Parenting

Chapter Fourteen

-Christine's POV-

The time came around to leave, Maddy was still saying goodbye to Louis as Harry pulled away from our hug.

"Just take it easy ok?" He said as I smiled weakly and nodded. "If you need anything, just give me a call."

"I don't exactly have your number." My teasing had him pull out his phone before handing to me.

"Just put it in. I'll text you to make sure I got the right number." Swallowing down, I nodded and put my contact into his phone.

"But I don't wanna leave!" Maddy whined as Louis walked her over.

"But you gotta!" He whined back as she huffed and crossed her arms. "Aw, is somebody having a tantrum?" Maddy stomped her foot as Louis chuckled kneeling down. "I'll see you soon. Ok?"

Maddy looked at him unconvinced before holding her pinky finger out.

"Pinky promise?" She whispered as they locked pinky's.

"I pinky promise." A large smile took on her features again as I suddenly felt a tugging on my leg. Oh shit, that's right. I'm wearing Niall's clothes.

"Hey you!" William reached his hands up as I took him into my arms. His head rested on my shoulder as a buzz went off in these damn boxers Niall gave me.

"I think I got the right number." Harry joked as I nodded. "Make sure to text me though. I don't usually give out my number for free." With a small wink, I wasn't sure whether if he was being flirtatious or just cheeky.

"Alright." I smiled as Niall watched a bit away from us. With a sigh, I carried William back to him as his body stiffened. "You're gonna go back to Daddy ok?" William whined as I pulled him away and gave him to Niall.

Niall cleared his throat and slowly met my gaze.

"Look-"

"It's ok." I shrugged off. "Just a scratch." I gestured to my head as he frowned.

"Christine, I feel terrible." Well you should. It still hurts. "Let me make it up to you. I'll buy you coffee or something." His slight plead nearly had me concave.

"There's no need. It's fine. All's forgiven."

"Still..." deciding to quickly change the subject, I did.

"So what about these clothes? Do I give them back or..." I trailed off, not knowing what he wanted.

"Oh. Yeah, I'll... I'll drop by your house tomorrow after work and pick them up." He gave a weak forced smile as I nodded.

Why is this so awkward.

• • •

Unfortunately by the time I had gotten home, mum's car was already in my driveway. Shit.

"Come on Maddy." I helped her out of the booster seat and grabbed her bag.

"Is Mummy here?" She asked taking my hand as I led us to the front door.

"I think so." Giving a small smile down to her, I found the front door was already unlocked. Ok... hopefully I'm not about to cope a huge lecture.

"Mummy!" Maddy called running into the house as i shut the door and slowly walked in to see Mum embrace Maddy in the lounge room.

"Oh my! There you are! Mummy was a worried!" Kissing around her face, her gaze then set on me before it harden. "Maddison; can you go wait in the car for Mummy?" She nodded and I gave her a quick hug before it was just me and the angry woman in front of me.

Better save my ass while I can.

"I can expla-"

"No calls? No texts?!" Mum hissed as I looked down. "I was worried sick! I thought something happened to Maddison! I was about to call the police!" She looked me up and down as I watched her eyes widen. "And what happened to your head?! And who's clothes are they?! We're you with a man?!"

Fuck.

"Mum, just-just let me explain."

"No! I knew you were irresponsible! First hanging out with boys and risking Maddison's well being!"

"But Maddison is obviously fine so-"

"That's not the point Christine!" She snapped standing right in front of me. She let out a shaky breath, her glate never faltering. "After this, for two weeks you will not see Maddison."

"What?!" I yelled. "She's my sister!"

"You should have thought of that before coming home late in the afternoon!" Snatching Maddy's bag from me, she stomped past as I shook my head in disbelief.

"W-who will look after her?!"

"I'll find a babysitter." Mum slammed the door as I blinked back in complete shock.

Two weeks? Two full weeks without Maddy?! Fuck!

I kicked the back of the couch and screamed in frustration before making my way to my room. Slamming that door shut, I jumped on my bed and screamed again into the pillow.

I just need to talk to someone. Anyone. Flicking my phone out, I pressed Indie's contact and waited.

'Hey! Youve reached Indie's voicemail! Make sure to do whatever a-'

"Really?!" I yelled and sat up. Who else can I call?

Niall

Screw that. I'm not exactly on best friend terms with him right now. I mean, he did slam my head into the bathroom sink.

There was one contact left that I could try. Let's pray he picks up and that I don't look a bit desperate to call him so early.

After a few rings, they stopped.

"Hello?"

"Harry, it's Christine."