Next Door Neighbor

CHAPTER 14: FIRST SIGHTING

STEPHANIE'S POV:

I need to go to the store. I text Spencer to let him know where I'm at and start the walk over. The store is only a few blocks away, which is nice. When I arrive, the store is crowded. I chose the worst time to come. Just my luck. I grab a basket and start my walk through the aisles. I'm in the produce aisle when I feel a pair of eyes on me. I look behind me and see a man in a grey hoodie. The hoodie has a tiger on it. Usually I would compliment the fashion choice, but right now I just feel uneasy. I look away and try to shake off the strange feeling I have. I'm probably just being paranoid.

I move to the next aisle over and the man follows me. I move another aisle over and he's still behind me. Now I'm getting a little freaked out. I decide to end my shopping with what I have and head to the cash register. The sooner I get out of here and away from him, the better. I check out, pay, and rush out the door as soon as I can.

I basically run home, checking behind me ever so often. I don't see the man again. I finally reach my apartment and walk inside, taking a deep breath. It was probably nothing, most likely he just needed the same stuff as me. Still, it was a little creepy. Spencer is sitting on the couch, and when I come in, he races over to me. "You're home early." I joke. He gestures for me to sit down. He seems nervous.

"What's going on?" I ask. "Listen. Something felt off about the notes and flowers you received. I asked Garcia to check security footage, and there's been a man leaving the notes. I think you might be getting stalked. It's unlikely, but I don't want to take any chances." He explains. My face pales. "This is some sort of joke, right?" Spencer shakes his head. "It was just two notes. It was probably just a wrong address." I argue. "The notes fit the typical obsessive patterns of a stalker, wording and all. I hope I'm wrong, but I'm staying here just to be safe. The team is looking into it. Have you noticed anything unusual lately?" He asks.

"Actually, yeah. I was at the store today and I swear, this guy was following me around. It was creepy." I say honestly. "What did he look like?" He asks. "I don't know, just an average guy. He was wearing a grey hoodie with a tiger on it though. It was a nice sweatshirt." Spencer's brow furrows. "Did you see his face at all?" I shake my head no. "Why do you ask?" I question. "The man who's been leaving the notes has the same sweatshirt." He tells me. "You mean my stalker was following me around the store, and I was only a few feet away from him?" I squeak out.

"Hey, don't worry. I'm not going to let anything happen to you." he says. He holds me close, and I feel safe in his arms.