Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

There was no response. My scalp tingled with fear.

But I couldn't back down now. I mustered my courage and demanded, "Who is it?"

"It's me!" Two words echoed.

Then came footsteps and an explanation, "Your blind date from the café this evening." Him?

I couldn't believe it. We'd met only once, and now he was following me. It was terrifying.

The hallway was pitch dark. Even with a bit of moonlight seeping in through the windows, I could only make out the shapes a couple of paces in front of me. He wasn't close enough for me to see him yet.

I gripped my keys tightly and was ready to defend myself as I asked, "Why are you following me?"

"Don't misunderstand. I mean no harm. I just wanted to protect you. It's not safe for a woman to walk alone at night," he explained. Then, he finally stepped into view. I nearly laughed at his explanation.

Following me like this scared me to death, and he thought that made me safe.

met once, and we hadn't even agreed on anything. Yet

him now wouldn't help. So, I kept calm to ensure my safety. I suppressed my anger and said,

from the stairway corner and said, "I'm a bit thirsty. Could I

my keys even tighter and refused,

stepped closer, "You're going to date

got nearer, my fear peaked.

that?"

to stab him with my

a bang, the man flew back like someone hit by a force in a martial arts drama. He slammed into the hallway wall, bounced off, and landed

and rebound

voice sounded

It was Brandon.

the stairs, "Leave now. If you're still here after a minute has passed, I'm calling

was clearly in pain, but he managed to get up after a

I wasn't sure where he'd gotten hit.