Stone Heart Loves Bulletproof Glass

Story Summary:

Beca Mitchell's rise to fame happened in the blink of an eye. The problem with fame is that sometimes, temptation comes near. In the hustle and bustle of the spotlight, giving into that temptation is so simple. Before you know it, you have hit the bottom so hard that the only way out will be with you in a body bag.

Chloe Beale didn't have control over anything in her life. Her father controlled every single breath that she took. So she took control over the only thing that she could, eating. Choosing not to eat or how much to eat gave her a sense of power that was sometimes overwhelming. The problem with being deprived of power is that when you get a taste of it, you become obsessed with feeling that power on a constant basis. Regardless of the outcome.

Author's Note:

Hey Awesome Nerds. Here is my next chapter. Sorry that it is so damn long, inspiration just kind of struck. If you notice, I had to up the rating. My mind got a little dirty and carried away while I wrote this. Well, I hope that you all enjoy. As always, feedback is wanted and appreciated!

Thanks for reading!

Chapter 2 You Shoot me down, but I get up

The first time Chloe made herself throw up; it was to make her best friend feel better. Her best friend Aubrey Posen has a terrible case of stress vomiting. Any amount of stress that the blonde is placed under immediately rears its ugly head as projectile vomit. They of course decided to partner up for their fifth grade science fair because if anyone can keep the blonde calm, it is her redheaded cohort. They did a report on Pluto because Chloe has always held a soft spot in her heart for the runt of the litter, for the underdog. They worked day and night every single free moment that they had for the entire two months that they were allotted to work on the report, because General Posen and Lieutenant General Beale's children do not do half assed science projects.

Of course their report was immaculate. They both knew that they had first place in the bag. General Posen always told the girls, "If at first you don't succeed, pack your bags."

The day of the science fair, Aubrey was an absolute wreck. She had gnawed all of her fingernails down until they started to bleed. Chloe tried her best to calm her best friend down but there weren't enough hugs or reassurances that she could give to calm the blonde down. Aubrey was a mess of nerves as the parents and teachers filled into the auditorium. Chloe could feel the panic seeping off of her friend as the redhead spotted their parents walk in together. Ever the professionals, their fathers were decked out in their full dress uniforms. The multitude of awards, pins and ribbons decorating their blues was almost blinding. Their mothers were also dressed to the nines; it was almost as if they were dressed for a ball, rather than a silly science fair for a bunch of fifth graders. Chloe looked at Aubrey, placing a sympathetic hand on the blonde's back, rubbing soothing circles into her skin. Aubrey finally raises her eyes from the floor, wide spread panic flitting across hazel irises as she makes eye contact with her father. He mouth's something to her, gesturing with his shoulders that she is slouching. Ever the obedient soldier, she immediately straightens her posture, moving her body away from Chloe's calming touch.

"I can't do this Chloe. There is no way that I am going to be able to present our report in front of the General."

"Aubrey, it's going to be fine. How many times have you practiced giving this report since we finished?"

"I have read the report verbatim fifteen times since we finished it last Monday. That doesn't mean anything. I just know that I am either going to freeze up when the judges get here, or pukegate will commence. I can feel my stomach churning."

Chloe giggles airily at the ridiculousness of the blonde's statement.

"Bree, I swear that you will be fine. If you freeze, I can take over. I know that you wanted to be the one to give the report, but I will not let you embarrass yourself in front of our fathers. Do you remember what my dad said to us when we practiced this report in my living room on Friday?"

"If you're not here to win, get the hell out of Kuwait."

"I'm pretty sure that he learned that phrase from your dad."

Aubrey cracks a barely noticeable smile.

"I wouldn't be surprised."

The girls begin giggling, the tension cracking in the air just a little. Letting their guards down turns out to be a huge mistake, they both jump slightly when they hear two throats clear. The girls jut their chins out, posture becoming ramrod straight as they make eye contact with their fathers. They both suppress the urge to salute, inclining their heads slightly to acknowledge the presence of both sets of parents.

"Hello Mother, General. Hello Mrs. Beale, Lieutenant General Beale."

Aubrey's father steps forward, his presence commanding the utmost respect. He glances at his daughter and her friend.

"Good afternoon Aubrey Michelle. Good afternoon Chloe Elizabeth."

Chloe glances at the exchange, feeling very uncomfortable being in such close proximity of the General. Her gaze meets her father's, his eyes widening as he gestures slightly with his head at the General. Chloe moves her gaze to meet the stony face of her best friend's father. She clears her throat lightly before speaking.

"Good afternoon General Posen, Mrs. Posen. Hello Mother, Lieutenant General."

Chloe's father steps forth. He eyes both of the girls before clearing his throat.

"Good afternoon girls. I expect that you both are ready for your presentation?"

"Sir, yes Sir." Both girls squeak out.

"You had better win this competition. Beale's and Posen's are not failures."

"We will." Aubrey stands tall, mustering forth a false sense of courage. Chloe smiles slightly, oblivious to the tension that is still rolling off of Aubrey in waves.

A loud crackle sounds over the PA system, causing both girls to jump.

"Good afternoon parents and students. Welcome to our annual fifth grade science fair. Our judges walked around the auditorium yesterday and looked at all of the presentations. They have narrowed it down to a top five. The top five choices will bring their projects to the stage and give their presentation. After we have heard from all of the top five, the judges will decide on the top three winners."

