Things rapidly improved for Beca and Chloe over the next few months. Beca's now full-time job paid enough to comfortably cover her half of the rent and other expenses with some left over for other things. She and Chloe went on dates frequently, and they spent a fair amount of time with Aubrey and Stacie. Living together had presented little challenge for the two of them. There was the occasional disagreement over whose turn it was to cook dinner, clean, etc., but they settled quickly into a rhythm that worked well for them.

Beca and Fat Amy's friendship had waned, though. Beca didn't want to be around Jesse, so she never visited. They texted a little, but things were strained. She hadn't seen Fat Amy in person since she had moved out. She hadn't really liked Bumper much, and she'd liked him even less when he'd let Jesse call her from his phone.

It had been nearly a year since Jesse had broken up with Beca. She hadn't heard from him since the drunk-dialing incident. She was surprised to see an e-mail from him in her inbox.

From: Asshole

Subject: 7 Rules for living with my roommates

If anyone forwards this to anyone not on this list, she'll pay with her life! Here are the things I've learned about living with Bumper and Amy.

If my roommate loses their job, I'm not to comment or make fun of them. However, if I lose my job, my roommates are entitled to calling me a loser and I'm a big baby if I complain.

It's perfectly acceptable to have loud sex in the common living areas. The louder, the better.

Cleaning up your own mess is optional if you're one of my roommates. It's good to see how high the pyramid of dishes will go before someone gives in and just washes all of them. That someone should always be me.

I am an asshole if I'm getting up early for work and I make any noise, but it's cool for my roommates to blast their music at all hours of the night. Their wish to sleep in is more important than my wish to hold down a job and go to grad school.

My things do not belong to me. My roommates should be free to "borrow" anything they want. Returning is optional. However, I'm not to touch their things or even change the channel on the TV they're not even watching without their express written permission.

My roommates are allowed to get drunk and scream at me for eating stuff they forgot they ate while drunk. My only defense is to start taking videos of this to get them to shut up.

If my roommate clogs the toilet, don't expect them to try and unclog it. Just wait for someone else who lives there to find it and fix it. That someone else is always me.

Beca noticed there weren't any e-mail addresses on the e-mail, so he must have bcc'd the entire e-mail list. She wasn't sure who was on it, but she figured Bumper and Amy weren't on it. While the list was awfully passive-aggressive, Beca admitted Jesse's list was full of valid complaints. She'd lived with Amy their entire senior year of college, so she figured Jesse hadn't been making this stuff up. She also knew Jesse well enough to know that he likely hadn't said any of this to Bumper and Amy, save for probably a few passive-aggressive comments. She wasn't sure why Jesse had sent it to her, but that wasn't her concern. She went ahead and forwarded the e-mail to both Amy and Bumper, partly because they deserved to know, but also because she hoped, again, that Jesse would realize they were not friends. It seemed like every time she thought Jesse had finally given up and left her alone, he'd contact her again. She'd blocked his e-mail a while ago, but he'd sent this one from a new address.

Shortly after Beca had forwarded the e-mail, she got a text from Fat Amy:

FA: Thanks for the e-mail. Any idea who else got it?
BM: No. The whole list must have been bcc'd.
FA: Thanks. Bumper and I will talk to Jesse tonight.
BM: No problem.
FA: We haven't seen each other since I moved out. I'm sorry. Can we hang out sometime?
BM: I don't want to come over when Jesse's there.
FA: He has class tomorrow night. He won't be home until 8. Why don't you and Chloe come over?
BM: Chloe has to work late, but I'll come over after work.
FA: Great. See you then.

The next day, Beca got an e-mail from Jesse that morning. She had waited to block his new e-mail because she wanted to see how the situation played out.

From: Asshole
To: Awesome DJ

Subject: RE: FWD: 7 Rules for living with roommates

Well, I should thank you. I talked with Bumper and Fat Amy last night, and we sorted things out. I don't get why you did that, though, when I asked you not to.

- Jesse

Beca was glad for everyone that they'd talked, mainly for Fat Amy's sake. She'd been a pain in the ass when they'd lived together in college, but she didn't deserve for Jesse to e-mail a list of complaints about her and Bumper to a bunch of people. She replied to Jesse's e-mail, possibly against her better judgment.

