"There was an incident at dinner last night, and we couldn't get her to eat this morning."
Chloe and Aubrey stood a few feet away from Beca, in the hallway of the courthouse. Detective Kendrick, Stacie, Emily, Jessica and Flo were also there. Beca was seated alone on a bench, her eyes looking at the doors across form her. She had declined company on the bench when Chloe and Stacie had offered. They understood she had a lot on her mind and needed some time alone with her thoughts. They were happy to give her the space and stood speaking with Detective Kendrick.
"What happened last night?" He asked.
"She fell and broke a bowl she was carrying. She went into a panic, and we assume she thought something bad was going to happen because of it. I think the fear mentally threw her back into his apartment. She was okay after a while, but wouldn't eat, and went to bed shortly after. I know she didn't sleep though. I could hear her crying." Chloe said, glancing over at the woman sadly.
Truthfully, no one slept the night before. They got the call around 8 pm, that Jesse was to appear in court the next day at noon. This set everyone on edge.
Stacie had come over early, bringing Beca a fresh outfit for the hearing.
Now, she sat in a pair of black pants and long-sleeved shirt, her hair down, covering the bruises on her neck. She was thankful for Stacie bringing an outfit that would fully cover her. She also knew that the judge would be presented with the photos taken of her at the hospital just a few days before.
They all stopped their discussion at the sound of hurried footsteps coming toward them. They looked to see a Man and a Woman rushing down the hall.
Beca looked up just as they reached her, and her eyes immediately filled with tears as the man gently pulled her to her feet and hugged her close. The other Woman placed her hand on Becas back, her own eyes tear filled.
"We came as soon as we could. I am so sorry we weren't here sooner."
Chloe let out a breath as Kendrick looked on in confusion.
"Becas Dad and step-mom," Aubrey explained.
He nodded and made his way over. Emily stepped up next to Chloe and the older girl put a comforting arm around her shoulders.
"How are you doing Em?" She asked as they watched Beca latch on to her dad.
"I don't know. Better after that monster goes to jail, though." She said, then nodded at Beca.
"They weren't always that close, right?" She asked.
Chloe nodded. "Yeah, they had a pretty strained relationship when Beca first came to Barden. She had a lot of anger over him remarrying after her parent's divorce, and then her Moms unexpected death the summer after Senior year of high school. She felt abandoned, and they drifted apart. After freshman year though, they got close again. I'm glad. She needs their support."
Emily let out a breath and tried to put on a strong face as they all walked over.
"Hey Mr. Mitchell." Chloe said and he let his daughter go long enough to give her a hug.
"Hey Chloe, Aubrey." He greeted them and smiled at Emily. "And?"
"Emily Junk." She said offering her hand and he shook it. "Warren Mitchell."
"Thank you for taking care of her while we made our way back. Thank you for your persistence in the hospital too. Detective Kendrick tells me you pieced together that it wasn't an accident."
Chloe watched as Beca looked down uncomfortably. "I had a feeling. It was Beca though. She was brave enough to make sure he didn't get away with it." She smiled at the younger Woman. She returned it, tiredly.
"Well, I guess we better get in there and get seated. Should be starting soon." Kendrick said and led the way into the court room. They all took a seat on the right side of the room. Beca looking over to see four people seated on the left side of the room. She recognized them. Jesse's Mother, his Father, his Stepfather and his lawyer. They were all looking over at her.
She looked away and felt her stomach begin to tighten. She felt like she might throw up.
She barely registered the Judge coming in. She was in a daze as he spoke and a few minutes later she could hear the distant sound of a door opening. She glanced over, and her vision cleared long enough to see Jesse walking into the room, his wrists cuffed and attacked to a chain around his mid-section. Her body immediately began to tremble, and she could feel the sweat start on her hands and her neck.
She knew Chloe was on her right, gently holding her hand. Her Dad on her left, his arm around her shoulders. She could feel him tense when Jesse walked in.
Her breathing was labored, and she felt like she was going throw up or pass out or both as the muffled voices continued. That is, until one voice broke through her haze. Loud and clear.
"Not guilty, your Honor." Her eyes shot to his back. Had he just? No. there is no way.
She felt the grip on her hand tighten and her dads breathing was now just as uneven as her own. He did.
She looked at the judge, her eyes full of trepidation. The man nodded and looked down to his paperwork.
She also looked down. Her eyes closed tightly. She could hear bits and pieces of what was being said. None of it made sense to her.
"Wait,"
"Trial,"
"Bail set,"
"Fifty- thousand dollars."
"Released until trial if bail is made."
"Adjourned."
Before she knew it, the room was almost empty. She remained with her Dad and the Bella's. Detective Kendrick was on the phone, Chloe was kneeling in front of her.
"You can stay with us."
She looked to her left. Her Dad was talking.
"What? Why?" She asked shaking her head slightly.
"You will be safer at home, where we can make sure he can't do anything."
She shook her head. "No, he is in jail."
Her father looked down. "Beca, his bail is a joke. His parents, they made the decision to bail him out as they were walking out the door." He said standing up.
The Bella's watched him, their eyes angry and worried.
"You'll be safe in another town. With me." He said.
She looked at Chloe who was holding back tears, but not saying anything.
"No, I… I want to stay with Chloe." She said. Chloe looked up at her in surprise.
