Pretend It's Okay

15 - The Truth (Part 1)

I'm splitting this next part into 2 chapters because the word count ended up very high. Part 2 will be up soon.

Silence filled the room as both women tried to process Perrie's words. This wasn't the type of conversation to have over a video call and Leigh-Anne debated moving this to Perrie's house. Looking at Jade though, her eyes already filling with tears, mouth hanging open in shock, the oldest woman knew that she wouldn't be able to wait that long.

On the other hand Jade's brain was frozen, Perrie's words not computing. "What do you mean?" she asked breathlessly. It was only then that Jade realised she had been holding her breath since Perrie last spoke. Quickly she took in a large inhale of air, hoping it would clear her head. She had just heard her blonde wrong, right?

"Jade, I-" Perrie sighed, no longer trying to stop the tears falling from her eyes. "It's a long story. I don't think we should do this over video call." Perrie agreed with Leigh-Anne's thoughts. However, Leigh didn't want either one of them driving, both were too emotional and it wasn't safe.

"Jade I'll pick you up and we'll go to Perrie's house together." she decided, making an executive decision for the group. Her tone of voice was gentle but firm, warning the brunette to not try and drive to Perrie's by herself. Jade nodded in agreement so Leigh looked back over at Perrie. She was still crying but her breathing was a little bit slower. She had more time to prepare what she was about to tell them and it was helping calm her anxiety. "Pez, we'll be there within half an hour."

Leigh-Anne hung up the video call knowing all three of them would be disconnected. There was no time for make up and frankly it wasn't necessary. She threw on one of Andre's hoodies, the oversized fabric covering her frame and hiding her face, before she grabbed her phone and car keys and left her house. The traffic was pretty good and whilst Jade's flat wasn't on her usual route to Perrie's house, there was an alternative route she could take past the brunette's flat that would only add a few minutes to her time. Leigh was thankful that the twins were at Reception that morning and that Andre was the one picking them up. She didn't have to worry about any responsibilities except those related to her best friends.

Jade was already standing outside of her flat when Leigh pulled into the car park. It wasn't a surprise really, she was dying to see Perrie, who apparently was also dying. Her brain was trying to minimise the situation, thinking of all possible solutions to whatever problem Perrie had. Because death wasn't an answer. She wasn't allowed to leave Jade.

The brunette threw the car door open before Leigh-Anne had fully stopped the car, only carrying her phone. "That's dangerous." she tutted, watching Jade do up her seat belt before driving away.

"I don't give a fuck." Jade gruffly retorted, looking down at her phone to check the time. They had been ten minutes and would get to Perrie within the promised half an hour. "I'm scared." the Geordie whispered once Leigh-Anne was merged back into the main traffic.

She sighed, reaching her hand down to pat Jade sympathetically on the leg. "Me too. But whatever it is, at least there will be no more secrets between us."

"And whatever it is, we'll be there for her." Jade agreed, looking up at Leigh-Anne. The pair shared a brief smile, emotions overflowing. Neither of them had ever been this scared before but together they could face it. The girls were always stronger when all together.

It took twenty five minutes for Jade and Leigh-Anne to arrive at Perrie's door. Clearly the blonde had been waiting for them because she opened the door whilst they were still getting out of the car. Hatchi and Travis were shut in the kitchen so they wouldn't run out or trip over any of the girls.

Jade ran straight up to Perrie and pulled her into a tight embrace. In person Perrie looked even more tired than before and she was paler than normal. She had only gotten back from Italy a few days ago and Perrie tanned and burnt very easily, so her being pale just worried Jade further. Only a few seconds later Leigh-Anne wrapped her arms around both of her best friends, knowing the emotional anguish of only one, and wished she could ease some of their burdens.