From: Awesome DJ
To: Asshole

Subject: RE: RE: FWD: 7 Rules for living with roommates

I don't know why you sent me the list in the first place. I'm not your friend. I sent it to Bumper and Fat Amy because they had a right to know.

- Beca

Jesse replied back.

From: Asshole
To: Awesome DJ

Subject: RE: RE: RE: FWD: 7 Rules for living with roommates

I'm glad you're not my friend. That was a test of friendship, and, well, you failed!

- Jesse

Beca laughed at his reply.

From: Awesome DJ
To: Asshole

Subject: RE: RE: RE: RE: FWD: 7 Rules for living with roommates

I've never been happier to fail a test in my life. The worst part of the breakup by far was your insistence on the two of us remaining friends, despite my repeatedly telling you I did not want to be your friend.

- Beca

Jesse replied.

From: Asshole
To: Awesome DJ

Subject: RE: RE: RE: RE: RE: FWD: 7 Rules for living with roommates

I didn't know any better way to keep you.

- Jesse

With that, Beca blocked this new e-mail address. There really was no talking to Jesse, and she'd wasted enough time trying already.

Her visit with Bumper and Amy started off pleasantly. Bumper apologized for letting Jesse use his phone to contact Beca after she'd blocked him. He hadn't been aware that Jesse had been bothering her. Jesse had fed him some sob story, and Bumper had fallen for it. They thanked Beca for sharing Jesse's passive-aggressive list of complaints, and they assured Beca that she'd done the right thing. He swore he'd only sent the e-mail to Beca and Aubrey. Bumper and Fat Amy had discovered Jesse had had a crush on Aubrey, despite being well aware that Aubrey was dating and living with Stacie. Beca had a fun evening catching up with her old friends. Fat Amy was much easier to have as a friend when Beca didn't live with her.

Fat Amy told Beca she had begun to perform on street corners in downtown Atlanta as "Fat Amy Winehouse." Beca figured this wasn't very lucrative, but Amy insisted that she was bringing in a good amount of money.

"No, really, Beca, you should see what I take home," said Amy.

"Seriously?"

"Yeah, it's amazing how many people will throw money into the tip jar when I'm in the zone."

Before Beca could say anything else, Fat Amy left the room and quickly hurried back with a black beehive wig, a red hair ribbon, a black halter top, and leopard leggings. "Here's what I wear. Pretty cool, huh?"

She then stood up and proceeded to sing.

I'm a sexy star with a dirty secret...

Beca put a hand up to stop Amy from continuing. "Okay, Ames, I get the picture."

"I even have my own corner," said Fat Amy proudly.

"You do not," said Bumper. "And I'm sure that $20 bill you brought home yesterday was from those guys with the hot dog cart. I'm guessing they paid you to move."

Fat Amy scoffed. "As if anyone really wants to buy your special line of sports sandals."

"I don't care about those sandals," said Bumper. "Because I'm being brought up to the musical big leagues."

"What?" asked Amy.

"John Mayer just asked me, personally, through an assistant, to sing backup on his new CD. I leave for Los Angeles in," he paused, glancing at his watch. "a few hours, so I better get going."

"But what about living here with me?" asked Amy.

"Sorry, Amy. I'm outta here. Got a collarless leather jacket to buy, maybe some aviators. I might get an earring. I don't know. It's Los Angeles. This is exciting stuff! My life rules!" He left the apartment, not seeming to notice the shocked look on Amy's face.

"Bumper's a jerk. I said it," said Fat Amy. "You know he writes his own fan mail."

Beca felt incredibly awkward to have witnessed this exchange. "Uh...Amy, I think I should go."

"Probably a good idea. Jesse will be back soon. I hope he still has a job. We need to pay the rent. Every month we have to do it."

"Wait, how were you paying rent when we had that apartment in college?" asked Beca.

"I let my dad handle it. But he's in jail now."

"What?"

"Yeah, his latest dodgy scheme finally caught up with him."

"Okay, Ames," said Beca, not sure whether or not to believe the Australian. "I'm going to go. I'd really rather not see Jesse."

"Okay, short stack. It was nice seeing you. Text me later."

"Will do."