Warren looked from Beca to Chloe. "Beca, please. If anything were to happen-"
"Dad." She stopped him, slowly standing up. Her mind was clearing. She had a lot to process, still. Jesse would be bailed out, within the day, probably. However, she didn't want to leave Barden. Her father lived two counties over. She felt safe with Chloe. At Chloe and Aubrey's house.
"I really appreciate your concern. But, if they will still have me, I will feel better at Chloe and Aubrey's. I have classes, I have the Bella's, work at the station. I have responsibilities here. My life is here." She said.
"I am scared. I'm scared he will try to do something. But he might not. He might have learned his lesson. The police said they would do everything they could to keep him away."
Aubrey stepped over. "We do have a security system on the house. Cameras, alarms. Every window and every door are armed. She would be safe with us, and she will always be welcome." She said giving Becas shoulder a squeeze.
Warren didn't look happy, but he nodded. "Okay. I understand. Please keep me informed though. I know I work on campus, but I hardly see you during the week."
Beca stepped up and hugged her Dad. "I will. I promise."
XXXXXX
That night, Beca sat on the couch, surrounded by the Bella's. They all decided to stay at Aubrey and Chloe's for a sleepover. All gathered with pillows and blankets in the living room in support of Beca.
"We haven't had a Bella sleepover in so long." Stacie smiled, popping a handful of popcorn in her mouth as she lounged across the opposite end of the couch Beca was on, her legs slung over Aubrey's.
"And we wont again if you don't stop dropping popcorn everywhere." Aubrey laughed picking up a kernel and tossing it at the brunette.
They all laughed and Beca felt herself beginning to relax as everyone kept the night light and comfortable. Flo and Chloe were competing to see who could fit more m&m's in their mouths while Emily and Amy argued lightheartedly about who should get the solo in the next competition.
Cynthia Rose and Lily were in a heated game of Mario Kart and there was a growing pool of money on who was going to win.
Jessica had just walked in holding an arm full of water bottles and sodas and was passing them out when Becas phone rang. She looked at it and Chloe looked over to see her face fall.
"It's detective Kendrick." She said and everyone stopped talking and waited, the video game was paused and quickly forgotten as she answered the phone.
"Hello?"
She looked at Chloe and gave a halfhearted smile before looking away as she listened. The room was eerily still and they waited.
"Okay. Yeah, I'm okay. I'm in good hands." She said and Aubrey and Chloe exchanged sad smiles. "Thank you for everything. Okay, talk to you soon."
She hung up and took a deep breath, looking down at the phone in her hands. "His parents bailed him out." She said and looked up at all the distraught faces of her friends.
She shrugged. "Kendrick said, he isn't allowed within 500 feet of me, and if he does anyway, he will be arrested again. He said he doesn't see that happening but that I should still stay aware."
Stacie sat up, pulling her legs off of Aubrey so that Chloe could sit down next to her.
"You're safe here, with us." She said, taking her hand.
"Thank you." She said. "I don't know what I would do without out you. All of you." She said looking at her friends.
XXXXXX
It took a few hours, but they all eventually fell asleep. Emily was the first. They had started a movie and she only made it through the first fifteen minutes before passing out. Beca was next. Curled up on the couch, sleeping soundly by the time the credits started rolling.
Everyone else had stayed awake though. They turned out the lights and had a hushed conversation about how angry they all were that Jesse had been allowed bail. He was obviously dangerous and had shown that by sneaking into the house and hiding in Becas closet. They spoke about the upcoming week and how they would all help to make sure Beca wasn't left alone. She would always have someone nearby, just in case.
Then, one by one they all drifted off to sleep. Chloe had been the last. She had a bad feeling in her stomach and was having a hard time ignoring it. It was nearly three in the morning before sleep finally consumed her.
XXXXXX
Across the street from the dark and quiet house, hidden in the shadows of a neighbor's large oak tree, sat a figure in all black clothing. He had been there for hours. Watching through the open living room window. Watching the laughter, the lighthearted games. He saw Beca answer a phone call, and he saw everyone in the room freeze.
He couldn't help the snarl that curved his lips as Beca's demeanor changed and Chloe sat next to her. Too close, if anyone were to ask him. He knew that was the warning call to Beca. Letting her know he was out.
His parents were loving, and generous people, but they were stupid. He had always known that, and it was easy to use that to his advantage. They bailed him out, and actually believed him when he said he was just going for a walk. He told them he needed to clear his head, but no he wasn't going to look for Beca.
He lied, obviously and it didn't take him long to find her. Cozy in Chloe and Aubrey's modest little house just outside of campus. Of course, all of the Bella's were there. They were always there. It was damn near impossible to get a moment alone with her.
Now, he had watched as they finished goofing off, and Aubrey closed the curtain. Blocking his view of her. He didn't leave though. He watched for another few hours. The shadows that crossed the closed curtain. He knew when it was Beca, he knew when she got up and went to the bathroom. He knew when she came back, and took her place on the couch. He watched as the lights eventually went out and that's when he made his way across the street. The lawn was slippery, the early morning dew already coating it nicely. He was careful to avoid the cameras that were nicely placed on the corners of the house, and by the door.
It was easy to see that the camera on the left corner, didn't have view of the living room window. So that is where he went. Right behind the row of nicely trimmed bushes, he made himself comfortable in the two-foot space between the house and the shrubbery, right under the window. He could hear whispers, but couldn't make out what they were saying.
It didn't matter. This is where he would be, until he knew for sure he could get Beca alone, or until he was forced to move. Either way, he wasn't done with her, and now with them thinking he was barred from coming near her, he had all the time he needed to plan.