CHAPTER 1

POV- Beca

It feels good to be back in the dorm after a long night of celebrating with the Bellas. So many things run through my mind as I lay here, staring at the ceiling.

So many thoughts. So many emotions…

Does this mean I have a boyfriend now? I mean…I DID kiss him. Isn't that, like, means to start a relationship or something?

I develop a headache as I try to sort it out. What was I thinking? I just got so caught up in the moment. I mean, he's cute. And he's really sweet. But… I don't know if I'm ready for this.

BUZZ!

My thoughts are interrupted by the loud vibrations of my cell phone against the desk. Across the room, I hear Kimmy Jin stirring in her bed. I raise my arm to the desk, reaching blindly for my cell. After nearly patting the whole desk, my hand finds it.

Whew! I sigh, bringing it down to me. For a second, I thought I was gonna have to get out of bed.

On the way down, I catch a glimpse of my phone display.

'1:26am- 1 Unread Message from Chloe'…

I feel the typical flutters that come with thoughts of her… As always, I just shrug it off.

She's just a good friend. And I am happy to talk to her. That's normal…

I tap the screen on my phone, opening the message. It reads:

CHLOE: Are you still awake?

I know where this is going… It's happened before.

Every now and then, Chloe and Aubrey will get into a bad argument and Chloe will spend the night with me. It always starts with a text asking if I'm still awake. I must admit: some nights I find myself waiting for her text. Hoping she'll come over.

Without thinking, I respond:

BECA: Sure. Need a pillow? ;]

I always joke with Chloe that I'm not the best shoulder to cry on, but I have nice soft pillows which she can sleep on and forget why she is even upset. One of my many perks, I must say.

BUZZZZZ!

CHLOE: You know me too well. Can I come in?

So much for staying bed… I flip the covers back and hop out of bed, tip-toeing across the dark room to the door so I don't wake Kimmy Jin.

I open the door to a different Chloe than I was expecting. Her eyes are red-brimmed. Worn. Sad. Lonely…

I can tell she's been crying. God, I HATE it when she cries

Instinctively, my hand raises to her cheek. "Chloe…?" I whisper. I pull her into an embrace, cradling her head to my shoulder. My other hand falls to her waist. I feel her hands on my back. It's almost as if they're pulling me in. Begging me not to let go. After a moment, I pull away and take her hand. I pull her into the dorm and shut the door quietly, leading her to the bed. I ease myself up onto the bed, pulling her with me. On our sides, she can see enough of my face and I can see just enough of hers. Just enough to see the shine of her teary blue eyes.

"Hey…" I whisper. "Wanna talk about it?"

She deliberates for a moment before shaking her head no.

What the HELL is going on?

With that, she rolls over, turning her back to me.

I wonder what could have made her so upset?

As if she can sense my concern, she reaches around and takes my hand, pulling my arm around her. She scoots closer. Putting her back to my chest…

I try my best to stay calm. Hoping my heart doesn't beat a hole in her back.

Before long, our bodies seem to melt into each other and I feel myself slip into a dark bliss.