Sorry for not posting before now. Had a friend surprise me with a visit and I didn't have much time to write. Good news though, when I sat back down to write I ended up with four new chapters and I'm posting them all. It's all a build up to the confrontation you've all been waiting for (I think).
"Happy Birthday, Billy!," Beca said to the now 5-year-old as she woke him.
"Morning, mama," Billy said with a smile. "Do I get pancakes for my birthday breakfast?"
"Of course," Beca said. "Chloe's making them for you right now. Let's get you dressed so we can go down and eat them."
"Yay," Billy says and jumps out of bed.
Billy rushes to the bathroom. He goes pee and then brushes his teeth. Beca pulls out a change of clothes for him and puts everything on his bed. She helps him get dressed and they head downstairs to the kitchen. Billy rushes in causing Chloe to turn from the stove.
"Good morning, birthday boy," Chloe says as he runs over and hugs her legs.
"Good morning, Dr. B," Billy says. "Are my pancakes ready?"
"Almost," Chloe says. "Go sit at the table and I'll bring them to you."
"Kay," Billy says and goes running into the dining room.
Dylan and Sophie are already seated and waiting.
"Happy birthday, Billy," Dylan says.
"Thanks," Billy says with a smile.
"Birfday," Sophie says clapping and giggling.
"Thanks, Soph," Billy laughs.
Chloe comes into the dining room carrying two plates. On one is a stack of pancakes for everyone. Chloe hands this plate to Beca and Beca starts serving them to Dylan and Sophie. On the other is a pancake with banana slices for a smile and strawberries for eyes. Whipped cream is used to make hair around the edge. Chloe sets the plate in front of Billy and Billy's eyes widen.
"Thanks, Dr. B," Billy says.
"You're welcome, sweetie," Chloe says and kisses the top of his head.
Chloe gives Beca a quick kiss before she sits down to eat.
"These are great, Chlo," Beca said around a mouthful of pancake. "Thanks!"
"My pleasure," Chloe said with a smile. "So, where are we going for the birthday dinner?"
"Well," Beca said smiling at Billy. "This one decided he wanted pizza so we're going to Pizzeria Mozza."
"Yay," yell Dylan and Billy.
Beca smiled and looked over at Chloe. Chloe was smiling and laughing at Dylan and Billy.
"Hey, mama," Dylan said. "Can I have an omelet for my birthday breakfast?"
"An omelet?," Beca said. "You don't want the traditional pancakes?"
"I'm going to be nine," Dylan said. "Omelets are more grown up."
"Oh," Beca said. "I don't know how to make omelets. Chlo?"
"Never made one before," Chloe said. "But I've got a week. Maybe I can learn how by then."
"If not," Beca said. "Maybe grandma will make them. I know she knows how. I'll ask her."
"Thanks!," Dylan said.
"I almost forgot your mom was coming," Chloe said a bit nervously.
"She's going to love you," Beca said taking Chloe's hand and giving it a squeeze.
"I'm going to miss waking up next to you for a week," Chloe whispered to Beca.
"What do you mean?," Beca asked.
"I've practically been living here for the past two weeks," Chloe said. "I'm sure your mom won't be too happy if I'm sleeping in your bed at night."
"Chloe," Beca laughed. "I'm 34 years old. I think my mother already knows I'm sleeping with my girlfriend. Besides, the kids and I love having you here. Don't worry about it."
Later that day, Chloe is having lunch with Stacie and Aubrey. They are all sitting around Aubrey's office eating the Thai food they had delivered to the office.
"Beca's mom gets here tomorrow," Chloe said.
"And," Aubrey prompted.
"And," Chloe said. "I'm nervous. I've been practically living at Beca's for like the last two weeks. It's going to feel weird to wake up in my own place."
"So, ask Beca if you can stay at her place," Stacie said. "I'm sure she'll let you."
"She already said I could," Chloe said.
"So, what's the problem?," Aubrey asked.
"It would be weird to sleep with Beca with her mother in the house," Chloe said.
"You sleep with Beca with her kids in the house," Stacie said. "Why is this such a big deal?"
"I don't know," Chloe said and sighs. "It's just feels weird."
Chloe set her food down on the table. She ran a hand through her hair and sighed again.
