Chloe still can't believe that Beca and Aubrey have been dating each other in secret for months. How is that possible? They constantly fight in rehearsal and she's never seen the interact any other time. She would have thought it was some sort of cruel practical joke, except they both seem to know things about each other.
Plus, there's the fact that Chloe's not sure what has Aubrey more upset; the fact that they didn't make it to the finals or what happened between her and Beca.
The bus ride back to Barden is the most tense, awkward situation Chloe's ever experience—and that includes last year after Aubrey puked at Lincoln Center. Though everyone has questions, no one speaks. Chloe figures that they, like her, are afraid of Aubrey exploding again. Not something anyone wants to happen on the bus; they'd be nowhere to escape to.
Even though Chloe too has tons of questions, she has no need to ask them right now. Because what she's feeling the most right now is hurt and betrayed. She can't believe that her best friend kept something like this from her for so long. Why was she so afraid for Chloe to know? True, no one else knew, either, but Chloe always thought she fell under a different category. It's not like Chloe wouldn't have understood. There's just something about Beca Mitchell that draws you in, despite her outward disdain for other people's company. Chloe feels it too, sometimes felt like she was the only one to feel it, thought that maybe Beca felt the same way she did, that maybe the two of them—
Oh.
Well, that would certainly be a good reason to not tell her. Okay, so maybe she's less hurt. Aubrey was obviously afraid of it being an issue; though Chloe still really wishes she would have said something. Yes, she would have been a bit upset, but she would have backed off. She would have spent the last few months trying to solidify her friendship with Beca instead of trying to hint at something else.
As Chloe tries to wrap her head around the situation, she really can't decide what she's more surprised by; the fact that Aubrey likes Beca or that Beca likes Aubrey. Because neither of them ever gave any hint of feelings towards the other. Everyone, Chloe, the other Bellas, Jesse, they were all caught off guard by the revelation.
Though she's sad that her Bellas' career is over, she's glad that it's spring break. She needs time to process everything. It seems like the only way to preserve her friendship with Aubrey... and her sanity.
Chapter Fourteen: Part Two
Aubrey is seething. And torn. She's furious at Beca. How dare she pull that stunt on stage. But what's even worse was what she said after. Aubrey can admit that her temper got ahead of her and she had gotten personal—if you were reading between the lines, which Beca definitely was—but to say that about her dad, especially in front of everyone. Apparently, keeping their relationship separate from the Bellas is too much to ask—from both of them—in times of stress.
The bus is deadly quiet; she feels everyone—except Chloe, who hasn't looked at or spoken to Aubrey since they got on the bus—staring at her, eyes full of questions.
The revelation that she and Beca were dating was a shock to everyone, which isn't surprising. But the fact that Aubrey has to bear the brunt of it makes everything even worse. And though she's still pissed, Aubrey is devastated that Beca ended things. Especially since she was really starting to believe the two of them actually had something real.
Not wanting to think about Beca anymore, her mind returns to the fact that they placed third. Would they have gotten second if Beca hadn't pulled her impromptu song? Aubrey doesn't know. But she knows for sure that it's the reason they got third. And just another sign that Beca still needs to learn how to be a team player.
By the time, they reach Barden, Aubrey's decided that Beca Mitchell is not worth another minute of thought. If she wants Aubrey—and the Bellas—out of her life, then so be it. Aubrey's done with her too. She's going to focus on enjoying spring break and the rest of her senior year.
Chapter Fourteen: Part Three
Lily's disappointed in her observation skills. How could she have not realized that Beca and Aubrey were already a thing? She must have been distracted trying to right time traveling wrongs, because she's usually so much better. She wonders if this means that Beca and Aubrey were always meant to get together, because it obviously still happened even after their daughter screwed everything up.
Then again, they're obviously not together anymore. It was an impressive break up, for sure. And what makes it worse is that it seems like everything that was tried to push the two of them together was actually pulling them apart.
She wonders where the kid jumped to next—she really should have asked her name, Lily tells herself, but she hadn't wanted to know too much about the future—if she's still jumping around trying to fix things, or if she just gave up.
Lily could intervene, try to fix things; she feels slightly responsible. Not only did her time travel watch allow the screw up to occur, but she's also been—unknowingly—helping make things worse. But at the same time, more interference from her probably isn't what is needed. Nor does she have any idea on what she could do. Well, nothing that would meet Beca junior's approval.
