CHAPTER 1
"Breeeee…" Chloe whined, as she watched her best friend pack the last of her belongings into a box on the floor of a very empty room, "Why can't you just stay?"
"Don't…," Aubrey pouted up at the redhead leaning against the doorframe of what used to be her room. It was a bittersweet moment: both women were extremely happy for Aubrey, but it would definitely be a strain on their friendship. This would be the first time in the twenty years the two have known each other that they would be apart. STATES apart. Aubrey was accepted into Harvard's Masters' Program of Law and as much as she wanted to stay with her best friend, she knew she couldn't pass up the opportunity to study at a school like Harvard.
Chloe knew this, too. So, she was excited for Aubrey, and promised to herself that she would be the support system Aubrey needs. Chloe didn't let herself get too upset when Aubrey explained again why she couldn't stay in Georgia, because Barden's Law program isn't the best (her subtle way of saying she thinks it sucks). She didn't let the tears fall when Aubrey explained again that Harvard is one of the most competitive schools and how she's lucky she even got accepted (especially when graduate programs twice as competitive). Instead, she walked over to her best friend and took a seat on the carpet beside her, pulling her into a tight hug.
"Well, I'm proud of you, Bree… And I'll always be just a phone call away" And over 1000miles… Chloe thought, with a pout.
Chloe sighed, keeping her emotions in check. Aubrey shed a few silent tears as she rubbed Chloe's back, softly. Conveying her appreciation for the bubbly redhead and the light she brought into her life. They stayed like this for a while, until a car horn reminded them of how quickly their time was running out. Chloe helped Aubrey carry the rest of her boxes from the apartment downstairs to Mr. Posen's jeep. Already half full of boxes suitcases and tupper-ware. Once the last box was (impressively) shoved into a space it wasn't supposed to fit, Aubrey and Chloe exchanged goodbyes once more. Promising skype-dates and daily updates. Until, Mr. Posen, well known for his warm, patient personality (not), interrupted the farewell with another punch at the horn.
Chloe forced a smile as she watched the blonde open the door to the passenger's side and hop in. She watched as the jeep backed out of its space and drove away from the apartment complex. Taking not only boxes and suitcases, but her best friend and a small piece of her heart.
LATER THAT NIGHT-
BECA: Do you need me to come over after I finish up at the station?
Other than Aubrey, Chloe's only other close friend was Beca. Sure she had friends. But, they weren't as close as Aubrey and Beca. She texted the tiny brunette after a few hours curled up in front of the TV and ice cream in the living room of her lonely, two-bedroom apartment. It was just too quiet, and she missed hearing Aubrey's laughter or hearing her sing 80s tunes as she did chores. Beca could tell Chloe was more upset than she put off and was desperate to cheer up her friend.
Chloe told Beca about the move months ago, when Aubrey first told her. What started out as a simple, "Hey, Bec. We should room next year," turned into an explanation of why Chloe would need another roommate, and eventually led to Beca holding Chloe as she cried. Beca said everything would be okay. She wasn't exactly sure HOW, but she knew she would go to the end of the earth to see that they were. She'd do anything to see that those baby blue eyes kept on sparkling.
CHLOE: I'd love that, but I'm sure you'll be tired. I'll understand if you just want to come over tomorrow.
BECA: Right… so I'll see you in 30 =P
Beca cleaned up the station and locked up after her show, wasting no time to get to Chloe's apartment. She made sure to stop by the gas station to pick up a pack of skittles for her friend, knowing it would bring a smile to her face. Like she suspected, Beca was greeted with a warm smile and pair of lips on her cheek. Beca pulled out all the stops to cheer up her alarmingly-less-bubbly redheaded friend, but it was to no avail. She tried to tell some of her lame jokes, she tried poking the redhead, she pretended to die a dramatic death from choking on a skittle (which got a giggle, but it was short lived)…
Beca turned in the couch to observe Chloe. The pajama pants… feet tucked up under her as she leaned back against the arm of the couch… the messy bun… the large Barden hoodie, hanging loosely on her shoulders (probably Tom's)… Beca thought she was too adorably sad , but wanted nothing more than to bring the smile back to her face.
Chloe's eyebrows raised curiously as she watched Beca stand and cut the TV off. She brought the remote to her lips, dramatically.
Beca proceeded to do an impersonation of Aubrey.(facial expressions, overly graceful hands and all) Improvising to create quite an amusing rap out of all of Aubrey's insults and infamous sayings.
"Garbage dirtballsss! Ding-a-lingss!
Garbage dirtballs and ding-a-lings!
Aca-Bitches! Toners this, toners that!
You'll sing turn the beat around,
And that's the last I'll hear of that!"