Beca left the apartment and headed back to her own. Chloe was working late at the animal hospital, so she heated up leftovers from the previous night's dinner and settled on the couch to watch some television. She was just finishing up an episode of Orange is the New Black when Chloe walked in.

Chloe greeted her girlfriend by leaning over the couch to kiss her on the cheek. "Hey, babe."

"Hey. How was work?"

"It was good. Baxter came in for his last follow-up. He's doing great. You'd never know anything had happened, save for the scar on his belly."

"I hope nobody is still leaving socks on the floor," said Beca.

"Me too. How are Bumper and Amy?"

Beca recounted the details of the visit. Chloe shook her head.

"Crazy," said Chloe. "I feel a little bad for Amy. She could get a job herself, though."

Beca shrugged. "She wouldn't be Amy if she did."

Beca went to the kitchen to put away her dinner dishes. "Chlo, did you eat?"

"Yeah, thanks."

"So, it's not that late. What do you want to do?"

"You," said Chloe.

Beca blushed. "Keep it classy, Chloe."

Chloe giggled and walked up behind Beca, putting her arms around her once she stood up from loading the dishwasher. "So, does that mean no?"

Beca smirked. "Of course not."


A few nights later, Aubrey and Stacie were visiting the apartment for a movie night. Beca had taken more of a liking to certain movies once she was no longer being told how ridiculous she was for not liking movies. She enjoyed spending time with Aubrey and Stacie a lot, so she didn't mind.

Chloe was flipping through Netflix's newest list of movies while Beca recounted the e-mail Jesse had sent her.

"Oh my god, he sent it to you too!" exclaimed Aubrey.

"Yeah. I'm not sure why. I've told him we aren't friends until I'm blue in the face and then some," said Beca. "I forwarded it to Bumper and Amy."

"So did I," said Aubrey. "He did have some valid complaints."

"I thought so too. Amy's a really tough person to live with, and it was worse when Bumper would stay over. He told me I'd failed the friendship test."

Stacie and Aubrey busted out laughing at this comment. "The friendship test? What is this, middle school?" asked Stacie.

Beca shrugged. "Well, he has the emotional maturity of a 13-year-old boy. And even that's a stretch."

"What did you tell him?" asked Stacie.

"I told him I'd never been happier to fail a test in my life," replied Beca. "I told him how he'd hurt me so much more by trying to force a friendship down my throat. He said he didn't know a better way to keep me."

"What an ass," said Aubrey. "I guess I should be glad he didn't say anything else to me."

"You're lucky," said Beca. "I blocked his newest e-mail, so hopefully he'll go away."


Three weeks later

Beca was on her lunch break at work when her phone pinged with a text from Fat Amy.

FA: Guess who's back?
BM: Already?
FA: Yeah. Bumper walked in this morning like nothing happened.
BM: Wow. Wait, he was supposedly singing backup for John Mayer, right?
FA: Yes. He won't tell me why he's back. He's acting like he never left.
BM: Check out John Mayer's Twitter. The buzz is all over Residual Heat.
FA: What?
BM: John Mayer was venting about the worst, most obnoxious backup singer ever. He doesn't mention anyone's name, though.
FA: It has to be Bumper!
BM: It certainly sounds like him. Okay, Ames, I gotta get back to work. Talk later.
FA: Bye.

Beca giggled to herself. Bumper was such an ass, and it would be like him to act like the entire situation with John Mayer never happened.

That evening, she got a text from Bumper.

BA: I've got some pretty big news.
BM: What?
BA: I have been hand-plucked to be put on a waiting list to be put on a very well-known TV singing competition.
BM: Really?
BA: Yup.
BM: Have you told Amy?
BA: Oh yeah. Wanna know what she said?
BM: No, but I think you're going to tell me anyway.
BA: She was like "Oh, Bumper, shut your face and kiss me." And then we did it.
BM: Too much information.

She laughed and then showed Chloe the texts. "Well, he moved on quickly," said Chloe.

"Do you think they'll put him on the show?"

"They might. They'll probably use the whole 'getting thrown out by John Mayer' story to get ratings."

"Should we tell Bumper and Amy?" asked Beca.

"No," said Chloe. "It wouldn't matter if we did. Bumper just wants to be on television."

