THE HEART WANTS WHAT IT WANTS
CHAPTER 1
A/N: Set after PP3, this story is one of love and loss, friendship, and finding your way back to the one you should be with. Love will conquer all.
Warning: Angst and heartache ahead. There is a lot more angst than you usually see in my stories. I hope I do it justice and I hope you enjoy the story.
Chloe Beale sat alone on the bed in her tiny little New York apartment that she used to share with her two best friends, Beca Mitchell and Fat Amy Hobart. She still can't believe it's only been six weeks since the USO Tour and Beca's first solo performance.
There were many things that the three roommates brought back from Europe with them. Beca brought back a solo recording contract and had immediately flown from France to L.A. to start working for DJ Khaled's label. Amy brought back around 180 million dollars and was off sailing around the world on her new yacht. What Chloe brought back was a sense of utter loneliness. That, and something she was trying not to think too much about but was failing at miserably because it was all she could think about.
Chloe's phone rang, and she looked down to see that Beca was calling her. Usually, she would be ecstatic to see Beca's name show up on her caller ID. But she hasn't called the entire time they'd been back in the U.S., and now her phone is ringing every ten minutes with calls from her. She ignored the call like she's been doing and sat there letting the tears fall down her face. She couldn't talk to Beca; not yet anyway. Chloe sat there for so long that the apartment was bathed in darkness and she didn't care. She didn't have the energy to even reach over and turn on the lamp.
Chloe doesn't know when she fell asleep, but she woke to the morning sunlight invading the small apartment. She was in the same clothes she had been wearing the day before, and she didn't care. Her face was tear streaked from the many tears she had cried the night before, and she didn't care. Her phone pinged again with a text message from Beca. She cared, but she still couldn't deal with her yet.
Chloe got up and walked on wobbly legs to the bathroom. She turned her face so she could not see herself in the mirror, knowing she'd be disgusted by the girl looking back at her. She washed her hands and went to the kitchen to get a bottle of water. She took a big drink from it and laid back down on her bed. She didn't think she had any tears left but yet they started to fall again. She just let them.
She heard the constant pinging of her phone with notifications for voicemails and texts again but didn't bother to look at any of them. She wasn't even sure where her phone was having just tossed it away somewhere hours ago after taking it off the charger. A part of her hoping the battery would die so she wouldn't have to hear it. The apartment was dark again, and she laid there, curled up with her arms around her pillow and tried not to think. She tried not to think about Beca or Amy or Chicago. But, as soon as Chicago ran through her mind she let out a sob and the tears started again.
Chloe hadn't left her apartment in four days. Her phone had pinged and rang countless times, but she ignored it. She doesn't know when but they finally stopped. She hadn't eaten. She hadn't been sleeping. The only time she got out of bed was to use the bathroom and get more water. On the fourth day as the darkness overtook the apartment, she laid on her bed, again not bothering to turn on a light. She was numb. So numb that she didn't immediately register that someone was knocking on the door. When she finally realized someone was indeed knocking on her door, she just ignored it, not even telling whoever it was to go away. She heard voices on the other side of the door and ignored them as well. She heard a key turn in the lock and stayed as she was.
"Shit," a voice whisper-yelled when the owner of the voice tripped over something.
Suddenly a light was turned on, and the owner of the voice saw Chloe laying in the bed, showing no emotion, eyes blinking due to the sudden intrusion of the light.
"Oh, my God," Beca cried. "Chloe?" Beca was alarmed when she looked in Chloe's eyes. The light that usually shined as bright as the noonday sun was dim. Beca dropped her suitcase and purse and hurried over to the bed and sat on the side.
"What happened, sweetie?" Beca asked her, rubbing her hand up and down Chloe's back. "Chlo, talk to me. What happened?"
"Why are you here?" Chloe asked. Her voice emotionless and scratchy from lack of use.
"Aubrey and I have been trying to reach you for the past four days," Beca said quietly. "We were worried about you, so we came to see how you were doing. From the looks of things, it's good that we did."
"Brey's here?" Chloe asked and furrowed her brow.
"I'm here, Chloe," she heard Aubrey's voice say from somewhere behind Beca.