And strangely that seems important, having the kid's approval. Lily knows that she wouldn't have let the girl help with the time travel watch, if she hadn't been someone worth knowing. It also implies that she'll still be friends with Beca and Aubrey in the future, which pleases her. A friendship with Beca seems like the sort that, once she gets better at understanding Lily, would go along with her more interesting ideas. It's an interesting insight into the future.
She doesn't have to make a decision about the situation right away. She can see how things look once they return from break.
Chapter Fourteen: Part Four
Having the campus mostly to herself is nice. Sure, after being around the Bellas constantly— Chloe, Aubrey...Lily—plus Jesse, the quiet feels louder then Beca remembers. But she's better off alone; and she really did try.
Besides, she's finally allowed in the radio station booth, to play music, her music. It's what she's wanted all year; and it's giving her plenty of ideas for mixes. The fact that they seem to be Bella related or for Aubrey is something Beca can ignore, for now.
It's why she ends up at her dad's house after a few days. She needs to talk to someone about this
and he's literally one of the few people still talking to her at this point. She ignores the voices in her head that call her pathetic because of this fact.
He doesn't say anything, just invites her in and makes tea, listening as she explains what happened.
"I just didn't expect to care so much," Beca finishes. "And now, I've let them down."
"I'm glad you made connections, but you can't give up at the first sign of conflict."
"Seriously, you're lecturing me about leaving?"
Her dad sighs. "Yes, I left, but it's not like I didn't try to keep in touch. You were the one who didn't reciprocate."
"The occasional phone call—"
"Once a week," he corrects.
"Whatever," she scoffs. "Phone calls don't make up for you being gone."
"They don't," he agrees. "But it was a start."
She doesn't argue and she's thankful that he seems to understand that she's still not ready to truly discuss it. "What do I do about the Bellas?"
"Do you want back in?" he asks.
"I never thought I'd say this, but yeah, I do," she replies.
"Then try apologizing. It usually works," he tells her "What about Aubrey?"
"I fucked that up even worse," Beca tells him.
"Do love her?"
This she knows for sure. "Yeah, I do."
"So what are you going to do about it?" he asks her.
"I..."
"You're the one who told me that you were good for each other," he points out. "You said that she was the reason we started having lunch together. But more importantly, that she makes you happy. Hopefully that hasn't changed."
"It hasn't," Beca agrees. "But I'm not sure that it's enough."
"You'll never know until you try," he says.
"I guess."
"I'm not going to tell you what to do," he says. "Partly because I'm not sure you'd listen."
Beca chuckles.
"But I really do hope you decide you want the Bellas and Aubrey in your life," he tells her. "I think they've helped you have a great year. The kind of year I was hoping you'd have."
"I'll think about it," Beca replies. "Really."
"Thank you," he says. "Do you want to stay for dinner?"
"Uh, yeah, that'd be...nice."
And it is. Conversation stays away from the Bellas and for once, her dad doesn't ask what she plans to do at the end of the year. Shelia isn't so bad. Beca can admit that she's never really given her a chance before. But chatting over dinner, Beca thinks that she might actually like her one day.
When she heads back to campus later that night, Beca's feeling better about her relationship with her dad and step mom. She's still not sure what she's going to do about the Bellas—just because she knows what she should do, doesn't mean she's going to do it—she's already had plenty of growth this year, she's not sure how much more she can stand.
But as she tries to fall asleep later that night, all she can think about is missing Aubrey and the Bellas, forcing her to admit that maybe she needs to try one more time.
Chapter Fourteen: Part Five
Aubrey feels like a failure. Her Bella career is over and she hasn't redeemed herself, she and Chloe aren't talking, and the surprisingly promising relationship with Beca is over.
When her senior year started, her only concern was getting the Bellas to Lincoln Center again. Anything to silence the echoes of Alice's mocking and her father's judgment. She thought her friendship with Chloe was solid—and maybe it still is, even if it doesn't currently feel like it—and it had been the least of her worries.
And then there's Beca Mitchell, such an unexpected positive, even if she would never tell Beca that. A relationship she hadn't even realized she wanted, needed even; and definitely not with Beca. After Beca had joined the Bellas, Aubrey had been so sure that it would be Chloe who ended up with her, not Aubrey.
But obsessing about all of it does her no good; and Aubrey tries not to spend her break thinking about any of it.
And then the call comes. And everything changes again.
Chapter Fourteen: Part Six
Aubrey's text definitely catches Chloe off guard. The fact that the Bellas still have a chance go to the finals is incredible news. She's barely able to contain her excitement and it's only the threat of permanent vocal damage that stops her from shouting for joy.
