Chapter 11

MITCHELL MANSION, ATLANTA, GEORGIA

Beca wanted to make up for her act, she disappointed her father and mother, which implies that they might not trust her again. Trust is a big thing in the Mitchell family, and Beca was one who never defies her parents' orders.

Senator Warren Mitchell trusted her, causing him to allow her to leave on a school night. Beca knew that it was a big no-no to arrive home later than the time she promised, but she had so much fun talking to Chloe, and she doesn't regret it despite the disappointed look on her father's face she saw that night.

Thankfully, Beca woke up early. Thanks to her body clock, she wouldn't get into trouble again. She took a hot shower, proceeded to her walk-in closet to choose what to wear.

The appointment that Jane set for Beca was at 8 in the morning. Usually, the USAID receives online applications, and Beca did the same thing too, to be fair with others. However, it was undeniable that because of her family background, her application was fast tracked, and was even invited to the office so the Approval Board could personally speak to her. She was asked to come and file all financial statements and reports to prove her capability to support the organization.

Beca was nervous. She knew that this day would come, but she didn't realize that it would come as fast as she sent the application.

She took a deep breath while scanning all her clothes, which was arranged per color. It was easy for Beca to find the appropriate clothes to wear that way. She is not obsessive-compulsive, she just wants things to be neat and organized.

Beca managed to pull out her red skinny jeans, tucked a silky white top, and a put on a gray blazer as a finishing touch. She wore her nude pumps with it, and yes, she looked good. She always does.

She was in deep thought when the Senator knocked on her door.

"Rebecca. Can I come in?" Her father asked.

"Yeah. The door's open." Beca replied, and started to pile things up in her white and gold Louis Vuitton handbag.

"I wanted to check on you. Looks like you're all set." Warren stated. "I was afraid that you might have forgotten what's in store for you today."

"I did not." Beca softly replied.

Her father noticed Beca's voice, and he knew that there was something wrong.

"Rebecca… About last night…" Warren sighed.

"Look, Dad. It's alright. I was wrong, and I owned up to it. It's okay." Beca interrupted her father from saying more.

"It's not okay. Your face shows it's not." Warren stated. "And don't you deny it, because there's a change of tone in your voice. Surely, you go use that British accent on everyone around here, but I can notice that with that tone, it's not. Look, I'm sorry if I might have said something last night. I was just really worried about you. You didn't call, nor text. Nobody knew where you went."

"Dad, it's already done. It's okay. I was just disappointed with myself, not with you, not with Mom. It's all good." Beca replied. "I completely understand how you felt last night."

"So, are we good?" Warren asked.

"Absolutely." Beca gave her father a smile. "Though, I have to take note that I have to tone down my accent once in a while because it simply gives me away, without me noticing it."

Warren chuckled. "Honey, no need. I'm your father, with your British accent or American accent, I can sense if there's something wrong."

"So, I'm not good at hiding things, huh?" Beca snickered.

"I didn't say anything like that." Warren laughed. "Come on, let's join your mother, breakfast is ready." Warren walked along side Beca, and put his right arm over Beca's shoulders. "It's going to be a good day, Rebecca. I am sure of it."

"Well, you're flying back to D.C." Beca commented. "That's why you're in such a good mood."

"Oh honey, don't say that. You loved it there." Warren replied, and continued to lead his daughter to the hallway.

BARDEN UNIVERSITY, ATLANTA, GEORGIA

Chloe decided to go to the University that day. With her free time, she opted to work on some of her assignment. One of the things that Chloe and Benji was supposed to do is to write a critique.

She was always good with words, thus, making her critique was not a big deal for her. She was one of the best art majors in Barden, but with Chloe, being humble and all does not dwell on such fact.

"Hey, Chloe." Benji whispered.

"Yeah?" Chloe replied without looking up at her friend.

"I heard that Jesse won't be with Beca today. Beca has an important meeting to attend to." Benji stated.

"Why are you telling me this, Benji?" Chloe appreciated the piece of information her friend has given her.

"I was hoping that you'd be interested. Jesse told me that Beca kinda got in trouble last night."

"Really? For what?" Chloe's eyes widened at Benji's statement.

"She came home late. Simple as that." Benji grinned. "She was out with a friend, and I have a feeling that the person she was with last night was you."

"How did you know?"

"Gut feeling." Benji snickered. "But seriously though, were you with her?"

"Yeah." Chloe smiled shyly. "She just wanted someone to talk to."

"Right. That's a start." Benji smiled. "Jesse was worried it was with someone else, so, I'd better tell him that it was you then, huh?"

"No. Don't." Chloe immediately argued.

Benji looked confused as to Chloe's sudden defensive attitude.

