"What?," Chloe said. "How can that be? It's only been a couple of hours."
"The officer said they could only charge her with reckless driving from ramming into your car," Beca said. "He said it's a misdemeanor and she could get anywhere from five to ninety days in jail, plus pay a fine. They had no other reason to hold her, so they let her go. He also said to give them a call if she shows up and bothers me again."
Beca was frustrated and tears came to her eyes. Chloe didn't know what to say so she just pulled Beca to her and held her. Inside Carrie looked out to see Chloe holding Beca.
"What do you think about that?," Jesse asked watching.
"I think they're good for each other," Carrie said.
"Chloe seems like a decent girl," Jesse said. "But Stacie told me she hasn't been in a real relationship in quite some time."
"That's right," Carrie said. "I won't give you the particulars because it's not my place, but someone hurt her real bad. Since then she has closed off her heart to anything real."
"I don't know if I like her going after Beca," Jesse said. "I know she's your sister, but Beca's the kind who when she falls for someone, she falls hard. I don't want her to get hurt."
"I think Chloe sees something in Beca that makes her want to try," Carrie said. "I already told Chloe that I liked Beca and she needed to back off if all she wanted to do was hump and dump her."
"Hump and dump?," Jesse chuckled. "Sorry. I haven't heard that since High School."
"Yeah, well," Carrie said still watching Chloe holding Beca. "It fits."
Carrie saw Beca pull back and look at Chloe. Chloe gave Beca a small smile and wiped at her tears. They stood there looking at each other. Carrie and Jesse both looked away, feeling as if they were intruding.
"I'm sorry," Beca said. "I don't know why I'm crying."
"It's okay," Chloe said wiping at her tears. "I think you look cute when you cry."
Beca just looked at Chloe and Chloe looked back at her. "Do you want to go to dinner with me tomorrow night?," Beca asked.
"Why Miss Mitchell," Chloe said with a big smile. "Are you asking me out? On a date?"
"Yes, I am," Beca said. "We can do dinner or something else if you'd prefer. Although I can't do anything too strenuous for a while."
"Dinner sounds great," Chloe said. "I'll even come over here and get ready, so you have to come to the door and pick me up. Make it a real date."
"You're such a dork," Beca said with a laugh.
"And yet you still asked me out," Chloe said and smiled. Beca laughed and shook her head. "I need to go home and get some stuff for work. I'll only be gone a couple of hours. Will you be okay?"
"I'm fine," Beca said. "Besides I have Carrie and Jesse to protect me."
"I should go so I can get back," Chloe said. "I see a movie and some cuddles happening tonight."
"Ew, a movie? Really?," Beca asked. Chloe just looked at her with raised eyebrows. "Fine. A movie and cuddles it is."
"I knew you'd see it my way," Chloe said. She leaned down and whispered in Beca's ear, "And if you play your cards right, I might even let you make out with me."
Beca swallowed and looked at Chloe. "Can't wait," Beca said.
"Come on," Chloe said. "Let's go inside. Those two have been trying not to watch us for a while now."
Beca looked over and caught Jesse turning his head away quickly. "I see what you mean," Beca said with a laugh. "Is it weird that I want to kiss you right now."
Chloe didn't say anything. She just leaned in and kissed Beca. It was a chaste kiss by most standards but seemed to hold a promise of things to come.
Chloe pulled back and smiled at Beca. "Not weird at all," Chloe said.
The two girls went back inside to find Jesse and Carrie smiling at them.
"Shut up," Beca said, blushing.
"I'm going to go home and get some work stuff," Chloe told Carrie. "Do you need me to get anything while I'm out."
"No, I'm good," Carrie said.
"We'll need some popcorn for our movie tonight," Beca said.
Jesse gasped and looked at Beca, surprise written on his face. "You're going to freely watch a movie tonight? You never want to watch a movie with me."
"Look at her," Beca said pointing to Chloe. "And look at you. Do I really need to say anything else?"
"Point taken," Jesse said causing Chloe and Carrie to laugh at him.
"I'll be back soon," Chloe said.
"Wait," Beca said and took some keys from her pocket. She held them out to Chloe. "Take my car. I haven't driven it in a while, and it needs to be. Plus, we need to get your car looked at and fixed."
