Breaking Free (Tom Holland) BOOK ONE [COMPLETED]

Breaking Free Chapter 23

We arrived at the site of Valerie's photoshoot in record time. We got past security and raced into the building. Uncle Travis was inside waiting for us.

"Didn't I tell you not to come?" he demanded. Although he meant to sound angry he didn't quite make it.

"Did you really think I'd listen to you? Now where is she?"

"They're just about to take a break. Wait out here and don't come in until I tell you to." He said that last part to Tom instead of me. Obviously he knew I wouldn't listen.

"Yes sir!" Tom replied.

Uncle Travis disappeared into the room once more. Tom and I leaned against the wall and waited. "Did you get to finish your lunch?" I asked. "I know I kind of catapulted out of there."

"I ate enough. I know you didn't though. We can pick something up on the way back."

"Ugh I don't want to go back."

"You made a promise."

"Are you keeping tabs on me?"

"I have to. You're so beautiful I'm afraid someone might try to steal you away from me."

My face lit up like a firecracker. A devilish grin spread across Tom's face. In one swift motion he leaned forward and gave me a peck on the lips. He had just stood up straight when Uncle Travis poked his head out of the door.

"You two can come in now," he said while eyeing the strange hue on my face.

Tom and I entered the room. It was decorated just like a nursery. The walls were a pastel green and the floor a dark wood. Giant blocks were stacked up next to a white wood crib. Valerie sat in a rocking chair looking lost in thought. She looked up as I approached her.

"What are you doing here?" she asked.

"Can't a girl come and support her only sister?"

"Tell me the truth."

"I was worried about you. This is your first photoshoot in a while. How is it going?"

Valerie sighed. She rubbed her baby bump as she said, "It's definitely... different. And it's not even the photoshoot that's weirding me out. It's... this." She motioned to her belly.

I hesitated. This was new territory for me. "I can't say I know how you feel. But I can say that looking at you in that pretty dress on this beautiful set, if there was anyone meant to do this photoshoot it's you. And who knows, this could be the start of your little one's modeling career."

Valerie gave me a small smile. "I just feel so bloated."

"Valerie, you're pregnant. That's kind of to be expected."

"Do you think you could join me?"

"Let me see what I can do."

The company of course did not approve since they didn't want to add me into the contract. They did have sympathy however and allowed Valerie and I to take some photos together. They wouldn't be used in the ad but that was okay enough for Valerie. I was quickly shoved into a dress that fit the theme. Then I joined my sister on the set.

I was a little rusty at first. After only doing the movie and commercials for a few months it felt a little weird having my picture taken. But just like old times, my model persona took over. The photographer took a lot more pictures than I thought he would. By the time we were finished an hour had passed.

"Do you feel better now?" I asked Valerie after the last picture was taken.

She smiled at me and nodded. A single tear rolled down her cheek. Then she burst into full on tears. I panicked. This was not how it was supposed to go. "Are you okay? Are you in pain?" I wondered.

"I finally feel like myself again," she sobbed. I pulled her into a tight hug.

"Did you achieve your goal?" Tristian asked once we got back.

"And then some," Tom replied. "Look at this picture they gave me."

Tristian took the picture from Tom and looked it over. The picture showed Valerie standing up and holding her belly. I crouched next to her with a bottle pressed against her belly. My head rested against the bottle as if I was listening to the baby.

"Aw, this is so precious. She sure has gotten bigger. Has she found out what it is yet?"

"Not yet. She finds out next week."

"Well be sure to let me know when you find out. Now go get changed. We have a lot of catching up to do."

Tristian worked us to the bone. It was to be expected since we disappeared halfway through the day. That didn't make it any less exhausting. The only thing keeping me going was the thought of having a day off the next day. We were nearing the end of our filming schedule which meant the next few weeks would be filled with reshoots and voice overs.

"What do you want to do tomorrow?" Tom asked me as we entered my house.

"I'm not sure. You usually have really good surprises so why don't you decide."

"Well there is actually someone I want you to meet."

I raised my eyebrows. "Is there now? Who is this person?"

"I'm not telling you. All I'm saying is that she's a very important person in my life."

"More important than me?"

"She's been in my life longer than you so that would be a yes."

"Honesty. I like that. I will meet this person of yours tomorrow. Shall we have dinner with them?"

Tom was about to respond when Valerie burst into the kitchen. Chase followed her at a slower pace. "No! You can't make dinner plans!"

"And why is that?" I questioned.

"Because you and Tom are going on a double date with Chase and me," Valerie cried. She threw her hands into the air in excitement.

"What's this about a date between Vanessa and Tom?" Jason asked as he came into the kitchen.

Valerie and I both drew in a sharp breath. It wasn't like we were hiding it from our brother. The less people that knew we were actually dating the better. More mouths equaled more chances for Uncle Travis to find out.

"You didn't know they were dating?" Chase said ever so helpfully.

Jason turned to me. "When were you planning on telling me?"

I shrugged. "Eventually."

Jason paused. His eyes fell on everyone in the room. Then he turned and began to walk out of the room. As he left he said, "Make that a triple date. Charlie and I will be joining you guys."

Tom turned to me, a sudden look of worry on his face. "Why does it suddenly feel like I'm about to go through an interrogation?" he asked.

"Because you are," Valerie replied.