STRONGER
Chapter 5
It was finally the day of auditions. Beca arrived at the Auditorium and was surprised to see Stacie, the girl that lived across the hall from Chloe, waiting her turn to audition.
"You're Stacie, right?" Beca asked as she took the seat next to the girl.
"That's right," Stacie said. "You're friends with Chloe and Aubrey."
"That's right. I'm Beca," Beca said. "Are you a Freshman, too?"
"Yes, Jesse and I both are," Stacie said.
"So, if you're both Freshmen, I was wondering why you guys don't live in a dorm," Beca said. "I thought those were the rules for incoming Freshmen."
"That's true," Stacie said. "We got a special waiver to live off-campus. It's my uncle's apartment, and he's letting me and Jesse live there while we're in school. He took a job in Germany and will be gone for at least two years, maybe longer."
"Wow," Beca said. "That's cool."
Just then, a heavy-set blonde girl sat next to Beca.
"What's up?" the girl said. "Fat Amy in the house."
Stacie and Beca both looked at her with raised eyebrows.
"Are you girls trying out for the Bellas?"
Stacie and Beca both nodded.
"I'm Beca," Beca told Fat Amy.
"I'm Stacie," Stacie said. "So, um, you call yourself Fat Amy?"
"Yeah," Fat Amy responded. "So twig bitches like you don't say it behind my back."
Beca and Stacie both chuckled at that. Before either could say anything, a voice called out, "Alright, everyone, let's get started."
The three girls sat and looked toward the stage. They all commented on various singers until it was their turn.
The auditions were over, and Beca stood to get ready to leave.
"Hey, would you girls want to grab a bite of dinner?" Fat Amy asked. "I have a feeling we're all going to be Bellas, and it would be nice to get to know you a bit."
"Sounds good," Stacie said. "Can I invite my cousin, Jesse? He tried out for the Treblemakers."
"Sure," Fat Amy said. "Why not?"
"I'm in," Beca said.
"Excuse me, Beca. May I talk to you?" Chloe asked as she came over to Beca.
Beca could see she was a bit anxious, so she excused herself and walked Chloe a little ways away from the others.
"What's wrong?" Beca asked quietly.
"Brey just told me she's going to be out until late," Chloe said. "She's going to be in the library with her LSAT study group."
"Oh," Beca said and looked back at Fat Amy. "I, um, just agreed to grab a bite with Amy, Stacie, and Jesse. Why don't you join us, and then I'll take you home?"
"I don't want to be a bother," Chloe said, looking down at her hands.
"Chloe," Beca said. "Look at me, please." Chloe looked up. "I told you anytime you needed me, I was there, okay? So, join us, and I'll take you home after and stay until Aubrey gets home."
"Okay," Chloe said and kissed her on the cheek without thinking. "Thank you, Beca."
"Grab your stuff, and we'll wait for you here," Beca said.
Chloe nodded and hurried back over to the table to get her stuff. Jesse had joined Stacie and Fat Amy, so Beca walked over to them.
"I invited Chloe to join us," Beca said. "I hope that's okay?"
"It's fine," Stacie said.
"I remember you," Jesse said, looking at Beca. "Becky, right?"
"Actually, it's Beca," Beca said.
"Oh, sorry," Jesse said. "So, are you all Freshmen?"
Fat Amy nodded.
"I am, but Chloe's a Senior," Beca said.
"Is her roommate a Senior, too?" Jesse asked, looking over at Aubrey.
Stacie grinned at him and shook her head. "Just ask her out already."
"What?" Jesse said, whipping his head back around.
"Aw, wanna be Treble-boy likes the Bellas Captain," Fat Amy said, pinching his cheek. "That's so cute."
Jesse slapped Amy's hand away. Beca and Stacie laughed at the blush creeping up Jesse's face.
"She's pretty cool," Beca told Jesse. "But she is very focused on studying for the LSATs and running the Bellas. You might not have much of a chance. You can double-check with Chloe, but I have a feeling Aubrey isn't looking to date anyone seriously for a while."
"Hi, Stacie. Hi, Jesse," Chloe said in greeting. "And you're Amy, right?"
"Fat Amy," Fat Amy said.
"Oh, right," Chloe said. "Sorry. I'm Chloe."
"Shall we go?" Stacie said, and the group left to head to the campus diner.