"That's sweet of you, Becs," Chloe said as she took the keys and kissed Beca on the cheek. "I'd better go."
"Be careful," Carrie told her as she was leaving.
"Always," Chloe threw back over her shoulder.
~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~
Several hours later, Beca had taken her pain meds and was sleeping with her head in Chloe's lap, having missed all but the first ten minutes of The Breakfast Club.
"Thanks for letting me crash your movie night," Jesse told Chloe. "The Breakfast Club is my all time favorite movie."
"I'm surprised Beca slept through it," Chloe said.
"She doesn't like movies," Jesse told her. "Says their too predictable. I have to admit, the few movies I got her to sit through she told me what was going to happen before it did. It's freaky how accurate she is."
"Wow," Chloe said.
"I guess I should be going," Jesse said. "I'm going to come by in the morning to check on her."
"Could you carry her to bed before you go?," Chloe asked.
"Sure," Jesse said and carefully lifted Beca to carry her into her room.
Chloe followed and hurried to pull the covers back so Jesse could lay Beca down. Chloe removed Beca's shoes and went to pull off her jeans.
"Um, you might want to wait in the living room while I undress her," Chloe said.
"Oh, sorry, sure," Jesse said and hurried out of the room.
Chloe had unbuttoned and unzipped Beca's jeans and had just put her hands on the waist when Beca woke up.
"Sheesh, Chlo," Beca mumbled. "If you wanted to get into my pants all you had to do was ask."
"Hush, you," Chloe said with a laugh. "Can you stand up? It might be easier to take your jeans off."
"M'kay," Beca said. "I'm going to need some help. I'm feeling a little woozy from the medicine."
Chloe helped Beca stand and pulled her jeans down her leg. Beca sat on the bed, and Chloe pulled them all the way off.
"Um, what about your shirt and bra?," Chloe asked.
"If you could just unhook my bra for me," Beca said. "I can do the rest."
"Okay," Chloe said and helped Beca take off her shirt.
Beca presented her back to Chloe, and she unhooked the bra. "There's a pair of pajamas with a button-down shirt in that drawer right there," Beca said pointing to the drawer.
Chloe went to the drawer and got the pajamas and laid them on the bed beside Beca. She turned away to give Beca some privacy. She heard Beca call her name and turned to see her sitting on the bed with her pajama shorts in her hand.
"Can you help put on my shorts?," Beca asked.
"No problem," Chloe said.
After Chloe had Beca in her pajamas, Beca thanked her.
"I noticed your tattoos," Chloe said. "The one on your shoulder is gorgeous."
"Thanks," Beca said. "I got that the year my grandma died. It was her favorite flower."
"How many do you have?," Chloe asked.
"Four," Beca said. "The flowers on my shoulder, the saying on my lower back, the grasshopper on my forearm, and headphones near my wrist."
"Is there a story behind all of them?," Chloe asked.
"Yeah, sort of," Beca said. "But, I'm tired. I'll tell you those stories some other time."
"Fair enough," Chloe said and started to leave the room.
"Hey, Chlo," Beca called out before she could leave. "Will you sleep in here with me tonight?"
"Will there be cuddling?," Chloe asked excitedly.
Beca laughed. "Sure, why not?"
"Then, yes, I will sleep in here tonight," Chloe said. "I just need to let Jesse know you're all safe and tucked in."
Chloe hurried off and said goodbye to Jesse. Once he was gone, she hurried back to the guest room and changed into her pajamas. She was ready for bed when she returned to Beca's room.
Beca was laying on the bed asleep. For a moment, Chloe thought she should go to the guest room.
"I can feel you thinking," Beca mumbled. "Just get into bed so I can go back to sleep."
Chloe laughed lightly and set her phone's alarm to wake her up in the morning. She set the phone on the nightstand and climbed into bed next to Beca. They did the same little dance as the night before until Beca was comfortable and Chloe was spooning Beca.
Both were asleep in minutes.
~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~
Chloe awoke to her alarm. She quickly grabbed her phone to shut it off so as not to wake Beca. She lifted her head to see that Beca was sleeping soundly. She smiled. This was a face she could get used to waking up next to every morning. She sighed and eased herself out of bed. She left Beca and went to the guest room to gather what she needed to shower.
