Picking Up The Pieces//Luke Hemmings

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

"Momma!" Ava's cries were audible throughout the small flat.

Just as I was entering her room I stopped, hearing her fathers soothing voice through the doorway.

I walked away with a small smile. Ava may only be a year old, but her daddy sure did spoil her.

Harry walked out of the room, with a small smirk on his face. Just enough to see his dimples.

"Good morning Styles, is she asleep?" I smiled bearing my teeth.

"Good morning Lucy Ann! And yes my beautiful little Ava Elizabeth Hope is asleep again." He had always loved her full name, not that I blamed him.

Her name was beautiful, everything about her was beautiful. I'm so thankful she resembles her father and not me, she could be his twin. Everything was the same, from her curls and dimples, to her emerald green eyes. She sure as hell was her daddy's little girl, not that I minded.

"Do you think this is weird?" My mouth spoke before my mind could comprehend what was happening.

"What?" Harry asked unaware of what I meant.

"I mean think about Harry, we aren't together but we have a baby, a home together, and we co-parent like a couple. And even though we aren't together neither of us has even thought of going on a date since we found out I was pregnant." I said shrugging my shoulders like it was nothing.

"Well we were in love once..." He mumbled, obviously feeling a bit hurt.

"But we aren't now Harry..." I tried smiling, but it appeared sadder than intended.

"And who's fault is that?!" He yelled his voice rising in anger.

"I didn't plan on falling in love with you! I didn't plan on getting pregnant at 17! And I sure as hell never planned on falling out of love with you Harold! For fucks sake I never planned on any of this.." I whispered the last part, I suddenly felt very vulnerable.

His gaze softened, before anger was once again evident.

"I told you to handle it when you found out didn't I?! Maybe then we wouldn't have so many issues all of the time! We'd be able to actually be together for more than an hour without changing diapers or making a grocery run! But no, you just couldn't do that could you?" He roared waking Ava. His eyes averted and I could tell he was regretting what he'd said, but it was too late for that.

"I bet you wish I had huh Styles.." I mumbled leaving to gather Ava and her over night bag.

It was only 8 in the morning and I was already over his shit. I threw together a few outfits and some food before hurrying over to the wobbly toddler.
I quickly dressed Ava before running to my room and packing an over night bag for myself.

Harry and I never fought, especially with Ava in the house, but when we did it was like world war 3 was in our living room. I just wouldn't have that today. We were both too quick to anger and it often got the best of us.

I placed Ava gently in her car seat then slowly climbed in behind the wheel. With one last glance up at the window I sped away, leaving Harry looking helpless and beyond lost. This was his own doing..

Pulling into the Starbucks parking lot, I unstrapped Ava and entered the building. I had no idea what was going through my head, but before I knew it I was calling the only person I knew I could trust.

"Hello?" The voice on the other end made everything feel a bit better than it did 10 minutes ago.

"Hey Cal.." I smiled despite myself and dried a few stray tears.

"What's wrong my baby?" I laughed at the pet name he'd given me ages ago.

"Can Ava and I stay at yours for a few days?" I hadn't noticed how many tears were falling until Ava wiped my now damp cheeks. I smiled kissing her hand lightly.

"Of course! I've been needing some Lucy and Ava time. I hope you don't mind but I have a mate over, he's great with the littles though so no need to worry."

"That's fine Calum, thank you so much!" I closed my eyes wishing I was magically there already.

"Well I'm still waiting for an explanation missy. Why the tears?" He asked making it impossible for me to avoid the question.

"I'll explain when we get to yours, see you in 10." I hit end before he could disagree.

The London air nipped at my nose a bit as I hurried to get Ava back in the car. The last thing I needed was for her to catch a cold.

"Where go?" She babbled with a cheesy smile plastered to her face.

"We're gonna go see Uncle Cal and a friend of his. Is that okay?" I asked laughing a bit at her silly backseat antics.

"Cally!!" She hummed in excitement bobbing her head to the music.

Tonight should be interesting to say the least. Let's hope Calum doesn't try to kill Harry after he learns of what he said..