It was Monday morning at Our Lady Immaculate College, just about an hour shy of morning announcements. Sister George Michael, the no nonsense headmistress of the school, was in her office having a chuckle while reading The Last Temptation of Christ by Nikos Kazantzakis, when she suddenly heard a knock at her door.

"Enter!" she exclaimed.

Walking in was her assistant, Miss Mooney, looking a wee bit nervous like usual.

"Mornin', Sister Michael," Miss Mooney nervously greeted. "Some students wish to speak with ye."

"I've made it quite clear that Jenny Joyce is not permitted to speak to me b'fore mornin' announcements," Sister Michael dryly stated, never taking her eyes off her book.

"Right, well, it's not Jenny Joyce," replied Miss Mooney. "It's actually Erin Quinn and her lot. Seems they have somethin' very important to talk to ye about."

"Jesus, give me strength," said Sister Michael, not trying to be quiet as she pinched the bridge of her nose. "Very well. Send 'em in."

Miss Mooney left the room to fetch the Girls, while Sister Michael let out a long sigh and put her book down. The Girls walked in with their usual cautiousness, sticking close to each other like always. Pack animals she heard them be called on more than one occasion. As annoying as they often were, their loyalty was admirable (even with Clare's occasional grassing), not that Sister Michael would admit this.

"Mornin', Sister Michael," they said in unison.

"Girls," Sister Michael nodded. "To what do I owe the... pleasure... of yer early visit? Ye're not usually ones for early attendance."

"Well.. we all felt it was important to discuss somethin' with ye, Sister," Erin spoke up.

"About?" Sister Michael asked, arching an eyebrow in suspicion.

"It's about the dance on Saturday," Erin replied.

"I'm aware of ye and the wee English fella's courtship," Sister Michael interrupted. "Fairly certain the whole school is. Whether we want to or not."

"It's not that, Sister," Clare chimed in.

"We are also aware of yer intentions of bringin' a female date," Sister Michael sighed. "Much to the chagrin of many parents."

"It's not that either, Sister!" Michelle chimed in. "It has to do with the fella Orla wants to bring!"

"What? Her Granda?" Sister Michael asked with mild confusion. "That's never been an issue b'fore."

"It's not our Granda this time," said Erin.

"This date is... human?" Sister Michael questioned.

"Aye, he's human," sighed Michelle.

"What age is he?" Sister Michael asked.

"He's 22, Sister," replied James. "And Orla is 18, so both legal adults."

"I'm failin' to see why ye felt the need to see me then, Girls," the nun dryly retorted.

"He's outside if ye wanna meet 'em," said Clare.

"Why in God's name did ye not just bring him in with ye," Sister Michael sighed.

"Ach, fuck's sake, Girls!" Michelle exclaimed. "That's what I said for the start!"

"Language, Miss Mallon!" Sister Michael exclaimed. "Even if it is justified. Bring him in."

"OI! Niall!" Michelle shouted towards the door. "Shift yer hole in here!"

Niall slowly and nervously made his way into Sister Michael's office. He had his hoodie up at first (force of habit), but immediately pulled it back. While the hardened nun had seen a good few injuries during her missionary work, it still never failed to get a reaction from her.

"Mornin' there, Sister Michael," Niall shyly greeted, waving his right hand.

Orla had been encouraging him not be afraid or ashamed to show it off.

"Never had the pleasure o' meetin' ye b'bore now," Niall continued. "But I've heard many a grand story."

"That's not surprisin'," Sister Michael replied. "An' ye are?"

"Niall Mallon," he answered. "Michelle's big brother."

It took the stoic nun a moment to fully grasp the situation. She of course was fully aware of the eldest Mallon child's history; as she figured most of the adult population in Derry were as well. She then saw Orla grab the young fella's hand, everything clicked.

"I see," said Sister Michael. "So, this is the fella Orla wishes to take to the dance this Saturday?"

