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.

and we hadn't even agreed on anything. Yet he wanted

calm to ensure my safety. I suppressed my anger and said, "Thank you for your concern. I'm home now. You can

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

gripped my keys even tighter and refused, "It's too late.

"You're going to

got nearer, my fear peaked. "Stay

inconvenient about that?" His smile in

were shaking. But I resolved to stab

But before I could reach him, a cold breeze brushed my cheek. With a bang, the man

crash and rebound

about to turn around when a familiar voice sounded

It was Brandon.

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

He was clearly in pain,

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