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.

even agreed on anything. Yet he wanted to protect me?

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

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

made his intentions clear. I gripped my keys even tighter

to date me, so what's the

nearer, my fear

just water. What's inconvenient about that?" His smile

my preparation, my hands were shaking. But I resolved to stab him with

With 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 looked

about to turn around when a familiar voice sounded beside me. "You went

It was Brandon.

I could answer, I heard him coldly say to the man sprawled on the stairs, "Leave now. If you're still here after a minute has passed, I'm calling the police and reporting

was clearly in pain, but he managed

face was bloody; I wasn't sure where he'd gotten hit.