CHRISTMAS CHOICES
Author's Prompt/Idea: [Sort of a post-PP3 fic, and the only Chicago mentioned, is the city] Beca is living in L.A. and runs into Jesse. Theo turns out to be a decent guy, and Beca decides to give him a chance. Now she's dating both of them without the other knowing. What will she do when she gets a life-changing offer from each of them? Who will she choose?
"Beca?"
Beca turns at the sound of her name. Her eyes widen, and she's quite surprised to see her ex-boyfriend, Jesse, standing a few feet away from her.
"Jesse!" Beca exclaims, rushing over to him.
Jesse stands there with his arms opened wide, waiting for her to reach him. She rushes into his arms, and Jesse wraps her in a warm hug.
"Oh, my God," Beca said, hugging him tightly. "I can't believe I ran into you."
Jesse chuckled and let Beca go. "I heard you were in L.A. Finally!"
"I know, it's surreal," Beca said. "Plus, I've been here for almost a year. I'm surprised we haven't run into each at least once by now."
"I've been working in Chicago for the past ten months," Jesse said. "I haven't been back in L.A. for very long."
"Hey, I was going to get a coffee. Do you have some time to join me so we can catch up a bit? Tell me why you were in Chicago for ten months."
"I'd love that," Jesse said and followed Beca into a nearby coffee shop.
~ Day 24 of 2019's 25 Days of BeChloe Christmases ~
An hour later, Beca's phone chimed with an appointment notification.
"I'm sorry, Jesse," Beca said, looking at her phone. "I have to go. I have a meeting with Khalid and Theo in twenty minutes."
"I understand," Jesse said. "It was great seeing you. I hope we can do it again."
"I'd like that," Beca said. "Is your number the same?"
"Yeah, it is," Jesse said.
"Great," Beca said with a smile. "I'll text you when I'm free."
"Can't wait," Jesse said, standing as Beca did. He hugged her quickly, and Beca rushed out of the coffee shop.
Beca rushed into the building and used the elevator ride to the eighteenth floor. When the elevator doors opened, she confidently walked off, smiling.
"What's got our resident badass smiling this morning?" Theo asked as he fell into step next to Beca.
"Nothing," Beca said. "Ran into an old friend this morning."
"That's nice," Theo said. "Are we still on for dinner tonight? I made the reservations for seven. Will you be done in the studio before then?"
"Seven is fine," Beca said. "Meet me at my office at six-thirty."
"I look forward to it," Theo said, giving Beca a toothy smile. "Now, Khalid is going to ask about studio time…"
Theo and Beca continued talking until they reached Khalid's office.
~ Day 24 of 2019's 25 Days of BeChloe Christmases ~
Eight months later, Beca was talking to Chloe about her Christmas plans.
"I'll pay for your ticket," Beca said. "Consider it my Christmas present to you."
"I don't know, Beca," Chloe said. "I usually go to my parents in Tampa for Christmas. They'll be expecting me."
"I know, but I haven't seen you in forever," Beca whined. "I have so much going on, or I'd come to visit you. Please think about it. I'll call mama Beale and beg her to let you come visit me if that's what it takes to get you here."
Chloe laughed. "I'll call my mom and let her know I won't be coming this year."
"Yes!" Beca yelled into the phone. "Thank you. I need you to help me figure out what to do about Jesse and Theo."
"Oh, poor, Beca," Chloe said sarcastically. "She's got two men who want her. You poor thing. Whatever will you do?"
"If I knew, I wouldn't need my best friend to help me, would I?" Beca said with a chuckle.
"Fine," Chloe said, laughing. "I'll let you know the dates I can be there. I have to go to work, so I'll talk to you later."
"Thanks, Chloe," Beca said. "I sincerely mean that. Thank you."
"You're welcome, Beca," Chloe said, ending the call.
Beca sighed and threw her phone on the desk. She sat back and thought about all that's happened in the past eight months.
~ Day 24 of 2019's 25 Days of BeChloe Christmases ~
Chloe let out a heavy sigh as she put her phone in her pocket. She wanted to see Beca, but she didn't want to see Beca with Theo or Jesse (again). Maybe she could invoke the best friend card and have Beca all to herself while she was in L.A.
