A/N Hey I just wanted to thank everyone for their opinions/thoughts/suggestions for this story so far. Thank you so much for the incredible support as well! It means a lot! So here's the part where i'm supposed to tell you what I've decided but... I'm not going to do that. You're just going to have to read to find out ;) (I know i'm a jerk...)
Anwyay sorry it took so long to upload, work and life has been crazy lately. So this is honestly a bit of a filler chapter and it's about half the size of what will be my normal chapter size but don't worry we're going to get some more Beca/Chloe interaction in the next chapter. Don't forget to leave a review or message me letting me know what you think.
Chapter 3: Engagement Party
Song: I was made for loving you By Tori Kelly Ft. Ed Sheeran
Chloe's POV
Emily stared in shock… I could tell she wasn't expecting what I had told her.
"Oh my god Chloe, you have to tell Beca what you just told me." Emily stated very seriously, with no sign of her usual happy-go-lucky self.
My heart dropped at her words.
"Em, I can't…" I looked down at my hands and fiddled with them nervously. "I… It doesn't matter anymore. It wouldn't change anything."
"Chloe, it could change everything!" Emily exclaimed.
"Come on Em, you've been there for every interaction I've had with her, she can't even look at me." I sigh and feel the sadness ping in my heart. "I fucked up and should have told her back then, but I didn't, I ran."
"You don't get it." Emily stated. "What you just told me changes the whole situation in my mind. Yeah you did fuck up but now I understand why. You went about it the wrong way for sure, but you thought you were doing the right thing."
"Emily, I can't tell her." I shook my head and met Em's eyes. "Please, just don't tell anyone what I told you."
Emily let out a disappointed sigh. "I think you're making the wrong choice… but I won't tell anyone."
I nodded my head and thought back to 5 years ago when I was stuck between a rock and a hard place… I can't even hope that it was the right choice anymore because there's no doubt in my mind that it was wrong. Sure I was trying to do what was best but clearly I was very wrong…
I sigh and look up into Emily's eyes. "Maybe one day I can tell her the truth."
Beca's POV
The venue was amazing and every part Stacie and Aubrey. I smiled when I noticed them standing talking to Jesse and Benji.
CR and I made our way over to them.
"Hey," Jesse and Benji greeted as they saw us.
"Hey guys," I smile at them. Neither one hugs me because they know how much I hate it but they hug CR.
We talked for a few minutes before I excuse myself to set up the DJ booth. Not only had they asked me to actually sing I had volunteered to DJ for part of the night. I had a preset playlist for the beginning of the night and then when the dancing started, I would be mixing live.
I finished setting up and by the time I looked back up I noticed that a lot more people had shown up. I smiled as I so many familiar faces. It was a room full of all the people I loved most in the world. It was such a wonderful sight.
The bliss ended rather quickly though when I saw the flash of red. I felt my heart sink.
Damnit Mitchell, you've got to pull yourself together. Stop being so pathetic! I yell at myself.
I decided in that moment that the best thing for me was to stay away from her, or yell at her. I wasn't sure which on yet, but I was going to go with plan A first. However, plan B definitely wasn't off the table.
"Hey, do you want to go over the song?" Jesse asked as he walked over to me.
Jesse and I were going to be doing a duet together after I sang my first song. I smiled at him. "Sure, do you have your guitar?"
"Yeah I put it back behind the stage." He explained and we both made our way back to practice.
The first half of the night went by without incident and plan A seemed to be working really well. We would share weird glances at each other every now and then but managed to stay on the opposite side of the room from one another.
"BECA!" I hear yelled from behind me. I turn around knowing exactly who it is and smile widely. "Shawshank how are you?!"
"Hey Ames," I greet and soon she's pulling me into a bone crushing hug. "Can't….BEathe…"
"Sorry Shorty," Amy released me and smiled down at me.
"Did you just get here?" I ask realizing I hadn't seen her earlier.
"Yeah Bumper and I had a little… making up to do." Amy explained.
"Gross." I shack my head trying to not think about that.
"Oh come on its just a normal part of life." Amy explained. "Maybe not for you but the rest of the world, yeah."
"Okay, Amy stop." I put my hand up in a way to tell her I was serious.
Amy looked around the room smiling as she saw each of the Bella's but it fell when she made it to a certain redhead.