"You're probably right," said Beca. She headed to the kitchen. "It's my turn to cook dinner. Tacos?"

"Sure," said Chloe.


One month later

Beca's phone pinged with a text while she was at work.

BA: Watch The Voice tonight.
BM: Why?
BA: Because I got off of that waiting list and I'm on it.
BM: Are you supposed to talk about it? I thought they made everyone sign a confidentiality agreement.
BA: Oh, I don't know. I had to sign a bunch of shit when I auditioned. I didn't look.

Beca didn't comment further. She had to get back to work. She sent Chloe a text during her lunch break.

BM: We should watch The Voice.
Hot Girlfriend: You hate that show.
BM: Bumper says he's on it tonight.
Hot Girlfriend: I'll believe that when I see it.

That evening, Beca and Chloe sat down in front of the TV to watch The Voice with a bowl of popcorn.

"Do you think he's really on it?" asked Chloe.

"Who knows?" asked Beca. "Maybe they left him out of what they actually air."

"If it even happened," said Chloe.

The show began. Just before the commercial break, the announcer said, "He was thrown out of John Mayer's studio for being too obnoxious to be a backup singer. What will our judges think? Find out when we come back!"

Beca and Chloe looked at each other. They could only be talking about Bumper!

After the commercial was over, they saw Bumper on the stage, singing "All of Me."

What would I do without your smart mouth
Drawing me in and you kicking me out
You got my head spinnin', no kiddin'
I can't pin you down

Blake Shelton turned his chair around as Bumper delivered this line. Bumper stopped singing and yelled, "YES!" before going back to his song, becoming increasingly excited as he continued.

My head's underwater, but I'm breathin' fine

Blake Shelton hit the button and turned back around.

"You can't-you can't turn back around!" he yelled. "That's not part of the rules! That's not-"

He desperately ran back to the center of the stage and continued.

'Cause all of you loves
All of me
Love your curves and all your edges

Pharrell Williams turned his chair around. Bumper exclaimed, "Thank you so much, Pharell!"

Perfect imperfections

Christina Aguilera turned her chair around and pointed directly at Bumper. He pointed back at her and continued to sing.

Give your all to me
I'll give my all to you.

Blake turned his chair back to face Bumper. Every judge except Adam Levine had turned toward Bumper.

"Adam, turn around! Everybody's doing it, baby, they love me! America loves me! WOOO!"

Adam Levine turned around, looking reluctant.

Give your all to me
I'll give my all to you.

"And I give myself to you! And you! And you! And you! And you, America! Woo!"

Bumper landed in a half-split in excitement, causing all four judges to exchanged shocked expressions.

Blake raised his hand. "Hey man."

Bumper replied, "Yes, Blake."

"What's your name, brother?"

"I don't even know right now," replied Bumper.

Adam Levine added, "Just do me a favor, man. Please, just under no circumstances choose me for your coach. I just want to put that out there." The audience laughed.

"Okay, so you have a lot of personality," said Christina Aguilera. "And I love that."

"Thank you," replied Bumper.

"You're interesting, and I can work with interesting." The audience applauded.

"All of the coaches at my disposal. I'm going to have to choose..." Bumper spun around. "Christina!"

He ran over to Christina and hugged her. It lasted a little longer than it should have, and Christina looked a bit uncomfortable.

"Besties!" Bumper said, facing the camera with his arm around Christina. "Hi, Mom! Hey Amy!" before the camera cut away.

Beca turned off the TV. "That was something."

"I'll say," said Chloe.

"Think he knows how ridiculous he looks?"

"Not a chance," said Chloe.

Beca's phone pinged with a text.

BA: Did you see me?
BM: Yes
BA: Wasn't I awesome?
BM: You were definitely something.
BA: It was great. Christina is awesome.
BM: Sure. But, why are you already back in Atlanta?
BA: Oh, they were going to go with me, but they went in a different direction. Not everyone can handle this.
BM: Whatever you say.

"Well, that confirms it. He has no idea how ridiculous he looks," said Beca, showing Chloe the text conversation.

"It makes him a perfect fit for Amy. They're both nuts," said Chloe.


The next day, Beca got a call from her dad during her lunch break.

"Hi, Dad, what's up?"

"I have good news."

"Oh?"

