Play the Game (A Zayn Malik/Leigh-Anne Pinnock - Zeigh- fanfic)

Chapter 8

“Jade, we’re on next! Get your arse over here!” Perrie hissed. It was the night of the talent show and Perrie was even more fussy than usual, split between preparing for their performance and making sure the night ran smoothly. 

Jade scurried to the stage door where Perrie and Harry were stood. His guitar hung across him from a strap over his shoulder.

“Jadey, are you sure I look okay?” Perrie agonised. Jade couldn’t understand what she had to be even a little bit worried about. She looked stunning, just like she always did. She was about to say this to Perrie when Harry spoke instead.

“You look hot, Pez. Don't worry.”

“Shut up, Harold.” Perrie giggled and shoved Harry playfully. Jade smiled and lowered her gaze. She really didn’t want to watch them flirting right in front of her.

 The song ended and the crowd clapped. The staged door opened and three, adrenaline-filled, year ten girls scampered backstage, whispering excitedly.

“How incredible was that?” boomed Mr Dickinson, the presenter for the night, into the mic. “That was Ellie, Georgia and Frances with that beautiful rendition of ‘Singing in the Rain’. And now we have Jade Thirwall, Harry styles and, the girl who made tonight possible, Perrie Edwards!”

The audience applauded as the trio walked onto the stage. Jade was immediately blinded by the intensity of the stage lights. She squinted and carefully crossed the stage to the piano. She sat down and spread out her sheets of music. When she was all sorted out she looked up. Perrie settled herself on the stool in front of the central mic and Harry on the one next to her. She turned round and nodded at Jade. Jade nodded back, then flexed her fingers and began to play. On queue, Perrie took a breath and sang.

Come on, skinny love, just last the year, 

The audience cheered. 

Pour a little salt we were never here.

My, my, my, my, my, my, my, my, my, my, my,

Staring at the sink of blood and crushed veneer. 

Harry joined in with his guitar and sang an octave below Perrie. The crowd cheered again. 

Tell my love to wreck it all.

Cut all of the ropes and let me fall.

My, my, my, my, my, my, my, my, my, my, my,

Right in the moment, the order’s tall.

And I told you to be patient,

And I told you to be fine.

And I told you to be balanced,

And I told you to be kind.

 

And in the morning I’ll be with you,

But it’ll be a different kind,

I’ll be holding all the tickets,

And you’ll be owning all the fines.