Alright Mortals, I have returned, everyone cheer. So, guys, I just read my entire fic over and I just realized that the first few chapters are complete and utter shit. And guys, I'm sorry about that, I really am. What's worse though, is no one told me. Guys, I want to be a semi decent writer, but I can't fix things if I don't know what I'm doing wrong.
So my dear readers, this chapter, I don't want to hear nice thing, guys, I want you all to tell me at least one thing that I could do better. Tell me all of your complaints, the typos you've noticed, everything. Guys, be mean. Really give it to me. I'm a big girl, and i can take it. Hell, I'm ASKING for it.
I hate to do this, but I won't update again until I get at least five DIFFERENT reviews telling me what I can change, and what I could do better. Thank you all so much guys. I can't thank you all enough for all of your support.
Finally, I own nothing. It sucks but its true, and I say this, so now you can't sue!
As a child, then later a teen, Aubrey would dream of that special someone that would come, sweep her off of her feet, and love her. When she was six, she would dream of a Prince Charming on a white horse that would come to her house, pick her up, and then they'd ride off into the sunset together, and live happily ever after. When she told her father this, he laughed in her face. His words on love, would then forever be burned into her head.
"Aubrey" He barked "Love is an idea for the weak that some poor men with no ambition in life came up with as an excuse for their weakness. Love is nonexistent and frivolous. There are only business partners that can be of service to you. A so called romantic interest will only ever distract you from the mission. Do you understand?"
"Yes sir" Aubrey replied dutifully.
With no concern that he just crushed Aubrey's one hope for life, Mr. Posen returned to the bank statements that he was reading. He didn't bother to look up from them as Aubrey walked away, face contorted in confusion as she tried to fit this new information inside her six-year-old brain alongside her ideas of fairy tales. He didn't care that Aubrey would forever be fucked up because of this. All he cared about was making Aubrey into a proper Posen, and love was not for a Posen.
He never would spare a second thought to what he just told a six year old little girl. He was just reciting what he knew to his daughter. However, he might have cared a bit more if he would later learn that this would be the one thing that Aubrey would disagree with.
When Aubrey was 14, she no longer wished for a Prince Charming, but a Joan of Arc. A strong woman who was fearless, kind, and would fight the battles that Aubrey couldn't. By this time, she had lived under the tyranny of her father for long enough that she knew better then to tell her father this. However, she kept this small dream of her's alive in her mind, and late at night, when she was pulling an all nighter to study for a test, she'd take a little break, stare out the window, and dream of the day she'd meet 'the one'.
She would dream of the day that she'd be bold enough to stand up to her father and be out and proud. She couldn't wait for the day that she could go out, and not feel like everyone was judging her. She waited for the day when she could look in the mirror and feel like she was good enough, that she was perfect just the way she was. She waited for the day when she could go out, and just be Aubrey. Not Aubrey Posen, heiress and child prodigy, but just Aubrey. Plain old Aubrey, who liked to dance, run, sing, and dreamed of love. The Aubrey that hated school, wished for spontaneity, and though corporations were disgusting. She would dream of turning her back on the meticulously crafted plan that her father laid out for her and be with a woman that loved her.
As life happened, as Aubrey followed the plan, she gave up on love. Love simply did not exist in the world of Mr. Posen, therefore, it would, and could not exist in Aubrey's world. And little by little, the word love started to lose it meaning to Aubrey. The little childish dreams she nurtured slowly shriveled and died. Gone were her dreams of simplicity and happiness, and in their place, logic and complex marketing plans slowly took over.
When she started to book appointments rather then meetings, Aubrey stopped giving meaning to the word love entirely. Her father had effectively destroyed any and every chance Aubrey had at finding love, ever loving someone else, or letting someone else love her. He made sure that Aubrey would have the same meaningless, lonely, bitter, broken existence that he had, and was quite happy about it.
