Before I stepped outside, I couldn't resist taking a quick peek through the window blinds. I scanned the parking lot and entrance, just checking for any signs of trouble. I quickly grabbed my jacket and backpack, then hurried down the stairs.
As I reached the bottom, I caught sight of a group of school kids hopping off the bus, their laughter filling the air. It was a comforting sound, especially seeing a few parents waiting to gather their excited little ones. I took a deep breath, feeling the tension ease a bit, and made my way through the gate toward the community center; my heart felt a little more at ease.
I kept my eyes peeled as I strolled along, casually scanning for any sign of Allen or his car. Every person I passed felt like a potential suspect in my mind. A man was sleeping on a nearby bench; he'd wrapped himself in newspapers, with just one shoe on―definitely homeless. I popped my earbuds in and let my playlist wash over me as I strolled along.
By the time I reached the community center, I let out a quiet sigh of relief, which honestly felt like a small victory. I headed straight to my office, ready to dive into the day. I had two classes lined up for the day, working from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thankfully, we were allowed to clock out early tonight at 6:30 p.m. A colleague offered to give me a ride back to my apartment, which was a nice surprise and meant I'd be home sooner than expected.
"Thanks, Zondra. I appreciate the ride."
"No problem. I can drop you off every night because I live down the street from you. Plus, since the time has changed, it's dark by 6 p.m. I don't mind dropping you off. Oh, by the way, a guy came by looking for you earlier today. He said his name was Allen. Wait―What's wrong? You look like you saw a ghost."
She caught the flicker of panic in my eyes, and I could practically hear my heart pounding like a drum in my chest. I knew it―I was right. He had found out which community center I worked at.
"Oh my gosh! I met that guy at the coffee café and he was trying to find out where I lived. What did you tell him?"
"I said you were at your new job, but he said OK and that he knew where to find you, then he left. Lola, you look frightened. Do you need me to take you to your building just in case he's waiting for you to get home?"
"Please, I just want to make sure he's not nearby. You can put me on the backside, and I'll run up to my apartment. Thanks for looking out for me, Zondra. Hopefully, I will have my car back soon. I will call Ms. Anderson and let her know he came to the community center asking about me and for her not to give him any information about me."
"Sounds like you have a stalker on your hands. What are you going to do?"