Disclaimer: Universal owns all rights to Pitch Perfect.
Title: After A Cappella
Chapter 4 - Breaking News
Summary: Sequel to Solo Act. They were scattered around the globe and living out their lives but special circumstances will always bring the Bellas together. This story will follow Beca after becoming a successful recording artist.
BREAKING NEWS: SINGING SENSATION, BECA MITCHELL IS ENGAGED!
"What? NO!" Beca nearly lost her shit while she and Chloe watched the international news channel unfold the story.
THE LOVEBIRDS WERE SEEN DINING OUT LAST NIGHT WHEN MUSIC EXECUTIVE, THEODORE MARTIN POPPED THE QUESTION. BY THEIR ACTIONS THAT FOLLOWED, THE TRIPLE PLATINUM SINGER SAID YES.
"It's not true!" Beca insisted, throwing an accent pillow at the high definition screen. When footage of them liplocked appeared then showed the couple leaving together in her car, Beca tried to play it off as though it was nothing. "Seriously, they're making it look much worse than it is."
SOURCES CONFIRM THE COUPLE CELEBRATED AFTERWARDS AT THE MERCER HOTEL BARCELONA WHERE THEY SPENT THE NIGHT TOGETHER.
"Son-of-a-bitch!" she cursed to herself, not believing her dumb luck. When the program showed Theo carrying her bridal style from the elevator to his hotel suite, Beca covered her eyes and couldn't watch anymore. Her boss was right, the footage taken of them was incriminating. "Why does this shit keep happening to me?"
"You were saying something about looking much worse." Chloe couldn't resist teasing her friend.
"Please turn it off." Beca rubbed her temples for the pounding headache that was forming. Taking her buzzing cell phone out of her bag, it was exploding with missed calls from Jesse and several text messages from family and friends. "Shit! Does everyone know?" and tossed it carelessly on the coffee table. "YOU SAID WE HAD AN HOUR BEFORE GOING PUBLIC!" she continued her verbal attack on their TV.
"So...it's true?" Chloe asked, muting the TV.
"HELL NO!" Beca barked. "What part of I'm anti-marriage did you not understand?"
"But they wouldn't be reporting this unless part of it was true. What's going on between you two anyway?" the redhead inquired. "I thought you broke up a year ago."
"We did." Beca replied without delay. "He's in town on business. I agreed to meet with him for dinner so we could talk."
"By the looks of it, you did more than talk last night." Beca rolled her eyes at the Ginger's snide remark. "I'm sorry, was that before or after he carried you to his bedchamber and boned you?"
Words were not needed when Beca narrowed her eyes at her roommate. She'd been caught red handed...again with the same man but this time her fame had made things one thousand percent worse.
"Okay, we did spend the night together, so they got that part right but…"
"Beca, you know I'm not one for judging but he cheated on his wife with you." Chloe continued on. "Given your family history, how could you take him back?"
"I haven't forgiven his actions, but he's changed." Beca tried her best to defend her actions, then continued. "Plus, the dude's no longer married."
"Well, that's comforting." Chloe's comment oozed of sarcasm. "C'mere...let's talk about it." she brought them over to their leather sectional. When Beca gingerly sat down Chloe gave her a knowing look. "Overuse?"
"It's...been a while." Beca admitted quietly, shifting in her seat to get more comfortable.
"What I don't understand is how you can get back together with him after all that's happened." the vet school student shook her head in disbelief. "What's going on in that pretty head of yours?"
Sinking further into the soft Italian leather Beca ran her fingers through her hair and gave it more thought. "I don't know, Chlo. Last night I was prepared to tell Theo to fuck off but after listening to him, there's something redeeming about that guy, and doesn't everyone deserve a second chance?"
"Well...yeah, of course but..."
"He's in love with me."
"Whoa!" Chloe was genuinely surprised. "How do you feel about him?"
Before Beca had a chance to answer Theo's face appeared on TV; he was calling into the show. Grabbing the remote control, Chloe un-muted the program.
