I am sooo grateful for EACH. AND. EVERY. REVIEW Last chapter! Oh my god, my cheeks hurt from grinning so widely after reading your reviews guys. I want to say a HUGE THANK YOU to all you lovely people :D And everyone was like "You really love cliffhangers, don't you?" And I couldn't stop laughing hehe

Don't worry, this chapter won't have a cliff hangerr... or will it? ;) *mwah mwah*

Love you awesome nerds!

-Casolia

Chapter 5- Persuading Beca

"What happened to your wrist?"

Beca's mind completely blanked for a moment.

Her brain wasn't functioning, unable to register Chloe's words, leaving her eyes to stare ahead.

She could only hear the faint breaths her lungs managed to pump out, her vision starting to blur around the edges like a camera losing focus. Her ears blocked out Chloe's desperate calls of her name-

"Beca,"

"Beca!"

"BECA!"

What?-

Her mind finally clicked; it was late afternoon, she was under her favourite oak tree, at Barden University, with a gorgeous red head named Chloe Beale in front of her, asking about…

The brunette blinked rapidly, her eyes focusing on the worried redhead's frown.

"U-Uhh, I-I..." She was never good at lying, but she sure as hell knew she would never tell Chloe the truth. Beca would be devastated if she lost the ginger's trust and friendship, or even worse, create a burden for the bubbly, innocent red head.

And if Warren found out Beca told Chloe… That was another story.

The pained girl gathered her remaining consciousness and mustered her best sincere look. Swallowing the little saliva that was left in her dry mouth, she controlled her steady eye contact with Chloe. She felt a set of cold nails of hurt digging in her heart as she opened her mouth to inform her new best friend lies-

"Scratched myself before I came here," Beca choked out a dry chuckle "I'm really clumsy, as you can see."

Beca' mind blasted with turmoil of emotions as she held her breath, waiting for her friend's response. Dread scratched its way down her throat when her cobalt blue eyes met the cerulean ones.

Every millisecond felt like a minute; way too long.

"Really? It seemed pretty bad, do you want to go to the nurse?" Chloe scowled in deep concern, her eyes narrowing down to the small DJ without the usual twinkle of happiness. Her bright blue eyes looked dull for the very first time-

Beca hated it.

She hated the effect of her problems; Chloe frowning with her blue eyes showing no more of the happiness it used to flood with.

She hated the fact that her problems would worry Chloe and relinquish her mirth.

She hated herself for having so many fucking problems.

Why did she have to be so… shattered?

Why her...?

Beca took a deep breath, her raw throat stinging as the gush of air rushing down- she never knew lying to a friend would hurt so much. But yet again, she never had a friend she could call a friend to lie to…

"I'm fine, Chloe," Her words came out harsher than she expected, making her friend's expression crack. She could see the ginger's eyes portray hurt from the brunette's cold barrier. If Chloe was hurt by this, Beca could not bear thinking about the moments she'll lie to her in the future.

"Sorry, I didn't mean it like that. I'm just really tired right now, Chlo," Beca forced a small smile, her eyelids purposefully drooping to emphasize her exhaustion. The brunette felt disgusted as she uttered each lie- well it wasn't a complete lie, she missed out on her sleep last night trying to finish her homework. She could easily taste bitter bile with each letter leaving her tongue.

"Oh okay," Chloe nodded understandingly but Beca's stomach churned when she detected the trace of skepticism and hurt. "I'll walk to your dorm." Her tone was more insisting rather than suggesting. Beca gave a tight nod as she packed up her belongings into her bag, while Chloe stood up, brushing her legs.

Deafening silence replaced their usual playful banter as they walked across Barden, entering Baker Hall. Beca chewed on her bottom lip, an old habit when she was nervous, as she adjusted her bag strap and strode swiftly, Chloe on her left.

The red head's cheery voice easily broke the nervous tension like frail cobwebs.

"So, can you come to the party?"

The brunette looked up to see the ginger trying her best to start a conversation to avoid the unusual atmosphere- which of course she succeeded in- as Beca cocked her head with her eyes wide in confusion "What party?"

Chloe smiled, clearly amused at her friend's bewilderment, "Have you already forgotten? I texted you last night!"

"Oh!" Beca's memories relocated itself into her mind as she recounted last night's texts. She didn't really have time to think about the invitation, after Warren visited her. The small DJ shrugged with an apologetic smile "I don't know Chlo, I'm not much of a party person…"

Chloe pouted, giving Beca the cutest and saddest puppy dog eyes "Whaaat? You have to come though! It's going to be a lot of fun, pleeaasee!" She pleaded like a little child asking for a toy, which made Beca giggle at her immaturity.

"C'mon Chloe, face it, I'm not going to be much fun," She chuckled, shaking her head "Or do you want me to go so I can drive your drunk ass back home?" The brunette joked, arching an eyebrow, with her lips unable to contain her sassy smirk.

