Chapter 7
MITCHELL MANSION, ATLANTA, GEORGIA
It hasn't been a week yet since Beca started school, but if ever she was properly asked by her mom or her dad, she would be really willing to tell them all about it.
Beca enjoyed her first few days in Barden. Nothing seems to be wrong being there, in fact, she's starting to find her place in it. Like the usual ever since London, everyone seemed to notice how smart she is. Well, Beca is Beca. A couple of hours of readings for someone in her class would only be an hour for her- yes, she can do that. She's Beca Mitchell after all. Effortlessly smart.
However, Beca didn't really like it when everyone in class looked at her during her World Literature class. She had no choice but to stand up when she was called to say something about The Epic of Gilgamesh and all about Mesopotamian Culture. And of course, everyone was impressed that she knew stuff about it more than her professor did. She's a pretty nerd, that is.
Like every day, Jesse would offer to take her home, and Beca would accede to his request. She just can't let Jesse down, since Beca really enjoys Jesse's company. He is one of her closest friend, aside from Stacie.
As soon as Jesse pulled up into the high steel gates of the Mitchells, Beca was wondering if ever she would be seeing her parents home for once. Ever since school started, she never really talked to her mom and her dad, and she missed them.
"Hey, your Mom's here." Jesse stated as he parked his Rubicon beside her Mom's Lexus.
"Or not. Maybe she took the other car." Beca looked out to check if their cars were complete.
"Which one? You have lots." Jesse joked.
"Not funny, Jesse." Beca grumbled and got of the Rubicon.
"Sorry, Beca." Jesse muttered as he chased Beca before the latter could make it to the front door.
"It's okay, Jesse. I'm just tired." Beca smiled, which made Jesse feel relieved.
"Oh, is that so? Well, okay then. Go to rest, and I'll see you tomorrow, okay?" Jesse asked.
Before Beca could respond, her Mom, Cynthia caught sight of the two talking on their front yard. She stepped out and called their attention, which startled both, Jesse and Beca.
"It's so nice to see you here, Jesse." Cynthia greeted.
"Good afternoon, Ma'am." Jesse replied and stepped aside. "I just dropped Beca off. I'll be leaving soon."
"Hi, Mom." Beca, on the other hand, kissed her mom on the cheek. "Yeah, he just dropped me off." She added.
"Oh, why don't you stay for dinner, Jesse?" Cynthia offered.
"Uh… It's okay, Ma'am. I should be going anyway. My dad's…" Jesse immediately countered.
"Or why don't we go have dinner out? I'll call Warren." Cynthia continued on, and dialed her husband on her cell.
Beca hushed Jesse by holding his arm, and gently squeezing it. A signal for him not to counter her mom's proposal. "My mom won't stop." She whispered. "Just say Yes."
"Are you sure it's okay for me to join you?" Jesse asked.
"Yeah. It's just dinner anyway, right?" Beca replied. "Don't worry about it. No boring speeches and forced interactions."
Jesse and Beca laughed at the latter's statement. They both know that wherever they have dinner out, it's unavoidable to meet people, and thus, they have no choice but put their best foot forward whenever it happens.
BARDEN UNIVERSITY QUADRANGLE, ATLANTA, GEORGIA
"Benji! We missed you at Bud's today!" Chloe hugged her friend, who hugged her back.
"I am so sorry, guys. Been busy lately. I'm still working on my projects." Benji sighed.
"Why? Haven't you done anything yet?" Chloe wondered.
"I did, but I procrastinated." Benji grinned. "I'm not like you, Chloe. You're a much better painter that I am."
"No, am not." Chloe shook her head in disagreement. "I'm also struggling. I can't find my muse yet. I don't have the inspiration to make another project yet."
"Still haven't seen your Mystery Girl? Maybe she's all you need." Benji stated while chugging down his can of Diet Coke.
"Uh… I don't know, Benji." Chloe scratched the back of her neck. "Maybe she's just around here somewhere."
"Oh, C'mon, Chloe. Stop lying." Benji immediately blurted out.
"What are you talking about?" Chloe was puzzled. She remembered not telling anyone yet aside from Aubrey about her Mystery Girl's identity.
