For the first time that night, a soft blush made its way across her cheeks. “That’s even worse,” she said, but her voice had lost its edge.

I smiled faintly. “I wasn’t trying to be frightening. Honest I just...”

“Then why stalk me?”

I looked up, at the moon and then back at her.

“Because I wanted to talk to you. I want.. I would like to be your friend.”

She tilted her head. “Just a friend?”

I paused. “Sure.. For now.”

She let out a quiet, genuine laugh and for ...