Aubrey leans her head into Chloe's.

"I can't do this Chlo. I can't give the presentation. There is no way that I will make it through this…"

Chloe grabs her friend's hand, squeezing it lightly.

"Bree, it's going to be fine, I promise."

General Posen leans in to where the girls are standing, hands intertwined.

"Aubrey Michelle. You will give the presentation. I will not tolerate any excuse. I did not raise you to be afraid of a little presentation. Nor did I raise you to give up. If you can't handle the heat, you aren't a Posen."

Aubrey drops the redhead's hand, straightening her posture to meet her father's eyes.

"Yes sir."

"Good girl."

"Kicking off our competition this afternoon, with a dazzling report on Pluto, Aubrey Posen and Chloe Beale!"

The audience erupts with applause, turning to face the two girls. Chloe grins brightly, waving at everyone. She grabs their display, starting off towards the stage. Aubrey stands deathly still, panic erupting from every nerve ending in her body. Chloe turns to check on Aubrey, frowning slightly when she sees her friend frozen in the same spot that she has been occupying for the last hour. Chloe takes the three steps that it takes to get back to the blonde, reaching for her friend. Chloe slips her fingers through Aubrey's intertwining their fingers tightly. The warmth of the redhead's fingers brings Aubrey back to the present, she squeezes them lightly. Chloe squeezes back, pulling the blonde's arm to lead her to the stage. The girls climb the stairs to the stage, making their way to the middle of the stage. Chloe drops her friend's hand, busying herself with setting up the display as Aubrey mentally prepares the notes that she has memorized over the course of the last month. She swallows the excess saliva that has gathered in her mouth. Aubrey clears her throat a few times to test her voice. When she feels like she is ready, she turns to glance at Chloe. Chloe nods her head lightly, indicating that she has finished setting up the display. Aubrey turns her attention back to the audience. She clears her throat one final time.

"Pluto is small and frozen, but astronomers studying the New Horizons data have been fascinated to see that much…"

Aubrey feels the panic begin to overtake her entire being, her hands begin to lightly shake from the physical exertion that she is going through to try and not toss her cookies all over the audience. Chloe looks on in mortification, knowing that Aubrey is about five seconds away from completely losing it.

"Much of Pluto's surface appears to be less than one hundred million years old and mostly free of impact craters."

Aubrey relaxes her tightened facial muscles, thankful that she has made it through the introduction of their presentation. She opens her mouth to carry on into the next part of the presentation. As soon as her mouth opens, all of the stress over getting first place and not letting her father down rises through Aubrey's entire being. She loses the ability to close her mouth as every single thing that she has eaten in the last twenty four hours projectile shoots out of her mouth, all over the front of the audience. Aubrey looks on in horror as her father, mother and Chloe's parents are all drenched by her shame, by her stress. Tears prickle at the sides of Aubrey's eyes, whether from the force of the vomiting or the humiliation of actually vomiting in public, she doesn't know.

Aubrey drops to her knees, threading her fingers through her hair and pulling her face into her hands as the tears begin to freely fall. This time she is certain that this is all from the humiliation of throwing up on twenty people. Sobs erupt from her small frame, the shame of what has just happened taking over her entire being.

"It's okay Aubrey."

Chloe drops to her knees beside her best friend. She wraps her arms around the blonde, hugging her fiercely. This comforting gesture coaxes bigger and more violent sobs to escape from Aubrey's mouth. Aubrey's hands loosen the hold that she has on her hair, falling limply to her sides.

"N….n…no."

Chloe pulls Aubrey's head into her neck, burying her hands into the blonde tresses. She begins to lovingly run her fingers through her best friend's hair, knowing that this is the best way to calm her down.

"It's really not a big deal Bree."

Aubrey nasally sucks in a deep breath, tickling the skin on Chloe's neck.

"Yes it is Chloe. Look at who I threw up on. The General is going to kill me."

"He'll get over it, it was an accident."

"No he won't."

"Wanna bet?"

Chloe pulls out of the intricate hug that she has pulled Aubrey into. She gets to her feet, walking to the edge of the stage near the two sets of parents. She looks all of the in the eyes as she begins to think of all of the times that her and Aubrey have been punished for not being the model children that their parents expected. Like the time that her father made her jog in the mornings with him for his PT for three months, all because she got a "B" on a test. It wasn't even a real exam, it was a practice one. Her father told her that just because the test was for practice; it didn't excuse her from getting an "A" on it.

"We always get an "A" on our exams Chloe. How can you expect to get into an Ivy League school if you can't even get an "A" on a practice exam? For the next three months, while you decide on a solution for this slip up, you will run my morning drills with me at 0430."

Chloe had never been tortured before, but she was pretty sure that this was as close it could be. Nobody should have to be up this early in the morning. By the end of the first week, Chloe was pretty sure that she was going to die. She had never been this tired in her entire life. After the hour of jogging and sprinting drills that she ran with her father, she still had to go to school. By the time she got out of school by 3:45 p.m., she was pretty sure that she had reached the fiery depths of hell. There were days that Aubrey had to practically carry her off of the bus and to her house.

By the end of the three months, Chloe was certain of two things. The first thing being that she would never get below an "A" on any of her homework or exams. The second thing was that she actually enjoyed running. She had never felt as free in life as she did when she was jogging. She would never divulge this information to her father of course.

