DAY 15 - BEST FRIENDS AND MATCHMAKERS
Prompt from FanFiction User Guest: Beca and Chloe meet because their kids become friends at school.
Beca Mitchell waited outside Dylan's school for him to come out. She kept her hood over her head and her sunglasses on. She looked down at her phone, hoping no one would recognize her.
"Mommy, mommy," she heard Dylan calling out for her.
Beca looked up and smiled. "Hey, buddy."
"Look," Dylan said, holding a drawing up to her face.
"Wow," Beca said, kneeling down to hug Dylan. "This is a great drawing. Is that you?"
"Yep," Dylan said with a big smile. "And that's Sophie," he said, pointing out the other person in his drawing.
"Sophie?" Beca asked.
"Yeah," Dylan said. "She's my new best friend. She's really pretty, too."
"She is, huh?" Beca said as she stood and took Dylan's hand.
"Yeah," Dylan said. "Wait! There she is!"
Beca looked to where Dylan was pointing and her breath hitched in her throat. Dylan was pointing at a redheaded girl and her equally redheaded mother. Her very hot, redheaded mother.
Beca cleared her throat and pulled her gaze away as Dylan started yelling, "Sophie! Sophie!"
The little redheaded girl turned at hearing her name and smiled. She said something to her mother, who nodded and the two walked over to Dylan.
"Dylan!" Sophie cried, pulling him into a hug.
"Sorry," Sophie's mother said, watching the two friends. "We Beales are huggers."
"Dylan loves hugs," Beca said, pushing her sunglasses to the top of her head. "I'm Beca Mitchell. Dylan's mom."
Chloe's eyes widened when she finally looked at Beca. "I, um, I'm Chloe."
"Nice to meet you, Chloe," Beca said.
"Mommy, can Sophie come to our house to play?" Dylan asked Beca.
"Um," Beca said hesitantly as she looked at Chloe. "If it's okay with her mom. Chloe, would you and Sophie like to come to our house for a play date?"
"I, um, I'm," Chloe stammered, causing Beca to smile at her.
"Can we, mommy?" Sophie asked, looking up at Chloe with her big blue eyes.
"Um, if you're sure it's no trouble," Chloe said, finally coming out of her stupor.
"No trouble at all," Beca said. "Do you want to follow us or should I just give you our address and meet you there."
"I'll follow you," Chloe said.
~ Day 15 of 2019's 25 Days of BeChloe Christmases ~
"Wow, mommy," Sophie said as Chloe helped her out of her car seat. "Dylan's house is big!"
"I see," Chloe said. "Okay, there we go."
Sophie hopped out of her seat and Chloe helped her out of the car. They both stood looking up at the mansion that was Beca Mitchell's home.
"Come on, Sophie," Dylan said, standing on the steps.
Beca stood next to him and watched as Chloe and Sophie stared at the house. She knew it was quite large but she needed the security that the housing complex provided.
"Welcome to our home," Beca said as Chloe and Sophie joined them.
The front door opened and Chloe looked up to see a tall, leggy brunette standing there. Chloe's eyes looked the woman up and down.
"Hey, Beca," the woman said. "Who are these lovely ladies?"
"Stacie," Beca said rushing to give the woman a hug. "What are you doing here?"
"I had a few months off and decided you needed my company," Stacie said. "Now introduce me."
"Oh, right," Beca said. "Dylan, why don't you take Sophie inside to the playroom?"
"Okay, mommy," Dylan said, reaching for Sophie's hand. "Come on, Sophie."
Sophie looked up at her mother and Chloe gave her a smile and nodded. Sophie lets Dylan lead her inside.
"Chloe," Beca said. "This is my best friend, Stacie Conrad. Stacie, this is Dylan's new best friend's mother, Chloe Beale."
"It's a pleasure to meet you," Chloe said.
"Likewise," Stacie said.
"Um, let's go inside," Beca said, allowing Chloe to walk ahead of her.
Stacie bit her bottom lip as she watched Chloe walk in.
"Keep it in your pants, Stacie," Beca whispered as she passed by her.
