The Barden Bellas have long since graduated. Since their USO Tour, many of them have started families. When they loose one of there own, they all come together to help a fellow Bella through her terrible loss.
A/N : This is a sad one, but I hope you're up for it anyway. I don't own any characters. Feel free to review, and enjoy.
My Angel Flies Away
Ch 1
Today is a day the Bellas all get a chance to get together, have some fun, and catch up on what's been going on this past year. Ashley and Jessica are at home getting ready to go to a Memorial Day barbecue hosted by Stacie and Cynthia-Rose at their new house they moved into a few months ago. Ashley is in the bathroom changing, while Jessica is feeding their six month old baby boy, Charlie. The two of them were married the summer after graduating from Barden, and three and a half years later, Jessica gave birth to their son. Their family and friends were all thrilled for the young couple as this was a long time coming for them. It was a beautiful ceremony on the beach, where all of the Bellas were in attendance to celebrate their closest friends starting their lives together. Both Ashley and Jessica have enjoyed every moment of marriage and family life, and were excited to see what else was in store for them.
Since the USO Tour, many of the Bellas were married, and have started families of their own. Beca and Aubrey have a two year old girl named Sophia, While Stacie and Cynthia-Rose are up to three children. 8yr old Ahliyah, 5yr old Dimitri, and the arrival of baby Bella just last year. It's crazy to think about where these girls started when they first came together as Barden Bellas, and where they are today. Beca and Aubrey certainly didn't hit it off right away, but they slowly got to know each other, and found they have more in common than they thought. Both of them often finding it difficult to live up to a father's expectations. Today the two have found a true confidant in one another, and they couldn't be more in love.
Stacie has had her share of good and bad relationships, but with Cynthia-Rose this whole thing feels honest and genuine. It's the first time Stacie feels truly cared for, and she couldn't be more proud of her family.
For Ashley and Jessica it was like a romance most people only read about in stories. The two have known each other since the eight grade, and quickly became best friends. Their friendship was always open and honest, and there was nothing these two didn't share with one another. Naturally their friendship turned into love, and it's probably the easiest decision Ashley has ever made when she proposed to the love of her life.
Soon both ladies were ready as Jessica hooked Charlie into his car seat, and it was off to their Memorial Day celebration. Ashley is driving while Jessica has the directions. There was another left, then a right into the cul de sac as they spotted the house.
"Yeah, it's the one with the Air Force flag." Jessica pointed.
They parked out front, carried out the baby, and the snacks for the party, and made their way inside. They were greeted immediately by Stacie and CR who took in the snacks, and hugged the two of them.
"Hey you two." Stacie greeted happily. "Wow, he's getting so big already."
"Yeah, he's been starting to try and crawl." Jessica told her. "Right now he's just scooting around."
"Well enjoy it while it lasts. Once they're mobile, no object is safe." Stacie laughed.
She remembers when all her babies were cute little roly poly potatoes. Now little Bella is a year old, and running faster than her mommies can sometimes keep up.
"No, he has to stay our little baby boy forever." Ashley said.
"He'll always be our baby boy." Jessica replied while transferring Charlie to a front carrier strapped to her. Next they were greeted by Beca and Aubrey with their two year old daughter, Sophia.
"Hey Mama." Aubrey greeted Jessica with a hug.
The two couples greeted one another with hugs and kisses, while doting over the children.
"I can't believe how big he is now." Aubrey said. "Sophia, can you say 'hi' to Charlie?"
"Hi, Charlie." The little girl waved.
"Wow, Sophia is so pretty. She looks just like you." Ashley told Aubrey.
"Well, thank you." Aubrey giggled. "Hey Sophia, did you tell your aunts what you're gonna be?"
"A big sister." Sophia said excitedly.
Jessica and Ashley were astonished and excited as everyone looked toward Beca.
"Yeah, we'll be expecting number two soon." Aubrey told them wrapping her arm around Beca, and their friends congratulated them.
They made their way through the rest of the party, greeted by all of their other friends, catching up on their lives and careers. Fat Amy has been doing well with her one woman show, and it's on a stage this time instead of a street corner. It's not broadway, but a stage nonetheless. As out there as Amy is, people still find her entertaining, and she even got a positive newspaper review. Chloe is excelling at vet school. She gotten a vet assistant job, and is able to work while learning. She has even adopted a dog. Also Flo's juice business has taken off, and she has since opened three new locations in the state of New York. Ashley has been working towards being an X-Ray Tech in her mom's dentist office, and Jessica is working as a photo journalist for an online magazine. She has since returned to work after her maternity leave.