~Stronger~ ~Stronger~ ~Stronger~
"Come on, Chloe," Jesse whined. "Give me something to work with."
"I'm sorry, Jesse," Chloe said, chuckling. "Aubrey is very determined and has decided she is going to focus fully on the Bellas and her studies this year. It doesn't fit into her plans to date anyone."
Stacie started teasing Jesse, and Beca noticed Chloe suddenly tense up. She looked at the others; they were all teasing Jesse and hadn't noticed the change in Chloe's behavior.
"Chloe?" Beca called her name quietly.
When there was no response, Beca leaned in to speak directly into Chloe's ear. "Are you okay?"
Beca pulled back and saw that Chloe's eyes were wide, and she was staring toward the diner's door. She started to breathe heavily, and Beca was worried she was going to have a full-blown panic attack.
Seeing Chloe still staring at the door, Beca followed her gaze to a guy at the door.
"He, he. . .," Chloe breathed out softly.
Beca guessed that he looked like the guy who had terrorized Chloe. Beca pulled Chloe to her and gently pushed her head into Beca's neck so she couldn't see the guy.
"Breathe with me," Beca whispered in Chloe's ear. "In, 1,2,3. Out 1,2,3. In 1,2,3. Out 1,2,3."
Beca looked over Chloe's head and saw the guy sitting with another group.
"It's not him, Chloe," Beca said quietly. "I promise you, it's not him."
Chloe had stopped shaking but continued to hold onto Beca. Beca pulled her tighter to her and continued to whisper in her ear.
"So, are you two a thing?" Fat Amy asked, looking at Beca holding Chloe.
"Shit," Beca muttered.
Chloe wasn't saying anything, so Beca had to think fast.
"Um, yeah, sorry," Beca said, loosening her hold on Chloe slightly. "It's all new, and we aren't ready to tell people. We'd appreciate it if you didn't say anything to anyone."
"Your secret is safe with us," Stacie said. "Although you might want to cut back on the PDA. The way you two are clinging to each other is a dead giveaway."
"Oh, right," Beca said and pulled back slightly from Chloe and looked at her.
Chloe seemed to come out of it and discreetly wiped her eyes on Beca's shirt. She looked up at Beca with wide eyes.
"I'm sorry," Chloe said, sitting up straighter while looking at the others. "I'm a hugger and sometimes can't help myself where Beca is concerned."
Beca blushed, and Fat Amy laughed. "As the leggy one over here said, we won't say anything."
"Thank you," Chloe said.
The group cut the night short, and Beca was driving Chloe back to her apartment.
"I'm sorry about all that," Chloe said.
"It's okay," Beca said.
They remained quiet for the rest of the ride.
~Stronger~ ~Stronger~ ~Stronger~
Beca parked the car and turned off the engine. She looked over at Chloe, who was still looking a bit scared. She saw something move in her peripheral vision and jerked her head around to scan the area.
Beca didn't see anything out of the ordinary, so she opened the car door and stepped out. She stood in the opening and looked around. She couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching them.
"You okay, Beca?" Chloe asked from the other side of the car.
"Yeah," Beca said, closing the car door. "I'm fine. Let's get you upstairs."
Beca hurried to Chloe's side, and they walked to the building and entered. The hairs on Beca's neck were standing on end, and she took one more look outside before following Chloe to the elevator.
~Stronger~ ~Stronger~ ~Stronger~
Chloe and Beca stepped off the elevator on the eighth floor and made their way to Chloe's apartment. Chloe stopped and turned to Beca, handing her the key.
"Um," Chloe said, chewing on the bottom lip. "Would you, um, mind going in first?"
"No problem," Beca said. "You stay by the door, and I'll check around, okay?"
Beca opened the door and walked in with Chloe right behind her. She left the door open and turned to Chloe.
"Stay by the door," Beca said. "If you hear anything, go to Stacie and Jesse's immediately, okay?"
Chloe looked over at her neighbor's door. "They were still at the diner when we left."
Beca put her hand on Chloe's arm. "Okay then, if you hear anything, get out of the building immediately and call the police. Okay?"
Chloe nodded her head.
"It's going to be okay," Beca said. "I promise."
"Thank you," Chloe said softly.
