DAY 22 - CALENDAR GIRL CHRISTMAS
Prompt comes from a Tumblr post by user rejection-isnt-failure: Chloe gets a very special Christmas gift in the mail. Suddenly, everything she knows gets turned upside down. Set after PP3. Not sure this is what you were looking for, but this is where my mind went.
It was the Monday before Thanksgiving and Beca Mitchell was nearing completion of her first solo album. She had been in L.A. for almost a year
One of her best friends, Stacie, was in L.A. to celebrate Thanksgiving with her parents. Today, Stacie and her daughter, Bella, was hanging out with Beca while Beca did a photoshoot for the cover of her album.
"I can't believe the studio thinks I need to look like this on the cover of my album," Beca said, looking at her outfit.
"You look hot, Beca," Stacie said as she rocked Bella in her arms.
"It's just not me," Beca said, pulling the front of her shirt up to get rid of the ample cleavage that was on display. "I don't dress like this on the regular. It's like putting a lie on my album. Plus, why do all these outfits show off my boobs."
"They're great boobs," Stacie said. "Plus, sex sells." Stacie reached over to pull the front of Beca's shirt back down to display more cleavage. "You want to sell the album, so the cover should be hot to draw people to it."
"Why can't they buy it because they like my music?" Beca asked. "And not because they almost get to see my boobs."
"These pictures are going to have every man and woman wanting a piece of Beca Mitchell."
"Every woman?' Beca asked with a raised brow. "I can think of one who would disagree with that."
"If she doesn't," Stacie said. "She's more messed up than I thought."
"She's not messed up," Beca said. "She's just in love with someone who isn't me."
"Why are you still defending her?" Stacie asked.
"I'm not defending her," Beca said. "She didn't know how I felt about her and that's on me. Do I love her? Yes, I do. But I never told her so I can't blame her for being with someone else. Someone who could tell her how they felt about her."
"Well, you're the only one who's not mad at her," Stacie said. "Brey is still livid. Chloe ran off with Chicago and has ignored us since. She doesn't answer calls or respond to texts. We're supposed to be family and you don't do that to family."
"We exchange texts now and then," Beca said. "She always asks about the Bellas."
"Why doesn't she answer us instead of asking you about us?" Stacie asked. "We left countless messages for her."
"In any of your messages, did you ever apologize to her?" Beca asked. "I mean, you all yelled at her and told her she was stupid for staying; stupid for leaving everything behind for some guy she just met. You all know how insecure she was about taking seven years to graduate from Barden and calling her stupid just added more to her insecurities. It's no wonder she cut off all contact after you all ganged up on her. And I can't blame her; I'd have done the same thing if you treated me that way."
"She doesn't deserve you, you know," Stacie said. "You're too good for her."
"She's still one of my best friends," Beca said. "I've accepted that's all I'll be, why can't you?"
Stacie shrugged as she had no real answer to Beca's question.
"Miss Mitchell," a voice called out. "We're ready for you."
"I'll be right there," Beca said. She looked at Stacie. "Are you coming out with me?"
"I wouldn't miss it for the world," Stacie said.
Beca checked her outfit once more and led the way to, Jason, the photographer.
"Beca," Jason said. "You look amazing. We'll take a few shots of you in this outfit and then we'll need you to change. I believe we have four outfits to get through?"
Beca nodded and the photographer smiled. "Good. Let's get started."
Stacie stood off to the side as she watched Beca being photographed. She chuckled as Beca grimaced and the photographer tried to get some decent shots.
Stacie's smile fell as she thought about what Beca had said about Chloe. Maybe Beca was right. They did treat Chloe pretty shitty at the time and hadn't apologized. No one has reached out to her after the initial attempts almost a year ago. And, Chloe hasn't contacted them, but she could understand why she hadn't. If Beca can be okay with Chloe staying behind to be with Chicago, why can't they?
