Chapter 25

BARDEN UNIVERSITY APARTMENTS, ATLANTA, GEORGIA

"Good Morning, Bree!" Chloe exclaimed as she hurried down the stairs.

Aubrey was in charge of breakfast that morning, and she found it unusual for the redhead to be up so early on a Saturday morning. She watched the redhead move around the house with a huge smile on her face. Of course, Chloe is known to have such beautiful smile but that morning, it was different.

"Good Morning, Chlo! Why are you up so early on a Saturday? You usually get up a little before lunch." Aubrey was setting the frying pan on the stove so she could cook the eggs paired with their bacon.

"Nothing. I just had the urge to get up a little extra early today." Chloe hummed while she was tying her hair in a messy bun.

"Is there something we have to do today? Did I forget?" Aubrey waved the frying pan spatula as she faced her best friend.

"Relax, Bree. It's just that I'm in a good mood today." Chloe approached the kitchen counter. "I woke up on the right side of the bed."

"Something's fishy."

"What?" Chloe asked.

"Wait. I'm trying to think." Aubrey snickered. "Ah! I remember now!" She immediately faced her best friend and met her gaze. "Today's your date with Beca, isn't it?"

Chloe tried to hide her blushing face but was still met by Aubrey's stare.

"Uhm… Yeah." Chloe nodded and scratched the back of her neck. "I'm scared and excited at the same time, Bree."

"Why? You had everything planned out, right?" Aubrey tied her apron as she spoke and continued to cook their breakfast.

"Yes, I did. But, what if Beca won't like it?" Chloe sighed.

"Chloe, that midget will not only like it. She'll love it. Trust me." Aubrey assured her best friend. "And, if ever something doesn't go according to plan, I'm sure that Beca would be happy to oblige to a second date with you."

MITCHELL MANSION, ATLANTA, GEORGIA

Saturdays in the Mitchell household are usually spent at home whenever the Senator and his wife, Cynthia had no business and political matters to attend to. In which case, Beca considers are rare. Beca thought of the possibility that her parents would be extremely busy, causing her to immediately concur with Chloe's proposal to have their date on a Saturday since they couldn't compromise their schedule in the middle of the week.

Beca was excited. She knows for a fact that Chloe liked her back, but she didn't expect Chloe to ask her out formally.

Like the redhead, Beca jumped out of her bed in a good mood. She plugged in her iPod Touch, and set the speaker volume on high causing feel good music to blast in her room.

She danced to the rhythm of Bruno Mars' 24k Magic, and she didn't care if ever their gardener or their maid could see her from their courtyard. Nothing can stop her.

She even left her room with her pajamas on, completely forgetting the routine she had been accustomed to.

"Good Morning, dear." The Senator greeted his daughter when he saw her coming down the stairs.

"D-dad." Beca was shocked to see her father home. "Good Morning. When did you get in?" She kissed her father's cheek.

"Around dawn. I forgot what time exactly." The Senator yawned. "I see you weren't expecting my arrival." He eyed his daughter who was still on her pajamas and bed room slippers. "That's cute." He pointed out. "I can't remember the last time I saw you in one of those." He snickered.

Beca looked at herself and smiled back. "I'm sorry, Dad. But, it looks good, yes?"

"Everything looks good on you." The Senator nodded his head and kissed his daughter's forehead. "You hungry? Let's go eat. Your mother prepared breakfast."

Beca and Senator Warren found Cynthia setting their table. They were surprised to see her do so since she only cooks, but does not set the table. She assigned the work to their maids.

"Wow. What is going on?" Beca asked in surprise.

"What?" Cynthia looked up.

"You're setting the table." Beca pointed out. "You don't do that, Mom."

"Well, I want to. It's a Saturday, and we have no pending obligations or meetings scheduled for the day. It's a perfect time to be a Mom." Cynthia replied. "Now, go take your seats, so we could eat."

