Perri and Mitch- the sixth book special to series 'Perri and Me' about Perri Kiely.

Chapter 1 Part 6

I always wake up after Perri. It feels strange when my alarm goes off at five thirty and Perri's right beside me. Danielle is well mad. Or maybe she's punishing me for something I haven't even done yet.

I slowly drag myself out of bed. I didn't sleep at all last night. Perri suggested I listen to calm music but I ended up just repeating his playlist all night. Everytime I tried to sleep, a scary thought would pop up in my head then I would wake up abruptly.

I get showered and put on some black leggings and my favourite black crop top to dance in. It's late December but I couldn't care less.

I get to watch Perri lay still at least. When he's awake, he's always moving. He's always dancing or flipping or laughing. But when he's sleeping, he's still. Unmovable. I can't help smiling but guilt is eating into me like hunger. I don't know how I'm going to face Danielle when I can barely keep my eyes open.

I kneel down by Perri and kiss him on the cheek. I don't mean to wake him but he opens his eyes soon enough.

"You were very noisy..." He whispers, smiling.

"Sorry..." I say. "I'm pathetic at this 'slipping away' thing. You'll have to teach me."

"Mmm..." He says. "You look exhausted."

"I am."

"You don't have to do it." He says. "I could cover up for you."

"No..." I say. "No more running away. Remember the last tour? I need to show her I can follow orders."

Perri sighs but he's still smiling.

"Okay, but you're going to freeze." He adds.

"It's okay- I'll wear a coat on top, of course." I say.

I play with his hair.

"You deserve the extra sleep." I whisper. "I've kept you up long enough. I'm such a pain..."

"Then maybe you're the kind of pain that hurts so much, it's good."

I feel that kind of sting in the back of my throat- every time he says something too nice to me.

"I better go..." I say, hugging him.

I feel his warm hands on my cold back.

"Have fun with the cranky Mitchell." He whispers, pulling the duvet right over him.

"I love you..." I say, carefully, opening the door and stepping outside.

"Love you more." He says, as I shut it.

I also pop into Reid's room and kiss him on the cheek.

I get into my car and begin to drive. At one point, I nearly fall asleep on the road so I have to stop at Starbucks to get coffee to keep me awake. Soon, I'm five minutes away from Danceworks. Then my phone starts ringing. Mitch.

I shiver pointlessly as it's boiling in my car then pick it up.

"Hi." I say. "Let me guess- you're there."

"Yeah." He says. "It's fine, you've got fifteen minutes. I'm tired too, you know?"

"I know. " I say.

I go a bit faster as I want to be early. I finally get to Danceworks at six. Funny, Mitch is wearing all black too. A sweater and some tracksuit bottoms. Probably a little more appropriate for the weather.

He's on the couch in the reception practically falling asleep.

"Mitch!" I hiss. "Let's go warm up."