"I've never been with someone who's divorced before," Chloe said. "I just don't want Beca's mother comparing me to Jeanine."
"Chloe," Stacie said. "Mrs. Mitchell is going to love you. You make her daughter happy and her grandkids love the shit out of you. Stop worrying."
"You let seeing Angela again get to you" Aubrey said. "Didn't you?"
"I guess," Chloe said. "It's been three years since she moved to New York. Seeing her again the other day brought up all my insecurities."
"Seeing her again, got you into Beca's bed," Stacie said with a grin. "Wait. You weren't thinking of Angela when you were having sex with Beca, were you?"
"God, no," Chloe said quickly. "Ew, Stace."
"Good," Stacie said.
"You love Beca, right?," Aubrey asked.
"Yes," Chloe said.
"Then that's all that matters," Aubrey said.
It was almost six when Beca texted Chloe to let her know she was on her way. Chloe yelled out a goodbye to Stacie and Aubrey as she passed by their offices on her way out. Chloe was waiting outside when Beca pulled up. She got in and greeted Beca.
"Hey, you," Beca said and leaned over and kissed Chloe.
"Hey, Dr. B," Dylan and Billy greeted from the backseat.
"Hey, guys," Chloe said turning slightly to see them. "Hey, Soph."
"Hey," Sophie said and smiled.
"Everyone ready to get their pizza on?," Beca asked as she pulled into traffic.
"Yes!," the two boys answered.
Chloe talked to the boys about school. Billy told her about the cupcakes his teacher, Mrs. Jefferson, had made for his birthday. It wasn't long before Beca pulled into the parking lot of Pizzeria Mozza. Beca and Chloe got the kids out and they went into the pizzeria. They were seated right away and once situated the waitress took their drink orders.
"Chlo," Beca said. "What kind of pizza do you want? We usually order a medium cheese for me and Sophie, and a medium pepperoni for the boys. If you want one of those, we can order it in a large. Or you can order something totally different."
"I think I want the Hawaiian," Chloe said. "I'll just get a personal size. And a small salad."
"Yuck," Beca said. "I may have to rethink the whole girlfriend thing if you think pineapple belongs on pizza."
"Fruit does not belong on pizza," Billy says.
"See?," Beca said. "He gets it."
"I love the combination of the sweet and savory," Chloe said.
"It's just wrong," Beca said.
The waitress come back with their drinks and Beca orders for everyone. The waitress leaves and Beca looks at Billy.
"So," Beca said. "When we finish dinner we'll go home for dessert. I made you a chocolate cake. And, you get to open presents."
"Yay," Billy says. "I like chocolate cake. And I loovvveeee presents."
Beca and Chloe laugh and Dylan gives him a high five.
"So, Dylan," Chloe says. "Where are we going for your birthday dinner?"
"Mama's taking us to Cassel's," Dylan said. "They have the best burgers ever."
"I love burgers," Chloe said. "And I've never been to Cassel's."
"You're gonna love it," Dylan said.
The waitress brought the pizzas. Beca cut up a slice of cheese pizza and set it aside to let it cool. She put slices of pepperoni on the boys' plates and told them to wait a few minutes to let their cool as well. After a sufficient time, they started eating. Chloe took a bite of her Hawaiian pizza and moaned.
"You should try this Beca," Chloe said. "It's really good."
"No," Beca said and bit into her cheese pizza.
"Can I try it?," Dylan asked.
"Of course," Chloe said and handed him a slice.
Dylan bit into to it and smiled.
"It's good," he said. "I like it."
"See?," Chloe says mimicking Beca from earlier. "He gets it."
"Dyl!," Beca says with a pout. "Does this mean you love Chloe more than me?"
"Nope," Dylan says. "I love both my moms the same."
Chloe's eyes shoot open wide. She looks over at Beca. Beca looks at Dylan and then back at Chloe. Before either one can say anything, Sophie knocks her plate on the floor and starts crying. Chloe quickly picks her up to comfort her and Beca picks up the spilled pizza.
"It's okay, Soph," Chloe says. "Here, try this."
Chloe gives Sophie a bit of her Hawaiian pizza and Sophie smiles and stops crying. She takes a piece and puts it in her mouth. She takes another piece and eats it.
"Yummy," Sophie says.
