I is for INNOCENT COMMENTS
Prompt from RJRMovieFan is noted at the end of the story.
"So, I'll finally get to meet your grandmother this time," Beca said. "I'm looking forward to it. I can't believe we've been together for almost three years and I've never met her."
"I know," Chloe said. "She's always traveling somewhere whenever we went to my folks' for anything. This year she's making sure to be there so she can finally meet you."
"I love going to Tampa for a Beale Family Thanksgiving," Beca said. "Your mom is the best cook ever!"
"My mom is excited that we're coming, too," Chloe said. "She's probably planning to make every one of your favorite dishes while we're there."
"What can I say? Your mom loves me," Beca said with a smug grin. "Don't tell her I told you, but she says I'm her favorite."
"I believe it," Chloe said with a laugh.
"Let's make our reservations now," Beca said. "It's only a month away, and we want to make sure we get some decent flights."
Beca pulled her laptop to her and Chloe sat next to her. Beca pulled up the travel site they use and put in flights from L.A. to Tampa.
"What day do you want to leave?," Beca asked.
"I actually took the whole week of Thanksgiving off," Chloe said. "So whenever you can leave is fine."
"I'll take the week off, too," Beca said. "That way we can go early and spend more time with your grandma. The way you talk about her, I can't wait to get to know her."
"You can do that?," Chloe asked. "Take off work the whole week, I mean."
"Yeah," Beca said. "It's always quiet. None of the artists want to come in during the holiday, so I know I won't be busy."
"Perfect," Chloe said with a big smile. "Let's do it."
"Okay," Beca said. "Let's fly out the Saturday before Thanksgiving, and fly back home the Saturday after. Do we need hotel reservations? I know you said your grandmother was staying at your folks. What about Charlie and Megan? Are they staying there, too? Will your folks have enough room or should I just book us a hotel close by?"
"Let me call my mom and check," Chloe said and picked up her phone.
"Chloe, sweetie," Charlotte Beale said answering Chloe's call. "Your dad and I were just talking about you and Beca. We're excited you're coming for Thanksgiving again this year."
"That's why I called," Chloe said. "Beca's right here, and I've got you on speaker."
"Hey, Mama Beale," Beca said.
"Hey, Beca," Charlotte said. "How are you?"
"I'm doing well, thanks," Beca said.
"So, what can I do for my two favorite girls?"
"We called because we're making our airline reservations and we need to know if we need to make a hotel reservation as well," Chloe said.
"Oh, no," Charlotte said. "We've got everything all figured out. Charlie and Megan will sleep in his old room. Your grandmother will be in your old room. And you and Beca will be in the basement on the sleeper sofa. Will that be okay with you two?"
Beca shrugged and nodded her head that she was okay with it.
"That sounds perfect," Chloe said. "Also, Beca and I took the whole week off so we'll be flying in the Saturday before Thanksgiving to spend some time with Grams."
"I'm sure she'll love that," Charlotte said.
"I'm looking forward to finally meeting her," Beca said.
"Just be prepared for anything," Charlotte said and laughed.
~iIi~ ~iIi~ ~iIi~
The month flies by, and Beca and Chloe are on their way to Tampa. They arrive in the late afternoon and drive their rental car to the Beale home.
"Should we stop and get something to eat before we get there?," Beca asked.
"No way," Chloe said. "You know my mom probably has a feast waiting for us."
"Yay, Mama Beale," Beca said with a big grin.
Charlotte hurried outside as soon as they heard she their car pull into the driveway.
"There are my girls," Charlotte said as they got out of the car. Chloe ran to hug her.
"Hey, Mama Beale," Beca said.
"It's so good to see you both," Charlotte said. "Hurry with the bags. Dinner's almost ready. I made your favorite pot roast with carrots and potatoes."
"Told you," Chloe said to Beca.
"You two go on in," Beca said. "I've got the bags."
Charlotte and Chloe went inside, and Calvin Beale came out to help Beca with the bags.
"Good to see you, Beca," Calvin said giving Beca a quick hug.
