CHAPTER 26
STARBUCKS COFFEE, BROADWAY, NEW YORK
"Beca! You have to see this!" Jesse handed Beca tabloid from the newspaper rack. Beca quirked a brow at her best friend and took it. Beca scanned the article written about her and Chloe while they were seen having a bite.
BECA MITCHELL ATTENDS NYFW WITH RUMORED GIRLFRIEND!
"Oh, interesting. Here, put it back." Beca sipped her Caramel Macchiato and tried to avoid conversations regarding the article. However, Jesse won't drop it and continued to look over at Beca.
"What?" Beca asked.
"There's something you're not telling me, Beca." Jesse smirked.
"And what is that?" Beca put her cup of coffee down and looked Jesse in the eye.
"You really are a good pretender, Becs. But, I know that there's something going on between you and Chloe. And don't you dare pull that "We're just friends" answer on me. I know how that works." Jesse pulled his chair closer and leaned in. "So, are you not going to tell me anything? Because I can sense that there's something fishy going on."
"Jesse…"
"Don't you dare deny it, Beca. New York Fashion Week? You don't really go to that! That means something, and it screams that you and Chloe are really dating!"
"Will you please keep it low?" Beca advised Jesse because she noticed that people noticed their presence.
"I won't shut up. I will nag you all day until you tell me the truth." Jesse smirked.
"Are you seriously going to do that?" Beca glared at her best friend who was giving her a playful smile. Beca hated the fact that Jesse can get on her nerves by all his nagging, "very managerial" she would say to him and it made Jesse feel proud that he can do things to Beca.
"Yeah. You know I can. So, help me here, will you? I thought you'd share everything with me, why am I forcing it out of you?"
"Alright, J. Just so you would shut up, Yes. Chloe and I are dating, we only started yesterday and I don't wanna ruin it by telling everyone all about it. I wanted to tell you later today but that tabloid over there caught your attention. So, here we are." Beca looked around and scanned the area, hoping that no paparazzi would greet them on their way out. "Plus, I told her that we'd keep it private 'til the time is right. So, we'll keep it down low."
"Wow! That's awesome! I am so happy for you, Becs! Finally!" Jesse held his hands over Beca's to give her comfort, and Beca liked that about him, so she didn't pull her hand away.
"Yeah, nerd. Just don't tell anyone okay?" Beca raised her finger and pointed at Jesse.
"I swear. But I can assume that Aubrey knows, right? Maybe Chloe told her?" Jesse positioned himself infront of Beca and blocked the paparazzi's view of the DJ.
"Thanks for that, J. They can be annoying already." Beca motioned to the paparazzi waiting for her outside. "But, yeah, I guess Chloe might have told Aubrey, and I trust Aubrey too. So, that's not a problem."
"How about those people outside? Do you trust them?" Jesse snickered.
"No. That's what I'm scared of." Beca picked up her coffee and eyed the paparazzi. "The press is so powerful, I just don't know if Chloe could handle it all. They'll find out about us, eventually, since pictures are circulating and they're always around. It might scare Chloe away."
"She will handle it, Becs. I know Chloe and I can see that she loves you. She agreed to this in the first place, and she sure knows what she's doing. Well, yeah, the rumors are still out there but it all depends on you. I mean, if you'll tell everyone or not." Jesse placed his hand on his best friend's shoulder. "Just enjoy what you have with Chloe, okay?"
"Okay. It's just… I love her, Jesse. I just want everything to be perfect."
"I know, Becs. I know." Jesse smiled back and noticed that Beca was about to space out in the middle of their conversation so he talked her out of it. "Hey, are we going to Troye's Pre-Album Launch Party?"
"Yeah, that's tonight, right?" Beca checked her calendar to see if she was right.
"Yup. Should I confirm with Troye's manager that we're attending?" Jesse got his cell out of his pocket and fiddled with it while waiting for Beca's response.
"Yeah, I'll show up but I might leave early. I think I'm going to be sick."
Beca had been working all day and night just so she could give Troye the album that he deserves. This is the reason why Beca is the most sought after music producer and DJ, she gives her 101% dedication to her work, and which is obviously a masterpiece when it's done.