Stacie knows Brey misses her best friend. Maybe it was time to reach out and try and repair the Bellas' relationship with Chloe. After all, they are supposed to be family and Bellas for life.
"What a little cutie," a woman said, startling Stacie out of her thoughts. "How old?"
"Oh, um, she'll be a year next month," Stacie said.
"She's adorable," the woman said.
"Thank you," Stacie said. She looked at the woman as an idea suddenly popped into her head. "Do you work with the photographer?"
"I'm Jason's assistant, Dana Wells," the woman said.
"It's nice to meet you," Stacie said. "I'm Stacie Conrad, Beca's best friend. And I was wondering if you could help me with something."
"I'll do my best," Dana said, checking to see how the photo shoot was going before turning back to Stacie. "So, tell me what you need my help with."
Stacie and Dana continued to talk until the photographer told Beca to change into the next outfit.
~ Day 22 of 2019's 25 Days of BeChloe Christmases ~
A week later, Stacie was back in Atlanta with Aubrey. Stacie told Aubrey about her conversation with Beca bout Chloe. Aubrey agreed that maybe it was time to contact Chloe and apologize so they could get their friend back.
Stacie also told Aubrey her idea and how the photographer's assistant helped her with it. They both agreed they should put the plan into action. Stacie pulled out her phone and placed a call to Beca.
"Hey, Beca," Stacie said when Beca answered.
"Hey, Stacie," Beca said. "What's up?"
"Brey and I were talking about Chloe," Stacie said. "And we want to apologize to her. Do you have her address? We want to send her an invitation to our Bellas Christmas Party. We know it will be short notice, but we thought that would be a perfect way to get her to visit."
"I think that's a great idea," Beca said. "Do you want me to text her about it? Give her a heads up so she has time to make plans and flight arrangements."
"Um, yeah," Stacie said. "But can I get her address anyway? We want to send her a Christmas card to let her know we're serious about wanting her back in our lives."
"Oh, okay," Beca said. "Hang on."
Beca went through her desk to find Chloe's address.
"What's happening?" Aubrey asked.
Stacie filled her in on what Beca had said and was waiting for Beca to find Chloe's address.
"Here it is," Beca said.
"I'm ready," Stacie responded.
Beca gave Stacie the address and Stacie thanked her.
"I'll text Chloe when we're done here," Beca said. "I'll let you know when I hear back from her."
A few minutes later, Beca ended the call with Stacie. She pulled up her text thread with Chloe and started typing.
Beca: Hey, Chloe. I have something to talk to you about. Can you call me? It's too long to put in a text. But, if you don't want to talk to me, I can send a text.
Beca knew that Spain was about nine hours ahead of L.A. so it was around nine-thirty at night there. She wasn't expecting to hear from Chloe until much later that night L.A. time or even the next day.
Twenty minutes later, Beca's phone rang and she was surprised to see Chloe's name on the caller ID.
"Chloe?" Beca asked as she answered the call.
"Yeah, Becs, it's me," Chloe said. "Um, how are you?"
"I'm good," Beca said, smiling. "How are you?"
"Same," Chloe said. "So, um, what's up? What did you want to talk to me about? I have to admit I was surprised you wanted me to call instead of just calling me."
"Yeah, I thought I'd let you decide if you wanted to talk to me or not," Beca said. "We've only been texting and I, uh." Beca took a deep breath and let it out. "I know I wasn't very supportive of your decision to stay in Spain. I was surprised that it was because of some guy. It's not like you to-. No, no, I'm not doing that. I miss you, Chloe, and I'm not going to say something that will have you ignore me, too."
Chloe doesn't say anything for a moment and Beca starts to panic. "Um, Chlo? Are you still there?"
"Yeah," Chloe said softly. "I let my hurt feelings keep me from my best friends; my family. It's just-" Chloe sighed. "I thought they would have been happy for me, you know?"
"I get it, Chloe," Beca said. "I do. It's just the way it all went down. No one was expecting it and I'm sorry if I made you feel bad about it."