"Great to see you, Papa B," Beca said.
The two carried the bags into the house, and Calvin took them down to the basement. He came back up, and Charlotte asked him to set the table.
"When does Grams get here?," Chloe asked as they were eating dinner.
"You dad is picking her up from the airport tomorrow morning," Charlotte responded. "I'm glad because this gives us a chance to have some time alone with you girls tonight."
The rest of the evening was spent just sitting around and catching up.
~iIi~ ~iIi~ ~iIi~
The next morning, Beca and Chloe were up early to help Charlotte make breakfast while Calvin went to the airport to pick up his mother.
Charlotte was taking the muffins out of the oven when they heard Calvin call out that he was back.
"We're in the kitchen," Charlotte called out.
Chloe and Charlotte both let out a big sigh and put a smile on their face. Beca saw this and wondered what that was all about. She made a mental note to ask Chloe about it later.
"Grams," Chloe greeted the older woman as she entered the kitchen.
"Chloe, dear," Caroline Beale said as she hugged Chloe. "So good to see you."
Beca looked at the woman. Chloe's parents both had light brownish hair and brown eyes. Her grandmother, on the other hand, had red hair and blue eyes. There was some gray mixed in with the red and Beca got a glimpse of what Chloe would look like when she got older.
"Good to see you, too, Grams," Chloe said as she pulled back from the hug.
"Charlotte," Caroline said in greeting.
"Caroline," Charlotte said. "How was your flight?"
"Mediocre at best," Caroline said waving a hand. "They treat you like cattle and allow anyone with a few dollars to sit in First Class."
Beca raised her eyebrows at this. This is the woman that Chloe has been gushing over? She seems more like an overly privileged diva to Beca.
"Grams," Chloe said getting her grandmother's attention as Beca walked over to stand next to her. "This is my girlfriend, Beca Mitchell."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Beale," Beca said somewhat formally.
Caroline looked Beca over, and Beca stood stoically, somehow knowing Caroline was going to say something she wasn't going to like.
"Have you always had those unGodly ear monstrosities?"
"Oh, my God," Beca thought. "Did she just pull an Aubrey Posen on me?"
Beca didn't miss a beat as she retorted, "Yep, I came out of the womb this way."
Chloe's eyes widen and then she let out a small laugh. "You'll have to forgive her, Grams. Beca has a sarcastic sense of humor."
Chloe gave Beca a pleading look, and Beca softened up immediately.
"I'm sorry, Mrs. Beale," Beca said. "I was just trying to make a joke and didn't read my audience."
"Apology accepted," Caroline said. "I do hope you will refrain from responding in such a manner in the future."
"Of course," Beca said politely.
"Let's eat," Charlotte said getting Caroline's attention away from Beca.
"I smelled muffins when we came in," Caroline said. "I do hope you made bran muffins. They are so much better for you than those sugary, fruity things you usually make."
"Of course, Caroline," Charlotte said her face a bit pinched. "I know they are your favorite."
The group sat down, and Charlotte placed the plated muffins on the table. Beca crinkled her nose when she saw the bran muffins.
"Don't worry, Beca," Charlotte said as she placed another plate of muffins on the table. "I also made some banana walnut muffins because I know they are your favorites."
"You're the best, Mama Beale," Beca said as she grabbed two of the muffins.
Caroline huffed and took one of the bran muffins and set it on her plate.
~iIi~ ~iIi~ ~iIi~
Beca spent the next three days trying to avoid spending any time alone with Caroline Beale. She found the woman insufferable and didn't like the way she spoke to Chloe or Charlotte. She always held her tongue because she knew it would not bode well for any of them.
Charlie and Megan arrived Wednesday afternoon, and Beca found herself finally relaxing somewhat. It was obvious that Charlie was Caroline's favorite as Chloe was all but forgotten.
Beca greeted the couple and hugged Charlie.
"So, what's the latest gossip out of L.A.?," Charlie asked Beca. "Who's going to be in your studio when you get back? Beyonce? Rihanna? Maroon 5?"