Aubrey stepped forward so that Chloe could see her. "I'm here," was all Aubrey said, and Chloe started crying again.
Beca didn't know what else to do so she climbed into bed with Chloe. She laid on her side and put her arms around Chloe and just held her from behind while she cried.
Aubrey looked closely at Chloe and could see she was pale and her eyes red-rimmed from crying. She and Beca both heard Chloe's stomach grumbling and looked at each other with concern.
"I'm going to see if she has anything to eat," Aubrey said, and Beca nodded. Aubrey looked in the refrigerator and the cupboard. "There's not much here."
Beca started to get up, and Chloe grabbed her arm and held onto her. "No! Please stay," Chloe said in a tearful whisper.
"I'm not going anywhere," Beca said and laid back and down and tightened her hold on her best friend. "Brey, get my phone. I still have the number for the Chinese place down the block. It's called Woo Fong's. Call and order some soup for Chloe and something for us. Use my credit card. My wallet is in my purse along with my phone."
Aubrey got Beca's phone and looked at Beca. "It needs your passcode."
"391992," Beca told her. Aubrey raised an eyebrow at this. "Yes, it's Chloe's birthday." Aubrey just smirked at her. "Shut up," Beca said and looked down at Chloe expecting to hear a flirty comment or sexual innuendo from the redhead. All she got was Chloe's emotionless profile.
Aubrey called in their order and hung up. She put Beca's phone and credit card back in her purse and sat on the side of the bed. She shared another look of concern with Beca.
"Chlo," Aubrey said, and the redhead's eyes turned toward her. "We're getting some food. When it gets here, I want you to try and eat. Can you do that for us?"
Chloe looked away from Aubrey and didn't say anything. They sit quietly for a few minutes.
"How about a nice hot shower while we wait for the food?" Beca suggests. "It will make you feel better."
Chloe continued to lay there, not saying anything.
"I'll run you a bath," Aubrey said. "That might be easier."
Aubrey got up and went into the tiny bathroom where she turned on the water. She comes back to see that Chloe hasn't made a move to get up.
"Towels are under the sink," Beca told her. "She keeps her sleep shorts and shirts in the second drawer and clean underwear in the top drawer."
Aubrey opened the drawers and noticed that all the ones on the left were empty. She smiled a sad smile because she knows it means that Chloe can't bring herself to put anything in the drawers that Beca had used. She shook her head and gathered everything she needed for Chloe to take a bath. She went and turned off the water before returning to help Chloe. She walked over to Chloe's side of the bed and Beca started to get up. Chloe stiffened in her arms and pulled Beca's arms tighter around her.
"Brey?" Beca said and looked at the blonde.
"Come on, Chlo," Aubrey said. "Let's get you into the bath. Beca can change your sheets for you while you're in there."
Beca moved so that she could sit up and bring Chloe up with her. Chloe let her. Aubrey pulled Chloe to a standing position, and she staggered a bit. Beca and Aubrey both help Chloe into the bathroom.
"Do you want me to help you get into the tub?" Beca asked.
"No," Chloe said quickly causing a hurt look to cross Beca's face. " Brey can do it."
"Okay," Beca said and turned to leave them alone.
Aubrey squeezed Beca's arm as she walked by. Beca gave her a small smile and closed the door as she exited. She walked to the kitchen and got plates and utensils out and grabbed some water out of the refrigerator. She set everything on the table. She then went to the small closet and pulled out clean sheets and pillowcases. She changed the bed and put the dirty linens in the clothes basket sitting next to the closet.
In the bathroom, Aubrey helped Chloe undress and get into the tub. Chloe just sat with her knees up to her chest and her arms hugging her legs. She laid her chin on her knees and just stared at the water. Aubrey put the lid down and sat on the toilet.
"Do you want to tell me what happened?" Aubrey asked quietly.
Chloe continued to look at the water as tears start running down her face. Aubrey sat and waited, knowing that Chloe will tell her in her own time. Aubrey sat with her head in her hands and thought back over the last three days.
Three Days Ago
Aubrey's phone rang, and she was surprised to see Beca's name on her caller ID. She hasn't heard anything from the brunette since she texted that she had moved to L.A.
