"Oh my god shortstack, that was awesome!" shouted Fat Amy before giving Beca a bone crushing hug.
"Can't breathe Ames," whispered Beca.
"Right, sorry," said Fat Amy as she let go of the tiny brunette.
"B I knew you could do it! And that song was wow!" said Cynthia Rose.
"Thanks CR. Wonder what Chloe thought about it," said Beca as she looked around for the redhead.
"She was over by the corner a minute ago," said Stacie as she looked around.
"I need a drink after that. Be right back," said Beca as she made her way over to the bar.
"Hey, Ken right?" said Beca to the bartender.
"Hey you remembered. That was some performance," said Ken as he fixed some drinks.
"Thanks," said Beca with a smile.
"So, what'll it be Miss Mitchell," asked Ken.
"Amaretto stone sour please," said Beca with a smile.
"Coming right up," said Ken as he walked away.
"You always did have a way with words," said a familiar voice beside Beca.
"Oh, hey Chloe," said Beca awkwardly.
"The song was beautiful," said Chloe.
"Oh, thanks," said Beca with a shy smile.
"You know Beca, I've tried really hard to hate you," started Chloe.
"I don't blame you for hating me," said Beca honestly.
"Let me finish. I tried to hate you Beca, but I can't. I just don't have it in me. What you did, it hurt. I mean words can't describe how bad it hurt," said Chloe.
"Chlo I," started Beca.
"Let me get this out. What I'm trying to say is, well maybe it's time to move on and let go of the hurt. Maybe eventually get back to what we started out as, friends," said Chloe.
"I would love that Chloe. I mean, you have no idea how much I miss my friend," confessed Beca.
"Well we can start slow, and see where it goes," suggested Chloe.
"I would love that," said Beca with smile.
"Good, well I better get back to the table, Aubrey is giving us the death stare," said Chloe as she pointed to Aubrey across the room.
"God that look is still terrifying," laughed Beca.
"Wouldn't be a home coming without you receiving the Posen death stare now would it," laughed Chloe.
"No, I guess you're right," laughed Beca.
"Well I guess I'll see you around," said Chloe as she turned to leave.
"Soon I hope," yelled Beca.
"We'll see how it goes," smiled Chloe as she turned around before walking back.
"Here's your drink Miss Mitchell," said Ken.
"Just Beca. And thanks Ken," said Beca as she left a twenty on the bar and walked back to her friends with her drink.
"She's coming, act like we weren't spying," whispered Stacie as she looked around nonchalantly.
"Oh hey B, saved you a seat. This guy performing isn't bad," said CR as she pointed to the stage.
"So did your song get the ginger hot or what shortstack?" asked Fat Amy.
"Amy!" shouted everyone.
"What? We're all thinking it," said Fat Amy innocently.
"Chloe and I talked, and it was great. She said we might work our way to friends someday," said Beca happy.
"Oh I knew this thing was a bust! The Kesha plan was the way to go, I told you guys. Well at least drink your sorrows away shortstack," said Fat Amy as she slid Beca a shot.
"What? No Amy this is a great thing! I need to earn Chloe's trust back and taking it slow is the way to go, I'm not going anywhere, so I have nothing but time," said Beca as she sipped her drink.
"That's great Becs. Baby steps," said Stacie with smile.
"I could set the stage on fire in under ten seconds," whispered Lily too quiet to be heard.
"What?" mouthed Fat Amy as she looked at the girls.
"Guys I'm going to do something out of character and make a toast," said Beca as she grabbed her drink.
"To new beginnings," said Beca as she raised her glass.
"I'll drink to that," said CR as she raised her glass.
"New beginnings," repeated everyone before taking a sip of their drink.
"As fun as this has been, I think I'm going to call it a night. I have to meet with a contractor in the morning," said Beca as she stood to leave.
"What? Come on shortstack, the party is just starting," whined Fat Amy.
"I want to end the night on a high note. Goodnight everyone, and thanks for this. For being there," said Beca as she prepared to leave.
"You need a ride home B?" asked CR.
"No, I'm just going to walk. I could use the thinking time. Night girls," said Beca before leaving.
"Night," shouted everyone.
