Mistakes

15

“Papa!” Madison screamed.

This was the fifth night Madison had woken up crying in the middle of the night. The first night, Harry calmed her down. By the fourth night, Harry had given up and just slept with her for the rest of the night. Tonight…was no exception.

Harry yawned, untangled himself from Liam, and went into Madison’s room. When he had told Zayn, Zayn had panicked, but Harry had assured him he could handle it.

He yawned again and went into her room. Sure enough, she was sat up in her bed crying. Harry walked over and sat down on her bed.

“Hey, sweetheart, this is the fifth night you’ve woken up with nightmares, what’s wrong?” Harry cooed.

“Monster!” She screamed hysterically.

Harry sighed. The monster thing again, huh?

“Who is this monster, Maddie?”

“Papa’s friend. He came into my room and hurt me. You and daddy didn’t save me!”

That’s when Harry put two and two together. Liam was hitting his daughter. His precious baby girl.

“Oh, baby, I’m so sorry. Come on, you can sleep in daddy’s bed with him. I’m sure that’d make him happy, hmm?”

She nodded, grabbed her teddy and held her arms out. Harry made a mental note to talk to Zayn about this. Maybe this’ll finally give him the courage to dump Liam. He just hoped he was ready.

Zayn woke up to Madison cuddled in his bed with him. Another nightmare, huh?

Zayn sighed, got out of bed, stretched, and left Madison in his bed to sleep. He went downstairs to start on breakfast. Harry came trudging down the stairs a few minutes later with a concerned and tired face.

“Harry? What’s wrong?”

“I know why Madison’s having nightmares.”

“Why?”

Harry sighed, he didn’t want to tell Zayn, but as a father, he had to.

“Liam’s hitting her behind closed doors.”

“What? Why?”

“He’s insecure, Zayn, he hates you so hitting Madison gives him the upper hand.”

Zayn sat down, “I want him out of my house,” he finally said.

“Believe me, I do, too.”

“Then do it! Kick him out!”

“Will you help me?”

Zayn nodded, set down his coffee, and went upstairs with Harry.

“Liam, we need to talk.” Harry started.

“About what?” Liam asked.

“You hitting our daughter.” Zayn butt in.

“What? I haven’t hit her! I don’t even like that brat!”

“Get out.” Harry stated.

“What? You can’t kick me out. Where am I going to go?”

“How about Niall’s? Since that’s where you practically spend all your time, anyway!” Harry yelled.

“Screw you, Harry, you’re just jealous that Niall’s better in bed than you.” Liam sneered.

Harry practically jumped on Liam, but was held down by Zayn.

“Stop, he’s not worth it, Harry.”

Harry huffed, but calmed down. Liam got up, grabbed his things, and slammed the door. Harry sighed, they had all told him but he didn’t listen. He didn’t want to believe Liam could ever get like that. He wanted to believe Liam was sweet and loved him. Guess there’s some people he owes apologies to.

“Zayn?” Harry croaked.

“Yes, Harry?”

“I’m so sorry I left him for you. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” Harry choked.

“It’s okay, Harry, I forgave you the minute you showed up.” Zayn smiled.

And with that, Harry leaned up and kissed Zayn with all the passion and love he could muster.