Chapter 39

Sunday 10th July

Zayn POV

“Zayn have you got everything ready for tonight?” Leigh-Anne asks through the phone.

“Yeh, I did it all yesterday. Are you sure this is a good idea? I mean, Jesy said she didn’t like surprises or celebrating her birthday,” I ask. We’ve planned a surprise party for tonight. It is at Louis’ house because his is the biggest and is the best house for a party. I planned it all yesterday. I told Perrie I was going out with Danny and Ant but I was actually hiring the catering staff, the bartenders, the DJ and the photo booth. To be fair, Louis helped me out a lot because he is always throwing parties so he already has all the contacts.

“She’s gonna love it,” Leigh says, “She’ll be so excited to see her family and friends.”

“Ok. Well she’s gonna wake up in a minute so I better get her breakfast ready. I’ll make sure she gets to your house at about 4, ok?” I ask.

“Yeah, that’s great. See you tonight,” Leigh-Anne says and hangs up the phone.

I have to send Perrie to Leigh-Anne and Jesy’s house a bit early because I know I’ll give it all away if I spend too much time with her.

I walk into the kitchen and make Perrie’s breakfast. I lay the pancakes onto a plate in the middle of the table and get the necessary toppings out of the cupboard as Perrie comes into the room.

“Happy Birthday!” I shout as she spots the pancakes on the table.

“How did you know?” she asks as I place my hands on her waist.

“I have my sources,” I say and peck her lightly on the lips. “Anyway, dig in,” I tell her as I pull out the kitchen stool for her to sit down. “Oh and by the way, Leigh-Anne wants you to go round to hers so the girls can give you presents. So I’m dropping you round at 4,” I tell her, trying to make it seem casual.

“Ok,” Perrie says. She is too engrossed in her food to notice anything suspicious.

-

“Louis, is everything ready?” I ask as I enter his house after dropping Perrie off at Leigh’s.

“Pretty much,” he says, “We’re just waiting for the catering staff. What time are people coming?”

“8 and then Perrie and the girls at 9. Is that good?” I ask, really unaware of what an appropriate time was. I’m terrible at party planning.

“Yeah that’s great. The boys and El and Dani are coming at 7.30 for pre-drink,” Louis says as we make our way into the lounge. The lights that I put up yesterday are still perfectly in place and the DJ set is all laid out.

“I’m scared she won’t like it,” I confide in Louis.

“Why wouldn’t she?” Louis asks.

“She doesn’t really like surprises. And she doesn’t really celebrate her birthday that much,” I tell him.

“So you are throwing her a surprise birthday party?” Louis asks, making me realize it is probably a bad idea.

“Mhmm,” I mumble.

“She’ll love it bro. Don’t worry, we’ll make sure she has a good time,” Louis reassures me, placing a supportive hand on my arm. Changing the subject he asks, “So what’s going on with that psycho Abigail girl?”

“She’s in jail, thank god. And hopefully she will be for a long time. She’s dangerous,” I say, “Oh. That reminds me, I need to speak to Harry about something. Him and Perrie were acting really suspicious at the signing on Friday.”

“Don’t bring it up tonight Zayn. Wouldn’t want to ruin her birthday,” Louis tells me.

“Why? Do you think its something bad?” I ask. Why would it ruin her birthday?

“I don’t know. You’ll have to ask one of them. Just don’t do it tonight,” he tells me. I look at him with a suspicious look. Does he know anything about it?

Before I can ask any more questions there is a knock at the door. “Hi,” I say as I open the door for the caterers and they walk into the house.

-

“Zayn!” I hear a voice shout and I turn to the door and see Perrie’s mum, Debbie, in the doorway with Perrie’s friend Katherine and Perrie’s family. Many other people have already arrived and Perrie is due to get here in about half an hour.

“Sorry we’re late, traffic was horrendous,” Deb says as I give her and the rest of Perrie’s family hugs and handshakes.

“That’s fine. She should be here in about half an hour,” I tell Deb, “Well that’s if all goes to plan.”

“You’re very kind throwing her a party,” Deb says as Louis comes to stand next to me.

“Can I take your coats?” Louis asks and takes everyone’s coats through to the other room.

“Come in,” I say and escort Perrie’s family and friends through the house. The last of the guests are now here and I’m get anxious for Perrie’s arrival.

“So, how’s everything going? We heard about the break in the other day,” Perrie’s dad enquires.

“Yeah. Well the girls in jail and hopefully she will be for a long time,” I tell him while pouring some drinks.

“Perrie seemed against her going to jail when we spoke to her on the phone. It’s the best place for the young girl though. She’s a danger to have on the streets,” Perrie’s dad points out.

“That’s what I’ve told her and I think she’s come around,” I tell him and pass out the drinks.

“You’re very brave, throwing Per a party,” Deb tells me.

“I’ve been told,” I say, “Do you not think she’ll like it?”

“She’ll love it! She’s just had some bad experiences on birthdays before but I’m sure it’ll be fine,” Deb says. She’s trying to reassure me but is instead making me more anxious.

I make my excuses and leave Perrie’s family so I can go and give the other guests more drinks. Pretty much everyone I speak to is telling me how brave I am for throwing her a surprise party and it isn’t helping how nervous I am about this all.

“Everything okay Zayn?” Eleanor asks, “You’re looking a bit green.”

“Oh great, another thing to worry about,” I say and start to make my way over to the mirror.

“I hope you’re not worrying about what Perrie is going to think about the party,” Eleanor says, reading me like a book.

“I am,” I tell her.

“Well don’t. She’ll either love it or she won’t and if she doesn’t, she’ll love you for trying. It’s a win-win,” Eleanor says and it does make me worry less. At that very moment there is a knock at the door.

“Shhh everyone,” I say, hushing the room into silence and I open the door. “Leigh-Anne, where’s Perrie?” I ask, as only Leigh-Anne stands in the doorway.

“I told her we were just picking you up so she wont get out the car. Will you go and talk to her?” Leigh-Anne asks and I walk over to Leigh-Anne’s car where Perrie, Jesy and Jade are sitting.

“Perrie, come in for a quick drink. Eleanor and Louis want to wish you happy birthday,” I say, trying not to give away the surprise but maybe I should.

“Ok,” Perrie says and her and the girls get out of the car. I lead her into the house by the hand. As we step into the hallway everyone screams, “SURPRISE!”

I look to Perrie to see her reaction and she looks happy.

“Oh my god,” she says as she clasps her hand over her mouth. “Did you?” she asks turning to me.

“Well, me and Louis,” I tell her and she leans up to peck my lips. Perrie drags me by the hand to great everyone in the party and she looks genuinely happy. It couldn’t have been more of a success.

“Thank you so much Louis,” Perrie says as we reach him on our circuit around the room.

“No, it was all your boyfriend. He was organizing it all yesterday,” Louis tells Perrie and she turns to smile at me again, gripping my hand tighter.

“Yep. It was pretty handy that you were at the girls’ house yesterday,” I tell her.

“What? No, she wasn’t with us,” Jade blurts out and Perrie shoots her an angry glare.

“Where were you then? You said you were with them.”

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