Now, with her father locked up, and miles away, Aubrey still couldn't escape his iron grip. She was bound to him and his demands of here, even now. Though he would never talk to her or see her again, Aubrey still wasn't free or his influence. She would still strive to meet his impossible demands of perfection, and do her best to mimic his ideals. Until the day that she died, Aubrey would always be a pawn of her father's whether she realized it or not.
Chloe sat in her office once again reviewing Aubrey's file. Aubrey case, was so confusing and complicated at this point, that even Chloe was having trouble keeping everything together. To be honest, Chloe never expected Aubrey's case to be so fucking challenging. It looked like your usual trauma case. Not that any case is really typical or usual, but cases like Aubrey's, though unfortunate, were fairly common. But Aubrey's case... Damn. It all started so simple. Usual symptoms, lack of talking, blah blah blah. All stuff Chloe was use to seeing, but now? The rapid recovery, the dislike of physical contact, the anger, everything was just so weird.
She should be happy that Aubrey was now talking, at least on some level, but for some reason, Chloe had the feeling like something was off about Aubrey. Chloe though back to their heart to heart in her office a few days ago, and somethings just weren't adding up. Like when Chloe touched Aubrey's arm. It looked like Aubrey was about to pull away, but consciously forced herself to relax. But with a trauma so severe, that wasn't possible, was it? Actually, come to think about it, it was like Aubrey was listening to someone and then relaxed.
Suddenly, Chloe reopened the original medical and psychological exam.
"Shit." Chloe cursed under her breath as she read the report. "Shit, shit, shit, shit."
Fuck, Aubrey had been controlled by her father her entire life, and from what the examiners had gathered, Aubrey was told her entire life to be strong and to strive for perfection. Her father had drilled his idea of the perfect Posen into Aubrey before she could even talk.
"FUCK!" Chloe yelled into her empty office.
Aubrey's condition was perhaps far worse then Chloe had originally thought. With a quick muttered prayer that she was wrong, Chloe exited her office, heading towards the group session she had scheduled. Fuck, if Aubrey's subconscious had turned into her father, Aubrey was going to need a shit ton of a lot more help then Chloe could offer.
"Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck." Chloe muttered under her breath as she half sprinted, half walked towards the meeting room. God help her.
SLAM!
"Owww..." Chloe groaned, clutching her head.
"Ah, there you are Dr. Beale" Director Kendrick said, also holding her head. "I was just going to get you.
"Fuck, did I run into you Brit?" Chloe asked. "I'm sorry, I'm just in a rush, and you how that is. And then-"
"Whoa, there Dr. Beale." Director Kendrick said, laughing at the state Chloe was in. "Calm down. First of all, yes you did run into me, but I'm fine, so no worries. Second, what's gotten you into such a distraught state?"
"Oh God, I'm sorry Brit!" Chloe said "And I really with that I could stay, but I have something really important to do. Actually, it's about Aubrey, and this can't wait-"
"Ah, speaking of Aubrey, I need to talk to you." Director Kendrick said calmly. Chloe really needed to take a chill pill every once and a while... Or everyday. That'd work too.
"And I just really need to do this, and wait what?" Chloe asked, completely lost.
"I said that I need to speak to you about Aubrey Dr. Beale. Also, please stop calling me Brit. I've lost count of the number of time's I've told you this, but once again, I'm reminding you."
"Right, shit, sorry, Brit." Chloe said, dazedly. "We need to talk about Aubrey, but later. Group session now, and um Stuff, need, I do"
"Right..." Director Kendrick said, amused. "Well then, after your session, it is imperative that we talk."
"Big words, not now." Chloe said. "Got to go. Bye!"
With that said, Chloe rushed away, leaving a chuckling Director Kendrick behind. Sometimes, it was a wonder how Chloe ever managed to get a double doctorate and become a become a pioneer in psychiatric care.
Aubrey sat in her seat, wedged between Stacie and CR today, waiting for Chloe to show up to group. Apparently, Chloe didn't value punctuality or professionalism at all. It was a wonder how she ever managed to revive her doctorate. Then, add to the mix that Chloe was a pioneer in her field? Honestly, Aubrey wasn't surprised that all was going to hell in a hand basket anymore, if it was people like Chloe leading them. Aubrey could only imagine the choice words her father would have to say to her shrink.
