You've Got it Bad

Twenty Five

Perrie's POV

I made my way to the diner as fast as I could, my heart pounding the entire drive. Jade's voice replayed in my head, shaky and full of fear. I had to get to her before she fell apart.

Pulling into the parking lot, I threw my car into park and quickly got out. I didn't care about the stares I got as I rushed inside. All eyes might have been on me, but there was only one set of eyes I needed to find.

I scanned the diner, my gaze darting from table to table, but she wasn't there. My chest tightened as I hurried to the host's stand.

"Hi, I'm looking for Jade," I said, almost out of breath. "Is she here?"

"She said she needed to step out back for some air," the guy replied, pointing toward the back door.

"Thanks," I said quickly, already heading out.

I ran around the building and spotted her instantly. She was pacing, her hands tangled in her hair, her whole body just radiating panic.

"Jade!" I called out, jogging toward her as fast as I could manage with my arm in a sling.

As soon as I reached her, she turned toward me, her face crumbling. Before I could say anything, she fell into my arms, her sobs breaking my heart.

"Hey, I've got you," I whispered, cradling her as best as I could with one arm. "I'm here."

She buried her face against my chest, her whole body shaking as she cried. I held her close, ignoring my own discomfort. All that mattered was making sure she knew she wasn't alone.

"Shhh, calm down, baby. Please calm down," I whispered softly, running my fingers through her hair. But it didn't seem to be working. Her sobs only grew louder.

"Perrie... I... I... what..." she tried to speak in between gasping sobs, her voice broken and frantic.

"Shhh. Quiet, baby. Just breathe. You're okay. We're okay. We'll be okay," I said, trying to keep my voice steady despite the fear gripping me too. She was spiraling, and I needed to get her grounded before she completely fell apart.

"I-can't-breathe-Per-rie!" she cried, her words broken as she started to hyperventilate.

Her sharp gasps for air sent a wave of panic through me, and my chest tightened at the sight of her in so much distress.

"You can, baby. Just breathe with me, okay? In and out, slow and steady," I said, holding her tighter as she fought against me. When she tried to pull away, I refused to let go. "I'm here. I've got you."

Eventually, the fight in her faded, and she went limp in my arms. I was quick to adjust, holding her up as she clung to me for dear life.

Suddenly, she gagged, and when she pushed away this time, I let her go. She turned and stumbled over to one of the trash bins, her body convulsing as she vomited.

I followed her immediately, holding her hair as she retched. My heart broke for her. I hated seeing her like this, so fragile and overwhelmed, knowing there was nothing I could do to take her stress away.

When her breathing started to slow and the retching subsided, I let her hair go and softly rubbed her back.

"Come on, baby. Let's get you home," I said gently, my voice low and soothing.

She shook her head weakly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I-I have t-to work."

"It's okay," I replied. "We'll tell them you're not feeling well. You're coming home with me."

I held out my hand for her. She hesitated for a moment, her tear-streaked face showing exhaustion and fear, before finally slipping her hand into mine.

With her holding onto me tightly, I led her back inside, her shaky grip tugging at my heart.