"I'm on the tele to set things straight." the Brit opened with his distinctive accent.
"Thank you for joining us and giving CNN the exclusive." Anderson Cooper, the show's news anchor greeted him. "Please tell us what's going on between you and Beca Mitchell."
"Ms. Mitchell and I met last year during the USO tour for the troops. She'd just gotten out of a long-term relationship and I was separated from my wife. We dated some until I told her about my situation at home in London. When she found out I was still married, she ended it. Anyway, I'm divorced now and came to Spain for work and to convince her to take me back."
"So, you're not engaged?" the award winning news correspondent asked.
"No Sir, we're not, we're just two consenting adults enjoying each other's company."
"Mr. Martin, why have you called into our show?" Zain Asher, an English news personality inquired. "What are you hoping to accomplish here?" she inquired further.
"Beca's worked hard to get to where she's at and doesn't deserve to have her name dragged through the mud. I'm probably going to get myself fired but I'm done lying to people I care about. She's a woman with morals who's no home wrecker and doesn't sleep around. I wanted the truth to be heard so people wouldn't get the wrong idea about her." Theo took a deep breath before continuing. "Last night was about forgiveness and second chances."
"It sounds like things are pretty serious between you two." the show's host commented then asked the Trump question. "Are you in love with her?"
"Yes Mr. Cooper, very much so."
"Does she feel the same?" the female co-anchor asked.
"Ma'am, I can't speak for her but I can only hope she does."
"Well, there you have it." the silver haired reporter went on. "You heard it here first...no engagement but definitely fireworks between these two." he summarized the truth, then asked his final question. "If she's watching, what would you like her to know?"
"Only that I'm sorry this happened and I hope she can forgive me."
"I'm sure she will." Anderson turned to his co-host and smiled. "Thank you for calling in and good luck to you both."
As the call ended Beca was stunned at what just transpired. Did the man she decided to give another chance to profess his love for her to millions of CNN viewers? Was it a dick move to put it out there before having a discussion about it first? Perhaps it was but to Beca, the Englishman sacrificed more than his reputation to protect hers, he showed integrity and didn't give a damn what people thought of him, and she liked that..a lot. Beca was feeling something deep down inside that she hadn't felt since falling for a certain former captain of an all male a cappella group the Bellas competed against in college."
"Holy shit, Beca!" Chloe switched off the TV and couldn't believe what she just witnessed. "He literally sacrificed himself to protect your reputation."
"Uh huh..." Beca was officially in a fog.
Chloe turned to her friend who was staring into space. "I hate to admit it but you're right, he has changed. That was pretty awesome what he did for you."
"Yeah it was." the former alt-girl agreed. "No one's ever stood up for me like that, not even Jesse."
KNOCK...KNOCK...KNOCK!
"Gee...I wonder who that could be." Chloe smirked, rising to her feet. "I'll get it."
Opening the door Theo leaned on the frame with his arms crossed. "Hey Chloe, it's good to see you again. Is it safe?" he asked, testing the waters. "She must be bloody pissed."
"Actually, quite the opposite." Chloe beamed at the Brit. "We heard what you said on TV, that was pretty cool."
"Thanks." he smiled at the redhead. "They could say whatever they want about me, but I won't have anyone trashing her name." he insisted. "Can I please see her?"
"Sure, come on in."
As the music executive entered the estate, Beca got to her feet. "Khaled's not going to be happy with us." she opened. "We should've discussed it first."
"I agree but they were wrong when they jumped the gun. I couldn't let them get away with it, I had to do something..." Theo took more strides toward her. "I didn't mean for any of this to happen."
"I know that." she answered quietly, closing the distance between them. "Neither did I." meeting him halfway Beca felt the pitter-patter of her heart. Extending her palms to his chest she gazed into his eyes. "What am I supposed to do with you?"
"Love me back." Theo answered with hope, wrapping his arms around her waist. "That's all I ever wanted."
"This is going to get messy." Beca admitted, snaking her hands around his neck while dropping her eyes to his lips.