"Chlo," Beca says putting her hand over her heart. "You're turning my kids into fruit pizza people. How dare you."
"I can't help it if they have good taste," Chloe said. "Billy, do you want to try it?"
Beca jumps up and goes over to Billy. She grabs him and shakes him.
"Billy," Beca says dramatically. "Don't let her get to you, too. Don't try the Hawaiian pizza. Don't do it, man."
Billy is giggling and Dylan is just laughing and shaking his head at his mother. Billy reaches for the piece of the Hawaiian pizza Chloe is holding toward him. Beca grabs his arm.
"Noooooo," she says.
Billy grabs the pizza and takes a bite. He immediately spits it out.
"Yuck," he says making a face. "I don't like it."
"Yesssss," Beca cries out and stands raising her arms in the air.
People around the restaurant are looking at Beca and laughing. Beca grabs Billy up and hugs him.
"Ha," Beca says pointing at Chloe.
"Sit down you crazy woman," Chloe said with a laugh.
After dinner is finished, Beca gets the leftover pizza boxed up to go. They all then head home. They have cake and Billy's opens his presents. Beca was saving the big stuff for his birthday party on Saturday.
After Billy opened his presents, he went to play with Dylan in the play room. Chloe helped Beca clean up.
"I'm going to put Sophie to bed," Beca told Chloe.
"Mind if I help so we can talk?," Chloe asked.
Beca froze. Chloe saw the look on Beca's face and immediately reassured her.
"It's nothing bad," Chloe said hurriedly. "I swear."
Beca swallowed and looked at Chloe nervously.
"Sorry," Beca said as she held Sophie and walked toward the stairs. "The last time that was said to me I was handed divorce papers."
"I didn't mean that kind of talk," Chloe said following Beca into Sophie's room. "I meant talk about me staying here while your mom's here."
"I told you," Beca said putting Sophie's pajamas on her. "You staying here is fine. My mother won't care. She'll love it because she can get to know you better. But, if you're not comfortable, I understand."
"Babe," Chloe said. "I want to stay. I love being here with you and the kids. I may never go back to the apartment."
"Maybe we should talk about that," Beca said picking up Sophie and walking over to her crib.
"How about after your mom leaves?," Chloe said.
"Okay," Beca said tucking Sophie's blanket around her.
Beca leans down and kisses Sophie. Chloe does the same and wishes her sweet dreams. The couple leave and go back downstairs.
A few hours later, Beca and Chloe are sleeping wrapped up in each other when they are awakened by Sophie calling out for Beca and crying. Beca untangles herself from Chloe and shuffles off to Sophie's room. Beca goes over to her crib and reaches for Sophie.
"No," Sophie says through her tears. "Mom-Mom."
"Mama's right here, baby," Beca says.
"No," Sophie says again.
"Soph," Beca says picking up the child. "It's okay. I'm right here. Did you have a bad dream?"
"Mom-mom," Sophie says.
Sophie starts crying harder and Beca doesn't know what to do. She's never seen Sophie like this before. She feels her forehead but it doesn't feel like she has a fever. Sophie's face is bright red and tears are falling fast. Beca carries her into her bedroom.
"Chloe?," Beca says as she enters the room. "I think something's wrong with Sophie."
Chloe jumps out of bed. As soon as Sophie sees Chloe, she say, "Mom-mom" and holds out her arms toward Chloe.
Chloe's eyes widen. She looks at Beca and Beca just looks back at her. Sophie lets out another cry.
"What's wrong with her?," Beca asks starting to panic.
"Calm down, babe," Chloe says reaching to take Sophie from Beca.
Sophie puts her head on Chloe's shoulder and snuggles into her.
"Mom-mom," Sophie says with a sigh.
"Did she just call you mom-mom?," Beca asked. "I thought she was saying mama."
Chloe swallowed trying to remove the lump from her throat. She could only nod as tears fell from her eyes. Chloe was holding Sophie and bouncing her lightly up and down. Sophie put her thumb in her mouth and had stopped crying.
"Soph," Beca said getting her attention. "Did Dr. B make you feel better?"
"No," Sophie said. "Mom-mom."
Chloe was smiling and crying at the same time. Sophie lifted her head from Chloe's shoulder. She put both hands on the sides of Chloe's face.
