AN : Dedicated to FiveFoot2

Chapter Seven

The next few months were hectic.

Just as Jesse thought, he hardly had time to breathe, let alone think. The film was not the only project he was working on but it easily consumed most of his time. There were just so much to do, deadlines to meet, hoops to jump through to make sure they get all the right permissions.

The pre-production schedule was packed and before the cameras even started rolling, the director had insisted the main cast attended a week-long intensive boot camp. The idea was for the main cast to work on their singing and choreography. That had been a lot of work and caused Jesse some sleepless nights. He was getting majorly stressed getting everything ready before the boot camp and for the umpteenth time, Jesse questioned why he chose to work in Hollywood. This place was whacked out crazy.

Thankfully, the boot camp went smoothly. It turned out to be an astute move on the director's part. Jesse was able to work one on one with the the main characters, see how the arrangements come together and tweaked them to perfection. Not for the first time, Jesse was thankful he took Beca's advice and asked Benji to come on board. While the cast could all sing and dance, acapella was a whole new ball game and that extra pair of hands and Benji's experience was sorely needed. He was indispensable. Somehow, Benji had the right temperament in handling all the different egos and had been great at coaching the actors. Hiring Benji had been a brilliant idea and Jesse felt he should thanked Beca properly for that. The thing was they haven't had a chance to talk.

His schedule had been crazy and he was only the musical director of this small film. Beca's schedule must be at least ten times busier. Since that impromptu meal at the food truck, Jesse hadn't hear much from Beca. Sure, there had been a few texts and emails but they were all work related, not the bantering back and forth they had when they were scoffing those burritos down. The only thing of note was her asking for longer samples of the tunes she heard during the meeting. Jesse had promptly sent them to her and then a couple of weeks later, he received a rough cut of the single for the movie.

He had been very impressed.

The track was amazing. Yes, it needed more work but it was catchy and hip and just the right tone for the movie. It would be a smash hit and just what the studio wanted. Jesse could hear Beca's stamp all over it and in a weird way, he felt very proud of Beca. She surely had come a long way from mashing songs in her bedroom and doing DJ gigs at the sedate hospital radio. He never had any doubt she could make it, being the determined and talented woman that she was. But this Beca? This Beca was a star.

They were onsite in full production mode now and it was up to Jesse and Benji to be onsite to make sure everything went smoothly for the musical numbers. So far the location shoots had been gone to plan. They attracted the normal crowd of onlookers but on the whole, this was a small film with largely unknown cast. No one really bothered them. However, there were a couple of tricky scenes to get into the can that involved the whole cast and a lot of extras. That would be a hurdle to overcome in the next couple of days. However, tonight was another matter altogether.

Jesse grinned as he looked at the call sheet.

One name jumped out and he could hardly stop that chuckle bubbling out of him. He strode across the set, saying hello to different crew members as they went about setting up the scene. By the lateness of the hour, he shouldn't be this cheerful. It was edging close to one a.m. They were in the middle of this disused empty swimming pool and he would have a few starry-eyed collegiate acapella not used to the filming process to shepherd in the next few hours. But Jesse wasn't thinking of all that. He stopped at one of the trailers, grinning up at the name marked on the door, before giving the door a sharp rap. The grumpiest voice called out from inside and Jesse couldn't contain his laugh anymore. He turned the handled, pushed the door open and popped his head in.

"Hey!" he cheerfully called out.

A pair of blue eyes glared balefully out at him. The owner of that pair of eyes were wrapped up in the biggest overcoat known to man, only showing the end of her cute, pale nose. The sleeves were so long it went over her hands and Jesse could see the coat went down nearly to her knees. Really, her piercing stare was only thing anyone could see.

"What are you so happy about?" came the snark from under all that coat.

Jesse stepped inside nonchalantly strolling over to where that pile of coat was. He knew he had an insufferable smirk on his face and how much that smile would irritate the girl in the coat.

"Ready for your close-up?" he said and Jesse laughed when he heard an exasperated sort of grunt coming out from under all that material. "Are you cold, Bec? We are in Baton Rogue and only you could be cold in this heat."

The eyes swivelled up to him.

"It's fucking one a.m," Beca grumbled.

"So?"

"I should be in bed."

