Simon's Rules

8

Jade POV

Backstage in the glam room my make up is done and I am all changed into the first outfit of the show. Getting them made may have been a pain, but looking at all of us in our fiery outfits I am confident that it was worth it. Leigh-Anne is sat with Aaron getting her hair straightened (something I opted to skip today) and Perrie is getting her make up done by Adam, as they patiently let Jesy and I get ready first. No one is talking but that is pretty normal for a big show. All of us are nervous, not knowing if the fans will like the show, how our audience interactions will go, and if we will make mistakes. You can do as many rehearsals as you like but when you perform in front of people it is always different.

Backstage we warm up with the dancers, practising our big notes whilst warming up our bodies. All around us our crew are dashing around to make last minute adjustments and check everything. I think they are as nervous as we are. The first show sets the mood for the entire tour and if it doesn't go well then Simon will be on our case extra hard. No one wants to be the person at the receiving end of his wrath, and whilst we love all of our crew he views most of them as disposable. One mistake could be the end of their careers, ours too. Two minutes before we are due on stage all of us huddle together and Claud hypes us up, telling us how incredible the show will be.

And he is right for the most part. We have been rehearsing for months with very few days off. All of us know every intricate move of the choreography and every lyric to the songs. It is muscle memory. The fans are screaming before Perrie even sings the first note of Power and I am amazed at how good it sounds live. The power that her voice has immediately excites the crown and her stage presence is so inviting. I almost forget to sing my part because I am so enchanted by her, but I remember just in time. There are a few wobbles with the choreography but no one forgets any of the lyrics.

It's fair to say that we are all very happy and want to celebrate! Paul congratulates us as we walk off of the stage, telling us that he will pass along praise to Syco. Now it's time to let our hair down and party!

"Woooooooooo!" Jesy screams as she runs down the corridor to our dressing room. A few of our dancers are right behind her cheering equally as loud. Next to me Leigh-Anne gushes about how much she enjoyed the show, and I half pay attention as I search for my girlfriend. She is a few paces back, her arm wrapped around Claud's back and he has an arm over her shoulder. Both of them are smiling and appear deep in conversation. They really do have the cutest friendship.

"I really think this is my favourite setlist we have done. The album is much more our style and we can incorporate more mature choreography. This tour is going to be so much fun, isn't it Jade?" she asks, looking at me to make sure that I am paying attention. The older woman is practically bouncing as she walks, still hopped up on adrenaline, and I can't hold my laughter back at how adorable she is.

"I definitely agree. This tour, this album really will be our glory days. And we can use the tone shift of the album to make our next one more mature." I agree with Leigh-Anne. We have already started drafting a few song ideas for our fifth album and we all want it to be more mature, more us. Full of real emotions and experiences as we move away from the bubblegum pop bubble of Get Weird.

We're already sweaty but will just get even sweatier at the club so none of us bother to shower. I take my time removing my stage make up and reapplying a more natural look, losing track of time as I do so. My mind keeps drifting back to the concert and how good I felt during it. I felt free, like I could have all of the fun I wanted and not get in trouble. It's close to how I feel when I'm clubbing, the alcohol and music carrying me away into a state of pure happiness. Why are the best things always forbidden?

Everyone who is going out tonight meets up in the car park an hour after the show finishes, so we can drive to the club together. With a small smile Perrie walks over to me and leans against my side, her head on my shoulder. I reach out for her hand and intertwine our fingers before gently squeezing her hand. We haven't spoken since getting offstage as I closed myself off from the others to make the performing buzz last longer. Guilt twinges in my stomach when I look at her. She looks really tired and I know that dancing isn't as easy for her as it is for me. It always takes more out of her and this is our most choreo intensive setlist to date.