"I know who she is." Benji smirked. "It's Rebecca. Right? Or is it Beca?"
"I do not know what you're talking about, Benji." Chloe tried to steer away from the pending conversation, but it looked like that Benji wouldn't drop it.
"I heard you. You and Aubrey. Here in the Quad. I was only half asleep, you know." Benji chased Chloe since the latter walked away from him.
"How much did you hear?" Chloe faced Benji this time, worry is seen all over her face.
"Nothing much. Don't worry. I just heard the Beca is your Mystery Girl. Just that." Benji admitted. "Unless, there's something else you need to tell me?"
"Well, honestly, yes. Beca is my Mystery Girl. And it's just bothering me because she's the girl that Jesse likes." Chloe explained. "I can't deal with stuff like these."
"Oops. There it is. You have a crush on her. Like a serious crush." Benji shushed Chloe by putting his finger to Chloe's lips. "It'll be our secret, I promise."
"Benji. This is not a joke." Chloe rolled her eyes in frustration. "I don't know if I should tell Jesse or not."
"You know what to do, Chloe. Aubrey and I don't need to tell you that. Or even, Stacie, if ever she'll know…."
"No. Stacie can't know!" Chloe panicked. "They're cousins, she might tell Beca, then she'll avoid us, then Jesse will wonder…"
"Okay. Okay. Calm down. We won't tell Stacie." Benji stated. "But, I really believe that you know what to do, Chloe."
"Is it too soon to tell Jesse?" Chloe asked in a soft voice.
"Since you're asking me, my answer is no. It's better, honestly. The earlier Jesse knows, the lesser problem. But, it's all up to you. It's just a matter of saying, Hey, Jesse, I have a crush on Beca. She's my mystery girl." Benji mimicked Chloe's voice, which made the latter laugh. "Just that. And you're done."
"It's not easy." Chloe sighed. "I can't tell Jesse yet. I'm not ready."
"Okay. If that's what you want. It's all on you." Benji shrugged his shoulders. "Can't force you anyway. But, Chlo?"
"Yeah?"
"Just make sure that you won't really develop feelings for Beca. Because you and I both know, that it's going to be a huge problem."
"Of course. It's just a crush, Benji. Nothing beyond that." Chloe faked a smile, and Benji believed it.
"Don't want my two bestfriends fighting, you know." Benji grinned. "Jesse has plans. He hasn't really made a move yet so…"
"I promise, Benji. That won't happen. If ever I start catching feelings for Beca, I'll tell Jesse."
"Okay. Good to know." Benji smiled in response. "Just take it easy, Chlo. Okay? You're different when bitten by the love bug."
"Yeah. Thanks, Benji." Chloe hugged Benji in appreciation. "I can deal with this."
"You can trust me, Chlo." Benji stated as he returned the hug. "Your secret is safe with me."
BARDEN UNIVERSITY LIBRARY, ATLANTA
"Is this seat taken?" A voice from behind asked Aubrey who was busying writing her essay.
Aubrey didn't like being distracted and disturbed whenever she makes her school projects and papers. She wants to be 101% focused in everything she does. She was ready to give the woman a glare when she looked up from the table but was shocked to see that it was Stacie Conrad who was asking.
"Stacie?" Aubrey replied in a whisper. "What are you doing here?"
"I'm also going to do my homework. Am I not allowed to do so?" Stacie asked.
"No. I just thought you were home or at work, since you didn't make it to Bud's earlier."
"Ah. Yeah, I just had a quick meeting then I headed back here. I can't really work at home." Stacie grinned as she laid all her stuff on the table while Aubrey was watching her unload everything from her bag. "So, is it alright to seat with you? Because if not, I can move."
"Uh…" Aubrey honestly didn't want anyone else on her table that moment. But since it was Stacie, she gave in. "Sure. No problem. I need a distraction anyway so…"
"What?" Stacie asked. "Sorry, didn't quite catch that."
"Nothing. I didn't say anything." Aubrey immediately took back her last comment.
Aubrey and Stacie worked all throughout their stay in the library. They had a few papers to work on, and since they were classmates, they were able to exchange notes and ideas.
"I wonder if Jesse already finished his." Aubrey stated as she fixed her papers on the table. "This is so much work."