It also means that she and Aubrey will be seeing each other sooner than Chloe was planning. Aubrey's still her best friend, but even after days apart and hours to think, Chloe's still not sure how she feels.
But this is bigger than her friendship with Aubrey. This is about the Bellas, past and future. She can set her issues aside for a little bit longer, especially since she knows Aubrey will definitely be doing the same thing.
The fact that Beca will no longer be part of it saddens Chloe—even if she's still not sure how she feels about most things Beca related. She considers texting her, this year's Bellas just won't be the same without her, but ends up not. Beca not showing up will just be too much of a disappointment.
So instead of thinking about it, Chloe spends the remaining days doing everything required to ensure that she's able to sing when she returns to Barden.
Chapter Fourteen: Part Seven
When Lily gets the text from Aubrey, she immediately forwards it to Beca. Lily knows that neither of their captains will let her know. She quit after all. Aubrey's too stubborn and Chloe is probably still sorting out her feelings, so it's up to Lily.
Once the text is sent, Lily goes back to celebrating the fact that the Bellas actually made it to the finals. Even if she has no idea what she'll be returning to after break. Actually, that might be the best part.
Chapter Fourteen: Part Eight
Of all the things Beca expected to see when she entered the auditorium, the absolute chaos she finds—Aubrey, Chloe and Fat Amy wrestling, Stacie blowing her whistle, and Lily making angels in what looks like puke—definitely wasn't what she had in mind.
Aubrey's response to her presence is exactly what Beca was expecting though.
It's easier to apologize than she thought it would be. Seems like her dad was right, not that she'll ever tell him. Beca just hopes that Aubrey understands that when she says, "If you'll have me, I want back in", she isn't just referring to the Bellas.
Though for one, long, nerve wrecking moment, it seems that it doesn't matter how Aubrey interpreted Beca's plea. Both answers are apparently no. But then Aubrey stops her and Beca lets herself hope again.
"Beca, I'm sorry if I was harsh," Aubrey says. "Towards all of you. But my drive to succeed comes from my father and he always said, 'If at first you don't succeed, pack your bags.' "
"I get it, I do, Bree," Beca replies, because she does. "But maybe this time, we could try doing things differently? I think it'll work out better for all of us."
The others voice their approval of this idea, all watching Aubrey for her reaction.
"I suppose that wouldn't be so bad," Aubrey admits, holding out the pitch pipe.
Beca takes it and ignores the urge she has to kiss Aubrey. They probably need to talk first. Instead, she looks around at the rest of the Bellas and gets an idea. "Get your stuff guys. There's something we need to go do."
Chapter Fourteen: Part Nine
It's honestly been a long time since Aubrey's felt joyful about a cappella. It might have been the reason she joined the Bellas, but Alice quickly took that away. Chloe's presence might have helped her hold onto it longer than she would have alone, but it still happened.
But at the moment, she's only feeling joy. Walking out of the pool with the other Bellas, anything feels possible. Letting go, sharing responsibility and control, means that she can relax a little and maybe actually enjoy being a Bella again.
And there's this thing between her and Beca.
She knows the others probably think she was harsh making Beca wait as long as she did before forgiving her, but hopefully Beca understands why. They still have a lot to talk about, but Beca's apology and Aubrey sharing the pitch pipe is definitely a good first step.
Except, now Aubrey's worried that maybe she misread things. Just because Beca used the words, "Aubrey if you'd have me" to request reentry into the Bellas doesn't mean that she was asking Aubrey to give their relationship another chance. Maybe she spent the break realizing that they were better off apart.
"Can we talk?" Aubrey asks Beca, once the Bellas have began splitting up.
"Absolutely," Beca replies.
They end up back in the rehearsal space, because it's the first place they can think to be alone.
Beca surprises Aubrey by almost immediately saying, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said what I said about your dad and I definitely shouldn't have ended things in front of everyone like that."
"I shouldn't have implied that I regretted dating you, because I didn't, I don't," Aubrey replies. "I was just so angry."
"It was only because I did what I did. I really was only trying to help. But I could have done it a different way," Beca tells her. "And we both said things we didn't mean."
"I'm sorry I made you wait so long before," Aubrey adds. "I wasn't trying to be mean."
"I know," Beca replies. "You hadn't really let yourself think about the possibility of us again, because you didn't think it would happen. I caught you off guard again. I should know by now, you don't like surprises."
"I like some," Aubrey says. "I just... how did you even know we'd be there?"
