A Fighting Chance (Tom Holland AU) [2]

Twenty-Nine

As Tom kept taking out his anger toward the doctor, I calmed myself down as I held Annabelle. She eventually fell asleep, and I could still hear Tom's seething words. I knew I needed to distract myself to keep my blood from boiling, so I called one of the people who could always make me feel better.

"Hi, beeg!" I smiled at Beth's voice.

"Hi there, little one. How have you been?"

"Ehh, you know. Finals week is coming up." I chuckled at that, and I heard her chuckle as well. "But I'm feeling good about it, especially since I presented my capstone already."

"Ooh! How did that go?"

"I fucking nailed it, Gracie! They loved it so much."

"That's so good to hear, babe. I'm so proud of you."

"Thank you, love. Hey, how are you three doing? Ryan told me you've been taking this really hard."

"I have been, babe, and so has Tom. It's been so rough."

"I can't even imagine how you're feeling. How is she doing?"

"That's actually why I called. We got some interesting news today, and I needed to talk to someone who I knew could keep me calm. Tom's been blowing a gasket for like an hour and a half now."

"Oh my gosh. Do you wanna talk about it, or do you want to change the subject?" I took a deep breath.

"I want to tell you. There's something involved with it regarding you."

"Okay. Go ahead, love. I'm all ears."

"So, she had a big test today. The doctor told us that she's about halfway between where she was and where she needs to be to come home."

"It's been over a month and she's only halfway?!"

"Yeah. That's when we were told that she had been bordering on severe underdevelopment at birth."

"They didn't tell you that when she was born?!"

"No. That's why we're so pissed." I took a deep breath as I looked at Annabelle, who was sleeping peacefully. "Because she's only halfway there, we have no idea when we're going to be able to take her home. I don't know if we're going to be able to make it to see you graduate."

"That's okay!"

"You know I want to be there so badly, babe. I'm so proud of you, Beth, and I want to be able to celebrate that with you."

"Gracie, it's okay. You need to focus on getting through this incredibly difficult time with your family. You'll be here in spirit."

"Are you sure you're okay with it?"

"Of course, babe. Focus on the three of you, okay?"

"Okay, little one."

"Hey, I gotta get going. Give my love to Tom and Annabelle, okay?"

"Of course, hon. Love you."

"Love you too." As we hung up, I glanced back. Tom was still going at it, and I sighed gently. I looked back down at my phone, calling someone else.

"Hello?"

"Can you come here? We need you."

As soon as I heard her voice, I could hear Tom stop yelling. I turned to see the two of them hugging tightly, and I smiled gently. The doctor used this opportunity to slip away, and I smiled as I walked up to Tom and his mother. "Thank you so much for coming, Nikki."

"Of course. Now, sit down, you two, and explain the situation to me." Tom pulled me close as he sat, and I rubbed his arm to calm him as I explained what was going on to her. "You two are rightfully angry, but focusing on that isn't going to help anything."

"What should we do, mum?" She rested her hands on Tom's gently.

"I know all you two want is for her to be okay. That's instinct every parent has, believe me. You just want your child to be happy and okay." Tom gave her a gentle smile at that, and I grinned. "You need to try to keep positive. She's improving, slowly but surely, and that's the most important part. Once you take her home, I would advise you guys to pursue legal action."

"Really?" I raised an eyebrow, and she nodded.

"You should have been told how bad it is. I think you guys have a valid lawsuit on your hands." We looked at each other, and she took a deep breath. "I hate seeing you both like this. I know you both can understand what it's like to see your children suffering."

"I do, but--"

"Grace, you're marrying my son. You're my daughter too." She smiled, and Tom squeezed my hand softly as he pressed a kiss to my cheek. "Can you guys do me a favor tonight?"

"Of course, mum."

"Go out on a date. Just be together tonight. Push away all the negativity and enjoy yourselves. You need it."

"But mum, what about Annabelle and the--"

"I'll stay here and keep an eye out for updates. I want you two to bring positivity into your lives by going out and enjoying yourselves." She smiled, and I could see a tear forming in Tom's eyes as he pulled her into a hug.

"Thank you, mum. We really do need positivity right now." He whispered, and I smiled gently.

"Of course. Anything for you guys." She smiled as they let go, pulling me into a hug. "Have fun tonight."

"We will." I smiled gently, and she grinned as she pressed a kiss to each of our cheeks.

"Let us say our goodbyes for today, and then she can have as much Grandma Nikki time as possible."

"No, she can have as much Nana time as possible." Nikki teased, and Tom chuckled at that.

"Is that what you want her to call you?" When she nodded excitedly, we smiled.

"Okay, Nana." The three of us made our way over to Annabelle, and she looked up at us. I smiled as I wrapped my arms around Tom. "Mommy and daddy love you, baby girl."

"We do. We'll see you tomorrow, okay? We promise." Tom's voice was soft as we bid our goodbyes.

"We owe your mom big time, baby."

"We definitely do, darling." As we got in the car, he looked over at me. "So, what would you like to do tonight?"

"Dinner and a walk around town sounds really nice." I smiled, and he nodded.

"Then that's what we'll do. Wanna go home and get changed first?" I nodded, and he smiled as he pressed a kiss to my cheek before starting the car.

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