The weather outside was perfect for today's barbecue, as everyone reconvened out on the deck with plenty of food to go around. Ashley comes back seated next to her wife with a plate made up for her. She has been quite the caretaker for Jessica since they've been together, and especially since she was pregnant. When the two of them found out they were going to have a baby, they were positively elated. Ashley was there for Jessica every step of the way, getting everything ready for the baby, giving her pregnant wife plenty of back rubs, and being a wonderful support system when she was feeling nervous. Jessica is grateful to Ashley for putting up with her mood swings, and restless nights throughout her pregnancy. She doesn't know how she'd have done it without her.
The party continues with the girls hanging out by the pool. Stacie and CR's kids get along with Beca and Aubrey's daughter, Sophia as all of them are playing in the kiddie pool. The moms of the group are sitting around comparing their pregnancy stories, offering Beca the benefit of their experience. Stacie brings Beca crackers to settle her queezy stomach. Meanwhile Jessica is enjoying some slices apples, and the subject of pregnancy cravings comes up.
"The entire time she was pregnant, she craved apples, and she still can't stop eating them." Ashley explained.
"I didn't really crave fruit while I was pregnant." Aubrey told them.
"Yeah, for her it was Funyons." Beca added. "They made the whole bedroom stink."
Comparing their mom stories has been a good time, and the the girls felt like there would always be someone around to answer any parenting questions that may come up. It certainly felt like they were growing as adults in this stage of their lives.
The sun was starting to set, and the girls were gathered around a campfire. Ashley and Jessica are cuddled up together with baby Charlie asleep on Ashley's chest. There was a sense of calm listening to the fire crackle in the night air, while everyone enjoyed the warmth, and toasting marshmallows with the kids. Stacie and CR were pleased the first party in their new home went off without a hitch. They hoped to see more birthdays and graduation parties, and make more memories in this backyard. It was essentially just a house, but their friends and family made it a home. It felt like a long time to get to a good place. These girls have been through so much together with good and bad times, but finally they're in a place where it feels like they're supposed to be.
"Well I think it's time we get this little guy home, but thanks so much for having us." Jessica told Stacie with a hug.
"Oh, thank you for coming. It was really good seeing you."
Everyone said their goodbyes, and the young couple went on their way. Jessica and Ashley held hands in the car the whole ride home talking about the party, and how good it was to see everyone. Charlie sat back in his car seat, clutching his teddy bear and gazing out the window. Before long he caught Jessica's glance in the mirror, and gave his mom a smile. This little one has given his mommies so much joy. He's grown so much in this short amount of time, and they wanted to treasure every moment watching him grow up. Finally they were home, and Ashley was finishing getting ready for bed. She came to the doorway of their son's nursery watching Jessica rock their baby in her arms while singing him to sleep. Ashley stood there smiling, listening to her wife's beautiful voice.
"I need you so, that I could die
I love you so, and that is why
Whenever I want you
All I have to do is dream..."
Jessica looked up at her wife and smiled.
"Hey."
"He's finally asleep?" Ashley asked kneeling down next to them.
"Yeah, our little man had a big day today." Jessica smiled while Ashley kissed the top of his head.
She couldn't help but stare down at their baby boy while stroking his small tuft of blonde hair. He was looking more like Jessica everyday. The three of them made a great team, and they were really a family.
"What are you thinking about?" Jessica asked.
"How lucky I am. I have the family I've always wanted with the most wonderful woman in the world."
Jessica is touched, taking her wife's hand, kissing her fingers.
"I guess that makes me lucky too. I love you."
The two met in the middle with a soft kiss.
"I love you, too." Ashley told Jessica kissing her once more.
They put Charlie to bed, then climbed into bed themselves, holding onto one another. This was something they could definitely get used to. Spending everyday with their wonderful family watching it grow, and at the end of the night falling asleep in each other's arms.
Jessica woke to the sound of the alarm at 6:30 am, rolling over to switch it off. Ashley is slowly waking up herself with her wife rubbing her back.
"Hey, it's time to get up, my love." Jessica said kissing her wife's shoulder.
"Mmm...it's that time already?"
"Yup, time to go bang out a work day."
Ashley rolls toward Jessica groaning at the thought of getting up.
"Do we have to?"
"Yes Baby, my mom will be here in ten minutes to watch Charlie, and we still have to feed him, and get dressed."
Ashley was having none of it, and snuggled into her wife, making no effort to get up.
"But I don't want to 'adult' today." Ashley said fake pouting.
"We have to, Babes." Jessica said brushing back Ashley's hair. "As much as we don't want to."
Ashley kisses Jessica's forehead, and wraps an arm around her waist.
"But things are so perfect right here."