Chloe shakes herself out of her horrible flashback. Making eye contact with her father, she thinks of all of the times that he told her that she wasn't good enough. That Aubrey was raised right, that he wasn't sure where exactly he went wrong with her. Chloe may not be as poised and conservative as her blonde counterpart, but she was always kind and respectful. As she stared at her father's shocked expression, vomit sliding off of his perfectly pressed uniform, she feels her body fill with an unknown emotion. All she can feel is heat reddening her cheeks, anger burning through the tips of her ears. She thinks of every single time that Aubrey called her crying because her father called her his biggest mistake. As that last thought crosses the redhead's mind, nausea fills her entire body. She doesn't even bother trying to cover her mouth as the vomit erupts from her esophagus. The food particles splatter noisily against the linoleum of the stage as they splash against the audience, mostly aimed at her father.

The only thought that crosses Chloe's mind as her anger induced Puke-pocalypse continues is how amazing it feels to finally be in control of something in her life.

~*~Six Years Later~*~

Chloe staggers into her bedroom, tossing her backpack on top of her desk with a grunt. She shimmies out of her jeans, draping them over her computer chair. She drags her tired body over to her bed, dropping her body into the plush heaven, a soft sigh escaping her lips. She snuggles her body deep into her duvet, relishing in the immediate warmth that envelopes her. Chloe loses track of how long she has been lying in her bed, her eyes growing heavy with the lack of sleep that she has been getting lately. Ever since her mom passed away in a car accident six months ago, all of the day to day household chores have been added to her already full schedule. Between her hectic class schedule, Bella's practices, tutoring for her A.P. English class and homework, she barely has time to sleep. Add in cleaning the house every single day, plus making sure dinner is on the table by the time her father gets home, and Chloe doesn't know how she is managing to keep up her 4.0 GPA. As the lull of getting some much needed sleep becomes unavoidable, Chloe's text notification chirps quietly from her back pocket, muffled by the fluffy mattress. A loud groan escapes Chloe's pursed lips as she rolls to her side to fish her phone out of her jeans. Chloe cracks one eyes open, sliding up the screen of her sidekick. "New message from AhhhBree" pops up on the home screen. A lazy grin spreads across the redhead's face as she opens the text message.

AhhhBree: (3:45) Chlo, you can't fall asleep today. We have Bella's practice at 6, plus you have to make sure you feed Lt. Gen. Jackass. Do you think that he will let you stay over tonight so we can study for the Chem exam on Thursday?

Chloe's snags her bottom lip against her teeth, chewing thoughtfully. Her fingers freeze over the keyboard, contemplating her answer.

Chloe: (3:46) Bree, how did you know that I was trying to squeeze in a nap? I have never missed a Bella's practice woman! I will be there. I was just going to lie down for an hour. LGJ isn't going to be home until later tonight, he has a date with that German chick that he has been seeing. I already asked him if I could stay, he said that was fine.

AhhhBree: (3:46) Chlo, you forget that I know you. You hide behind your dazzling smiles, even though I know how little you have been sleeping. I don't know how you manage to juggle school, Bella's and dating Tom. I am almost positive that you actually sleep while doing cardio during practice. You are overworked, no matter how hard you try and hide it. I can see right through you. Take a nap. I will swing by to wake you up in an hour.

Chloe: (3:47) Thank you! I love you more than you could ever fathom. XOXOXOXO!

AhhhBree: (3:47) Yeah, yeah.

Chloe drops her phone on the bed next to her, immediately letting her eyes slip closed. All too soon, she feels fingers threading through her hair softly. A mewling sigh escapes her mouth as she snuggles deeper into her bed. She is barely aware of the bed dipping next to her as Aubrey lies down next to the redhead. Chloe presses her body back into the blonde. Aubrey slings her arm around her best friend's waist, pressing a very light kiss into the sleep mussed mountain of red hair.

"Chlo, we need to start waking up if we are going to make it to practice on time. You know that Alice will kill us if we are late."

A soft groan escapes the redhead's lips as she tries to fight off consciousness. Aubrey uses the arm slung around the redhead's waist, rubbing her hand up and down her best friend's arm lightly. When the redhead gives no response, the blonde increases pressure on her friend, shaking the small girl lightly. After a minute or two of being rattled lightly, consciousness erupts through the redhead's body. Her body tenses as she stretches her muscles taut. When she has regained enough of her basic motor skills to function as a normal human being, she turns her body to face her best friend, a sleepy smile gracing her features.

"Hey Bree."

Chloe's voice is husky, still thickly laced with sleep. She clears her throat, wincing slightly at the small burn that she feels in her esophagus.

"Hey Chlo-Bear. It's time for you to get up. We have to go to practice."

A pained groan leaves Chloe's mouth as she flops onto her back, placing her forearm over her eyes.

"Do we have to? I don't want to be stuck in a room with Alice the asshole for two hours. She always tells me that my breath smells like eggs."

Aubrey plucks the redhead's arm off of her eyes, using the redhead's own limp arm to poke at her closed eyes. After two pokes to the same eye, Chloe relents and cracks them open. Brilliant but tired blue eyes meet concerned green.

"She is just being a bitch, Chlo. Your breath doesn't smell like eggs. Just remember that she is graduating this year, we won't have to deal with her when we are running the Bella's. Under our organized leadership, I have no doubt that we will kick so many asses and make it to Nationals."

"I don't doubt you one bit Bree."

