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.

hadn't even agreed on anything. Yet he

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

I spoke, he came up from the stairway corner and said, "I'm a bit

gripped my keys even tighter and

to date me,

nearer, my fear peaked.

that?"

my hands were shaking. But I resolved to stab him with my car key if he got

the man flew back like someone hit by a

crash and rebound looked painfully

around when a familiar voice sounded beside me. "You

It was Brandon.

heard him coldly say to the man sprawled on the stairs, "Leave now. If you're still here after

pain, but

face was bloody; I wasn't sure where