"I'll tell you what. Why don't we get up, I'll make you a cup of coffee, and you can rest for a bit, while I feed Charlie. Give you some more time to relax."
"Deal."
Ashley gives her a kiss, then sits up in bec working up the energy to get up and get dressed. While pulling on her scrubs to go work at the dentist office, Ashley could make out the smell of dark roast coffee filling the kitchen. It was enough to get her up and moving, knowing what awaited her. Ashley pulled back her hair, and made her way in the kitchen, taking the cup of coffee handed to her by Jessica.
"Thanks Baby." Ashley said kissing her wife before sitting in the living room.
She sat down sipping her coffee while Jessica went to feed Charlie. This was a fairly regular routine, and for the most part the two were on the same schedule. Occasionally there was some overtime Jessica worked at the magazine, but more often than not, the young couple were both home at the same time. Life has been going well now that they've found their footing. They were able to find this house shortly after they got married, and although it took some time to get caught up financially, everything is going well now. Having Charlie has been a big change in their lives, but it's been the best change that could have possibly happened. It has made them a family, and has made this house a home. Waking up to his smile and giggles everyday has made his mommies so happy to have found one another, and to be sharing this together. Soon Jessica's mother, Evelyn arrives to watch her grandson, and Jessica comes out of the nursery with little Charlie in her arms. Evelyn greets her daughter and daughter-in-law before taking the baby in her arms, hugging ang kissing him.
"Hi my Charlie Bear." Evelyn says kissing Charlie's forehead.
She bounced him while he smiled and giggled along with her. Nothing made Evelyn happier than being a grandmother. She's missed the days of taking care of her own baby, who is now grown up with one of her own. She used to think having an adult daughter, and being called 'Grandma' would make her feel old, but it was quite the opposite. Charlie is a part of their family growing, and there would be more experiences to share with him, from his first steps, to his first day of pre-school, to learning to ride a bike. All of it was more to look forward to which didn't make Evelyn feel old at all. Alas it was time for the ladies to leave Charlie with his grandmother, and head out for their workday. Ashley and Jessica kissed goodbye, and headed out to their jobs.
Ashley arrives at work checking in before running into her mother, Madelyn. Working with her wasn't so bad. Madelyn is a dental hygienist, and Ashley has started out filing paperwork and answering phones, before getting her x-ray tech certification, and she can now assist with patients. Madelyn and Ashley saw each other sporadically throughout the workday, and would often take a lunch together. They've always gotten along well, so it wasn't a strain on them to work in the same place.
Ashley is close with her mom, but doesn't know much about her father. His name is Ron, and he was married to Madelyn up until Ashley was four years old. She mostly just remembers them fighting alot, until he didn't live at home anymore. Ashley has a quasi friendly relationship with her father. She sees him maybe twice a year since he moved to Philadelphia several years ago. Ron knows his daughter is gay, and knows she is married, and seems to be fine with it. Other than the occasional visit, the two don't really talk.
Finally it was time for lunch, and Ashley and Madelyn go across the street to their regular lunch spot. The two order their usual, and go grab a table. Madelyn has been positively thrilled to bea grandmother, and she can tell Ashley has been really happy since Charlie's birth.
"So how does it feel with the two of you now back to work?" Madelyn asked.
"It's hard not to think about Charlie the whole time, but I'm relieved that Evelyn is available during the day. I feel better with the baby being with his grandmother. As long as you guys don't mind."
"Of course not, Honey. It's what Grandmothers do. Gives us a chance to spoil him."
Ashley laughs.
"He's so sweet. I can't believe how good he's been so far about going to sleep." Ashley told her.
"He's sleeping through the night?"
"Yeah, for the most part. For the first couple of months, Jess was up at three to feed him, but now he's great."
"That's great, Honey. I'm glad to see you guys doing so well."
"Speaking of babysitting, Jess and I want to have a date night. We were wondering if you could watch Charlie tonight?"
"Sure, no problem. What time do you want me to come over?"
"Around seven."
"I'll be there."
"Thank you."
Later in the evening while Madelyn was home with Charlie, Jessica and Ashley are out on a date enjoying drinks at a karaoke bar. Jessica is flipping through the song choices just for fun, not really sure if she wants to sing something. One guy was up before, and sang "What I Like About You." Not the best voice, but he was having a good time, and he got an applause. Next to them was another couple, Shannon and Joe along with a friend of theirs, Mike whom they'd been talking to periodically. Soon the waitress came to freshen up their drinks.
"How's it going so far ladies? Anybody planning on singing tonight?" asked the waitress
"Hmm...thinking about it." Jessica told her. " Not sure if I am just yet."