"Hi guys! Sorry I'm late!" Chloe said, as she bounded into the room. "I was just woo! And the I was all like bam! And then I ran into Brit, and that was all like pshew! But I'm here now, so all is well."
"What the fuck Chlo?" Beca asked, speaking just about for everyone in the room. Dear God... How the hell did she ever get her doctorate?
"What?" Chloe asked, confused.
"Red, what the hell was with all the pshew shews and the woos and the flailing hands." Fat Amy said, flailing her arms for emphasis. "What's going on in Ginja world that's gotten you into a tizzy?"
"Oh!" Chloe said, "I was just doing stuff, and then more stuff happened, but that's not important because was have a group session to do."
"Riiiiiight" Beca said sarcastically.
"Oh shush." Chloe pouted. "Now, we need to get started. So, anyone have anything they'd like to share?"
"OH I DO!" Stacie said, for once beating Amy. "PICK ME!"
"No way, I got something too!" Fat Amy shouted. "Pick me! I' obviously the better choice!"
"Stacie first, because she had her hand up fist, then you, okay Amy?" Chloe said.
"Fiiiiiiiiiiiiiine." Amy huffed, "But its your loss you flat butt bitches."
"SO guys," Stacie said, ignoring the glares Amy was sending her "I got a great idea. You know how we said that we were going to do some sort of singy thingy this year? Well, I was trolling youtube, and I watched this cool video about the UFC acabelles and-"
"Stacie, is there a point to all this?" Beca butting in rudely. "I mean, this is great and all, but could you just cut to the chase already?"
"Whatever, sooooory!" Stacie huffed. "I was thinking that it would be cool if we did our concert a capella!"
"OMG SERIOUSLY?" Chloe said, bouncing up. Damn, that woman was like a three year old child!
"Wait, what's ar capeela?" CR asked.
"First, Its a capella. Secondly, its making music, but instead of using instruments, it all comes from your mouth." Chloe said happily.
"Yeah!" Stacie said, "Wait Chloe, how did you know that?"
"I was in an a capella group in college." Chloe said sheepishly.
"LOSER ALERT!" Beca shouted. Aubrey shot her a glare, but Beca ignored it. Of course though. Beca was a self centered ass who cared nothing about others, and had no tact or manners what so ever.
"Hey!" Chloe said, "I did a capella, and I'm not a loser, am I Beca?"
"Yes, yes you are." Beca said, gravely. "In fact, I do believe that you're the queen of all losers."
"Actually, I'm the queen of the aca-nerds." Chloe said, just as serious.
"oooookaaaay." Stacie said, cutting the banter between the two short, "Are you two done now, and can we actually do this...?"
"Sure!" Chloe said, "But if you wanna do this right, there's a lot of hard work involved. A capella isn't as easy as it might seem!"
"eeeewww!" Stacie said, wrinkling her nose. "Work, and Hard work. No thanks."
"Yeah, I'm out." Fat Amy said. "Me work, yeah, not a good combo. But dingo wrestling, hot guys, and LSD is a great combo. You flat butt bitches should try it someday."
"Um... I don't think that's a good idea." Chloe said. "But come on guys! It'll be fun!"
"In what universe did work become fun?" Beca asked "Because where ever that is, I want to be faaaar away from there."
Of course Beca would dislike work Aubrey thought to herself. She was a self centered, sarcastic, pain in the ass alt girl. It would figure that she would be lazy too.
Too clearly in her head, Aubrey could see her father. She could perfectly picture him, with his neatly trimmed hair, and perfectly pressed suit standing before her.
"These girls are lazy, low life failures with no chance at a life outside of the cushioned life they lead here" He would say with a sneer. "They lack proper leadership and motivation. Aubrey, it would be your civic duty to whip these pathetic excuses of human beings into shape. Though you are only slightly better then them, you are still a Posen, though only through birth. Its about damn time that you do something to prove that you are worth baring my father's name."