Beca started her walk back to the house. Honestly, she couldn't remember a time in the last five years when she's ever felt this happy. She thought she was numb to feeling anything anymore. As she made her way down a familiar rode she stopped in front of the old elementary school. She couldn't help but walk towards the old swing set and sit down. A place Beca could never forget.
"Did you know a kid swung too high and he went all the way around. He landed on his head, broke his neck and died. They say his ghost still haunts the playground," said Fat Amy.
"That isn't true," said CR.
"It sure is. My parents said it happened in the early sixties," said Fat Amy.
"Yeah right Amy," said CR.
"I'm serious, I'm not lying," whined Fat Amy.
"Yeah, like the time you weren't lying when you told us Britney Spears was your distant cousin," said Beca.
"Or the time you told us your dad was a secret agent and you guys had to leave Australia because he was an assassination target," said Stacie.
"All true," said Fat Amy.
"Really? Because your dad owns a hardware store and your mom said you guys left because of her job offer," said CR.
"Cover ups obviously," mumbled Fat Amy.
"Well I need to get home before dark, you know how my dad gets," said CR as she picked up her bike.
"I'll follow you. Adam is supposed to call me around eight," said Stacie as she got off the swing.
"Isn't he a fourth grader?" asked Aubrey.
"I like older guys. Third grade boys at our school are so juvenile," mumbled Stacey.
"Can't disagree there. Guess we all better start heading home," suggested Aubrey.
"I'm going to hang around a bit longer," said Beca.
"Alright, don't stay too late. See you guys tomorrow," said CR before she and Stacie peddled away.
"Chloe do you want to come over for dinner? My mom is making lasagna," said Aubrey as she picked up her bicycle.
"I think I'm going stay with Becs," said Chloe.
"Suit yourself, later," said Aubrey before peddling away with the others.
"You don't have to stay Chlo, I know how much you love Mrs. Posen's lasagna," said Beca.
"Oh, I'm not all that hungry," said Chloe as she sat down on the swing beside Beca.
"So, what's on your mind?" asked Chloe as she moved back and forth with her feet.
"Nothing," said Beca.
"Becs come on, I know when something is bothering you," said Chloe.
"It's that obvious?" asked Beca.
"Only to me. Now spill," said Chloe as she waited.
"It's just, my mom has been bugging me lately about calling Bob dad. I mean, yeah he basically is my dad since he does everything mine never did. But, I don't know. I just don't want to and then he ends up leaving like my real dad. Guess that sounds stupid," confessed Beca.
"That's not stupid. You have a right to feel scared. But trust me, Bob loves you like you were his own, you have nothing to worry about," assured Chloe.
"I guess you're right," agreed Beca.
"Call him dad when you're ready. I'm sure he will understand," said Chloe.
"Okay," said Beca with a smile.
"Hey Chlo, can I ask you something?" asked Beca nervously.
"Sure, anything," said Chloe with a smile.
"How come you stayed here with me. Not that I'm not glad that you did but isn't Aubrey like your best friend?" asked Beca.
"I mean she's one of my best friends. But you're my bestest friend. Like you're my number one," admitted Chloe.
"Really?" said Beca with a smile.
"Really, just never tell Aubrey I said that, she would be devastated," laughed Chloe.
"Deal," laughed Beca.
"Hey Chlo?" asked Beca.
"Yeah," answered Chloe.
"You're my best friend too," said Beca with a smile before she began to swing.
Chloe smiled and began to swing with Beca.
Beca smiled as she stood up. Taking one last look around before she continued towards home.
The next morning Beca awoke early and met with the contractors. If all went according to plan her label would be up and running within a few weeks.
"So, what are you going to call this thing shortstack? Because I have a few ideas," said Fat Amy.
"No need Ames, I already have a name picked out," said Beca confidently.
"Fat Mitchell Records," said Fat Amy.
"No," said Beca.
"Dingo Beats," said Fat Amy.
"No," said Beca.
"Shortstack Records?" said Fat Amy.
"Ames," said Beca annoyed.
"Fine, lay it on me," said Fat Amy.
"Titanium Records," said Beca proudly.
"Not bad shawshank, I actually like it. Of course, we could always add," started Fat Amy.
"No," snapped Beca.
