Chapter 2
Stacie's hands trembled as she tried to focus on unclasping her bra. She'd never been so nervous in her life. She could feel her heart pounding in her ears and it surprised her how dry her mouth suddenly felt. Why was she so nervous? It was them. She wanted this. She'd fantasized about this moment since the summer after eighth grade year when she realized she didn't just enjoy gazing at boys at the beach and found her eyes wandering over girls as well. One girl in particular always caught her eye and no matter how much she told herself she was off limits, a no-go, it never stopped her heart from fluttering when their eyes would meet. She'd fantasized about the way it would feel to be in this moment and now she was. She let out a shaky breath when Aubrey's soothing voice brought her out of her thoughts. Their eyes locked and suddenly the butterflies in her stomach calmed, her heart steadied its pace, and all she could see was the beautiful girl she'd wanted to make love with for so long.
"Hey, we can stop. This doesn't have to happen if…" She cut Aubrey's words off with a tender kiss and ran a hand through her hair.
"I want you, Bree. I always have," she whispered and Aubrey sighed in relief.
"Me too," she said with a nod. They stared at one another in silence for a moment before Stacie made the first move. She finally managed to unclasp her bra and Aubrey gulped when Stacie tossed it aside.
"So beautiful," whispered Aubrey before capturing her lips in a passionate kiss. Stacie moaned as they lay back on the blankets and pillows, ready to finally becoming lost in one another.
Stacie jolted awake as someone shook her shoulder, causing her to groan. The dream, which was more of a memory, began to fade into the back of her mind where it tended to linger. That was the first night she and Aubrey made love, the night of Aubrey's prom and the night their secret summer romance began.
"Stace, wake up, we are at the hotel. Our moms are checking in and then we are going to head to Barden in a bit," explained Beca and Stacie slowly nodded as she stretched.
"Yea, cool," she mumbled as she got out of the car. They'd been on their cross country road trip with their mothers for the past week and she was happy to be at their destination. The trip itself was great, one last chance for the four of them to spend time together before they attended Barden, but the closer they got to campus, the more nervous Stacie was. In mere hours, she would be face to face with the only girl to have her heart. She hadn't seen Aubrey in a year since her best friend's sister refused to come home for the holidays or the summer. It hurt Stacie how easily Aubrey was able to move on, but she tried to tell herself it was for the best. Deep down she knew she would never get over her first love and a part of her was holding onto hope now that they would be on campus together. Beca snapped her fingers in front of her face.
"Earth to Stacie, what's going on in that nerdy brain of yours? Configuring a cure for cancer or something," teased Beca as they walked into the hotel lobby.
"Of course not, Conrad Industries isn't currently invested in cancer research," she mumbled.
"Okay, not really the answer I was looking for, but sure, yea, let's go with that. What's going on with you? You have been acting strange for the past month. Are you regretting your decision to attend Barden instead of MIT?"
"Of course not, just because my dad wanted me to go to his alma mater doesn't mean it was ever my dream school."
"I still can't believe you turned down a full scholarship though. I bet that was a first for MIT. Isn't it like a given you will attend if they accept you?"
"Not when you have offers from so many places."
"Scholarship offers from 22 universities to be exact."
"Well, when you have an IQ as high as mine and the family name to back it up, you will be surprised how many universities suddenly want to attach their name to yours. MIT was never my first choice though. I just wish my dad could understand that," she said as she looked down. Beca wrapped an arm around her.
"Look, he is going to come around. You and your dad are so close. I am sure you hurt his pride a bit, but he will eventually get over it."
"Speaking of rocky relationships with fathers, are you ready to see Ben? You two really didn't talk much at graduation."
"At least he showed up, unlike Aubrey. I can't believe the person she has become. We used to be so close, but it is like she just morphed into this bitch after the divorce. She hates me now."
"Aubrey doesn't hate you. I just think some things went down that really messed her up."
"They messed me up too but you don't see me pushing away all of my friends and family. Face it Stace, the girl is a total bitch, so don't be surprised if she cancels today. It is fine though. I don't plan on hanging in the same circles as her. She has her life at Barden and I will have mine," she assured and before Stacie could defend Aubrey, something she did often, their mothers walked over with key cards.
"We figured you girls would want to freshen up before we head to campus, so you can use our rooms," offered Beca's mother, Veronica.
"Cool, I could use a hot shower. I am glad we did this though. It was nice," admitted Beca and Veronica kissed her cheek.
"I can't believe my baby girl is about to be in college. I swear you got your first guitar just yesterday," she said and Beca rolled her eyes.
"Alright enough of this sappy stuff, I am going to the room. Stace, are you coming?" Stacie's mother took a step toward Stacie.
"Actually, I think Stacie and I are going to grab some food across the street. We will be back in a bit," said Helen and Veronica nodded her understanding before following Beca to the elevators. Stacie eyed her mother carefully as they walked back outside and toward the café across the street from the hotel.
"Everything okay," asked Stacie and Helen nodded.
"Yes, I just wanted us to have a chance to talk again before we headed to campus. How are you feeling, my love? You ready?"
"Barden will be fine. I know dad is upset, but they have a great neuroscience program and like you always say, undergrad doesn't matter. Graduate school does."
"I was talking more about seeing Aubrey again after all this time." Stacie looked down and wrapped her arms around herself. She was quiet as they entered the café and her mother ordered for them, sensing Stacie needed a moment with her thoughts. They sat down at a table out on the patio as they waited for their food and Stacie finally collected her thoughts enough to speak.