The Senator kissed his wife as he pulled out a chair for her. Beca missed eating with her family, causing her to take in the simple moment.

As usual, there were talks of business and politics, and Beca was asked about how things were going for her in school, and with Helping Hands. Beca happily obliged to giving her parents the answers that they want, and she was not wrong, they were extremely happy.

Everything is in order, according to both her mom and dad.

However, Beca failed to mention what happened between her and Jesse.

It was not a good time, she thought.

She shrugged the idea at the back of her head, and continued to join the conversation that they were having about her dad finding the perfect horse for her whenever she would feel like playing Polo in the Country Club.

"We should go visit the Country Club sometime, dear. It's been a while." Cynthia suggested.

"Why don't we go today?" The Senator immediately replied.

Upon hearing her Father's suggestion, Beca fiddled with the fork in her hand. She prayed that her mother would decline.

"That sounds lovely, dear." Cynthia smiled. "What do you think, Rebecca? We should go today. You know, have some family time."

Beca felt all eyes on her. She didn't know what to do.

She couldn't go to the Country Club that day.

She has something set.

She has a date with Chloe. And it's something she wouldn't want to forego.

"Can we do a raincheck?" Beca swallowed hard as she blurted out those words.

"Why? Is there something you have to do today?" The Senator questioned.

"Well… Yeah." Beca nodded and avoided her parent's eyes. "My friends and I… Uh…"

"It's okay, dear." Cynthia held her husband's hand. "Let's make Rebecca spend time with her friends. We can do it some other time. Right, honey?" She turned to Beca. "I'm sure what you have planned with your friends today is something you look forward to since you're hesitant about visiting the Country Club. You always love going there."

Beca was uncomfortable being in the hot seat. She felt guilty for letting their family activity pass, but she just couldn't tell them the truth that her day was reserved for Chloe and not for her friends. "Yeah. Uh, we couldn't hang out during the week. So, they figured out that we could hang out on a weekend instead." She lied.

"Alright." The Senator smiled at his daughter. "We can still visit next time. I just wanted to show you the new horses they have."

"We'll check them out next time, Dad." Beca offered still feeling guilty. "I promise."

"It's alright, honey. I understand." The Senator smiled in return.

As soon as Beca was done with breakfast, she politely excused herself from the table. She hurried to her room to check if her date with Chloe was still on.

She rummaged through her bag, and pulled out her cell phone.

Seeing a text from Chloe, her heart skipped a beat.

"Good Morning, Becs. I'll see you in the Quad. Be there at 11. Wear something comfy, alright? I can't wait to see you."

Beca looked at her clock. It was 9:00 A.M.

She has two hours left.

Two hours left before she could be with Chloe.

BARDEN UNIVERSITY APARTMENTS, ATLANTA, GEORGIA

"So, you're really taking her there, huh?" Aubrey was mixing her coffee when she asked Chloe about the date.

"Yep. I want to take someone special with me the next time I visit. I remember I told you that." Chloe was finishing her bacon on her plate which was prepared by Aubrey. "And, Beca is special."

"I visited that place with you for how many times now, Chlo. And you don't consider me as special?" Aubrey protested.

"You're an exception, Bree. You're family." Chloe explained. "You and I both know what special meant."

"I know, I was just messing with you." Aubrey giggled.

"I do hope she likes it there though. There are people who don't appreciate art, and they get bored easily." Chloe stated.

"Chloe, judging on Beca's background, I doubt it." Aubrey sipped her coffee and once again, looked at her best friend. "Besides, you're taking Beca to the High Museum of Art, she's an idiot if she gets bored."

BARDEN UNIVERSITY QUADRANGLE, ATLANTA, GEORGIA

Beca hurriedly left the house so she could meet Chloe in the quadrangle on time. She didn't want to be late, since it would be really embarrassing on her part if ever.