JESSE AND AUBREY'S APARTMENT, NEW YORK
"Chloe, you and Beca are still the hot topic on the entertainment news, what's the deal already?" Aubrey pointed to the television show which featured another sighting of the pair around New York.
"Really? I thought that would die down after a few days." Chloe laughed.
"Obviously, it didn't." Aubrey motioned to the show which was still featuring the rumored couple. Chloe sat down beside Aubrey and joined her in watching the segment.
"Make it louder, I can't really hear it." Chloe demanded making Aubrey glare at her.
"You love this, don't you? You're not bothered, irked or anything?" Aubrey asked.
"Well, it's kind of fun? I don't know, really. But I admit that it can be so stressful and uncomfortable…"
Before Chloe could finish her sentence, both girls stopped in the middle of their conversation when the reporter mentioned of a thing called the "BeChloe Hype".
"What the? Make it louder, Aubrey!"
"I am doing that right now! Shut up and listen!" Aubrey grabbed the remote and turned the volume up so both could hear it clearly.
"Are you also one with the BeChloe Hype? Looks like Beca Mitchell is not one who talks. Recently, Beca Mitchell and rumored girlfriend Chloe Beale were seen attending the New York Fashion Week. Sources say that both were cozy with each other and looked in love. There is still no confirmationabout the rumored relationship but fans brought their excitement on Social Media, so sightings of the pair were all over! Is this the beginning of the so called "BeChloe"or has it started?
"What the hell?" Aubrey looked to Chloe whose mouth was just wide open. "You went to NYFW? How come I did not know about this?!"
"Calm down, Bree." Chloe stood up and got herself a glass of water. "Are you mad at the BeChloe hype or about Beca and I going to NYFW without you and Jesse?"
"Both, of course!"
"Right. Why did I ask?" Chloe sat opposite Aubrey and tied her hair in a messy bun. "I'm sorry, Bree. But it was a sudden plan, we didn't have anything to do when we decided to hang out one time, so we went there. Didn't know it'd be a ruckus."
"Okay, that explains the Fashion Week. How about the deal between you and Beca? BeChloe hype huh?" Aubrey's face brightened up, and teased Chloe about the "BeChloe hype" going on.
"Well…" Chloe fiddled with the hair falling on her face and tried to hide the bright red blush forming on her cheeks with her hands when she felt the heat on her face.
"Well, what Chloe?" Aubrey snickered and admired how her best friend could look like a teenager in love.
"Well… Beca and I are dating? So, BeChloe is real." Chloe smiled sheepishly upon raising her face to meet Aubrey's face.
"I knew it! You and the hobbit really had it! How long already?"
"We just made it official like a day ago? So, not that long."
"Well, you loved each other since Day 1, and it does not matter whether it was just yesterday or even way back." Aubrey turned off the television and laid her back on the sofa. "So, the midget's still quiet about it, I admire her for that."
"Yeah, she told me she's one who doesn't like telling people about her private life, and I know that it's true. I'll just leave it all up to her. If she wants to keep us out in the open or not."
"Are you fine with that, Chloe?"
"Yeah, I am." Chloe smiled back. "All that matters is that I have Beca, and she's mine."
"Whoa. Possessive, much?" Aubrey joked.
"Hey, you and I both know that girls and guys fawn over her. I have the right to say that." Chloe chuckled.
"Whatever you say, Chlo." Aubrey waved her best friend off. "But, hey, I'm happy for you and the hobbit. You both deserve this second chance."
"Thank you, Bree. I do hope we'd work this time."
Chloe was startled when she heard her phone ring. Expecting that it was Beca, Chloe hurriedly ran up to the kitchen counter and swiped her phone from it to answer the call. Chloe frowned upon finding out that it wasn't Beca who was calling. It was Tiffany.
"Hello, Tiff? What's up?" Chloe tried to hide the disappointment in her voice, just so her friend won't notice that she was expecting someone else.
"Chloe Beale! Oh my god! Is it true?" Tiffany shrieked on the end of the line.
"What? What is true?" Chloe knew that Tiffany was gushing over the thing between her and Beca but she pretended not to have an idea of what Tiffany was talking about.
"Funny, Chloe! You and the hot DJ/Producer of course! It's all over the news and the internet, silly!" Tiffany replied.