Aubrey sits up on the bed, pulling Chloe's arm to sit her up as well. Chloe yawns loudly, arching her back to stretch out her sore muscles.

"Get changed into your workout clothes. I will go make you something to eat before we go."

Chloe drops her eyes to the duvet, trying to figure out how to talk her way out of having to eat in front of her friend.

"Um, I already had dinner Bree."

Aubrey scoffs, making her way to the bedroom door.

"No you didn't Chlo, you could barely form coherent text messages. I am almost certain that you passed out as soon as I gave you permission. That means that there is not possible way that you have had anything to eat. You must be starving because you had that emergency tutoring session during lunch, so I know that you didn't have time for lunch."

Chloe opens her mouth to argue with the blonde. Aubrey crosses her arms over her chest, raising her eyebrows at her friend.

"No way lady. No excuses. Now get dressed."

Chloe mock salutes her friend as she makes her way out of the bedroom. Aubrey laughs, throwing her middle finger up at her friend for good measure as she makes her way to the kitchen.

"Fuck…."

Chloe stands up quickly, swaying slightly as a wave of vertigo slams into her suddenly. She props her hand up against her bedroom wall, grounding herself until the dizzy feeling passes. She tries to remember when the last time she had something to eat was, pulling the pad of her thumb into her mouth, she chews on the cuticle as she thinks. She is pretty sure that she ate dinner last night with her father but he also could have been on a date with that German woman. So if she didn't have dinner last night, she definitely had dinner the night before. Didn't she?

"You didn't make it very far."

Chloe pulls her gaze from the floor, meeting the concerned green eyes of her best friend. Aubrey holds a plate out to her best friend, Chloe immediately snatching it up. As soon as the smell of the sandwich hits her nose, Chloe is suddenly ravenous. She picks up the sandwich off of the plate, pulling two huge bites off of the sandwich. She chews quickly and inefficiently, swallowing hastily with a cough. Aubrey places her hand on Chloe's back, pounding on it firmly as Chloe coughs again.

"Jesus Chlo, slow down. We have plenty of time. You will be of no use to me if you die."

"Sorry Bree, I just realized how hungry I was."

"It's okay honey. I knew that you would be hungry. When is the last time that you ate?"

Chloe down casts her eyes, staring intently at a nonexistent spot on the carpet. She pulls her lower lip into her mouth, biting down as hard as she can without drawing blood. She shifts her feet uncomfortably, refusing to meet Aubrey's authoritative gaze. As Aubrey blows a puff of air out of her mouth, awaiting an answer from Chloe with her hands placed on her hips. Chloe mumbles under her breath, lip still trapped under her teeth.

"Chloe Elizabeth Beale, look at me right now."

Chloe shifts her gaze from the carpet, slowly looking up until her eyes lock with Aubrey's. Aubrey's nostrils flare with annoyance, eyes flashing with anger.

"When is the last time that you ate?"

Aubrey taps her foot on the floor impatiently as she awaits Chloe's answer. Chloe rubs the back of her neck, releasing her trapped lip with an audible "pop."

"Two days ago?"

Chloe's eyes drop back to the spot on the floor, awaiting what is sure to become an onslaught of yelling.

"Two days CHLOE!What the hell!"

Chloe shrugs her shoulders nonchalantly, an impish smile on her face.

"I'm sorry Bree. I have been busy. I just forgot."

"That is no excuse. Do you want to end up in the hospital again Chloe?"

Chloe shakes her head quickly.

"No…"

"Then you need to sit your ass down and finish that sandwich now."

"Yes ma'am."

Chloe sits on the side of her bed, picking the sandwich back up. She takes small controlled bites, fighting off the urge to vomit as she begins to feel immense disgust boiling in her stomach. She chews slowly, if for nothing more than to appease Aubrey. With only a quarter of the sandwich gone, Chloe feels extremely full. Full in the most uncomfortable way. Chloe sets the plate on her bedside table. Standing abruptly, she begins to make her way to the bathroom.

"Gotta pee. Sorry."

Chloe walks briskly into the bathroom, shutting the door and turning the lock behind her. Panic fills Chloe's body so body so quickly, her entire body beginning to shake from the exertion. She takes a few deep breaths, trying to center herself. As the mild panic attack subsides, the familiar sense of worthlessness takes its place. With that sense of worthlessness, comes the disgust again. Chloe can feel the weight gain from the sandwich clinging to her giant thighs. Thighs that are big enough, thank you. Chloe knows that she is overweight; she can feel her extra skin jiggle and sway when she moves. It is even worse when she goes on her morning runs before school. She is pretty sure that she has damaged her eardrums from listening to her music so loud. She can't really help it, the volume on her iPod has to be turned almost all of the way up so that she doesn't have to hear the slapping of her extra skin as she runs.

"Hurry up Chlo, we have to leave in about ten minutes if we are going to make it on time."

"I'll be right out Bree."