"Hey, Beca," Aubrey said answering her cell. "Long time no hear from. How's our newest superstar?"
"Have you talked to Chloe lately?" Beca asked.
"Um, yeah," Aubrey said. "I talked to her two days ago. Why?"
"Well, I've tried texting and calling all day yesterday and today. She hasn't answered or responded," Beca said. "I guess I'm a little worried about her."
"She did say she hadn't been feeling well," Aubrey said. "Maybe she's just resting. If she is sick, that's probably best for her."
"I guess," Beca said. "It's just-. I wanted to talk to her, you know?"
"Beca," Aubrey said with a sigh. "You know she doesn't know why you were avoiding her the last two days of the tour or since we got back." Aubrey lets out a sigh. "And, honestly, I'm in the dark as well. All of us have been wondering what happened, but you haven't responded to any of us." She heard Beca let out a breath but not say anything. "She's probably really just not feeling good. Don't overthink it."
"Okay," Beca said. "I'll leave it for now. And, I'm sorry I haven't called any of you guys before now. I, uh, I'm going through something, and I needed some time." Aubrey mumbled an 'mm-hmm' and waited, knowing that Beca has something more to say. "So, um, do you think she's with him? With Chicago?"
"I'm not sure," Aubrey said. "She hasn't said anything to me one way or the other."
"I'm sorry," Beca said trying to hold back the tears that were threatening. "I'm so pathetic. I should be happy for her, but it kills me every time I think about her being with him. I was ready to tell her. I am ready."
"Really? That's good to hear, Beca," Aubrey said knowing what Beca was going to tell Chloe. "Look, I'll try and reach her. Maybe she's upset with you and isn't ready to talk to you yet."
"You're probably right," Beca said. "Thanks, Aubrey."
"You're welcome, Hobbit," Aubrey said, and Beca could hear her smile through the phone.
"Good night, Aubrey," Beca said and hung up.
~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~
Beca sat at the kitchen table waiting for Aubrey and Chloe to emerge from the bathroom. She was scared of what they'd find when they got here. It was bad but not as bad as it could be. She thought back to yesterday when she became even more worried about Chloe.
Yesterday
"Pick up, pick up, pick up," Beca mumbled as the phone rang before finally going to voicemail. "Shit."
She hung up from that call and called Aubrey.
"Hello-"
"Are you sufficiently worried yet?" Beca asked.
"Hello to you, too, Beca," Aubrey said. "And, yes. I'm worried. I haven't heard from Chloe in five days."
"Do you think she went back to Spain?" Beca asked not really wanting to hear Aubrey say yes.
"No, I don't," Aubrey said. "And if she did, she'd still answer calls from me."
That kind of stung Beca a little, knowing that Chloe used to answer her calls no matter where she was or what she was doing.
"I'm going to fly to New York," Beca said. "Find out what's going on and maybe talk to her."
"I'll go, too," Aubrey said. "But I can't leave until tomorrow. Is that okay?
"Yeah," Beca said. "I'll book our flights and send you the info. Don't worry; I'll pay for your ticket. I'll try and get us both into New York around the same time so we can go see her together."
"Thank you," Aubrey said. "And Beca? Take it easy, okay. She may have decided to ignore us for a reason, and we will have to respect that."
"I know," Beca said softly. "I just want to make sure she's okay. If she doesn't want to see me or speak to me. . ."
"I'll be there for you both," Aubrey said.
"I wouldn't want it any other way," Beca responded.
~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~
"Chloe?" Aubrey spoke quietly. She got up and kneeled next to the tub. "I'm just going to wash you up, okay?"
Chloe looked at Aubrey and nodded as she wiped a tear away and looked back down at the water. Aubrey reached for the washcloth and shower gel. She washed Chloe, moving her arms and body to be able to get her clean. She handed Chloe the soapy cloth so Chloe could wash where Aubrey didn't feel comfortable washing.
Once Aubrey was satisfied that Chloe was clean, she grabbed the shampoo and the cup from the sink. She used the cup to pour water over Chloe's hair to wet it. She gently massaged the shampoo into Chloe's hair, holding her head back so the soap didn't get in Chloe's eyes. She used the cup to wash out the shampoo and then added some conditioner. She used both hands and gently massaged the conditioner into Chloe's hair before rinsing. Once done she got up and sat back down on the toilet seat.