"I know, but you're worth it." he smiled warmly. "I'll smooth things over with our boss."
"You shouldn't be taking the heat alone, we'll talk to him together."
"It's okay, you make your records...I've got this." he insisted, kissing the tip of her nose. "I also think we should spend as much time together before I have to leave."
"Mmm...that's a good idea." getting caught up in his seduction, Beca was getting hot under the collar. "I also think you should stay here instead of returning to that hotel, you know...to avoid the paparazzi."
"I like the way you think." and brushed his lips to hers.
"Yeah...I have my moments." she copied his actions.
"Um…it looks like you need your privacy so I'm gonna, you know...I'll just be inside rearranging my sock drawer." Chloe spoke on deaf ears while the two fixated on each other. "You obviously have a lot to talk about and...never mind, I'm just gonna go." she rambled on, leaving the room.
Ignoring Chloe's departure they became more intense.
"I meant what I said earlier." he pressed his forehead to hers. "I'm in love with you."
"Why?" she asked, not recognizing her own voice. "Why do you love me?"
"Because you're everything I want." and pressed his lips to hers. "I don't expect you to feel the same, but I'll do anything to make this work."
"Anything?" she stepped out of his embrace. When he nodded slowly she took him by the hand and guided him to her bedroom. Closing the door behind them Beca immediately unbuttoned his dress shirt and pushed the material off his shoulders. Examining the fine specimen before her, she flattened her hands on his bare chest and latched onto his neck. Like her this was his sweet spot, and when she took in his scent and licked along his pulse point, he moaned softly while his groin came to life. "Lay down." she ordered softly, pushing him down on her bed. Straddling his legs she quickly undid his belt and dress slacks to free his pride and joy that was begging for attention. Not a moment was wasted when she lifted off her dress and disposed of her flimsy underwear then lowered herself on him. Moving slowly she felt herself become one with her partner as she jockeyed him to the finish line. Arching her back she sucked in her breath and came undone while he followed suit. Sitting up he pulled her into his arms and kissed her passionately. "Thank you."
"For what?" Theo inquired.
"What you did earlier, nobody has ever done that for me." holding his head between her palms Beca guided his lips to hers. "I really, really like you, but if you fuck this up..."
"Never..." he locked eyes with her. "Trust me..." and pressed his lips to hers.
Kissing with such passion, neither wanted the moment to end. As they held each other, they were warm and content and couldn't give a damn what was happening in the world. What they did care about was the connection they shared.
A few days later...
Looking at all the text messages she received from family and friends, Beca realized that other then the voicemails she received from Jesse the night she and Theo hooked up, she hadn't heard from him at all, and now that a few days had passed, she was getting worried. Was he jealous and too pissed off about her getting back together with Theo or was there another reason. Picking up her cell phone she decided to find out. Dialing his number she felt nervous and didn't know why. For Christ sake, it was only Jesse, her nerdy ex-boyfriend from college whom she shared a history with. When he didn't pick up, she left a voicemail.
"Hey Jess, it's me. Haven't heard from you in a while and just wanted to make sure you're okay. Call or text me when you can."
A couple of hours later there was no response.
"Hey Jess, it's me again. You're really starting to worry me. If you're upset about me being with Theo again, I understand but you need to let me live my life. Anyway, I miss you and would really like to talk. Please call me."
After another couple of hours Beca called again.
"Okay, you're obviously angry with me and don't want to talk. I get it and will back off but please text me so I know you haven't succumbed to mind control or alien abduction."
The next few days was the same results. Beca left voicemails and texted Jesse several times but received no response. She was missing Jesse and was beyond concerned for her best friend who was avoiding her. Deciding to call some old friends, she'd hoped they heard from Jesse who was now missing in action.
"Hey Em...I'm sorry about the time but I've been trying to get in touch with Jesse for nearly a week, have you heard from him?"