"I'm not allowed to say, but-"
"Charlie, come over here and tell me all about your new job," Caroline said interrupting Beca.
Beca frowned, and Charlie apologized. "No worries. I've had to deal with her for three days. I'm almost used to it by now."
Charlie laughed, and he and Megan went to sit with Caroline.
"Are you okay?," Chloe asked.
"Yeah," Beca said and put a smile on her face. "Everything's great."
"I'm sorry about Grams," Chloe whispered to her. "She doesn't mean any harm. It's just her way."
"I have to admit," Beca said. "She's not the wonderful person you've described over the past couple of years. How do you and Mama Beale put up with her?"
"I guess we're just used to her," Chloe said with a shrug. "And, we don't let what she says get to us."
Beca took a deep breath and let it out. She kissed Chloe on the cheek. "We should get in there. Megan looks like she's ready to blow. I know the feeling."
Beca and Chloe joined the rest of the Beales. Beca sat next to Megan and gave her a quick hug.
"It's good to see you again, Megan," Beca told her. Beca looked pointedly at Caroline who had Charlie's undivided attention. She leaned in and whispered, "I got your back."
Megan looked at Beca and then smiled. "Thank you. This woman is insufferable."
"I've noticed," Beca said with a laugh causing Charlie to look at them.
"Charlie!," Caroline snapped out. "Don't be rude. I was speaking to you."
Charlie jerked his head back around to Caroline.
"Sorry, Grams."
Megan discreetly rubbed his back as she and Beca shared a look.
~iIi~ ~iIi~ ~iIi~
Thanksgiving Day was filled with some anxiety for Beca. Caroline had ordered Calvin and Charlie to the living room with her while the "girls" helped prepare dinner. Beca didn't mind helping; she actually loved to be in the kitchen with Chloe and Charlotte. What bothered her was how she was ordered to help.
"Charlotte," Caroline called from the living room. "The boys and I need something to drink."
That was it. No 'could you please get'; no, 'if it's no trouble.' It was a statement that sounded more like an order.
"I'll take care of it," Beca said. She grabbed three bottles of water and took them to the living room. She handed a bottle to each of the occupants and received two 'thank yous' and a "hmmph" from one.
"I didn't particularly want water," Caroline stated.
"The kitchen is five feet away," Beca said with a fake smile. "Feel free to come in and get whatever it is you particularly feel like drinking."
Beca didn't wait for a response. She turned on her heel and let her smile drop. She stomped back to the kitchen, and once inside, started opening drawers and slamming them shut.
Chloe walked over to her and put her arms around her. Beca sighed into the hug.
"I'm sorry," Beca said.
"I know," is all Chloe said. "She doesn't mean anything by it."
"I know," Beca said. "That's just way she is." Beca lets out another sigh. "She is so frustrating. She makes these so-called innocent comments that make you feel small and I want to say something back but I know it's the wrong thing to do. And I really hate that she makes those comments to you and Mama Beale. I don't know how you guys deal with it so well."
Charlotte and Megan give Beca a small smile in understanding. Chloe pulled her back into a hug and rubbed her back.
~iIi~ ~iIi~ ~iIi~
Dinner was going fairly well, and everyone was commenting on how wonderful the food was. Well, almost everyone; Caroline hadn't mentioned anything about the food except to comment that the stuffing had a bit too much sage for her taste.
"Did you want some more Brussels sprouts, Becs?," Chloe asked.
"Normally I'd say no," Beca said. "But they have bacon in them, so hell yeah!."
Caroline gave Beca a stern look.
"My apologies, Mrs. Beale," Beca said seeing the looks that passed around the table. "I was excited about-"
"Yes, we all know," Caroline interrupted. "The bacon seems to have caused you to lose your manners."
Beca took a deep breath. "And I sincerely apologize for my outburst."
Chloe took her hand under the table and gave her a thankful squeeze.
"Let's just try to refrain from having an expletive-filled dinner, shall we?"
"I will if you will," Beca said cheekily causing everyone to laugh.
