you guys are so nice and so sweet, we're all getting married. :) Thanks so much for the comments last chapter, you guys don't know how much it means. 

also i have been forgetting to add in dates. Its been like a month since he first started working there. 

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10/17/1824

"Have you heard about the new guy yet? All Susan would tell me is that we're getting a new maintenance man to care for the outside of Oakdale." Florence beams, resting her head on her shoulder as she begins to wonder the possibilities. 

Alice perks up, but doesn't stop eating her soup.

Oh i've heard of him alright...

He's going to muck me so badly. 

"Indeed i have," I hesitate, not wanting to give out too much information, "I'm sure he will be a nice man." 

"Agreed, I just hope he's attractive," Florence blushes, laughing off the glance i give her, "Hey, your friend is in need of a new man." 

"I second that,"Alice raises a finger and points at me, "You're the only decent man around."

Florence nods her head in agreement, raising her eyebrows and looking at the table.

"Why thank you," I blush, looking back at Florence, "What will you do if he's cute?" 

Depending on her response, i might have to warn Harry. I know they've met before, and she was definitely attracted but she spoke negatively of him being a homosexual. 

That accusation which has no valid foundation, may i add.

"I dont know yet!," She bashfully giggles, shoving my shoulder with a weak push, "Maybe talk to him or something, im not sure." 

Florence subtly glances over at Alice to see her thoughts, but looks back at me.

"I dont know what i'd do either." Alice shakes her head, "Anyways, i have to get back to work and so do you guys. Lunch is over in 3 minutes." 

"Im going to relish the three minutes i have left of freedom, be gone, Alice!" Florence shoos Alice with a wave of her hand. 

"Leave while you can, Niall." Alice yells from over her shoulder, placing her empty tray on the table by the trashcan. 

"You know, she's probably right. As much as i hate to speak of it,  we really should get back to work." I sigh, watching as Florence's face contorts into a frown. 

"I hate working reception, we only get mail from the Department of the State and Health and Human Services. Hardly anyone is checking in anymore," She groans, "But i guess its a good thing, we've gotten so crowded. Im surprised we dont have to share a room in the living quarters." 

It's crowded? Maybe thats why Avery is always grumpy, she must clean constantly. 

"Hey, if you go back to work, you might be able to get first glance at the new worker once he comes in!" I say, hoping to get her motivated. 

"You're right!," She smiles, vigorously nodding her head to me, "He should be coming in any day now! I shall see you soon, Niall!" 

And with that, shes gone. 

~*~

10/18/1824~Nightime

Time to redeem myself, hopefully.

knock, knock, knock.

"Who goes there?" Mr. Malik's voice rings out, accompanied by the sound of shuffling papers.

"Just me, Niall Horan." I respond, fiddling with my fingers and feeling awkward.

"What is it you need, now?" He asks, the tone in his voice shifting to be rather dull and bored.

"I just had a question," I force, trying to think of words, "Please, let me in."

I'm given no response, making me assume its okay to enter his office.

I walk up the flight of stairs and see Mr. Malik with papers in his hand yet again.

"Hello, Mr. Malik," I greet, "I see you're working diligently on your finances."

"Indeed."

sigh

"For my question, I was going to see if its possible to be allowed outside of Oakdale." I say, hoping this controversial topic will somewhat peak his interest in me.

it didn't

"We've already had a discussion about this the last meeting we had." He droned, flipping one paper over to read the backside.

"I mean, on lunch breaks, could I be able to eat my lunch outside?" I ask, really missing the greenery of nature.

"No."

"If I finish my work for the day?" I try, the desperation in my voice increasing.

"No, Mr. Horan I strongly advise you to read the handbook I have provided for you."

"Cant I do anything?" I whine, instantly turning warm when he looks up at me from the papers.

"You can read the handbook." He said, growing slightly aggravated with the grip on his papers tightening.

"Can I read one of your medical books?" I try, hoping I can find some common ground with him.

"They're medical journals." He corrects, looking up at me with his chin raised.

Yes!

"May I please read a medical journal of yours?" I ask, using my best manners to please him.

"Why?" He questions, narrowing his eyes at me.

"I've always been interested in the medical field, but I haven't ever had the chance to indulge in my interests. Purchasing books like those cost hundreds." I admit, leaving  myself to be vulnerable to his criticism.

I was being truthful in my interest in the medical field, but at this point, I'm desperate for anything that holds even the slightest amount of entertainment.

"Indeed, they are very expensive and would be a small fortune to replace, if they were to be damaged." He agrees,  hinting me with a warning able taking care of his jounrals.

"I wouldn't dare damage them, Mr. Malik. I will protect them with all my might." I promise, making eye contact with him to show him I'm serious.

"I expect to have this journal back by next week. No exceptions." Mr. Malik orders.

I make a move to go behind the desk and retrieve a journal, but he stops me with his hand.

"I'll get it for you."

He begins to grab a book from the top shelf, but pauses and quickly retrieves his hand.

Whats in the middle shelf?

Maybe its a secret stash of his, after all  this office can get quite lonely.

Stop it, Niall!

His hands move to the bottom shelf, quickly grabbing a journal on bottom shelf without much hesitation.

"Next week." He says, walking over to me and handing me the book.

"Next week." I repeat, grabbing the journal from his hands, slightly brushing my finger tips on his.

_____________________________________________________________

yALL 

imma do some more questions to get to know you doods

1) Whats your favorite subject in school? Im a science girl :)

2) What are some of your guy's hobbies? i like to draw,do sfx makeup, and look at memes :) also obviously i like to write.

also ps i love talking with you guys, like each of you guys are different and iDK ITS COOl.

Questions for the chapterrrrrrrr

1) Harry is coming to town >:) Who do you think is gonna hop on that horse? (sorry if I already asked this?)

2) Ziall bonding over medical journals :) What do you think is on the top shelf?

Have a great day brothers :) ya girl is still SICK