Everything After (3) *editing in progress*

Chapter 8: Together

Perrie's POV
"How much longer until we start to work on album three?" I asked once the silence had converged on the table. Management meetings were bloody exhausting, why I was here, I didn't know at all. Whatsoever. But apparently the whole group needed to come. So here we were, Jesy, Leigh, Jade and I, plus Tulisa of course; but the air was slightly tense, Jesy's jaw was still in a not-so-healthy state, Jade's knuckles were bruised as well, but they were becoming a regular thing, especially since she started working with a punching bag.

I had come back inside from our garden last week to find her hauling it onto a stool, she had apologized for showing up without warning, Leigh and Jesy didn't have a gym which is why she came back. I hadn't really minded at that point, particularly after our kitchen nightmare moment last week. Jesy and Leigh still would stay the night, or even Jade had stayed over the weekend to make sure I was okay, but I wasn't going to lie when I knew Jade was the one I would feel safest with. Regardless the three seemed to agree that I shouldn't be left alone and would always make sure I was with someone in case anything were to happen, and I couldn't thank them enough for being so thoughtful about it.

Anyways, when I had gone around the corner and watched as she was clipping the bag in place, it seriously made me question exactly how in the world had she managed to get it inside? But regardless, I never asked; none of my business of course.

But honestly, how did she manage to get it past the doorway?

"-Well, since you girls have been writing, I believe we should start recording with the four of you on next week's Wednesday? It's only Thursday today. I hope you girls are ready." Annecka said, shooting Tulisa a look as she spoke-a demanding one. Our mentor didn't bat an eye, waiting to see our faces. Jesy and Leigh ended up nodding slowly, Jade was a little lost in thought with her lyric journal in hand but she tapped it anyways, indicating she understood.
I didn't know what to say, but I figured I'd be able to get a start with the other three. "Great. Well, Syco wanted you girls to continue promoting your unnamed single, and the management team has tweeted for you girls. A few times, nothing too crazy but we just need to keep the industry engaged." She began, turning her laptop to me, she meant she was tweeting for Jade and I. My hands twitched as I took a hold of the device, Jade caught on as well and shifted to face the screen. We went to the group's profile and scanned the page. The first tweet read

Hey mixers, we're sorry we're still flying under the radar, but you see, we need to figure everything out, especially now that album 3 is in progress! Much love, -Little Mix

Then there was a second:

You guys are going to hear it, we promise x

"They're going to hear it? You mean." Jesy stopped abruptly. "That we're telling the press." Leigh finished for her; they both shared a look. "We're going to speak about...that? Honestly?" Jade pulled a poker face in a heartbeat. Tulisa watched the four of us closely. She had a soft look in her eyes as she spoke. "Yes. That way not only will we be on the lookout, but the public will as well. And they deserve to know." Her words rang clear in my head. "I-we-we're not ready." My voice betrayed me as I felt the emotions flooding my thoughts. So much frustration and pain. All mixed together. "You are, all of you. Don't give me that pez, I believe in you. Everyone in this room does." Tulisa comforted me, placing a reassuring hand on my knee. "How? I haven't even recovered my whole memory." The spots in my memory were still there, bits and pieces swimming about in my mind; small bits-the larger ones were missing. The more important ones.

"You have enough love, don't fret. The sooner it gets over with the better. Understood?"

"Absolutely, as anyone with ears would know." A voice answered for us from the end of the table. Jade tensed, as if she had encountered this man before. "No one needs your extra opinion, Lucas." Jesy snapped all of a sudden at the man sitting at the far end of the table. He snorted instead of shooting straight into scolding. "Well well, she speaks." He ignored her comment and leaned forwards. "If these girls were truly ready to explain their crisis, they would have. A while ago, just like Perrie and Jade would have picked up where they left off; they seem to be avoiding any attempts to rekindle what they once had. But I do agree, it's past time the fans knew what was going on. It's going to be difficult to frame, especially as if you haven't been hiding this from them for a while. Not to mention the disagreement between you and Thirlwall which seemed to be picked up by several outlets after you two haven't been pictured together since you got back."