[2] GIRL ALMIGHTY | T. HOLLAND ✔️

1.8 the last five years

within minutes, she had received links to three different buzzfeed articles, a request for interview from one of the million talk shows that filmed in LA and several texts/calls from everyone she knew. Marina ignored most of them after letting people know that yes, she couldn't be bothered by any of those words; why would she care about any of those words? but Nina did care.

the young woman still held on to that toxic ideal that she wasn't able to show any real vulnerability. after all, how could people take someone in a leadership position seriously if they let themselves be affected by a few harsh words online? and so it became a vicious cycle, for which the only way out was rationalize things.

these words affect me. why? because deep down my mind believes they were right. were they right? no. even if I had some facilitators that most people don't have, I worked very hard to get where I am today. I have studied, put my own life on the line and fought for people and my country to be recognized. I am brave, I am kind and important. this words are not true but why do they still affect me?

whenever this route did not help with problems, the Mirandas had another sure way to chase down the blues. you got a nice movie (in equal parts sad and funny), a pint of your favorite ice cream, very comfy pajamas and a blanket. thankfully Mélie had booked a nice hotel for Nina's week in LA so they provided her with Ben and Jerry's and a digital copy of her chosen movie.

MARINA
can u please let me meet Anna
Kendrick?

JEREMY
this was random but
I'll see what I can do

MARINA
and please bring newsies
back to broadway

sometime after her breakup with Daniel she had begun to loathe romcoms. Nina still watched the classic ones from the 2000's but they were simply unrealistic so she usually went for indie movies that had a bitter sweet ending.

today's choice was the last five years. Cathy's first solo had just ended when Truth Hurts began to blast in the previously quiet room. that was her private phone ringing.

"hello, you have one minute to talk before being disconnected."

"hi, it's Tom."

the poor boy sounded a little scared at her outburst, prompting an apology.

"shit, sorry. I am just not in a good place right now."

Tom knew those signs of exhaustion personally. he had gone through plenty in the first few months after being cast as Peter Parker, with plenty of people saying he only got the job because of Chris Hemsworth.

"is it because of those commentaries?"

"not quite." a defeated sigh reached his ears. "it's just the words brought back some not so good memories."

"your ex?" he knew that had been a bold question.

"yeah."

"you know, I've met you not even a week ago and find that hard to be true."

"that actually means a lot, thank you." she paused for a little while. "you are very different than what I thought you would be."

"how so?" Tom waited for an answer as it mattered more than breathing. he'd yet to understand why her opinion mattered so much.

"I'm still trying to figure it out."

the conversation paused as if to say your move

"would me coming over with some takeout help clear some things up?"

"only if you don't complain abou my movie choices."

both young people told themselves this was okay. laying on the same bed, each with their own blanket, her head laying on his shoulder. because all friends hold each other like that, right?