"I haven't moved on. I keep telling myself I have, but I haven't. Is that crazy?" Helen smiled warmly at her daughter.
"Of course not, you are in love and you never got the closure you deserved."
"She's out now. Beca told me."
"Veronica told me as well."
"I think she has a girlfriend and if I am being honest with myself I am not sure how I am going to handle that, seeing her in love with someone else. Beca and I kind of stalked her Instagram account the other day and saw pictures of her with some redhead. She looks pretty, prettier than me," she whispered as tears filled her eyes. Helen scooted her chair closer to her and began stroking her hair.
"Oh my love, it amazes me how you never see yourself clearly. You certainly didn't get that from me or your father. We both grew up knowing exactly how attractive and intelligent we are."
"Yea, Derek and EJ don't exactly have confidence issues either," she grumbled as she thought about her brothers' penchant for selfies and Helen laughed.
"But you have always been different. You always hid behind your books and glasses and stayed in the lab when you weren't hanging out with Beca. I thought things changed senior year for you when you asked for contacts and dated a bit, but you have always been confident in some ways and shy in others. Do you know why I supported your decision to choose Barden over all the Ivy League schools and amazing opportunities?"
"No and I guess I always wondered but was afraid to ask."
"Because you need to find your own path and see what is out there in your own way. I am not naïve, Stace. I know why you are here and it isn't just to be with your best friend. If you need to see what's left between you and Aubrey, then I would never stand in the way of that. I know a great love when I see it. I have it with your father and I want that for you, but I need you to remember something, just because you chose this path doesn't mean you have to stay on it. If you find that there is nothing here for you anymore, you can always transfer to another school. I am sure one of the 21 others would be overjoyed by the change of heart, so don't stay here simply to prove a point."
"I won't. I promise. I just need to do this for me, not just Aubrey or Beca or anyone else. No one knows who I am here besides Aubrey and Beca and they have never cared about my status. It is one of the reasons I always loved them. I just want to see who I can be when I am not Anastacia Conrad."
"I get that, truly I do, but remember something, my love. You will always be Anastacia Conrad and no one makes you bend to their will." Stacie nodded and hugged her mother.
"I love you, mom."
"As do I, my love, and don't worry about your father. You will see him soon." Stacie hugged her again, hoping she was right.
Aubrey glanced down at her phone as she sat across from her father at the diner they frequented from time to time. He noticed her sifting through her text messages and chuckled.
"Am I that bad of company today," he teased and she smiled sheepishly as she locked her screen again.
"Of course not dad, I am just nervous. I completed my shift of volunteering for freshmen move-in, but I hope the other Bellas can handle it. There weren't a lot of people there, but I know it will get busier soon."
"Oh, so you aren't worried about seeing your sister again?"
"Why would I worry about that," grumbled Aubrey as she cut into her French toast.
"Maybe because you haven't seen her in a year and have made a point to avoid her and your mother."
"I am not worried."
"Well, I am and I am not too stubborn to admit that. This is a big deal and I want you girls to try to reconnect. That means you should probably start by at least attempting to be civil to your mother."
"I am always civil," she defended and he chuckled.
"Bree, you and I both know you can be downright icy when you want to be. Don't do it for your mother or even me. Do it for your relationship with Beca. You aren't going to win her over by being impolite to your mother."
"You know what infuriates me the most? It is like she got away with it, all of it, dad. She had an affair and somehow came out looking like the hero. You were banished to Georgia. I got ostracized for following suit and now it is about poor Veronica feeling sad because the daughter that walked in on her and that asshole doesn't feel like sitting down for tea," she practically growled. She stabbed at her French toast and stuffed some in her mouth as he sipped his coffee.
"You finally got that off your chest. Feel better?"
"A bit," she admitted and he slipped his hand into hers.
"Bree, I know you are angry and you have every right to be. Trust me, I was angry too, but I wasn't banished. I chose to leave and when the opportunity to do more research and teach less was offered at Barden, I saw it as a chance to start over with a clean slate. For me that also meant letting go of the past. We can't change what happened, sweetheart, but we can move forward. Sheila and I are getting serious and your mother has Dave. You have to move on."
"It isn't that easy for me," she grumbled and he slowly nodded.
"Would this need to cling to the past have anything to do with Stacie," he questioned and her eyes widened, but she didn't say a word.
"Stacie has been friends with you and Beca since you were kids and when you became teenagers, I started to notice the way you two interacted. At first, I told myself you were just friends, but you didn't regard her in the way Beca did. When you told me you were gay, it just confirmed my suspicions about the two of you."
"Beca doesn't know. She can't know," she said with pleading eyes and he sighed.
"Why not? You know I would never tell her. I am just confused why this has to be a secret."
"Because Beca can't handle it and you of all people should get that," she reminded and he looked down.
"You have kept far more secrets than you ever should have and it is my biggest regret about the divorce. Your mother and I fell out of love years ago, but the fact you got caught in the crossfires breaks my heart. You know more than any child should have to know about their parents and you have shouldered burdens that aren't yours. I am so sorry for that, sweetheart. It isn't fair and we need to do better as parents. This doesn't have to be one of those burdens though."
"It doesn't matter anyways. I am sure Stacie has moved on. It has been a year since I last saw her and for all I know she has somebody new, somebody that deserves her," she said as tears filled her eyes. Ben sighed and shook his head.
