Catch Me When I Fall

A Performance to Remember

After that scare, the girls had been even more watchful, though Jesy waved off their worries whenever the harmless contractions happened again.

"It's just my uterus practicing," she joked once, though Perrie's unimpressed expression made it clear she didn't find it funny.

Weight gain continued to be a sensitive topic for Jesy, even though her friends constantly reminded her how beautiful she looked.

Her growing belly and swelling had only added to her insecurities, and some days, it was hard to silence the inner critic that still lingered from years of public scrutiny.

"You're growing a whole human," Perrie said firmly one day when Jesy made a self-deprecating comment. "That's not just weight—it's a miracle, babe."

Jesy managed a small smile, though her gaze didn't quite meet Perrie's. "Thanks, Pez."

Emotionally, Jesy was in a better place than she'd been weeks ago.

Watching the girls prepare for the Summertime Ball had given her something to look forward to, even if she wouldn't be performing with them.

She attended rehearsals whenever she could, sitting comfortably on a couch in the studio as the girls danced and sang their hearts out.

The rehearsals themselves had been an exciting whirlwind. Leigh-Anne nailed her choreography with her usual finesse, while Jade and Perrie kept the energy light with their goofy moves and jokes.

The group had carefully selected six songs to perform at the Summertime Ball, crafting a setlist that balanced their biggest hits with newer material. Jesy couldn't help but hum along from her corner, occasionally offering a cheeky comment or two that left the girls laughing.

"You're the honorary choreographer, Jes," Jade teased one day, handing her a pretend clipboard, to also include her in the process.

"I'll take that," Jesy replied with a grin, pretending to jot down notes. "First order of business—Pezza, stop glaring at me every time I ask you to fix your turns."

Perrie gasped dramatically. "I do not glare!"

"Oh, you do," Leigh-Anne chimed in, laughing.

Still, Jesy couldn't shake the pang of longing that struck her every time she watched her girls rehearse.

This would be their first major performance without her jumping around on stage, hyping up the crowd. And while she had no doubts about their ability to shine, she missed the thrill of being part of it.

***

The studio buzzed with music and movement as Perrie tried, once again, to nail the spin that transitioned into their final pose for 'Touch'

She stopped mid-turn, her feet tangling slightly, and threw her hands up in frustration.

"Oh, for cryin' out loud!" she muttered, pacing back and forth as the music faded. "Why can't I get this stupid move right?"

Jesy watched from her place on the bench, her brow furrowing as Perrie's frustration grew. Jade and Leigh-Anne had slipped out moments ago to refill their water bottles, leaving the two of them alone.

"Pez," Jesy called softly, but Perrie didn't seem to hear her over the mental spiral she was clearly caught in.

"Why is this so hard? It's one bloody spin!" Perrie muttered to herself, running a hand through her hair.

"Pezza, come here," Jesy said a little louder, her tone gentle but firm.

Perrie stopped pacing and turned to Jesy, her face flushed with exertion and anxiety.