Save Me

three

I slowly turned around to see a man with long dark hair walking towards me. A few things surprised me about him. First, he wasn't an employee. Second, his face didn't look angry, concern was plastered into his eyes.

What was he going to do to me?

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The man was only 5 steps away when my mind finally caught up to speed and I started to walk quickly away, trying to lose him. Unfortunately the man just sped up and gently grabbed my arm holding me back so I couldn't walk anymore.

"Are you trying to steal that sandwich?" he asks me quietly. Why isn't he trying to turn me into the manager?

I don't respond, instead I look at the floor. I can feel his eyes burning into mine but I don't meet his gaze.

"Sweetheart, it's ok, I am not going to tell on you. Just tell me, why are you trying to steal?" he surprised me with his words. Who is this man?

"I can't afford it.." I embarrassedly said. It was sort of the truth, I couldn't afford it, but I couldn't tell him that my foster parents were starving me. He probably wouldn't even do anything. He would know that I deserved it. That I am just a hassle. A waste of space.

"Come with me." He said as he began walking to another isle.

I followed him until we reached the fruit bar and a shelf of refrigerated drinks. He scooped a variety of fruit into a bowl and grabbed me a bottle of water.

"Give me your sandwich." He said, holding his hand out.

I pulled it out of my pocket and placed it in his hands. "What are you doing?" I asked him.

He didn't respond to my question, instead he just went to the check out and handed the food to the cashier. They quickly scanned it and the man pulled out his wallet and paid for the items.

"Here, now come with me. We are going to sit outside while you eat this." He said holding out the food for me to take.

I suddenly felt guilt rush into me. I couldn't let this man pay for me, I cannot be a charity case.

"You are very kind sir, but I can't take this food. I won't be able to repay you." I said dropping my gaze to the floor again.

"Don't worry about that sweetheart. You are hungry and need to eat. It was only 5 dollars anyway." He reassured me. He led the way to a table outside of the store and sat in one of the 2 chairs, I sat across from him.

"What is your name?" He asks me.

I didn't know whether I should tell him or not. But then I realized that he bought me a lunch, he wasn't a horrible person that would stalk me down and kill me.

"Olivia.." I said tentatively. I remember that I didn't know his name, before I could ask him what it was he said.

"That's a pretty name. My name is Lin-Manuel Miranda, you can call me Lin."

"It's nice to meet you Lin. Thank you for buying my food, I will find a way to repay you someday but it might take awhile."

"No worries, it was my treat. Now please, eat your food."

I smiled at him and unwrapped my sandwich and took a bite. After eating the whole thing, my fruit, and half the bottle of water I felt a million times better.

"Well thank you again for the meal, but I better go.." I said trying to stand up out of my seat.

"I don't think so, sit down." he said nicely, "So, how about you tell me more about why you felt the need to steal."

I was hoping this wouldn't happen. I slowly sat back down trying to think of what to say. Should I tell him the truth? Or make up a lie?

If I did tell the truth, he would most likely just think I was disgusting like my foster parents do. He would realize how much of a failure I was. He wouldn't care.

Hello everyone! I hope you enjoyed the third chapter, let me know what you thought by leaving a vote if you liked it and a comment explaining what you like or what I could improve on.

What do you think Olivia is going to do? Will she tell Lin, or lie about everything?

Did you guys here about Christina Grimmie? I am so upset about her death, she was a big inspiration to my singing. R.I.P angel.

On a happier note, I am traveling today and have a 5 hour car ride so will most likely be able to update 2 more times so stay tuned!

- aibhlinn