Friends with benefits • a/p

Chapter 7

Perrie's POV

"I'm ready to go" - I step into my living room with a smile.

"You look.. amazing.." - Luke compliments me, standing up from the couch and walking towards me.

He kisses my cheek and takes my hand, intertwining our fingers together.

After a really stressful week, he came up with the idea of going out for the weekend, so we're going in a club, to have fun. I'm not sure how much fun I'm going to have, if I have any. However, I'm doing my best to be okay again, I deserve it.

Dating Luke, if I can call that dating, is going well, it's been a few days after all. I told him I want to take things slow, and luckily, he said that he's alright with it. He's aware of the fact that we don't share the same feelings, but he understands me. We're still in the first phase of the relationship.

That's one of the many things I like about him. He's understanding, sometimes too understanding. He's literally doing his best to make sure I'm comfortable with everything.

Somehow, I feel bad for him. In some way, I'm using him to get my mind off of Alex. Althogh 'using' is a too hard word, there isn't other way I can explain it. I don't want to make things hard for him. He doesn't deserve this. But I feel like my hands are tied and I can't do anything.

"We're here" - he says as he stops the car in front of the club.

I didn't even notice we arrived. I was too caught up with my thoughts to think about anything else. I step outside the car when Luke opens the door for me. I take his hand again as we walk towards the entrance. I notice that this is the same club where I met Alex. I get goosebumps of the memory of him kissing me right here. It was for sure one of the best feelings in the world.

We step inside and my gaze instinctively goes to the place I was sitting the last time I was here, where me and Alex talked.

"Perrie?" - Luke says, catching my attention.

"Yeah?" - I look at him.

"I asked you if you wanted to go to the bar or take a seat in the corner" - he says gently. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, sorry.. uh.. I'd rather sit in the corner" - I say and he nods.

"Look.. if you're not feeling alright and still have a headache, please tell me.. this place is already loud enough.."

"No no, I'm alright" - I smile and squeeze his hand.

"Alright then" - he says and leads me to the corner seats.

He orders drinks for both of us and as I start drinking slowly, I finally start to feel comfortable.

Suddenly, the whole world around me goes silent when I hear a specific laughter erupt around me. I turn my head around and spot the person that hasn't left my brain since I first met him, with his arm wrapped around some girl's tiny waist, leading her to the seat only a few meters away from us.

Once they make themselves comfortable, the girl who I recognise from a few days ago goes to the bar and leaves him alone. His expression complitely changes when he spots me. I'm not sure about the look I have on my face, but it's probably shock mixed with disappointment, anger and disgust. All of that is literally the way I'm feeling right now. Honestly I can't believe that's him with that girl, it feels unreal.

"I'll go to the restroom.. I'll be back in a few minutes" - I tell Luke and stand up, making my way towards the toilets.

I turn around to make sure he heard me, so he gives me a nod. I also notice that Alex is still looking at me. I look away and keep walking to the restroom. I wash my hands quickly and pat my face, trying not to ruin my makeup. Somehow the air got thinner and I feel like I can't breathe. I need to get out of here as quick as possible. I take my purse and make my way towards the exit of the club.