Maddie’s P.O.V
-2 months later-
I got out of bed and ready to face Harry. I know you’re probably thinking, why do you need to get ready to face your husband, but he’s really pissed off with me at the moment. He hasn’t spoken to me properly in a month. All I did was carry on following my dreams but he just got so pissed off with me. Annoying idiot. I went downstairs and Harry was sitting at the breakfast bar. “Hey,” I said going to the fridge. At least I make an effort to talk to him.
“Hi,” he mumbled and carried on eating. “You’re taking the kids to school today.” He told me. Really? That’s all he has to say?
“Gee thanks but I know.” I went back upstairs to get ready. I had a shower, got dressed and went down to the living room where the kids were waiting.
“Are you working today mum?” Lis asked.
“Nope, I’m gonna drop you guys off and then come home.” I told them. She nodded and I drove to their schools, dropped them off and went back home. I got back and Harry went upstairs. Now the kids aren’t here he’ll avoid me for the rest of the day, until they get back. “We need to talk sometime you know!” I shouted after him.
“Whatever,” he said and walked off. He’s annoyed because I took my job with SYCO back meaning I’m not gonna be around much.
“Considering you’re not gonna fucking talk to me, I’m going to work. You can go and get Lis from school.” I shouted and walked out of the door. I know people say 13 is unlucky but I never really believed it until now. This is our 13th year together and I can see us splitting up. I don’t want to put 5 children through that but if that’s what it takes then it will have to happen. I got to the office and went inside. I had a few calls from Hannah so decided to call her back.
“Hey! Sorry, I forgot about the time difference.” She laughed.
“I wasn’t in that’s why, don’t worry. It’s just gone 9am.”
“Oh right okay, sorry anyway, I just wanted to tell you that everything is going well and we have a lot of new orders coming in. How’s California?”
“That’s great. California’s good but I’m shit.” I told her.
“Why, what happened?”
“You know just typical Styles’ drama.” I sighed.
“Are you and Harry fighting again?” She asked.
“Yeah, I took my old job with SYCO back and Harry’s pissed with me but oh well. I’ll speak to you soon.”
“Yeah alright, I hope everything gets sorted soon.”
“Me too Hannah, me too,” I sighed again and hung up. I worked until around 7pm and went home. I got back and Harry was watching TV with Adam.
“Mum, come sit with us,” Adam said.
“I’m good. Have fun.” I told him and went upstairs. Harry has been sleeping in the basement to avoid me. This is all too much for me. I hate it. We’re falling apart. I sat upstairs for a while and heard Adam go to bed so went downstairs. Harry just huffed and went to go down to the basement. “For fuck sake Harry, we need to talk about this, we’re falling apart.” I said and felt the tears enter my eyes.
“And whose fault is that Maddie? You were never at home before and now you have another job you may as well just not have a family.”
“I gave up that job for you! You would never give up One Direction for me. You don’t give a shit about your wife. Newsflash Harry, that hurts.”
“You think it hurts? Do you have any idea how hard it is to see you pushing your kids away? You have two jobs which take a shit load of commitment and 5 children; how the fuck are you gonna deal with that? You should have just stuck with one job.”
“I have more like 6 children. You act like a child most of the time, you’re 33 for god sake, grow up.”
“This is why it’s best if we don’t talk, we just take chunks out of each other.” He looked down.
“I think it would be best for both of us if we take a break.” I said quietly, breaking my heart a little bit.
“What?”
“I think it would be best if we didn’t live together anymore. If we weren’t married anymore, I’m not saying to get a divorce, but just take a break from each other for a while or we’ll make it worse. I’ll start looking for an apartment tomorrow.” I told him and walked away.
“Maddie, what about the kids?”
“We’ll tell them tomorrow, they can stay here with you can’t they? I’ll look after them every now and then.”
“Okay, yeah.” He said and went to the basement. I went up to the bedroom and went on my laptop. I searched for an apartment and found a few which I liked the look of. I saved the numbers in my phone and got into bed. I thought I’d be more broken than this but I’m not. I only feel a little bit of pain. This has been coming for weeks now. We knew it was going to happen but just didn’t want to accept it. I went to sleep and woke up a few times to see to the twins.

I got up properly and went down to tell the children. Harry was sitting with them at the table and I sat down too. “We have something to tell you guys,” Harry said and they all looked at us.