"I don't know. He might have done it already while he was in his father's office or something." Stacie replied. "Jesse can cram everything. He's Jesse Swanson. But I'm sure, he's not doing it tonight."
"Really? You talked to him today?" Aubrey asked.
"Nah. I just have a feeling." Stacie replied. "I don't know."
Aubrey looked sad, since she was hoping to get some inside information about Jesse and Beca just so she can help Chloe sort things out before the latter's feelings start to show.
"You okay?" Stacie broke Aubrey's thoughts. "Looks like you are in deep thought, Posen."
"Huh?" Aubrey looked at Stacie and once again, she was at loss for words upon seeing Stacie's eyes fixed on her.
"I asked if you're okay." Stacie chuckled. "Might have been in the library for too long, huh?"
"Uh, yeah. I'm okay." Aubrey nodded and tried to get back to what she was doing.
"Do you like, Jesse?"
Aubrey stiffened upon hearing Stacie's impromptu question. She was also caught in a dilemma like Chloe's. She can't tell Stacie that she likes her instead of Jesse.
"Why do you ask?" Aubrey asked defensively.
"Because it looked like you were really concerned about him earlier. So, I just assumed." Stacie replied. "Chill, Posen."
"No, I don't." Aubrey stated. "I don't go for the pretty boys."
"Why not? You want the bad boys, huh?" Stacie grinned. "C'mon, Bree. We're friends. Maybe I can help you find your match."
"Nope." Aubrey answered.
"Then tell me." Stacie pleaded, her face was now close to Aubrey's. Aubrey could feel Stacie's breath near her, the latter was being pushy and since they were in the library, they had to keep it down.
"I like someone else." Aubrey looked back, and Stacie's eyes widened.
"Who?" Stacie asked once more.
"If ever I tell you, please promise me that you won't tell anyone about it." Aubrey firmly stated, though in a whispering voice."
"Yeah. I won't." Stacie made a gesture of sealing her lips. "We can even make a pinky promise."
"That won't be necessary." Aubrey replied.
"So, who is it?"
Aubrey's heart at that moment was beating so fast, and her hands were sweating like crazy. Stacie, on the other hand, was looking at her intently and was patiently waiting for an answer.
"You…" Aubrey said in a softer tone this time.
"Excuse me?" Stacie looked confused.
"You…" Aubrey swallowed hard and looked around as long as her eyes won't land on Stacie. "Have a call on your phone right now." Aubrey continued, pointing to Stacie's phone which was on silent mode.
Seeing her phone light up, Stacie immediately stood up and excused herself from the table. Leaving a relieved Aubrey Posen behind.
LITTLE ITALY, ATLANTA
Warren Mitchell agreed to his wife's proposal to have dinner outside of their family home. Cynthia mentioned that it would be a good time to eat out since Warren was still out of D.C. and Beca was able to come home early. She invited Jesse as well, since the Swanson family is a really close friend of theirs.
They were on their way to Little Italy, Beca's favorite Italian Restaurant in Atlanta. Well, of course, Beca and Jesse rode in the latter's Rubicon, while her dad and her mom was in her dad's Mercedes.
"I don't like this." Beca stated. "See that?" Beca pointed to her dad's convoy.
"I was thinking that you'd be really used to this by now. All your life, Beca." Jesse commented.
"Yeah, I am. But this dinner is supposed to be intimate, you know. Family. Close people only." Beca mumbled.
"Well, tell your Dad. Because whenever I tell my Dad, nothing happens. Maybe with yours, there'll be a difference." Jesse suggested.
"I guess it will also be the same." Beca replied. "We can't do anything. We just have to wing it."
"Right." Jesse agreed. "Let's just follow the convoy."
Beca giggled, and Jesse liked it whenever he makes Beca smile. He just hoped that he'll have more time to do it now that Beca's back.
Upon arriving at Little Italy, they were escorted to the table. And of course, there were lots of onlookers on their arrival.
Jesse pulled out a chair for Beca to sit in, and Warren did so too, for his wife. It was just going to be a normal dinner, but as usual, it felt like it didn't. Beca hoped that there won't be talking about future plans, and everything else. She didn't want to talk about all those stuff in a public place. So when her dad started to speak up, she really wished that it won't be about school or work or politics.