Once Chloe had showered and dressed for work, she went to the kitchen and made coffee. It wasn't long before Beca came shuffling out of her bedroom. She stood at the counter by the coffee pot yawning and trying to stretch without actually stretching.
"Did you sleep okay?," Chloe asked as she poured them both some coffee.
"Yeah," Beca said. "I may have to keep you around. Either that or stock up on those pain meds. I haven't slept this well in a while."
"Well, I'd prefer to be your drug of choice," Chloe said as she handed Beca her coffee.
"Um, yeah, okay," Beca said and cleared her throat. "So, about our date tonight. What's your favorite kind of food? Mexican? Italian? Seafood?"
"I'm easy," Chloe said and Beca raised an eyebrow at her. "I meant with regards to food. Get your mind out of the gutter."
Beca scoffed. "Like you weren't giving it a double meaning. Do you ever stop?"
"Not when I can make you blush so easily," Chloe said with a grin. "You're really cute when you get all flustered."
"And I'm not cute unless I'm flustered?," Beca asked with a cheeky grin.
"No, you're actually stunning when you're not flustered," Chloe said and sipped her coffee.
Beca choked on her coffee not expecting that. She was saved from having to respond by a knock at the door.
"I'll, uh, I'll get it," Beca squeaked out and hurried to the door. "Who is it?"
"It's Carrie," the guest responded.
Beca opened the door and let her in. "Good morning."
"Just wanted to check on you before I left for the hospital," Carrie said. "My shift is over at four and if there aren't any emergencies to worry about I should be home before five." Carrie waved at Chloe as she came toward her. "Are you going to be able to stay again tonight? I have a date with Aidan and may be out late."
"I was planning to stay the whole week," Chloe said. "I'll stop by my apartment on my way from school to pick up mail and stuff. Plus, Beca and I have a date tonight so I was already planning to stay."
"Really?," Carrie said and waggled her eyebrows.
"Not for that," Beca said. "I'm still too sore for that kind of activity."
"So, you were thinking about it?," Carrie asked with a smirk.
"What? No, that's," Beca stammered. "I just meant that you didn't have to worry about me doing, you know, that, with your sister. Not that I don't want to, but I can't. Well, I can but it would be painful, and-. Oh, God, I'm just going to shut up now."
Chloe and Carrie laughed. "Don't worry, Becs," Chloe said grinning. "You're safe with me. I think we'll wait on doing, you know, that, until we've been on a couple of dates."
"Keep teasing me and we may not even make it to the first one," Beca mumbled.
"What was that?," Chloe asked looking at Beca with a raised eyebrow.
"Uh, nothing," Beca said hurriedly. "I'm just, uh, looking forward to our first date tonight."
"Well, I have to go," Carrie said. "I'll probably see you guys before my date. Have a good day."
"I'll walk out with you," Chloe said. "Beca, call me if you need anything."
"I might need your number if I'm going to do that," Beca said. "Oh, and there's a key to my apartment on the ring with the car key."
"Okay, thanks," Chloe said and handed Beca her phone. "Put your number in."
Beca put her number in Chloe's phone and sent herself a text. "I texted my number so I have yours," Beca said.
"Okay," Chloe said walking toward the door with Carrie. "I mean it, Beca. Call me if you need anything."
"Yes, ma'am," Beca said.
There was a knock on the door just as Chloe reached it. She answered to find Jesse standing there.
"You should ask who it is before just opening the door," Jesse chastised. "I could have been anyone."
Chloe shut the door in his face. Jesse knocked and Chloe asked, "Who is it?"
Beca sat on the sofa laughing.
"Jesse," Jesse said.
Chloe opened the door and smiled at him. "Good morning, Jesse."
"Okay, you've already been hanging around Beca too long," Jesse said and hurriedly entered the apartment. "That's something she would have done."
"He's right, I would have," Beca said still laughing.
"We'll see you later, Becs," Chloe said as she and Carrie left.
"What's up, Jess?," Beca asked.
"Nothing," Jesse said. "Just checking in."
