Parenting

Chapter Sixteen

-Christine's POV-

The car trip back to Niall's house was pretty quiet. I didn't want to talk about what happened to me. Niall had pretty much guessed what happened.

"Uh," Niall cleared his throat and glanced at me, "William and I are going to the studio tomorrow. And I was wondering if you wanted to come."

Studio? Well he still works obviously. I just didn't think it would be in a studio.

"I-if I c-can." God I sound pathetic. Maybe some rest will help me build my confidence back up.

"Of course you ca-"

Niall's phone began to ring cutting him off as be looked down at it between our seats.

"Unknown number..." He mumbled. I looked back at William to see he was asleep in his seat. It made me smile to see that little chubby cheek of his pop out as he leaned onto his side. "Eh, fuck it."

Niall declined the call and sighed resting his wrists over the steering wheel.

Time quickly passed and Niall insisted I carried William up to the house as he took my two suitcases. I had so much stuff that I now regret bringing. It would have been more convenient with just one suitcase.

Niall pushed the front door open and I followed him into the familiar settings.

"I'll go put William to sleep while you settle in." Nodding, we swapped as Niall took William and the baby bag as I pulled the suitcase to the all to familiar spate room.

I didn't mind this room. Not because of the huge king sized bed; that was a bonus. But because of the plain cream and black coloured set out. It was nice.

There was another door opposite side of where I stood making me curious. I didn't see that last time.

Well you were hung over last time.

True.

Opening the door, my eyes widened to see a walk-in wardobe. Boy is Niall big on perfection in his house. First the bathroom and now this. He makes me feel like I've been living in poverty my entire life.

So I began; unpacking my things and putting them around the room accordingly.

"So you found the walk-in." His voice caught me off guard as I flinched back tripping over my suitcase.

Shit you stupid klutz.

"Are you ok?" Niall offered his hand and I sheepishly took it as I was pulled to my feet. "Sorry to scare you."

"No, no. I'm just jumpy sometimes." I've always been bad at surprise scares. During horror movies is when I'm the worst. I'll literally burst into tears. Well, I practically cry over everything don't I?

"Well," Niall chuckled, "I've put William to bed. Do you want something to eat? Cause I can fix something for you."

"Thank you Niall but I think I just need sleep." Niall nodded in understanding as we left the walk-in. "Oh!" Realization dawned on me as I paced back in and scrambled through half unpacked draw.

Niall poked his head in as I came back holding his clothes I took.

"Here." He smiled in gratitude as he took the clothing back.

"Thank you." I nodded deciding to unpack later. I've already tripped over once, let's not make it a second time. "So uh, I'll see you at six tomorrow."

"Yea-wait. Six?" He nodded with a cheeky grin.

"I have work baby." My heartbeat pounded at the pet name.

"I-I'll set an alarm then." I stuttered as Niall realised his mistake.

"U-uh, ok." With that, he then awkwardly left my room. Maybe it was just a slip of the tongue. Fuck, I don't know.

• • •

-Niall's POV-

My alarm rang throughout my room and I groaned urging myself to my feet.

4:30 am

Right. Better start getting ready. Taking out the clothes I needed, I stepped into my bathroom and took a good solid ten minutes in there.

Though as soon as u turned the water off, I could hear William crying.

So I wrapped a towel around my waist and scurried into William's room. "Morning buddy!" I smiled picking him up and giving him a kiss. Then I led him out into the lounge room and out on some dim lighting. "Daddy's gotta get dressed ok? So you stay here."

He blinked up at me with those big eyes of his.

"I love you." With another kiss, I sped back into the bathroom and fixed myself up.

Alright. Now to go make sure Christine's up.

My feet carried me to William before I brought us into her room. She groaned as I flicked the light on and put William on her bed.

"Rise and shine." I whispered as she buried her face in the pillow. "Come on Christine." Poking her side, she lazily swatted me away. "Get her William!" I laughed as be crawled on her and giggled.

Christine peeked her eyes open and smiled weakly at Will.

"William." She muttered forcing herself to a sit as William climbed into her lap. He began grabbing at her boobs as I rolled my eyes playfully.

I honestly don't know where he got that from. I stopped doing that years ago.

"Well sleeping beauty, you have to get ready." Christine fluttered her eyes at me, her bruises now faded into a dark purple.

It made my anger boil when I imagined Chris touching her like that. God knows what else he did.

"Ok." Picking up William, she carried him over to her walk-in and turned that light on. I leant on the door frame watching the two as Christine let William help her pick out clothes.

And by help I mean throwing them all over the floor. Christine didn't seem to upset about it though. She just laughed and picked the clothes she wanted.

"Well buddy, let's go get you some breakfast!" I distracted him with food so Christine could clean herself up. It always seems to work.