CHAPTER 11

IT'S ALL UPHILL FROM HERE, GUYS! "YAYYYYY….FINALLY, RIGHT?" LOL

Chloe was the first to speak, breaking the silence with an awkward, "…Mom?"

For some reason, the artist wasn't only surprised, but disappointed. To be honest, she was expecting (and hoping) to see Beca in her doorway.

"Well… someone's happy to see me…" The older woman quipped, stepping into the apartment.

"It's not that, Cassandra, we just… weren't expecting any company." Aubrey forced a smile as if the older woman could hear it.

"I see…," Cassandra chuckled as she felt her way to the futon and dropped down beside the blonde. "Where's Beca?" She asked once she realized that she'd only heard two voices.

Chloe bit her lip nervously. Her mother absolutely LOVED Beca. How was she supposed to tell her they were fighting? How was she supposed to tell her that she'd probably never get to spend time with her again.

Seeing Chloe's reluctance to tell her mother about the status of her relationship, Aubrey piped up hoping to steer the conversation in a different direction. "That's a good question. She's probably out driving. Speaking of which…How'd you get here?"

Chloe shot a glare at the blonde. She wasn't sure Aubrey could've been any more obvious.

A copper brow quirked above Cassandra's shaded glasses. "Chlo?" The woman questioned with amusement in her voice.

"Ma'am?" The artist answered quietly.

"Where's Beca?"

There was a moment of silence as Chloe gathered her thoughts. How was she even supposed to explain what was going on?

"They're…they had a little misunderstanding and well, you know how they are…the two of them alone are more stubborn than the rest of us combined." The blonde joked nervously.

"Bree!" The artist shot another glare at the lawyer.

"What kind of 'MISUNDERSTANDING'?" Cassandra pressed. She found it odd that the two would fight. Sure they were both headstrong in their ways, but they always seemed to be doing so well whenever they visited. They were "whipped"…or so she thought.

"She…just hasn't been truthful with me." Chloe made her way over to the futon and squeezed in between the blonde and the red-haired senior.

"Oh…wow." Cassandra's face dropped. "Is she an ex-convict or something?"

"…no, ma'am…"

"Is she a MAN?"

"…I don't THINK she is. I mean we haven't really-"

"Is she seeing someone else?"

"…well…no, but-"

"Then, whatever it is…I'm sure you two can swallow your pride and make things right. And, don't you worry…I've had this discussion with her, as well."

"Mom, it's more complicated than that. She's Beca MITCHELL… 'THE Beca Mitchell'…," Chloe explained with a defeated sigh. "It's all over the news. Everyone's saying-"

Cassandra found her daughter's hand and gave it a supportive squeeze as she linked their fingers. "Look, it doesn't matter what they say because she loves you. I know this…"

"HOW can you say that? You don't know. I don't even know," Chloe's voice cracked as she buried her face in her free hand. Aubrey scooted closer and wrapped a protective arm around her shoulders.

"I have my sources…but listen… She's a good woman. She just doesn't have the best past…she hasn't let it define her. You shouldn't either."

With that, Cassandra squeezed the artist's hand and leaned in to plant a kiss on her temple, before standing. She smiled one last time before making her way towards the door. "Now, you ladies take care. My ride is waiting outside."

Beca tapped the steering anxiously, as her gaze fell to the time display in the dash.

Why was this taking so long? Where was she?

Moments later the passenger door opened and Cassandra eased back into the seat.

Beca took note of the woman's empty hands as she put the car in drive and pulled out of the parking lot. "I thought you said you had to grab something. "

Oh. Right…

"I guess it wasn't here. I'll have to check the attic or something." The woman spoke, hoping to dissipate any growing suspicions the brunette may've had.

Luckily it worked.

"Oh! When were you thinking about doing it? I know you're a beast and all, but…you know I can't let you go up there alone…," Beca teased.

"Not sure yet….but I'll let you know. I'm sure I could use a few extra hands." Cassandra smiled as she began to plot.

MOTHER KNOWS BEST. LET'S SEE WHAT SHE'S UP TO :]