"Lily texted me, actually," Beca answers. "I'm not sure why, but I'm grateful."
"Me too," Aubrey agrees. "Guess it was a good thing she decided to start hanging out with you."
"I guess," Beca says. "Still wish I knew why though."
"So now what?"
"Now? We go talk to Chloe," Beca says.
Chapter Fourteen: Part Ten
It's been an emotional day and so they all agree to meet the next morning to start strategizing. Chloe heads home, knowing that Aubrey and Beca need to talk. It's good because Chloe thinks she needs a little more time to figure things out too. She plants herself on the couch and turns on the TV; she doesn't pay attention, just needs the noise.
Chloe feels hopeful that her relationship with Aubrey will remain intact and as strong as always. Her feelings about the past year are out in the open, even if they were screamed. It's a start anyway.
Aubrey and Beca appear much sooner than Chloe was expecting. She'd thought for sure they'd have a lot to talk about. But their joined hands as they enter suggests they've already patched things up. There are definitely a few things she's missing about their relationship.
"Hey guys," Chloe starts. "Didn't expect to see you two for a while."
"We covered the basics," Beca shrugs. "Thought we'd take care of something else, equally important first."
"What's that?"
"Making sure you're okay," Aubrey answers.
Chloe still doesn't feel ready to have this conversation with the both of them.
Which they both seem to sense. "Separately," Aubrey adds. "Your choice who goes first."
"Do we have to do this now?" Chloe asks.
"No," Beca replies. "But if we don't, I doubt we'll be able to until after the finals. You know how this one is about rehearsing."
"Watch it," Aubrey tells her, pulling her hand from Beca's.
"Truth hurts, huh?" Beca smirks, quickly regrabbing Aubrey's hand in hers.
Are these really the same two people who used to spend half of rehearsal fighting? "So does this mean that rehearsals will be argument free now?"
"Doubtful," Beca says.
"Definitely not," Aubrey agrees.
"We kind of like arguing with each other," Beca adds.
"Is that why you were always fighting during rehearsals?" Chloe asks.
"That and so no one would realize we were dating," Aubrey answers.
"Well it worked," Chloe tells them. "I honestly still don't believe it."
"Maybe after we talk?" Beca offers.
"Maybe," Chloe agrees. "Do you mind if I talk to Aubrey first?"
"Not at all," Beca replies. "I'll just wait in Bree's room. Let me know when you're ready to talk." She turns to Aubrey and kisses her chastely on the lips, before strolling towards Aubrey's bedroom.
"So," Aubrey says, dropping onto the couch next to Chloe. "What do you want to talk about first?"
…
A few hours later, the three of them are sitting on the couch eating pizza and watching Rent. Because according to Beca, movie musicals don't count as movies. Whatever. Chloe still can't believe how easily Beca got Aubrey to agree to order pizza. Actually, she didn't even ask, she just announced that they were. Chloe had been expecting an argument, especially after learning that they actually enjoy fighting with each other, but there'd been none. It was almost as surprising as learning that Beca sometimes goes running with Aubrey in the mornings. Beca does not do mornings. That's something Chloe learned early on; never once did Beca get up early at Chloe's request, no matter how much she pleaded and pouted.
She supposes it's just two more pieces of evidence that they love each other, which both admitted freely when asked. Truthfully, she's going to need some time to process everything she's learned over the last few hours. Hearing the whole story of how they got together, dated in secret and why they broke up, from both their point of views has her feeling overwhelmed.
At least she feels better about her friendships with both of them. The hurt of betrayal from Aubrey has faded, now that Chloe understands; and the sense of limbo she's been feeling with Beca has finally been explained. She'll probably still feel a bit awkward around them for a while, but she knows that'll go away soon.
In fact, she's looking forward to watching them work together on the new set list. She hasn't really been paying attention to the movie, instead she's been observing the two of them together. It's not just that they're curled up together on the couch. It's how relaxed and familiar they are with each other. If she hadn't believed them before about being in a relationship, she definitely does now. They're at ease with each other in a way that screams intimacy; and not just physical, emotional too. Something that she knows doesn't come easily to either of them. And if the relationship can survive being kept a secret, then maybe the two of them have a shot at something genuine.
Chloe's optimism has returned. Her friendship with Aubrey is as strong and steady as always, she and Beca are finally on the same page, and the Bellas have a real shot at winning the ICCA finals with Aubrey actually allowing input from others on the set list. The next couple weeks are going to be one hell of a ride.