Catch Me When I Fall

A Performance to Remember

"I just—I can't mess this up, Jes. Not with the Summertime Ball so close."

Jesy waved her over.

"Come here," she repeated, patting the spot on the floor in front of the bench.

Perrie hesitated before shuffling over, sinking onto the floor and crossing her legs like a chastised child.

Jesy leaned forward slightly. She reached out to put strands of blonde hair, that had managed to escape her high ponytail, behind her ears.

"First of all, you're not going to mess anything up," the brunette began, her voice steady. "You've been killing it all week, and one wobbly spin isn't going to ruin the show."

Perrie looked down, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her rehearsal top.

"But what if it does? What if I trip or—"

"Perrie," Jesy interrupted, reaching out to still her hands. "You've got this. You're one of the best performers I know, and one little hiccup isn't going to change that."

Perrie's blue eyes met Jesy's hazel-green ones, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly.

"You really think so?"

Jesy smirked. "I know so. And besides, if you fall, just play it off like you meant to do it. The crowd'll think it's part of the routine."

That earned a small laugh from Perrie, who shook her head. "You're ridiculous."

Jesy grinned. "But I'm right. Now, come on, stand up."

With Jesy's encouragement, Perrie got to her feet. Jesy leaned back on her seat, pointing toward the mirror.

"Now, show me the move again. Slowly this time."

Perrie took a deep breath, positioning herself for the spin. Jesy described the steps aloud as Perrie moved, her tone calm and reassuring.

"Keep your weight on your right foot... pivot gently... and don't forget to spot your turn," Jesy instructed, mimicking the motions with her hands.

Perrie followed Jesy's guidance, her movements more fluid this time. When she finished the spin and stuck the landing with a confident pose, she turned to Jesy with a wide grin.

"I did it!" Perrie exclaimed, her excitement infectious.

Jesy clapped her hands together. "Told you, Pezza! You just needed to breathe and trust yourself."

Still smiling brightly, Perrie crossed the room and pulled Jesy into a gentle hug.

"Thanks, Jes. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Jesy hugged her back as much as her belly allowed, her heart swelling at Perrie's words.

"You'd be fine, but I'm happy to remind you how amazing you are whenever you forget."

They lingered in the embrace for a moment before Perrie pulled away, her cheeks slightly pink.

"Alright, let's get back to it before Leigh and Jade think I'm slackin' off when they're not looking."

Jesy laughed. "Go on, superstar. Show 'em how it's done."

Later in the day, Perrie's attentiveness toward Jesy was back in full force. During a water break, she nudged a footstool closer to Jesy, her usual reminder ready.

"Feet up, Jes," she said, her tone gentle but firm.

"They're already up," Jesy replied with a playful roll of her eyes, though she complied. "You're worse than me mum, you know that?"