Chloe presses the palms of her hands into her eyes hard, until the fuzzy spots begin to appear. She makes her way over to the toilet, stopping to turn the faucet on. She pulls open the medicine cabinet, pulling out a tiny razor blade. Chloe pulls a deep breath in through her nose, lifting the toilet seat up as she exhales. She perches her body on the lip of the tub, bending over slightly to place her head above the bowl of the toilet. When she first started doing this five years ago, she had to stick her fingers down her throat in order to make herself throw up. They always say that practice makes perfect, Chloe laughs sardonically. She is pretty sure that they didn't mean practicing something like this until you are able to perfect it. Regardless, she can now make herself throw up pretty much on command. She just has to will it and it will eventually come out. Like a demon being exorcised, she rids herself of her sins and evils in the only way that she knows how. This is the only control that she has over her life, and it is the best feeling that she has ever had. Aside from having her best friend. If Chloe didn't have Aubrey around, she would probably have died by now. She hates keeping this a secret from Aubrey, but she doesn't think that the blonde would understand. Sure, they had the same strict upbringing and the verbally abusive fathers. Aubrey has issues dealing with stress sure, but at least she isn't committing one of the biggest sins against God.

Chloe has always been a good Christian. She was always kind and thoughtful, and never selfish. She went to Sunday school every week and bible study on Wednesday nights. Aubrey's parents aren't overly religious, that is pretty much the only free choice that Aubrey was granted. She can choose to go to church or not. Being the awesome best friend that Aubrey is, she would always go to church with Chloe.

Chloe smiles as she thinks about how great her best friend is. Guilt immediately fills her body as she thinks about how crappy of a best friend she is. If Aubrey knew the things that Chloe did to herself, she would leave Chloe too. As tears begin to well in brilliant blue eyes, Chloe empties the meager contents of her stomach into the toilet bowl. When she has exhausted all of the food and only bile is left, she turns her attention to the tiny razor blade in her left hand. She furiously wipes the tears from her eyes with her free hand before bringing the blade down to her thigh. The first thought that Chloe has as she draws the line through her flesh is her mom. Chloe thinks about how much of a disappointment she must be to her mom. Her mom didn't raise a girl who crumbles under pressure. She was raised to be strong, to handle whatever was thrown her way. Her mom wasn't always the most attentive, but Chloe knew that her mom loved her. Life was tough at times but it was bearable. Most days Chloe was actually happy and not just putting on a really good façade.

That happiness died the same night that Chloe lost her mom. One night, she was coming home after a long shift in the emergency room. She was stopped at a red light when a drunk driver slammed into her head on. She died on impact. The drunk driver escaped the accident with nothing but a bruised rib or two. A bruised rib or two and Chloe lost her mom forever. Sure he is doing his time for vehicular manslaughter, but that isn't going to make Chloe's mom be okay. She is still gone and Chloe is left alone with her sorry excuse of a father.

Her father did not take well to losing his wife. He immediately started drowning his grief in the bottom of whiskey bottles. He didn't become physically abusive or anything when he was drunk, he was just more verbally abusive. He would still go to church on Sunday, but Chloe is pretty sure that he is just going to keep up appearances. There is no way that he still believes in God after everything that has happened. That doesn't mean that he has dropped all aspects of his faith.

When they went to church a couple of months ago, they had a new family join their congregation. A recently widowed young woman and her son. Her son Tom is a year older than Chloe. Chloe's dad and the woman hit it off instantly. They talked about their children. Chloe's dad talked about Chloe's grades, her being constantly on the honor roll. He talked about Chloe and Aubrey taking over an all-female acapella group in their senior year. That he was positive that they would go on to win nationals, because Chloe and Aubrey did not know the meaning of try. That was not a word that they were raised to know, they only knew the meaning of do.

As it turned out, Tom and his mom Christine were very nice. Tom's dad passed away from cancer earlier that year as well. They were sad sure, but he had been suffering for a long time, so they were also thankful that he was no longer in pain. Tom was going to Barden University on a full athletic scholarship after he graduated. His plan at Barden was to become a Lawyer.

After church, Chloe's dad invited Christine and Tom out for brunch. They made their way to the Flying Biscuit Café for a late Sunday brunch. As the four of them are seated, Chloe and Tom immerse themselves in the menus while their parents continue to chat. Chloe orders a coffee and a side of biscuits and chicken gravy, hoping that Tom will eat most of her food so she doesn't raise her father's suspicions. As their food is delivered to their table, a family gets seated on the other side of the restaurant. Christine excuses herself to use the restroom. Chloe's dad glances over at the table next to them, frowning deeply when he notices two women and a child at the table.

"That is perverse and wrong."

Tom looks up from his food, glancing at Chloe's dad.

"What are you talking about dad?"

Chloe's dad motions slightly with his head at the family across the room. Chloe and Tom follow the motion that his head made, glancing over at the happy family. Chloe turns her gaze back to meet her father's.

"They look like a normal family to me."

"They are committing a direct act against God. Homosexuality is a sin Chloe Elizabeth."

"Dad this is the 21st century. There is nothing wrong with loving somebody, regardless of what sex they are."

If there was one thing the Chloe couldn't bring herself to believe, it would have to be that God would really damn someone to hell for being in love with a member of the same sex. To Chloe, love is love, regardless of it being a man or a woman.

The only problem that Chloe sees is that her dad is very against same sex relationships. She shouldn't care. But she does care. No matter how many times her father tries to break her by telling her that she isn't good enough, she still lives to try and please him. It's startling how much she longs for his acceptance and affection.

"It doesn't matter what the century is, being gay is wrong and God will punish them as he sees fit. And they have the audacity to bring a child into their perverse relationship. That is disgusting."

Christine comes back from the restroom, taking her seat at the table.

"What did I miss?"

"Nothing mom. Mr. Beale was just talking to Chloe and I about how being a homosexual is a sin."