She was thankful that her parents didn't interrogate her as soon as she told them that she was already leaving. They even let the driver bring her to school. At first, Beca didn't want to but thinking of her lie, she gave in. It would not cast any doubt on her part since she mentioned that they're meeting in school campus.

Beca looked around the quadrangle so she could spot her favorite redhead. Not that she knew any more, but she just wanted to consider Chloe her favorite. Still not seeing Chloe, Beca decided to give Chloe a call.

"Chloe! Where are you?" Beca immediately asked as soon as the redhead picked up.

"Relax, Becs. I don't have any plans to ditch you, if that's what you're worried about." Chloe giggled. "I'm already here."

"I don't see you. Where are you exactly?" Beca searched the quadrangle but still, no Chloe.

"Turn around." Chloe instructed.

Beca did what Chloe told her to do. She was surprised to see Chloe driving a silver Nissan Versa.

"Hi there, want a ride?" Chloe rolled down her window.

"Wait." Beca was confused. "I didn't know you own a car. Or, rather, you could drive."

"I don't. I rented it." Chloe smirked. "C'mon, get in. We're going to be late."

Beca hurried to the passenger's seat and as soon as she was settled in her seat, Chloe turned to her. "Are you ready?"

"Yeah."

"Great. I do hope you enjoy what I planned for us today." Chloe smiled at the brunette as she drove away from Barden.

During the drive, Beca fiddled with the car stereo and stumbled upon one of her favorite songs playing on the radio. "Uhm is this okay?" Beca asked Chloe. "We could change the station if you don't want this."

"No. No. I like Bruno Mars." Chloe replied.

Chunky was playing and Beca couldn't stop herself from singing along.

"Really? Since when?" Beca asked, while bobbing her head to the tune.

"I knew him even before, but I really appreciated him ever since you sang one of his songs for me." Chloe admitted to the brunette. "I know it's lame to like him just recently."

"Well, it's not too late, Chloe." Beca shrugged. "It's never too late to like Bruno Mars." Beca adjusted the volume and made the song loud enough for both.

Chunky
Looking for them girls with the big old hoops
That drop it down in daisy dukes
(I wanna get down)
Yeah, I am the one, I'm trying to recruit
I'm looking at you
Yeah, you baby

Beca sang along to the chorus, and Chloe couldn't help but glace at the brunette on the passenger's seat.

"You're adorable. Who could've thought that Beca Mitchell is not just all about the piano and violin?" Chloe joked.

"Shut up." Beca chuckled. "But, Chloe, could I say something?" Beca softened the music so Chloe could hear her.

"Sure." Chloe swallowed hard. She was nervous.

"I appreciate this. But you don't have to spend so much when you invite me out, alright?" Beca stated. "I'm fine with simple dates, like going on a walk or just the movies. You don't have to rent a car or something."

"Beca, I want this to be special. It's our first official date." Chloe replied. "You can't blame me for wanting to impress you."

"You don't have to do that anymore, Chloe." Beca stated. "I was impressed since day one."

Chloe smiled at the brunette, and Beca smiled in return. There was comfortable silence, and Chloe continued to drive to their destination.

After a few turns, Chloe was able to park their car in the corner of a street. "We're here." She unfastened her seatbelt, and Beca did the same thing too.

"What are we doing here?" Beca asked as she got out of the car, and admired the all-white structure before her. "What is this? I've never been here before."

"Well, Rebecca Mitchell…" Chloe grinned at the brunette. "Welcome to Atlanta's High Museum of Art!"

HIGH MUSEUM OF ART, ATLANTA, GEORGIA

"What are we doing here?" Beca whispered while they were walking to the entrance. "Are you picking up something or…"

"Shut up, Beca." Chloe giggled. "This is where I'm taking you."

"What? Why?" Beca questioned.

"Uhm.. Don't you like it? Because we could leave." Chloe tried to hide the disappointment in her voice.