"That won't work," Chloe mumbled to herself. "She'll want to tell me all about both of them so I can give her my opinion on who she should choose. My life sucks."
Several hours later, Chloe got home to what was now solely her little apartment. She placed her keys on the hook by the door and kicked off her shoes. She hung her jacket on the coat rack and turned to pull open the refrigerator.
After deciding to make a grilled cheese sandwich and heating some soup, Chloe sat at the small table and pulled out her phone and placed a call.
"Hi, mom," Chloe said when her mother answered her call.
"Chloe, sweetie," Charlotte Beale said. "How are you?"
"I'm good," Chloe said. "How are you? And daddy?"
"We're both good," Charlotte said.
"I called to let you know I won't be coming home for Christmas," Chloe said.
"What?" Charlotte asked, disappointment in her voice. "Why not?"
"I'm going to L.A. to spend Christmas with Beca," Chloe said.
"Oh," Charlotte said, her mood lightened. "Really?"
"It's not like that, mom," Chloe said. "Beca reconnected with Jesse, and she's dating him and Theo. She's not sure which one she should continue a relationship with, so she asked me to come to L.A. and help her decide."
Chloe sniffled, and Charlotte felt her heart ache for her daughter.
"Maybe you should tell her how you feel," Charlotte blurted out. "She can't choose you if she doesn't know you're an option."
"It doesn't work like that, mom," Chloe said sadly. "I'm her best friend, and that's all she sees me as. I don't want to go and see her with either one of those guys, but I have to because that's what a best friend would do."
"I'm sorry, Chloe," Charlotte said. "If you don't want to go, you can always tell her that I insisted you come home."
"Thanks, mom," Chloe said, smiling into the phone. "But, I already promised Beca. I'm going to finish dinner and jump in the shower. I'll talk to you in a few days."
"Okay, sweetie," Charlotte said. "We love you."
"I love you, too," Chloe said and ended the call.
~ Day 24 of 2019's 25 Days of BeChloe Christmases ~
Beca answered the incessant knocking on her apartment door.
"What the hell?" Beca exclaimed as the door was pushed open as soon as she turned the knob. "Jesse!"
"Oh, sorry, babe," Jesse said. "I got the best news today, and I had to come and tell you about it."
"What is it?" Beca asked as she took Jesse's hand and led him to the sofa.
"I got my dream job working with Silvercup Studios in New York," Jesse said, his smile spread from ear to ear he was so excited.
"That's great, Jesse," Beca said, hugging him.
"It is," Jesse said. "I move at the beginning of the New Year. And I want you to go with me."
"What?" Beca asked her face a mask of confusion.
"I realized in the last eight and half months how much I messed up when we broke up," Jesse said. "I love you, Beca. I think I always have. And I want us to be together. In New York."
"Jesse, my life is here now," Beca said, standing and starting to pace. "My job, my career is all here, in L.A. I can't just pack up and move back to New York."
"But there is so much for you there," Jesse said, jumping up to take Beca's hands to stop her from pacing. "There are plenty of studios you who would love to sign you.h. Plus, Chloe's still in New York, and I know how much you miss her."
"I don't know, Jesse," Beca said, her thoughts running through her mind at a hundred miles a minute.
"Think about it," Jesse said. "You don't have to answer right away. I'm leaving tomorrow to go to my parents for Christmas. I'll be back by New Year's. Give it until then and let me know what you decide. Just promise you'll really think seriously about it. Plus, you won't have to move immediately. I'll go to New York and get an apartment and set everything up, and then you can join me in a month or two. Okay?"
"Jesse," Beca said softly.
"Just, please, Beca? Think about it," Jesse said, his boyish grin and puppy dog eyes working overtime to convince her. "I have to run, but I'll call you later."
Jesse kissed Beca, and with a quick, I love you, he was gone.
~ Day 24 of 2019's 25 Days of BeChloe Christmases ~
The next day, Beca was still reeling from Jesse's announcement and wanting her to move to New York with him. She was sitting at her desk, staring at her computer screen, which had gone to sleep from lack of use.