"Everything's quiet," Beca said. "Hopefully, the stalker will get bored with me and move on."
"What are you doing today?," Jesse asked.
"I'm working on some new sets for my DJ gigs," Beca said. "Carrie's going to make an appointment for me to get a quick check and my stitches taken out sometime this week. Hopefully, the doctor will say I can work my DJ gigs this weekend."
"What about your producing?," Jesse asked. "Anything new you are working on?"
"Not yet. I'm working on the last track on Pink's album," Beca said. "That should be done by Wednesday. Then I have to go to the studio on Thursday to talk about my next project. It's either going to be Adele or Maroon 5. Before I forget, can you take me to the studio on Thursday?"
"What time?," Jesse asked.
"I usually go in from around nine to Noon," Beca said. "But, you can just drop me off on your way to work. I can work on whatever changes I need to make to Pink's album. Maybe you can pick me up and take me home during your lunch hour so you don't have to miss too much time. Will that be okay?"
"That's good. I'll see if Stacie or Benji can cover for me just in case you get done earlier," Jesse said. "Does Carrie or Chloe know about your alter ego Reggie B, Grammy-winning music producer?"
"No," Beca said. "I'll tell them maybe this week, but you know I don't like people knowing about that part of my life until I'm comfortable around them. People start treating me differently when they know."
"I still can't believe you haven't told Carrie at least," Jesse said. "You've known her for, what? Six months?"
"It just never came up," Beca said. "And I like just being her friend from next door who DJs on the weekends. That's why I use the name Reggie B when I produce; no one knows who I am and nobody bothers me."
"Okay," Jesse said. "But give them some credit. Once they find out you're Reggie B, they won't treat you any differently. I guarantee it."
"You're right," Beca said. "I have a date with Chloe tonight. Maybe I'll tell her then. I don't want to start off our relationship with lies about who I am."
"Look at you, being all grown up," Jesse said. "I have to say I really like Chloe. I wasn't sure at first because Stacie said she hasn't been in a real relationship for a while. But you two look good together. But, still, be careful. I do like her for you, but I don't want to see you get hurt."
"Maybe I'll talk to her about where she sees this going at dinner tonight," Beca said. "I really do like her and I'm hoping she sees me as someone other than a short-term thing."
"I should get going," Jesse said. "Let me know how the date turns out. And, call me if you need anything today. I mean it; anything, you call me."
"I will," Beca said. "Thanks, Jess."
Beca walked Jesse to the door and hugged him goodbye. She decided to make herself a bowl of cereal before she started working.
~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~
Beca had been working for several hours when she decided to take a break. She took her headphones off and set them on the coffee table and stretched her right side a bit. She stood up to get her muscles going when she suddenly stopped. She looked over at her door because she could have sworn she heard what sounded like voices and rustling coming from the other side of it.
Beca stood and listened intently and she heard the noise again. Her eyes go wide and her breathing started to get rapid. She started walking toward the door, being as quiet as she could. She stopped about a foot from it and stared at it as if she could see through it to what was on the other side.
She moved a few inches closer and stood, waiting for a sound or anything. The only thing she could hear was the pounding of her own heart. She swallowed and let out a long slow breath before making her way to the door. She stood and put her ear to the door, straining to hear anything over her heart beating. She thought she heard what sounded like whispered voices and she pulled back from the door. She eased back to the door and got on her tiptoes so she could look out the peephole but didn't see anyone. She heard the voices again.
Beca took a step back and thought for a moment. Should she call somebody? Chloe? No, she's in class. Carrie? No, she's a nurse and probably can't get away. Jesse? He might be her best bet. She reached in her pocket to pull out her phone, only to find it wasn't there. It must have fallen out while she was working because when she looked over toward the sofa, there it was, laying on the cushion.
Beca looked back at the door and then her phone. She quietly moved back to the sofa and was just reaching for her phone when the door swung open, hitting the wall behind it.
"Ahhhhh," Beca screamed putting a hand to her chest.
"Beca!," two voices ring out.
"Amy? CR?," Beca said as soon as she saw who had entered her apartment. "What the hell are you doing here? You scared me half to death."