“Please tell me you’re not having another baby.” Brooklyn said and I laughed.
“That’s basically the opposite of what’s happening. I’m moving out guys. Your dad and I have decided it would be best for all of us if we take a break from our marriage.” I told them and all their jaws dropped.
“You can’t leave mum!” Lis protested.
“I’ll still see you guys don’t worry. I’m gonna get an apartment near here so I’ll still get to see you. We need to do this. I’m sorry.” I said and got up from the table.
“Why did you need to get so annoyed with mum’s job that you split up? I hate you!” Brooke spat at Harry and ran upstairs. He went to go after her but I stopped him.
“I’ll go. Then I’m gonna pack. I’ll be out of here by tomorrow at the latest. I’ll stay at my mum's until I find an apartment.” I told him and followed after Brooklyn. I went into her room and she was on her bed crying. “Baby, I’m sorry.” I wrapped my arms around her and she hugged me tightly.
“You can’t go mum.”
“I’m sorry.” I told her.
“I’ll really miss you.” She sniffed.
“I’ll miss you too but I’ll see you basically every day. I’m only going to live down the road. I promise.” I said and pulled away from the hug. I tucked her hair behind her ear and kissed her forehead. “Now get ready for school beautiful, Dad is gonna take you.” I left her room and went upstairs to pack. I heard Harry leave and come back while I was packing. I finished packing and went into the nursery to say goodbye to my baby girls. After I had done that I went downstairs with my suitcases. Harry didn’t even acknowledge me so I just walked out into the garage and put my stuff into my car. I was getting in when Harry came to the garage door.
“Can we sort out who has the kids when by text?” He asked. I felt a disappointment inside me. I thought he was going to beg me not to leave or something. I guess those days are over.
“Yeah, here,” I opened the gate with my fob and gave it to him. “I’ll keep my key if that’s alright.” I said.
“Course it is, your name’s on the lease.” He replied. I nodded and got into my car.
“Take care of my children okay?” I said.
“I will.” He told me and I drove out of the driveway. I drove to Mum’s house and sat outside for a while. She’s gonna be so gutted. Brooke isn’t with Carl anymore either. We’re just train wrecks when it comes to marriage and relationships. I got out of my car and went up the path with only my bag. I didn’t bother getting my stuff out. I walked in and Brooke was sitting on the sofa with Aimee.
“Hey! He let you see her!” I said.
“Yeah, I begged him. It’s not fair on her.” She smiled.
“Well I’m glad.”
“So, what are you doing here?” She asked.
“Where’s Mum?” I questioned.
“In the kitchen. Why?”
“I need to tell her first.” I said and went into the kitchen. Mum was sitting at the table with a magazine.
“Maddie!” She stood up.
“Hey Mum, I need to tell you something.” I said. Maddie, just man up and say it. She’s your mum for god sake. You told your kids this morning, how bad could it be? “I, urm, Harry and I kind of, urm, split up.” I told her.
“You what?!” She shouted and Brooke came into the kitchen.
“Not good I take it.” She said.
“Your sister here, has split up with her husband who she has five bloody children with! Are you mad?” Mum said.
“No. We need to do this. We’re only taking a break from each other. We’re not gonna get a divorce.”
“That’s exactly what Brooke said! Look at her now; she’s practically had to beg to see her daughter.”
“Gee thanks mum.” Brooke said and went back to Aimee.
“Look, I love Harry and he loves me but we can’t live together at the moment. We haven’t talked without taking chunks out of each other in a month. It’s not good for the kids.” I told my mum.
“Madeline Styles, I never thought you’d be so stupid but if you think it’s best then who am I to judge. You can stay as long as you like.” She hugged me.
“Thanks. I’m going to go and look at some apartments though.” I said and went back to my car. I called the number which I had saved in my phone and they agreed to meet me at the apartment. I drove there and pulled up at the same time.
“Hi, I’m Susie.” She held out her hand.
“And I’m-”
“Maddie, I know, you’re famous remember.” I laughed and shook her hand.
“Yeah, well I’d appreciate if you kept the fact that I’m looking for an apartment to yourself.” I said.