"Hey," Theo said from the doorway, causing Beca to jump a bit.
"Hey," Beca said, looking over at Theo.
"Are you alright?" Theo asked.
"Yeah, just lost in thought," Beca said. "So, what's up?"
"I am taking you to dinner tonight," Theo said. "I have something very important to discuss with you."
"Oh," Beca said, eyebrows raised in question. "What is it?"
"All will be revealed tonight," Theo said with a smile. "I'll pick you up at seven and dress nice."
"Okay, sure," Beca said, somewhat absentmindedly.
"Are you sure you're alright?" Theo asked with some concern. "You don't seem to be yourself."
"I'm sorry," Beca said and stood to put her arms around Theo's waist. "I have a lot on my mind. I'll be better by the time we have dinner."
"Good," Theo said and kissed Beca. "I'll see you later."
"Yeah, see you later," Beca said.
After Theo was gone, Beca flopped back down in her chair and thought about Jesse and Theo.
~ Day 24 of 2019's 25 Days of BeChloe Christmases ~
The next day, Beca was an emotional wreck. She was waiting at the airport for Chloe to arrive and couldn't sit or stand still, so she paced back and forth. She was glad she was able to have a car and driver available, so she didn't have to drive.
Beca spotted Chloe coming toward the baggage claim and ran to meet her. The two collided and wrapped their arms around the other in a hug.
"I've missed you," Chloe mumbled in Beca's hair.
"I've missed you, too," Beca mumbled into Chloe's shoulder.
"I need to get my bags," Chloe said, trying to pull out of the hug, only to have Beca tighten her grip.
"Not yet," Beca said, causing Chloe to smile and sink back into the hug.
Chloe could practically feel the tension leaving Beca's body. They stood there until the buzzer sounded, indicating the luggage was on the belt and coming out.
Beca let go of Chloe, and they made their way to the carousel. Beca's driver asked which bag, and Chloe pointed one out as it came around.
"Is that it?" Beca asked.
"No, that one's mine, too," Chloe said, pointing to another bag.
The driver took the two bags and followed behind Beca and Chloe. Chloe, of course, wrapped her arm around Beca's and leaned into her as they walked.
"So, you have your own driver now," Chloe said. "I feel so special."
"You are special," Beca said, causing Chloe's hear to skip a beat.
Beca and Chloe were seated in the back of the SUV, and Beca told Chloe everything that had happened with Jesse and Theo over the past few days.
They arrived at Beca's apartment building, and Beca led Chloe and the driver to her apartment. As soon as Beca opened the door, she stood aside to let her driver place Chloe's luggage inside.
"Thanks, Ben," Beca said as the driver turned and left.
"Merry Christmas," Ben said.
"Merry Christmas," Beca and Chloe said together.
Ben left, and Beca closed the door as Chloe stood and looked around the apartment.
"Wow," Chloe said. "Who decorated this place? I know it wasn't you. Too Christmassy."
"Hey," Beca said, laughing. "I'll have you know that I hung the wreath on the door."
"And it looks exquisite," Chloe said with a grin.
"I hired someone to decorate for me," Beca said. "Only because I knew you'd never survive Christmas without the place being overly-decorated."
"Thank you," Chloe said with a smug grin. "You can show me around later. I'm hungry, can we order something and stay in tonight? We can finish our talk about Jesse and Theo."
"Sure," Beca said, smirking. "One good thing is that they're both gone until after Christmas. You won't have to compete with them for my attention."
"As if there was any competition," Chloe said. "I will always win."
"That's true," Beca laughed. "So, what do you want to have for dinner tonight?"
"Mexican?"
"I know just the place," Beca said, pulling out her phone.
After Beca ordered, Chloe asked if she could change into something more comfortable. They each grabbed one of Chloe's suitcases, and Beca led Chloe to the guest room.
"Wow," Chloe said upon entering the bedroom. "This is nice."
"I had it decorated like this because the colors remind me of you," Beca said. "And I wanted you to like it so you'd visit more often."
