The one and only (Tom Holland - new version)

Chapter 3

*Olive's POV*

As the date slowly passed by, we ended up draining several subjects for details: our different childhoods, career-paths, hobbies, and many other things. Considering we had both already eaten dinner, we went for dessert immediately. Deluxe pancakes for me and a banana split for him. Delicious.

I had a good time and it seemed like he had as well, which was thrilling. As he walked me home, we planned to meet again the following the day, although, we'd be bringing two friends each. How I was to convince Astrid and Halima, I had no idea.

It didn't take much convincing to do, before the girls agreed to go. All three of us went with cute summer dresses and sandals, with Astrid's sandals being the only ones with a high heel. She was always extra, and I loved it.

"I hope your boy-toy has good-looking friends, because I miss having a boyfriend," Astrid complained while applying mascara to her eyelashes.

Poor A was dumped last year on her birthday. It was a dick-move, but she's better off without him anyway. I'd never seen her so heartbroken before and just thinking about it made me mad. If she had wanted a boyfriend before now, she could easily have gotten one. Astrid was a boy-magnet and had great flirting skills, unlike me. Well, I could do just fine, especially with a drink or two.

Halima, on the other hand, was an entirely different breed. If any male approached her, no matter age, sexual orientation or looks, she'd fumble with the words and say silly things, which for Astrid and me was hilarious. We always felt bad for Halima, but we knew she'd one day find someone for herself, where she would be the confident girl she usually was.

After getting ready, we went to the restaurant from the night before, where we'd meet up with the guys. Haz approached me with a smile and embraced me gently, less awkward than the day before. We were introduced to Sam, who apparently was Tom's brother, and reintroduced to Tom.

Everyone shook hands and the girls looked satisfied with their dates of the night. Honestly, they were all pretty good looking. But there was something about the way Tom smiled and made eye contact with me, while shaking my hand, that made my stomach flutter, and my cheeks burn. I quickly looked away and made sure no one saw it, especially not Harrison. He was the one I was there for anyway.

As we were waiting for our food, a message ticked in on my phone. It was from my sister, Elizabeth.

Lizzy: Sorry to interrupt your holiday Olive-oil, but we received a notification from the hospital today, about mom's cancer.

My stomach dropped. A few weeks ago, my mom was told by her doctor that there was a great risk she had breast cancer. The exact thing that took my grandmother from me. Us.

Olive: What did they say? Is it bad???

I felt tears pricking my eyes and excused myself from the table and went outside. The chilly breeze wrapped around me like a blanket as I sat down on the curb, impatiently waiting for Lizzy's answer.

Lizzy: Instead of getting the answer next week, she must go to the hospital tomorrow, to get her diagnosis. Sick or not.

In my world, an early answer meant a bad answer and I broke down. I tried to calm myself, but every time I caught my breath, the thought flooded my brain again. The thought of living in a world, where I'd be without my mother. My mom. My mum.

"Darling, are you okay?" My eyes met Tom's beautiful coffee brown eyes.

I tried to answer. Nothing. Nothing came out of my mouth, except a few sobs. I handed him my phone so he could read the messages. As he grabbed my phone, confusion covered his face.

I couldn't bare to look at him, while he read the few messages, so I fiddled with my ring.

"Oh, darling. I am so sorry to hear that," he sat down beside me and gave me my phone back. A muscular arm wrapped around my shoulders. Making me feel safe. Making me calm down. He kept quiet and let me settle. As I slowly gathered my thought and feelings, I felt weak. Vulnerable.

Someone behind us huffed. Both of us turned around and were met with Freya's ugly face.

As if the day couldn't get any worse, I thought and frowned. 

"Excuse me," Tom stood up with a grunt. 

"Oh my God! Tom Holland!" she squealed and engulfed him in a hug. 

A disgusted look on my face made Tom push her away instantly. He dismissed her and helped me up from the ground. "You," I put my index finger directly in her face, "I am so tired of you and your bicker. If you would just leave me and my friends alone, global warming wouldn't be as bad." 

She tilted her head, clearly confused. I didn't feel like explaining myself to her, so I ignored her confusion and pushed past her to go inside. 

"I hope your stupid mother has cancer, you foul cunt," she whispered. 

I'm not sure if she wanted me to hear it or not, but I did. That was it. I turned around and slapped her across the face. Tom wore a stunned expression but kept quiet. She opened her mouth to say something while her hand caressed her cheek. Her mouth closed and she ran away. Finally. I was so overwhelmed by everything, that the night passed by in a blur. 

At some point I suppose I fell asleep, since I woke up in a stranger's bed, not knowing where I was. The bed was soft and smelled nice, but I quickly brushed it off as I started freaking out. Someone was outside the door. I could hear them walk closer. They knocked on the door at peeked inside. I finally started breathing again. It was Tom. 

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(Wordcount: 1000)