"Why is Beca here?" Chloe asked looking at Aubrey.
Aubrey was a bit surprised by the question. "She wanted to come four days ago, but I stopped her. She's been worried about you Chloe. And seeing what we walked into, I am even more worried now."
"Do you know why she's been avoiding me?" Chloe asked as a tear fell from her eye. "She started ignoring me before we came home from the tour and she hasn't spoken to me since we came back. Why?"
"I think you should talk to her about that," Aubrey said. "That's one of the reasons she's been trying to reach you. So you two could talk."
"I can't," Chloe said mumbling.
"What was that, Chlo?" Aubrey asked not hearing her.
"I said I can't. I can't talk to her," Chloe said a bit louder. "She hates me. Or she will."
"Beca could never hate you," Aubrey said.
Chloe didn't say anything more and just sat there, staring at the water. Aubrey put her hand in the water and noticed that it had cooled considerably.
"Come on, Chloe," Aubrey said standing. "Let's get you out of there before you catch a chill."
Chloe let Aubrey help her up and out of the tub. She stood there while Aubrey dried her off. Aubrey helped her get dressed and wrapped a towel around her hair to keep it from dripping.
"I fucked up," Chloe said. "I fucked up really bad, and Beca is going to hate me."
"I'm sure whatever you think you did, Beca isn't going to hate you," Aubrey said.
"I found out Chicago's married," Chloe said softly.
"But, I thought,-" Aubrey said, her head jerking up in surprise. "Wow, I wasn't expecting that. Are you sure?"
"Yes," Chloe said. "I talked to him a few days ago, and he told me."
"Well, you can't be blamed for that," Aubrey said. "You didn't know he was married when you kissed him. Beca won't hate you for that."
"I'm also pregnant," Chloe said and started sobbing.
~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~
Beca was setting the bags of food on the table when she heard Chloe crying again. Sobbing actually. She felt bad because she was afraid that Chloe was crying because of her. She had been avoiding Chloe since just before they left France. She didn't mean to do it; it just hurt so much to be around Chloe after what she saw. Even now, when she thinks back to that night, she feels a sharp pain in her chest.
The Night of Beca's Solo Performance
Beca was on a high. The audience loved her, and she got to sing with the Bellas in one final performance that she will carry with her always. In two days she was leaving for L.A. to start working with DJ Khaled on her first solo album. And tonight they were going to party.
The Bellas were all cheering and hugging on stage. Theo came over and grabbed Beca to take her backstage. She looked for Chloe and saw her smile at her as she walked away. She shrugged her shoulders and mouthed 'sorry, see you at the party' as she was rushed offstage.
Theo had set up several interviews for her immediately following the show. She finished after about an hour and headed to find the Bellas. She found them partying in the banquet room DJ Khaled's label had reserved for the event. They were already pretty much wasted. She found Aubrey, who was unsurprisingly somewhat sober.
"Have you seen Chloe?" Beca asked. "I really need to talk to her about something."
"I haven't seen her since we got to the party," Aubrey said.
"Okay," Beca said. "If you see her, tell her I'm looking for her."
"Will do," Aubrey said with a smile.
Beca walked away with a smile on her face. She decided to look for Chloe and had just turned a corner when she saw her. She was bent over while Chicago was kissing her and she could see Chloe was kissing him back. Beca took two steps back so she could no longer see them. Her heart ached. She made her way back to the party and had some shots with the Bellas. She saw Chloe return, alone.
Beca moved around a lot so she didn't have to see Chloe. She wasn't ready to be near her after seeing that kiss. She finally had enough liquid courage to talk to Chloe, so she started to look for her. She convinced herself that it was just a kiss and nothing more.
"Hey, Beca," Aubrey said smiling drunkenly at her. "I saw Chloe."
"Yeah?" Beca said. "Do you know where she is?"
"I think she went to your room," Aubrey said smiling. She had an idea of what Beca was going to tell Chloe. "And don't worry, she loves you, too."