"Oh Bree, you are still so in love with her. Don't let her get away without at least knowing how you feel because you will regret it and the worst thing you can do in this life is have regrets about things you can control. Your mother texted me an hour ago. They arrived safely and are heading to campus soon. You have a chance to make amends, so take it," he advised and Aubrey sighed as she tried to figure out what to do.
Barden University bustled with energy as freshmen and their families arrived on campus for Move-In Day. Student organizations were set up around the campus to welcome the newcomers and help them navigate. Stacie glanced over at her best friend, noticing the way Beca was wringing her hands as they walked toward the dorms with their parents where Aubrey was meeting them.
"I am sure she is excited to see you," assured Stacie, but Beca smirked.
"Yea right, she is probably going to flake out on us. If she does show up, I am glad you will be here. You are the only person that can stop me from spitting my gum in that perfectly blonde hair of hers," grumbled Beca.
"You know, I remember a time when you two were inseparable. You used to follow her wherever she went and she was nice enough to let me tag along. Remember when she first got her car and we all drove around downtown for some much needed car therapy? Those were great times," reminded Stacie.
"It doesn't matter. She has her life and I have mine," assured Beca.
"Aw, come on, Bec, I am your best friend. I know you better than that. You are just dying to see your big sister again. Maybe you two will have a slumber party and watch Heathers together. God knows I can't stand that crap film and would love a reprieve from it," said Stacie and before Beca could defend her love of the cult classic or make a snarky comment, her mother cleared her throat.
"There she is on the steps," she said and Stacie gulped as she tried not to stare but her eyes wouldn't stop raking over the gorgeous blonde. She was wearing denim shorts that showed off her tan legs and a Barden Bellas shirt. Stacie didn't think it was possible, but she was even more beautiful as she approached them with her hands shoved in her pockets.
"Hey hobbit, welcome to Barden. Hey Stace," said Aubrey before quickly hugging her mother and Helen. Her tone was light and facial expressions didn't give anything away, which made Stacie instinctively frown. They hadn't seen each other in a year and yet the greeting was one even an acquaintance could be met with. She gave a small wave and pulled out her phone to keep her eyes trained on anything but the blonde. Beca rolled her eyes at her big sister.
"Don't call me hobbit," she warned.
"Oh come on Bec, you used to love it when I called you that. All it took was one Lord of the Rings marathon and the nickname stuck," reminded Aubrey and Beca shrugged as she looked away.
"I don't like that kind of stuff anymore," protested Beca.
"Since when," mumbled Stacie as she texted a message to one of her brothers about making it safely. Her eyes widened when Beca nudged her.
"Since now," said Beca through gritted teeth. Stacie quickly nodded and shoved her phone back in her pocket.
"Right, now," agreed Stacie as Aubrey shook her head in amusement and Veronica giggled.
"It is so good to see you. This place is great. I am sure you girls are going to have fun," said Veronica and Helen nodded in agreement.
"I hear congratulations are in order, Bree. Becoming the first all-women's group to win a championship must be an amazing feeling," commended Helen and Aubrey smiled proudly.
"It definitely feels good to put the boys in their place. The Bellas are helping out with the move-in, so you will probably see some around here," said Aubrey.
"I still can't believe you joined an acapella group. That is so lame. Even for you," said Beca and Aubrey smirked.
"We sing all over the world and compete in national championships."
"On purpose," taunted Beca as she scrunched up her nose. Before Aubrey could respond, Veronica stepped in between them.
"The Bellas sound amazing, sweetie, and I am so proud of your accomplishments with them. How about we get the girls checked in? Dave will be here soon to help with the move, so with his help we should be able to get you two settled in no time," suggested Veronica, which made Aubrey frown and cross her arms.
"Seriously, you brought Dave," she asked and Veronica sighed.
"It was important to Beca for him to be here, so he flew in to meet us. Besides, you know I have trouble with flying and he helps me through it. We are flying back to Portland tomorrow."
"And Helen couldn't help you through your anxiety with flights," challenged Aubrey and Helen stepped in to give her friend a reprieve.
"Actually, I am not flying back to Portland. I have a business meeting in New York on Monday," said Helen as Beca glared at her sister.
"Besides, like mom said, I wanted him here. There is a radio station on campus that I want him to check out with me. It is the only cool thing about this campus and he was nice enough to agree to fly across the country to send me off. It is a big deal for me and he gets that."
"Dad could check it out with you," suggested Aubrey as they stared each other down.
"Dad wouldn't get it, but I am not surprised you don't either. You couldn't even show up at my graduation so I don't expect you to understand the value of having good people in your life now." Aubrey flinched at the words and Stacie stepped in between them.
"Okay, how about we all chill? We just got here and I for one would like to get out of the humidity. What's a girl got to do to get a drink around here? I thought Southern Hospitality was supposed to be a thing, Bree, or has Georgia not rubbed off on you yet," teased Stacie and Aubrey giggled.
"I'm sure there's some lemonade around here somewhere, ma'am," she said in her best Southern accent and Stacie laughed.
"The South suits you," she said with a wink and Aubrey smiled. Helen and Veronica glanced at one another with smiles and Beca rolled her eyes.
"Are we doing this or not," asked Beca and Aubrey had to blink several times to break the trance she found herself in with Stacie. She cleared her throat.
"The check-in desks are inside," she informed before heading toward the newest residence hall. As soon as they entered, Amy walked over to them out of breath.
"I thought you Americans had laws against cruel and unusual punishment? I never agreed to be a pack mule to be a Bella," said Amy and Aubrey laughed as the Aussie put down a heavy box.