"No. What I meant to say was, don't tell Jesse. Because, I'll be the one who will." Chloe said.

USAID AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT SATELLITE OFFICE, ATLANTA

"Miss Mitchell?" The Secretary called out.

"Yes?" Beca stood up confidently, and tried to compose herself before getting the go signal that she could already be allowed to enter.

"The Board is ready for you." The lady smiled.

"Thank you." Beca replied as she made her way through the doors of the Board's office.

Beca was nervous. She knew that she prepared for it, but still, fear still has a power over her since there was so much at stake. She needed the Board's approval for her to continue her cause, and if ever the Board won't allow her organization to push through, there would be lots of implications that would arise such as her father's disappointment, and as well as her crushed hope, since she wanted to help people, especially children badly.

There were three members in the panel set by the board, and upon seeing this, Beca tried to compose herself. After taking a deep breath, she continued to walk in to start her presentation.

After introducing herself, Beca presented statistical reports showing the need for her organization. Helping Hands, is an organization that Beca wanted to put up to do humanitarian work, which was not plainly confined to feeding programs. Her presentation of the reports were flawless, there were no questions as to the source of funds, her objectives, and to the organizations structure and plans of action.

Beca felt that everything was going well, since while she was presenting all the necessary data and information, she was never interrupted, not even by a single member of the panel. She took it as a good sign.

Her presentation was done, and still there were no comments about the organization in its entirety. She was also in fact, applauded since her report was very sufficient as to inform the panel of the need to do humanitarian work in other countries especially in Asia.

"Miss Mitchell, before we end this presentation, would it be okay if you answer some questions for us?" A member asked, causing Beca to be nervous once again.

"Oh… Uh… Of course. Yes. Please do." Beca managed to answer before the panel could notice that she was unprepared for post-presentation queries.

"Miss Mitchell. Helping Hands has a good potential. We saw that it could really help the USAID, but how can we be assured that this organization of yours would not be linked or associated to your father?" The member asked.

Beca knew that such question would really emerge from the panel, but still, she tried her best to answer it.

"My Father is a Senator, and yes, is well known, but this organization is my own idea. It's my own cause, it's a product of my own thinking, and for my own application and fulfillment. I know that you are doubting my cause because of my father's position in the Government. But, I can assure you that this…" Beca pointed to all the reports that she has prepared and presented. "is in no way related to him since everything here, I would not allow to be tainted with political motives. I would not want to use Helping Hands as my father's campaign instrument in making him look good in front of everyone. As I said, this is a product of my own doing."

The members of the panel nodded their heads, and Beca secretly hoped that there would be no more questions asked. However, another member raised another inquiry.

"Miss Mitchell, this is a Private Voluntary Organization, you know that, right? And you have shown us that you will be providing sources for funding of the organization. Will your father be involved?"

"Sources of funding, as I have explained would be coming from fund-raising programs, and of course, sponsors. And I know that as much as possible, you wouldn't want anything coming from a politician. I know that it would be difficult to disassociate me with my father, but all the programs and the campaigns that I plan to implement, would be doable without my father's financial assistance. My mother, is the CEO of a telecommunication company, and also, as much as possible, I won't be asking anything from her aside from legitimate sponsorship in relation to the organization."

"Very well said, Miss Mitchell. It seems that you really have the intent to push through this on your own." A member commented. "I'm impressed that someone like you, who already has almost everything would want to do something like this on her own."

"It's just something I want to do, Sir. Give back to everyone." Beca replied.

"Alright, Miss Mitchell. It's settled. We'll grant you a registration under the USAID." A member stood up and extended his hands to Beca. "Congratulations."

"Really?" Beca was still shocked as to what she heard.

"Just send us the list of your programs, charities, and other implementations, Miss Mitchell. Provide us with annual reports as to your cause, renew your application, and of course, participate with USAID events. And you're good." The member further explained to Beca who was listening intently.

"You deserve it, Miss Mitchell. People your age should be doing what you're doing. Your parents must be very proud of you." One of the members said as he greeted Beca.

"Thank you, Sir. Thank you very much." Beca shook his hands in return, and did so too, with the remaining members with a huge smile on her face.

BARDEN UNIVERSITY QUADRANGLE, ATLANTA, GEORGIA

"Jesse! Wait up!" Chloe ran up to Jesse who looked like he was in a hurry.

"Chloe! What's up?" Jesse asked and tossed his keys up and down in his hands.

"Well, I just want to ask something. Nothing important." Chloe stated.

"Go on. What's that?"

"Was it true that Beca got in trouble last night?" Chloe asked.

"Not really in trouble, but, her dad was disappointed. He called me last night and looked for Beca. He thought that she was with me." Jesse explained. "Why do you ask?"

