Chapter 1 - The phone call

Her body ached, her jaw ached and her heart ached. She had been sat in the same position on the sofa of hers and Chloe's dream house since she got the call this morning. Over 11 hours ago. Curled up in a foetus position, feet cramping under her legs. But she didn't care. Nothing mattered anymore.

Beca had woken up that morning happy and content. This was a common occurrence over the past few years but Beca was still getting used to it, not quit believing it…believing how her life had turned out. That is why it didn't come as much of a shock when her whole world came crashing down around her, causing her to sob uncontrollably on and off since she had got the phone call. Beca had been waiting for the day when something would rock her world, throw her off balance, and out of the cosy domestic bubble she had been living in for the past three years, a year and a half after leaving Barden. It had never left the back of her mind… the feeling. Always niggling. Never letting her enjoy moments fully as she should do. Her mom had always said it was self-esteem issues and Beca never let herself be truly happy as she felt she didn't deserve it. That of course wasn't exactly true. She could see where her mom was coming from, but she had learnt to feel truly happy at times. Chloe had made her see that. Made her see some self-worth.

Hearing the front door unlock and the indistinct chatter of her two most favourite people in the world had Beca sitting upright, knocked out of her thoughts. Her neck clicked as she bolted erect. She suddenly felt sick. Maybe it was the constant crying coupled with the sudden movement. But it was most likely the thought of telling them that made her stomach lurch. Although she had been preparing to break the news all afternoon, her mouth felt dry and her breathe stuck in the back of her throat. She swallowed roughly. Not only was her world crashing around her, she was about to ruin their lives too.

Beca was about to stand when the high pitched excited squeal which greeted her a minimum of twice a day sounded through the house.

"Mommmmmyyyyy"

It was usually her favourite sound, along with Chloe's singing, but today it send a sharp stab of pain right through her gut and she couldn't help the tears that fell as her three year old daughter ran into the room and jumped on her lap, locking her tiny arms tightly around Beca's neck and pushing her soft warm cheek against Beca's wet one.

"Hey sweetie", Beca choked out as she stroked the back of her daughter's head with her left hand and held her tightly to her with her right, breathing heavily in the scent of the toddler. Beca closed her eyes and squeezed her, longer than usual. But the three year old didn't seem to mind… resting her head on her Mom's shoulder. A second later, Chloe emerged around the door-frame, carrying a Disney backpack and water bottle belonging to the toddler. Chloe immediately knew something was wrong, despite Beca's tear stained face being hidden behind their daughter's brunette curls.

"Braeton, can you take your bag and bottle into the kitchen please and then go and get a game set up in the playroom. I will be in after I have spoken to Mommy"

Braeton had leaned back, her arms still loosely over Beca's shoulders. It was enough to expose Beca's face and after meeting Chloe's concerned eyes, Beca had turned her head the other way, staring intently at some insignificant spot on the plush cream carpet.

"Okay mama", Braeton said sweetly, turning her head to plant a sloppy kiss on Beca's cheek, making her hiccup down another round of fresh tears. As Braeton walked past Chloe, taking her bag and bottle, she pulled Chloe's hand to indicate she wanted her to bend down to her level. Chloe did, not once taking her eyes off her girlfriend across the room.

"Mommy's sad", Braeton whispered into Chloe's ear. Chloe nodded once and straightened. She looked down at their daughter's slightly worried face. Chloe stroked her cheek once, giving her a small smile.

"She will be fine, now go and choose and game baby", Chloe said in her most positive voice she could muster.

Once Braeton had toddled off to the kitchen, Chloe stepped into the room tentatively. It was rare to see Beca emotional or crying. Yes, of course, Chloe had experienced every one of Beca's moods and feelings first-hand. After being best friends and then lovers and then co-parents since Beca was eighteen, Chloe knew how to handle most of Beca's emotions. However, it was rare that Beca cried when she was upset. Usually she would get angry, or would shut down or would distance herself and run, so it was strange to see Beca this vulnerable.

"Becs"?

Beca only sniffed and tucked her feet closer under her body, not looking up from the carpet. Not daring to look up into those baby blues, wide in concern, yet still soft and inviting.

"Baby, what's wrong", Chloe said softly as she perched next to Beca on the arm of the sofa, reaching with her left hand to stroke Beca's hair away from her face, and then using her thumb to gently wipe the silent tears falling. Beca shook her head.

"Baby, I can't help you if you don't tell me what's wrong".

Beca covered her face with her hands. Why did Chloe have to be so goddamn fucking nice all the time?

"Stop! Stop being nice to me. You and Brae are gonna hate me" Beca stuttered through sobs as they racked her body again.

"I don't believe that for a second Beca" Chloe said amused, returning to stroke Beca's hair.

Silence.

'Beca, what is it? What's made you this upset? You can talk to me. You know you can babe", Chloe whispered softly, whilst trying to pry Beca's hands from her face, which Beca eventually slowly, very slowly moved, letting them fall into her lap. She took a deep shaky breathe.

"I'm leaving you. Leaving you both".