章 2007: A short walk home

Chloe was in a rush to get away from the Chaos nightclub. She wanted to get to her apartment and to her peace. Being in that club made her nervous and uncomfortable in many ways and she berated herself for going there on her own. What was she thinking?

OK. It was not all that bad. She tasted a new drink and she felt relatively safe when Noah was with her, but she can't rely on him to keep her safe. She learned a long time ago that she can't rely on anyone other than herself.

"Chloe!"

Chloe's steps halted when she heard someone call her name from behind. She turned to see Noah jogging toward her.

"I will walk with you back home.", Noah said when he reached her.

Chloe was confused. Why was he here? "Uhm… aren't you busy?"

He scratched the back of his head. "Actually, I have a night off."

"Oh…", a sound escaped Chloe's lips. "Shouldn't you go somewhere and enjoy your night off?"