"Ames, there are dollies and carts with wheels over there," giggled Aubrey.
"Son of a bitch," muttered Amy and Aubrey shook her head in amusement.
"Amy, this is my sister Beca, her friend Stacie, our mom Veronica, and Stacie's mom Helen. Beca and Stacie are moving in here," introduced Aubrey as Amy shook their hands.
"Fat Amy, at your service," said Amy and Veronica frowned in confusion.
"You call yourself Fat Amy," she questioned and Aubrey had to hide her smile as Amy nodded.
"Yea, so twink bitches like them won't say it behind my back. Speaking of twink bitches, I ran into Donald. The Trebles are throwing a party and want us to attend."
"We have been over this. The Trebles are the enemy and are trying to distract us. Ever since we kicked their butts at ICCA, they have been on a mission to beat us."
"Aw come on, Bree, it is just a bit of fun," whined Amy.
"This wouldn't have anything to do with the toner you have in your pants for Bumper, would it," challenged Aubrey and Amy rubbed her neck nervously.
"Um….ummmmm…..uhhhhh…."
"Fine, but only if the others agree. Either we all go or none of us go," warned Aubrey and Amy pumped her fist.
"Aye, aye captain," she said with a salute before leaving and Aubrey groaned. Veronica and Helen laughed at the interaction.
"She seems like a character," said Helen and Aubrey sighed.
"Oh, you have no idea. Come on, let's get them checked in over here," said Aubrey as she guided them to the check-in counter. She stood over to the side as the mothers and two freshmen showed their forms and ID. Stacie glanced over at Aubrey when a brunette with purple streaks in her hair approached the blonde.
"Hey Bree, I hear the Bellas are looking for new members and I had a question."
"Sure Alex, what's up," she asked.
"If I audition for the Bellas and make it, what are your rules about Bellas dating one another?"
"Um, I don't know. It's never come up, why do you ask?"
"Well, I just want to know if auditioning would hurt my chances with you," she said with a flirtatious smile and Aubrey blushed as she laughed nervously. Veronica and Helen pretended to not hear the comment, but Stacie crossed her arms and immediately began glaring at the brunette. Beca cringed.
"Dude," shrieked Beca and Aubrey cleared her throat.
"Um, I have to go. You should audition though. We are looking for new members to help us defend our championship," she said before hurrying away and Alex winked at her.
"Oh I plan on it," called Alex, but Aubrey pretended to not hear the comment.
"Sounds like you are quite popular on campus, Bree," said Veronica and Aubrey waved her off as she continued to blush.
"It isn't me, really, it is more like the Bellas are. We gained some national recognition for our performance and even were featured in a news piece on CNN. Ever since then, people here have been interested in us."
"You didn't tell me about that. That is amazing," said Veronica and Aubrey shrugged.
"I told dad. I figured he would tell you," said Aubrey, which made Veronica look down. Aubrey pointed at a door down the hall.
"Looks like Beca and Stacie are on the first floor, which will make it easier to get settled in. This is a new residence hall, so you are lucky. Chloe and I hated the older dorms. The Wi-Fi was spotty and stuff always broke down," informed Aubrey as she unlocked the room for them and handed Beca the key.
"So you and the girlfriend were roomies freshman year? That sounds like the start of a porno or something," teased Beca and Aubrey frowned at the comment.
"What are you talking about," asked Aubrey, but Veronica waved her off.
"Ignore her, it is nice that you have a girlfriend you are so serious about," assured Veronica as Stacie looked away. Aubrey noticed and profusely shook her head.
"What? No! Um, Chloe isn't…we aren't girlfriends. She is a girl who is my friend. My best friend, not my…why would you think that," rambled Aubrey and Stacie bit her lip nervously.
"So you and Chloe aren't together," questioned Stacie and Aubrey's eyes softened as she smiled at her.
"Of course not, we are just friends and have been since last year. I got really lucky having her as a roommate and we decided to get a place because we work so well together. She is my co-captain too and we have a place by campus, a two bedroom place," she assured and Stacie smiled at her. Beca rolled her eyes.
"It isn't a big deal either way. Who cares if you are boning your co-captain?"
"Beca," Veronica warned and Stacie practically hissed. Beca put her hands up in surrender.
"Just saying, it is the twenty-first century. Live and let live," she mumbled as she tossed her backpack on a bed. Aubrey shook her head at her sister but her eyes never left Stacie's. A knock on the door and familiar voice caught Stacie's attention before she could ask more about Aubrey's time at Barden.
"Not as nice as MIT, but it will do," said her father and she gasped when she spun around to see him standing there.
"Dad," she practically squealed and he laughed when she jumped into his arms.
"Sorry I am late, baby girl. You know I would never miss your big move," he said as he smiled at his wife. She winked at him and smiled as her husband and daughter embraced. Beca smiled at the two of them as well, finding herself surprised by the pit of jealousy she felt at the interaction. There was another knock on the door and her eyes widened when she looked up to see her father and Dave standing there awkwardly together.
"Hey Bec," said her father and Dave gave a small wave.
"And that's my cue," mumbled Aubrey before maneuvering through the group of people by the door and leaving the room.