"What? A rock star like you?" Jesse feigned surprise. "I thought you just start partying at one a.m."

"Stop being fucking dense," Beca snapped, withdrawing further into that thick coat. She looked like a tiny, crossed cat trying to go to sleep.

Jesse just chuckled at how moody Beca was. He was not even fazed by all her swearing. It wasn't the late hour she was complaining about. Nor the cold. It was the fact that she was here, doing a small part for the movie. For someone who detested movies so much, this must be like going into enemy territory while walking on burning coals.

"You know you can set the heat in this trailer, right?" Jesse said. He moved over to fiddle with the controls. "I know you are used to something much nicer than this but you've got one of the nicest trailers on set."

All he heard in reply was another grunt. He really couldn't wipe that grin on his face.

"Really, you do," he loudly said, checking out the rest of the trailer. "See? Your own bathroom. Microwave, tv, sound system. Hey look, they even sent you a welcome hamper." Jesse was now looking through contents. "Cookies. Jelly beans and popcorn. Do you want me to make some popcorn for you?"

He didn't wait for an answer. The old Beca he knew loved freshly made popcorn. That was one of the many ways he tricked her into watching movies with him all those years ago. The popping in the microwave slowed down and Jesse waited for the bag to cool slightly before opening it and dumping the contents into a bowl he found. By the time he turned round to face the pile of coat containing Beca, it had sprouted legs and arms and the hood was pushed back to reveal Beca's face in full make-up and hair carefully pinned in place. The scowl was also still there.

"Come on," Jesse coaxed, waving the bowl wafting with sweet butter and sugar smell. "You know you want some."

His grin just got wider when Beca reluctantly rose to her feet, grabbed the bowl and scurried back to her seat.

"I am going to ruin my make-up," Beca grumbled, throwing a handful of popcorn in her mouth. She chewed and swallowed. "If the make-up artist hate me, it's all your fault."

"I'll take one for the team," Jesse remarked. He came over to sit beside her and tried to grab some popcorn; only to have her glare at him before grudgingly letting him have some.

"Why are you so moody?" Jesse said in between mouthfuls of popcorn.

Beca was silent, crunching on her popcorn and Jesse let the silence hung between them. She would talk when she's ready. He knew that much.

"This is madness," she finally hissed. "I don't know what I am doing here. I don't belong on a….on a movie set!"

She was being ridiculous but Jesse understood what Beca might be going through. Anyone else would see a grumpy, insolent diva but Jesse knew she wasn't being one. Beca Mitchell was in an unfamiliar environment, one she didn't understand and she was more than a little insecure. Behind her mixing desk and in the studio, she knew what was happening and what she needed to do. Being in a middle of a movie set, with the huge set and crew shouting jargon must be bewildering, even though she was only having a small part.

"You know -" Jesse replied instead. "Jason was very impressed with the way you looked on tape. That's why he wanted a few more scenes."

"I was happy with just a cameo," Beca sniffed. "I'm only doing this to get keep that awful Nate Paterson quiet and Luke happy."

"Well, it's going to be a quick one tonight and you've got a singing part. You'll ace it," Jesse reassured her. He checked the call sheet and his watch. "Your call is not until half two. Do you want to take a nap?"

Beca raised her perfectly pencilled eye brows.

"Are you kidding?" she said. "If I shut my eyes now, I won't wake up until tomorrow. And I don't want to mess up my make-up. I'm positive the make-up girls hated me. I should have asked my own make-up guy to come along."

"They don't hate you. They are just busy, a little bit stressed and needed to get everyone done in hurry," Jesse laughed. He then got to his feet. "I'm going to see how things are going on set. Do you want to come? They are just doing camera rehearsals and it might take your mind off things."

He was half expecting Beca to kick him out of her trailer but instead, Beca gave the loudest sigh ever and stood up. She shrugged the coat on closer - Jesse wasn't even sure how she could walked. The whole thing swamped her. He was out of the trailer first and turned round to see Beca struggling with the few steps going down. He just put his hands round where her waist was, lifted her up and set her down on the ground. It was a just an automatic gesture - he wasn't really thinking about it. But Beca yelped in surprise until her feet touched the ground.

"Oh. Sorry."

Jesse could feel his cheeks colouring. Beca looked so startled that he felt he had to apologise. It took Beca several moments to snap out of her surprise.