"It's just that… I always wanted to go in." Beca replied and Chloe's face brightened up in an instant. "I was just wondering. But yeah, I just realized that I'm on a date with Chloe Beale. An aspiring artist. I'm so dumb."

"Well, you're in luck since I really wanted to take you here." Chloe was relieved. "So, are you ready?"

"Ready when you are." Beca chuckled.

Chloe led Beca through the halls of the Museum, and she couldn't help but stare at Beca who was busy looking at all the masterpieces.

She could stare at Beca all day long.

"Chloe." Beca called out. "Are you okay? I was asking you something."

"Huh?" Chloe snapped out of her thoughts and turned to Beca. "I'm sorry, I didn't hear it. Could you repeat that?"

"Never mind. Forget it." Beca giggled. "It's okay."

"I'm sorry." Chloe sighed.

"Thank you for taking me here, Chloe." Beca moved from one painting to another. "They really are amazing." Beca motioned to the modern and contemporary art and photographs.

"I know, right? This place never fails me." Chloe stood closer to beca. "Wanna see my favorite?"

"Sure." Beca agreed and followed Chloe to a portion of the museum leading to where the collections for Modern and Contemporary Art were located.

Beca continued to follow Chloe's lead, and stopped when Chloe stared at a certain painting.

"Is this your favorite?" Beca asked Chloe who was still staring at the painting.

Chloe nodded her head in response. "This painting is called the Marionettes. 1952. Jacob Lawrence."

Beca stared at the painting and tried her best to decipher what it meant.

Sensing that Beca was wondering why it was her favorite, Chloe decided to speak up. "I remember when I was around 15, my Dad brought me here. He's a frustrated artist, that's why he would come here often when there would be new collections or exhibitions. He couldn't really paint, and when he knew that I had potential, he would bring me along to make me feel drawn to everything in here. He was not wrong."

Beca listened to Chloe's words which were pure with honesty. She didn't take her eyes away from the redhead, while the latter continued to talk.

"The first time I came here, I couldn't understand what was in that painting like you. But, we all know that there are messages behind every masterpiece, right? It's a depiction of what the artist wants to say. And this painting here, caught my eye." She turned to Beca. "I don't know, at a young age, I felt that this one had an impact on me the most. It's a depiction of the manipulation that every individual experienced before, and even until today. It's sad but it's true. And ever since I saw this, I realized that I wanted to do the same thing. Make people think that it's more than just a painting. I want everyone to know that they aren't just decorations on the wall, they're messages."

"You're deep." Beca didn't know what to say.

"Well, yes. But, it's the reason why I wanted to go into Art." Chloe shrugged. "People can express themselves through art, whether it be a painting, a sculpture, or maybe just a simple drawing. And, I love to do that."

"It's a good thing you could do whatever you want, Chlo. Look, you're in Barden's Art Program. You're on your way to making your dreams come true." Beca stated. "You'll be one of the best artist that Atlanta would produce. You'll have your gallery, your paintings will be in demand, and of course, they're not mere paintings, since they will always have a piece of you."

"It's not easy too, Beca. I have to struggle to get to the top of the class. You need to put yourself out there to be noticed, and that requires a lot of hard work. But yeah, I'm taking it one step at a time. And I do hope that I could really make it." Chloe replied.

"I have faith in you, Chloe." Beca smiled at the redhead. "I know you'll make it. Your dreams will come true, and I'm sure of that."

"That's easy to say, coming from Beca Mitchell." Chloe snickered.

"Hey, don't. I know you have great potential, Chloe. And my dad thinks so too." Beca replied. "And one day, I know I'll be able to visit your very own gallery."

"Thank you, Beca." Chloe replied. "That means a lot to me."

"Don't mention it. Just do me a favor, okay?"

"What's that?" Chloe quirked an eyebrow at the brunette.

"No matter what happens, just go on with your dream. You're destined to be an artist, never let that fade away. Don't give up on it." Beca stated. "Okay?"