While Aubrey didn't go far, she kept her distance from her mother and Dave as everyone helped the girls move their belongings into the dorm room. After getting the girls settled, and spending time lecturing them about how to be responsible young adults on a college campus, the parents began saying their goodbyes. Beca smiled wistfully as she watched Stacie say goodbye to her parents. Her father picked her up and gave her a twirl before kissing her cheek. Her mother watched the two of them with adoration clear in her eyes. They were such a happy family, one Beca loved and had a second home with but also felt was not much different from her own years ago. That was before the divorce though. It was before her parents sat her and Aubrey down to say they were splitting up and Ben was moving out. It was before sides were taken and their family fissured in ways she never expected. Her life and family were perfect before that first family meeting with serious tones and teary eyes. Now she watched as her best friend gave loving goodbyes to her parents, secretly yearning for her father to swoop her up in his arms as well even though she made it clear she didn't want him there. Even though she tried to put on a brave face to pretend she was unfazed by it all, she yearned for that type of affection.
"Stacie has always been a daddy's girl," said a familiar voice and she sighed as her father walked over to stand beside her.
"I don't know. I don't think she has a favorite parent. I don't think that's how it works."
"She seems to favor him in her actions. There is nothing wrong with that. Sometimes, it is just that way."
"No, it isn't. That's the thing with the grown-ups. You all think you know everything because you are grown-ups or because you think you see something, but you don't. You see Stacie excited to see her dad and she is. She jumped into his arms and he made sure she knew how much he loved her, but you are missing the small details. Like how she keeps squeezing her mom's hand. You are missing the way she wants to follow in her mother's footsteps, not his, which is why she always chose to focus on neuroscience and not the bioengineering path he tries to steer her down. You weren't there to see her at the dress shop with her mom before prom, only accepting how amazing she looked when her mother said so, no one else. Stacie doesn't have a favorite parent. She just has different ways she shows them love and they get that. But you miss a lot dad. Maybe you always have," she said with emotion thick in her voice, her eyes refusing to look at him in that moment. He slowly nodded and wrapped an arm around her shoulder.
"You are right. I have missed a lot and I am trying to play catch-up, but you have to understand something about the grown-ups, Beca. We are just out here trying to figure things out as best we can. Sometimes we royally screw it up. Sometimes we get royally screwed. A lot of times, it is a mixture and before we know it, everything is a mess and we don't know how to clean it up or even where to start."
"The beginning seems simple enough," she suggested and he smiled with tears in his eyes as he cupped her face.
"And that's why being a grown-up sucks. You start to realize sometimes simple enough isn't actually that simple. That isn't for you to worry about though. You are a college freshman now. You aren't a little girl anymore, but you will always be my baby girl. No amount of time, age, or wisdom will change that." He kissed her forehead and hugged her as she melted into his embrace. She didn't realize how much she needed that hug, but she was happy to be immersed in it.
Aubrey smiled as she watched her father and sister hug from the top of the front steps of the residence hall. Her mother was inside putting the finishing touches on some decorations in the room and she was happy Beca and their father had a chance to have a moment to themselves. She knew how much her father missed Beca and their relationship. She missed it too and deep down she knew they all did. She instinctively clenched her jaw, but relaxed it when Dave came over nervously rubbing the back of his neck.
"I am really glad you and your dad came today. Beca puts on a brave face, but she really needs her big sister. I am glad we can all be in the same room and find a way to be civil for everyone involved. I know your mother appreciates it too. The way we started wasn't right, but I want you to know that I love her and I hope one day you can accept me into your family." Aubrey let out a sigh and turned to face him with a well-rehearsed smile.
"Oh Dave, I think you've forgotten that I am not Beca. You can't woo me with your record store or cool tidbits about music. You see, unlike Beca, I know who you really are. You aren't just some stranger our mom met by luck after a messy divorce who helped put her back together again. You, dear Dave, are a homewrecker. If we were in a different era, I would place a scarlet letter on your flannel pocket and parade you around that nice little record store of yours. You are the man who will never be a part of the family because how can one be part of something he destroyed?" He was speechless as she took a step closer to him and straightened the collar of his flannel, smiling politely all the while.
"My baby sister may be in the dark about who you really are and it is what is best for her, but let me assure you of something, David. You and I are not family. We are barely acquaintances, brought together out of sheer inconvenience, so we will both smile and play our roles. You will be the doting boyfriend of my mother and I will regard you as such, but you will never be my family. There, that looks better for the photos I am sure my mother will take. I am glad we got that straightened out." She walked away with a smile, leaving him in stunned silence.
After a long week of traveling and day of family tension and moving, Beca was relieved to be able to take a hot shower. She wasn't necessarily a fan of the communal bathrooms, but they were nice like Aubrey said they would be. While she still had issues with her sister, she was intrigued by how popular Aubrey was on campus. She wasn't sure what circles she ran in, but hoped Aubrey would at least know someone who could get her a job at the campus radio station. She was so lost in her thoughts as she rounded the corner after her shower, she didn't expect to run right into someone. She dropped her carrier of soaps and shampoos, but managed to hold onto her towel before it could fall as well. Her eyes widened when she saw the girl she ran into and gulped as she became lost in the hypnotic baby blue eyes staring back at her. They looked her up and down and the girl giggled.
"You know, you really should wear a robe. I am sure a lot of people would love to accidentally make that towel drop," she teased and Beca felt her mouth go dry as the girl beamed at her.
"Sorry, I um…I didn't see you," she stammered and the redhead winked at her as she bent down to pick up the carrier and its contents. Beca tried to do the same, but was frozen in place as she found herself awestruck. She felt exposed as the girl took her time standing back up, letting her eyes roam over her legs before handing the carrier back to her.
"No worries, it gave me a chance to admire the view. I am Chloe, by the way," she said as she held out her hand. Beca managed to snap out of her reverie and shook it.