"Shit." Amy breathed out and turned to me. "Are you doing okay with her being here?"
"I'm fine," I lie.
"Ugh, I really can't stand her anymore." Amy whines. "Can't she just go back to army dude and leave us alone. After what she did to you how could anyone be in the same room as her?"
"Amy, we've talked about this okay. Chloe and I may not be friends or whatever but I would never ask the girls, including you, to push her out of their life. She's apart of the Bella family and that's not going to change." I say. Over the years Amy and I have had conversations like this one about a thousand times. Amy told me she was "team Beca" and I totally lost it on her. There's no 'team Beca' or 'team Chloe' we're the Bella's and I wasn't going to be the reason we fell apart.
"I just… how can she be just standing there acting like she didn't completely wreck you?" Amy sputtered out.
"Dude, I'm fine okay." I explain trying to plead with Amy not to cause a scene.
"Whatever you say, Cap. I still don't like her though." Amy waved goodbye and made her way over to a group of people.
I looked down at my phone and noticed it was five til and the singing portion was going to start soon. I made eye contact with Jesse and we both nodded as we headed to the stage.
I looked down at the paper of who was performing and smiled. Most were Bella's and there were even some Treblemakers like Jesse and Benji.
I walked up to the mic when it was time.
"Good evening everyone." I greet and scan the crowed to find Stacie and Aubrey. It doesn't take long and I smile at them. "What an amazing night to celebrate two of the best people in the world, Stacie and Aubrey!"
Everyone cheers and I clap as well.
"A huge part of their relationship has been music. In fact if it weren't for music they may not have even met." I explain. "So we felt it was only fitting to allow music to do the talking tonight so that we can say to you just how much we love you both and how happy we are for you."
With that I walked over to the piano. I adjusted the mic and positioned myself to play. I couldn't help but smile. Performing was one of the best things in the whole world.
"I want to dedicate this song to you two, I hope you like it." I say before taking a deep breath, placing my fingers on the right keys, and sank into the song.
Before I knew it the song had ended and I was looking up at the group of people as they clapped. I smiled brightly as Stacie and Aubrey were the two clapping and cheering the loudest.
"Thank you so much. Next I'd like to invite my friend Jesse up who will be singing the next song with me." I looked to the left where Jesse was standing and motioned him on stage. He walked out and the people went crazy. We walked up to the front of the stage together where two mic stands were placed. Jesse perched himself and his guitar on the stool that had been set out while I stay standing.
I nod my head indicating I'm ready and Jesse begins to play.
I smile and begin to sing.
A dangerous plan, just this time
A stranger's hand clutched in mine
I'll take this chance, so call me blind
I've been waiting all my life
Please don't scar this young heart
Just take my hand
I was made for loving you
Even though we may be hopeless hearts just passing through
Every bone screaming (I don't know what we should do)
All I know is, darling, I was made for loving you
I smile out at my two friends as they dance in each others arms. I could only imagine what it would be like to be that in love with someone who was in love with you too.
Jesse picked up the next verse.
Hold me close
Through the night
Don't let me go, we'll be alright
Touch my soul and hold it tight
I've been waiting all my life
I won't scar your young heart
Just take my hand
I joined him in the chorus.
'Cause I was made for loving you
Even though we may be hopeless hearts just passing through
Every bone screaming I don't know what we should do
All I know is, darling, I was made for loving you
Please don't go, I've been waiting so long
Jesse stopped as I sang the next two lines before he would join in again.
Oh, you don't even know me at all
But I was made for loving you
I was made for loving you
Even though we may be hopeless hearts just passing through
Every bone screaming, I don't know what we should do
All I know is, darling, I was made for loving you
We looked over at each other and smiled. It had felt so good to sing with him again. Everyone began to clap again, and we smiled out at the audience.
"Thank you so much." Jesse and I both said. Once the room began to quiet down I spoke into the mic again.
"Next we are going to be privileged enough to have the happy couple come up here and sing together and they will be followed by a number by the Maid of Honor, Chloe Beale." I announced and motioned for Stacie and Aubrey to take the stage.
Jesse and I exited the stage and he pulled me into a hug that I returned.
"You were amazing, Becs." He complimented. "That first song was amazing!"