"Sorry," Stacie said. "But, she's hot."
"Don't make this weird," Beca said. She walked over to Chloe. "Can I get you something to drink? I have iced tea, water, or even wine if you'd like."
"Iced tea is fine," Chloe said, looking around.
"Great," Beca said. "Follow me."
Beca started walking and Chloe followed. Beca stopped at a door to the left and looked inside.
"Dylan?" Beca said. "Do you guys want a snack?"
"Yes, mommy," Dylan said.
"Okay, come into the kitchen," Beca said and started walking again.
Chloe waited for the kids and Sophie looked up at her. "We're gonna get a snack, mommy."
"I heard," Chloe said.
Stacie came in after everyone had sat at the counter.
"I'd like some wine, Beca," Stacie said.
"Let's hold off on that for a bit, okay?" Beca replied.
"Why?" Stacie whined.
Beca nodded toward the kids and Stacie said, "Fine. I'll have iced tea."
Beca put together a small snack tray with veggies, cheese, and crackers. She put the tray and some small plates on the counter and went to get drinks for everyone.
Stacie placed a plate in front of everyone as Dylan got on his knees and reached for the snacks. He pulled the plate toward him and asked Sophie what she wanted.
Beca made two trips to bring the drinks over and sat next to Chloe.
"So, Chloe," Beca said as she reached for the snacks. "What do you do?"
"Oh, I'm a veterinarian," Chloe said.
"That's got to be a hard job," Beca said. "I mean, it's not like the animal can tell you where it hurts."
Chloe chuckled. "That's why I love it so much. It's always a challenge figuring out what's going on with them."
"My mommy is the best vetgenaritan in the world," Sophie said with a big grin.
"Veterinarian," Chloe corrected.
"Yeah, that," Sophie said, taking a bite of carrot.
"My mommy makes music," Dylan said. "She can sing and everything."
"I know," Chloe said, looking at Beca. "I play your music all the time at home. We love your music."
"Thank you," Beca said, blushing slightly.
Stacie sat back and watched the interaction between Beca and Chloe. She smirked and looked at Chloe.
"May I ask what your husband does?" Stacie asked Chloe.
"Oh, I'm not married," Chloe said. "Well, not anymore."
"Oh, sorry," Stacie said.
"It's okay," Chloe said, pushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "Sophie and I are managing quite well on our own."
"So, um, Stacie," Beca said. "Why do you need to spend a few months with us this time?"
"It's nothing," Stacie said.
"Mommy, I'm finished," Dylan said. "Can me and Sophie go back to play?"
"Sure," Beca said.
Dylan and Sophie ran off to the playroom and Beca looked at Stacie.
"What?"
"Stacie."
"Can we talk about this later?" Stacie said, giving Chloe a side glance.
"Fine," Beca said. "But we will talk about this."
"I know," Stacie said with a sigh. "I'm going to my room to lay down for a bit."
"It was nice meeting you," Chloe said as Stacie started to walk away.
"You, too," Stacie said.
"I'm sorry for all that," Beca told Chloe.
"It's okay," Chloe said with a smile.
"So, tell me about being a veterinarian," Beca said. "When I was much younger and hadn't found music I wanted to be a doctor."
Chloe started telling Beca about her work. Before they knew it an hour and a half had passed.
"Oh," Chloe said, checking her watch. "It's getting late. I need to get Sophie home and make dinner. It was really nice meeting you, Beca."
"I enjoyed our time," Beca said, standing to follow Chloe out. "Maybe we can do it again sometime. I'm sure Dylan would love to have Sophie over again."
"I'm sure Sophie would love it, too," Chloe said. "But, we want to invite you and Dylan to our house next time."
"Great," Beca said with a big smile. "I'd like that. I usually pick Dylan up on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays because I work from home those afternoons."
"How about this Friday?" Chloe said. "You can come over and stay for dinner. I mean, if you want, or don't have anything else to do."
"Friday sounds good," Beca said. "Let me know if I can bring anything."
"I will," Chloe said. They were at the door of the playroom. "Come on, Soph. Time to go."