"Hi," she whispered and Chloe giggled.
"You must be a freshman. I would remember seeing you around. Besides, I just finished moving in the last newbie on campus. There are a lot of you today. There is a party tonight at the Treble house. You should come. Do you like music?" Beca dumbly nodded.
"I'm a DJ."
"Seriously? That's totes awesome! Do you play anywhere? I would love to watch you do your thing."
"Uh, not yet, but I might be on the campus station soon. Have any requests," Beca flirted back and Chloe bit her lip with a giggle.
"Well, if I were to call in, I would request Titanium. I love David Guetta and that song is my jam…my lady jam," she said with a wink.
"I…would love to play that for you."
"Maybe we will hear it tonight. Treble House at 9, I will save you a dance," said Chloe and all Beca could do was smile and nod as she watched the redhead saunter away. She practically floated back to her room and Stacie smiled in amusement at the way her friend was grinning from ear to ear.
"Someone had a good shower. I am guessing they have detachable showerheads. Did you set it to pulse," she teased and Beca showed her middle finger.
"That's disgusting. I would never do that. It is a communal shower!"
"Oh if those shower walls could talk," teased Stacie.
"I am smiling because I met a hot girl who invited me to a party tonight. We have to go."
"I kind of wanted to go to the party Bree was talking about at the Treble House. I know you two are not the best of friends, but it sounded fun."
"Then you are in luck because that's the party Chloe will be at," said Beca as she put on her bra and a pair of boy shorts. Stacie's jaw dropped.
"Wait, your girl's name is Chloe? Please tell me it isn't the Chloe I think it is. You just got here and are already flirting in the shower with Bree's best friend? You dirty bird," laughed Stacie and Beca's eyes widened.
"Fuck," she exclaimed and ran over to her phone as Stacie frowned in confusion.
"Don't tell me you didn't know it was her. We saw pictures and Bree talked about her best friend and co-captain like an hour ago. How did you already forget?" Beca furiously typed on her phone as she pulled up Aubrey's Instagram account. She scrolled through until she found a picture of the friends and let out a string of profanity.
"Damn it! I mean I knew…but I didn't…I mean I recognized her….but didn't completely place her….and then I didn't…you know?"
"What the hell did you just say?" Beca groaned as she fell back on her bed.
"It's like the moment I saw her, my brain stopped functioning. Stace, she has these sexy as hell eyes, like pure sex, and I just couldn't focus on anything else but them. Shit, what am I going to do?"
"What do you mean? We are going to the party and if you are lucky, you will know by the end of the night if Chloe is a good kisser or not." Beca scoffed.
"First off, there is no way she isn't a good kisser, but that isn't the point. She is Aubrey's best friend."
"What's the big deal? She likes you and you obviously are into her."
"But it wouldn't be right. Bree and I aren't exactly on the best of the terms but I can't do that to her and what kind of friend would Chloe be if she did that to Aubrey? I don't even think she knows who I am!" Stacie crossed her arms.
"So what, Chloe is a shitty friend if she falls for Aubrey's sister? How does that make sense? You can't choose who you love, Bec."
"It is basic friend code. You can't date your best friend's siblings. It is just weird. If anything, they should be like your siblings too, which is why Derek and EJ are like my brothers."
"I thought they were like your brothers because you don't play for their team."
"You know what I mean."
"So are we going to the party tonight or not?" Beca sighed and glanced down at the picture of Chloe and Aubrey at a beach in Florida again. The baby blues staring back at her made her groan.
"Okay, yes, we are, but only so I can tell Chloe who I am and clear the air. Nothing more, nothing less," she said as Stacie smirked.
"Whatever you say, Bec." Beca walked over to her closet and began obsessively mulling over what outfit to wear as Stacie fell back onto her pillow. She and Beca had never spoken about the prospect of dating the other's sibling and deep down she knew it was because she was afraid of Beca's answer. Beca didn't believe in best friends dating a best friend's sibling and Stacie wasn't sure what to do with that information.
Aubrey stuffed her hands in her pockets as she entered the loud Treble House full of college students ready to party one last time before school started back up. Music pulsed through the rooms, alcohol flowed heavily, and people were laughing and dancing. She felt someone tap her shoulder and giggled when a classmate from her first semester pulled her in for a hug.
"Hey stranger, damn Bree, you are looking good. I love the tan."
"Thanks Lisa, Chloe and I spent the summer in Pensacola. How was your summer?"
"Pretty good, I spent it back in North Carolina with my family. Are you staying in the dorms again?"
"No, we decided to get a place off-campus this year."
"That's awesome. I hope to be a Delta soon."
"That's a great sorority. I hear rush week is grueling though." Lisa giggled and bumped her with her hip.
"Living in the sorority house will be worth it. I am glad you are here. Come on, I will get you a drink," she offered. Aubrey glanced down at her watch, knowing she was early since most of the Bellas agreed to meet at nine. She decided a drink wouldn't hurt after the day she had and followed Lisa into the kitchen. She frowned in confusion when Lisa continued walking toward a back hallway and opened a pantry. Lisa winked at her and showed her a bottle of Jack Daniels.
"Bumper puts the good stuff back here. You a Jack and Coke type of girl," she asked with a flirty wink that made Aubrey blush a bit.
"Um, sure, but just a little bit, I may have to be on puke watch tonight for the Bellas, so I can't get tipsy."
"Understood," giggled Lisa as she made them each a cup. Aubrey smiled appreciatively and grabbed the cup. She leaned against the wall as she took a sip and Lisa stepped closer to her.