"Okay." Chloe replied. "I will."

Beca smiled at the redhead. "Great, because you're a masterpiece, Chloe. Everyone deserves to see what you can do."

After visiting almost every room in the Museum, Beca and Chloe finally decided to leave. They took a few pictures with the sculpture, The Shade. With Beca and Chloe, each following the pose.

"Are you hungry?" Chloe asked Beca when they returned to the car.

"Don't judge me, but yeah. I'm hungry." Beca giggled.

"Great. Let's go eat, then." Chloe started the engine, still leaving Beca clueless on what she has in store.

Chloe drove past a couple of restaurants, and she could see that Beca was wondering why they haven't stopped in any of it.

"Uh, Chloe. I don't mean to be rude but, I think you just passed most of all the restaurants in the neighborhood." Beca looked out the window to confirm what she just said.

Chloe laughed at the brunette. "You really are hungry, aren't you?"

"I told you not to judge me." Beca snickered.

"I'm not taking you there. You probably have tasted almost everything they offer there." Chloe shrugged and kept her eyes on the road. "It'll take a while to get to where I'll bring you though."

"Alright. I'll just take a nap, since I have a feeling that you don't have any choice yet on where to take me, and that what you said was just an excuse. Wake me up when you're done." Beca giggled as she reclined the seat and rested her back so she could catch a little sleep.

"Go on. I'll wake you." Chloe looked at the brunette who really looked sleepy. She knew that Beca would lose sleep due to work, that's why she didn't bother denying the brunette's proposal.

Beca was asleep within seconds. Chloe couldn't help the smile forming on her face when she glanced at Beca.

Beca looked like an angel. So vulnerable, so precious.

And before Chloe could stop the engine she pulled out her phone to capture that rare moment.

PIEDMONT PARK, ATLANTA, GEORGIA

"Hey, Beca." Chloe whispered as she brushed hair away from the brunette's face. "We're here."

Beca stirred in her sleep, causing Chloe to wake the brunette up once more. "Beca."

Chloe was so close to Beca's face, and with all honesty, she would like to give Beca a quick peck on the cheeks right then and there seeing that it was an opportunity for her to do so. But, Chloe didn't want Beca to think that she was taking advantage of her, that's why no matter how hard it is for Chloe, she resisted.

"Hey." Beca's eyes fluttered open, and met Chloe's gaze. "Your eyes are really pretty." She commented as she stared at Chloe's bright blue eyes. "Very pretty."

"Your eyes are blue too, if you didn't know." Chloe giggled. "C'mon, we're here."

"Where are we?" Beca sat up and fixed herself. "I'm sorry I really fell asleep."

"It's okay. It was not a long drive anyway. It was just really bad traffic making it all seem like it's been hours." Chloe replied. "We're in Piedmont Park."

"Alright." Beca got out of the car. "It's beautiful. I mean, the sun's almost setting, but it's still pretty."

"This is my favorite place in the city." Chloe stated while she opened the trunk.

Beca wandered away from Chloe, she was looking around and was admiring the view of the city from where they are. She never realized that being Atlanta had something to offer her too.

"I still hope you're hungry." Chloe broke Beca out of her thoughts.

"We're leaving?" Beca was disappointed, she was loving the scenery.

"No. We're eating here." Chloe held out a picnic basket and a blanket on the other hand. "I hope you don't mind."

Beca was all smiles due to Chloe's preparation. She helped Chloe lay the blanket on the grass. "You never fail to amaze me, Chloe." Beca commented. "This is adorable."

"Not what you were expecting, right?" Chloe giggled. "I don't want to bring you to any more fancy restaurant. I'd rather have a picnic with you here. So, I prepared different kind of sandwiches. "Peanut butter and Jelly, Choco Hazelnut, Plain peanut butter…" Chloe brought out all the sandwiches she prepared that morning.

Beca couldn't help but laugh while Chloe was still busy taking things out of the basket.