"Jesse, I was the one with Beca last night." Chloe stated.

"Wait. What? Since when have you been hanging out with Beca alone?" Jesse was intrigued.

"That only happened last night. It was only one time." Chloe replied, and Jesse looked relieved. "I just wanted to know if I got her into trouble. I want to apologize."

"Well, I can take you there, if you want? I'm on my way to her place." Jesse offered.

"No. No. It's okay. Go without me." Chloe declined. "It would be really awkward for me to be there."

"Oh, C'mon, Chlo. They're good people." Jesse snickered as he looked at his watch.

"Go. It looks like I'm keeping you." Chloe laughed. "I just wanted you to know that."

"It's okay. I just want to see Beca before I leave. She might not even be home yet." Jesse grinned.

"Wait. Where are you going?"

"My dad's taking me with him to D.C., I might be gone for 3 days or so, he just needs my help with some paperwork." Jesse sighed. "And, that's why I'm going to Beca's place, to tell her."

"Ah, the usual work." Chloe chuckled, and Jesse did too. "Well, okay, you take care, alright? I'll see you in a few days."

"Thanks, Chloe." Jesse stated. "And, Chloe, can you do me a favor?"

"Sure. What's that?" Chloe replied.

"Keep Beca company while I'm gone?" Jesse smiled. "It seems that you two have become really good friends overnight, so I'm entrusting her to you. Take care of her, for me?"

"Sure, Jesse. I'd be very willing to." Chloe replied.

"You sure you don't need to tell me anything else?" Jesse joked. "I'm leaving, you couldn't confide in anyone else except me and Aubrey."

"Yep. There's nothing more to tell."

"Alright, Chlo. I trust you." Jesse winked. "I also trust you with Beca."

"Don't worry, Jesse. She'll be in good hands." Chloe replied.

MITCHELL MANSION, ATLANTA, GEORGIA

Beca was able to get home even before her father left their house. She knew that with the news that she'd bring home, her parents would be very happy.

She immediately ran up to the stairs and made her way down their hall, until she reached her father's office. Panting, she knocked on her father's door.

"Come in." Senator Mitchell called out.

"Dad." Beca grinned as she set foot in her father's office. "Hi, Mom." Beca added upon seeing her mother fix her father's tie.

"Honey! How was it, huh?" Warren greeted his daughter in a hug. Cynthia, did the same thing too.

"Well, guess who's a founder now, huh?" Beca exclaimed.

"She did it!" Cynthia shrieked.

"Of course, she did!" Warren added.

"Congratulations, Rebecca! We, again, are so proud of you." Cynthia kissed her daughter and looked at her proudly. "Our little girl is now a founder of an organization. I couldn't contain all these feelings. They're so overwhelming. Another accomplishment. Wow." Beca and Senator Warren giggled at Cynthia's actuations.

"I knew that they'd approve all your proposals, Rebecca. Congratulations. You always had it in you. This is definitely going to be a start of something new though, more responsibilities." Warren stated. "But, I believe in you. Your mom and I do."

"Thanks, Mom and Dad." Beca replied. "Best news before you leave for D.C., right?" Beca nudged her father.

"Definitely, honey. Can't wait to see you work on it. Don't forget your job on my office, okay?"

"Yes, dad. I promise I won't let you and mom down." Beca smiled.

"Rebecca, you never did." Warren kissed his daughter's forehead. "And I hope you never will."

When it was already time for Senator Mitchell to leave for the airport, Jesse was able to make it to the Mitchell's.

"Hello, Sir. I see you're already off to D.C." Jesse stated as he shook the Senator's hand.

"Jesse." Senator Mitchell replied, and shook the latter's hands as well. "Your father told me that he'll be bringing you to D.C. with him. I do hope to see you there, okay?"

"Definitely, Sir." Jesse replied.

"You're going to D.C.?" Beca overheard Jesse and her father's conversation. "For how long?"

"Excuse me, Sir." Jesse stepped aside from Senator Mitchell and made his way to Beca. "Hi, Beca." Jesse gave her a friendly kiss on the cheek, as a greeting. "Well, yeah. My father needs my help. I might be gone for 3 or a couple of days."

Senator Warren Mitchell already got into his Mercedes-Benz, and waved to everyone he left behind namely, Beca and Cynthia. And of course, Jesse who was there.

"That's a bummer." Beca commented.

"It's okay. So you won't get used to my company." Jesse laughed. "I actually told Chloe to keep you company, though. I hope that's alright with you?"

"Chloe? Of course!" Beca exclaimed. "There's no problem with that."

"Well, it really looks like that you'll be okay with her. I don't need to worry." Jesse stated.