Caroline gave Beca a polite smile and turned to speak to Calvin. Everyone went back to their meals.
After a few minutes, Caroline got everyone's attention when she turned to admonish Charlie for having his elbows on the table. Charlie grinned sheepishly at everyone around him as he moved his arms back and mumbled a quick apology.
Since everyone's attention was now on Caroline, she continued looking at Charlie as she spoke.
"You two have an anniversary coming up," Caroline said. "How many years is it?"
"Five," Charlie said with a soft smile directed at Megan. "Five wonderful years with this wonderful woman."
"Awww," Chloe said. "You two are so adorable."
"You've been married for five years now, Calvin," Caroline said speaking over Chloe. "I think it's time you two got busy and made me a great-grandmother. You're my only hope, and I'd like to be a great-grandmother while I'm here to enjoy it."
"I wouldn't mind a grandbaby or four," Charlotte said with a laugh.
Beca laughed at the looks on Charlie and Megan's faces. Chloe sat staring at her plate with a frown on her face. Beca looked at her with some concern. Chloe would usually join in if it involved teasing her older brother. Something was clearly bothering Chloe and Beca was going to find out.
After dinner, the family is sitting around the living room having coffee and pie. Music is lightly playing in the background as Chloe snuggled into Beca. Beca notices that Chloe still seems a bit off. She wants to make sure Chloe is okay without any interference from Caroline.
"Hey, Chlo," Beca said quietly getting Chloe to look at her. "Want to go for a walk with me? Burn off some of our dinner and the pie."
Chloe smiled at her and said, "I'd like that."
Beca and Chloe stand causing everyone to look at them. "Excuse us, but we're going to go for a walk. We won't be gone long."
"Take a jacket," Charlotte said. "It gets a little chilly at night."
"We will," Beca said. "Thanks."
Beca grabs a hoodie for the two of them, and they head out the front door. They start walking, and neither is saying anything for a bit.
"Are you okay?," Beca asked breaking the silence. "You've been a bit off since dinner."
"I'm sorry," Chloe said and stopped to look at Beca. "It's just something my Grams said."
"What?," Beca said. "Something she said bothered you?" Beca gave Chloe a teasing grin. "I thought that was just her way and she doesn't mean anything by it."
Beca's teasing did not go over well with Chloe. Chloe started walking again, and Beca rushed to her side.
"I'm sorry," Beca said as they continued to walk. "I was just teasing. What particular thing did she say that finally got to you?"
Chloe stopped again and looked down at the ground. She turned to face Beca.
"It really hurt when she implied that Charlie was her only hope to be a great-grandmother," Chloe said, and a tear fell down her cheek. "It's like because I'm gay I can't have kids or something."
Beca pulled Chloe into a hug. "Don't worry about that," Beca said quietly. "I will spend my last breath proving your grandmother wrong by us having a houseful of kids together."
Chloe laughed as she pulled out the hug. "I don't think having a child out of wedlock would go over well with Grams. Even if it did make her a great-grandmother."
"Who said it would be out of wedlock?," Beca asked as she reached into her pocket and got down on one knee. "I was going to do this at dinner, but it didn't feel like the right time."
Chloe gasped and looked down at Beca on one knee with a ring box in her hand. Tears formed in her eyes.
"Chloe Beale, would you do me the honor of marrying me, having babies together and rubbing your grandmother's face in it?"
Chloe let out a loud laugh. "Yes! Yes to all of it."
Beca stood and put the ring on Chloe's finger. She pulled Chloe into a kiss, and they broke apart smiling.
Chloe's smile got wider, and her eyes lit up with excitement. "Let's go tell Charlie he'd better get busy on making that great-grandbaby before we beat him to it."
Beca laughed and grabbed Chloe's hand as they raced back to the house to tell everyone the good news.
Prompt from RJRMovieFan: Innocent comments at Thanksgiving leads to hurt feelings, misunderstandings, and an unexpected engagement for Chloe Beale. [I changed the prompt a bit, but the idea is still the same.]