"No, but let me check with Benji." the Legacy Bella yawned as she attempted to wake up her sleeping fiancée. Beca felt a little guilty for disturbing the couple so early in the morning but in her defense, she was worried about her best friend who'd fallen off the face of the Earth...again, and if anyone had news about Jesse, it would be them. "Honey, Beca's on the phone, she's been trying to reach Jesse for days, but he's not responding."
"He's not getting back to her?" Benji asked, yawning. "That doesn't sound like him."
"No it doesn't. Do you think something happened?"
"Who knows, maybe he's in jail again." he yawned, making a joke. "It's still dark out, what time is it?"
"You don't want to know." Emily retorted. "Can you please call him?"
"Sure thing sweetheart. Would you mind making me some coffee while I grab my phone from the charger?"
The young songwriter nodded with a smile. "Beca, we're going to call him right now so hang tight..." and headed for the kitchen to make her man some liquid stimulant. Choosing a Jet Fuel pod for their Keurig machine, within minutes she returned to her beloved who was sitting on their couch with his hand over his eyes. Whatever was going on, didn't look good. Handing her future husband the coffee mug he thanked his woman then shook his head to let her know that something was indeed very wrong with their closest friend.
"Dude! She's been trying to reach you for days." Benji asserted himself. "Call her back or I'll tell her myself."
"Tell me what?" Beca asked, overhearing Benji's conversation with Jesse. "What the hell is going on?"
"Hold on Beca." Emily covered the mic on her cell phone then turned her attention to Benji. "What should I tell her?"
Holding his hand up Benji continued his conversation with his buddy. "Okay, before you do anything stupid I'm coming out there."
"We both will." his fiancée added.
"Emily wants to come out with me." Benji added then listened to his friend go on a rant. "ALRIGHT! I'll come out alone but please don't do anything until I get there." Benji shook his head to let his girl know that Jesse wasn't okay with her tagging along. "I understand what you're going through but promise me that you'll call Beca as soon as we hang up; she's really concerned about you."
"Okay, I'll send you my itinerary as soon as my flights are booked." Benji took a sip of his coffee while Jesse droned on about his situation "Hey man, everything is going to work out. See you soon, buddy...goodnight."
Ending the call, Benji stood up and took a step toward Emily who hung up with Beca shortly afterwards. Extending his arms for a hug, Emily stepped into his embrace.
"Ben, what's going on? What's wrong with Jesse?"
"You're never going to believe this." Benji sighed with despair. "Make yourself some tea then join me in the living room. I'll tell you everything..."
Meanwhile back in Spain, while Chloe and Chicago were out, Beca paced the room waiting for Jesse to ring her. When she saw his call finally coming through she answered without delay.
"What's wrong?" she asked with growing concern. "Are you okay?" When she heard him sniffle she knew he'd been crying. "Okay, you're officially freaking me out. Please talk to me."
"All I ever wanted was to love you. Move to L.A. together, get married and have aca-children, remember?"
"Yeah...I remember."
"That's never going to happen...not now and not ever." he wept openly. "I'll always love you but after this…"
Confused by the direction of the conversation Beca was convinced it was her recent actions that prompted his behavior.
"Is this because of Theo?"
"No Beca, not everything's about you."
"I'm sorry, guess I deserved that." she sighed, recalling the drama she caused the year before.
"What's happened?"
"I can't tell you."
"Jesse, you can tell me anything. You know I'll never judge you. Please, tell me what's going on." she pleaded for some answers then realized how important Jesse was to her. "I'll break it off with him and move to L.A." she offered. "We'll be together."
"You would do that?"
"Yes weirdo, you're my best friend."
"I appreciate that but I need you to stay away from me."
"What?" Beca was officially perplexed. Was Jesse actually pushing her away? "I don't understand."
"You're better off without me, especially after what I've done."
"Jesse, what's happened?"
"I can't tell you."
"Why not?"
"Because the thought of you hating me..."
"No way...never."
"Oh yeah?" letting out a long drawn out breath Jesse gave it a moment then finally divulged the truth. "Leila's pregnant."
A/N: How will Beca react to Jesse's news. Tune in next time and find out. Please review.