“Customer confidentiality, it’s fine. Let’s go look shall we?” She dangled some keys in front of me. We went up to the apartment and she unlocked the door. “I’m pretty sure this is gonna be a massive downgrade from that house that you have but it’s pretty decent.” She told me. She showed me round the apartment and it had 2 bedrooms, a bathroom, and an open plan kitchen/living room. It was pretty spacious and nicely decorated.
“How much is it?” I asked. Susie told me the price and I agreed. “Yeah, I’ll take it.” I said.
(Main Bedroom: https://24.media.tumblr.com/ebdaa833efa943dfb1d17e4339fc8c5f/tumblr_n0al4oi7Sg1sshr4ho1_500.jpg)
(Spare Bedroom: https://31.media.tumblr.com/97be9dd0345f88446fe1ca9c97c3f739/tumblr_mxlyov8v7t1qkck28o1_500.jpg)
(Bathroom: https://24.media.tumblr.com/771c902cc1cfa1314d2a2a115b66d6ae/tumblr_n3yndnhuJz1qkck28o1_500.jpg)
(Living Room/Kitchen: https://31.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m35wddrOEX1qhi11io1_500.jpg)
“Okay, can you follow me back to the office to sign some stuff then?”
“Yeah sure,” We went back down to our cars and I followed after her to sign for the apartment. I’m really doing this. I sorted everything out and Susie told me that I’d be able to move in in a couple of days. I thanked her and went back to my mums. “I found an apartment.” I told her.
“Cool. When can you move in then?” She helped me with my suitcases.
“In a couple of days,” I said.
“Alright hun, Brooke is still with Aimee so we can go out if you want.”
“I’m fine here.” I assured her and we went inside. I sat down next to Brooke.
“Do you want to play with her?” She handed Aimee to me.
“Sure, I might go and visit Faye later, do you wanna come?”
“Yeah okay,” She replied and we sat and played with Aimee for a few hours. I got a Twitter notification and looked at it.
“@Harry_Styles: Sorry to tell you all like this but @MAStyles and I are taking a break from our marriage.” I sighed and looked at some of the replies and then got another notification.
“Please tell me this isn’t true, @MAStyles ?” With a link to Harry’s tweet.
“@MAStyles: It is, I’m sorry.” I replied and locked my phone.
“I’ve got to take Aimee home and then we can go and see Faye.” Brooke got up.
“We can drop her off on the way, let’s go.” I walked out of the door and got into my car. Brooke strapped Aimee into Lis’ car seat and we dropped her off. Then we went to see Faye. I texted her first.
To: Faye<3
Brooke and I are on our way to see you. Tidy up!
It took us about an hour to get to the campus with the traffic. We got out of the car and ran into Faye’s block quickly so I didn’t get noticed. I muttered something about hating being famous and Brooke laughed. She knocked on Faye’s door and we waited.
“Hey!” she opened it.
“Hiya,” Brooke hugged her.
“I saw Harry’s tweet, what happened?” She turned and hugged me.
“He’s an asshole.” I said and Brooke burst out laughing.
“Should we go inside so people don’t write down what you just said and tweet him it because I’m pretty sure he won’t like it.” Faye laughed.
“Yeah whatever, he can’t shut me out of my children’s lives and that’s all I care about really.” I said and we went into Faye’s room.
“You really did tidy up! I’m impressed!”
“Yeah, we’re all single again now. Since Maddie left for Uni we haven’t all been single at the same time.” Faye pointed out.
“I’m still married I’m just not living with him anymore. So I’m kind of single but I’m not gonna date anyone else.” I said and all of our phones buzzed at the same time. We looked at them and it was a Twitter notification.
“Nice to see the Anderson sisters back together on campus, calling a certain someone an asshole, nice. @Faye_Anderson_ @Brooke_P_Anderson @MAStyles”
“Oops, someone heard us.” I laughed and my phone went off again. It was a text this time.
From: My Babes
You better not have called me an asshole or we’re done Maddie. We may not be properly together but we’re still married. You hate it when I call you a bitch.
To: My Babes
It’s none of your business what I do or say. Maybe I did call you an asshole but you deserve it. You stopped talking to me because I wanted to do what I love.
I locked my phone and chucked it into my bag.

“Let me guess, he texted you.”
“Of course he did.” I sighed.