Beca quickly walked away from Chloe to check the apartment. Chloe stood by the door, watching Beca's every move. Beca had completed a quick sweep of the living room and kitchen before moving toward the bedrooms. She entered Chloe's bedroom last and checked everything thoroughly before returning to Chloe's side.
"It's all clear," Beca said. "I checked everywhere, including your bedroom."
"Thank you," Chloe said.
"You're welcome," Beca said. "Would you like some water?"
Beca took Chloe's hand and walked her to the sofa.
"Yes, please," Chloe said as Beca let go of her hand and continued to the kitchen.
Chloe sat down and put her head in her hands. She took several deep breaths and let them out slowly.
Beca came back and handed Chloe her water. She sat down next to her.
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah," Chloe said, looking at Beca. "Just a little anxious. I, um, I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't been there tonight. And now Stacie, Jesse, and Amy think we're a couple."
"I, uh, kind of wanted to talk to you about that," Beca said. "First, I made you a promise to be there for you, and I will honor that promise no matter what."
"I don't think I like where this is going," Chloe said, looking down at the floor.
"I hope you do," Beca said. She placed her water on the table and turned to Chloe. "Second, I've liked you since we met. I've thought about asking you out but didn't want to mess up our friendship."
Chloe's head jerked up to look at Beca. "Really?"
"Yeah," Beca said. "Tonight, when I saw how upset you got, all I wanted to do was protect you. While I sat there holding you to calm you down, I realized that I liked it, and I wanted to hold you like that all the time." Beca cleared her throat. "What I guess I'm trying to say is, would you-"
"What was that?" Chloe interrupted, grabbing Beca's arm. "It sounds like someone's trying to get in. It's too early for Brey to be home."
"I'm sure it's nothing," Beca whispered to Chloe. "I'll check it out."
Beca stood up and started for the door; she yelped when it suddenly opened up, and Aubrey came rushing into the apartment.
"Hey, Chloe, I really need to talk to you," Aubrey called out. "Oh, hi, Beca. I didn't know you were going to be here."
"Um, yeah, it's uh," Beca stammered as she stood between Chloe and the door. "I was actually just leaving."
"Oh, good," Aubrey said. "I don't mean to be rude, but I really do need to talk to Chloe."
"It's okay," Beca said. "I understand. I'll, um, I'll see you tomorrow, Chloe."
Beca moved toward the door, and Chloe jumped up. "Beca?!"
"Um, yeah?" Beca said and stopped.
Aubrey moved past Beca and went to sit on the sofa. Chloe looked at Aubrey and then back to Beca.
"Thanks for tonight, I'll see you tomorrow?" Chloe said with an apologetic smile.
"Yeah, see you tomorrow," Beca said and left the two best friends alone.
~Stronger~ ~Stronger~ ~Stronger~
Chloe was only half-listening as Aubrey ranted about her LSAT study group. Chloe felt as if Beca was going to ask her out before Aubrey rudely interrupted. She had developed quite a crush on Beca and was more than ready to say yes if Beca did ask her out.
"What do you think, Chloe?" Aubrey asked, causing Chloe to look at her blankly.
"What?" Chloe asked.
"Did you hear a word I just said?" Aubrey scoffed.
"I'm sorry," Chloe said sheepishly. "I was just thinking about Beca. I think she was trying to ask me out when you came in."
"Oh, my gosh, Chloe," Aubrey said. "I'm so sorry. I hadn't realized."
"It's okay," Chloe said. "Now that I think she wants to go out with me, I might just have to ask her."
"I'm happy for you, Chloe," Aubrey said sincerely. "I really am, but I could really use your advice on what to do about my study group."
"Okay," Chloe said. "Tell me everything again, and I'll help you figure out what to do. I'm all ears now."
~Stronger~ ~Stronger~ ~Stronger~
Beca flopped face down on her bed as soon as she walked into her dorm room. She sighed and wanted to kick herself for beating around the bush with Chloe and not getting straight to the point and asking her out.
"Stupid Aubrey," Beca mumbled into her pillow.
Beca's phone rang, and she sighed. Since it was late, she was going to ignore it but saw it was her mother calling.
"Hey, mom," Beca said, answering the call.
"Are you okay?" Sarah asked. "You sound down. What happened?"
"I sometimes forget how well you know me," Beca said with a laugh.
"Answer the question, oh daughter of mine that I know so well," Sarah said.
