"In other Hollywood news it has been reported that five-time Grammy Award Winning Producer Beca Mitchell was set to work with Fifth Harmony on their latest studio album, but decided to back out of the project last minute. Residential Heat officials declined to comment further on the matter this morning."
Beca quickly turned off the radio as she drove down the highway. She knew it wouldn't be long before the press found out that she had backed out of the deal with Fifth Harmony. She just didn't think it would be this soon. She drove the rest of the way in silence, nervously awaiting her destination. As she turned the corner onto a familiar street, memories started to flood Beca's mind. As she pulled up to a large white house, suddenly a place she knew as her home, felt like a stranger's house.
Beca stepped out of her car and took it all in.
"You know the last person we caught creeping on the property we had taken away by the cops," said Jesse with a smile.
"Oh my god Jesse!" said Beca in excitement as she hugged him.
"Do my eyes deceive me, or is Beca Mitchell actually here right now in Georgia," said Jesse as he hugged Beca back.
"No Jesse, it's really me," said Beca with a smile.
"Well I'm glad. It's been what, almost three years since we saw each other face to face," said Jesse as he jokingly pushed Beca.
"I know I'm a shitty best friend, life has just been busy," said Beca with guilt laced in her voice.
"Hey it's cool. If I had five Grammys I would be busy too," said Jesse with a smile.
"How's Aubrey?" asked Beca.
"She's good, she's been talking a lot lately about us starting a family. I want to wait though till we get our own house. Don't get me wrong, we love living on your family's ranch, but we need our own space," said Jesse as he looked at the house.
"Yeah I can see where she's coming from, makes sense. You and Aubrey have been married for what, four years now?" asked Beca.
"Four and a half years, but who's counting," said Jesse with a shrug and a smile.
"Well I'm happy for you Jess, and I think you and Aubrey will be great parents," said Beca.
"Thanks Beca. You know Aubrey still asks how you're doing. I mean sure she's still pissed about how things went down with you and her best friend. And the fact that you basically lost touch with the Bella's, but it's becoming a thing of the past.
"Honestly I don't blame her for hating me. I would too for what I did," said Beca with guilt.
"Hey its ancient history. Plus you're happy with your life in LA right? Well I better get back to my work in the stables, I'll see you at dinner. You are planning on staying here tonight right?" asked Jesse with a hopeful look.
"Yeah of course. I was hoping to stay for a while actually, if it's ok with my mom and Bob," said Beca as she made her way to the front door.
"Excellent, well I'll see you at dinner then. Later Becaw!" said Jesse as he made his way over to the barn.
Beca watched as Jesse walked away before turning around and nervously knocking at the door.
"Just a second," said a familiar voice.
"Beca, honey what are you doing here? Is everything alright?" asked Mrs. Mitchell.
"Yeah everything is fine mom. I just needed a visit home, and so I just decided to drive out here and stay for a bit. You aren't mad are you?" asked Beca nervously.
"No honey, of course not! I'm just surprised, the last time you were here was Christmas three years ago, and you only stayed for a couple of hours.
"I know, I haven't been around like I should mom. I'm sorry," said Beca feeling ashamed.
"Don't be sweetheart. I'm just happy you're here now!" said Mrs. Mitchell excitedly as she hugged Beca tightly.
"So am I," whispered Beca as she held her mom, holding back tears.
"Well you can take your bags upstairs to your old room. Gosh Bob is going to be thrilled when he hears you're here Beca!" said Mrs. Mitchell excitedly.
Beca smiled as she carried her bags up to her old bedroom. Everything looked as it had the last time it did when she left it, which was scary. She set down her suitcases and made her way over to her old desk. On top laid a picture of the Bella's, an a cappella group Beca had been in all through college with her childhood best friends. Beca smiled as she picked up the picture to get a closer look. Her smile faded as her eyes glanced over a certain redhead. She put down the picture and grabbed the next frame which contained a picture of her and the redhead the night they won the world championship of a cappella.