"What? You don't eat sandwiches?" Chloe laughed.

"I do. It's just that… You're unbelievable." Beca giggled. "How many did you make?"

"I think, I made 2 of each kind. I also brought…" Chloe got up and checked the trunk. "A thermos full of hot chocolate." Chloe held up a thermos and waved it infront of Beca.

"That is undeniably adorable." Beca snickered. "What else have you got?"

"I brought fruits with me too. Don't worry, we could get something decent to eat if ever you're still hungry on the way back to your place." Chloe shrugged. "This is something to fill you up."

"I don't think so. I'll be fine with all these." Beca replied. "Thank you, Chloe."

"For what?"

"For taking me out today. I'm really having a good time with you." Beca shyly replied.

"No, Beca. Thank you for letting me take you out." Chloe stated. "It's the other way around."

"This is one of my best days here in Atlanta, so far." Beca commented, and Chloe felt so happy since it was all because of her.

"Well, you're going to have more. I could take you to places you've never been in town..." Chloe stated. "You know, if you'd let me."

"Really?"

"Uh huh." Chloe replied.

"I'd like that." Beca smiled in response.

"I really really really like you, Beca Mitchell." Chloe admitted, and stared right into Beca's eyes.

"Chloe…"

"Yeah?" Chloe's eyes were full of fear, she was scared of what Beca would say.

"I hate to say this and ruin the moment but, you have something on your mouth." Beca pointed out.

"Where?" Chloe tried to wipe it away,but missed since it was on her upper lip, instead of the lower lip. "This is embarassing." She got out a few napkins from the basket.

Beca watched the redhead wipe it away. "Ha. You missed. Let me get it for you." Beca offered.

Chloe froze since Beca moved in closer to her. She was holding her breath as Beca was now in close proximity.

Beca was now face to face with her, and Chloe couldn't help but look at the brunette's lips.

However, it was Chloe who was surprised because Beca didn't wipe the chocolate hazelnut spread on her upper lip.

Chloe froze since Beca kissed her, instead of wiping it away.

Beca Mitchell got the spread out of her lips by kissing her. Chloe couldn't think straight, she was taken aback by Beca's sudden move. It was really unexpected, and a good one from Beca.

As soon as Chloe regained consciousness of what was happening at that moment, she didn't hesitate but kiss the brunette back. She smiled into the kiss, knowing that Beca felt the same way as she did.

Beca slowly pulled away, and smiled at Chloe who still looked like she was in a daze.

"I do hope that told you something, Chloe." Beca blushed. "And if you want to hear it, I'll say it. I like you too. A lot."

"So, you and I? We now have a chance?" Chloe smirked.

"Uh huh." Beca nodded. "Better mark your calendar, Chloe."

"Why? What for?"

"Well…" Beca giggled. "Because starting today, we're officially dating."

"Oh my god. Is this happening?" Chloe couldn't help but feel like everything was just a dream.

"Yes, silly." Beca laughed at how Chloe was acting. "This is not a drill."

"Shit!" Chloe immediately stood up.

"What are you doing?! Come sit!" Beca tried to pulled Chloe back to sit with her.

Chloe didn't mind Beca at all. Instead, she threw her hands up in the air. "Hurrah! Guess what, guys!"

"Chloeee. That's embarrassing." Beca continued to urge her to sit, upon seeing that passers-by were looking at Chloe.

"I got the girl, guys!" Chloe jumped up and down as she exclaimed, "I'm dating Beca Mitchell!"

A/N: Thank you so much to RJRMovieFan for suggesting that a museum trip would be a good start for Beca and Chloe's date. I appreciate everything. You know that, right?

So, I got sick, but anyway, I'm feeling a little better now, and I really tried my best to finish the chapter for you guys. And, here you go. I hope you were not disappointed, because I really enjoyed writing this chapter especially the picnic part.

Let me know what you think about it, okay? x