"Okay, mommy," Sophie said and helped Dylan put away the toys they were playing with. "Bye, Dylan."
Dylan gave Sophie a hug and said, "Goodbye, Sophie. I'll see you tomorrow."
Dylan walked with Sophie to the door. He hugged Chloe around her legs, causing Chloe to smile and hug him back.
"It was nice meeting you, Dylan," Chloe said. "I'll see you soon."
Beca and Dylan walked Sophie and Chloe to the door. They started to leave when Chloe stopped and looked at Beca.
"Can I get your number?" Chloe asked. "In case I need to call you about Friday?"
"Sure," Beca said, holding out her phone to Chloe. "Put your number in and text yourself."
Chloe did as Beca said and handed Beca's phone back to her. "All set," Chloe said. "See you on Friday."
"See you on Friday," Beca said.
~ Day 15 of 2019's 25 Days of BeChloe Christmases ~
A week later, Beca was making her way to Dylan's school to pick him up. Her phone rang and she used her car's Bluetooth to answer.
"Beca Mitchell," Beca answered.
"Hi, Beca," Chloe's voice came through the car. "It's Chloe Beale. I hate to ask you this, but could you pick up Sophie when you get Dylan? I have an emergency here and can't leave yet."
"I'd be happy, too," Beca said. "I'll take her to my house and you can pick her up there."
"Thank you, so much," Chloe said. "I'll contact the school right now and let them know it's okay to release her to you."
"Okay," Beca said. "Good luck with your emergency."
Beca ended the call and continued on to the school. She parked in the parking lot and made her way over to where Dylan and Sophie would be coming out. It was just a few minutes when she saw Dylan walking out, holding Sophie's hand.
Beca made her way over to them and Mrs. Davis, Dylan's teacher pointed her out. Dylan grinned and waved at his mother.
Beca walked up to Mrs. Davis. "Hello, Mrs. Davis," Beca said. "I'm also picking up Sophie Beale. Her mother had an emergency as said she was going to call to allow Sophie to come with me."
"Oh, yes, Ms. Mitchell," Mrs. Davis said. "I got the message from the office. Sophie, you go with Ms. Mitchell and Dylan. Your mommy said it was okay."
"Yay!" Dylan and Sophie both squealed, jumping up and down.
"Okay, you two," Beca said, laughing. "Let's go."
"Bye, Mrs. Davis," Dylan and Sophie called out.
Mrs. Davis waved at them as she turned to speak with another parent.
~ Day 15 of 2019's 25 Days of BeChloe Christmases ~
Beca and Chloe's friendship grew as quickly as Dylan and Sophie's. There were a number of days when Beca picked up Sophie when Chloe was tied up, and Chloe would pick up Dylan when Beca couldn't.
Beca's favorite time with Chloe and Sophie was when they all went trick-or-treating together. Sophie dressed up as Anna from Frozen so Dylan insisted he needed to be Sven. They were so cute together.
Chloe invited them over to her house for Thanksgiving, but they had to decline because Beca had made plans to go to her mother's. Christmas was two weeks away and Beca had invited Chloe and Sophie to spend it with them since both families were staying in L.A. over the holidays.
A week before Christmas, Beca had taken Chloe and the kids to their favorite pizza place. After ordering their pizzas, Beca found herself looking at Chloe with a soft smile on her face. She jolted suddenly when the realization that she was falling for Chloe. Her brows furrowed and she shook her head to clear it from the fog that had settled in her brain at this thought.
Beca jumped when Chloe lightly touched her arm. "Are you okay?"
"Um, yeah, sure," Beca said. "Everything is A-okay here."
Beca's smile was more of a grimace and Chloe looked at her with concern.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Chloe asked again.
Beca took in a deep breath and let it out. "I'm fine," she said. "Thanks for asking."
"Yay!" Dylan yelled, causing Beca to look at him. "Pizza's here."
Beca looked up to see the waitress bringing their pizza order and she relaxed, thankful for the interruption.
"Looks good," Beca said as the pizzas were set on the table.
"I want pepperoni, please," Dylan said, holding his plate toward Beca.