"We heard what happened to you and came to check on you," Amy said.
"You could've just called," Beca said. "What was all the rustling and whispering about?"
"Amy couldn't find her key," CR said. "We were trying to be quiet so we could surprise you."
"You surprised me alright," Beca said her breathing finally returning to normal. She was holding her side and winced.
"Are you okay?," CR asked.
"Yeah," Beca said. "Just the cracked rib causing me some trouble."
"Maybe you should sit down," Amy said. "CR get her some water."
CR got the water and Beca took a drink. She was doing much better and she looked behind Amy.
"Are you moving in?," Beca asked seeing two big suitcases and a box.
"Um, er, well," Amy stammered. "I could use a place to stay for a bit. Until I go back to Australia."
"Where's your stuff, CR?," Beca asked.
"I'm staying with my cousin," CR said. "I love you, but there is no way I'm staying with Amy."
"Hey," Amy said. "I was voted the best roommate in Tasmania. You should be begging to be my roommate."
"Um, Ames," Beca said. "We might have a problem. I already have a guest staying here."
"You got yourself a girl?," CR asked. "Get it, Shorty."
"Who is she?," Amy asked.
"First, she's not 'my girl'," Beca said and then mumbled under her breath, "Not yet anyway." She continued in her normal voice. "Second, her name is Chloe and she's Carrie's sister."
"Carrie's your neighbor, right?," CR asked.
"Yeah," Beca said. "She's a trauma nurse so she's been looking after me since I came home."
"Does that mean I can't stay?," Amy asked pouting.
"You can stay," Beca said. "I'll just move Chloe to my room."
CR and Amy smiled. "I thought she wasn't your girl," Amy said waggling her eyebrows.
"She's not," Beca said. "She's been staying with me since I found out I have a stalker. The police can't do anything about it because they have no evidence. Carrie, Chloe, and Jesse decided I should have someone around me at all times. Carrie works odd hours at the hospital and Jesse's busy so Chloe has stayed with me for the last two nights. I feel safe when she's around."
"Oh, Shorty," CR said with a laugh. "You got it bad, girl."
"I know," Beca said and slumped her shoulders. "We are actually having our first date tonight. Hopefully, it will be the first of many to come."
"So, can I take my bags to the guest room?," Amy asked.
"Go ahead," Beca said. "CR can you help me move Chloe's stuff?"
"Sure," CR said.
The three women walked back to the bedrooms and CR carried Chloe's stuff to Beca's room. Once they were done and Amy had her stuff in the guest room, they went back to the living room.
"Amy, you forgot your box," Beca said.
"That's not mine," Amy said. "It's got your name on it. It was sitting in front of your door when we got here."
"What?," Beca said and looked at the box. "Who's it from?"
"I don't know," Amy said. "It just has your name and address. There's no return information."
Beca went to the kitchen and got a knife. She walked over to the box and bent over to pick it up only to stand upright with her hand over her side.
"Could one of you put this on the coffee table for me?," Beca asked.
"I got it," CR said and lifted the box and set it down on the table.
"Thanks," Beca said and used the knife to cut the tape. She placed the knife on the table and lifted the lid. "What the fuck?"
CR and Amy stood over the box and looked in.
"What is all that?," Amy asked.
"This is some of my stuff my dad said was stolen from his house last month," Beca said stupefied.
"Maybe it was found and your dad sent it to you," CR suggested.
Beca pulled out her phone and called her father.
"Hey, dad," Beca said when he answered.
"Hello, Beca," Mr. Mitchell said. "How are you?"
"I'm doing okay," Beca said. "Um, dad, did you send me a box of stuff. Stuff that was stolen from your place during that break-in you had last month."
"No," Mr. Mitchell said. "Why? What's going on?"
"A box of my stuff just showed up on my doorstep," Beca said. "I have no idea who left it or who it's from."
"That's weird," Mr. Mitchell said. "I think you should call the police. Maybe your stalker had something to do with it."
"I guess," Beca said, still not wrapping her head around what was happening. "I'll call you later, dad. I need to figure this out."
"Let me know what happens," Mr. Mitchell said.
"I will," Beca said and ended the call.
Amy had started pulling things out of the box. Beca looked at her.