"Jesse, you don't need to worry about me in the first place, you know." Beca scoffed.

"Right. But, I just want you to have company, and it seems like Chloe is the perfect fit. Chloe's nice. She's a really good friend." Jesse explained further. "Plus, it would be an opportunity to know her more, and vice versa."

"Really, Jesse?" Beca laughed. "Well, yeah, I can attest to that…"

"Yes, Chloe told me about it…" Jesse grinned in response. "So, looks like you'll be good with her company."

"Though I was with her only for a while, I can see that. Looks like, I'll be enjoying spending time with her." Beca replied.

"You seem so sure of it, huh?" Jesse smiled.

"Can't blame me, Jesse. I really have a feeling that I would."

After her father and Jesse left, Beca was somehow, excited to be spending time with Chloe. She did enjoy the ice cream escapade that they had, and she held on to Chloe's words that they could be doing that at times.

Beca hasn't really talked to Chloe ever since that night, though. And, she was definitely caught off guard when her cellphone rang and revealed the redhead's number flashing on the screen.

"Chloe. Hi."

"Hi, Beca. I heard about what happened." Chloe stated.

"Don't apologize. I know you will." Beca laughed, and Chloe did, on the other end. "It's okay. It was my fault, not yours."

"But, I did contribute to that." Chloe was trying to reason out.

"No. Just don't. I enjoyed talking to you, no need to apologize." Beca stated. "Really, Chloe."

"Okay." Chloe sighed, and Beca could feel that the red head was worried.

"I didn't get grounded or anything, if you want to know." Beca shared to lighten up the mood.

"You're too old to be grounded, Beca." Chloe laughed.

"Not in my case." Beca replied.

There was an awkward pause in between their conversation, and Chloe decided to speak up once again.

"So, uhm, yeah. I just wanted to apologize. But since, you won't let me, I'll just tell you that you're stuck with me for a couple of days, I assume." Chloe perked up.

"Jesse told me. Yeah." Beca replied. "Though, I'd really like to stay away from ice cream and crushed cones for the coming days. I have lots of work to do."

"That's sad, but… I can keep you company!" Chloe exclaimed. "I promise I'll be quiet when you do your thing."

Beca laughed at Chloe's statement, she felt really light when she gets the chance to have a conversation with the red head.

"I do hope that it's okay with you, Beca. To keep you company." Chloe stated.

"Don't worry, Chloe. I doubt that it would be a problem with me."

"Awesome. I'll see you tomorrow, then?" Chloe asked.

"Yes. Definitely."

"Well, I have to go. Nice talking to you, Becs." Chloe said.

"What did you just call me?" Beca clarified.

"Uhm… I called you, Becs. Don't you like it? I am so sorry. I won't call you that again."

"No. It's fine. You can. Provided, it's only you who can call me that." Beca giggled. "Goodnight, Chloe."

"Goodnight, Becs."

BARDEN UNIVERSITY APARTMENTS, ATLANTA

"Stop grinning like an idiot." Aubrey noticed that Chloe was smiling from ear to ear.

"Sorry, Bree. I just can't stop smiling." Chloe laughed.

"Okay, just put the phone down. It's creeping me out. I'm sure Beca dropped the other line by now." Aubrey laughed, and Chloe did as what she was told.

"Honestly, Bree. I think the coming days would be in my favor." Chloe stated.

"That's because, Jesse isn't here." Aubrey scoffed.

"Hey, who's side are you on?!" Chloe threw a pillow at Aubrey's direction, which was dodged by the latter.

"No one. You're both my friends." Aubrey grinned. "Just don't hit on Stacie."

"Whatever." Chloe grinned. "So, want to go out with Beca and Stacie one time?"

"Yeah, but I hope we could fit into their schedules."

"We could schedule it with them!" Chloe suggested. "That way, their day could be especially blocked for us."

"Good idea. We'll ask them." Aubrey replied. "What do you have in mind? Movie? Arcade?"

Chloe hasn't replied nor agreed to Aubrey's suggestions, causing Aubrey to tap her friend on the back.

"Excuse me, Chloe? I'm waiting."

"I'm thinking, Bree." Chloe shushed her friend.

"Okay, go on."

"Alright. I've got it! You, Me, Beca and Stacie are definitely going to have a girls night out!"

A/N: Finally, Beca and Chloe could spend time knowing each other even more since Jesse is away with his father in D.C. And, yes, Beca didn't miss the USAID appointment, because she's responsible like that. Haha.

Also, Chloe still kept the fact that Beca is her Mystery Girl from Jesse even if there was an opportunity for her to do so. Well, hopefully she does so soon, before things get way more complicated right?

Keep sending me your thoughts. x