"Well it does say in the bible that you are not to lie with a man as you would with a woman. This is the 21st century and they aren't hurting anyone, so I don't think that it is a big deal."

"Well I don't agree. It is a slap in the face of God. If my daughter were to participate in a same sex relationship, I would no longer have a daughter."

"That seems like a silly reason to disown your child."

Chloe turns her attention away from the conversation as panic presses into her chest, making breathing an impossible task. She makes eye contact with Tom, who gives her an easy smile. He gestures to the door of the restaurant, silently asking her if she would like to step outside with him. She smiles and nods slightly. Tom stands up, holding out his arm to help Chloe up. They head out the door as their parents continue their debate.

"Well it is a good thing that I will never have to worry about that. Our children seem to have hit it off quite nicely."

"Well yes, it seems like they have."

Tom and Chloe walk across the street from the café, stopping outside of a little coffee shop. Tom pulls out one of the chairs for Chloe, who unceremoniously plops down in the chair, while still struggling to breathe. Tom sits down next to Chloe, scooting his chair closer to the redhead. He places a tentative hand on her knee.

"Are you alright?"

Chloe sucks in a deep breath.

"I'm…fine."

"You sure don't seem fine."

"I will be. I'm sorry that my dad is a little bit intense."

"Don't worry about it, it is totally cool. He is pretty old school yeah, but it is how he was raised. My mom was raised in the same time; she is just very open about love. She is pretty much a hippie."

Chloe laughs dryly.

"Must be nice."

"It's pretty awesome actually. So. How long have you known that you were gay?"

Chloe chokes on her saliva, coughing violently as she sputters. She looks at him wildly, blue eyes panicked.

"Gay!? I am not gay."

"Oh well then I guess that you won't mind going out with me then?"

"I would love to, but I don't really have time for dating right now. Between school and tutoring and Bella's practices and chores in the house, I barely have time for myself."

Tom smiles a Chloe, abandoning her knee to grab her hand.

"Just give me one date. That is all that I ask."

"Alright. You can't be mad at me if I have no time for you."

"It's fine. I am getting ready to graduate and head off to college. I just really enjoy your company and I mean come on, you're gorgeous. I would be a fool to not fight for your attention.

Chloe feels her cheeks heat up, she ducks her head slightly as she wars with herself about how he must be blind if he finds her attractive. She is fat and disgusting. Bile begins to rise in her throat, she drops Tom's hand, sliding the chair out and shooting out of it. She all but runs into the café. As soon as she flies through the door, she makes a beeline for the restroom. She barely manages to lock the door before the bile becomes too much. Tears form in the corners of her eyes as the meager contents of her stomach are emptied into the toilet. The worthlessness begins to fade but the shame is still there. The immense shame that she has been holding inside for far too long. Usually she has another method to rid herself of that particular shame. Without her purse, her options are severely limited this afternoon. She will have to improvise this time. As soon as her body is done actively vomiting, she unbuttons her jeans and slides them down just above her knees. The tops of her thighs are littered with tiny scars and many fresh cuts. Most of the cuts are pretty shallow. She tries to keep the scarring to a minimum so that she can still wear her shorts when she goes running.

Since she doesn't have her razor blade today, she has to find a different way to repent her sins. She doesn't think that the café will enjoy it if she breaks the mirror. So she uses what she already has and digs her nails into her thighs. A small gasp leaves her lips as she breaks open the skin. As she feels the blood begin to flow, she feels the panic beginning to recede.

Chloe isn't sure how long she has been attracted to girls. She can't exactly label herself as a lesbian because she is attracted to guys as well. She is bisexual maybe. Maybe she just desires to be loved. She grew up with a severe lack of affection maybe that is why she is so starved for love.

Chloe is broken from her internal struggle by a soft knock on the bathroom door.

"Chloe? Are you okay?"

Tom's soft voice sounds concerned from outside the door. Chloe takes a moment to collect herself before she answers.

"Yeah, I'm okay Tom. Give me just a minute."

"Okay. Well our parents are done eating, so they are waiting for us outside. Just thought that I would give you a head's up."

"Thanks. I'll be right out."

Chloe rips some toilet paper off of the roll, dabbing at the small cuts that she has dug into her flesh. When she has adequately cleaned her legs up, she flushes her shameful evidence down. She takes a minute to freshen herself up, clean her face and rinse out her mouth. When she is certain that she looks presentable, she unlocks the bathroom door and walks straight into Tom. She wobbles slightly, grabbing onto his arms to steady her center of gravity.

"Whoa there red. Take it easy."

"My father does not like to be kept waiting."

Tom takes Chloe's chin in his hand, tipping her face up to meet his eyes.

"Are you sure that you are alright Chloe?"

Chloe squints at the concern that is written on his features. Finding it hard to maintain eye contact, she squirms uncomfortably in place.

"I'm fine."

"Do you want to talk about earlier?"

Chloe fills the panic rising again; she shakes her head furiously as she presses her fingers tightly to her lips.

"I'm not going to judge you. You can tell me anything. I know that we just met, but you can trust me."

Tom sighs; slipping his arm over her shoulders as he waits for her response. Chloe revels in the warmth of having his body so close to her. A sudden sense of courage fills her; she pulls away from him slightly so she can meet his gaze.

"If the offer still stands, I would like to go out with you."

A smile spreads across Tom's face; he bends over slightly to press a kiss to Chloe's forehead.