"Aye, Sister Michael!" Orla exclaimed with a smile. "He's cracker, he is! Scared off some thugs fer me! He's my Champion!"

Sister Michael had a mild chuckle at the quirky Derry Girl's declaration.

"Interestin'," she chuckled some more. "Most interestin'. Ye Girls never fail to keep things at this school lively."

"Is that a... good thing, Sister?" Erin asked with a gulp.

"Do ye really expect me to answer that?" Sister Michael rhetorically asked.

Erin simply shook her head and nervously looked at the floor.

"I assume he's not an escaped convict?" Sister Michael asked with a slight smile.

"Ach! No, Sister!" Orla exclaimed. "Niall's served his time, fair n' square!"

"Then I see no reason for the visit," Sister Michael shrugged.

"Well... given Niall's past," Clare fumbled to reply.

"Key word there, Clare. Past," replied Sister Michael. "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doin' a new thing! Now it springs up; do ye not perceive it? I am makin' a way in the desert n' streams in the wasteland."

"Isaiah 43:18-19," Niall smirked.

"Familiar with that verse, ye are?" Sister Michael smirked back. "Point bein', Mr. Mallon has served time for his mistakes. If someone like Orla fancies him to the point of invitin' him to a dance, it would be a safe bet that he is extremely regretful of those mistakes. Aye?"

"Aye, very much so, Sister Michael," Niall nodded in agreement.

"Very well then," said Sister Michael. "As long as ye lot don't cause any needless drama before, during, or after the dance, I see no reason to discuss this further."

The Girls all let out sighs of relief, with Orla giving Niall a big hug.

"I'd like a word alone with Orla n' Niall," said Sister Michael. "The rest of ye go to the assembly hall an' wait for mornin' announcements."

Everyone looked at each other with slight concern for a moment, but did as they were told. It was now just the young couple and the stern nun in her office.

"I'm guessin' yer respective families have discussed the possible obstacles that this courtship will face?" Sister Michael asked, albeit rhetorically.

"Aye, Sister," Orla replied with a smile. "We're both willin' to take whatever they trow at us, so we are."

"That's certainly admirable of ye," replied Sister Michael. "I s'pose I should make a mornin' announcement of this. No point surprisin' everyone the night of the dance, as amusin' as that might be. An' ye two will be joinin' me on stage."

Niall had a look of shock, while Orla smiled ear to ear.

Everyone was gathered in the assembly hall for morning announcements. The Girls were looking in all directions for Orla, who hadn't rejoined them.

"What the fuck is takin' her so long?" Michelle asked with a groan. "I'm 'bout to have a fuckin' cack attack!"

"Nice to be on the other side of that fer a change," chuckled Clare.

"Fuck off," Michelle chuckled.

Jenny Joyce and her a cappella group came out on stage, with many students giving audible groans and sighs of what was about to happen.

Doo-bee doo-bee doo-bee doo-bee doo-bee doo-bee do-o-o!

"Here we fuckin' go again," sighed Michelle.

It's Monday morning! It's Monday morning!

Hip hip hooray! Hip hip hooray!

Let's get going! It's a brand-new day!

"This shouldn't be legal," groaned Clare.

It's Monday morning! It's Monday morning!

Come on, let's go! Come on, let's go!

Paint on a smile and start the show!

"Jesus wept," moaned Erin.

Dum dum dum dum-m-m!

Oh, Monday morning!

There ain't nothing that I-I-I can't do...!

"Fucking hell," sighed James.

Doo bee doo bee doo!

On Monday morning! Monday morning!

Oh, Monday morning! Monday morning!

Monday morning, I love yo-o-ou!

The last bit being song by Jenny, off key like always.

"This happen every mornin' here?" Niall asked.

He was standing backstage with Orla and Sister Michael, feeling nervous about the upcoming announcement.

"Aye," Orla replied. "It's not ideal most of the time."

"Everyday I pray fer somethin' to happen to Jenny Joyce's vocal cords," groaned Sister Michael. "An' everyday those prayers aren't answered."

