The Next Chapter (Sequel to A New Story)

Prologue

Kyle Levin adjusted his thin, gaunt frame against the pillar where he stood and slid a hand over his slick, jet black hair as he studied author MJ Blakestone from across the convention hall. It was his first time seeing her in person, and he was as certain now as he was the first time he finished reading her book—they were meant to be together.

There was something in her words, something that drew him to her, everything he read about her since then had made him more certain. Now, he would finally meet her.

He'd been monitoring her since she arrived at Comic-Con, hoping perhaps he might have the opportunity to introduce himself earlier than planned. He was confused when a security team member escorted her into this specific convention hall, as it wasn't a part of her scheduled appearances. He found his way to the back after flashing his VIP pass. After a few minutes, the reason became clear, and he felt the arteries in his neck pulsing in response. Her reason for being on stage at this moment was an irritating announcement that altered his plans significantly. His Maria and the famous sci-fi actor, Daniel Statten, just announced their engagement. It made Kyle's blood boil.

He slipped back out of the room and made his way to the exhibitor hall where she would soon sign her books. He'd have to adjust his plan, tweak it here and there, but still, the first step was to make his introductions—make sure she recognized how much he appreciated her. There was a line already forming at her table. She was popular, and he knew she deserved it. She deserved everything she wanted.

When she came into the room, his eyes followed her as she moved to the table. She made her way to her seat, escorted by a convention volunteer, and sat down to begin signing autographs. His heart began to race as he realized he was minutes away from getting to speak to her for the first time.

The line was slow moving as she took her time speaking to each person while she signed their book. His right foot tapped as he waited, knowing that when it was his turn, he'd get the treasured moments with her he'd dreamed of.

Finally, he approached the table, and she looked up. Her smile nearly stopped his heart.

"Hi, what's your name?" she said with a bright, cheery smile and extended her hand.

His hand trembled as he reached out and took hers, "K... Kyle, I'm... I'm Kyle."

"Hi, Kyle, it's a pleasure to meet you. Am I signing the books to you or someone else?"

"Me—to me," he stuttered nervously.

"Fabulous," she replied as she began signing his copy of her first book.

"Have you read them both?" she asked as she finished up with the first book and opened the second.

"Yes, several times. They're wonderful—they're fantastic. You're an amazing author. Your words are as beautiful as you are."

Maria smiled up at the man, "Oh, you're so kind. I'm glad you enjoyed them." She finished signing and handed the books back to him.

As he reached out to take the books, her hand brushed his as she smiled up at him. This was it, the moment was electric... she must feel it too.

"Have a wonderful day and enjoy the convention, Kyle."

**--**--**

For weeks now—ever since the convention—Kyle had been keeping an eye on Maria. It had taken some time, but he learned where she lived and several of the places she frequented.

He was watching out for her, keeping her safe.

He hated having to stay so secret, but he knew that in the end she would be grateful for his discretion.

Now, Kyle sat in the back corner of Joe's Coffee Shop. He pressed his thumb into the putty he held in his hand. He had rehearsed this moment in his head over a hundred times after planning it.

His breath caught in his throat as he saw her walk in and approach the counter. "Good morning, Joe," she called out, shining her bright smile toward the owner.

"Morning, Maria! Your regular?"

"You know it."

Kyle waited and watched. He had timed this interaction and the time it would take for Joe to prepare her tea. He had even rehearsed it in his apartment. At just the right moment, he stood up and approached, bumping into her as he walked past toward the bathroom.

"Oh, sorry, excuse me, ma'am," he mumbled as he kept his head down and walked past her.

"Oh, no problem!" she replied as she glanced up at the back of his head.

Once he was hidden in the stall, he opened his hand, revealing the keys he had slipped from the outer pocket of her purse as he bumped into her. He took one particular key and delicately pressed it into the putty, creating the imprint that would move his plan forward. After examining the putty to be sure he had a good imprint, he wrapped it in wax paper and slipped it into a tiny cardboard box he placed in his shirt pocket.

He came back out in time to see Maria leaving, none the wiser about her keys missing from her purse. As he walked past the counter, he gently dropped them onto the floor and kept walking, leaving the shop and walking the opposite direction down the street.

**--**--**

Kyle leaned back against the baluster as he waited for Maria to pass by on her way home. It wouldn't be long now. Sure enough, she approached, and he looked up from the newspaper just as she looked toward him.

She nodded and smiled, "Good morning."

He nodded back. "Good morning to you."

She continued walking, and he watched as she slowed to glance both ways before crossing the street over to her house. She didn't realize it, but he had already been at her door; and just as she did now, he had slipped a key into the lock and ensured his turned just as hers did as she made her way into her apartment. Everything had gone according to plan; and, if it continued, soon they would finally be together.