"I might just take you up on that," Chloe said, setting her suitcase on the bed and opening it.
"I'll let you change," Beca said. "Come to the living room when you're done."
"Thanks, Beca," Chloe said as Beca left the room.
~ Day 24 of 2019's 25 Days of BeChloe Christmases ~
The food arrived just as Chloe came back to the living room. Beca noticed that not only had Chloe changed into sweats and a t-shirt, but she had removed her makeup as well.
"You are not real," Beca said, looking at Chloe. "No one should look that good without makeup, and yet, here you are, looking better than anyone has a right to."
"Thanks, Beca," Chloe said, blushing. "That's so sweet."
Chloe kissed Beca on the cheek, and Beca blushed. Chloe sat on the sofa and started looking in the bags of food. She set everything on the table as she removed it from the bag.
"Beer?" Beca asked.
"Yes, please," Chloe responded.
Becawent to the kitchen and came back with two beers. She handed Chloe a beer, and they both settled on the sofa and started eating. Beca asked Chloe about her job search after getting her teaching degree. Chloe answered and asked Beca about her album.
They had been sitting in comfortable silence for a bit as they finished their food. Chloe wiped her mouth and took a sip of beer.
"We need to get back to the conversation we had in the car," Chloe said. "We got to the point where Jesse asked you to move to New York with him, and Theo had asked you to move in with him here. So, what are your thoughts?"
"I don't know," Beca said, putting the last bit of her taco in her mouth.
Chloe waited as Beca ate and then drank some beer. She knew Beca was gathering her thoughts, so she sat quietly, waiting for Beca to begin talking.
Beca set her beer on the table and looked at Chloe. Chloe looked back at Beca.
"Okay, so, I know I should feel bad because Jesse doesn't know I'm dating Theo, and Theo doesn't know I'm dating Jesse, but I don't. And I know it's a dick move to date both of them at the same time, but I like each of them equally, but neither of them has stood out as being a better option over the other. I might love them both, but I don't feel that I'm in love with either one."
Chloe swallowed and tried not to show how painful it was for her to listen to Beca talk about the two people she loved, and neither of them was her.
"So, what are the things you like about Theo?" Chloe asked.
"Well, Theo is easygoing and has helped me navigate through the ups and downs of being a recognized recording artist. It is somewhat unsettling when you're not used to it. He's charming and always the gentleman. He always makes me smile whenever we are together. He is all the right things about the entertainment side of my life."
"And what about Jesse?"
"Jesse is easygoing as well, and he's still the goofy guy I fell for back in college. He is the memories of a somewhat calmer time in her life. He also always makes me smile whenever we are together. He feels safe," Beca said. "Wait, no, I mean, I feel safe when I'm with him."
"Sounds like you have a really tough decision to make," Chloe said and yawned.
"That's why I need your help," Beca whined, looking at Chloe. "They are both great guys, and I should be able to pick one of them. I just don't know how to choose or who to choose."
"I'm sorry, Beca," Chloe said, yawning again. "I'm exhausted. Can we pick this up in the morning? I'll be refreshed then and can give you proper insight into your oh so tragic dilemma of two mean wanting you."
"Shut up," Beca said, shoving Chloe's shoulder.
Chloe laughed and leaned down to hug Beca. "I'll see you in the morning.
"I'm glad you're here," Beca said, pulling out of the hug.
"Me, too, Becs," Chloe said. "Me, too."
~ Day 24 of 2019's 25 Days of BeChloe Christmases ~
Beca tossed and turned most of the night, thinking about what she was going to do. When she woke the next morning, she was no closer to a decision than when she went to bed the night before.
Beca couldn't take the tossing and turning and got out of bed early. She made a pot of coffee and was sitting at her counter, staring into her cup when she heard Chloe coming down the hall.
"Hey, Chlo," Beca said when Chloe came shuffling into the kitchen. "How'd you sleep."
"Okay, I guess," Chloe said, pouring herself a cup of coffee. "I tossed and turned quite a bit. At one point, I almost came into your room to make you cuddle with me."