“Who even cares? It’s not anything to do with him what we talk about.” Faye said and I nodded. We talked for a few hours and then my phone started ringing. I looked at it and it was Brooklyn.
“Hey baby what’s the matter?” I answered.
“Mum, Dad is scaring me.” She whimpered.
“What’s he doing?”
“I think he’s drunk but he keeps shouting at us and smashing things. Amelia, Freya and Lis are all crying,” She told me.
“I’m on my way baby, stay in the nursery with the twins, Lis and Adam okay. I love you Brooklyn.” I said.
“Okay, I love you too.” She replied and I hung up.
“I’m going to kill him!” I shouted and Brooke and Faye jumped.
“What’s happened?”
“Harry is fucking drunk and smashing things and shouting at the kids. Brooklyn is scared to death.” I said.
“Right let’s go then, bye Faye.” Brooke stood up. We hugged Faye goodbye and ran down to my car. We got in and I dropped Brooke off on the way. I drove back to the house as fast as I could. I parked outside and ran up the path. I unlocked the door and could hear Harry shouting. I heard something smash and went into the kitchen. There was glass all over the floor.
“You’ve got to be kidding me.” I said and Harry turned around. His eyes were bloodshot and it was obvious that he had been drinking. “Step any closer to me and I’ll call the police.” I held out my hand. He sighed and stepped back and I went upstairs to find the kids. I went to open the door but it wouldn’t open. They’ve locked themselves in there because they’re that scared. I knocked on the door. “Guys, let me in. I’m not gonna hurt you.” I said and heard the door click. I opened it and they were sitting on the floor in the nursery. They all looked scared out of their minds. “Hey, sssh.” I hugged Brooke, Adam and Lis. “I’m so sorry that I left. I really shouldn’t have.” I told them and got up to sort out the twins. They calmed down after a while. “Go pack a bag of stuff each and come back up here with it and lock yourselves in again okay. I’ll call you when you can come down.” I said and went downstairs. Harry was clearing up his mess. “You scared your kids to death.” I told him.
“I’m sorry alright, I was pissed off. You basically told me you want nothing to do with me.”
“You said that if I called you an asshole then our marriage was over? What did you expect?”
“I’m sorry. I’ll make it up to the kids I promise.”
“They’re staying with me at my mum's tonight; you can pick them up tomorrow if you have cleared up.” I told him.
“Alright, I’m sorry again. I should just except that I was an asshole earlier.”
“Yeah you were. See you tomorrow.” I went up to the nursery and they unlocked the door. I picked up the twins. “You’re staying with me at Grandma’s tonight and then Daddy is gonna pick you up tomorrow for the weekend, okay?”
“I don’t want to come back, can’t we stay with you?” Brooklyn said.
“No babe. Auntie Brooke is staying with Grandma too so you can’t stay, there isn’t enough room. Your dad will be fine tomorrow.” I walked down the stairs with them following after me. Harry came out of the kitchen and Lis hid behind me.
“I’m not gonna hurt you.” He said.
“I think it would be best if you just left them alone for tonight, give them time to calm down. And you.” I replied and opened the door. Brooklyn, Adam and Lis ran out and down the path to my car. I walked after them with the twins and put them in my car. Brooke and Lis squashed up and Adam sat in the front. I went to get in when a car drove past. I recognised it and they rolled their window down.
“Being illegal there Maddie.” Eleanor laughed.
“Can’t really help it when their dad's drunk and I can’t get the gate open for the 7 seater.” I told her.
“Harry’s drunk?”
“Yeah. He blamed it all on me but he scared the life out of the kids so they’re gonna stay with me tonight.”
“What happened with you two anyway? Why you taking a break?” She asked.
“He was being an idiot about my job. He refused to talk to me for basically a month unless we were fighting so we decided it would be better if we didn’t live together, I didn’t realise that he was gonna get drunk and scare my kids though.” I answered.

“Well I’ve gotta get going, I’ll see you soon yeah?”
“Yeah.” I smiled and she drove off. I got into the car and drove to my mum's. They got out of the car and ran up to the door while I got the twins out.

Notes

Just when you all thought my story was getting boring... Will Maddie forgive Harry?
Day 29
Day 30

I think when I wrote this chapter originally I was rushing because you wouldn't believe the amount of mistakes I've found while proof reading so I'm sorry if you find any.