Stronger

Chapter 8

Fat Amy, Jessica, and Ashley were stunned at what Chloe had just told them about her stalker breaking into her parent's home and holding her hostage.

"And he broke into your house again?" Ashley asked. "And, that's why your dad had to go home early?"

"Yeah," Chloe said.

"Who else besides Beca knows about this?" Jessica asked.

"Aubrey knows," Chloe said. "I told her just before she left for Thanksgiving. And I told Beca's mom, too."

"Are you going to tell the rest of the Bellas?" Fat Amy asked.

"I haven't decided yet-"

"I think you might have to," Beca interjected.

"Why?" Chloe asked.

"If he finds out where you are and comes here, everyone around you could be in danger."

"I, um, I hadn't thought of that," Chloe said, looking around anxiously.

Chloe started breathing fast, and her body tensed up. Beca recognized she was in the early stages of a panic attack.

"It's okay, Chloe," Beca whispered, pulling Chloe to her. "Just breathe. You're okay."

"But, wh-what if he finds out where I, I, am?"

"We'll just have to be even more vigilant," Beca said.

"Don't worry, Chloe," Jessica said. "We'll have your back. All of us will, right girls?"

"Absolutely," Ashley stated.

"Of course," Fat Amy said.

"You know I'll always be there for you, Chloe," Beca said, kissing Chloe's temple. "Anytime. Anywhere."

Chloe's breathing evened out, and her shoulders became less tense. She thanked the girls but couldn't completely shake the anxiety she was feeling over not knowing if or when Roger Daniels would find out where she was.

~Stronger~ ~Stronger~ ~Stronger~

Later that evening, it was quiet as Beca, Chloe, Sarah, and Charlotte sat around the counter in Sarah's kitchen, having coffee and pie. The only sounds were forks scraping plates and coffee cups being set on the counter as each was lost in their own thoughts regarding all that had happened over the past two days.

Beca was worried because all Chloe did was push her pie around on her plate while staring off into space. Beca wanted to do something to help Chloe but was currently at a loss.

They all jumped slightly when Charlotte's phone ringing broke the silence. Charlotte pulled the phone out of her pocket, looked at the caller ID, and said, "It's Carl."

She answered the call and looked over at Chloe when the first words out of Carl's mouth were, "He trashed Chloe's room."

"Oh, my," Charlotte said. "I'm going to put you on speaker so Chloe can hear this."

Charlotte put the phone on speaker, telling Carl, "Go ahead, Carl."

"He trashed your room, sweetheart," Carl said.

Chloe let out a gasp; Beca put her arm around her.

"I'm sorry, Chloe," Carl said. "He took a knife to your bed, your clothes, your stuffed animals. It looks like he was in quite a frenzy."

"Um, what else?" Chloe asked.

"He smashed your vanity mirror, as well as some bottles of perfume," Carl said. "Most of your makeup is smeared into the carpet. He used your lipstick to write, um, messages on the walls."

"What kind of messages?" Chloe asked.

"I'd rather not say," Carl responded.

The four women looked at each other. Beca rubbed her hand up and down Chloe's back.

"What about the rest of the house?" Charlotte asked.

There was silence on the phone for a moment; all they could hear was Carl breathing.

"Um, the only damage appears to be in Chloe's room," Carl finally said. "I'm sorry, sweetheart."

"I'm coming home," Chloe said.

"No!" three voices rang out.

"Why not?" Chloe asked, looking at Beca and then her mother.

"He's still in Tampa, Chloe," Beca said. "It's not safe for you to go down there."

"Beca's right, sweetheart," Carl said. "He doesn't know where you are, and I think you should stay there where we know you're safe. The police are looking for him, and when they catch him, you can come home. Okay?"

"You're dad's right, Chloe," Charlotte said. "I'll go home tomorrow, and your dad and I will take care of your things. I promise."

"It's for the best, Chloe," Carl said.

"You won't be alone, Chloe," Beca said. "I'll stay with you, or you can stay here."

