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.

agreed on anything. Yet he

kept calm to ensure my safety. I suppressed my anger and said, "Thank you for your concern.

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

intentions clear. I gripped my keys even tighter and refused, "It's too late. It's not a

stepped closer, "You're going to date me,

my fear

about that?" His smile in the darkness was

resolved to stab him with

cold breeze brushed my cheek. With a bang, the man flew back

rebound

when a familiar voice sounded beside me. "You went on

It was Brandon.

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

stirred at the sound. He was clearly in pain, but

where he'd gotten hit. He looked