The Next Day
I got ready as soon as possible and headed out with excitement that I was going to find out who the stalker was. The moment I found him, I would make sure he never came near Chloe again.
I had grown fond of Chloe even though I never met her directly. I mean, technically, I met Chloe but not her soul.
I could feel her whenever I wanted to know something. I could feel her presence inside. I wished I could talk to her, but it's better this way.
I locked my door and was about to go when I found another letter on the ground. I picked it up and searched my surroundings to find him, but he was nowhere.
Feeling frustrated, I pressed my fingers together, making a sharp cracking sound, and started walking.
The Grassmarket was full of people. It's a beautiful city with beautiful architecture and lovely people. It feels refreshing to visit places like Arthur's Seat and Princes Street Gardens, where Chloe usually goes. Then I found the figure lurking around the streets, following me.
What the hell? Doesn't he have any work or anything to do? I have been observing for the past four days. He always perfectly knows when I am alone or with friends. Has he bugged Chloe's place, or is he someone who is close to Chloe?
It's getting ridiculous. He doesn't approach or do anything. He just watches from a far distance. Sometimes he just follows. To a normal person, he just looks like someone going out because he doesn't even look at me directly; he just glances, that's all.
But he will do something eventually. He will definitely approach because he found that Chloe noticed him, and in one of the letters, he said he feels happy to be noticed after so long. Happy, my foot! I hope I don't end up killing him because it will cause Chloe problems.
At The Cafe
I entered the café and glanced back to find him gone. Well, he only follows, like he said in one of the letters, that by following, he is keeping her—or in this case, me—from the danger.
He thinks he is the guardian angel. Like that, all his letters have different stories. In one of them, he says I am—oh, I mean Chloe is—his salvation. Ugh, I am still confused about how to address myself or Chloe. Whatever. He is correct about one thing: I am going to be his salvation.
The book was still on the bench, so he hadn't come yet. "I am waiting for you, my dear love. Just come and show your beautiful face once," I muttered to myself.
Right now, I don't have any shift, but with the help of the owner of the cafe, I took all the shifts today. I hope he doesn't figure out why I am doing this.
I am so tired because of working all day long. When I am at home, I am a lazy person. This mission is testing all my physical and mental limits, but so far, I am enjoying it.
When I was about to give up, Chloe's art friend group came in—the one where she learns and practices her art. There are almost 15 people in her group, and I am sure it is one of them.
"Hey, Chloe," someone said. I didn't bother learning about him because I was tired and knew he was not the one. I smiled and chatted with all of them and took their orders. Apparently, they all are working on a project, and today is the last day, so they are celebrating.
"Why have you missed some of the classes, Chloe?" their teacher asked.
"Um, I haven't been feeling well lately," I said hesitating. I just wanted to get out of here, but I can't. I need to find whose book it is.
They all left after finishing, and it took a long time. My heart dropped with disappointment that no one took the book. My head dropped, feeling lost. Then the door opened. The guy who talked to me when he came into the café—the one I ignored from suspecting—came in. Then I asked myself, who is he? My spine straightened after realizing he is a friend of Chloe's, Aaron. But I can't find him in Chloe's close friends.
I dug deeper into Chloe's memories. "Sorry, Chloe," I murmured. Then I found that he is not a close friend of hers, but they usually meet to draw sometimes. And I found that he was there when Chloe told her friends about the stalking.
"And he is one of the people who tagged Zara and Emily that day," I said out loud, my hand on my forehead.
"Hey, Chloe, are you okay?" Aaron said, concern in his voice. Sealing my emotions, I cleared my throat and said, "Yeah, just some headache."
"Okay, take care," he said and was about to leave. "Aaron," I called out. "Yes, need any help?" he asked, facing me. "No... it's just, is that book yours?" I asked, pointing to the book.
"Oh, this?" He lifted the book doubtfully.
Collecting the Evidence
I searched all the memories of Chloe to see if I could find any evidence to prove he was stalking. It's like I am searching through computer files—I can search and open exactly the file I want. Apparently, Chloe has been trying to create some evidence that she is being stalked.
I found the photos of him that Chloe took.
"Trishala," I called out loud. "Yes, yes, will you stop calling me out loud? The mind-talking is to make sure people don't find it suspicious."
"Ugh, whatever," I waved a hand. "Can you find any video evidence of him following Chloe?" "I will send someone to help," her voice echoed in my head. "Okay," I said.
I ate my dinner and was about to head to bed. Then I remembered the letter from the morning. I searched my bag in a hurry and found the letter. Taking a deep breath, I opened it.
The Letter
Hi, my dear Chloe,
It's finally time for us to meet. Come to your favorite place at 5 p.m.
From your soulmate
The Next Morning
Where the heck is the person who is going to give me the evidence? With nerves, I started pacing the room. Then suddenly, a figure appeared in front of me. I staggered back and looked at the man. Hell, he is super hot. I was staring at him. Blinking, I diverted my gaze away from him.
"Here is the evidence I gathered for you, Miss Anika," he said, handing me the envelope. I opened it and saw the pictures and video tapes of someone following me.
"Can you give these to the police with these letters?"
"Okay, Miss," he said and vanished.
"Oh my god," I muttered, thinking about the guy. He is super tall, his brown eyes jet black hair, and he is stunning in the suit.
I haven't gone out today because if I do, he will follow me, and I might spill the beans.
4:40 PM
I headed out. My anxiety was high as a kite, my heart beating out of my chest. I stood at my favorite spot in Princes Street Gardens, waiting.
"Hey, Trishala, did that guy inform the police?" I said under my breath.
"Yes," that's all she said.
I opened the phone. It's almost 5 p.m.