"What are you doing?," Beca asked putting her hands out to stop Amy. "I need to call the police and let them check this out."
"There's a note," Amy said pulling out a folded piece of paper.
Beca took the note and opened it and started reading it.
My Dearest Beca,
I am giving you back some of your childhood memories to prove that I still love you. I forgive you for pretending not to know me and I can't wait to be back in your arms once again.
I love you and will do anything to make you mine.
All My Love, A
"What is this? Some Pretty Little Liars shit?," CR asked. "A is back. Ooo, everybody be scared."
"No," Beca said. "The police said the stalker girl's name is Anita Michaels. And I still have no idea who she is or how I'm supposed to know her." Beca folds the letter and drops it back in the box. "I'm calling the police. Leave everything where it is and let them take care of it."
The police came and the detective Beca spoke to the day before questioned all three girls about the box. He also got each of their fingerprints so they could rule them out if they found other fingerprints on the box and letter.
Everyone was gone except the detective. "Miss Mitchell, I'm going to put out a BOLO for Anita Michaels."
"What's a BOLO?," Beca asked.
"It means, be on the lookout," the detective said. "Our guys will be looking for her. Until we catch her, you'll need to stay vigilant. Don't go anywhere alone. Don't open your door unless you know who it is. And call us immediately if you see her. Understand?"
"Now you're paying attention?," Beca asked shaking her head. "Because of a box of stolen stuff. Where was this concern when I told you she was the one who stabbed me?"
The detective sighed. "I am sorry," he said. "We didn't have any evidence to arrest her for the stabbing. I know you IDed her, but that's not enough. We need actual physical evidence. If we find her fingerprints on the box or the stolen things inside, it will be enough to arrest her.
I'll make sure we have extra patrols in the neighborhood looking for her. And, I'll keep you posted. Okay?"
"Yeah," Beca said. "Thank you."
The detective left as Chloe came into the apartment. She looked at him and then rushed over to Beca.
"What happened?," Chloe asked slightly panicked. "Why was that detective here?"
Beca sighed and told Chloe what had happened.
"Are you okay?," Chloe asked pulling Beca into a hug.
"I'm fine," Beca said.
"Whoa, Beca," she hears Amy say as she came into the living room. "Not on the couch or right in front of me."
Chloe jumped up and stood in front of Beca. "Who the hell are you?"
"Wow," CR said when she saw Chloe. "Damn, Beca. She's hot."
"It's okay, Chlo," Beca said with a laugh. "These are my good friends, Amy and CR." Beca points to each of them as she says their name. "Amy's staying with me for a while."
"Nice to meet you, Red," Amy said. "It's good to know Beca has someone looking out for her."
"Nice meeting you two," Chloe said. "Beca, can I speak to you for a minute? Alone."
"Sure," Beca said. "Excuse us, we'll be right back."
Beca led Chloe to her bedroom and closed the door. She sat on the bed and Chloe sat next to her. "What's up?"
"We don't have to go out tonight if you don't want to," Chloe said. "We can just stay in."
"You don't want to go out with me tonight?," Beca asked looking forlorn.
"No, that's not it," Chloe said taking Beca's hands in hers. "I've thought about nothing else since you asked me. I just thought with all that's happened, you might not feel up to it."
"I'm not going to let this Anita person dictate my life," Beca said. "It's bad enough I need babysitters, she's not going to keep me from having a date night with you."
"Good," Chloe said. "I was hoping you'd say that." Chloe took a minute and looked around the room. "Becs? Why is all my stuff in here?"
"I gave Amy the guest room," Beca said. "You've been staying in her every night anyway."
"You know I could just go home or stay with Carrie, right?," Chloe asked with a grin.
"I didn't really think of that," Beca said. "So, you don't want to stay here tonight?"
"I'd love to stay here," Chloe said.
Chloe and Beca looked at each other. They slowly started leaning into each other only to jump apart when there was a knocking on the door.
"Alright, you two," Amy yelled through the door. "Quit you snogging and get out here. CR's leaving."
"I guess we should, um, go," Chloe mumbled and stood up.
"Yeah," Beca said with a sigh. "I guess we should."