"Thank you," Chloe said. She sniffled and said, "So, what did you want to talk about?"
"Oh," Beca said. "Right. Well, Stacie and Aubrey are extending an olive branch and want to invite you to a Bellas Christmas party they are having. It will be a reunion with all the Bellas and they want you there."
"Why didn't they invite me themselves?" Chloe asked.
"Well, you haven't been answering calls or texts from them," Beca said. "So, I told them I'd invite you so you had more time to consider it and make plans. The party is on Christmas Eve and everyone will be in Atlanta the day before and will be staying a few days after. What do you say, Chlo?"
"I don't think I can, Beca," Chloe said. "I was hoping to go home to spend Christmas with my family in Tampa, but I don't have the money."
"Oh," Beca said disheartened. "Um, I understand. I'll let Stacie know. So, do you think maybe we can talk again? I, uh, I miss our talks; I miss talking to you."
"I'd like that," Chloe said. "I miss talking to you, too. I should go; it's getting late here and I have to be up early in the morning."
"Oh, sure," Beca said. "Uh, give Chicago my best, and I'll talk to you soon."
"Definitely," Chloe said before ending the call.
Beca sighed and sat back on her sofa.
~ Day 22 of 2019's 25 Days of BeChloe Christmases ~
It was an hour later before Beca called Stacie.
"Hey, Beca!" Stacie answered enthusiastically. "You'll never believe what happened."
"What?" Beca asked.
"Chloe texted Brey," Stacie said.
"She did?"
"Yep," Stacie said. "She said she had talked to you and then apologized for not responding to calls and texts. She also said she'd like to talk to Brey sometime if Brey wanted that."
"That's great," Beca said. "Did she tell Brey she couldn't make it for Christmas?"
"Yeah," Stacie said. "We're both disappointed but at least she's reaching out. Brey wanted to call her but it's really late in Spain so I think they made some plans to call tomorrow so it's a decent hour for both."
"That's good to hear," Beca said.
"Thank you, Beca," Stacie said. "Brey won't say it, but having Chloe reach out and want to talk to her has brightened her day immensely."
"Great," Beca said with a laugh. "I guess this means I can take back her Christmas gift."
"Honestly, I think you could and she wouldn't care one bit," Stacie said with a laugh.
"I'll talk to you later, Stace," Beca said. "Give Aubrey my best."
"Will do," Stacie said.
~ Day 22 of 2019's 25 Days of BeChloe Christmases ~
A week before Christmas, Chicago was getting ready to leave for work. He opened the door to find the postman holding out their mail plus a package for Chloe.
"Thank you," Chicago said as he took the mail. "Chloe, there's a package for you."
Chicago quickly sorted through the mail and put Chloe's mail and package in one hand while he threw his mail on the small table by the door.
Chloe walked out of the kitchen, wiping her hands on a dishtowel. "What is it?"
"I don't know," Chicago said as he handed Chloe her mail and package. "I'll see you later, I have to go."
"Okay," Chloe said.
Chloe took the package and sat on the sofa. She threw the mail on the table and ripped the outer wrapping off her package; an envelope fell out. She picked up the envelope and slit it open, pulling out a letter.
"Dear Chloe,
Brey and I are sorry you won't be able to make it to our Bellas Christmas reunion. We know the girls miss you almost as much as we do. But, probably not as much as a certain Bella (and you know who we're talking about).
We know you are with Chicago and we respect your choice. But, we also know that you didn't know you had another option to choose from. Beca was going to confess her feelings to you but was a few minutes too late. Instead of finding you to make her confession, she found you kissing Chicago.
Enclosed is a Christmas gift from us to you. Just look at it and I'm sure you'll figure out what to do.
Hope to see or talk to you soon. We do miss you, Chloe.
Stacie"
Chloe tossed the letter down on the table and picked up the wrapped gift. She held it in her hands before ripping the paper away.