Beca laughed. "I'm glad you didn't. I tossed and turned as well and didn't get much sleep."
"Still haven't decided what to do about Jesse and Theo?"
"No," Beca said. "All I do know is that I like being in L.A. But, on the other hand, you're still in New York, so that would be a plus if I chose Jesse. Theo is a big part of my life and career right now, and he's getting me recognition. He can also help me transition to being a producer, which is a plus for him."
"Okay," Chloe said. "I was thinking about this after I went to bed last night. I have an exercise I want you to do."
"I'm too tired to exercise," Beca whined, laying her head on the counter.
"It's not a physical exercise," Chloe said. "It's an emotional exercise."
Beca lifted her head. "Emotional exercise?"
"Yeah," Chloe said. "You just have to listen. I'm going to give you a scenario, and you have to say who you see in that scenario with you. Understand?"
"I think so," Beca said. "Hit me with it."
Chloe took a sip of her coffee. "Okay. There was a Grey's Anatomy episode where Callie has to decide whether or not to follow her girlfriend Penny when she moves to New York."
"I didn't watch most of that season," Beca said. "I shipped Callie and Arizona and hated Penny. Still do."
"Me, too," Chloe said. "But, that's not the point. Anyway, so Bailey tells Callie to close her eyes and think about the future. So, close your eyes."
"Do I have to?" Beca asked.
"For this to work, yes, you have to," Chloe said.
"Fine," Beca said, closing her eyes.
"So, picture a few years from now, and your daughter is playing soccer for Team USA in the Olympics. You're in the stands watching, and your daughter kicks in the winning goal. Can you see it, Becs?" At Beca's nod, Chloe continued. "Everyone in the stands is shouting Mitchell, Mitchell, Mitchell, and you are shouting louder than anyone else. You look over to the person standing next to you, and they are cheering as loud as you are. Who is standing next to you, cheering on your daughter, Jesse or Theo?"
Beca keeps her eyes closed; she turns her head as if looking to see who is standing next to her. She furrows her brow and turns her head to the other side. Her eyes suddenly fly open, and she stared wide-eyed at Chloe.
"So who is it, Becs?" Chloe asked. "Theo or Jesse? Who's standing next to you, cheering on your daughter with you?"
"You," Beca whispered.
"What?" Chloe let out a small gasp.
"It's you," Beca said, louder. "It, it's always been you. I can't believe I just now figured it out. Oh, my God, Chloe! I'm in love with you, and I think I have been for a while." Beca realized what she had just blurted out, and her face reddened. "Shit."
Beca looked scared and stared at Chloe. She noticed Chloe wipe a tear from her eye.
"Are you for real right now?" Chloe asked sniffling.
"I, uh, yes, I am," Beca said in wonderment. "I'm sorry if this makes you-"
Chloe smashed her lips to Beca's, causing a grunt of surprise to escape from Beca's lips. Chloe pulled back, and Beca grabbed her around the neck and pulled her back into another kiss.
"Wow," Beca said when the kiss ended.
"Are you okay?" Chloe asked.
"I've never been better," Beca said, smiling. Her smile dropped as she asked, "Are you okay?"
"I am now," Chloe said, smiling. "I've wanted to tell you how I felt for the longest time, but our timing always sucked."
"You mean, you love me, too?"
"Yes," Chloe said. "I mean, I love you, too."
Beca kissed Chloe again.
"This might just be the best Christmas ever," Beca said.
"What about Jesse and Theo?" Chloe asked. "Aren't you cheating on them with me now?"
"Shit," Beca said. "I forgot about them." Beca thought for a moment before saying, "But, honestly, I feel like I've been cheating on you with them. I'll call them both later and tell them my decision."
"Which is?" Chloe asked. "I just need to hear you say it again."
"My decision is that I choose you," Beca said. "Now, enough about them. Right now, I want to focus all my attention on you."
"Good answer," Chloe said, pulling Beca to her.
A/N: Yay! Finally - 24 down, 1 to go. Thanks for hanging in there with me. Day 25 will be up in a day or two (I need to give it one more read before I post it).