"Okay," Beca said, grabbing a slice and sliding it on his plate. "Let it cool first. It's very hot. Sophie, what would you like?"
"May I have the plain cheese, please?" Sophie said.
"Yes, you may," Beca said, sliding a slice onto her plate.
"Thank you," Sophie said.
"You're welcome," Beca said with a smile. She turned to Chloe and noticed a far off look on her face. "Chloe?"
Chloe didn't answer.
"Chloe," Beca called a bit louder, causing Chloe to turn toward her.
"Oh, I'm sorry," Chloe said, blushing slightly. "I was lost in thought. What did you need?"
"What pizza do you want?"
"Oh, pepperoni, please."
"Here you go," Beca said, putting the pizza on Chloe's plate. She grabbed a couple of cheese slices for herself and looked at Chloe. "What had you so deep in thought?"
"Oh, I, um, had something I wanted to ask you," Chloe said. "But, I'm not sure it's appropriate."
"Hmm, if it's not appropriate," Beca said with a cheeky grin. "Maybe you shouldn't ask it around the kids."
"I didn't mean it like that," Chloe said with a laugh. "It's just. I have a date on Friday and I was wondering if you could watch Sophie for me?"
Beca's heart stopped for a moment. Of course, Chloe would be dating. She's probably been on several dates since they met.
"I mean, I understand if you can't," Chloe continued. "You're probably busy. It's just my usual sitter is going to visit family for Christmas and she's leaving earlier than I thought. My date is only two days away and I know it's short notice but I can't find anyone else."
"Must be some guy if you're desperate enough to ask me to watch Sophie," Beca said, attempting to make a joke.
"Um," Chloe said, looking at Dylan and Sophie. Seeing that they weren't paying any attention to her Beca, she continued. "It's a woman. Not a man."
"Oh," Beca said. "Sorry to automatically assume it was a guy."
"That's okay," Chloe said. "I'm nervous because it's been a while since I dated a woman. I was actually surprised she asked me out. She's so nice and really pretty-"
"I can watch Sophie for you," Beca said not wanting to hear Chloe talk about her date anymore. "She can stay over. I'm sure she and Dylan will have a great time."
"Thank you, so much," Chloe said, pulling Beca into a hug.
"Sure, no problem," Beca said. "Let's eat before everything gets cold."
Chloe pulled back with a big smile on her face. Beca suddenly lost her appetite.
~ Day 15 of 2019's 25 Days of BeChloe Christmases ~
It was Friday night and Dylan was excited about the sleepover.
"When is Sophie going to be here?" Dylan whined for the fiftieth time in less than thirty minutes.
"Soon," Beca said. "Chloe said she was on her way with her."
There was a knock at the door and Dylan went running.
"Hold it right there, young man," Beca called out, following behind Dylan. "You know you don't answer the door without me."
"Sorry, mommy," Dylan said as Beca opened the door.
"Sophie!" Dylan cried as he pulled Sophie into a hug.
"Come on in," Beca said, stepping aside to let Chloe follow Sophie inside. "You, uh, look really nice."
"You think so?" Chloe asked, running her hand down her dress. "It's not too much is it?"
"No, it's, um, it's just right," Beca said. "Is that Sophie's overnight bag?"
"Yes," Chloe said. "Thanks again for doing this."
"Sure," Beca said. "What time should we have Sophie home tomorrow?"
"Call first," Chloe said with a wink. "Depending on how well the date goes, I'm not sure what time I'll be home."
"Right," Beca said, looking down at the floor. "You should probably go so you won't be late."
"Are you okay?" Chloe asked.
"Just peachy," Beca said. "We'll see you tomorrow. I need to order our dinner, so you might want to leave before Sophie thinks you're sticking around."
"Um, okay," Chloe said, confused by Beca's attitude. "I'll just say goodbye to Sophie."
"Whatever," Beca said. "I'll put this in the guest room."
Beca walked toward the stairs, leaving Chloe to stare after her for a moment. Beca remained upstairs until she heard Chloe leave.