"I hope everyone remembers the fabulous school dance happenin' on Saturday!" Jenny exclaimed.

"Like we have anythin' else fuckin' goin' on here," scoffed Michelle.

"Now let's give a hand for Sister Michael!" Jenny exclaimed.

Everyone clapped, albeit with very little enthusiasm. Sister Michael eye rolled as she walked past Jenny towards the podium.

"Thank ye once again, Jenny Joyce," she said in her usual dry manner. "It was so kind of ye to bring back that... interestin' tune of yours."

There were slight chuckles from the crowd.

"There's only one real announcement for today," she began. "Orla McCool has decided that her date this year will be one Niall Mallon."

The Girls out in the audience went wide eyed with shock, while others looked confused. Sister Michael motioned Orla and Niall to walk to the podium with her. Orla was her usual cheerful self, smiling ear to ear and holding Niall's hand. He looked fairly nervous as some knew who he was and others were still confused.

"Niall is the older brother of student, Michelle Mallon," Sister Michael revealed.

Several eyes went towards Michelle and company.

"Fuck me," she whispered.

"Some of you are probably already aware of who this young man is," Sister Michael went on. "But, for those unaware, I figured it was best to get this out in the open. Young Mr. Mallon here recently got out of prison, after serving a 5 year sentence. He was part of a paramilitary group, and certain actions within that group took a life."

There was a mild outbreak of whispers at this news.

"Niall was injured as a result of these actions," she went on. "As already stated, he served time for his mistake. He was one of many people set free as per the Good Friday Agreement."

"Ye're gonna let some Provo attend our school dance!?" a student shouted.

"I will hear none of that now!" Sister Michael exclaimed. "Niall Mallon is a free man in eyes of our government! Those who know Orla McCool, know she is a good judge of character! She would never invite someone to our school if she thought for even a second they were dangerous! This announcement was merely a common courtesy on my part, ye lot have no say in the matter! I'll tell yer parents the very same, if any of 'em come complainin'! An' I best not hear of anyone harassin' Orla or her group of friends! Is that clear!?"

"Yes, Sister Michael," they all said in unison, some with a bit more anger in their tone.

"Very good," she said. "Onto classes with ye."

Sister Michael motioned Orla and Niall to follow her backstage, which they both complied.

"Orla, ye be on yer way to class now," she said.

"Yes, Sister Michael," replied Orla.

Orla then gave Niall a big hug, which he gladly reciprocated. When she pulled away from the hug, she gave him a peck on the cheek, a first for her. She blushed brightly at her boldness.

"See ye later in the day," she said with a warm smile.

"Have a grand day," Niall replied, still rubbing his cheek where she'd kissed him.

Sister Michael gave an eye roll at the affection on display.

"I'd like to speak with ye privately in my office now, Mr. Mallon," she said after Orla was out of earshot.

"Aye, Sister," he nodded nervously.

Niall fidgeted a little in his chair, while sister Michael grabbed a bottle of whiskey and a couple shot glasses. She sat down, opened the bottle, snuffed the top briefly, then poured about halfway in each glass.

"Do ye drink, Mr. Mallon?" she asked.

"More than yer average Irishman?" he quipped, thinking back to his parole officer.

"I see ye've managed to maintain a sense of humor," she chuckled. "That's good to have, 'specially after the shite ye've been through."

"In all honesty, I never really drank much in my teens," he said almost solemnly. "My so called rebellious phase took a much more drastic turn..."

"That it did," she replied quietly, sliding the shot glass towards him. "I think ye could use that at the moment."

Niall picked up the glass, then looked at Sister Michael with a warm smile.

"May the best day o' yer past be the worst day o' yer future," he quoted an old Irish toast.

The two shared a nod then shot back the whiskey, which even a novice such as himself could tell was quality.

"Fuck me, Sister, that's some top shelf shite!" he exclaimed, then felt embarrassed. "Pardon the language..."