"No. It's fine. I was just not expecting that," she said. "Gimme a warning next time."

They stood there, feeling a little awkward.

"Umm.. ok," Jesse cleared his throat. "Let's go onset. Benji would need me."

The walk to the set was only a few minutes and before long, Jesse spied Benji. The curly-haired man was earnestly talking to one of the cast member. He happened to look up and saw both Jesse and Beca and after a few more words to the cast, he jogged over towards them.

"Hi Bec," Benji said.

Beca was already holding out her arms and Jesse watched as Benji hugged her tight. Huh. Beca was on hugging terms with Benji? She was stiff as a board when he had his hands around her. She didn't seem too concerned about Benji hugging her and ruining her make-up.

"Jesse got you out of the trailer, huh?" Benji commented, once they broke apart grinning to each other. "Are you watching the rehearsal? Do you have a chair? Let me get you a chair."

"No, Benji. It's ok," Beca protested but Benji was already speaking into his walkie-talkie and running off to get Beca that chair.

"He's in his element," Beca spoke up to Jesse, her eyes following Benji's back. "He's really enjoying this, huh?"

"Yeah, he is. I don't know what I do if he was not around." Jesse turned slightly towards Beca, shoving his hands into his pockets. "I really have to thank you for that. It was your idea, after all. I was too thick to notice Benji would jump at a chance like this."

"It's nothing," Beca replied.

"No, Bec. It's not nothing. Benji had something to tide him over until his programme get more funding. He's enjoying it and and who knows? With a film credit, he might get more work like this. It was a great thing to happen."

Beca turned to face him now.

"I didn't do anything. You are the one who hired him," Beca insisted. "I think you should take credit about that. Also, the samples you sent me were incredible. I got that single down. I know what to do with it now."

"You are a miracle worker, Beca Mitchell. The rough cut is already so good," Jesse complimented her. "It just needs some polishing."

Beca nodded, agreeing with what Jesse was saying.

"Yes, it needs a little work," Beca asked. "Are you good to come over in the next couple of weeks? I'm not sure what the production schedule's like but I'm at home. So if you are back in LA, we could work on that single."

Jesse tried to recall what his schedule was like. They should finish filming the musical numbers in the next week and it would be straight dialogue shooting afterwards.

"Yeah, ok. I'll check the schedule and get in touch with your PA," Jesse answered. He saw Benji running towards them, grinning triumphantly, one hand carrying a folding chair. "Look out now. Benji got your chair."

Bec watched as the scene was filmed before her. From what she could remember from the script, this scene was halfway through the film. The various acapella groups were doing some sort of song challenge? She couldn't quite remember why except it seemed very important and one of the pivot points in the movie. She couldn't figure out why they were singing in this disused, empty swimming pool either. Ok, she had to agree the acoustic was amazing. Beca could appreciate they needed somewhere with great acoustics to appreciate the full voice range in an acapella arrangement. Still, why the middle of the night?

She decided to shrug it off and not to think about it too much.

Her part was small - in the movie, she was an alumni and just had to walk on as a 'surprise weapon' for the girl group. She would just need to sing a few tunes and win the singing battle for them. The talent had been really welcoming. There were largely unknowns or smaller part actors except for the female lead, who had an Oscar nomination to her name. All the same, everyone had been friendly. She was exaggerating about the make-up girls hating her. They were lovely really.

"Miss Mitchell?"

Beca turned to find one of the runners next to her.

"You are on next," the earnest blonde girl with the earpiece said to her. "Do you need anything? Water? Some mint?"

"No. I'm fine," Beca smiled nervously. She had rehearsed just now and do the blocking for the scene. She just need to remember her lines and her blocking marks. Oh god, it was just much, much easier at her mixing board. She did not need to remember such mundane things like where she was supposed to stand.

The girl nodded and left. Beca went back to watching what was happening in front of her. Jason the director seemed happy with the take and now Jesse was talking to the talent. His back was towards her and she just heard snatches of the pep talk but Beca could guessed Jesse was probably telling them how to nail the next scene. He was waving his arms about now - singing a few bars to demonstrate what he meant. Beca had to smile. Benji might be in his element but Jesse looked like he was born to do this. His enthusiasm was infectious.

