"Thanks," she says as we're walking. "I wouldn't have felt safe being out here alone when it's dark."
"I don't either, and I'm three times your size."
"Is it really that bad?"
"Sometimes, especially at night. The cops are here two or three times a week. Usually it's just people fighting but we've had a couple murders since I've lived here."
She shudders. "Okay, that's really scary."
"That shit can happen anywhere, even the suburbs."
"Was it related to drugs? The murders?"
"No, some lady killed her boyfriend after she found him cheating. And the other one was some guy who was drunk and shot his friend. They'd been fighting and it got out of control."
We get to the bus stop and I stand there with her.
"You can go," she says. "I'm okay waiting here alone."
"No, you're not."
She looks back at the old guy talking to himself as he waits on the bench. "Okay, you can stay."
"How far is the walk to your apartment?"
"A couple blocks."
"In the dark. With all the stores closed."
"Yeah. I should've left earlier."
The bus arrives and I get on with her.
"What are you doing?" she asks, noticing me behind her.
"I'm taking you home." I motion to an open seat. "Take that one."
When we're seated, she turns to me. "You didn't have to do this."
"I kind of did. It's hard to find a good tutor, especially one Jake actually likes. He doesn't like many people."
"So this is completely self-serving?" she says, smiling at me.
"Why else would I do it?"
She faces forward, her leg touching mine because the seat is so small. The bus isn't very crowded. I could've taken another seat but I didn't want her to be afraid sitting here all alone. Or that's what I tell myself.
I'm not falling for this girl. No way in hell that's happening. I made a promise to myself and I'm keeping it.
When we reach her stop, I get off with her.
"You're not going back?" she asks as the bus drives off.
"I told you I'd walk you home."
"Oh. I guess I didn't think you actually meant to my building."
"That's home, isn't it?"
