Ignite to the Shattered Pieces (Tom Holland fanfic)

Chapter 19

(Dalena's POV)

So I managed to go back to LA. Only this time, I came alone. Vicky, Joy, and Rodger had to stay behind since they had to finish taking their academic exams from their private tutors. Lucky me, I got them done a day before. It is only because Nia thought that I needed to rest as much as possible since my freakout incident in my session. Despite her not knowing where I actually was, going to LA alone was a mini vacay....

But an intimidating one.

Sure I stayed at Tom's condo this time, but for the past couple of days that I was there, he's been out for wardrobe fitting for the big ceremony so I've been kind of lonely at his place. I didn't mind it too much though, since Tom makes up my loneliness for watching movies at his place or him taking me out to dinner or even taking relaxing yet ridiculous showers with him.

I have already gotten used to LA's culture, but the celebrities, not so much. With a few, I was stars-trucked, but with others, I was intimidated as usual. I have noticed that Tom hasn't texted Zendaya since I've gotten here. A part of me feels guilty for making my boyfriend feel obligated to interfere with his friendships this way, but he insisted that he wanted to make things right with me, so I had to trust him on this. I had to trust the fact that he wasn't jeopardizing his work for me.

Since I pleaded Tom to not have me a part of the Critic's Choice ceremony, due to the risk of my exposure to the world and especially my parents, I watched him on TV in his condo while doing my makeup, preparing for the after party. With fingers crossed, and sweaty palms, my man won the award! I cheer and scream, yet worried that neighbors would hear. Good thing his condo is sound proof. I call Vicky and tell her about the good news as she passes it on to the rest of the gang. With excitement and bit of anxiety, I hop onto one of Tom's cars, as his personal driver escorts me to the after party event. I was curious to see who was going to be at the after party, and how many new people I'd meet that were considered one of Tom's circle of close friends in Hollywood.

As soon as I arrive, the gentlemen that ends up opening my door is my handsome boyfriend himself. I lend out my hand as he kisses it and reels me onto his lips. I hug him real tight, congratulating him.

"I'm so proud of you." I face him, as the excitement in his eyes ignited my happiness.

"Thanks love." He kisses me again and shows me his trophy.

"This this is HUGE. Is it heavy?" I observe the trophy.

He shrugs. "A bit."

"This is amazing, babe." I shake my head in disbelief. "Ugh, your hard work paid off!"

"Thank you, thank you." He kisses me again, and then notices my attire. I wear a black mini dress with a cute accented bralette in the front, and a leather jacket for the cold breeze.

"Truly honored to be with such a beautiful girl this evening." He holds my hand.

I feel my face heat up. "Hmmm, thank you, thank you." I repeat what he says.

He chuckles. "Ready to celebrate with me, love?"

As we walk inside the party lounge, the booming of the stereos hit my chest, and the flashing blue and green lights throw off my eye sight. A strobe light was near Tom and I had a hard time facing him.

"You okay?" He asks.

"It's a bit bright and loud in here, is all." I shrug it off like it was nothing.

"I want you to meet some of my friends in the industry!" He yells in my ear as the music gets louder.

I nod and follow him, noticing that he has an extra tight grip on me.