"Oh, um, wow!" Chloe muttered when a picture of Beca in a red plaid shirt, and all but two buttons undone, came into view. She always loved seeing Beca in those plaid shirts.
Chloe flipped a page and realized it was a calendar and all the photos were of Beca. She flipped through each month, biting her lip when Beca looked hotter and hotter in each one. Some of the outfits did not look like something Beca would wear, but she did look good in them.
"Oh, my God," Chloe said and swallowed when December's photo was of Beca wearing a black blazer and what looked like nothing underneath. She was sitting on a stool, her bare legs crossed and one high-heeled shoe hanging from her toes. It oozed sexuality.
Chloe closed the calendar and then opened it back to December again. She closed it and threw it on the table.
Chloe ran both hands through her hair and looked down at Beca staring up at her from the cover of the calendar. Chloe fidgeted in her seat and ran her hands up and down her thighs. She reached for the calendar again, only to pull her hand away.
She bit her lip and whimpered slightly as she thought about some of the outfits Beca was wearing.
"What is happening to me?" Chloe thought to herself.
~ Day 22 of 2019's 25 Days of BeChloe Christmases ~
The next day, Chloe couldn't stay away from the calendar. She'd hide it away and like a magnet, it kept drawing her to it. She'd open it and slowly go through each month, biting her lip and feeling herself getting somewhat sexually frustrated. Her frustration was heightened when she got to December. There was something about that picture and the playful look on Beca's face, combined with that outfit. Oh, my God!
Chloe was seriously considering taking care of herself when she heard Chicago's keys in the door. She threw the calendar in the drawer and covered it with some of her clothes. She closed the drawer and ran out to greet Chicago.
Chloe threw herself into Chicago's arms and kissed him passionately.
"Chloe," Chicago said pulling his mouth from hers. "What are you doing?"
"I need you," Chloe growled.
"Chloe, stop," Chicago said. "I don't know what is causing you to be this way, but you need to stop. I already told you I wasn't going to do the friends with benefits thing with you. I have a girlfriend and doing this will just make things worse."
Chloe got an embarrassed look on her face. She backed away from Chicago with her hand to her mouth.
"I, I'm sorry, I don't know why I did that," Chloe said before turning and rushing into her bedroom.
Chicago let out a sigh and ran a hand through his hair. He pulled himself together and went to the kitchen to get something to drink.
Chloe threw herself on her bed and let out a shaky breath. She knew what she did was wrong but she was so worked up that she couldn't help herself. Truth be told, she was still worked up so she gathered a change of clothes and went into the bathroom to take a shower. A cold shower.
~ Day 22 of 2019's 25 Days of BeChloe Christmases ~
Things weren't any better for Chloe the next day. She managed to stay away from the calendar but she had the hottest photos memorized and kept daydreaming about Beca being there with her. She no longer had a song as her lady jam; Beca's pictures were all she needed.
Chloe doesn't embarrass easily, but she found herself blushing when she heard Chicago come home just after she had finished taking care of herself while thinking of Beca. She rushed into the bathroom to wash her hands. She came out and could hear Chicago in the kitchen; it sounded like he was making dinner. She returned to her room and flopped back on her bed.
As soon as dinner was ready, Chicago knocked on Chloe's door.
"Hey, Chloe," Chicago called through the door. "I made some pasta and it's ready if you're hungry."
"I'll be right out," Chloe called back.
Chicago went back to the kitchen and set the table. Chloe came out a few minutes later.
"Thanks for making dinner," Chloe said as she sat down.
"No problem," Chicago said.
Chicago and Chloe ate without speaking. Chicago broke the silence first.
"So, do you want to talk about why you attacked me yesterday as soon as I walked in the door?"
"Oh, God," Chloe said. "I'm so embarrassed and so sorry I did that. Stacie and Aubrey sent me a Chrismas present and it kind of turned me on."
"What was it?" Chicago asked with a laugh.
"A calendar," Chloe said. "Of Beca and she looked hot."