"Ye're most certainly Michelle Mallon's brother," she chuckled, which he joined in on. "An' ye be correct. It is top shelf shite."

That got another laugh out of Niall. Sister Michael had more than lived up to her reputation from the letters Michelle wrote him.

"I assume the reason ye wanted to speak to me was relates to Orla," he stated, not asked.

"Aye, that it is," she replied. "I meant what I said 'bout trustin' Orla's judge of character. She's a wee bit... strange, to say the least. But, she's also far more clever than most give her credit."

"But she's still one of your students," he stated again, not asked.

"Aye, that she is," she replied. "An' I do my best to make sure my girls are safe. Even if they often drive me up the feckin' walls."

"Michelle had a quite a few amusing stories in her letters," Niall chuckled and smiled warmly at those memories.

"I do not doubt that," sister Michael chuckled among. "Never tell them this, I would deny it anyway, but that lot are among my favorite students I've ever dealt with. They say ye're not supposed to pick favorite students, but it's an inevitability when ye've been at it long enough."

She poured a couple more shots for them to share.

"Crazy as that lot may be," she continued. "An' ye no doubt know what I mean, they keep things extremely feckin' interestin' in this otherwise dull place. Plus, their loyalty to one another is admirable. I can't recall a closer group of friends than that lot. They, like so many b'fore, have had grow up faster than any wain should. Same fer yerself, it is."

Niall let out a long sigh as he looked at his empty shot glass.

"So much happened to ye, b'fore ye were even a legal adult," Sister Michael continued. "I bet not everyone in your situation regrets what they did."

"Aye," Niall nodded. "Heard plenty of dumb fuckers rantin' inside how they'd do it all over again if they could."

"Safe to assume ye don't feel the same," she said, not asked.

"I wish I could take it all back, I do," he replied, eyes welling up a bit. "If I were able... I'd go back and smack my 17 year old self upside the head, an' tell 'em don't be a fuckin' eejit! Don't ruin your future!"

"Do ye believe ye've ruined yer future, Mr. Mallon?" she asked.

"If ye'd asked me that b'fore this Good Friday Agreement, that'd be a definite yes," he answered truthfully. "Shit... if ye'd asked me that the mornin' I was gettin' out, I'd still probably said yes, even with havin' a job and place to stay set up. I'm an ex con, ex Provo, who caused someone's death. Accident or not, I took a life. I got permanent injuries cuz of it. Plus I had to do one of those equivalency tests to properly finish secondary school. I was also under the impression my parents wanted nothin' to do with me, an' I couldn't even blame 'em."

Sister Michael handed Niall a box of tissues, which he gladly accepted.

"Safe to assume ye no longer feel this way?" she asked, having a very good idea what his answer was.

"Silly as it'll sound, it's like I was sent a guardian angel," he chuckled. "Orla is... a strange one, there's no denyin' that. But, she's easily the sweetest person I've ever met, she is.

"That girl certainly is one of a kind, she is," she agreed.

"She didn't stare at my scars with fear, disgust, or pity, like plenty have an' do, but with care," he continued. "I didn't immediately reveal who I was, an' we'd never had much interaction b'fore prison, but she wasn't mad at me when I told her the truth. She said I was a good person because I felt bad for what I did, an' because I kept her safe. She gave me the courage to reveal myself to Michelle, and then the rest of my family, far earlier than I initially planned. And thank God I did, cuz it turns out we all missed each other like mad, but had misunderstood each other's feelings. Crazy to think what can happen in the span of 2 days."

"Sometimes all it takes is knowin' the right people," she replied.

"I promise I'll do my very best to not hurt Orla," he said softly.

"I have no doubt of that promise," she nodded in approval. "Plus I if ye broke that promise, ye'll be facin' the wrath of not just her friends n' family, but their families, n' yer own."

The two shared another laugh, a third shot of whiskey, then Niall shook Sister Michael's hand goodbye, and he walked back to his flat to prepare for his first day of work.