"You're such an idiot," Beca mumbled to herself. "You're jealous. You need to get yourself together and stop treating Chloe like she did something wrong. She has a right to lead her life any way she wants. You're just friends."
Beca sighed and went downstairs to check on the kids and order their dinner.
~ Day 15 of 2019's 25 Days of BeChloe Christmases ~
The next morning, Beca was having breakfast with Dylan and Sophie when her phone pinged with a text notification.
CBeale: You can bring Sophie home any time you want. I'm here.
Beca read the text and put her phone down. She continued eating, deep in thought again. She looked at her phone when it pinged with another text notification.
CBeale: Or I can come to pick her up if you want.
Beca quickly typed a text back.
Beca: No. I'll bring her to you. Dylan and I have somewhere to be so we'll drop her off on the way.
Beca set her phone down with the screen facing up so she could see when Chloe replied. It was almost immediate.
CBeale: Okay. See you soon.
Beca didn't reply. She looked at Sophie.
"Sophie, we'll need to get your stuff after you finish eating," Beca said. "That was your mom and she's ready for you to come home."
"Okay," Sophie said, drinking the rest of her milk. "All done."
"Dylan you finish eating while I help Sophie get her stuff," Beca said.
Dylan nodded his head as he chewed on his bacon. Beca took Sophie upstairs and packed her stuff in her bag. They walked downstairs just as Dylan was coming out of the kitchen.
"I'm done," Dylan said.
"Then, let's go," Beca said and ushered the two out the door.
~ Day 15 of 2019's 25 Days of BeChloe Christmases ~
Beca was holding Sophie's bag as she knocked on the door to Chloe's apartment. The door opened and Sophie threw herself against Chloe's legs.
"Mommy!" Sophie squealed.
Chloe laughed and reached down to hug Sophie. "Did you have fun?"
"Yep," Sophie said. "Me and Dylan had a sleepover."
"I know," Chloe said and stood.
"Here's Sophie's bag," Beca said, holding it out Chloe.
"Do you want to come in for a bit?" Chloe asked, taking the bag.
Dylan moved to enter the apartment. Beca grabbed Dylan by the collar of his shirt and pulled him back. "Sorry, we really have to go."
"I was hoping I could talk to you," Chloe said. "About my date last night."
"Maybe later," Beca said, turning toward the elevators to leave. "We really have to go."
Beca gave Dylan a little push to get him moving. She could feel Chloe's eyes on her back but she didn't turn around. When they got to the elevator, she chanced a glance toward Chloe only to see Chloe still standing there, arms crossed over her chest, watching them. Beca gave her a small wave as she stepped on the elevator and out of sight.
Beca let out a sigh and leaned her head against the back of the elevator.
"Mommy?" Dylan's voice caused Beca to look down at him. "Are you okay?"
Beca reached down to ruffle his hair. "I'm fine, sweetie. I just have a headache."
"Oh," Dylan said. "Are we going home?"
"Not yet," Beca said. "We're going to visit Aunt Stacie in her new apartment."
~ Day 15 of 2019's 25 Days of BeChloe Christmases ~
"Stop laughing at me," Beca told Stacie.
"I'm sorry," Stacie said. "But, you do this all the time. You fall for someone quickly and then get hurt because they don't like you back. You need to learn how to just be friends with women."
"I'm just friends with you," Beca said. "And you are a woman."
"Be honest," Stacie said. "Did you ever feel any attraction to me? Any at all?"
Beca blushed and looked down at the floor. "Maybe."
"You did," Stacie said. "I could tell. That's why I made sure you knew I only wanted to be friends with you and nothing more. If you ask me, I think Chloe likes you and can tell you like her. Only she knows if she makes the first move it will probably spook you. That's why she is always spending time with you and Dylan. That's also why she made sure she needed a sitter so she could make sure you knew she had a date. With a woman no less."
"I didn't ask you," Beca said. "And just because she told me all that doesn't mean she's interested in me."
"Yes, it does," Stacie said. "If she wasn't interested in you, she would have let you believe she was going out with a guy. She made a point of telling you it was a woman. I think she likes you."