"Oh," Chicago said, grinning. "Can I see it?" He waggled his eyebrows.
"No, you perv," Chloe said, slapping his arm and causing him to laugh.
"That hot, huh?"
"Yes, it was that hot," Chloe said.
"Are you going to go for it when you get home?" Chicago asked. "Tell Beca how you feel."
"I want to," Chloe said. "Stacie's note said that Beca was going to confess that she had feelings for me, but, I, uh, I kissed you first."
"Sorry," Chicago said with sincerity, but couldn't help the smile that came to his face. "It was a hell of a kiss though."
"It was," Chloe said. "I need you to know that I'm not sorry for our time together. I am sorry that it didn't work out the way I thought it would."
"I am too," Chicago said. "But, you were honest with me and I got a really great friend from it. So, when do you plan to tell Beca everything?"
"When I see her," Chloe said. "I just wish I knew when that would be."
Chicago wiped his mouth and got up. "I think I can help with that," he said as he walked to the table by the door. He had an envelope in his hand when he got back to the table.
"Here," Chicago said as he handed the envelope to Chloe. "Merry Christmas."
Chloe took the envelope and opened it. She pulled out what was inside and looked at it; she gasped.
"Chicago," Chloe said surprised. "You got me a ticket to Tampa?"
"I know you've been saving up so you could go home, but haven't saved enough yet," Chicago said. "And I also know that you want to see the Bellas again, so I got you a ticket home so you can be there for Christmas. It's one way by the way."
Chloe smiled at that and said, "You know I love you, right?"
"I know. And, I love you, too."
"So, you won't be mad if I exchanged this for a ticket to Atlanta?"
"We can do that right now," Chicago said, grabbing his laptop from the counter and sitting back down at the table.
Chloe got up and hugged the man. "Thank you."
"You're welcome," Chicago said.
Chicago quickly did some checking and was able to change the ticket to Atlanta. "Done. You now fly out to Atlanta in three days. I'll help you box up your stuff you're not taking with you and ship it to your mom's for you."
"You're a good guy," Chloe said. "And I'm glad we can walk away from this as friends" Chloe grinned and added, "I bet your girlfriend won't be too upset to see me go."
Chicago laughed. "The one-way ticket was her idea."
Chloe let out a laugh as she sat back down to finish dinner.
~ Day 22 of 2019's 25 Days of BeChloe Christmases ~
Chloe nervously bounced her leg up and down as they got closer to Atlanta. She had already been en route for over fourteen hours, and she had been too keyed up to sleep for more than a couple of hours.
The captain made an announcement about descending and landing soon. Chloe only half heard what was said. All she could think about was seeing Aubrey, Stacie, and Bellas.
"Who am I kidding?" Chloe thought. "I'm scared to death to see Beca. What if Stacie was wrong? What if Beca only likes me as a friend?"
While Chloe was lost in her thoughts, passengers were already blocking the aisles and exiting the plane. Chloe remained in her seat until there were only a few passengers left.
Chloe slowly made her way off the plane. She dragged her carryon behind her and got on the escalator heading down to the baggage claim. She felt as if someone was staring at her and as she lifted her head, her eyes locked on those of her best friend, Aubrey. Tears filled Chloe's eyes as she continued to maintain eye contact.
Chloe ran straight into Aubrey's arms as soon as she cleared the escalator. She dropped her bag as her arms moved to pull Aubrey into a hug. The two friends stood, holding each other, mumbling, "I'm sorry" and "I miss you."
After a few minutes, Aubrey pulled back, wiping her tears, and looked at Chloe. "You look amazing, Chloe."
"You're not looking so bad yourself, Brey," Chloe said, wiping her tears as well.
"Let's get your bags," Aubrey said.
~ Day 22 of 2019's 25 Days of BeChloe Christmases ~
The next morning, Stacie was pacing back and forth in the kitchen while holding Bella.