"Aw, you should do it." said Shannon at the next table.
"Yeah please, It'll save us from having to hear this guy sing." Joe said motioning to Mike.
"Ow, come on. I'm not that bad, am I ?"
"Yes!" said both of them.
Ashley smiled at her wife while nudging her elbow.
"Go ahead, Babe. It'll be fun. Show them whatcha got."
"Maybe." Jessica said with a shy smile.
The group continued to encourage her, telling her she should get up and sing. She finally relented.
"Okay."
Jessica signed her name in, and soon she was called up to sing. Everyone clapped for her while she kept her gaze on Ashley the whole time.
"Thank you, this song is dedicated to my wife, Ashley. I love you, Baby."
Ashley smiled, and blew her a kiss mouthing 'I love you, too.' The song she chose is "All I Have To Do Is Dream." by The Everly Brothers. It's the same song they danced to at their wedding, and the first song they ever slow danced to in highschool, so it has always been special to them. Ashley listened to her wife sing while hearing a few people 'aww' around her, and one woman was starting to get misty eyed. Ashley's focus remained mainly on Jessica, and her voice that always captivated her. She was so proud to be with this wonderful woman, who always brought a smile to anyone around her. When Jessica finished her song, the whole room cheered as she made her way back to the table welcomed by a kiss from Ashley. People tell her how beautiful she sang, and how sweet she and Ashley were together. They talked briefly to the couple next to them about how they've been together since the eight grade, and they are now married with a baby. These two ladies were always happy to talk about their family because it's been the best thing to ever happen to them.
The evening ended with Jessica and Ashley at home in their bed, holding each other close after having made love. Charlie was asleep, and the house was quiet while they kissed and cuddled closely. This has been a night out they've needed since having the baby, and it was nice to have some time to themselves. As Ashley looked into Jessica's eyes, and grazed her fingertips across bare skin, she thought about how she'd like nothing more than to spend every night this way. Through every workday good or bad, and every other thing that happened during the day, this was by far the best thing to come home to.
It is 9pm Thursday night, and Ashley is home while Jessica has a late night working overtime, Charlie has been fed and put to bed, and Ashley is waiting for her wife to come home. Soon Ashley's phone rings, and it's Jessica.
"Hey Baby."
"Hey Ash. I'm leaving work right now. I'm just going to stop and get milk, then I'll be home."
"Okay, hurry back Baby. I miss you."
"I miss you, too." Jessica laughed. "I love you."
"I love you, too. See ya soon."
Ashley hung up, and waited for Jessica. It wouldn't be long now. Jessica worked only a half an hour away, and Ashley would soon be able to spend another night with her wife, while the two of them both have a day off tomorrow. She was really looking forward to it.
Jessica was also excited for she and Ashley to have a day off tomorrow. She's picked up milk, and is now heading home after a long day. Jessica truly did love her job, the magazine was a great place to work, and she got to be among interesting people. On long workdays like this she couldn't wait to get home, kiss her baby, and be with Ashley. There was no place in the world that made her happier than being with her family, and Jessica couldn't wait to get there, but then...
BANG...
It has been almost an hour, and Ashley is starting to worry. She wasn't that far away; surely she's be right back. Jessica was never late; not even once. Ashley tried calling her three times now, but there was still no answer. She tried like hell to come up with a logical explanation for why Jessica wasn't home yet, and wanted to keep herself from assuming the worst. She just wished she's hear from her wife, and know for sure because it was driving her crazy. A sudden knock at the door made Ashley jump from her seat as she went to answer. There she saw two police officers at her door as Ashley held her breath.
"Ashley Jones?"
"Yes?"
"I'm Officer Burke, this is Officer Jenkins. May we come in, and speak to you?"
"Is this about my wife? Is she okay?'' Ashley asked.
"We should go inside and talk." Officer Burke told her.
The three of them go in the house, and sit in the living room. Ashley's heart was pounding, and she couldn't breathe. She couldn't imagine what they were there to tell her.
"Where's Jessica?" Ashley asked with barely a whisper.
Officer Burke took a breath before speaking.
"Ms. Jones I'm very sorry, your wife Jessica was in an accident tonight. She was driving on Collins Rd. when a dump truck ran the red light, and hit the driver's side of the car. There's no easy way to say this, but when the police and ambulance arrived she was already dead. I'm really sorry."
Ashley felt like she had the wind knocked out of her, and the whole world stopped at that moment. She didn't want this to be real. It couldn't be real. It had to be a horrible nightmare she was having.
'Wake up, damn it . Wake up!'
