Catch Me When I Fall

A Performance to Remember

They were interrupted by a loud bark.

"Hatchi!" Perrie yelled before running over to the Pomeranian and engulfing him in a tight hug. The happy dog licked all over her face, happy to be in his mum's arms again.

Perrie's little outburst caused the girls to chuckle while fondly shaking their heads.

"Oh yeah, we've brought the mutt," Ellie quipped, swiftly dodging her aunt's playful slap.

As the families mingled, Adam and Azza watched with wide smiles, stepping back to give them a little space. The dressing room was filled with warmth, laughter, and chatter as the families caught up with one another.

"Alright, everyone," Sam eventually called out, clapping her hands for attention. "We've got a schedule to keep. You can all stay of course, but the girls need to finish getting ready."

Janis helped Jesy settle back into her chair, propping up her swollen feet on a stool. "You've got this, my love," she said softly, squeezing Jesy's hand.

Jesy nodded, her heart full. "Thanks, Mum. I'm glad you're here."

As the families found seats around the room, Adam and Azza resumed their work, transforming the girls into the pop icons everyone expected them to be.

***

The dressing room once again buzzed with activity as Adam and Azza flitted around and the girls lightly conversed with their mums and Ellie.

Jesy glanced at her phone while waiting for Adam to finish glossing Leigh-Anne's hair. A flood of messages had poured into their group chat with her siblings.

Jade (sis): Good luck today, sis! We'll all be watching from home. Hope you're doing all right, love you xx
Joe: Streaming it at work. Can't wait to see your girls smash it!
Jonny: Excited for the performance. Wish we could be there. Sending love! Oh and Georgie says hi ❤️

Jesy smiled at their messages, her heart warmed by their support. Typing quickly, she responded: Love you all! And give Georgie a big kiss for me xx

The room filled with laughter as everyone settled in. Norma pulled Jade aside to fuss over her outfit, while Debbie and Ellie quietly teased Perrie about how often she'd been caught staring at Jesy during rehearsals.

"I have not been staring," Perrie whispered, her cheeks flushing pink.

"You so have," Ellie replied, her grin widening. "It's cute, though. You're her biggest fan."

Perrie shot her cousin a playful glare but didn't deny it, which only made Ellie and Debbie laugh harder.

Azza leaned over to Jesy, pretending to whisper. "Your fans are in the room, babe. Any words for them?"

Jesy played along, holding an imaginary microphone to her lips.

"I'd like to thank my devoted admirers for their endless love and support. I promise to wave to the crowd just for you."

After a while, the girls were almost ready regarding their hair and make-up. Leigh-Anne leaned into the mirror, admiring her bronzed glow.

"You lot are miracle workers, you know that?"

"Flattery will get you everywhere," Adam replied, twirling his brush dramatically. "But we already know we're fabulous."

As the final touches were applied, Sam popped her head in. "Alright, ladies. Five minutes until the first sound check. Let's move it."

They quickly got dressed into their stage outfits, consisting mostly of pink and black leotards.

Ellie and the mums exchanged hugs and good luck wishes with the girls before stepping aside to let them through.