"Beca's right," Sarah said. "You are more than welcome to stay here."

"I don't want my mom to have to make the drive to Tampa by herself, so I'm going with her," Chloe stated.

"You stay here with Beca," Sarah said. "I'll go with Charlotte. It's the best option to keep you safe, in my opinion."

"You would do that?" Charlotte asked. "You would go with me?"

"Yes, I will," Sarah said, smiling at Charlotte. "I can help you drive and then help with the clean-up. I can book a flight back once you get everything squared away."

"Thank you, Sarah," Carl said. "I'll feel much better knowing Chloe's safe, and Charlotte won't have to make the drive alone."

"Consider it done," Sarah said.

"We'll leave first thing in the morning," Charlotte said. "That will get us home by early afternoon."

"Okay," Carl said. "Be safe, and I'll see you tomorrow. I love you. I love you, too, Chloe."

"Love you, daddy," Chloe said, wiping a tear from her eye.

Beca pulled Chloe into a hug. "It's going to be okay, Chloe."

"We should go to bed," Sarah told Charlotte. "We have to be up early."

"Mom, what about your statement to the police?" Beca asked. "You were going to do that tomorrow."

"You and Chloe go give your statements," Sarah said. "Just let Joe know I had to leave unexpectedly and will give my statement when I get back. And make sure you let them know you want to file assault charges against your dad as well."

"I'll make sure she does," Chloe said.

"Good," Sarah said. "I'm going to bed. Come on, Charlotte, I'll show you to the guest room."

Charlotte walked over and pulled Chloe to her.

"I'll see you in the morning," Charlotte murmured, kissing Chloe's head.

"See you in the morning," Chloe said, squeezing a little harder before letting her mother go.

"Goodnight, Charlotte," Beca said. "Goodnight, mom. Wake me when you get up so I can see you before you leave."

"Will do," Sarah said, heading out of the kitchen with Charlotte. "Goodnight."

"Chloe, you can go on up if you want," Beca said. "I'm going to clean this up first, and then I'll be up."

"I'll help you," Chloe said.

~Stronger~ ~Stronger~ ~Stronger~

It was barely six the next morning when Sarah woke Beca and Chloe. Beca yawned as Sarah led the two girls out of Beca's room and down the stairs.

"Good morning, you two," Charlotte said. "I know it's early, but Sarah and I were awake and decided to hit the road."

"S'okay," Beca mumbled as she fell into Sarah's arms. "You two be careful and make sure you take a break."

"We will," Sarah said, hugging Beca to her. "You two stay safe."

"Always," Beca said.

"Your dad and I are sorry we won't be able to celebrate your birthday with you tomorrow," Charlotte said, hugging Chloe. "I left your gift in your apartment. We hope you like it."

"Thanks, mom," Chloe said. "I'm sure I'll love it. I'll miss you, and make sure you call us when you get there."

"Yes, ma'am," Charlotte said, chuckling. "You take care of yourself, and I'll talk to you later."

"Happy Birthday, Chloe," Sarah said, pulling Chloe into a hug.

"Thank you," Chloe said.

Sarah pulled back from the hug, and she and Charlotte went to the door.

"You two take care of each other," Sarah said.

"We will," Beca and Chloe said together.

Sarah and Charlotte left. Once they heard the car drive away, Beca and Chloe looked at each other.

"I don't know about you, but I'm going back to bed," Beca said, covering a yawn.

"I think I'm going to stay up," Chloe said. "Maybe make some coffee."

"Are you okay?"

"Yes. No. I don't know," Chloe said, sitting down on the couch. "It's just this whole thing with Daniels. I mean, I. Ugh. I just wish the police would catch him, so I don't have to be looking over my shoulder every damn minute."

Beca sat next to Chloe and pulled her into a hug.

"I'm sorry."

"Why are you apologizing? None of this is your fault."

"I know," Beca said. "I'm just sorry that you have to go through this."

Choe put her hands to her head and brushed her hair back.

"It sucks!"

Beca didn't know what to say that would make Chloe feel better, so she just rubbed Chloe's back.

