Before midnight.

•21•

'I think it's time we talk.'
Alex took a sip of his beer before looking at Perrie.
'How are you?'
'I'm okay...' Perrie felt like she was talking to him for the first time.
'Why are you so nervous?'
'I'm not sure. It's been a long time, I guess.'
'Feels like an eternity. I missed you, you know. It has been different without you.'
Perrie looked down without saying anything. 'Alex, I...'
'It's okay, I'm not expecting you to feel the same way I do.'
'It's not like that. I did miss you, but we had so much going on all at once... it was not the right time for us.'
'I know, and you're right. But I know that what I felt for you three months ago didn't change one bit.'
'Alex... what we did to Christian was awful. I still feel so guilty for the way we lied and treated your brother. And then there was me and you, and the way you didn't trust me at all... I can't forget about that either.'
'I made a mistake. I acted very impulsively.'
'You did, but I don't know if I could deal with it in the long run.'
'The idea of you with someone else drove me mad.'
Perrie rolled her eyes at Alex's words.
'Perrie, I'm serious. I've never felt anything like this before. You're free to believe it or not. Yes, when I first met you I thought you were just a bit of fun, but once I got to know you better... there's something about you that I can't explain. Something that keeps dragging me to you. I don't want to find excuses for my behaviour. It was stupid and it was childish but I told you, I never felt this way before, I didn't know how to deal with how I was feeling. I still don't know how to!'
Perrie put her head in her hands. 'I don't know, Alex.' She looked back up at him letting out a little shiver.
Alex took off his jumper and put it on Perrie's shoulders.
'Perrie, what do you really feel for me?'
The girl was taken by surprise. She took a couple of moments to think whilst she was warming up.
'I like you, Alex. I really like you. In fact, I think it's more than just liking you. I love the way you only show your sweet and caring side to me and you're always oh so thoughtful. But what future have we got together?' The girl started trembling again, but this time not for the cold. She tried hard not to cry although she couldn't manage to hold back all of her tears. 'We come from different worlds. My dad would never approve, your brother would resent you for life. I don't even know if I'm gonna be here in six months or in New Zealand with my mum. Yes, I missed you, but I've actually been okay these past three months. There was no hiding, no lies, no being on hedge. I'm sorry Alex, but I think that's it. At least for now.'
Alex nodded. The boy was very disappointed but understanding at the same time and tried not to repeat the same mistakes he had made in the past, so profusely thought before answering.
'I get it. It's hard to admit it, but you're right. It wasn't, and it still isn't, the right time for us. You know, sometimes I wish I did things differently, but just like for many other things I've done, we can't change the past.'
'We've got to focus on the future now. I'll always be here for you. As a friend... you've got so many wonderful things to look forward to. Uni, moving, getting your degree, starting the new life you've always wanted...'
Alex smiled and hugged Perrie. 'How can you do that?'
'Do what?'
'Definitely break up with me and still make me love you more than ever.'
Perrie blushed, causing Alex to realise what he had said. 'Well, I mean... you know what I mean...'
He then quickly tried to change the subject. 'And you've got lots of things to look forward to. The talent show, for example.'
'How do you know?'
'I know everything, Miss Edwards.' Alex stood up offering Perrie his hand. 'C'mon Cinderella, I assume you'll have to be home by midnight, I don't want to waste all of your time.'
The two walked back in the house smiling at each other.

'Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you. Happy birthday dear Jonnie...' two of Jonnie's friends took the cake out and everyone started to sing. Everyone had a nice time, which was about to come to an end for Perrie and her three friends.
'Make a wish, Jonnie!' Someone shouted.
Jonnie was never one to talk to much, but a bit of alcohol can make miracles. 'What I wish is...'
'You can't tell your wish, it will never come true!'
Jonnie shushed them. 'How old are you? Thirteen? I wish... nothing but happiness for all the people here today, for all of you! You guys helped me going through a lot of changes this year and I cannot thank you all enough. Especially my little sister, who's always been my rock and always pushes me to be the best version of myself. To be fair, she does it to everyone: look at Ch...'
'Okay, it's enough now mate. You don't need to go any further.' Luckily one of Jonnie's friends stopped him just in time.
Perrie and her friends went back home shortly after. Perrie's dad had agreed to let Jade have a sleepover at their house.
When the girls arrived back home, Alexander and Jane where still awake, watching tv in the sitting room. 'How was the party?' Jane immediately asked.
'It was great fun. Very chilled, not too busy, but I loved spending some time with Jonnie.'
'Oh, I'm so glad sweetheart.'
'And who was there?' Alexander interrupted them.
'The usuals. Leigh's sister, then Becky, Paul, Karl, Hayden...'
'Mark Chamberlain said his son was going.'
'Yeah... yes, he was there.'
Jane continued. 'How was it? Was it awkward, considering, you know, that you broke up with his brother?'
Perrie couldn't help but laugh at Jane's curiosity. 'It was okay. Me and Alex never talked much anyway.'
Alexander went in the kitchen and the girls were about to leave the room to go to Perrie's bedroom.
'Perrie?'
'Yes Jane?'
'I was wondering... how would you like if we went out together for a bit tomorrow? Just me and you?'
Perrie was quite surprised, considering that she never really spent time alone with Jane. The girl smiled back at her stepmother.
'Why not, it'd be fun.'

[Hello everyone :) how are you all xx I'm so glad it's finally the weekend haha
Here's the chapter although I think some of you will be quite disappointed lol but there's still a lot to come haha
Let me know what you think ;)
Peace and love and keep safe everyone xxx]