Beca sighed into the phone and proceeded to tell her mother about what happened at the audition and then at dinner. And how now everyone thought she and Chloe were together. She finished by telling her how she had decided to ask Chloe out, but Aubrey interrupted, and she didn't ask.
"So, ask her tomorrow," Sarah said. "It's not like you asked, and she said no. You just never got around to asking her. Or don't ask and wonder about what might have been. It's up to you."
"I really like her, mom," Beca whined.
"Then do as I say," Sarah said. "And ask her out tomorrow."
"Should I preface it by telling her my mommy told me to ask her out?"
Sarah laughed. "I'm sure that would make her swoon and immediately say yes."
"Swoon, huh?" Beca said and chuckled. "How old are you?"
"Watch it, little missy," Sarah said, chuckling along with Beca.
"So, what did you call me for?" Beca asked.
"I wanted to see if you wanted to have lunch tomorrow," Sarah said. "I need to talk to you about your dad."
"What now?" Beca asked.
"Don't be like that," Sarah said.
"Fine," Beca said. "But I have a class until Noon. I can come over after that."
"That will work," Sarah said. "I'll see you tomorrow."
~Stronger~ ~Stronger~ ~Stronger~
Beca woke the next morning to several texts from Chloe. Her smile grew as she read through the chain of messages.
Chloe [11:23 PM]: Hey, sorry we didn't get to finish our conversation earlier
Chloe [11:30 PM]: I haven't heard back yet, so I guess you're probably sleeping. I just wanted to say that I hope the conversation was heading where you were going to ask me out.
Chloe [11:45 PM]: I can't sleep from wondering about whether you were going to ask me out. Just so you know, the answer will definitely be yes if you ask.
Chloe [12:05 AM]: OK the not knowing is killing me and I can't stand waiting anymore. Would you want to go out with me?
Chloe [12:07 AM]: To be clear, I am asking YOU out on a date. Just you and me. What do you say?
Beca typed out her reply and got ready for her day.
Chloe woke and stretched. She reached for her phone to see if Beca had responded to her text. She had, and Chloe let out a scream when she read Beca's response.
Aubrey heard Chloe's scream and ran into her room.
"What happened?" Aubrey asked, looking at Chloe sitting up in her bed, staring down at her phone. "I heard a scream. Are you okay?"
"She said yes!" Chloe squealed.
"Who said yes?" Aubrey asked, looking somewhat confused. "And to what?"
Chloe took a deep breath to calm herself.
"I texted Beca and asked her out on a date," Chloe said. "And she said, yes!"
"That's great, Chloe," Aubrey said. "I'm happy for you."
~Stronger~ ~Stronger~ ~Stronger~
As Chloe was walking between classes, her phone pinged with a new text. She pulled her phone out of her pocket and smiled when she saw Beca's name on the message.
Beca [11:15 AM]: My 11:00 got canceled. Are you free to grab a coffee? I want to talk to you about something.
Chloe furrowed her brow. "This sounds so formal," Chloe thought. "I wonder what she needs to talk about? Oh, God, maybe she changed her mind about accepting a date with me."
"Hey, Chloe!" a voice called out, causing Chloe to stop and look for who called out to her.
Chloe couldn't help but smile when she saw Beca jogging over toward her. She waited for Beca to join her.
"I just texted you," Beca said, smiling at Chloe.
"She's smiling," Chloe thought. "Maybe it's not about our date."
"I saw," Chloe said. "I have a class so I won't be able to get coffee. But I'd love it if you walked me to class so you can tell me what's on your mind."
"Okay," Beca said, taking Chloe's hand.
Chloe looked down at their hands, and Beca frowned.
"Sorry," Beca said, letting go of Chloe's hand.
Chloe grabbed Beca's hand and intertwined their fingers.
"It's okay," Chloe said, smiling at Beca. "I like holding your hand. You just surprised me."
They walked hand-in-hand for a minute or two before Beca broke the silence.
"So, you know how I promised to make you dinner for your birthday?" Beca asked, looking over at Chloe.
"Yeah," Chloe said, nodding.
"I need to know what you want me to make," Beca said. "And how many people you plan to have over. I need to start planning the menu and making a grocery list."
Chloe stopped walking, so Beca did.
"This is me," Chloe said, pointing to the English Building they were now standing in front of. "Can you come over to my place after practice so we can talk about my birthday dinner?"