After a moment or two, Beca had an idea.

"I know something that might make you feel better," Beca said.

"What?" Chloe asked, turning her head to face Beca.

"I'll make you my homemade lasagna for your birthday dinner tomorrow night."

A smile came to Chloe's face. "I thought you said you didn't like making lasagna because it takes so long."

"I did say that," Beca said. "But I also said I only make it for special occasions. And what's more special than your twenty-first birthday?"

Chloe pulled Beca to her by her shirt and crashed their lips together.

"I love it."

"Great!" Beca said, standing. "We can make a quick run to the store on our way back from the police station. But, for now, I'm going back to bed."

Beca moved toward the stairs and stopped to look at Chloe over her shoulder. "You're welcome to join me so we can cuddle if you want."

Chloe jumped up and hurried over to Beca.

"Cuddles with my girlfriend," Chloe said. "I'm in."

Beca took Chloe's hand and led her up the stairs.

~Stronger~ ~Stronger~ ~Stronger~

Chloe woke and looked around, surprised she had actually fallen asleep.

Chloe looked over at Beca and smiled. There was something about the girl that made Chloe feel safe. She sat up and hugged her knees to her chest, thinking about all that's happened. Her main thoughts went to Beca and how she had helped her through several panic attacks and was constantly comforting her and making her feel safe.

"It's no wonder that I love her," Chloe thought and sat up straighter. "Wait. What?"

Chloe looked down at Beca as she shifted in her sleep. Chloe smiled as the same thought went through her head. "I love her."

Beca stirred again, stretching her arms over her head. She looked up at Chloe with a smile.

"What time is it?"

"A little past nine. Are you awake enough to get up?"

"I'm awake," Beca responded. "I want to get our statements to the police over with."

"Why don't we get dressed, and I'll take you to breakfast?" Chloe said. "We can go to the police station after."

"That sounds like a plan," Beca said, removing the blanket and sitting up on the side of the bed. "I'll use the shower in my mom's bathroom so that you can use the one in the hall."

"Okay," Chloe said as Beca grabbed her clothes and headed out the door.

Chloe sat for a moment before getting up and leaving the room.

~Stronger~ ~Stronger~ ~Stronger~

After giving their statements to the police, the two girls made a stop at the grocery store. Beca had already gotten most of what she needed, and they were now in the produce section.

Chloe stood with her elbow on the cart and her chin resting on her hand, smiling as she watched Beca examining a bunch of Roma tomatoes. Beca was looking at each one, squeezing to see how firm they were, when Chloe's mind wandered to the night they almost had sex.

Chloe's eyes glazed over thinking about Beca's hands gently squeezing her breast, much like how Beca was squeezing the tomatoes.

"Chloe!?" Beca called out, snapping Chloe out of her thoughts.

"What?" Chloe asked as her eyes refocused and looked at Beca.

"Are you okay?" Beca asked. "I called your name like four times."

"What? Yes, I'm fine," Chloe said, placing both hands on the cart. "I just got lost in my thoughts."

"Based on the smile on your face," Beca said, smirking. "They must have been some good thoughts."

"Oh, they were," Chloe said, smirking back at Beca.

"Okay, um, well," Beca said, placing the tomatoes in their cart. "We just need to get some eggs, and then we can go."

"Lead the way," Chloe said.

Chloe followed Beca as she made her way to the dairy section and grabbed a dozen eggs.

"What do you want for dinner tonight?" Beca asked as she gently placed the eggs in the cart. "I was thinking I could make something with the Thanksgiving leftovers."

"Like what?"

"Turkey pot pie, turkey soup, or open-face turkey sandwiches. Whatever you want."

"I like the sounds of the turkey pot pie if that's okay with you."

"Sounds good to me," Beca said. "We have everything we need at home, so I think we're good to go."

~Stronger~ ~Stronger~ ~Stronger~

Once they returned, Chloe helped Beca put away the groceries. Beca kept out the things she would need to make dinner. She grabbed a knife and stood in front of the counter, looking at Chloe.

