Hold my hand.

~14~

[Tuesday.]

'Right boys, you've got ten more minutes then we're going home to do homework's.'
The boys sighed hearing Perrie saying those words.
Leigh-Anne asked Perrie to look after her daughter, Penny, and her nephew, Callum, whilst she treated herself to a visit to the hairdresser.
'Auntie P, look. Doggy.'
Perrie turned around to see what Penny was pointing at, and that's when she saw Jade walking towards them with her puppy.
'Hey, P. How are you?'
'Hey. I'm good... thanks. Busy.' She smiled looking at Penny patting the dog.
Perrie thought for a moment, then invited Jade to sit down next to her on the bench.
'So... where's Leigh-Anne?'
'I owe her. She babysat Blake so many times I lost count, so I said to her that I would have the kids whilst she pampers herself.'
'That's sweet. It's so nice you two are still so close.'
An awkward silence made both the girls feel uncomfortable.
'Jade... I'm sorry.' Perrie suddenly said.
'You don't have to be.'
'But I am. I really am. These last few months... you were just doing your job and you were actually just trying to help us. I just find it really hard to trust people, you know. Me and Blake always had to fend for ourselves.'
Jade grabbed Perrie's hand. 'P... I've been knowing you forever. I love you. And I care about you. And Blake. No matter what happens, if we don't see each other for years, I'll still consider you my sister. Always.'
The two smiled at each other.
'I love you too, Jade. I guess I was also a little bit jealous.'
'Jealous?! Of what?!'
'Of you and your perfect life. You do a wonderful job teaching these little humans; you've got the perfect husband and a gorgeous house. I wish I had it all figured out like you.'
'Trust me, you have no idea what you're talking about. Yes, me and Ben are really happy and I love my job. But I'm also very lonely... I wish I had what you and Leigh have. Someone to call when I feel down.'
'What are you talking about? We always see pictures on social media of you and Ben out and about with a million of different people.'
'Yes, Ben's friends. Not mine. The truth is that since you moved and me, Leigh and Jesy grew apart, I never really opened up to any of my "new friends". They're different from you girls, I never feel like I can be myself with them. It's exhausting pretending to be someone you're not all the time.'
'Well... you don't have to pretend anymore. We're all back now. Together.'
Perrie and Jade both felt a bit emotional and glad now that they finally made peace.
'Do you want to come back to my place for a coffee?'
'Sure, if you don't mind the dog.'
'No problem. It'll keep Penny entertained. And you can help the boys with their homework's.'
Jade laughed as they all started to walk. 'Oh, so that's why we're friends again!'
'Listen babe, I struggle to get Blake alone to do his homework, let go if those two are together! And you know I'm not great with spelling anyway...'
'Of course I know, I used to do all of your homework for you!'

'So, what's all this?' Jade asked whilst sipping on her brew.
'Oh yeah, sorry about the mess.' Perrie quickly moved a pile of paperwork from the dining table. 'I've been working from home for the last two days.'
'Oh... how come?'
'I didn't feel great. Didn't really fancy going to the office.' She swallowed loudly.
'Pez... is everything okay?' Her friend asked now clearly worried.
'I've just... I've just been having some trouble with my boss. Listen, I want to trust you Jade, I really do, but you have to promise me you won't tell anyone! Not a word.'
'You're scaring me now. What's going on?'
'It's not that bad... it's just... let's just say my boss is showing a very inappropriate interest towards me and he made it very clear that he won't take a no as an answer as long as I'm still working for him. So I've been trying to avoid him...'
'Perrie that's aw...'
'It's awful, yeah, yeah, I know. I should do something about it... easier said then done.'
'You can't avoid him forever.'
Perrie frowned. 'I know. But what can I do? What if I go and talk to Mr. Peters and he doesn't believe me? Mr. Parsons can ruin my life.'
'But you can ruin his.'
'Right, you're the one scaring me now.'
'No... what I mean is... you've got texts and phone calls to prove it, right? You would have no reason to make it up, whatsoever. Mr. Peter HAS to believe you. And... Ben is a lawyer. He doesn't have that much experience just yet, but he'll surely be more than happy to help you.'
'Jade, hun, it's really nice of you, but I could never afford legal advice.'
'I told you earlier, you're like a sister to me. Ben would be honoured to help you taking him down.'
'No offence, but I hope I won't need his help.'
Jade looked at Perrie with a condescending expression. 'I'm sorry to break this to you, but if you report him... chances are that you're gonna end up in court. I don't mean to scare you, P, but I'm pretty sure that's what would happen.'
Perrie sighed lowering her head down in her hands.
'You've got to be strong, babe. You can do this.'
Perrie took a deep breath, picked up her phone and called Mr. Peters.

-Hello?
-Hello, Mr. Peters? It's Perrie.
-Hello darling. How are you feeling?
-Much better, thank you. And thank you for allowing me to work from home.
-Whatever you need.
-I actually called to tell you that I'm definitely coming back to the office tomorrow, but I was wondering if I could talk to you in person... at some point?
-Sure. Let me talk to Michael and..
-No, Mr. Peters. I need to talk to you...
-...okay. I assume it's important. Swing by my office as soon as you come in tomorrow morning.
-Thank you, Mr. Peters.
-Take care darling.

That night, Perrie struggled to fall asleep.
It was almost two o'clock at night and she couldn't stop tossing and turning.
She looked at Blake, who snuck into her bed a few hours ago, then instinctively picked up her phone.
She opened the text messages and dabbed on one of the names on the screen.
Perrie stared at the screen, not really sure of what she was doing, when suddenly a message from that same conversation she was staring at, popped up.

«Sorry, I know it's late, but I've got good news for you. Call me tomorrow ;) x»

[Hello everybody! How are you all :)
So, before talking about the new chapter, let's talk about the Confetti music video which I absolutely loved lol what do you think? :)
Aaaaaand... LEIGH'S ANNOUNCEMENT 😍 I honestly cannot believe she's having a baby, and although I feel mixed emotions about it (mostly because I feel old now that they're starting popping out babies lol) I'm super happy for her and Andre! It's so exciting and they're honestly gonna be the best parents, I'm sure!
About the chapter... I actually don't have anything to say because I can't be bothered to re-read it so I can't even actually remember what happens 😂😂 I just hope you enjoy it ;) let me know what you think about everything lol
Peace and love and keep safe xxx]