Ashley's lip started to quiver, and tears blurred her vision. She couldn't believe the love of her life was gone, just like that. This wasn't supposed to happen; it couldn't be happening. She looked up at the officer attempting to speak.
"Her parents, do they know?" Ashley asked Officer Burke.
"Units were sent to the house to notify them."
Ashley nodded still in a state of shock. She didn't even feel like she was in her body right now, and she was mildly startled by tears hitting her hand.
"Ms. Jones is there anyone we can call to come and stay here with you." Officer Burke asked.
"My mother." Ashley uttered, absently handing him her phone.
"Okay. I'll call her."
Officer Burke stepped in the kitchen to call Madelyn, while Officer Jenkins stayed with Ashley, laying a hand on her shoulder in an effort to comfort the grieving widow.
"I'm so sorry." Officer Jenkins spoke softly.
Officer Jenkins was merely twenty-one, and this was her first notification. Of all she's experienced so far as a police officer, this was truly the hardest part of the job. No one deserves to hear news like this, and she truly felt bad for Ashley.
"Your mother will be here soon." Officer Burke told her, and Ashley nodded.
Ashley sat there thinking about her little baby boy sleeping in the next room. How was this six month old baby supposed to understand that his mommy was gone. He would grow up to know her, and how wonderful she was. Ashley would miss watching Jessica sing him to sleep every night. She was determined to let Charlie know how much Jessica loved him, and to always make him feel like plenty of people here loved and cared for him as well. It was something she feared having to take on alone. Within ten minutes Madelyn came in the front door, and Ashley rushed to her mother, sobbing in her arms.
"Oh Sweetheart. I'm so sorry." Madelyn cried while kissing her daughter's cheek.
The two officers offered their condolences once more before leaving them to deal with this terrible tragedy. Ashley held tight to her mother while her tears flowed freely. Madelyn managed to get her to sit on the couch while continuing to comfort her. She didn't know what to say to her daughter. Nothing you could say would make things better, and it pained her to see Ashley having to go through this.
It was heartbreaking that something like this could happen to someone as sweet and wonderful as Jessica. She made Ashley so happy, and Madelyn was glad these two had found each other. Jessica would truly be missed by everyone that knew her. Madelyn continued to hold her daughter tight, and just wanted to be there for her.
"Can I make you a cup of tea?" Madelyn asked while Ashley shook her head 'no'.
"Is Charlie still sleeping?" Ashley asked her mother.
"I'll go check on him."
Ashley sat in silence for a moment just not wanting to feel anything right now. Her heart felt weak, and her whole body felt weak as a big part of her was missing. It wasn't supposed to be this way. There life was supposed to be happy together with the love they had for each other, and for Charlie. Ashley didn't know what she was going to do now.
"He's doing fine; he's still sleeping." Madelyn told her, and Ashley nodded.
"Are you sure I can't make you a cup of tea, Sweetie?"
"Okay." Ashley relented.
She's glad her mother is here right now, and doesn't know what she's do without her. Madelyn brings Ashley her cup of tea while sitting next to her, and Ashley quietly sips it.
"Thank you for coming over so late."
"Oh, of course Sweetheart. I'm here for you as long as you need me to be."
Ashley layed her head on her mother's shoulder while Madelyn hugged her tight. Ashley snuggled into her mom starting to cry again. She tried not to, but there was no stopping the tears, and didn't know if she'd ever be able to stop at this point.
"She was supposed to be right back." Ashley cried. "She was getting milk, and she was supposed to be right home. She was so close."
"Im so sorry, Baby." Madelyn said while kissing her temple.
She drew Ashley in close, and just let her cry. Madelyn set the cup of tea on the table so it didn't spill, while Ashley started sobbing into her chest. She cried hard until she coudln't breathe. Ashley couldn't conceive of being in anymore pain right now. She was completely broken down, and the world she thought would always bring her happiness was now a dark and cruel place where her greatest love was taken away. leaving her cold and alone. If not for Charlie's sake, Ashley didn't think she could bare to be here to face this pain. Soon her crying was mostly subsided yet she still had the shakes. Madelyn wiped her daughter's tears away now that she has calmed down.
"You should try to get some sleep, Honey."
"I don't think I can."
"Please Honey, try. Let me help you to bed."
"I can't sleep in there. Not without Jessica." Ashley cried wiping her tears away.
"Okay sweetie, you sleep right here. I'll go get you a blanket."
Madelyn went to the hall closet to grab a blanket. By the time she came back to the couch, Ashley has fallen asleep on the arm out of pure exhaustion. Madelyn lifted up her feet then covered her up. This has been the worst night of their lives, and Madelyn hoped she could help Ashley through this. For now they both needed rest, and they would talk more in the morning.