Chloe cracked a smile as she remembered that day at Bellas' rehearsal. Beca wasn't exactly sure where she was going with this, but she kept going.
"Ear monstrosities! Penetration!
Not here to win? Get outta Kuwait, then!
Beca, this! 'Alt Girl', that!
Lil' midget , pain in my ass!"
At this point, Chloe couldn't help but crack up at Beca's awkwardness (which she found to be adorable and quite endearing, at times).
"You're so weird," She smiled up at her friend. Beca joined her on the couch and nudged her, playfully.
"I guess that makes two of us, huh?" Beca flashed her trademark smirk.
"That it does," Chloe agreed, scooting closer and turning to lay her head in Beca's lap.
Beca exhaled softly to take her mind off the butterflies settling in her stomach, before speaking again,"Well,… at least you won't be all mopey, anymore. If nothing else… just so you don't have to sit through my bad-ass 'mad-lib' raps anymore."
Chloe giggled, snuggling into her favorite pillow, "I'm just amazed that you actually paid attention long enough to remember all that."
"Yeah, well… I'm full of surprises, Chlo." Beca smiled down at the drowsy redhead. "Go to sleep…" She told her friend with a softness in her voice she's reserved just for her. Ignoring the butterflies and the hitch in her breath as her blue eyes locked with Chloe's. Watching her fall asleep.
Beca spent the next few weeks with Chloe. She'd like to say she was there to keep Chloe happy, but truthfully, she just really enjoyed Chloe's company and vice versa. She didn't even mind the fact that she was sleeping on the redhead's couch.
One night, Beca got back from a late shift at the station (Yes, Chloe gave her a key) to find her friend passed out at the kitchen table. It was a heartbreaking sight. It reminded Beca a lot of those first few months after her father left. Her mother worked two jobs, struggling to make ends meet.
Head on a pile of bills… Right hand loosely holding her cell phone… Left hand resting on top of two paychecks that obviously won't be able to pay all those bills…
We're going to have a talk about this in the morning… Beca decided, as she moved to Chloe's side, speaking softly into the redhead's ear.
"Hey…" Chloe's head raised lazily. "Let's get you to bed, okay?" To this, Chloe only responded with a nod, before drifting back to sleep.
Beca threw Chloe's arm around her shoulders and maneuvered until she had Chloe cradled against her chest. Beca tried not to think of how intimate their position was. She tried to ignore all the thoughts of how she would like to carry Chloe like this if they got married. But, she couldn't. After she lay Chloe down on her bed and tucked her in, she found herself leaning against the doorframe as she watched her friend longingly. Wanting to wake up in her arms. Eventually, she pulled herself away and chastised herself for being so sappy and creepy.
Whoa, Beca! This isn't Twilight. You can't just stare creepily at her while she's sleeping…or EVER for that matter. Lock it up!
The next morning, Chloe woke up surprised to find herself comfortably in bed. She didn't remember walking to the bedroom last night…
Beca. She thought, with a smile as she sat up and swung her legs over the edge of the bed. Chloe shuffled into the bathroom to brush her teeth and splash water on her face, getting a whiff of bacon and eggs. She started down the small hallway towards the kitchen, running a hand through tousled fiery locks. She stopped at the end of the hallway, taking in the sight of Beca at the stove.
Headphones over her head… spatula in hand as her hips swayed to whatever she was listening to… two plates off to the side. Already stocked with eggs and bacon. Chloe couldn't fight the smile spreading across her face as she crossed her arms and shifted her weight to one leg.
Beca somehow managed to cook French toast without noticing the amused redhead behind her. Once she finished, she had to stand on her toes to reach the back of the stove to turn the dial to "off". That was when Chloe could no longer contain her laughter. The whole situation was just too cute.
Badass Beca, cooking in my kitchen… Chloe thought.
Beca jumped and turned to the source of laughter, clutching her chest with one hand and the skillet with the other, "JESUS FUCKING CHRIST, CHLOE! You scared the SHIT outta me…" The tiny brunette set the skillet down and exhaled in an attempt to calm her heart rate.
"Sorry," Chloe smiled sheepishly, "Thanks for cooking breakfast," Chloe flashed another smile that shot Beca's heart rate up just as she had started to calm down.
Beca smiled back. Finding Chloe's smile contagious, "No problem… I was actually hoping we could talk, over some dead chicks and pigs."
Chloe's nose scrunched up as her face became a mix between amusement and disgust, "You're really crude sometimes, Bec."
"You're welcome," Beca smirked, moving to take a seat at the kitchen table. Chloe followed suit, rolling her eyes in amusement.
"So, about this rent…" Beca started, as she took a bite of bacon.
