“You alright, muppet?” I ask River, the nickname I’ve had for her since she was a baby slipping out in a drunken slur.

“S’loud, daddy,” River replies, looking up at me from my lap with a frown. “Uncle Niall’s eyes looks weird and you sound weird.”

I glance over at Niall—my best friend, someone I see as an uncle to my daughter—he’s sat beside us on the sofa, eyes are red as fuck from how many joints we smoked outside.

“I’m alright and Niall’s fine too, don’t worry, muppet.” I tell her over the music, gently grabbing her tiny hands to enthusiastically move her arms as if she’s dancing to the music—she looks very unamused by my gesture.

We’re at a uni party. Yes, I’ve taken our four year old daughter to a uni party full of people drinking and doing god knows what. Not the smartest idea—but you’re not at our dorm tonight. You’re out with your friend for the night.

I said I’d look after River, but then a uni party came up and I couldn’t just turn it down. I’m pretty drunk and high as hell, but I know how to look after my kid. I’ve definitely been given some dirty looks for having her here.

You and I had River when we were only sixteen, we’re both twenty now and she lives in our dorm with us. She gets babysat whenever we’re in uni doing studies. Juggling parenting a four year old, studying and our social lives is anything but easy.

“Oi, H,” Niall nudges my shoulder, then points to the other side of the room. “Is that {{user}}?”

Shit, it is in fact you. You’re standing on the other side of the room, arms crossed over your chest with a scowl on your face. Somebody at this party must’ve told you that I’d brought River here. Pricks, now I’m in deep shit.

“Bloody hell, this is not gonna be good.” Niall murmurs.

“Oh fuck…” I mutter under my breath, momentarily forgetting that River is on my lap.

“Bad word, daddy!” River scolds, swatting my arm, then she looks over at you. “Look! There’s mummy!”

You spot Niall, River and I on the sofa and storm over, you look absolutely fucking furious. I already feel defensive anger bubbling in my chest, maybe from the alcohol—I don’t know. Stopping infront of us, a look of pure rage flashes across your features. Fucks sake.

“Why the fuck is our four year old daughter at a uni party?!” You snap, hands balling into fists at your side.