"Chloe," whispered Beca as she gently rubbed her fingers across Chloe's face and a tear escaped.
"I thought I would bring you some extra blankets, gets cold here at night," said Mrs. Mitchell, making Beca jump.
"I remember mom, I actually miss the chilly nights here," said Beca as she put down the frame.
"I always loved that picture of you and Chloe," said Mrs. Mitchell with a smile.
"Me too. How is she? I mean… have you heard from her?" asked Beca.
"I see her all the time dear! I know it didn't work out between you two, but Chloe will always be like a daughter to me," said Mrs. Mitchell.
"All the time?" asked Beca curiously.
"Yes, she owns a very successful bakery in town. And we still do weekly dinners at the Beale's house, so Chloe occasionally will drop by for one," said Mrs. Mitchell as she laid the blankets down on Beca's old queen size bed.
"Bakery? But Chloe always wanted to have a career teaching music?" said Beca confused.
"Guess life doesn't always go the way we plan it sweetheart. Well I need to pick up a few things in town for dinner. Want to join me?" asked Mrs. Mitchell.
"Sure why not," said Beca as she followed her mom out of the house and started to walk to her car.
"Sweetheart where you going? I thought we would take my truck?" asked her mom.
"But mom wouldn't you rather ride in something that doesn't smell like the inside of a barn?" asked Beca.
"You always loved riding in my truck. In fact you learned to drive in this truck, and drove it all through high school," said Mrs. Mitchell confused.
"Fine we'll take the truck," said Beca in defeat.
Beca couldn't understand why her mother turned her down every time she offered to buy her a nicer car. The woman was obviously suborn. Beca decided to bite her tongue and keep quiet as they drove into town. After five years the place looked exactly the same, but in a way it fell completely different.
As Beca exited the truck she noticed dirt on her black pants. Maybe this wasn't the best place to wear her business suit, but this is what Beca was used to wearing every day.
"I'm just going to pick up a few things at the grocery store. Want to help?" asked Mrs. Mitchell.
"That's okay mom, I don't mind waiting. In fact I was thinking of taking a little walk," said Beca as she pointed to the square.
"Okay honey, I won't be more than twenty minutes," said Mrs. Mitchell as she made her way over to the store.
Beca nodded and decided to walk down the sidewalk of the square. How many fond memories she had here. She looked over to the gazebo in the center of the square. She smiled remembering the time Aubrey made the Bella's perform there freshmen year during the Fall Festival. They were a mess then, before Chloe had suggested they perform Beca's mixes. She was pulled away from her thoughts by a familiar Australian accent.
"Get you free sample of Wild Wallaby's homemade wine. Guaranteed to get you feeling as good as a dingo on hot summer night," said the blonde Australian.
"Amy?" said Beca as she approached the stand.
"Shortstack?!" said Fat Amy as she ran and grabbed Beca into a rib crushing hug.
"Amy, can't breathe," whimpered Beca.
"Oh sorry shortstack. What are you doing here?! Didn't bother to tell your best friend you would be in town," said Fat Amy as she put Beca down.
"I know I'm sorry, it's been awhile. I meant to call you sooner," said Beca feeling guilty once again.
"Don't sweat it shortstack. I know you've been busy being all rich and famous," said Fat Amy with a smile.
"It's no excuse Amy. I'm sorry I haven't been a good friend to you, or any of the Bella's," said Beca as she looked down.
"Water under the bridge as they say. So what are you doing here? Big business meeting in Atlanta?" asked Amy.
"Actually no, just taking some weeks to spend at home. Wild Wallaby's Wine huh," said Beca as she looked at the bottles.
"Yeah a little business Bumper and I started. This shit will have you forgetting what year it is," said Fat Amy proudly.
"How are you and Bumper? I know I missed the wedding, I'm so sorry about that," said Beca.
"Understandable Shawshank, you missed quite the ceremony though, we sang our vows to each other on stage. Big finale with fire," said Fat Amy proudly.
"I bet it was beautiful," said Beca.