Beca sat back and thought about what Stacie said. "No. You're wrong."
"Want to bet?" Stacie asked.
"No," Beca said.
Stacie waited patiently as she could see Beca's mind racing.
"You never told me why you had to come to L.A. to hide out with me and Dylan," Beca said, changing the subject.
"How about this," Stacie said, sitting up and leaning toward Beca. "You go ask Chloe out and if she says she only wants to be friends, I'll tell you why I came to L.A. But if she likes you and accepts the date, you, um, you have to pay my rent for six months."
"That's a ridiculous bet," Beca said. "Where would I even take her if she said yes?"
"How about the studio's Christmas party?" Stacie said. "You know I don't want to go and you hate going alone."
Beca chewed her bottom lip and thought about the bet. "How sure are you that she likes me?"
"Sure enough to know I'm going to save a lot of money when you pay my rent for six months," Stacie said. "So, is it a bet?"
"The party is on Christmas Eve," Beca said. "She has a kid and will have to play Santa."
"I'm watching Dylan," Stacie said. "I can watch Sophie, too. Have her bring all the presents to your house and Santa will visit everyone there."
"What about-"
"Stop trying to make up with excuses to not do it," Stacie said. "Get your ass up and go apologize for being a dick and ask her to the party. You can leave Dylan here."
~ Day 15 of 2019's 25 Days of BeChloe Christmases ~
One year later, on Christmas Eve, Beca was dressing for the studio's annual Christmas Party. She was touching up her makeup when she felt two slim arms wrap around her waist from behind.
"You look very festive," Chloe said, kissing Beca's bare shoulder. "And very hot."
"And you are looking exceptionally beautiful this evening," Beca said, looking Chloe up and down in the mirror.
"Have I told you how glad I am that you asked me to this same party last year?"
"Once or twice," Beca said with a laugh. "You know, I may have to pay Stacie's rent for another year as a thank you for making me get my head out of my ass and ask you."
Chloe leaned in and gave Beca a kiss.
"I can't believe it took a bet for you to ask me out," Chloe said, shaking her head. "I was about to risk it all and ask you out, but I was afraid I'd lose your friendship. And I certainly didn't want to have to tell Sophie that she and Dylan couldn't see each other anymore."
"They are so much like brother and sister," Beca said, taking Chloe's hand in hers. She pulled Chloe over to her bed and sat her down. "I've been thinking."
"Uh-oh," Chloe said with a grin. "Should I be worried."
"Haha," Beca said, smiling. "Seriously though. You and Sophie are over here more than your own place, so I thought you might want to move in here. With me and Dylan."
"Beca," Chloe said, taking Beca's hand. "You know how I feel about living together. I'm old-fashioned that way."
Beca turned her back to Chloe and took something out of her dresser drawer. She turned back to Chloe and said, "I don't want you to move in here as my girlfriend."
Beca took two steps toward Chloe and went down on one knee. Chloe gasped and put a hand to her mouth.
"I want you to move in here as my wife," Beca said as she opened the box in her hand. "Chloe, I love you. Will you marry me?"
Tears were falling down Chloe's face as she took Beca's face in her hands and pulled her into a kiss.
"I love you," Chloe said when the kiss ended.
"Is that a yes?"
"It's a Hell yes," Chloe said and kissed Beca again.
Beca took the ring out of the box and took Chloe's left hand in hers. She put the ring on Chloe's finger and kissed it.
Chloe stood, pulling Beca up with her. She kissed Beca and Beca kissed her back. The kiss came to an end and Chloe put her forehead against Beca's.
"I love you," Chloe whispered.
"I love you, too," Beca said. "Hey, what do you say we skip the party, change into sweats, and spend Christmas Eve with the kids?"
"I love that idea," Chloe said. "You know we owe them for becoming best friends. If they hadn't, we would never have met."
"We'll take them to Disney World for Spring Break," Beca said. "As a thank you."
"Let's get changed," Chloe said and moved to pull away from Beca but Beca pulled her back into a kiss.
"Merry Christmas, Chlo."
"This is going to be the merriest Christmas ever," Chloe said.