"Oh, that." Chloe bit her lip and contemplated on whether she would say something to one of her closest friends. But, Chloe knew better and respected what Beca wanted-Privacy. "Tiffany, don't believe anything you see or hear unless it comes from me. Okay?"
"Good point. Anyway, the reason why I really called is that, you have to come back here ASAP."
"What? Why so soon? We're still on a break!" Chloe raised her voice, causing Aubrey to look at her.
"Well, there was an announcement from the Dean's. They wanted all graduating med students to be here by tomorrow or the day after. They said that we have to be in campus during deliberation just in case something needs to be fixed regarding our requirements and all? And some stuff like that. Sorry, Chloe. I know how much fun you're having there." Tiffany sighed knowing that Chloe would be disappointed upon hearing the news. She hated to be the bearer of the news but she lost a bet between Jessica and Ashley, so she had to do it as a consequence.
"Hey, it's not your fault, Tiff. It's just soon, I guess? I was expecting that to be next week. I'm just bummed but I have no choice anyway, right?" Chloe sighed. Upon hearing what Chloe was saying, Aubrey approached her best friend who was still on the phone, readying herself for the news that Chloe received.
"Don't worry, Chloe. As soon as deliberation's over, you can fly back to New York and just come back during graduation. So, I'll see you soon, yeah?" Tiffany asked.
"Yes, I'll be there. I'll check the next flight out to Cali. Thanks, Tiff. See you soon."
Chloe ended the call and was stressed upon hearing that she had to fly back earlier than what she expected. She set her phone aside and fiddled with her hair again letting out a loud sigh which Aubrey heard.
"What's going on?" Aubrey asked.
"I have to go back to Stanford. Looks like deliberations are earlier than what I expected." Chloe mumbled.
"Like, how soon?"
"Soon. Maybe tomorrow, or the day after. We're required to be there. How do I tell Beca?"
"Just tell her. The midget would understand, Chloe. It's important anyway, and she can just see you. She'll be fine with that. It won't take long anyway, right?" Aubrey felt that Chloe was really down in the dumps upon receiving the news but she knows that she's also right when she said that Beca will understand.
"Yeah, a week or so? I don't know, maybe I'll wait it out 'til Graduation? This is so difficult." Chloe sighed. "What if Beca won't like it? What if she'll find another while I'm in Cali? You know, since we're private."
"Hey, calm down. Beca's not like that. If you're scared, talk it out with her, and it will be okay." Aubrey rubbed her best friend's back to calm her down. "I know that Beca can assure you that you're the only one for her. Don't be scared."
BECA'S APARTMENT, NEW YORK
Instead of heading straight to the studion, Beca opted to stay and work from home. Amy, Jesse, Benji and CR kept her company while they worked on Troye's album before it's launch.
Beca looked really pale, and everyone noticed it. It's just that one of them is scared to speak up about their observance knowing that Beca would most likely scowl at them. However, when the team saw Beca resting her head on the desk, CR could not take it anymore and spoke up.
"Yo, B. Are you feeling fine? I can make some last minute arrangements. Jesse and I can represent you for tonight. I think you need to stay in." CR stood up and poured Beca a glass of water, Amy, Jesse and Benjie turned their chairs to agree with CR's suggestion.
"No. I'm fine, I just need to sleep this off. We're still going, I told Troye that I'd be there."
"Gee, Shawshank, you're sick. Troye would understand. Your health is a priority." Amy rolled her eyes at how Beca was being really workaholic, and how she would choose work over her own sake.
"Thanks for the concern, Amy. But, I swear, I'm fine. We'll be staying for like an hour or so and then we'll go. I promise." Beca assured Amy and the rest of the team, taking in consideration of how they were really concerned about her.
"Okay, Beca. Two hours, max. And we'll leave right away, okay?" CR asked.
"Yep. I won't do interviews tonight, please? If it's okay?" Beca requested.
"Sure, that can be done. However, you're still on for Fallon, right? Or you want me to re-schedule?"
"When's that, CR? Is that the one for tomorrow?"
"Yeah, you're appearing with Troye. He'll perform one song and you'll do an interview." CR tapped her pen on her planner. "I can re-sched, if you want?"