"Have you heard from your mom yet?" Beca asked. "Shouldn't they be in Tampa by now?"

"It depends on how often they stopped," Chloe said, setting her phone on the counter. "It's one-thirty now, so they should be almost to Tampa."

Beca grabbed some carrots and potatoes and began peeling them.

Chloe's phone rang, and she looked down at the caller ID.

"Speak of the devil," Chloe chuckled as she answered the phone. "Hi, mom."

"Hi, Chloe, we're home," Charlotte said, sighing heavily. "We actually got here about half an hour ago. We wanted to check your room to see what damage was done. Sweetie, I hate to say it, but it is as bad as your father said. The police took photos of everything, but we can't start cleaning things up until our insurance agent inspects everything."

"When will that be?"

"Not until Monday, Tuesday at the latest. Sarah asked if you could tell Beca since she won't be home until much later in the week, possibly the weekend."

"I'll tell her," Chloe said.

"Good," Charlotte said. "We'll call you when we know more, okay?"

"Okay," Chloe said. "I love you, guys."

"We love you, too," Charlotte said and ended the call.

Chloe set her phone on the counter and looked at Beca.

"Your mom won't be back until possibly the weekend," Chloe said. "The insurance agent can't come to the house until Monday or Tuesday. They were told not to clean up or do anything until after he inspects the damage."

"Oh, okay," Beca said. as she moved to retrieve the leftover turkey from the refrigerator.

Chloe was fidgety and felt like she needed to do something. She looked at Beca, saying, "What can I do to help?"

"Here," Beca said, placing the turkey platter in front of Chloe. "Start pulling the turkey off this and cut it into bite-sized pieces. We don't need a lot, just enough to make about two to three cups."

~Stronger~ ~Stronger~ ~Stronger~

After eating dinner and cleaning the kitchen, Beca and Chloe cuddled together on the sofa, watching the Food Network.

"I learned a lot about cooking watching The Kitchen," Beca said. "Sunny Anderson has always been a favorite. But since they added Alex Guarnaschelli, she's become a favorite, too. I also love watching her on Alex vs. America."

"I haven't seen that one," Chloe said, absentmindedly scratching Beca's scalp as she ran her fingers through Beca's hair. "What does she do on it?"

"It's a competition-type show where she goes against three other chefs," Beca said. "There's a different theme each week. One week it was seafood, and another week, it was brunch. Alex doesn't always win, but she does a good portion of the time."

"Hmm," Chloe hummed. "Did you ever think about trying out for a cooking competition? I know the Food Network has a lot of competition shows."

"I'm not that confident in my abilities," Beca said. "I mean, it's one thing to cook for family or friends; it's a whole other animal to compete with real chefs."

"I think you'd be great," Chloe said.

"Thanks," Beca said, leaning in to kiss Chloe.

Chloe moaned into the kiss, deepening it. After a moment, Beca pulled back to suck in much-needed air.

"Um," Beca cleared her throat. "I'm gonna go get the sauce started for tomorrow. If I do it tonight, I'll have more time to do what I have planned for your birthday tomorrow."

"You have something planned for my birthday?" Chloe asked with a big smile on her face. "What are we doing?"

"I'm not telling you everything," Beca said. "But, I will tell you the first thing we'll be doing. The rest you'll just have to wait and see."

"Meanie," Chloe said, pouting. After a moment, she sighed and asked, "So, what are we doing first?"

"First, we're going for a run," Beca said. "And, we're going to end our run at the diner on the other side of campus that you like, and I am going to buy you a birthday breakfast."

"I love that diner!" Chloe exclaimed, smiling.

"I know," Beca said, smiling as she stood to make her way to the kitchen. "That's why I'm taking you there for breakfast."

"You're so sweet," Chloe said, kissing Beca on the cheek. "Do you need any help with the sauce?"

"No, thanks, I'm good."

"Well, do you mind if I sit at the counter while you cook?" Chloe asked. "I have a paper I need to work on."

