Chapter 5
Jade didn’t waste time. In seconds, she was standing in front of Perrie. “What’s the matter with you?” When Perrie didn’t answer, she pushed her against the door. “Talk to me. Why are you being like this?”
“You know why,” Perrie answered through gritted teeth. “Stop pretending.”
“I don’t know why. Tell me. If you want to save this friendship, you better start talking.”
“I don’t want your friendship, Jade. I want what we have before. And I’m sorry I screwed up. I was an idiot. I want you back.”
Jade was taken aback. “What?”
“I made a horrible mistake and I’m sorry. Please give me another chance.”
“I don’t under --.”
“Stop pretending please… Give me a chance to fight for us.”
Jade took a step back and shook her head. “Perrie… it must have been all in your head. There was never an us.”
“Don’t do this. Stop pretending that you don’t remember. I get it. I really screwed up. And I don’t deserve another chance. But I have to try. Please let me try.” Perrie pleased.
“I’m going to call Lee.”
But before Jade can take the phone from her pocket, Perrie grabbed her and pushed her back to the wall. Then with tears streaming from her eyes, she placed her forehead against Jade. Then she kissed her. But Jade was unyielding. She just stood there, not responding. Until Perrie licked the space between Jade’s lips. Jade’s lips automatically opened and then Perrie’s tongue was inside her. And it felt so familiar. In that moment, everything rushed back at her.
Jade pushed Perrie away and then slapped her hard. “You broke my heart.”
“I did.”
“You broke my heart.” Jade repeated and her voice rising with each word. “You broke me and now you’re asking for another chance to break me again.”
“No… I –”
“I hate you, Perrie. I hate you so much.” And with that Jade ran out of the room.
***
“I was fine, you know,” Jade said to Leigh-Ann as she took another drink from her beer. “I didn’t remember what happened. And I was able to function normally. And then I met Jordan. And I was happy. Finally someone who’s always there. Finally someone who doesn’t need to hide me like some dirty little secret. I was happy. And now Perrie had to ruin it.”
“You don’t have to let her ruin it. Ignore her and just be with Jordan.”
“How can I continue being in a relationship with Jordan? He didn’t sign up for this version of me. He doesn’t even know the real me.”
“Then let him know the real you.”
“The real me that still loves Perrie?”
“Oh Jade.”
***
Perrie must have stood outside for a good 10 minutes before getting the courage to knock on the door. She almost did not go. After their confrontation, Jade refused to talk to her or see her outside of work. Whenever they were together, Perrie could feel the anger emanating from her and it frightened her. She was afraid that it really was the end for them. And then she got the message to come and meet her at her apartment. She feels it. It was the end.
The door opened and Jade motioned her to go inside.
“It’s just us,” Jade said when she noticed Perrie looking around.
“That’s great. I sure don’t want an audience after hearing what you have to say.” Perrie answered with a nervous laugh. “Should I sit down? Or should I just stand by the door cause I ---.” She couldn’t continue as she suddenly burst out crying. In the second that it took her to catch her breath, Jade had already wrapped her arms around her and was holding her tightly.
“No… don’t… I don’t deserve this,” Perrie said as she struggled to get away but Jade wasn’t letting her go. “I’m a bad person. I cheated on you. Then I broke up with you. Then I tried to break you and Jordan apart. I’m ---.”
“Shhh.” And Jade held her until she stopped crying.
“I look like a mess,” Perrie said after she has composed herself. They were now both seated by the couch.
“You do.”
“Jade…”
“I’ve heard everything you have to say. The countless voice mails and messages and your apologies. And for the time, I was so mad. I couldn’t understand how you can say that you love me and still did everything you did.”
Perrie looked down on the floor. Her guilt weighing heavily on her.
“But I guess it’s the same way I couldn’t understand why I still love you in spite of everything.”
Perrie couldn’t bring herself to look up, to hope. Because she didn’t deserve it. As much as she wants it, she doesn’t deserve it. She couldn’t hope.
“Perrie, are you listening to me?” Jade’s slightly annoyed voice cut through her thoughts.
“What?”
“I’ve been trying to tell you that I want to give this another chance and you’re spacing out on me.”
“What?” Perrie asked again as Jade’s word slowly sinked in. “Wait, what did you say?”
“Don’t go breaking my heart again, Pez.”
***
Jade and Perrie came in together in the recording studio the following day. Arms linked together and both sporting a goofy smile. They were somewhat distracted but everyone was tolerant. For the first time in months, they were both relaxed and the room wasn’t filled with tension. Everyone was just glad. But Leigh-Ann couldn’t herself. The first time the two were apart and Jade wasn’t in the same room, she pulled Perrie to the side.
“Edwards, this will be your one and only warning. If you ever pull the same stunt or any stunt again, I’m going to beat your ass.”
“The only stunt I will ever pull is when I have to propose to her. And it’s going to be magnificent and cute and amazing. And I will never hurt her again. I know how lucky I am. I won’t waste this chance.”
Leigh Ann’s face softened. “Then I guess that only worry I have is trying to pull you off each other when we’re in public. I love you both, you know.”
“And we love you, too.” Jade suddenly said appearing out of nowhere as she hugged both tightly.
“Hey, how about me?” Jessie asked appearing behind Jade.
“Of course, you’re included! Little Mix won’t be Little Mix without Jesy, without Leigh-Ann, without Perrie.” Jade said as she pulled in Jesy into the hug.
“And without Jade,” Perrie added. “Especially Jade.”
“Ewww… this was supposed to be a sweet moment with friends. Keep it in your pants, won’t you Pez.” Jesy teased. “But really guys, I love you all.” And the four grouped hugged once more.
*** The End ***