"Babe, you're going to wear a hole in the floor," Aubrey said from the counter where she was cutting up fruit and putting together platters for the Christmas Eve brunch.
"I want to see Chloe," Stacie said. "It's been so long."
"I know," Aubrey said. "But it was a long journey for her to get here and she didn't get any sleep on the plane. Let her be and you can wake her up around eleven before the girls start arriving for brunch."
"Fine," Stacie said and stopped pacing. She put Bella in her high chair and asked, "What can I do to help with brunch?"
Aubrey and Stacie had been working together for two hours when Chloe appeared in the kitchen.
"Chloe!" Stacie squealed, running over to hug the half-asleep redhead.
"It's good to see you, Stacie," Chloe mumbled against Stacie's shoulder. Chloe pulled back from the hug and looked past Stacie. "Bella!"
Chloe hurried over to the young child. "You are so adorable! Oh, my gosh, you guys. She is just the cutest. Can I hold her?"
"Sure," Aubrey said.
Chloe took Bella out of her chair and put her on her hip. She kissed Bella's forehead.
"Hey, Chloe, I'm sorry I haven't apologized for being such a bitch to you," Stacie said. "It was unfair of me, of us, to dump on you for staying behind with Chicago. Brey told me you guys broke up. I'm sorry."
"It's okay," Chloe said. "I understand. Let's just forget it and move on. I've missed you and the girls so much."
The doorbell rang and Stacie and Aubrey looked at each other.
"It's only ten," Stacie said. "Someone's super early. I'll get it."
Stacie left to answer the door and Chloe asked Aubrey if there was coffee.
"Beca," Stacie said, answering the door. "You're early. Why are you early? You're never early."
"I have a birthday present for Bella and wanted to give it to her before it got too crazy," Beca said.
"Her birthday isn't for a week," Stacie said.
"I know but I won't be here," Beca said. "I'll have to get back to L.A. for New Year's Eve. Where's Aubrey?"
"Um, she is in the kitchen," Stacie said. "Before you go in there, I have to tell you something."
"What?"
Stacie told Beca about getting some of the photos from her album cover photoshoot and making them into a calendar and sending it to Chloe.
"Why would you do that?" Beca asked as she stormed into the kitchen. "Aubrey, did you know about this calendar that Stacie sent to-. Oh! Um, Chloe, I thought you couldn't make it."
"My plans changed," Chloe said, bouncing Bella on her hip.
"I'll take Bella," Stacie said. "You two might want to talk and catch up."
"Thanks, Stacie," Beca said, glaring at her.
"Oh, wait here," Chloe said and rushed out of the kitchen.
"Was she talking to me?" Beca asked.
"I think she was," Stacie said.
"Why didn't you tell me she was here?" Beca asked.
"She wanted to surprise you and the girls," Aubrey answered.
"Where's Chicago?" Beca asked.
"It's in Illinois," Stacie said, laughing.
"Haha," Beca deadpanned.
"He's still in Spain," Aubrey answered, slapping Stacie's arm.
"What happened?"
"We broke up about six months ago," Chloe said, having heard the last part of the conversation. "It's okay. It was mutual. We both had feelings for someone else. We're friends now."
"Oh," Beca said. "Friends."
"Yeah," Chloe said. "Friends. Like you and Jesse after you broke up. We still care about each other but there's nothing romantic there."
"So, who's the new person you have feelings for?" Stacie asked, smirking.
"Well, it's not really a new person, per se," Chloe said. "This should answer the question," Chloe said, holding out the calendar for Beca to see.
"Stacie!" Beca said, flipping through the calendar. "Why would you send this to her?"
"I'm glad she did," Chloe said. "My memories of you were fading just a bit, but these photos brought them back and for that, I will be forever grateful. They're really hot!"
"I, uh, I don't understand," Beca said. "You, um, you liked the pictures."
"Mm-hmm," Chloe said, moving to stand in front of Chloe. "Actually, I liked who was in the pictures. And I have to say, seeing the real thing is even hotter."