"No, I'll still do it. It's hard to move schedules when everything is already planned out. Just go with the flow, don't mind me. I'll just rest this off."
"I don't know how you do it, Beca." Benji commented. "You work like a machine, but you have to remember that machines need time to rest for their repairs and all."
"Thanks for the concern, Benji. But don't worry, I can handle this." Beca smirked.
"Yeah, Beca can handle that all right. She's inspired." Jesse joked and Beca glared at him. Amy, being the very observant one of the team, caught this and didn't drop it.
"Woah. Woah. I saw that glare, Shawshank! You inspired, huh? By who?" Amy teased Beca who looked like she was caught off guard.
"Yeah, we saw that too." Benji added and laughed along with Amy and CR. "C'mon, Beca. We're a team, we shouldn't be hiding anything from each other."
Beca was pressured by the teasing of her friends but she felt guilty by hiding something from them. "Alright, calm down. It's Chloe. The rumors are true." Beca was relieved upon saying it and waited for her friends to say something. However, she was surprised that no one really reacted crazily.
"So… It's just like that? No reaction at all?" Beca looked at each and every one of them and all replied with a nod. "What? Why?"
"Beca, we know that even before you and Chloe put yourselves out there." CR stated.
"Yeah, Shawshank. We saw all that, you just had to admit it to yourselves first before you had to put a label or something." Amy added.
"Oh, and I might add. You loved her, ever since. So, that's not new at all." Benji smirked. "But we're happy for you, Beca. We all are."
"Thanks guys, I hope we got it right, this time." Beca smiled.
The team left Beca's apartment a little half past 7, and everyone was pumped up to attend the Pre-launch party, however, Beca was still not feeling well. Despite Jesse, CR, Amy and Benji's plea, Beca decided to attend and show up, showing how she can be hard headed at times. Upon their arrival, Beca already made rounds with Troye to talk about the upcoming album but avoided being caught off guard for ambush interviews.
Everyone had a great time, Beca did too despite the fever coming up. As agreed, they left the club after 2 hours and noticed that Beca was quiet on the way back to her place.
"Are you alright, Beca?" Jesse looked at Beca from the rearview mirror as he sat beside Dave on the passenger's seat.
"Yeah, just tired." Beca yawned and unknowingly, she rested her head on Benji's shoulder.
"Beca, you're sick. You have a fever." Benji mentioned it to Beca but she won't take any more lectures about her health that night.
"I'll just pop in some meds later, Benji. No need to worry." Beca scoffed. "By the way, I have to see Chloe. I haven't talked to her today."
"Beca, you have to rest. I can tell Chloe and explain everything when I get home." Jesse tried his best to compromise with Beca but Beca is Beca, she's persistent.
"No, Jesse. I'll see her. Benji, CR and Amy can stay in my place anyway, they can wait for me there. I promise I'll show up at Fallon tomorrow, whether I'm well or not." Beca stated and the group fell silent. Even Dave who was whistling to the song on the radio stopped upon hearing Beca's answer. "Please? I just want to make up for the time lost today, I swear, guys. I'll show up tomorrow feeling better."
"What else can we do, B? You're stubborn." CR laughed and the group agreed with a few nods and snickers.
"Beca's sick. Love sick." Benji joked causing everyone to laugh.
"Shut up, guys. Wake me up when we get there, okay? Dave will drop you off first." Beca said as her eyes were already getting heavy. Without waiting for anyone to respond, she drifted off to sleep.
JESSE AND AUBREY'S APARTMENT
"Jesse's on his way home." Aubrey stated while Chloe was fixing the left overs they had for dinner on the table.
"Beca hasn't called me today." Chloe frowned while putting the containers on the fridge. "Is she mad at me or something? Are Jesse and Beca together now?"
"Well, they attended a pre-launch album earlier, but now, I'm not sure though. Want me to ask?" Aubrey offered but was stopped by Chloe.
"No. Beca will call, she might be on her way home too. I can wait." Chloe smiled.
"Wow, you're good at this." Aubrey snickered. "But you have to admit, you feel bad because she hasn't called you today, and you have that dilemma on your head right now about flying back to Stanford."
