Stay

36

EVIE

"I'm coming to campus" was all I read when I opened up Niall's text after class. I stared at it, re-read it, and over analyzed each word, before I was certain I'd go crazy. I had been avoiding him this past week once again, but this time not answering any of his texts or phone calls. I'd been to scared to hear what he had to say...to nervous for this to be real. But now he was coming to campus and I looked like a greasy slob.

Earlier this morning, we had an intensive soccer practice. Apparently we need to make sure our muscles were still in tip top shape. I'd rather be in bed sleeping, but I don't get that luxury. The joys of being captain... I can never skip practice.

I tried to manage my third day hair into a makeshift bun, but it wasn't working with me. Which was completely typical. Whenever you want your hair to do something nice it does the complete opposite, and when you don't give a crap that's when your hair looks red carpet ready.

Standing in front of the bathroom mirror in some random academic building, I tried to fix my appearance. I usually didn't care how I looked, but ever since finding out that Niall was interested, I found myself becoming a bit more conscious on how I presented myself. I wanted to look cute but not too try hard... Being a girl was hard.

Luckily in the bottom of my bag, I found a small makeup pouch. I wasn't sure how long it'd been in there for, but I was praising God above for my lapse in memory and leaving it there.

Inside was a concealer, powder, blush and some mascara - the essentials for an everyday face. I slathered on the concealer trying to hide the dark circles that lined my eyes. With a little bit of blush and some mascara, I no longer resembled the corpse bride. Score.

Where are you? Niall texted soon after I was finished. I sent him a quick text telling him I was near the food trucks in which he responded with a fast Me too!

Before I stepped out of the confines of this small, and rather smelly washroom, I gave myself one more once over.

I straightened out the sweater dress I was wearing. It was late January and still pretty chilly out. I'd decided that an anorak jacket would look somewhat okay with this dress, but now I was reevaluating my decision. Whatever... not like I can change anyway.

This is why I need to have five outfits stored in my car at all times, in case Niall decides to "drop by" again.

He had been leaning against a tree across from a Mexican food cart. I slowly made my way towards him, the palms of my hands sweating profusely. Which, you know, isn't disgusting whatsoever.

He looked good. Damn, he looked really good, which made this whole situation a lot worse. Of course he'd look like a fucking godsend when I looked like a drowned rat. His hair was pushed back and a pair of black sunnies were shielding his eyes... and his ass looked too good in his dark blue skinny jeans. Of course his ass looked good in his jeans.

This left me to wonder, how does a guy like him be attracted to a girl like me. It was like the Ryder situation all over again. It baffled me how guys that could have literally any girl would want to settle down for a girl that was so plain and boring. I was cute not gorgeous. He deserved gorgeous. It really didn't make sense to me.

"There she is!" His voice startles me, causing my balance to give out. "Ah, careful there Jones," he catches me before I fall, his hands holding firm to my arm.

"Thanks," I mumble, my cheeks burning. "You have great reflexes."

"You're just really clumsy," he smirks, letting go of my arm once I've straightened myself out.