Parenting

Chapter Three

-Niall's POV-

The first thing I was greeted by when I walked into coffee shop was the raw smell of coffee beans. It sent a shiver up my spine as I glanced down at William. He was staring at the sweets behind the glassed window as I kissed his cheek.

"Hey, how can I help you?" I was pulled away from my observing and stepped forward to order.

"-and William will have... what do you want buddy?" I asked kneeling in front of the glass as William put his flat palms against them.

"That!" He piped up pointing to the chocolate cupcake.

"Alright then, that one." I grinned and stood again before paying. After the quick and easy payment, I took the sweet and stepped aside with William while waited for my coffee.

My boy happily munched down on his sweet as I lingered a kiss go his forehead and hummed beside his ear.

"U-uh," stuttering caught my attention as j looked over to see two nervous young girls staring up at me. One was almost in tears as the other one's hands shook.

"Hello." I gave a polite smile and turned to them as one shakily held out her phone.

"C-can y-you..." She choked up as I nodded, getting was she was trying to say.

"Do you have a market?" She looked back before turning to her friend frantically. Her friend felt inside her pockets and went wide eyed.

"Niall!" I walked over and collected my coffee as the woman smiled at me.

"Uh, wouldn't suppose you'd have a marker or something?" The woman nodded and scurried before coming back and giving me the item.

I thanked her and turned, signing the possessions the girls gave me and also taking pictures with them. Eventually excusing myself, both William and I came outside and walked back to the parked car.

"Bit cold huh?" I whispered unlocking my car and putting William into his baby seat. He sat happily eating his food as I climbed in and started up the car.

Then we were finally off to the other side of town Harry said he'd meet us at. It was at least a thirty minute drive, but William was too occupied so he wouldn't notice.

"Da!" He suddenly called through his food as I looked into the revision mirror.

"Yeah buddy?" A grin grew on his face as he waved up at me. The smile that grew on my face must have been large as I waved back at the youngster. "I love ya William."

• • •

"Up we go!" I pulled William into my hold and took whatever was left of his wrapper. Chocolate crumbs were spilt through the backseat which I wasn't to happy about. But I knew a quick vacuum would clean that up.

Grabbing William's baby bag, I locked the car and threw away his wrapping and my empty drink away. My steps grew to strides as I searched for the second coffee shop I'd meet Harry in.

William patted my shoulder and I hummed kissing his cheek as my eyes looked over the shop name.

"Daddy!" His call had me come to a stop as I looked at him confused. He then pointed behind him and I followed his gaze to see a little girl sitting by herself on the outside bench.

Looking around her, I didn't see her recognize anyone she knew. She just sat there swinging her legs back and forth with that little smile on her face.

I wouldn't look like a creep if I approached her right? No. I had William, people would understand.

So I made my way over to her before kneeling beside the girl.

"Hello," she looked over at me and grinned waving, "where's your parents sweetie?" She then pointed to the jewelers behind me as I glanced at it.

"Chrissy is inside. She said for me to wait out here while she got a present." My eye twitched as I gripped onto William tighter.

Who in their right mind would leave their child outside alone? What fucking great parents they are. I wouldn't ever leave William outside by himself; somebody would snatch him away and is never be able to live with myself. Fuck, this person already annoyed me.

"He came out to. But he left me." She pouted as I tilted my head.

"Who came out sweetie?"

"Chrissy's boyfrwiend." Oh. So she did come out with somebody but they decided to leave her by herself. What a prick.

"Well-"

"Maddy!" My gaze snapped up to see a young woman run over to us. She quickly looked me up and down before kneeling in front of Maddy. "Where's Chris honey? Why are you alone?" Maddy just shrugged.

"He left me." The woman rolled her eyes before taking Maddy into her hold.

"What a bastard..." I heard her mutter and stood back up to my feet.

"Uh," I cleared my throat as she looked up at me, "please don't leave her outside. Something terrible could happen to someome as young as her." I don't know where that fatherly lecture cane from. But it was out now.

"I know." She sighed as Maddy smiled before wriggling in the woman's hold. "I'll keep her close more often." Watching Maddy, she ran over and tugged my leg as the woman went wide eyed. "Maddy!" She hissed.

"No, no. It's alright." I chuckled kneeling down again.

"Hello! My name is Maddy! What's yours?" She asked William who shyly hid his face in my shirt. I smiled at the embarrassed boy and patted his back.

"Are you going to tell her your name?" I asked as he looked up at me before shaking his head.

"Chrissy, why is he not telling me his name?" Maddy pouted.

"He's probably shy Maddy." She stepped forward putting her hand on Maddy's head.

"Hello!" Maddy tried again as I lightly shook William.

"Say hello to Maddy William." Slowly, he looked up and have a small wave as Maddy giggled to herself.

"Chrissy! Chrissy! Can I play with William?!" She excitedly asked as I felt my phone vibrated in my pocket.

"Maddy, he might be very busy."

Harrio: hey i was on my way to leave before something came up with my recording. going to see what it is. might not be able to make it :(

"Actually," I said looking up at the bright blue eyed girl, "William has some time to play."

The smile on my face cane as Maddy widely smiled over at me. What a cutie.