pick you up?"

"I'll take the ride. Tom is running a script for a show he's performing in. I don't want to bother him."

"How did he react to you taking up a hotel room?" Joel picks up his keys from the counter and I follow him to the front door and wait while he locks it. I remove the hidden key and hand it to him as well.

"He wasn't pleased. In his opinion, the last thing I should be doing after getting out of a psychiatric hospital is to be living by myself. But, until I can get a flat, I am homeless. He is paying for my hotel room, though, against my wishes."

Joel rolls his eyes. "So... why exactly aren't you living with him? I know he wants you too."

I sigh, heading down the sidewalk to his car. "I've explained this before. I don't think it'd proper for a woman to live with a man unless they are married."

"You know, just because your parents did it doesn't mean you have too. Welcome to the twenty-first century, honey."

"Shut up, Joel," I mutter, climbing into his car. He only mutters something under his breath and gets into the driver's side, starting up the car and pulling away from Holly's house.

After a short, awkward, and silent drive, we arrive at my hotel. I get out, thanking Joel and telling him to be safe. He gives me a nod, and I stand there in front of the building, watching as he drives off.

"Was that your boyfriend, young lady?" I turn to see an old woman sitting on a bench near the front doors. She is stooped over slightly, and she squints at me as if she forgot her glasses today.

"Oh no... he's... just a friend." I give her a small smile.

"I should have figured. There was enough tension that I could have thought you were brother and sister. Or having a severe lover's quarrel."

I gaped at her for a moment before shaking my head sharply. "No. He's neither of those. He's just the brother of a friend of mine. We don't get along much. But more so than we used to." I sigh. "Anyway, I need to be getting inside. It was nice chatting with you."

The woman gives me a look before nodding once.

How odd. I enter the lobby of the hotel and pause to get a snack from the vending machines before heading for the elevators. I ride up to the third floor and pull out my key. I walk down to my room, unlock the door, and duck into the room quickly, closing the door with a sharp click behind me.