"I can do that," Beca said.
"You're the best," Chloe said, kissing Beca on the cheek. "I'll see you at practice."
"Yeah," Beca said with a toothy grin. "See you there."
Beca stood with her hand on her cheek where Chloe had kissed her and watched Chloe walk up the steps. Chloe stopped at the door and waved at Beca before entering the building. Beca returned Chloe's wave before heading to her mom's house for lunch.
~Stronger~ ~Stronger~ ~Stronger~
"Hey, mom," Beca called out as she walked into her mother's house.
"Hello, Beca," Sarah said as she walked in from the kitchen. "You're early."
"Sorry," Beca said. "My class was canceled, so I thought I'd just come over."
"Let's go out to the patio," Sarah said. "I made burgers and thought we'd fire up the grill."
"Sounds good," Beca said and followed Sarah to the kitchen.
"Could you grab the potato salad and coleslaw from the refrigerator?" Sarah said.
Beca gathered the requested bowls and a few other things and set them out on the counter. Sarah took the plate of burgers and went out the back door. She turned on the grill and went back inside.
Beca and Sarah made a couple of trips to carry everything outside.
"This is a lot of food for just two people," Beca said as she set the ketchup and mustard on the table. She paused and looked at her mother. "Dad's not coming, is he?"
"No, you're dad's not coming," Sarah said. "It's just us." Beca looked at Sarah. "Seriously, it's just us."
"Good," Beca said, sitting at the table. "I, um, I have some news."
"What is it?" Sarah asked as put the burgers on the grill. "Ahhh, I love that sizzle. One of the best sounds in the world."
"I have a date with Chloe," Beca blurted.
"So, you took my advice and asked her," Sarah said.
"No, actually, she asked me," Beca said and told her mother again about her attempt to ask and Aubrey interrupting. "Then I woke up this morning to a few texts from Chloe, and in one, she asked me out."
"I'm happy for you, sweetheart," Sarah said, kissing Beca on top of her head. "I served your father with divorce papers. How do you want your burger cooked?"
"Way to slide the thing about the divorce papers in there," Beca said. "Are you okay? And you know I'm going to say I want my burger well-done, and you're going to say that's just wrong, and I'll compromise and say that medium is fine. Which, by the way, is how I actually like it. I just ask for it well done to hear you complain about how bad it is for me to eat a well-done burger."
"You're such a brat," Sarah said, chuckling and shaking her head.
"Does your lawyer think dad will contest the divorce?" Beca asked.
"No," Sarah said. "I have him dead to rights on the cheating. He could lose his job if the University found out he was having an affair with his TA. Barden may not have a specific rule against professors dating students, but they do ban relationships between professors and the students they supervise. He wouldn't want to risk that getting out."
Beca and Sarah talked more as they ate. Beca helped clean up once they were done.
"I have to go," Beca said after wiping down the table. "I have Bellas practice in less than an hour."
"Thanks for coming by," Sarah said. "And don't be such a stranger. I miss seeing you and having you around."
"I love you, too, mom," Beca said, smiling as she hugged Sarah goodbye.
Bellas practice was supposed to last two hours, and they were nearing the end of a third hour. All the girls were sweating profusely and breathing as if they had just run a marathon, including Chloe.
"Again," Aubrey called out, clapping her hands.
Chloe decided enough was enough and stood in front of Aubrey.
"That's enough, Brey," Chloe said while trying to catch her breath. "We're all exhausted and aren't going to do any better, so let's just call it for today."
Aubrey looked around at the girls.
"You're right," Aubrey said and turned to face the group. "That's it for today, but I expect nothing short of perfection at the next practice."
The girls all groaned but quickly gathered their stuff and started for the door. Beca was at the back when Chloe rushed up to her.
"Hey," Chloe said, sounding less winded than she did five minutes ago. "Want me to give you a ride to my place?"
"Can I come over in a little bit?" Beca asked. "I want to take a shower and change first."
"Oh, okay," Chloe said. "I'll see you later."
"I won't be long," Beca said. "I promise."
~Stronger~ ~Stronger~ ~Stronger~
Beca left her dorm room as soon as she was dressed. She walked the trail she and Chloe had used for their runs. She was almost to the trail's end when she heard a noise.