"Yes sir" Aubrey mumbled under her breath before she stood up. "Girls, I do believe that we should indeed begin this endeavor of learning a capella. Nothing worth while is ever easy or handed to you, and the work that we put into this will be well worth it. If you truly want to do this well, be different, and have it be worth while, we should do this. You all were so enthusiastic about this until you heard that it would entail a bit of hard work. So what? Your recovery will be hard work too! Is something really not worth your time, simply because you have to try?"
Aubrey now stood in the center of the ring now, ignoring the open mouthed stares at her. All around here were shocked that Aubrey, quiet, fucked up little Aubrey could say something like this. Well, surprise surprise girls. Aubrey POSEN was here now, and God help whoever stood in her way. As her father always said, If your not here to win, get the hell out of Kuwait.
"What the fuck?" Beca said finally.
"Yeah, where that come from home girl?" CR said "Y'all just 180'd on us, and-"
"Who are you, and what have you dome with the quiet stuck up blonde" Fat Amy said, cutting CR off.
"Beca, are you so slow that you did not understand what I just said? If so, I could repeat myself, but use smaller words." Aubrey smirked. "And I assure you all that I am indeed Aubrey Posen. I have no been replaced by any imposter."
Ignoring the shocked mumbles and Beca's hateful mutterings, Aubrey then turned to Chloe.
"Chloe, if you would have me, I would like to aid you in getting these girls performance ready. I know very little about a capella, but I am a fast learner, and an excellent instructor."
"What?" Chloe asked, looking a little dumbstruck herself. Typical. God, were all the people here this slow?
"I am asking you for permission to help these girls learn a capella." Aubrey said slowly. "I know very little on the subject myself, but I learn fast, and am a very apt instructor."
"Yeah, sure. That sounds great..." Chloe said dazedly.
"Thank you." Aubrey said politely. "Now, what else is there to be covered in today's meeting?"
"Umm... Nothing really..." Chloe said, trying to compose herself. "I don't really have an schedule. We just kinda roll here, ya know?"
No. Aubrey thought. How the hell could anyone just be so unprepared and unfocused?" However, instead of voicing her thoughts, she instead just said a polite 'yes' and then took her seat.
The rest of the meting dragged on, as the rest of the girls shot Aubrey odd looks every now and then, when they though she wasn't looking. That was all well and good to Aubrey. For too long she'd been babying herself, allowing her to become soft. Absolutely pathetic, that's what it was really. Well no more. She was a Posen for Christ's sake! She was born to be a feared and effective leader, not some pussy ass wimp. It was time to show everyone who the hell she was.
Walking back to her shared room with Beca, Aubrey couldn't help but to smirk at the uneasy and angry glances Beca shot her way when she though her head was turned. How pathetic. Aubrey could only imagine the lectures Beca would have gotten at the Posen house hold. One of the many lessons Aubrey learned the hard way was if you had something to say, you better damn well say it, and if you can't say ti, the don't fucking think it.
Walking into the room, Aubrey went immediately to her desk and pulled up a tab in youtube. If she was going to be of any help to these girls and Chloe, she would first have to know what the hell a capella was. Quickly, she typed in the words a capella championships and clicked on the first video that came up. Before she had a chance to actually watch the video, Beca finally decided to voice whatever she was thinking.
"Aubrey?" Beca asked, doing her best to keep her voice straight, though Aubrey could tell she was nervous. "What the hell was that back there?"
"Pardon?" Aubrey asked. What the hell did the hobbit want now?
"Ya know, back at group." Beca clarified. "Where'd the whole hoo rah and lets go, shit come from?"
"Do you mean me protesting the lack of motivation and the lacking work ethic here?" Aubrey asked arching an eyebrow.
"Sure, if you wanna put it that way." Beca huffed. "But in all seriousness, where that hell did that come from? You come here, you speak to no one, you keep to yourself, and then suddenly, you get up in group, not only calling everyone out, but speaking like a freaking pro! What the hell?"