"Thanks to Chloe. She helped me plan everything, and she made the most gorgeous wedding cake," said Amy with pride.
"Well I'm sorry I missed it all Ames," I said sadly.
"No worries Bec, we have it all on video so I expect you'll be over to watch it," said Fat Amy with a big smile.
"Can't wait," said Beca with smile.
"Well I better let you get back to your wine, it was nice to see you," said Beca as she quickly made her exit.
"Hit me up tonight, maybe we can hit up the bars like we used to! Do you have my number? Or what's your number? You know, forget it, I'll come over to the Mitchell Ranch tonight and we'll go from there!" shouted Fat Amy as Beca walked away.
"Sounds like a plan Ames!" shouted Beca as she walked down the street.
Beca rounded the corner ahead onto the next street. Her eyes suddenly fixated on a big building she had never seen before. In fact this was a vacant lot five years ago.
"Ginger Snaps Bakery," said Beca as she read the store name out loud.
Suddenly Beca became nervous, this had to be Chloe's bakery. In fact the cartoon woman on the outside looked exactly like Chloe. Panic started to flood Beca. She had to stop in, but what could she say? "Hey Chlo, sorry I broke your heart five years ago. I was fucking stupid and selfish. And all the success I have means nothing without you. Want to grab a coffee?" thought Beca.
"Fuck it, just do it," thought Beca.
As Beca slowly made her way to the store her heart began to race, she could feel it beating in her ear drums.
"Breath Beca, you can do this. It's just Chloe. You know Chloe, the one you left broken that night," said Beca to herself.
Beca stopped thinking as she made her way through the big glass doors of the bakery. The aroma inside was enough to make her stomach rumble.
The bakery was huge and beautiful. Of course she knew it would be since Chloe designed it. Luckily the place was pretty packed, so she could scope it out. There seemed to be no sign of Chloe. But there was a familiar face working the register. Beca decided to approach.
"You're welcome Mrs. Howel, and please do let me know if you want me to babysit little Scottie next weekend," said Emily with a smile.
"Will do dear," said the woman as she thanked Emily.
"Um, hello Emily," Beca said nervously.
"Oh, hi Beca," said Emily as her smile faltered.
"It's so good to see you," Beca said with a smile.
"I bet, it's been years since I've even heard from you. Apparently they don't have any forms of communication in LA," said Emily with a hint of anger in her voice.
"Legacy I'm sorry. I know I was a shitty friend to you, to the Bella's, to Chloe. I could never apologize enough to make up for it. But I'm here now," Beca said in desperation.
"If you're looking for Chloe she isn't here," said Emily as she started to ring up the next customer.
"I wasn't looking for Chloe…where did she go though?" I asked nonchalantly.
"She's going to be in and out all day. She's catering the big fundraiser for the Dewberry farm tonight," said Emily as she bagged the customer's pies.
"Thanks," I said as I turned to leave.
"If you're just planning on breezing through like always, just leave her alone Beca. She's been through enough already," said Emily before turning her attention back to the customer.
Her words stung Beca as she walked out of the Bakery. Even though she felt they were well deserved.
The ride back to the ranch was filled with her mom filling her in on things going on at the ranch. Beca didn't pay much attention to what she had to say though. She couldn't get what Emily had said out of her head. Once back at the ranch, Beca decided to spend the rest of the afternoon in her old room. It had been a long time since Beca mixed for fun. She had forgotten how much fun it could be when it wasn't just work. After a couple of hours her mom knocked on the door.
"Beca dinner is ready," said Mrs. Mitchell.
"Coming mom," said Beca as she got up from her old desk.
She couldn't help but look at the picture of her and Chloe from their high school prom. The way Chloe had her arms wrapped around the tiny brunette. And their smiles, it was easy to see how in love they were. If only Beca could close her eyes and be back at that moment when she opened them. How she would give anything to start over, with life, and with Chloe. She was pulled away from her thoughts when she heard the sounds of everyone gathering for dinner.
