Just as Leigh had requested, there was no studio audience and no view count. The interview was going to be on Oprah's couch. It was Monday and quite early in the morning. A cool breeze was blowing and the camera crew was still setting up. The girls were in Oprah's living room drinking tea together. They had had to leave their own home at an odd hour in order to avoid mobs and paparazzi. They had even had a decoy which the paparazzi had followed, leaving them to get here in peace.
"Come on. Just drink it babe." Jesy said softly to Leigh-Anne. She had succeeded in keeping Hannah away over the weekend thanks to Yoongi and Ray Ray but Leigh-Anne was just really nervous. Her nerves had started since around three in the morning. The girl had woken up to puke. Jesy had only realized she was gone when she heard the noises. She had come in to help but Leigh kept shaking.
Leigh-Anne looked at the tea, feeling disappointed in herself. Really Leigh? She used to get nervous before but once Jesy was there everything would be fine. Why was she still freaking out?
Jesy shook her head. "Your stomach is completely empty Princess. You're gonna feel faint."
"I know Jes. I just . . ." Gosh Leigh. You're a woman. Leigh-Anne really hated herself at the moment. She wanted to curl up and hide. But I'm here. About to do an interview in front of the world. She gulped while looking around at all of the setting up. There was no view count but she knew that everyone would be tuning in.
Jesy took the tea from Leigh. She set it down then held the girl's shoulders. "Listen to me. I know, your mind is different now. You're not yourself . . . at least not the version you love. I know that but you see the thing you've been doing? That thing where you push all your fear behind and smile for people? You need to do that. But this time you just need to put in more effort. You're brave babe. I know that and so do you. You've never really gotten over it Leigh. You've just learned to over come it over the years. Do your thing. I have confidence in you. I know you. You're strong." She kissed Leigh on the lips then smirked. A lot of big talk for a person who feels like crapping themself. What if she runs off?! Ugh! I'd be speechless. She was trying to shake it all off. When she had been weak because of drugs, Leigh had been her strength. She needed to be Leigh's strength now. Drugs. . .
Leigh-Anne tried a smile for Jesy. "Right. I'm amazing." She nodded then kissed Jesy now. She put on a determined look and pumped a fist high. "Super Leigh!"
Jesy rolled her eyes though she was amused. "Stupid Leigh."
"Jesssyy! Don't say that!" Leigh shoved her lightly and noticed that the crew around laughed. She shrunk. Did they somehow hear all of that? She held Jesy's arm and tried to hide behind her.
Jesy laughed at Leigh too. "Stop acting like a turtle. I'm not your shell." She heard more laughter and felt like a champion. What was I scared about? I'm charming and hot. She now felt more confident.
Leigh-Anne giggled. "Shut up."
Jesy tickled her to make her laugh more.
Leigh-Anne squealed. "Jes!" She pulled away and then began tickling Jesy.
"Nooo!" Jesy cried out at the urge to laugh. She laughed anyway and now they were having a tickle fight. The crew watched and laughed at them.
"She's so immature right guys?" Leigh-Anne asked the people watching as she pried away. She swatted the girl's hand away and then stuck her tongue out. "She's like a kid sibling."
Everyone laughed harder.
Oprah came out then and greeted everyone. She stood by the seat. "What's this? You girls seem to be having a lot of fun." She said this fondly.
