The unbreakable bond

Chapter 1 - Paranoid Alena - pov It was already late when I was finishing things up. It's almost midnight and if it hadn't been for that asshole who had been ordering drink after drink, I would have been home already. I work in a little tavern next to a long-forgotten highway. Normally, only regulars pass by to eat or drink with friends, family or alone. They usually leave around 11 pm, but the asshole sitting in the corner has been here since 8 pm. Looking through the window, deep in thought and ordering whiskey on the rocks. He waves at me, I go to his table. "Anything else sir?" I asked in a friendly tone. I may be pissed because I have to overwork while everyone else is already gone, but I have this simple policy of being friendly in front of the customer. "The cheque, please" he says in a deep and husky voice, probably from the alcohol. "I will bring it to you in a second" I replied again with a smile. I went to the register, I saw him staring at me through the corners of my eyes. I will admit, he is a very handsome, tall and muscular man, but anyone staring at me makes me uncomfortable. I mean, a lot of serial killers appear friendly, until they are not. I went to the mysterious man and gave him his cheque. His green-brownish eyes stare into mine, he opens his mouth, trying to say something, but closes it again. I retreated to my register, pretending to work. He puts some money on the table and stands up, taking his coat and walks with big strides to the door. "Thank you, have a nice evening" is the last thing I can say before the door closes. I hastily went to the door to lock it before counting the cash. I went to his table and saw a 100 dollar bill on it. He only drank like 30 dollars of cheap whiskey. I looked through the window to see if he was still there so I could at least give him some change but I saw no one. Okay, a nice tip I guess. I could use it and I have been very friendly, plus I am the only one working overtime so I deserve this big tip, I tried to tell myself. I cleaned up and went home. I still have to walk 20 minutes till I am home. Usually, I get a ride but Chloe (my colleague and best friend) had to go home. I am crossing the parking lot as I hear some rustling in the bushes nearby. I looked at the direction in which it came from. I take my keys between my fingers like the self-defence classes in college taught us and start to walk faster. I am already halfway home as I hear a rustling again. I swear someone is following me. I dialed my best friend's number, hoping she would answer the phone. "Hello?" A tired and frustrated Chloe answers. "Chloe, thank god you answered your phone" I replied. "Alena, do you know what time it is? Is this your way to take revenge on me for not working overtime?" I don't blame her for being annoyed. I have known Chloe since kindergarten. She hated to be woken up from her naps and she hadn't changed much. "I'm sorry, it's just... I think someone is following me. I keep hearing things and I'm scared" I didn't mean to sound fragile, but the last part came out as a whimper. "It's okay girl, I shouldn't have left you to begin with. There are a lot of creeps out there, I'm sorry. Do I have to pick you up?" I swear I don't deserve her as my friend, ever since... that happened she has been very protective towards me. "No, it's okay, although I would like it if you could just stay on the phone" I answered. "Sure thing girl! Tell me, are you excited about starting college in two weeks? You've been working all summer, I hope you aren't overworked" she tells me, less annoyed, and I chuckle. "I am thrilled to start again! Our last year in college will be awesome", I say. I can hear her laugh at the other side of the phone. "Does that mean I will finally be able to drag you along to one of the parties?" She asks with a hopeful voice. "I don't want to give you false hope, but I think I will giv-" what was that? I heard a branch crack. "Girl, you still there?" I hear Chloe calling out, but right now all I can do is fix my attention on my surroundings. I am almost home, my imagination is just playing tricks on me. Just take deep breaths. In and out. "Yeah, I'm here, you were saying?" I casually continued our talk while practically jogging the last mile. I can see the front door and I am panting from my jog as I try to keep answering Chloes’ questions. I arrive at the door, open it and immediately lock it when I'm inside. My mom left the lights on so I wouldn't stumble again. I watch through the window and I see the reflection of the light on someone or, better, something its eyes. I am trembling with fear. Did someone or something really follow me? Am I hallucinating? I did not imagine things, did I? I tell Chloe I'm safe at home, say my goodbyes and hang up. I run upstairs, change my work clothes into some old leggings and a baggy shirt and go under my blanket. I am still a little terrified and I can't fall asleep. What was following me?