"Dog gone there she is! The greatest DJ in the world!" said an elderly man with a smile.
"Told you before, I'm a music producer grandpa," said Beca as she sat down at the table.
"Oh that's right Bec Bec, my mistake," said the elderly man.
"Are you on vacation, or are ya having a business meeting," asked an elderly women as she pointed to Beca's outfit.
"This is what I always wear Grams," said Beca as looked down at her attire.
"Fancy show biz clothes Dorothy. You're just not hip enough like our granddaughter," said the elderly man.
"What is Cali like Bec?" asked Beca's sixteen year old cousin Ellie.
She was about to respond when suddenly her attention was turned to the back door as Jesse walked in. She smiled as her best friend approached the table. Her smile soon fell as she watched Aubrey walk in soon after.
"Evening everyone," said Aubrey as she made her way over to the table.
"Well, look who's here," said Aubrey as she sat down in the chair in front of Beca. Never losing eye contact with the brunette.
"Hi Bree," said Beca timidly.
"Aubrey," said Aubrey as took a sip of her water.
"Huh?" asked Beca confused.
"Call me Aubrey. Only close friends call me Bree. No offense," said Aubrey with a smile.
"Bree come on," whispered Jesse.
"Come on what Jesse, Beca and I are no longer close. And after what she did to my best friend, nearly destroying her, she is not even a friend anymore," said Aubrey coldly.
"No it's fine. Honestly I deserve it. I'm not really hungry mom, I think I'm going to get some air," said Beca as she stood from the table and bolted out the back door onto the porch.
"Shortstack! Wait how did you know I was here? Freaky deaky," said Fat Amy as approached the house.
"What are you doing here Amy?" asked Beca feeling defeated.
"We have plans tonight shortstack! There is a town fundraiser tonight and we are getting our drink on!" shouted Fat Amy.
"Why not, I could use a drink," said Beca as she walked down the stairs.
"Wait, don't you want to change first," said Fat Amy.
"No, god why is everyone hating on my clothes," said Beca annoyed as she followed Amy to her car.
Basically everyone in town was at the fundraiser. The Dewberry farm was a popular spot among the locals. Apparently old man Dewberry had passed and had owed money for the property. Some huge company was planning on buying the land and turning it into some big fancy sports complex. It was a shame really, Beca had too many fond memories there to even count.
"There's my pitches!" yelled Fat Amy as she waved to the table the Bella's were at.
"I don't think I should go over there," said Beca nervously.
"Oh shortstack come on, nothing to be afraid of," said Fat Amy as she ran to the table.
"Shots!" yelled Fat Amy as she grabbed one and threw it back.
"Come on Amy, I was waiting for everyone to do it together," said Cynthia Rose annoyed.
"Hi guys," said Beca timidly.
"What is she doing here," asked Cynthia Rose confused.
"Oh come on CR, Beca is still a Bella," said Fat Amy in Beca's defense.
"Really? Because a Bella doesn't just desert their friends once she makes it big. We grew up together B. Been together since day one, and then you gonna just turn your back on us. You might be a Bella, but you are no longer our friend," said Cynthia Rose as she turned her back to Beca.
"Guys come on," begged Fat Amy.
Everyone resumed their conversation, not bothering to acknowledge Beca.
"They're just being a bunch of whiny bitches shortstack," said Fat Amy.
"It's fine" said Beca as she turned around and headed straight for the bar, not bothering to look back.
"What'll it be sweetheart?" asked the bartender.
"Shot of Whiskey," said Beca as she sat down.
"Hey I know you, Beca Mitchell. Hey that last album you helped Jay Z out with is fire!" said the bartender as he poured Beca's shot.
"Thanks," mumbled Beca.
"I go to Barden, hoping to get into the music program. Don't worry about your tab, on the house," said the bartender with a smile.
"Great, keep them coming," said Beca as she downed her shot.
Beca turned and watched her old best friends talking and laughing. Aubrey and Jesse coming to join them. Suddenly Beca started to remember when she was part of the group. Sitting close to Chloe, laughing along with her best friends. How it felt like another lifetime now.
