Being such an alert and clear-headed person, Aubrey knew not to make it seem like she knew what this was about. She and I had been friends for so long that we could have a conversation with our eyes just as well as we could with our mouths. I silently willed her to keep everything between the two of us and she quickly got the message.
"Beca has a paper to write that she had forgotten all about and it's due tomorrow, she was just really upset that it had interrupted our sleepover. That's probably why she didn't even acknowledge you guys, but I mean you know how she gets when it comes to her classes…" I hated lying to the girls and the fact that I had made it sound as if Beca had a short temper (even though she was known for having one- another thing that I find incredibly cute about her), I had to of course, Beca deserved her privacy and I didn't know how to even explain what had just happened anyways, but I still felt bad about doing it.
Everybody accepted the story however and we went back to celebrating our win. Jessica started up the movie, Ted having already been in the player. Just thinking about Beca picking that out made it impossible for me to watch. She was all I could think about. How close she had been, leaning in, her deep blue eyes glistening. As upset as I had been that she ran away from what could have been a wonderful moment, I still had hope. Obviously she had felt something and was about to kiss me, that stood for something. But she had left, so perhaps she was still had feelings for Jesse after all. Beca is a very closed-off, fragile person, her reasons for leaving could keep me guessing forever but I think most of her blindness and unpredictability in love stems from her parents' relationship issues and therefore this must be difficult to her. Heck, it would be difficult for anybody but she's a special case and this is complicated. I can't let this get to me. I just need patience. And to release all this pent up frustration… I wonder if anybody would notice if I just slipped into my room to listen to my lady jam and have a party of my own.
Just as the end credits roll, I get up to execute my plan seeing that the Bellas are all passed out anyways. I slip away seemingly unnoticed and am about to put my earbuds in when the door clicks open.
"Chloe, I know what you're about to do and well, that's fine and all but come on! With a house full of guests? Just talk to me about it first." Aubrey sits down on the end of my bed, placing a comforting hand on my leg.
"Oh my gosh, Aubrey! You really scared me. And I would have been quiet about it…" I continue to explain the course of events to her and how close Beca had been to kissing me. She is silently supportive as she nods along to my account.
"Chlo, it seems to me like Beca is really conflicted. Give her a day or two and then talk to her. Let her know how you're feeling and most importantly, let her know you're here for her no matter what her conclusion is. Also, I completely understand your frustration now. Go for it… I'll make sure none of the girls come in here." Aubrey winks at me and leaves, closing the door behind her.
I put my earbuds in and drown out the world, thinking only of Beca.