Stay

Chapter 3

I’d been reading when I heard my sisters voice, loud and excited. I could hear her heals clicking in the hallway before she got to my door. 

“Is Monique up?” Vivian asked Niall once she was outside my door.

“Yes I’m up.” I said through the door.

“Oh okay, I’m coming in.” Moments later Vivian opened the door, revealing her in a black pencil skirt and a white blouse.

“How was work?” I asked, setting my book down on my lap. 

“Fine. Niall and I are going out for dinner, you’re welcome to come.” She said, twirling her straight hair around her pinkie, gazing at her hands. 

“Sure, when are you leaving?” I asked.

“In like five minutes, I just have to change.” I nodded and stood up.

“Can I wear this?” I asked again, looking down at my jeans and t-shirt.

“Sure. I’m not your mom.” Vivian replied, walking out of my room. I pulled on my black vans and grabbed my wallet and phone, walking down the hallway.

“You joining us for dinner?” Niall said with a small smile. 

“Yeah, if thats ok?” I said, toying with the hem of my shirt. 

“Of course, any sister of Vivian’s in a sister of mine.” He said quickly, then furrowed his eyebrows realizing what he’d said. “That’s not what I meant.” He looked up at me, his eyes full of innocence. 

“It’s okay.” I said, giggling. 

“Can we just start over? I’ve messed up quite a lot for only talking to you twice.” Niall asked, a small smile and blush on his face. 

“Yeah, I think that’s a good idea.” I replied, licking my lips and nodding.

“Ok. Hi I’m Niall.” He stuck out his hand.

“Hi Niall, I’m Monique.” I shook his hand, smiling. He smiled back, the corners of his eyes crinkling. 

“Nice to meet you,” We dropped our hands. “I’m Vivian’s roommate, you must be her sister.” 

“I am.” I couldn’t help but smile, his formalness endearing. 

“You really look nothing alike.” Niall said, studying my face. 

“We get that a lot.” I said. I could feel my cheeks blushing as Niall leaned in slightly, every part of his posture screaming that he was listening to me and giving me his full attention.

“I like your name, by the way, it’s very unique.” Niall smiled again, looking me in the eyes. 

“Thank you, unique Monique, I get that a lot as well.” I giggled, pulling on the hem of my t-shirt. Niall’s eyes lit up as he laughed, his eyes crinkling. “It’s not that funny is it?” I asked, Niall’s laugh becoming contagious. 

“No, I just didn’t think of it.” His smile never faded, his emotions so contagious I found myself smiling back. “I do like your name though, its very pretty. It suits you.” 

“Thank you, your name isn’t to bad I guess.” I looked up at Niall from under my eyelashes, hoping I didn’t offend him. 

“Pretty Irish, huh?” He responded, obviously not offended. 

“Yeah, I guess.” I nodded, thinking of the names of all my classmates in Ireland. No one had been named Niall, but really there weren’t many people with traditional Irish names, mostly American ones.