"I don't mind at all," Beca said. "I'd love the company."

"I'll be there in a few minutes," Chloe said. "I have to get my laptop from your room."

"Okay," Beca said and went to the kitchen.

~Stronger~ ~Stronger~ ~Stronger~

The sauce was done, and Beca placed it in the refrigerator. She smiled when she looked over to see Chloe staring at her over the top of her computer.

"Stop it," Beca said, chuckling.

"Stop what?" Chloe asked.

"You're staring," Beca said, walking over to the counter.

"Was not," Chloe scoffed.

"How's the paper coming?" Beca asked, leaning on the counter across from Chloe. "Have you finished yet?"

Chloe glanced over and could see down Beca's shirt; she suddenly felt warm when she saw that Beca was not wearing a bra. She swallowed loudly, and Beca grinned at her.

"Are you ready for bed yet?" Chloe asked as she closed the lid of her laptop.

Beca moved around the counter and took Chloe's face in her hands. She stared into Chloe's eyes and leaned in until their lips were almost touching.

"I'm more than ready," she whispered as she gently placed her lips to Chloe's

Chloe shifted on the stool and spread her legs, placing her hands on the small of Beca's back and pulling Beca to her. Beca moaned as Chloe deepened the kiss.

Beca put her hands on Chloe's shoulders and pushed back from the kiss. She then started placing small kisses down Chloe's jaw. She moved the hair from Chloe's neck and kissed the area just below Chloe's ear.

"Mmmm," Chloe moaned, sliding her hands down to cup Beca's ass.

Chloe's moans spurred Beca on, and she slid her hands down to cup Chloe's breasts. Beca then moved to capture Chloe's lips in another kiss.

The couple broke apart when Beca's phone rang.

"Ignore it," Beca said when Chloe started to pull away. "It will go to voicemail."

"It's your mom," Chloe said, glancing at Beca's phone. "Why don't you answer it and join me upstairs when you're done?"

"First my dad and now my mom," Beca said, sighing as she pulled away from Chloe and picked up her phone. "At this rate, I may never get laid."

"Never say never," Chloe said, giggling as she kissed Beca.

The phone stopped ringing, and Beca laid it back on the counter. She pulled Choe into another kiss, trying to pick up from where they left off.

"Maybe you should call your mom back," Chloe said, pulling away from Beca.

"I have a better idea," Beca mumbled, taking Chloe's hand. "Let's go upstairs."

Before they could get two steps, Beca's phone started ringing again. She sighed and looked at Chloe.

"I'll meet you in my room in five minutes," Beca said, giving Chloe a quick kiss.

"Don't keep me waiting too long," Chloe said, grabbing her laptop and skipping out of the kitchen, leaving Beca alone.

Beca let out a shuddering breath before answering the phone.

"Hey, Mom. It's late, is everything okay?"

"Is Chloe with you?" Sarah asked.

"Um, she just went up to bed," Beca said. "Why? Has something happened?"

~Stronger~ ~Stronger~ ~Stronger~

Chloe rushed into Beca's room. She dropped her laptop on the dresser and pulled off her shirt, tossing it carelessly to the side. She lay on the bed, striking what she hoped was a sexy pose.

Chloe lay for a moment before jumping up and stripping off the rest of her clothes. She tossed everything toward her shirt and hopped back onto the bed, striking a sexier pose. She put an inviting smile on her face and waited for Beca.

After a few minutes, Chloe started getting restless, wondering where Beca was. She debated on whether to go looking for Beca, finally deciding to wait it out, hoping Beca would be there soon.

Ten minutes later, Beca still wasn't there. Chloe let out a frustrated sigh as she flopped down onto her back, looking at the door.

Chloe ran her hands through her hair and stood from the bed. She opened the door and could hear voices coming from downstairs. At first, she thought Beca was still talking to her mother, but then she heard a man's voice and got nervous.

"It's late," Chloe thought. "Who could be here this time of night?"

Chloe grabbed her robe and put it on as she hurried out of the room to check on Beca. She went downstairs to find Beca talking to the same two officers that had arrested Beca's father.

