The one and only (Tom Holland - new version)

Chapter 7

*Olive's POV*

"Is everything okay?" I watched his face being manipulated by a mix of emotions as I waited for an answer. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. My heart ached a bit. What was he going to say?

"Liv... I'm sorry," he held my gaze as my face dropped. "I shouldn't have let my selfishness get the best of me."

"Listen, cut the crap, and tell me what's up. I don't understand your weird riddles or whatever. Just be direct and honest please," I took a step back and crossed my arms.

"I like you a lot. God, I suppose I even love you already," he took my hands in his. What was he on about? He was sorry but he loved me... What? I narrowed my eyes and felt my head tilt to the side.

"It would be a dream come true to spend the rest of my life with someone like you. With you." He drew circles on the back of my hand with his thumb, "But I travel a lot because of work. It's not a life I would want you to have, especially not for the children that would eventually come along the way."

"Children?" I heard myself ask. Never in my life before had I felt so confused and like I had accidentally skipped the first five chapters of a book. The rest of my life? Children? Who, what, when, where? I must have zoned out since Tom was waving his hand in front of my face.

"Olive?" He looked deeply concerned and made me sit down on a chair. "Perhaps I've been thinking about us a bit too much?" He asks as he slowly swallows. "Darling, please say something. Is it because you don't want children or-" I shushed him with a finger on his lips.

"Stop talking please," I gathered my thoughts and met his eyes. "I didn't know you were a future-planner kind of lad." A small smile crept on our faces.

"Is it a bad thing?" He kissed the back of my hand. Tom sat down next to me and swung my legs upon his lap. "Okay, I suppose it can be a bit frightening," he finally admitted. I nodded and gave him a quick peck on the cheek.

"Instead of already breaking it off because of your work situation, I think we should give it a try. Compromising is a part of being in a relationship and no matter what, there will be challenges that need facing along the way. What do you think?" As he took in what I had just said I moved closer to him and before either of us could think, he smashed his lips against mine. Supposedly, that was a yes. Our lips moved against each other. In sync. Tom deepened the kiss and dominated. He grabbed my waist and pulled me over, so I was sat in his lap. My hands explored his torso as he spread love bites along my neck. Alas, the fun had to stop.

My phone rang and I ignored it until the caller ID burned in my eyes. It was my mom.

"Just a second, Tom. It's my mom," I whispered and picked up the phone. He pulled back and looked bewildered and slightly annoyed... and I could feel why. When he realised it was my mom, his expression changed, and he caressed my cheek as my mother spoke.

"Liv, honey, I promised I'd call as soon as the diagnose was made," my mom sounded helpless, and her voice was hoarse. Before continuing, I heard her sniffle and I instantly started crying. Fuck.

"I'm so sorry baby..." She was crying. "I have stage 4 breast cancer and the doctor estimates that I have less than a year left to live." My world fell apart, and I found myself wrapped in Tom's arms. He knew. Silence was all I heard. No one dared to speak or make the smallest amount of noise.

"Are you sure?" My voice was fighting for its life.

"Olive, I'm sorry about this. I didn't mean to ruin your holiday or leave you too soon but remember how much I love you. Darling, I'll always be with you. I would really appreciate it if you, firstly, enjoy the rest of your vacation, second, come home and spend some more time with me, and third, get tested for breast cancer," her voice wasn't above a whisper.

"Of course, mommy. Anything," I managed to say. I couldn't think, couldn't breathe, I couldn't do anything at all. The call ended. Tom took the phone from my hand and put it on the table. I was still sitting in his lap with his arms wrapped around me. I leaned into him and closed my teary eyes.

We sat like that for hours until Tom carried me to bed. Even in bed I was clinging to him as if my life depended on it and he didn't mind. He was understanding and let me cry my eyes out. Eventually I fell asleep, drained from energy and seeking comfort in Tom. His warmth was nice against my skin and his slow breath made my neck slightly tickle. Despite Tom trying his best to comfort me, I woke up multiple times as terrible scenarios filled my head; My mom being dead and Tom leaving me all alone in the dark. At some point I cried enough to wake up Tom, which I had tried to avoid.

"Beautiful darling, what's happening? Tell me, please," he begged and put his warm hand on my cheek. I couldn't see him as my eyes were currently creating a waterfall.

"Darling," he choked. His eyes welled up. Teary. "I don't like seeing you cry," he wiped tears away from my cheeks, but new ones replaced the others quickly. He pulled me closer and tightened his grip. I felt him kiss me on the forehead and caress my back and it made me feel loved.

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(Wordcount: 1000)