"Alright boss, Titanium Records it is," smiled Fat Amy.
After finalizing all the details, they finished up about noon.
"Well I better get going, Bumper wants to face time soon," said Fat Amy.
"Okay, thanks for your help today," said Beca with a smile.
No problem shortstack. Call me later if you need anything else," said Fat Amy.
"Will do," said Beca with a smile.
After saying goodbye to Fat Amy Beca decided to go for a walk to clear her head after everything that happened last night. As she walked she ended up in front of Chloe's bakery. Beca contemplated going in, but she was afraid. Last night was the first time things had actually gone good with Chloe, and Beca was afraid she would do something stupid to fuck it up, so she kept walking. She rounded the corner and walked a little more. Some how she managed to circle around and end up back in front of the bakery. She nonchalantly peeked inside, but there were no signs of the redhead. The thought that maybe she should just walk in crossed her mind again, but she quickly talked herself out of it and kept moving. She walked around for a little bit longer and once again ended up in front of Ginger Snap Bakery.
"This is ridiculous," Beca mumbled to herself before starting to walk away.
"Do you want to come in? Because I think you're starting to creep out some of my customers," said a familiar voice.
Beca froze for a second before turning around.
"Oh hey, Chloe. No um, I was just going for a walk," said Beca.
"Oh, because I've noticed you keep walking past my shop," said Chloe.
"Oh, was I? Didn't notice. But I mean now that you mention it I could come in, look around for a bit," said Beca as she walked inside.
"Wow, looks pretty impressive," said Beca as she looked around and acted like she hadn't been here before.
"Thanks, I mean it's nothing extravagant, but business is good," said Chloe proudly.
"I think it's extravagant," said Beca as she looked at Chloe.
"Hey Chlo, Mrs. Dannon is on the phone, she wants to schedule an appointment to look at cakes for her daughter's wedding," said a blonde girl as she approached.
"Oh shoot, let me get that. Um Shelly this is Beca, could you help her decide if she wants anything," said Chloe as she walked away.
"I just want you," thought Beca.
"No problem Chlo," said Shelly, making Beca cringe hearing Shelly use the nickname Beca used for Chloe.
Beca recognized the girl right away as being the one Chloe was dancing with at the Summer on The Square festival.
"Right this way Becky," said Shelly as she made her way over to the counter.
"It's Beca," said Beca coldly.
"Sorry what?" asked Shelly.
"Beca," repeated Beca.
"Oh, my mistake. Well what can I get you," asked Shelly with a fake smile.
"Um, I don't know. A cupcake I guess," said Beca as she looked at the desserts.
"Which one, we clearly have a wide variety," said Shelly.
"Just give me the red velvet one," said Beca as she pointed.
"Coming right up Becky," said Shelly as she walked away to get a box.
"Sorry about that Beca," said Chloe as she popped up beside Beca.
"Not a problem Chlo. Listen, I was wondering if," started Beca.
"Here you go, anything else?" interrupted Shelly.
"No that's it," said Beca annoyed.
"Well I've got to run to the bank Shel, but I should be back to help you pack the van. Beca's cupcake is on the house," said Chloe.
"Oh no, I can't let you do that," said Beca.
"It's no trouble. Oh Beca, my parents are having a barbecue tomorrow night. Most of the Bella's will be there and your family is going, so you are welcomed to come. Maybe we can talk and catch up," suggested Chloe.
"Sounds great, I'll be there," said Beca with a smile.
"Great, see you there," said Chloe before leaving.
"Well here you go. And I guess I'll see you tomorrow night as well, I'm Chloe's date after all," said Shelly with a smile.
"Oh, does Chloe know that?" asked Beca.
"Look I know all about who you are and what you did. Frankly I think it's a little pathetic that you think you can just waltz back into Chloe's life like nothing happened and think she would give you the time of day because you wrote some pathetic love song," said Shelly.
"Well Shelia, was it? You don't even know me, and frankly I don't care what you think. And I think it's pathetic to get involved in someone else's business that you clearly have no clue about. But that's just me. Thanks for the cupcake," said Beca with a smile as she made her way out of the shop.
"We'll see who's pathetic," mumbled Shelly under her breath.