"Beca?" Chloe said, causing Beca to turn toward her.

"Chloe, I'm glad you're still awake," Beca said.

"What's going on? Why are the cops here?"

"They're here for you," Beca said.

"What?" Chloe asked. "Why are they here for me?"

"Roger Daniels might know where you are," Beca blurted out. "So my mom called Joe and asked him to check on you, on us, to make sure we were safe. That's why she called me. To let me know that Joe was coming here to protect you. To protect both of us."

"Miss Beale," Joe said. "My partner and I will be sitting outside in our patrol car tonight to ensure that you remain safe. And, we will have teams swapping out at the end of each shift to watch over you until this Daniels guy is caught. There is an all-points bulletin for him in every city and town between here and Tampa. He might not even be coming here, but we don't want to take any chances with your safety."

Chloe stood next to Beca, looking pale and on the verge of a panic attack. Beca took her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. Chloe opened her mouth and then shut it when she couldn't seem to form the words to say anything.

"Um, why do you think he knows where I am?" Chloe finally managed to croak out.

"Your mom said her address book is missing," Beca said. "Your address is in it, and she's afraid Daniels took it, which means he has your address here at Barden. He doesn't know about me or this house, so it will be safer if you stay here."

"I'm scared," Chloe said as tears fell from her eyes.

Beca pulled her close, whispering, "I won't let anything happen to you. I promise."

Chloe hugged Beca tighter and nodded. Joe cleared his throat.

"Don't worry, Miss Beale, as I said, we'll be outside all night," he said, pulling a card from his pocket and holding it toward Beca. "This has both our cell numbers on it. Call if you hear anything or if something seems off. Also, we'll be taking turns patrolling around the house every two hours or so to make sure the place is secure."

"Thank you, Joe," Beca said, taking the card.

After Joe and his partner left, Beca continued to hold Chloe as she cried. After a few minutes, Beca pulled back.

"Chloe?" Beca said. "Look at me, please. I have something I want to say, and I want to make sure you hear me."

Chloe moved her tear-filled eyes to Beca's and waited. Beca placed her hands on Chloe's cheeks and stared into her eyes. She used her thumbs to wipe away Chloe's tears.

"I love you, and I promise you I'll do everything in my power to keep you safe, okay?"

Chloe's eyes widened. "Yo-you love me?" she whispered.

"Yeah, I do," Beca said, smiling. "I wasn't planning on telling you like this, but I thought it was something you needed to hear sooner rather than later."

Chloe smashed her lips to Beca's. Beca was surprised but recovered quickly and kissed Chloe back.

When breathing became an issue, Chloe broke the kiss and laid her forehead against Beca's, whispering, "I love you, too."

The two stood silently holding each other for a few minutes before Beca broke the silence.

"It's been a weird couple of days," Beca murmured. "Let's get you to bed."

"Okay," Chloe whispered as she took the hand Beca offered.

As soon as they entered Beca's room, Chloe sat on the edge of the bed. Beca gathered her pajamas and stood in front of Chloe.

"I'm going to brush my teeth and change," Beca said. "I'll be quick, okay?"

"Okay," Chloe said.

Beca left the room and hurried to the bathroom. She put on her pajamas and brushed her teeth.

Beca had only been gone for a few minutes. When she returned to her room, it was to find Chloe already in bed with her eyes closed.

Beca quietly walked over and slipped into bed. She moved close to Chloe and put her arm over Chloe's waist.

"You're naked?" Beca questioned when she felt nothing but skin.

"I am," Chloe said, turning to face Beca."But with everything that just happened, I'm emotionally drained and really tired. I'm sorry; I thought we would continue what we started earlier, but right now, I just want to go to sleep. I could put something on if you want."

"That's okay. You're fine," Beca said, kissing Chloe and whispering, "Goodnight. I love you."

"Love you, too," Chloe mumbled as she snuggled into Beca.

Beca smiled and closed her eyes. They fell asleep within seconds of each other.