"Thanks," Beca said and hurried to the room she shared with her best friend.
Beca couldn't believe she was going to finally tell Chloe how she felt about her. She was going to tell Chloe that she loved her and ask her to go to L.A. with her. Beca hurried down the hall to the door of their room. She took a deep breath and used her key card to enter. She started to say Chloe's name when she heard moaning. She got worried that Chloe was sick and stepped further into the room.
She could literally feel her heart break at the sight in front of her. The scene she walked into was worse than seeing Chloe kissing Chicago. All she could do was stare as Chloe, on top of Chicago, moaned and moved up and down. She turned and quietly left the room, leaving the other two occupants unaware that she had even been there. She held in the sobs until she made it to the stairwell. She put her back against the wall and slid down to the floor and cried. She cried for missed chances. She cried because she lost her only shot at being more than just a friend to Chloe. She cried because she would never be able to unsee what she just saw.
Beca was in the stairwell for the better part of half an hour before she managed to pull herself together. She decided to take her time and walk down the stairs. If anyone asked her about the crying, she would tell them that tonight was very emotional for her. She did stop off at a ladies room and splashed water on her face, so she didn't look too bad.
She made it back to the party without anyone noticing. She almost lost it when she saw that Chloe and Chicago were there. Chicago had his arm around Chloe's waist and Chloe was smiling up at him. So much for Chloe being in love with her. She stared at them for a good minute, her heart shattering even more with each second that passed. Chloe looked around and saw BecaBe looking at her. She gave her a small smile and wave; Beca just stared back at her without reciprocating. Chloe furrowed her brow, but before she could think any more about it, Theo grabbed Beca's attention, causing Beca to look at him. Chloe saw an unreadable look on Beca's face before she turned her head. Theo told her that DJ Khaled changed his plans and they were flying to New York early the next morning. Beca immediately asked him if it were possible for her to get a room for the night in the hotel where DJ Khaled was staying so she didn't disturb Chloe when she had to leave. Theo assured her they could, so she took him up to her room and packed her stuff. Beca couldn't look at the bed where she had seen Chloe and Chicago earlier. Theo led her to her new hotel; she never went back to the party and from that moment on she avoided Chloe and the Bellas.
Beca flew to New York with Theo and DJ Khaled early the next morning, leaving a full two days before the Bellas were scheduled to depart. She went to the apartment and packed up her stuff and had it shipped to her new place in L.A. She then stayed in a hotel for the next two days until DJ Khaled was ready to leave for L.A. She left New York the same day Chloe was flying back. Chloe and the other Bellas had tried to call, and text but Beca ignored them all. Beca texted Aubrey when she left for L.A. leaving Aubrey to tell everyone that Beca was gone.
Beca wiped at the tear that had fallen down her cheek. She shook her head to erase the memory and waited for Aubrey and Chloe to come out of the bathroom.
~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~
Aubrey froze all movement after hearing the bombshell Chloe just dropped. To say Aubrey was shocked is an understatement. She regained her senses, and all she could think to do was grab Chloe into a hug and hold her while she cried. She had her suspicions, but this was the first she had heard that Chloe had actually slept with Chicago before they left. A sudden realization hit her.
"Chlo?" Aubrey said pulling back to look at her. "Did you sleep with Chicago the night of Beca's concert?"
"Yeah," Chloe said hanging her head. "It was stupid I know, but I really thought there might be something there. He was nice, good looking, and he wanted me. I haven't had anyone want me like that in a long time. He made me feel better about Beca moving out and Amy's talk about finding her own place. It was just going to be me in the apartment. After Theo dragged Beca away from us, Chicago kissed me and it was nice. Afterward, I left him and went to the party to talk to Beca about him, but she always had a bunch of people around her. She didn't even stay in one place for very long. And she didn't come looking for me like she usually did. I was confused about my feelings, and I didn't know what to do. So, when Chicago found me again, he kissed me and asked if I wanted to have our own party in my room. I knew exactly what was going to happen and I wanted it, so I didn't do anything to stop it. It felt nice to be wanted like that."
