Look After You

Chapter Four

Perrie's POV

"Perrie, you need to focus! How can you rehearse if all you do is concentrate on whatever the something else is?"

"Sorry Susan, I'm just not feeling well today."

"Oh," she snapped, trying to come off less harsh and more understanding but failing like a test grade. "Then just practice your solo in 'DNA' a few more times and then you can go rest, okay?"

"Okay.”

Truth is, I'd be perfectly fine if you subtracted the butterflies in my tummy.

I kept thinking about Saturday. The effect Saturday's date with Zayn had on me is the same as a little kid being taken to Disneyland for the first time. I absolutely couldn't wait for Saturday; I only had two more days to wait until I got to see my baby. Two more days! But what kept jumbling my mind is whether or not Zayn and I were going to work through the separation.

Will he always look after and protect me like he promised?

I hated them, those negative thoughts that come to mind, because then it always made me become extra careful with everything I do.

"Okay," Susan's stern voice said, tugging my heartstrings back into reality. "That means you need to actually practice your solo, not stare off into space."

"Does he tell you he loves you when you least expect it?
Does he flutter your heart when he kisses your neck?
No scientist or biology
It's obvious when he's holding me
It's only natural that I'm so affected"

I swear it was déjà vu: Zayn was here again. I couldn’t see him until after I sang my verse over and over again to please Susan, but he was watching over me and protecting me like he promised.

“Mmm… that’ll do for today, Miss Edwards," Susan said, half pleased. "Rest up, we don’t want anything to happen before we finallay set off for the Americas!”

“The Americas?” I squeaked.

“Yes, Miss Edwards, it's been long overdue. ‘DNA’ sold well and ‘Wings’ was a smashing summer hit! Your sophomore album needs to be promoted and we need you girls to be there for signings, shows, and all that jazz.”

“When do we leave?” I asked, wishing that it doesn’t interfere with Saturday’s plans. I would be heartbroken if I couldn’t be with Zayn.

“We haven’t picked a set date for your departure, but it will be sometime soon, maybe Saturday. Sorry that this seems like news to you, Miss Edwards.”

I felt sick. My stomach was twisting and flip-flopping and eating me from the inside out. I ran off the practice stage and into the bathroom, not even locking the door. I just sat there, my breathing rapid.

Someone pulled my hair up and rubbed my back with their strong arms. “Calm down, Pezz. I heard what they said and if we can’t meet in the middle, I’ll fly to you.”