"No! I mean, you probably will have to, but I just want you to come and have fun with me!" Chloe smirked playfully as she swayed her hips slightly to imitate herself dancing in a party, bumping with Beca's own hips. The red head's lips couldn't help but emit a giggle at Beca rolling her eyes, her tongue stuck out to exaggerate disgust. "I'd rather spend my night with my old buddy Netflix and rather than having to be a driver for a drunk lil' ginger." Beca laughed jokingly as the ginger rolled her eyes.

"C'mon Becs, I know you love hanging out with me," Chloe wiggled her eyebrows seductively.

Beca bursted out laughing at Chloe's attempt to persuade her, clutching her stomach. She couldn't help feeling a flutter of butterflies dancing inside her with her cheeks growing hot as she replayed Chloe's seductive wink in her mind. A warm, unusual feeling stirred in her heart as her navy orbs met her companion's bright blue ones.

"You are…" Her mirthful giggles interrupted her own words. "Chloe Beale, you are the worst at persuading," Her friend put a hand over her chest with a frown in mock hurt, "but the best at making people laugh," She nudged the ginger, her white teeth showing in her grin.

"I know I am," Chloe grinned wider, putting an arm around the giggling brunette "So, will you pleeaase come?"

Their usual banter started up:

"Maybe."

"PUH-LEEZE!"

"Oh Chlo, Which part of 'maybe' don't you get?"

"Which part of 'Please come Becs' don't you get?" Chloe imitated Beca in a higher pitched voice, earning a light shove from the brunette.

"Ughh- I thought you were letting me think about it!"

"Yeah, but Tom, the host, says he needs to know how many people are coming by tomorrow"

"How do you even know this Tom guy?" Beca looked at Chloe, who seemed hesitant.

"Don't change the topic-"

"Is he your boyfriend?" The brunette blurted out, trepidation thrashing in the pits of her stomach.

The ginger pursed her lips for a split second; Beca swore she saw faint chagrin creeping in her friend's eyes before reopening her mouth again.

"…Yes."

It felt as if someone stomped on her heart. The dismal girl took a deep breath to subdue the pain.

Chloe had a boyfriend; how dumb was she, not to expect that?

…Why did she care anyway?

Beca held back her oddly hurt feelings and nodded nonchalantly. Bitterness pricked inside herself as she opened her mouth, urging her lips to curl up in a smile "Are you sure I'm not disrupting your love session?" She winked jokingly.

"Oh my god, Mitchell! Just come!" Chloe rolled her eyes with exasperation.

The small DJ thought about it; if the ginger was that willing for her to go… It wouldn't hurt to grant her wish. She thought about the drawbacks of attending the party: drunk, sloppy teenagers, loud music, Chloe's boyfriend (She mentally crossed that out), disgusting alcohol in red solo cups and… Her clothes. Everyone would be wearing tank tops, shorts, or maybe even nothing, but Beca didn't dare even imagine wearing anything but her long sleeved shirt and tight, skinny jeans- Her scars would easily revealed if she wore something more exposing…

"I'll make you a deal" The brunette finally spoke, her eyes flitting up at Chloe with a smirk.

The red head perked up, her smile bright as the sun "What is it?"

"Let me wear my jeans and hoodie to the party, and don't nag about my choice of clothes, then I'll go," Beca offered, praying in her mind that Chloe wouldn't question and just accept it.

Much to Beca's delight, her companion responded hastily without no hesitation, beaming, "Deal!"

She sighed out softly in relief as she nodded her head with a smile, "Then I guess I'm going."

Chloe let out a delightful squeal that was mixed with her giggles as she hugged the smaller girl, "About time! YESSS! I just persuaded Beca. Effin. Mitchell to go to a party!" The ginger literally announced it loudly, earning a few heads turning from students to see what the commotion was about. Beca cringed at the attention her friend was attracting but her lips couldn't help form a grin at Chloe's jubilation.

"You're going to have so much fun, I swear! It's going to be the best day!" Chloe went on excitedly, her voice still loud enough to earn heads turning around the campus.

"Shhh- Chlo, too loud!" The brunette giggled as Chloe laughed along with her, repeating in a sing song voice for the whole world to hear her, "I just persuaded Beca, effin, Mitchell!"

Aubrey panted as the cold morning air brushed through her golden locks that were flowing behind as she jogged her daily morning path. Upbeat music thumped in her earphones as she breathed through her nose, dashing past trees and other people trekking in the park. It was early morning, the time of day when the sun barely peeked out of the pale blue horizon. There were barely people around the park but the blonde nodded with a smile to any one she passed by.

After a few more rounds around the park, she slowed down to a stop, taking out her earphones and smoothing out the stray curls from her ponytail.

She rested her palms on her knees, hunching over as she took in deep breaths to relieve her heavy breathing. Aubrey wiped her forehead which was slick with sweat with a refreshing "Whoo!"

The blonde walked back to her dorm, taking greedy gulps of water from her bottle to quench her thirst. She probably had to wake her lazy red headed roommate who was still snoring away, sprawled across her bed.

She strode past Baker Hall but stopped at the sound of a familiar voice-

"Beca, I'll be expecting you to be at dinner next Friday."

Curiosity took over as she peeked around the corner to see Dr. Mitchell standing in front of…

That brat! Annoyance and hatred boiled in Aubrey's stomach as she recognized the brunette: Beca Mitchell.