"Howdy folks! We're sure glad to see you come out for such an amazing cause. Dewberry farm means a lot to all of us. Together we have a real shot to save it! And now, the reason all this is even possible. One of the hardest working woman I know. Miss Chloe Beale!" shouted a tall man on stage.
Suddenly Beca's heart began to race and her palms began to sweat. Slowly she turned and there the redhead was. She had looked as she always had, flawless. She was still the most beautiful person Beca had ever laid eyes on.
"Thanks Hank. You know this place is special to me and my friends, to this town. I know it won't be easy, but we will save and preserve this beautiful land. Together we can do anything!" said Chloe determined.
"God she's gorgeous," whispered Beca to herself.
"Chloe Beale? Good luck with that one. Girl is too focused on work to pay any attention to anyone," said the bartender as he wiped the table.
"So she was single? My Chloe, or she was my Chloe, not anymore. Sometimes reminding myself of that is unbearable," thought Beca.
"So eat, drink, enjoy, and donate!" said Chloe with a smile as she finished her speech and walked over to the table of Bella's.
Beca watched as the other Bella's praised Chloe. Suddenly Aubrey leaned in and whispered into Chloe's ear, making Chloe turn around and catch Beca looking.
"Fuck," whispered Beca as she turned around and took another shot.
After a few minutes Beca turned around to look again. Her old friends continued on with their conversation and laughter. Minus the redhead. Beca began to frantically look around the crowd when she jumped when she heard a familiar voice beside her.
"Can I get a vodka and pineapple juice please Ken," said Chloe to the bartender.
"Coming right up red," said the bartender with a smile.
Beca nervously turned around.
"Um, hi Chlo," said Beca very timidly, almost afraid.
"Oh, hi Beca," said Chloe nonchalantly as she waited for her drink.
"You um, you look good," said Beca quietly.
"Thanks," said Chloe with a small smile as she watched Ken pour her drink.
"Look Chloe…" started Beca.
"One pineapple vodka red," said Ken interrupting.
"Thanks a bunch," said Chloe with a genuine smile as she turned to walk away.
"Chloe wait, can we talk?" said Beca as she stood up.
"We just did Beca. Besides, you probably have a plane to catch. It was good seeing you though," said Chloe as she turned and walked away.
Tears began to form in Beca's eyes as she made a dash for the door. She decided to walk home since she had come here with Fat Amy. She fold her arms and just kept walking, needing to escape. Hell had she not worn heels she would be running. She wasn't sure how long she had been walking, soon however she was home. Well at least to the Mitchell ranch. The elders must have been asleep, so Beca headed straight for her bedroom. Once inside she grabbed her suitcase and began packing.
"Beca is that you?" said Bob as he knocked.
"Yes," said Beca as she wiped away her tears.
"Can I come in?" said Bob as he walked in. His eyes darting straight to the suitcase on Beca's bed.
"Your momma told me you were staying awhile," said Bob as his face fell.
"I was, but I just can't okay," said Beca as she continued to pack.
"What do you mean you can't," asked Bob.
"I don't belong here anymore. My friends hate me, Chloe doesn't even care that I exist anymore. Nobody wants me here. It's better this way. Easier," said Beca as she closed her suitcase.
"Now look here sweetheart. I know I ain't your biological father and all. But I raised you since you were five years old. And I didn't raise my daughter to be a quitter. Now you say your old friends and Chloe ain't speaking to you. Well you know what, you just gotta try harder to make em listen. Things aren't right, okay. You know what then, damn it Becs fix it. Running away again isn't the answer. Now I ain't gonna tell you what to do. You're grown now and can make your own decisions. I'm going to bed, and I hope I see you at breakfast. If I don't, you know I always love you no matter what," said Bob as he kissed Beca's forehead and turned to leave.
Beca watched him close the door behind him and turned to look at her suitcase.
"Fix it," she repeated to herself, "But how?"