"I would have to be a monumental idiot to say no to that offer."

A grin graces Chloe's lips as they walk out of the café.

Chloe isn't really sure how it happened but before she knows what hit her, she now has the official title of Tom's girlfriend. Being Tom's girlfriend is easy, it's safe. So really Chloe should be happy. The problem is that she isn't.

It has nothing to do with Tom. He is probably the nicest guy that she has ever been around. It is her first relationship, but she really couldn't have picked a better boy to start her dating life with. The problem is that the more time she spends with Tom, the more she feels like maybe she isn't as straight as she thought. Tom is totally into her, that much she knows, she just isn't convinced that she is into him. This thought makes her physically ill. There is no way that she can be gay. If her father hates her now, there is no telling what he will do if he finds out about her growing attraction to the fairer sex.

Chloe is startled out of her thoughts by a loud knock on her bathroom door.

"Chloe! We have to leave or we are going to be late."

"Coming Bree!"

Chloe looks at the fresh cuts that she has made.

"Fuck…"

The first cut that she made is much deeper than she would normally cut. She must have spaced out while making it. This cut will definitely leave a nasty scar. Chloe grabs some toilet paper off of the roll. She wipes the blood off of her blade before pressing the paper tightly against her thigh. She hisses in pain as the rough paper scratches against her battered skin. She stands up from the lip of the tub, making her way to the medicine cabinet. She puts her razor back in the cabinet before pulling out some rubbing alcohol, a cotton ball and some gauze. Chloe takes a few minutes to clean the cut and properly dress it, before slipping on her yoga pants. She throws the evidence of her self-abuse into the toilet and flushes it before she unlocks the door. She puts a big smile on her face, knowing that Aubrey won't be able to be mad at her. If for some reason she is, Chloe will just pull out her best pout and Aubrey will immediately cave.

"Took you long enough."

"Sorry Bree. I think that my stomach didn't agree with the sandwich."

"Did you get sick?"

"A little."

"Chloe, this is the third time this week that you have thrown up after eating. Maybe you have a stomach bug or something."

"Maybe. It will pass. Let's get to practice."

"Are you sure that you want to go? I can call Alice and tell her that you are sick."

"Two weeks before Semis? No thank you. She would actually kill us. I will be fine, let's go."

"If you're sure."

"I'm sure Bree."

"After you my dear."

Chloe laughs at her best friend, gabbing her backpack and overnight bag as they head out of her room.

~*~One Year Later~*~

"Come on Bree. It's time to leave!"

"Hold on Miss impatient."

"Well our flight leaves in two and a half hours. We are supposed to be at the airport two hours before our flight. It is a Saturday in Atlanta; it's going to take at least thirty minutes to get to the airport."

"You are just being antsy because you can't wait to go to the beach. You just want to check out all of the bikini clad girls."

Chloe laughs heartily.

"Maybe."

"I don't think that there is any maybe about it."

Aubrey steps out of her bathroom, carrying the last of her bags. She takes one long look at the room that she and Chloe grew up in, a mixture of sadness and relief filling her.

"I'm going to miss this place."

"I'm not. I can't wait to get the hell out of Georgia. I always thought that I was made to live on a beach. Like in California or Florida."

"Well my dear, your dream is about to become a reality. In less than five hours, we will officially be residents of the Golden State!"

Chloe squeals, clapping her hands together as she jumps in place.

"Let's go! I am ready now. I already put my bags in the car since you decided to take forever in the bathroom."

"It's not my fault that you have been packed since last week."

"Well you would've been packed too but every time I told you to pack your bags, you freaked out. I thought that Puke-pocalypse two point oh was going down.

"Shut up Chlo. You know that I have issues with being told to pack my bags."

"I know Bree, I was just playing. Let's get the hell out of here."

Aubrey grabs her other two bags off of her bed, sighing as she is practically carried out by the excited redhead.

The girls make their way to Aubrey's dad's SUV. He is already sat behind the driver's seat, Aubrey's mother in the passenger seat. Chloe helps Aubrey put her bags in the back of the SUV before they climb into the backseat.

"Ready girls?"

"Yep." "Yes Sir."

"Seatbelts on?"

The girls click their seatbelts into place. As Aubrey's dad starts the car, Chloe chances a look at her dad's house. She hasn't stepped foot in that house in almost a year. It still looks the same; the grass is just a little bit more overgrown. Her vision grows hazy as tears fill her eyes. He may be kind of an asshole, but he is still her father. Even though he hasn't talked to her since the day that he kicked her out. After he smacked her in front of the girl that she had over. She didn't know that he was going to come home from work early. And to be fair, they had only planned on studying for their SATs. Jessica kissed her first. Sure they had flirted with each other at school, but Chloe was like that with everyone. Her desire for affection came off as her being extremely confident and flirty. Well apparently Jessica had received the message and was also attracted to the redhead.

The kiss started off innocent enough. Even though she knew that she was pretty much into just girls, a small voice in the back of her head that was raised to believe that being gay was a sin, was screaming at her to stop. Her worry was soon forgotten because as soon as Jessica's tongue parted Chloe's lips, she lost all coherent thought. A moan escaped Chloe's mouth; it was quickly swallowed by Jessica's eager lips. Chloe broke the kiss, panting hard to catch her breath.

"Wow."

"You're telling me. I have wanted to do that for weeks."

"Well I am glad that you did. I had no idea that you were even interested."