"I hate that you know everything about me." Chloe giggled and continued to help Aubrey with the dishes.
Meanwhile…
"Okay, Jesse. You go in. I'll stay here first." Beca pushed Jesse when they both stood in the front gate of the apartment.
"Wait. Aren't you going in? I thought you were supposed to talk to Chloe?" Jesse looked confused.
"Just go in and don't tell her or Aubrey that I'm outside." Beca shoved Jesse further and he raised his hands in surrender.
"Okay. Okay. I'm going in." Jesse fixed himself before entering their shared apartment. "Sometimes, I just don't understand what you want to do, Becs." He added while Beca laughed in reply.
Jesse knocked on the door thrice. Aubrey and Chloe didn't seem to heart it since they were busy in the kitchen. On the fourth knock, Aubrey opened the door and revealed a tired looking Jesse.
"Oh, Hi, Babe. Had a long day?" Aubrey kissed Jesse and ushered him to their couch. Chloe greeted him with a smile and joined them on the living room.
"That obvious, huh?" Jesse laughed and Aubrey, together with Chloe nodded. "Well, yeah. Tiring, as always. But it's fulfilling." Jesse stated as he rested himself on the couch and turned on the television for him to relax.
"Jesse, sorry to ask, but is Beca on her way home right now? I mean, did you leave the launch at the same time?" Chloe didn't want to ask Jesse about Beca but she couldn't help it.
"Oh, yeah. We left at the same time. I guess she might be still on the road or something."
"Really? Well, she hasn't called me at all today. Thanks, Jesse." Chloe felt disappointed and Jesse noticed so he explained further.
"Chloe, Beca's just really busy. She hasn't forgotten you, if that's what you're thinking. She just has her hands full because of the launch and she has an upcoming interview to prepare for. But don't ever ever think that she has forgotten you." Jesse stated and Chloe's smile grew back.
Before Chloe could answer Jesse, her phone rang. "Please be Beca, please be Beca."
Chloe answered her phone immediately upon seeing Beca's name flashing on the screen. Jesse and Aubrey knew who it was because Chloe hurriedly left the pair in the living room.
"Hello, Chlo."
"Hi, baby! What's up?" Chloe was smiling, her day wasn't so bad after all.
"Nothing, I just want to talk to you. Am I not allowed to talk to my girl?"
"Your girl huh?" Chloe giggled. "Of course you are, I thought you have forgotten me today."
"No. I can do everything except that. I can't forget you." Chloe was blushing at Beca's words. Beca might be a tough nut on the outside, but on the inside she can be as sweet as she can be.
"Really? That's sweet." Chloe cursed herself for not finding the prefect words to reply.
"Yeah. I haven't forgotten you, that's why I'm outside Jesse and Aubrey's place right now."
"You what?!" Chloe went back to the living room and was hesitant to go out and check if Beca was really there. "Are you serious?"
"Yes, Chloe. I am on the phone right now, talking to you, while standing outside Jesse and Aubrey's apartment. So, please, come out now."
Chloe immediately ended the call and ran up to the front gate. Jesse and Aubrey was confused but knew that it had something to do with Beca, so they didn't bother to ask anymore.
"Hello, what took you so long?" Beca welcomed her girl with open arms, and Chloe nuzzled her face in Beca's neck. Both missed each other despite being away only for a day.
"I just didn't really expect you to be here. I know how tiring you day was, and also, considering the fact that you didn't call or text today." Chloe released her hold on the brunette and faced her this time.
"I'm sorry, today was just rough. Loads of work, but I'm here now, I made time for you." Beca smiled and held Chloe's hands.
"I know, and I appreciate it. So much." Chloe held her hands over Beca's neck so she could kiss her but stopped when she felt Beca's warmth. "Baby, you have a fever. You're sick."
"Oh no, not you too." Beca pouted. "Well, yeah, since this morning actually."
"Why didn't you tell me?" Chloe pecked Beca on the lips. "I should've brought you soup while you were at work."
"No, it's okay. I'll be better tomorrow." Beca pulled Chloe closer and Chloe smiled at this.
"I should get mad at you for not updating me today, but that's already moot now. Since you're here despite of the fever you had all day." Chloe leaned in closer to give Beca a kiss but Beca stopped her.