"Ready for your scene?"

Beca quickly averted her eyes away. It was the director, Jason, at her elbow now.

"I hate you," Beca said, not meaning it at all.

"You don't," he replied. "Go and warm up. We'll be ready for you in ten minutes."

This was it. This was Beca's big scene.

Jesse didn't know why he was suddenly feeling nervous for her. She would ace it. Why wouldn't she? The part was written for her. But somehow, when Beca removed that huge coat and stood shivering a little on set, Jesse felt like running up to her and giving her a quick hug. She just looked so unsure and so tiny, in her jeans, plaid shirt and a biker jacket which was more for show than for warmth. They had rehearse it just now. The guy group would own nearly all of the set and it would looked like for an easy win for them, and then female group will sing their mash of 80s song, the group parting at the height of the score and then Beca would appear and sing her part.

Easy peasy.

They were filming it now and Jesse wanted to shut his eyes with nerves. It was past three a.m. and the talent was flagging. There was some choreography involved and Jason decided they should use the song track for the filming. It all went to plan. The guys and girls sang and danced and Beca came in at the right time. They did a few more takes. There were few bloopers; but nothing too bad. It all looked good but Jesse could tell Jason was still not 100% happy.

"That was great," Jason said, giving a thumbs up. "But - maybe one more time." He turned towards Jesse standing on the other side. "Jesse? Need a word."

Jesse came over as the crew and talent reset the scene for the next take. Jason was checking the previous take on the monitor, his eyebrows furrowed and slowly rubbing his chin.

"You are not happy with that," Jesse remarked. "Maybe we could work on a different arrangement? We have a back-up song if this one doesn't work."

"I don't know -" Jason said, shaking his head. "That's a good scene and those songs worked. I just need something else - "

Jason asked for the last few takes to be re-winded while both him and Jesse took a closer look. It was a solid scene but there was something missing. Jesse could see it now. Both men stood there, thinking of what other options they could do. They were in deep discussion they didn't see Beca coming up to them.

"Hey, can I suggest something?" Both of them looked up to find Beca standing a few feet away. She looked taken aback to have both pair of eyes suddenly looking at her Beca shrank back. "Umm…ok. Maybe not."

She was about to retreat when Jesse spoke up.

"Bec, come over and look at this." He gestured at the screen. "We think the scene need a little something extra. Take a look."

Beca looked over at Jason who waved her over as well. They watched the last two takes again and then Beca nodded.

"Yeah, this was what I was about to suggest. I could sing my part live. Without all that backing track. Just let me go a verse or two and then the others can come in. That is, if Jesse is ok with that." She finished a little embarrassed that she might overstepped her mark.

"Let's do that," Jason decided, seeing Jesse didn't mind it at all. "Alright - let's give it another go."

There was an interlude while Jesse and Benji briefed the talent on what they were about to do. It seemed simple enough and they had a quick run-through. Jesse was crossing his fingers when they were finally ready for the take. They transitioned smoothly from the guys' piece to the girls. The performance was on point and as scripted, the group parted to reveal Beca in the spotlight.

And she sang.

For all the things he remembered about Beca Mitchell, Jesse forgot one thing. Beca always hid behind her mixing board - letting her music do the talking. Yes, she sang in some of her tracks but it was always what she could coaxed out from her skills as a music producer. Jesse Swanson forgot one big, big thing. One big thing that Beca never brag about.

That girl can belt it.

She can belt it out loud.

Beca's soulful voice now bouncing off the walls of this disused swimming pool. Each note pitch perfect. It was haunting how her voice sound, amplified manifold. It made Jesse's hair stand on end, goosebumps erupting on his arms. And the last note she sang hung still and pure in the cold 3 a.m air. She had finished her part and for one moment golden moment, there was a collective hush. Like no one wanted to ruin how beautiful her voice was. And then Benji shook himself and gave the cue for the others to join in.

It was like the whole set lit up.

The others joined in the chorus and for the rest of the song, they smiled extra wide, sparkledjust a little more. It was perfection. And when they finished the song, unscripted the cast applauded and the girls hugged and cheered, almost crushing the tiny girl in the middle of them. It was a flawless take.

"Cut - " Jason shouted. "And someone, please! Please check the gate."