"Um. Have you seen you?"

Chloe laughs, she is glad that somebody finds her attractive. Well someone else since her breakup with Tom. It wasn't messy or anything, he just got really busy with college and basketball. Chloe was busy getting ready to apply for colleges, even though it was a little early. Before she knew it, she hadn't seen Tom in almost three weeks. She missed him, but not like she used to. When he called her that day, she knew that this was the end. He apologized profusely, telling Chloe that he would always love her but he had met someone else. She couldn't blame him, even though it hurt. She let him go because she knew that he would stick by her if she asked him to. She couldn't hold him back anymore, even though she didn't love him like he did her.

Chloe is pulled out of her thoughts as she feels a pair of lips attach to her neck. She moans loudly as the lips nip and suck at the sensitive flesh. She tilts her head, to allow Jessica more access to her neck. She knows that she will have a mark, but she just doesn't care. Jessica nips one more time against her neck before releasing the skin with an audible 'pop.' Chloe can feel the arousal running through her body, warmth spreading down to her core. She threads her fingers into the blonde's hair, pulling the other girl's lips back to her own. She immediately parts her lips, fighting for dominance against the other girl. A small squeak is muffled by the kiss as Chloe pushes Jessica down on her bed. She immediately slides her leg over the blonde, straddling her. Chloe pulls out of the kiss again, turning her attention to the blonde's neck. She is overtaken by a need to mark the other girl. Jessica is more than willing to give the redhead what she wants, completely opening up her neck to Chloe.

Chloe attaches her lips to blonde's neck, nipping it hard before soothing the burn with her tongue. Jessica moans as Chloe continues the assault on her neck. A shiver runs through Chloe as Jessica slips her hands under Chloe's shirt, raking her nails over the redhead's ribs. A hiss is pressed into Jessica's neck as her fingers brush the underside of Chloe's breasts. A harsh moan escapes Chloe's lips as Jessica presses her thigh into Chloe's center. Chloe bucks her hips inadvertently into the thigh, biting down hard on Jessica's neck. Jessica moans loudly, pressing her thigh into Chloe again. As Chloe moans into her neck again, Jessica uses the momentary distraction to pull Chloe's shirt up.

Panic starts to make itself known as Chloe feels Jessica lift her shirt up. Just as she is about to stop the other girl, Jessica presses into her again. Lust and arousal completely overpower the panic. Chloe completely loses herself as she allows her shirt to be pulled over her head. Jessica flings the shirt across the room, pulling Chloe's mouth off of her neck. She looks into desire filled eyes.

"You're beau…."

Chloe captures the blonde's lips before she can finish that sentence. If there is one thing that Chloe knows, it's that she isn't beautiful. She is fat and an emotional mess. The way that Jessica is looking at her right now makes her almost believe that she is beautiful. Almost.

Chloe presses a hard kiss to Jessica's lips, rocking her thigh into the other girl. She swallows the blonde's moan, rocking her hips into Jessica again. Jessica's hand flies to Chloe's bra clad breast, cupping it lightly.

"Chlo..what the fuck?!"

In her lust filled haze, Chloe fails to hear her door opening. Her father walks into her room to find his daughter on top of another girl. He storms over to the bed, pulling Chloe's shoulder harshly. She falls over the side of the bed from the force of being pulled. She falters slightly but is able to catch her balance to avoid falling on the floor. She turns to face her father, wincing when she sees how red his face is.

"I…."

Chloe doesn't even get a word in before she feels a hard smack knock her to the ground. Her hand flies to her face, cradling it. She licks her swollen lips, tasting blood. She winces slightly at the small cut that her father opened up on the side of her lip.

"This is an abomination! I will not have homosexuality in my house!"

Chloe slumps her shoulders, dropping her gaze to the floor.

"I'm sorry daddy. I was weak."

"Shut up!"

Chloe sniffles as tears begin to fall. She rubs her fingers harshly into her eyes, willing the tears to stop.

"I want you out."

Jessica mumbles an apology to Chloe, scrambling off of the bed. She grabs her backpack, running out of the room.

Chloe drops her arms to her torso, crossing them to cover her up. She risks another look at her father.

"I want you out too."

"But daddy…"

"No buts, you need to leave."

The tears increase tenfold, blurring Chloe's vision completely. She doesn't even bother to wipe them away anymore.

"I'm your daughter. You are supposed to love me no matter what."

"I did not raise a homosexual. If you are attracted to other girls, you are not my daughter."

"That's not fair da…."

Chloe's sentence breaks off as she begins sobbing. Her shoulders shake with as she cries. She isn't really sure how long she sits on her bedroom floor in just her bra and jeans. Before she knows it, she feels arms slip around her waist. Aubrey lifts Chloe off of the floor, practically carrying her out of the house.

Chloe jumps when she feels fingers wiping away the tears that have begun to fall. She looks at the blurry outline of her best friend. She offers a watery smile before intertwining her fingers with Aubrey's hand.

"Did he call you at all?"

Chloe shakes her head, not trusting her ability to make words at this moment. Aubrey scoffs, tugging Chloe into her side.

"It's his loss Chloe. You didn't do anything wrong. You don't get to pick who you love."

"I know."
Aubrey presses a kiss into Chloe's temple. Chloe closes her eyes as she breathes in the comforting scent of her best friend.

"Let's get the hell out of Georgia."

"Los Angeles here we come!"

TBC…..