"It looks like my adoption of Sam is going to go through. We have a court date this Friday. We're taking Sam out of school for the hearing. Would you and Chloe like to come?"

"Dad, that's great! I'll take off Friday for sure. I wouldn't miss it for the world!"

"What about Chloe?"

"I have to ask, but I'm sure she'll want to be there."

"Okay, we're set for 1:00 at the courthouse. We'll meet you there. Please wear something nice."

"I get it. No flannel."

"Thanks, Beca. See you on Friday!"

Beca immediately called Chloe after hanging up with her father.

"Hey, Chloe, guess what?"

"What?"

"My dad's adoption of Sam is going through. There's a court date Friday afternoon. Can you come with us?"

"I'd love to. I'll check with my boss, but it should be fine."

"Great. We'll talk more tonight."

"Okay. Love you, bye!"

"Love you too, bye!"


That Friday, Chloe and Beca waited excitedly for Sam, Sheila, and Beca's dad at the courthouse. Chloe tried to get Beca to wear a dress, but they compromised and Beca ended up wearing a white blouse and black skirt from Chloe's side of the closet. Chloe had on a blue dress with a white cardigan.

They spotted the family almost immediately. Sam ran up and immediately hugged Chloe and then Beca. "You get to be my sister for real today, Beca! I'm so excited!"

Beca hugged back. "Me too, but keep it down, okay? Inside voice there, buddy."

"Oh, yeah, sorry," said Sam. "Hey, what's that?" he asked, pointing to a gift bag in Chloe's hand.

"Not so fast," said Chloe, pulling the bag away from Sam. "You can have it after the judge signs the adoption."

"I hope it's soon," said Sam.

The five of them waited outside for what seemed like an eternity, even though it was only about fifteen minutes.

"The Mitchell family?" a clerk called. All five stood up quickly.

"That's us," said Dr. Mitchell.

They filed into the courtroom. Chloe took a seat behind them.

The judge swore in the family members and began the proceedings. He asked Dr. Mitchell several questions – Sam's birth date, how long he'd lived with him, etc.

The judge then delivered the final statement.

"Upon consideration of the Petition for Adoption filed by Dr. Francis Benjamin Mitchell for the adoption of Samuel John Dawson born February 17, 2008, in Atlanta, Georgia, and the report and recommendation of the Child and Family Services Agency of Atlanta, Georgia. it appears to the satisfaction of the court that: adoptee is physically, mentally, and otherwise suitable for adoption by the petitioner; the petitioner is fit and able to give the adoptee a proper home and education; the adoption will be in the best interests of the adoptee."

Sam had a confused look on his face.

The judge turned to Sam, a twinkle in his eyes and a smile on his face. "In other words, Sam, Dr. Mitchell is officially your dad!"

Sam cheered and hugged his new dad and sister.

The judge smiled at the family. "I'm very proud to present to you Samuel John Dawson Mitchell. This is my favorite part of family court. Congratulations!"

"Your honor," said Chloe. "Can I take pictures of the new family?"

"Of course," he said.

Chloe snapped a ton of pictures of everyone, including the judge in some of them.

The family headed to Sam's favorite restaurant for a celebratory dinner.

Sam was so excited he could barely focus enough to order his dinner, much less eat it.

"Chloe, Beca, can I have my present now?" Sam asked.

Chloe looked at Beca, who nodded. "Okay, Sam, here you go," she said, handing over the gift bag.

Sam pulled out a backpack, much like the one he already used for school for the past few years. It was green, and it had the initials "SJDM" embroidered on it.

Sam looked at it, taking a second to register the initials. "Wow! My new initials! Thanks, Beca, and Chloe!"

"We thought you should have something to show your new last name," said Chloe.

"Thanks," said Sam. "I'm so glad you're my real sister now, Beca."

Beca, who had managed to hold off the tears through the entire adoption proceedings, burst into tears and wrapped her new brother in a tight embrace.

"Beca, why are you crying?" asked Sam.

Beca gave a watery laugh. "I'm just so happy."

"You're happy that you're my sister now for real?"

"Yeah," said Beca.

"Me too," said Sam, hugging his sister even tighter.


A/N: The judge's statement was taken from an adoption decree I found online for Washington, DC. I couldn't find one for Atlanta, GA.