Aubrey recalled how Chloe was dancing around the dorm last night in celebration of persuading the small DJ to go to the party.

The date Dr. Mitchell said was exactly the day of the party- Aubrey glared at the smaller girl who was looking at Dr. Mitchell hesitantly- Beca better not have lied and planned to ditch her best friend, she could not bear to imagine a heartbroken Chloe.

"I-I… I c-can't dad…" Beca's brittle voice mumbled out so quietly the blonde had to strain to hear her.

Why did Beca look so scared? Geez, where was that attitude the first time she saw Aubrey? The miffed girl continued spying on the brunette.

Beca's posture portrayed intimidation with her shoulders hunched, her head facing down. Her navy orbs darting around as if it was afraid to land on one spot, especially her dad's eyes…

"Why not?" Dr. Mitchell's eyes narrowed down to the frail girl.

"B-Because," Aubrey saw the little girl gulp "I'm going to go… study at the library."

The blonde stifled a gasp of surprise; how dare she! That little crapstick lied to Chloe and she's going to STUDY? Aubrey shook her head- she knew that midget was no good.

Dr. Mitchell arched his eyebrows, looking slightly surprised himself, "Oh really? Great thinking Beca, I'll be expecting good reports then."

Aubrey examined Dr. Mitchell and felt confused- he was showing no hint of smiling or a proud expression while the brunette nodded quickly and walked away.

Oh shit, Beca was walking towards her way.

Aubrey quickly took a sharp turn into a different corridor, out of Beca's sight before the small DJ turned.

The blonde looked at the girl walk past her, holding her breath and feeling panic with each step Beca took…Were those tears? But Beca was already gone for her to confirm her suspicion.

Aubrey shook her head; that midget wasn't the one to cry.

Why would she cry anyway…?!

Anger started pulsing inside her as she replayed Beca and Dr. Mitchell's conversation.

She gritted her teeth- that midget had no reason to cry! She was going to ditch Chloe to go to the library! It sounded more pathetic the more she thought about it.

Beca thinks she can toy with others, can she?

Does she even know how sad Chloe would be?

Does she even know how much Chloe was excited to go to the party with her?!

Aubrey clenched her fists, stomping back to her dorm. She glared ahead, muttering.

"You do not get to play around with my best friend's feelings like that, Beca Mitchell."

"Chlo! Wake up, you're going to be late for class!"

Chloe whined softly, rolling over and pulling up her sheets up to her head to block out the noise.

"Chloe!" Aubrey shook her roommate, yanking the sheets away from her.

"Aubrey, it's cold!" The ginger complained, desperately clawing blindly mid-air to reach her blanket. After several more attempts- which she failed- Chloe finally pried her eyes open, and sat up, her tangled bed hair sticking out in odd places.

"What time is it?" She yawned, her words still drenched in fatigue. She ran her fingers through her flaming hair gingerly with one hand.

"Early enough for you to have breakfast and get ready," Aubrey noted, sounding like a stern mother.

"Okay, okay, I'm up!" Chloe hopped off her bed and went to change out of her pyjamas. When she returned, she was greeted with her favourite cereal and milk set up on the kitchen table with Aubrey eating her toast.

"So how was your morning jog?" Chloe opened the box of cereal and started pouring it into the bowl, following with the milk.

She noticed how Aubrey opened her mouth but closed it again hesitantly, her friend's eyes flickering between her toast and Chloe. Was she hiding something from her?

"Bree, what happened? Spill." Chloe ordered, narrowing her eyes at the blonde. They were friends for way too long, now they knew when one of them was hiding something. It was satisfying to have no secrets between them, but it could be really frustrating and embarrassing when she was the one caught with hiding something.

Aubrey took a bite of her toast, rolling her eyes, "I'm just annoyed that… Beca Mitchell is coming to the party with us," She huffed impatiently but something seemed off.

Chloe decided not to push it and played along "I'm so excited though! C'mon Aubrey, she isn't that bad." She smiled enthusiastically, shovelling cereal inside her mouth in between words. She halted her spoon half way towards her gaping mouth when she realised her roommate was giving her a sympathetic look after she said that.

"What?"

"Nothing." Aubrey answered without missing a beat, as if expecting the question.

"What's up with you, Bree?" The ginger squinted her eyes at her friend, slight annoyance starting up inside her.

"Chloe, just think about it. Do you really think Beca, an insecure little girl who probably had no friend," The blonde's words earned a sharp glare from Chloe but she proceeded, "Would actually come to a party?"

Chloe grew defensive, getting irritated by Aubrey's words "Are you saying Beca lied to me about coming?"

"What do you think?" Her roommate grumbled, clearly frustrated for some reason.

"I think she was actually sincere when she said she was coming, Beca even made a little deal!"

Aubrey sighed, rolling her eyes "Whatever you say Chlo, but I'm not going to lend you my shoulder to cry on later."

"I won't need it! She is coming and that's final!" Chloe's voice grew as she spoke indignantly, her eyebrows furrowing.

Beca would never… abandon her like that,

Right?

Reviews are appreciated :)