"I am really glad we got to catch up, Bree. I was bummed when we didn't have a class together last semester. You know how much I enjoy your company," she said as she looked her up and down. Aubrey laughed and nodded. She and Lisa spent the entire semester in class upping the ante to see who could make the other blush the most with their flirting. She knew it wouldn't go anywhere, but decided she deserved some fun for the night by indulging a bit. She gave Lisa the smile she noticed tended to make women get flustered by her.
"It has been a while since I let someone enjoy my company," she teased and Lisa bit her lip as she leaned in closer.
"Tell me something, Bree. What's it like," she whispered and Aubrey arched an eyebrow at her with a teasing smile.
"What's what like?"
"You know, being with only women," she whispered and Aubrey giggled as she took a sip of her drink.
"Well, it depends on the woman I suppose. All lesbians aren't the same. We aren't a monolith." Lisa ran a finger over Aubrey's forearm before trailing down to her fingertips to trace their outlines.
"Like, don't get me wrong. I like guys a lot, but since that first semester, I have been curious about you. I just…I don't know…men don't really get me, you know? I guess I just wonder if it is a me thing or if there is something I am missing." Aubrey smirked.
"I find that a lot of men can barely keep it in their pants long enough to learn what a woman really wants, but women know what women like. There are some differences in preferences and the ins and outs, but we tend to be very in tune with one another. Like flirting, for example, men see it as a way to pounce and assert their dominance in order to lay claim in some mating ritual you will probably find on the Animal Channel, but women understand it is about more than foreplay. We want to be appreciated and teased in more ways than just the physical," she assured with a smile. They both jumped when someone cleared their throat behind them and Aubrey's eyes widened.
"Stace, what are you doing here," she asked as she took a step away from Lisa.
"Beca and I decided to see what a Barden party was like. Hi, I am Stacie and you are," she asked as she held her hand out to Lisa. Lisa shook it and glanced between Stacie and Aubrey, who were staring each other down.
"I am Lisa. Aubrey and I had a class together last year. How do you two know each other?"
"Stacie is my sister's best friend," said Aubrey, but she immediately regretted the words when hurt flashed across Stacie's face.
"Wow," said Stacie with a smirk before walking away and Aubrey sighed.
"Excuse me," said Aubrey before going after her and leaving Lisa confused. Stacie stepped out into the cool night air and took a deep breath as she sat down in a chair in the backyard. Aubrey grabbed a chair as well and sat down beside her.
"Where's Beca," asked Aubrey and Stacie shook her head in disbelief.
"That's your first question, really?" Aubrey looked down.
"I am just trying to figure out how long we have for this conversation, Stace." Stacie rolled her eyes.
"She's talking to your friends. We all walked in at the same time and when no one could find you, I offered to look. I didn't expect to find you hooking up with some random chick in a back hallway."
"We weren't hooking up, but yes I admit we were flirting. It is this stupid game we played when we would get bored in class. It never led to anything else though."
"Yea because flirting never leads anywhere. This is the second time I had to watch you flirt with someone and it is day one. It is like you are trying to hurt me or something."
"You know that isn't fair. I would never try to hurt you, Stace."
"Well you do a hell of a job shredding my heart for someone not even trying."
"Lisa and I were just flirting. It was a nice reprieve from the shitty day I had and last time I checked, I am a free woman." Stacie glared at her with tears in her eyes.
"You are such an ass sometimes. You know that, right?"
"I don't know what you want from me, Stace…"
"That is bullshit! I have never once given you mixed signals or made my intentions unclear, unlike you. I wasn't the one who ignored all the calls and text messages, the one that made me feel like I was nothing to you. I wasn't the one who refused to come home and acted like it was so damn easy to move on. That was you, Bree, not me."
"I told you not to wait for me!"
"It isn't that simple for me. It may have been for you, but not me. I can't just walk out like nothing happened, like I didn't give my heart to you."
"You really think any of this is simple? The past two years of my life have been anything but simple, Stacie. The divorce, leaving Beca behind, coming to Barden and feeling alone…"
"I love how I'm not even mentioned in your recap."
"Stacie…"
"You know Bree I've always had this version of you in my head. It stayed long after your falling out with Beca. I've always seen this girl trying to keep everyone together. Trying her hardest to not crumble under the pressure, which means sometimes she closes herself off out of fear of not being perfect. She is cold sometimes because she is terrified of the world swallowing her whole someday if they know how warm and amazing she is. No matter what happened between you and Beca or you and your mom or even us, I always made excuses for why you are the way you are, but no more."
"Stacie…"
"I am done trying to act like you don't mean to hurt me the way you do. I can only get stabbed in the heart by the same person so many times before it starts feeling pretty damn intentional. Go back to Lisa or one of the others. I don't care anymore." Stacie wiped her eyes and marched back into the house as Aubrey placed her face in her hands. She wanted to run after her, pull her into her arms, and tell her how much she loved her, tell her she was the only one she ever loved, but it had been a long day and she was tired of trying to pick up the fractured pieces. She took in a shaky breath as tears filled her eyes, but managed to regain enough composure to will them away. She walked back inside in search of her best friend, but frowned when she found her and the Bellas talking with Beca and Stacie. Before she could question what was going on, Bumper walked over to the group and whistled to get everyone's attention as the music stopped.
"Well look who we have here, the Bellas have graced us with their presence. I've been meaning to congratulate you on your fluke of a win last year. It won't happen again, so you might as well enjoy it," he said as the rest of the Treblemakers gathered around him.