"Don't. You might get sick too." Beca warned. Chloe snickered at how cute Beca was being but no matter how hard Chloe would try, Beca didn't allow. "Wait 'til I get better, babe. Don't want you to be sick, too."
Beca and Chloe held hands while having a quiet neighborhood walk. However, Beca noticed that Chloe was quiet the whole time and it bothered her. She stopped and Chloe did too, and of course, Chloe looked confused as why they stopped at the corner of the street.
"Babe, what's wrong?" Chloe asked.
"Are you okay?" Beca asked in return. "I mean, you're quiet. You're not usually like that. Are you mad at me?"
"Hey, we're good." Chloe kissed Beca's cheek.
"Yeah, I believe that. But I also believe that there's something bothering you." Beca rubbed her thumbs over the back of Chloe's hands. "C'mon, baby, you can tell me."
"Okay, just promise me you won't get mad. Promise?" Chloe was nervous but Beca agreed, and she trusts Beca.
"Well, Tiffany called me earlier today, she's a friend in Stanford. She told me that the school had the professors start with the deliberations for those who are graduating."
"Okay? Is that a bad thing?" Beca interrupted Chloe, she was also nervous as to what Chloe had to say.
"Just listen. So, apparently, they released a memorandum that all graduating students have to be in campus during the deliberations. That being said means that I have to fly back to California as soon as possible." Chloe sighed and was trying to decipher what Beca had in mind.
"When are you leaving?" Beca quietly asked.
"Probably the day after tomorrow? Please don't get mad, baby." Chloe was starting to panic but Beca remained calm.
"Chlo. Listen to me, I'm not mad, okay? It's for your future, so yeah, you can fly back to Stanford without worrying. I'm just quiet because I'm thinking of what appointment I have on that day, so I can move it for you." Beca faced Chloe and flashed her a smile which relieved Chloe of all her worries.
"Why? You don't have to do that."
"Hey, you can't blame me if I want to bring you to the airport. It's the least thing I can do, aside from waiting for you to get back." Beca smirked.
"Beca Mitchell, stop being sweet, you have a reputation." Chloe played with Beca's hands while they were intertwined with hers. "Are you really fine with that? I mean, you're not mad?"
"No. Why should I? It's not unreasonable. Don't worry, okay? I understand, just how you understand me and my work. It's the same thing. We have to work on this fair and square."
Chloe stopped playing with Beca's hands and Beca frowned at this. "Baby, did I say something wrong?"
"No, I'm just thinking. I'm just scared."
"Scared of what?" Beca quirked an eyebrow at her girlfriend who looked like she was about to cry.
"Scared that when I get back to California, we might not work out fine. I mean, we've just started dating, and now this. It just scares me that we're going to be apart. Who knows? We might not have time for each other, we might fight all the time. I don't know, it's scary."
"Shhh, babe. We'll be fine. We know how everything works between our lives now, and we can deal with that. Don't be scared. It's just a week or two tops, right? Time flies fast, I might even find time to visit you. Who knows?" Beca tried to lighten the mood and it looked like she succeeded for Chloe was starting to smile again.
"Yeah? Is that an assurance you're giving me?"
"Yep. I can assure you that I only have eyes for you, and that we'll get through. Consider it as a test of this relationship, if we pass, then well and good. If we're having a difficult time, we'll see how we can make it better."
"I like that, Becs. I like that so much. Thank you for giving me the assurance I need. Honestly, I'm also hesitant to leave because people throw themselves at you, and I don't like it one bit." Chloe laughed. "I may be possessive, I know that. But people should learn to back off. You're taken, just… behind the cameras."
"Whooo. That's another side of you I don't want to see." Beca laughed in return. "Don't worry, if it bothers you so much, then I'll think of something to make them back off. All for you."
"Really? What do you have in mind? Go ninja and disappear when someone comes up to hit on you?" Chloe snickered at the thought.
"I said, I'll think of something, babe." Beca giggled in reply. "Oh no, I think I might have something in mind already, but I won't tell you yet. Just wait and see."
"That's not fair!" Chloe crossed her arms but Beca just laughed it off.
"I'm serious baby, just wait and see." Beca stated with a wink.