Beca stopped and looked around, turning in circles as she did. It was still daylight, but the sun was lower in the sky, and the trees were engulfed in shadows. She stopped and listened for a moment before shaking her head and moving forward.
At the end of the path, she stopped and looked around again. She couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching her. Seeing nothing, she continued walking.
When Beca reached the door to Chloe's building, she stepped inside, stopping to look out the door. Her eyes scanned the treeline. Seeing nothing out of the ordinary, she shook her head, laughing at herself as she made her way to the elevator.
~Stronger~ ~Stronger~ ~Stronger~
Chloe pulled Beca into a hug as soon as she opened the door.
"Can you act as if you're here to pick me up for a date?" Chloe whispered to Beca before pulling out of the hug.
"Um, sure," Beca whispered. She then asked a bit louder, "Are you ready to go, Chloe?"
"I just need to grab my purse," Chloe said. "Come on in."
Beca stepped inside and noticed Aubrey sitting on the sofa.
"Hey, Aubrey," Beca called out.
"Hi, Beca," Aubrey said. "What time do you think you'll be bringing Chloe back home?"
"Um, I'm not sure," Beca said, looking over at Chloe. "I don't expect we'll be too late."
"But, we might be," Chloe said, turning to look at Beca. "I was hoping we'd catch a movie after dinner."
"Oh," Beca said. "That sounds good."
"Fine," Aubrey said. "I'm planning on going to bed early, so I guess I'll see you in the morning, Chloe."
Chloe smiled at Beca and said, "Come with me while I get my purse?"
"Um, sure," Beca said and followed Chloe to her room.
Once they reached Chloe's door, Beca stopped. "Did you need me to check your room for you?"
"No," Chloe said. "I just wanted to explain what's going on. Come inside."
"Okay," Beca said and followed Chloe into her room.
Chloe closed the door and faced Beca.
"Aubrey's been on a tear since we got home," Chloe said. "She yelled at me for calling a stop to today's practice. She's been complaining about her LSAT study group. I finally had enough and told her that you were coming to pick me up for our date. It was the only thing I could think of to get away from her for a while. I hope that's okay."
Beca smiled. "It's fine. I was going to ask when we could have our date. Plus, we can still discuss your birthday dinner while at dinner."
"You're the best," Chloe said, kissing Beca on the cheek.
Chloe grabbed her purse and threw her phone and wallet into it.
"Let's go," Chloe said, grabbing Beca by the hand.
Beca continued to hold Chloe's hand as they made their way to the door.
"See you in the morning, Brey," Chloe called out as she and Beca left the apartment.
Chloe and Beca continued to hold hands until they reached Chloe's car. Chloe stopped by the passenger side door and turned to face Beca.
"I have something for you," Chloe said. "I've wanted to give it to you for a while."
"Oh," Beca said, smirking. "What have you been wanting to give me for a while?"
Chloe reached into her pocket and pulled something out.
"This," Chloe said, holding up a key.
"Oh," Beca said, looking at the key in Chloe's hand.
"It's a key to my apartment," Chloe said. "In case of an emergency or something."
"Um, thanks?" Beca said, taking the key. "This is so not what I thought I was going to get."
"What exactly did you think you were going to get?" Chloe asked with a smirk.
"I don't know," Beca said. "Something more along the lines of a, um, kiss maybe?"
Chloe smiled and leaned in to give Beca a quick peck on the lips.
"Play your cards right, and you might get more of that tonight," Chloe said.
"Can't wait," Beca said as she got into the car.
Chloe hurried around to the driver's side and slid in behind the wheel.
"Where are we going?" Beca asked.
"I thought we could get Italian," Chloe said. "There's a pretty decent place near the movie theater. Does that sound okay?"
"Oh, so you were serious about seeing a movie?" Beca said.
Chloe started the car and looked at Beca.
"We don't have to see a movie," Chloe said. "It was the only thing I could think of to stay out later, so I wouldn't have to deal with Brey anymore tonight."
"I'm not really fond of movies," Beca said. "But, I'll gladly go see one with you."
"Good," Chloe said. "Let's go."
Chloe backed out of the parking spot and drove away from the apartment building.
Neither she nor Beca saw the figure sitting in the car that was hidden in the shadows as they drove away. The figure watched until they saw the car exit the parking lot before pulling off and following them.