"Oh, um," Beca cleared her throat and blushed.
"So, I'm not going back to Spain," Chloe said, offhandedly. "I'll probably move back in with my folks in Tampa until I find a job or something."
Stacie and Aubrey were smiling and shaking their heads at Beca's obliviousness.
"Really?" Beca squeaked out.
"Yes," Chloe said. "But, before I make a decision I was wondering if you still had the outfit you wore for December? I'd love to see you recreate that photo for me. It's my new lady jam."
Stacie snorted and turned her head into Aubrey's shoulder to keep from laughing out loud at Beca's reaction.
"Your lady jam?" Beca said, confused. "But that's when you-. Oh!
Chloe got a predatory look on her face and moved closer to Beca. "I heard a rumor that you might like me."
"You did?" Beca said, looking over at Stacie and Aubrey before turning her eyes back to Chloe.
"I did," Chloe said, now standing so that she and Beca were almost nose-to-nose. "I hope it's true because I really, really like you."
"Really?" Beca squeaked out and tried to step back, but was up against the counter and couldn't.
"Really, really," Chloe said and pressed her lips to Beca's.
A moan or whimper escaped from Beca but she pulled Chloe closer and deepened the kiss. The kiss ended and Beca swallowed and looked around before looking at Chloe again.
Beca smiled and leaned in to kiss Chloe again. Chloe pulled out of the kiss and stepped back a few inches.
"So, Beca Mitchell, would you want to go out with me sometime?" Chloe asked.
"What are you doing New Year's Eve?" Beca asked. "And how do you feel about coming to L.A. to celebrate with me?"
Stacie and Aubrey's mouths fell open; it was a bold move on Beca's part.
"I'd love to spend New Year's Eve with you in L.A.," Chloe said and gave Beca a quick peck on the lips.
"Oh, my God, you two," Stacie said rushing to pull them both into a hug. "This is so exciting. I'm so happy for you!"
"Thanks, Stacie," Chloe said and winked at Stacie, adding, "And thanks for sending the calendar."
Beca rolled her eyes and blushed. Chloe laughed and pulled her into another quick kiss.
"I should go shower and get dressed," Chloe said. "Before the girls get here."
Chloe started out of the kitchen when Beca smiled and asked, "Need some help?"
Stacie grabbed Beca by the back of the shirt. "Oh, no, you don't. You can help us get ready for the girls to arrive."
They could hear Chloe laughing as she continued toward the guest room.
"Oh, I almost forgot," Beca said, pulling out an envelope out of her purse. "This is for Bella's birthday."
Stacie took the envelope and opened it. "Beca? What is this?"
"I started a college fund for her," Beca said. "I figure it's never too early to start, right? And I put your names on the account so you can manage it."
Aubrey looked over Stacie's shoulder. "Beca, that's very generous of you. Thank you."
~ Day 22 of 2019's 25 Days of BeChloe Christmases ~
Several hours later, the Bellas were sitting around the living room, much like they did when they were still at Barden.
Chloe was snuggled up to Beca with her head on Beca's shoulder. Emily was sitting on the floor in front of Chloe, leaning against her legs. Flo and Fat Amy were playing bartender. CR was sitting on the floor, holding Bella who had fallen asleep. Jessica and Ashley were sharing a chair. And Stacie was sitting on Aubrey's lap in the other chair.
"So, Chloe," Fat Amy said. "What are you and Beca now?"
"Um, we're dating?" Chloe said, looking at Beca.
"I prefer something a little more exclusive, like girlfriends," Beca said, causing Chloe to pull her into a hug and kiss her.
"I knew it!" Emily squealed.
Chloe ended the kiss and said, "Girlfriend? I like it."
"You're her lobster," Jessica said and everyone laughed.
"Merry Christmas, my lobster," Beca said, smiling as she kissed Chloe.
"Merry Christmas, my lobster," Chloe said, smiling into the kiss.