Hearing Chloe's words, Aubrey knew without a doubt that Beca had to have seen Chloe and Chicago together. It all made sense now. Beca avoiding Chloe; ignoring Chloe's calls and texts; Chloe not knowing that Beca had already left for L.A. until Aubrey told her. Although it seemed that Beca was getting past it since she had reached out to try and talk to Chloe. When she finds out Chloe is pregnant and that Chicago is married, Beca may just finally be done with her and by extension, all of them. Her heart ached for both her friends.
"Are you going to tell him about the baby?" Aubrey asked.
"I already did," Chloe said sadly. "He doesn't want anything to do with it or me. He said-." Chloe let out a small sob. "He said that his wife was pregnant and he didn't want to upset her. He wished me good luck and then hung up on me."
"What an asshole," Aubrey mumbled. Chloe just buried her head in Aubrey's neck and cried some more.
Aubrey's not sure how long they stood there. They were both startled when they hear a tap on the door.
"Everything okay in there?" they heard Beca ask from the other side of the door. "The, um, food is here."
"Um, yeah," Aubrey responded. "We'll be out in a minute."
They heard Beca walk away from the door. Chloe looked at Aubrey with the saddest expression she has ever seen on the redhead.
"Come on," Aubrey said. "Wash your face and let's go eat."
"I'm not hungry," Chloe mumbled.
"I don't care," Aubrey snapped at her. "It's not just about you now."
Chloe swallowed and looked at Aubrey. Seeing the stern look on Aubrey's face, the redhead just nodded her head. She washed her face, and the two friends made their way out of the bathroom.
Beca heard the bathroom door and started pulling their food out of the bags. The two girls sit at the table and Beca placed the soup in front of Chloe, giving her a small smile. She can tell the redhead had been crying. She handed Aubrey her order and sat down to eat.
Chloe hesitantly took a spoonful of soup and ate it. She realized that she hadn't eaten in four days and the soup is delicious. Once she started, she didn't stop until she has consumed all of it. She looked up to see both Aubrey and Beca staring at her, both somewhat amused.
"Sorry," Chloe said, her cheeks a bright pink. "I guess I was hungrier than I thought."
"It's fine," Beca said. "Would you like some of my Mongolian beef?"
"No thanks," Chloe said. "I haven't had anything on my stomach for a few days. I don't want to make myself sick."
The girls finished eating in silence. Beca cleared everything once they were done. She sat back down at the table and looked at Aubrey and then at Chloe.
"So," Beca said. "Want to fill me in on why you did this to yourself?"
Chloe's head snapped up. "I didn't do anything to myself."
"You haven't eaten anything substantial in at least four days," Beca said getting a little angry. "You haven't showered in at least four days. You've been ignoring all forms of communication from your best friend. Nobody does that without conscious thought behind it. So, how about we try this again and you fill me in on why all this has been going on?"
"You have no right to be mad at me for not communicating," Chloe snapped back at Beca.
"At least I'm making an effort," Beca shouted back.
The two girls glared at each other. Chloe looked away when Aubrey put a hand on her arm. Aubrey looked at Beca.
"Beca, maybe we should give Chloe a little space," Aubrey said trying to defuse the situation.
"She wants space? Fine," Beca said tersely. She got up and grabbed her jacket and purse. "She can have all the space she wants."
"Where are you going?" Aubrey asked.
"I came to make sure she was still alive," Beca said. "Mission accomplished. I'm going back to L.A." Beca grabbed her suitcase and walked out the door.
Chloe put her head down and looked at the table. The unending tears start falling again. Aubrey looked at her and gave an exasperated sigh.
"Beca, wait!" Aubrey yelled and got up to follow Beca. Aubrey yelled to Beca as she reached the stairs. "Beca! Please stop!"
Beca stopped and looked at Aubrey. She waited for Aubrey to speak. Aubrey walked over to stand in front of Beca. She chooses her words carefully.
"She needs us now," Aubrey said. "More than ever."
"Then why won't she at least talk to me?" Beca asked. "I tried to reach out to her and talk. But she ignored me. I came all this way to check on her and talk, and she gets mad at me for caring about her. What else am I supposed to do?"
Aubrey pulled Beca to her in a hug. "Just keep trying," Aubrey said. She held Beca for a minute.