"So, Jesse… It was nice of you to drive Beca home today." Warren smiled. "I have been informed that drive her to school too?"
"Yes, Sir. I have. But, don't worry about it, it's my pleasure to drive your daughter around." Jesse replied and smiled at Beca. Beca smiled too, in appreciation.
"Well, that's why Rebecca here, looks like she has no problems in school, because you're there." Warren stated. "Aside from Stacie, of course."
"Actually, sir. Stacie and I hang out in school, so when Beca came to Barden, we were able to introduce her to some of our friends." Jesse explained. "So far, everyone likes her. She's a gem."
Upon hearing Jesse's compliment, Beca couldn't help but blush. Her mother, who was listening to the conversation caught sight of that blush and winked at her daughter.
"She is." Warren agreed. "I just hope that when she meets someone else, that man should treat her like one."
"Dad…" Beca interrupted.
"Why not, honey? It's true. You deserve the best. Doesn't she, Jesse?" Warren turned to Jesse who was gauging the situation.
"Yes sir. I definitely agree. Someone like Beca deserves the best a man can offer." Jesse replied.
"See that, honey? Even Jesse agrees." Warren turned to Beca who smiled in reply.
"Jesse, thank you for joining us." Cynthia added. "I know you have lots to do with your father, and this might not be planned."
"No, it's okay, Ma'am. Don't worry about it." Jesse assured Cynthia. "My dad will surely understand."
"Good to hear, then." Cynthia replied.
"You're a good man, Jesse." Warren immediately patted Jesse on the shoulder. "Really."
"Thank you, Sir. That means a lot coming from you." Jesse replied.
"Rebecca, you'll be in good hands with this young lad over here. I am telling you." Warren joked.
However, Beca felt that it wasn't a joke. It was a subtle message that her father was trying to convey. She nodded to let her father know that she understood what it meant.
"Sir, you don't have to…" Jesse wanted to say something, but was interrupted.
"It's true, Jesse. You and Rebecca could make a good pair." Cynthia added.
"Thanks, Ma'am. But, Beca and I are friends, and we're just enjoying what we have right now." Jesse explained. "I mean, yes, she's special, and, who knows, maybe, in time, we'll see what happens next. Right, Beca?"
Beca was caught off guard with Jesse's question. She was happy that Jesse was able to explain for herself, but what she didn't expect is that she was compelled to say something too.
"Uh. Yeah." Beca agreed. "Jesse and I go way back, and we don't know what's going to happen. So, we'll just see, folks."
"But, Rebecca, and Jesse, you listen to me, okay?" Cynthia requested. "If ever, you start to wonder what it's like to be with each other, take that chance. Seize it, then, try."
"Mom, you're playing a matchmaker here." Beca scoffed. "And you too, dad." Jesse, Warren and Cynthia laughed at Beca's comment.
"Honey, you should see how you and Jesse look good together." Cynthia swooned.
"Might as well work on this other project of yours huh? Not the organization, but this." Warren whispered in Jesse's ear, while pointing his finger between his daughter and Jesse. "This might also be a success."
"We'll, I do hope so, Sir." Jesse replied.
Beca was busy talking to her mom, causing her to miss her dad's interaction with Jesse. She was talking to Cynthia about how good her earrings looked on her, it was really girl talk, making Warren and Jesse have time to talk about things themselves.
"It will. Just act on it before someone else does." Warren added.
Jesse looked at Beca while listening to Warren. Beca, sensing that Jesse's eyes were on her, gave him the sweetest smile she could offer that night.
"Yes, sir. I'm just waiting for the perfect time." Jesse grinned as his eyes remained locked on Beca.
A/N: Here you go! I am so sorry for the update, guys. It's my exams, that's why I can't really post as soon as possible. Thank you for being patient with me and this story.
And I just want to let everyone know that I will not abandon this story. I promise you that.
So, don't worry if ever I don't update immediately. Just remember that I really am finishing this.
Also, thank you for the reviews, everyone! Will definitely keep your suggestions in mind as I write the next chapters. Keep sending me your suggestions and I'll see how I can incorporate them.
'til the next update! x