"Thanks Jesse, that was so much fun." I smiled back. "You were so great!"
"God, that felt like old times!" Jesse was so excited about what had just happened, and I honestly had to admit I felt the same way. There's no rush like the rush of performing.
We made our way over towards the bar to get some drinks and then payed attention to Stacie and Aubrey who were practically eye fucking on stage. I had to roll my eyes at how grossly adorable those two were.
"God those two are amazing together." Jesse explained.
"They sure are." I smile. I am so grateful that those two found each other. It gives me hope that maybe someday I'll find someone who loves me back.
We clapped at the end of their song and I smiled as Stacie pulled Aubrey into a not so PG kiss.
They finally leave the stage and are replaced by Chloe.
Chloe said a few words before she sat down at the piano and began to play, and I immediately recognized the song. It was Move You by Kelly Clarkson.
Realizing I don't really want to listen to Chloe sing a love song I decided now is a great time to go to the bathroom.
After about 5 other performances I made my way up to the makeshift DJ booth. I couldn't help but smile as I turned on the equipment. The lights dimmed to indicate it was time to party and I stared the first song.
I got a rush of feelings, but the main feeling was that of being at home. It didn't matter what was happening in my life, the moment I made mixes or played them, I felt like I was purely Beca.
Beca's Apartment.
I decided to leave the party early and head back to my apartment to pack a few things before I left for my hotel. I tried to convince myself it had nothing to do with not wanting to run into Chloe but if I was being honest with myself it had everything to do with that.
I still didn't know how to deal with her suddenly being back in my life and so the easiest thing to do was to avoid her and deny the feelings she was causing me to feel. It worked…sometimes.
As I was packing, I suddenly had a melody come to mind. I knew exactly what was about to happen. It wasn't going to go away until I sat down and got it out. So, disregarding my bag I headed to my in-home studio, not even thinking about closing the door.
I began to hum the began to hum as I strum along with my guitar. The words seemed to flow in my head and I began to write them down.
Chloe's POV
Part way through the party, Em and I decided to go and talk to Aubrey and Stacie. I'd been honestly avoiding them because I didn't want to lose it on either one of them. Tonight was about them and I wanted to make sure they had a great day but boy was I still pissed.
"Chlo, you sounded great!" Aubrey complemented as she pulled me into a hug. I smiled and hugged her back.
"Thanks Bree," I say as we step back.
We talked for a few moments before I excused myself to get a drink.
I ordered my drink and stood in wait.
"Red." I hear the familiar voice of Amy.
"Hey Ames," I smile brightly at her and for the first time since I've known her she's wearing a serious look and it's directed towards me.
"Why are you here?" Amy asked seriously. I gave her a confused look.
"What do you mean? I'm here for Stacie and Aubrey, same as you." I explain.
"Well, none of us have seen you in 5 years and all the sudden you're just showing back up." I would tell Amy was pissed and I was starting to understand why. "So, did you come back to just throw it in Beca's face or what?"
"Amy you don't understand…" I begin but she cuts me off.
"I'll tell you what I don't understand, I don't understand how you can make the strongest person I know fall in love with you, then break her heart and show back up as if nothing happened. I don't understand how the rest of the Bella's can even look at you let alone be friends with you." Amy spat. It hurt to hear her words but I understood where she was coming from.
"I didn't mean to hurt her." I try to explain but I already know it's going to fall on deaf ears.
"Bullshit!" She barked. "If you didn't mean to hurt her you wouldn't have."
I stayed silent, unsure what to say or how to explain myself.
"You know Beca's been telling us not to be pissed at you or turn our backs on you but I can't. I don't understand why she's still trying to protect you when all you've ever done to her is drag her along and kick her to the curb when something 'better' came along." Amy explained. "Beca had her walls up for a reason and you broke them down just so you could break her heart. You of all people should have known how vulnerable she was with you. Why would you fuck with her like that?"
Amy shook her head and walked away before I could respond. I had to fight to keep the tears at bay. I need to get out of here and now. In my rush to leave though I didn't realize that Beca wasn't at the party anymore…
A/N Dun dun dun! This will be interesting.. So what did you think? Were you shocked by pissed off amy? It was kind of fun to write that part.
Let me know what you think!
Happy New Year!