"I love her," Beca said quietly. "I'm in love with her."
"I know," Aubrey said just as quietly. "I think you should tell her."
"I can't," Beca said as she stepped back from Aubrey and leaned her back against the wall. "She has Chicago now. If I had acted sooner-I." Beca ran a hand through her hair. "I was going to tell her the night of my performance. I went to our room and walked in on her and-" Beca stopped and swallowed, not able to put into words what she saw and felt that night. It was an image she could not get out of her head.
"I know," Aubrey said. "Chloe told me she slept with Chicago. I put two and two together and figured you saw them."
"I couldn't even look at her," Beca said and wiped a tear that fell down her face. "I saw the way she was around him, and she said it was nothing. She lied to me, Aubrey. I actually thought that I might have a chance with her. I should have known she felt something when I saw them kissing. And, then seeing them-." Beca swallowed. "It just hurt so bad. It still does. But if he makes her happy I'm willing to get past my feelings to try and to save our friendship."
"I get it," Aubrey said. "I think she wants that, too. You just need to give her some time to figure things out."
"Figure what out? Is she upset because he's still in Spain and she's here?" Beca asked. "She can't handle a long distance relationship? Is that why she's like this?"
Aubrey looked at Beca. She didn't want to betray Chloe's trust but thinks Beca deserves to know at least part of the reason why Chloe was the way she was right now.
"She's not with him," Aubrey said. She glanced back at the apartment door before returning her gaze to Beca. "Chloe found out that Chicago is married."
"What the fuck?" Beca yelled, standing straight and staring at Aubrey. "Are you serious? That's what this is about?"
At Aubrey's nod, Beca stormed back into the apartment. Aubrey grabbed Beca's suitcase and hurried after her. Beca stopped when she saw Chloe laying on the bed again staring at nothing. Beca knelt in front of Chloe, so she had no choice but to look at her. Aubrey stood back and watched as Chloe turned away from Beca. Beca took Chloe's chin in her hand and forced her to look at her. When Chloe's eyes focused on Beca, she saw anger and tears in the brunette's eyes.
"This is all because that asshole is married?" Beca asked. "You are so much better than this, Chloe. You've been humped and dumped before, what makes him so special? Why would you practically starve yourself to death over someone like him? And for the love of God, please do not tell me you're in love with him."
Chloe just looked at Beca as tears streamed down her face, soaking the pillow beneath her head. After a minute or two of Chloe and Beca just staring at each other, neither saying a word, Chloe closed her eyes and ignored Beca.
Beca stood up and angrily wiped the tears from her face. She turned to look at Aubrey; Aubrey could see the defeat in Beca's eyes.
Beca doesn't say anything and goes to take her suitcase. Aubrey jerked it away.
"You can't just leave," Aubrey said looking slightly panicked. She knew if Beca walked out now, they would never see her again.
"She doesn't want me here," Beca said sadly. "I'm not staying where I'm not wanted. Just promise that you'll keep me posted on how everyone is doing once in a while."
"Wait!" Aubrey yelled.
Chloe's eyes popped open when Aubrey yelled. Aubrey was looking right at Chloe.
"Tell her not to go, Chloe. Tell her you need her to stay. Dammit, Chloe, tell her!"
Chloe just looked at Aubrey. "Let her go if she wants to go."
Beca's breath hitched at Chloe's cold tone. She nodded her head as she wiped at one last tear. "Okay, that's definitely my cue to leave."
"Chloe, you don't mean that," Aubrey pleaded with her. She knelt by the bed and looked into Chloe's eyes. "If she leaves, you will never see her again. Do you understand me? Never. Is that really what you want?"
This time Chloe doesn't say anything. She just continued to lay there staring at nothing.
Beca opened the door and is just about to step over the threshold when Aubrey looked over her shoulder and said, "She's pregnant."
Beca froze, and her shoulders slumped as she lets the words sink in. She looked back over her shoulder at Aubrey and Aubrey nodded her head. Beca turned and walked out the door.
"I told you she'd hate me," Chloe said, her voice lacking all emotion
A/N: I will be posting updates to this story on Saturdays until it is done.