"What do you want, Bumper? I am really not in the mood," said Aubrey as she crossed her arms.
"How about we have a little fun then? Maybe a….I don't know….a riff-off," he announced and the crowd cheered. Beca and Stacie frowned in confusion.
"What the hell is a riff-off," asked Beca and Chloe smiled at her.
"It's a challenge acapella groups do. The rules are simple. You must sing a song that's based off of the given category. If it doesn't match the category then the group is cut off and eliminated. Other groups can interrupt your song by starting a new song with the same word you left off on," explained Chloe.
"And the Bellas lose every time," added Bumper as the Treblemakers laughed.
"So what do you say Bellas, are you in or are you afraid you just don't have what it takes," challenged Donald. Before Aubrey could protest, Amy spoke up.
"We're in and you're going to get pitch slapped so hard, your man boobs are going to concave," she exclaimed. Aubrey groaned as the crowd cheered. All the Bellas huddled up and Beca and Stacie listened in as they curiously watched what was unfolding. Ashley bit her lip nervously.
"I am not so sure this is a good idea," she whispered.
"It feels like a setup," agreed Jessica and Aubrey huffed.
"Obviously it is and we walked right into it. I knew there was a reason they invited us. I wouldn't be surprised if they rehearsed all day for this. They want to embarrass us because they got embarrassed at Finals," said Aubrey.
"Then what do we do," asked Chloe and Aubrey rolled her eyes as everyone looked at her.
"Don't look at me! I didn't want to do this in the first place," she whispered.
"You're the captain," reminded Cynthia Rose.
"Co-captain, but okay, um, we just need to listen to each other and follow each other's lead. We got this," assured Aubrey as Chloe nodded in agreement. Bumper loudly cleared his throat as he walked into the middle of the circle.
"I am a gentleman so ladies first. The category is songs about sex," he said with a smug smile and Aubrey glared at him. Cynthia Rose nudged her and nodded before she began singing "S&M" by Rihanna and Beca smiled when Chloe joined in, dancing seductively with Cynthia Rose in a way that made the crowd cheer.
"Cause I may be bad, but I'm perfectly good at it. Sex in the air, I don't care I love the smell of it," sang Cynthia Rose and Aubrey arched an eyebrow at Chloe who was eyeing Beca as she sang.
"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but chains and whips excite me," sang Chloe and Stacie giggled at her friend's awestruck expression as the redhead danced seductively in front of her. Donald stepped in the middle to put the attention back on the Treblemakers.
"Sex baby, let's talk about you and me. Let's talk about all the good things and the bad things that may be. Let's talk about sex," he sang as the Treblemakers joined in. Stacie nudged Beca out of her Chloe-induced stupor.
"The Bellas look nervous. I think they need help and I might have a song," whispered Stacie and Beca gulped.
"You can't seriously want to join in right now," whispered Beca and Stacie shrugged.
"You heard them. The Bellas struggle with riff-offs. What better way to win brownie points with your girl than to help them win," she suggested and before Beca could argue that Chloe was not her girl, Stacie stepped in to cut off the Treblemakers. Aubrey's eyes widened and the rest of the Bellas were stunned. Aubrey knew Stacie could sing, but she didn't expect for her to actually do it in front of a crowd of people.
"Baby, all through the night, I'll make love to you," she began to sing as the crowd cheered her on. Beca noticed one of the Treblemakers about to cut in and felt a sudden urge to have her best friend's back in the battle.
"And I guess it's…" Began the Treblemaker to cut off Stacie and give the advantage back to his group, but Beca immediately cut him off. She didn't consider herself the best at rapping, but knew the faster the song, the less likely it was a Treblemaker could cut her off. Chloe's jaw dropped as Beca began rapping "No Diggity."
"It's going down. Fade to Blackstreet the homies got RB, collab' creations bump like acne. No doubt I put it down, never slouch. As long as my credit can vouch a dog couldn't catch me. Straight up tell me who could stop when Dre making moves. Attracting honeys like a magnet, giving them eargasms with my mellow accent," she rapped and Stacie began to dance with her best friend as she sang along.
"Shorty get down, good lord. Baby got 'em up open all over town. Strictly biz, she don't play around. Cover much ground, got game by the pound," sang Stacie and the Treblemakers knew they lost the moment Beca slapped Stacie on the butt and the crowd went wild. Aubrey looked around at the way the crowd was feeding off of them and the Bellas joined in on the song. The Bellas were able to beat the Treblemakers last year, but barely, and she was concerned about how to improve their performances since she used every trick in the old Bellas' playbooks to do so. Watching Beca and Stacie get the crowd riled up and the way the Bellas followed suit made her both intrigued as a captain and concerned as someone trying to keep her two worlds separate. The crowd cheered as the Bellas finished the song and the Treblemakers conceded the defeat. It was the first time the Bellas actually beat the group in a riff-off and Aubrey knew the Bellas weren't going to forget the reason why when they each hugged Beca and Stacie. Aubrey sighed when Stacie rolled her eyes at her and made her way through the crowd toward the exit. Beca was confused, but followed her friend out anyways. Cynthia Rose and Amy crossed their arms as they walked over to Aubrey.
"Care to tell us why your sister and her best friend are badasses, but you don't want them in our group," asked Cynthia Rose and Aubrey glanced over at Chloe. The ginger gave her a sympathetic smile, knowing the Bellas wanted answers Aubrey wasn't ready to give them.