Aubrey sighed. Beca really didn't get it, did she? Aubrey wasn't sick or defective. She was here for a little TLC and because a court order said she had too.
"Beca. I never was not able to do so. That little display you just saw there? That is how I am all the time. I managed Posen Enterprises for 5 years before I came here. Speaking to a group of degenerates here is no problem to me."
"Hey!" Beca barked, eyes flashing with anger "Just because you're little miss perfect doesn't mean that we're all degenerates! In case you haven't noticed, your here to Blondie!"
"Because of a court order" Aubrey reminded Beca. Did she really not get this?
"Yeah, but why's there a court order?" Beca challenged "Hmm? What the fuck did little miss perfect over here do to get her this court order?"
"First of all, the reason that I am here is none of your business." Aubrey said, trying to keep her anger in check. "Secondly, I suppose I cannot expect a silly little alternative girl, with her mad lib beats, multiple piercings, and myriad of tattoos to understand anything about the way that I lived."
"Fuck off!" Beca snapped. "What the hell does my style have to do with my level of comprehension?"
"What you wear and how you present yourself is a reflection of who you are." Aubrey sneered "Your style and sheer number of tattoos just reeks of over contentment, teenage rebellion, and gang like attitude."
"Fucking hell, who gives a shit!" Beca seethed. "And don't bring my ink into this Blondie! Every tattoo I have means something. I know you have a tattoo too, so don't act all high and mighty on me now!"
Aubrey stiffened. How the hell did that damn hobbit know about that? Fucking hell. In a moment of angsty teenage rebellion, Aubrey had gotten a small tattoo of an anchor on her hip, and now, she had to deal with it for the rest of her life. Anyways, one small tattoo is nothing compared to many large and conspicuous tattoos Beca had.
"I have a small tattoo that I got when I was a teenager and not thinking clearly." Aubrey said dismissively. "You have a ton of meaningless tattoos covering your body, just ruining your image."
"Fucking hell they're meaningless!" Beca yelled "All of my tattoos mean something."
"Like that cricket on your arm?" Aubrey sneered "I'm sure that this has so much meaning!"
"Actually, yeah it does." Beca said quietly. "Before my mom died, she use to call me her little cricket, and she always told me about the cricket's song. So after she died, I got this to always remind me to stay strong and as a bit of a way to remember her."
"Oh wow..." Aubrey trailed off. So maybe Beca had a bit more depth to her then she originally though. "Beca I'm so sorry."
"No, that's whatever," Beca said, waving Aubrey off. "I'm just the little alt girl, right? I couldn't possibly have any meaning in my actions."
"Beca, I judged you before I knew you." Aubrey said sheepishly "I apologize for my earlier words and actions, they were unwarranted and disrespectful."
And just like that, Beca's mood changed.
"No shit Sherlock." Beca smirked. "And do you ever use a word less then like 10 letters? I mean seriously Bree, loosen up!"
Aubrey mouth dropped at Beca's sudden change in attitude. Quickly, she closed her mouth and tried to formulate a response. What even was with this girl?
"Excuse me?" Aubrey said. "I don't-"
"You're excused!" Beca said cheekily. "Now, are we done here, because I have some of my 'mad lib beats' I want to make before curfew."
"For serious Beca?" Aubrey asked, still stunned by Beca's behavior.
"Yup!" Beca said, as tough it was the most obvious thing in the world. "Now done, are we, maybe please?"
"Fine." Aubrey huffed, irked at Beca's flippant mood.
"Great!" Beca said happily. With that said, she walked over to her desk and then put on her over sized headphones. Soon, Aubrey could hear the music from Beca's headphones.
With a sigh, Aubrey got out her own, sensibly sized ear buds and began to research a capella. She had work to do, and despite the distraction that was Beca Mitchell, Aubrey always preformed the task at hand. Come hell or high water (or in this case, Beca Mitchell) Aubrey would do what she said she would.
She shuddered to think what her father would say if she were to do otherwise.
Shout out to Swimmerkim for Aubrey's tattoo idea mortals!