"No cry, Mom-mom," Sophie said. "No cry."
Chloe wiped at her eyes and smiled at Sophie.
"No more crying," Chloe told her. "I love you, Sophie."
"I wuv you, Mom-mom," Sophie said and snuggled back into Chloe.
After a few minutes of rocking and bouncing, Sophie has gone back to sleep. Chloe carried her into ther room and put her to bed. She made sure she was covered and left the room. She put her back to the door and stood there with tears flowing freely. She tried to wipe her tears as she went back to Beca's room. She walked in and Beca was sitting up in bed with her back to the headboard.
"You okay?," Beca asked as soon as she came in the door.
"I don't really know," Chloe said.
"Sophie called you Mom-mom," Beca said. "How do you feel about that?"
"How are you feeling about that?," Chloe asked Beca.
"I'm actually quite okay with it," Beca said with a smile.
Beca patted the bed next to her, but instead Chloe straddled Beca's lap. She laid on Beca and put her head on her shoulder. Beca wrapped her arms around Chloe and stroked her back.
"It felt really weird," Chloe said. "But it also felt really right. I've been a constant in her life for the past 9 months and especially the past few weeks. I can see why she sees me as a mother figure."
"I think the boys do, too," Beca said. "Remember what Dylan said about loving both his moms the same? I know he was talking about you and me. Not me and Jeanine. What if the boys wanted to call you mom or mom-mom?"
"Maybe we should just let them keep calling me Dr. B," Chloe said sitting up to look at Beca. "Or Chloe. I don't know, Becs."
Chloe started crying. Beca pulled Chloe to her and held her. She knew this was a lot to take in and Chloe would need time to process.
"I'm sorry," Chloe said wiping her eyes. "I don't know why this is affecting me so much. I love them and would love to be their mom."
"But," Beca said.
"But," Chloe said. "I'm scared."
"What are you afraid of?," Beca asked.
Chloe sat back up and looked at Beca. She leaned in and gave her a quick kiss.
"Things are happening so fast and I'm afraid of hurting you and the kids," Chloe said quietly. "When I was with Angela, things happened quickly. We met and went on our first date two days later. We, um, had sex on our first date. We moved in together after only a week. I was in love with her and thought we would spend the rest of our lives together. It wasn't long before Angela started making comments about my appearance, my friends, my profession, just about everything. I spent almost three years with her and almost lost my friendship with Aubrey and Stacie because of her. She made me feel worthless and constantly told me that I was lucky to have her because no one else wanted me. I believed her and lost myself for a while."
"What happened?," Beca asked quietly. "What made you finally end it?"
"I didn't," Chloe said. "She cleaned out our joint checking account and packed up her stuff and moved to New York. She never told me she was leaving. She never said goodbye. I was devastated. If it weren't for Aubrey and Stacie, I don't know what I would have done. She had made me feel like I was nothing and her leaving proved that I wasn't good enough for her or anyone else. I sometimes still feel that way, that I'm not good enough for anyone. That I'm not good enough for you."
Chloe's tears continue to flow now. Beca looks at her trying to take in everything Chloe told her. She wiped away Chloe's tears and gave her a small smile.
"I sometimes feel like I'm not good enough for you," Beca said.
Chloe started to say something and Beca held up her hand to stop her.
"You came into my life when I needed a friend," Beca continued. "You became one of my best friends. My kids love you and you've shown nothing but love for them. This, what we have, has taken time to develop. It's not rushed. It's what we want it to be. I thought that Jeanine was the only person I would ever love. I was devastated when she left but I got over it faster than I thought I would. Part of it was because I couldn't love someone who could just leave their kids like she did. And part of it is because of you. You're the reason the kids and I are doing so well after only 9 months. We all love you, Chloe."
"When you say we," Chloe said and looked at Beca.
"Yeah," Beca said with a grin. "My kids aren't the only ones who love you. I love you, too."
More tears fell from Chloe's eyes and a smile spread across her face. She took Beca's face in her hands and kissed her. She ended the kiss and smiled at Beca.
"I love you," Chloe said.
They laid down and snuggled together. Chloe laid her head on Beca's chest. Beca held her and they both went to sleep with a smile on their face.
