STRONGER
Chapter 13

On Sunday, Beca moved out of the ICU into a 'regular room.' She also had her IV removed and her first semi-solid food since she was admitted to the hospital. She moaned with pleasure as she ate the lunch provided; well, as much pleasure as one could have while eating green jello and chicken broth.

"Would you like me to leave you alone?" Chloe asked, giggling.

"Shut up," Beca said, picking up another spoonful of jello. "It may look like jello and broth to you, but as far as I'm concerned, I'm chowing down on homemade lasagna and garlic bread."

"Oh," Chloe said, sighing. "It seems like so long ago that we had that meal. Too bad you're still here, or we could be celebrating the same way we did my birthday."

Beca blushed and choked on her jello. "You can't say things like that to me when I can't do anything about it."

"Hmm," Chloe hummed. "I guess you'll just have to get out of here soon so we can celebrate like that."

Beca blushed more and cleared her throat. "Don't you have a class you should be going to?"

"It's Sunday," Chloe replied, leaning over to kiss Beca. "Speaking of, I do have classes tomorrow, so I won't be able to come by until later in the day."

"Some of the Bellas said they'd be by tomorrow," Beca said. "I'll miss you, but I won't be lonely."

The Bellas did visit the next day. Stacie and Jessica were with Beca. Beca was tired and tried to stifle a yawn. She apologized to her guests.

"I can't believe how tired I am from just laying here," Beca sighed through another yawn.

"Maybe we should go so you can rest," Stacie said, standing.

"Thanks," Beca mumbled through another yawn. "And thanks again for cleaning the house for us. I know my mom appreciates it as much as I do."

"No thanks needed," Jessica said. "We'll see you later, okay?"

"See you later," Beca said, waving as Stacie and Jessica left.

They had been gone only a few minutes when Sarah came and stood in the doorway.

"Your father is here," Sarah said when Beca looked at her. "He wants to see you."

"Why?"

"He's already apologized to Chloe for what he did," Sarah said. "My guess is he wants to apologize to you, too."

"I'm not sure I'm ready to hear it," Beca said. "Or ready to forgive him."

"Can I at least tell him you'll think about talking to him?"

"Yeah," Beca responded. "But also tell him I'll reach out to him when I'm ready, okay?"

"That sounds fair," Sarah said.

"Thanks," Beca said. "Do you think you can ask the nurse for something to help me sleep? I feel exhausted but still wide awake at the same time."

"I'll ask the nurse to bring you something on my way out to talk to your dad," Sarah said and left the room.

Beca sighed and settled back on her bed. She was tired, so she closed her eyes, hoping sleep would come naturally.

A few minutes later, Chloe came in and, thinking Beca was asleep, quietly made her way over to the bed. She stood at the end and just watched Beca.

"Stop staring; it's creepy," Beca mumbled, causing Chloe to jump.

"Dammit, Beca," Chloe exclaimed, putting a hand on her chest. "You scared the hell out of me."

"I'm sorry," Beca said, laughing as she reached out to Chloe. "Come here.

Chloe slowly walked over to the side of the bed.

"I really am sorry for scaring you," Beca said, pulling Chloe to sit on the bed.

Chloe pecked Beca's lips. "I'm only accepting your apology because I was being slightly creepy. But, in my defense, I was listening to see if I could hear you snoring again."

"Excuse you," Beca gasped. "I do not snore!"

"Um, yeah, you do," Chloe said, giggling. "I heard you when you were still in the coma. I thought you were moaning because you were in pain, but the nurse pointed out that you were actually snoring. So, I listened, and she was right. You, my love, snore and are adorable when doing so."

Chloe leaned in again and kissed Beca. Then, she pulled back and laid her forehead against Beca's.

"I love you," Chloe whispered.

"I love you, too," Beca whispered.

"Beca?"

Hearing her name, Beca leaned back and looked over Chloe's shoulder to see her dad standing in the doorway to her room. Chloe looked back as well.

"What do you want?" Beca asked, not bothering to hide her irritation.

"I'll wait outside," Chloe said, starting to move from Beca's bed.

Beca grabbed her arm to stop her.

"No," Beca said. "Stay. Please?"

Chloe looked at Ben and then back to Beca.

"Are you sure?" Chloe asked.

Beca nodded, and Chloe moved to sit in the chair next to the bed.

"What do you want?" Beca asked again as Ben stepped further into the room. "I told mom to tell you I'd call you when I was ready to talk to you."

"She told me," Ben said. "But, I have to go to court tomorrow-"

"What?! We weren't notified about that," Beca interrupted, sitting up straighter. "I can't testify from the hospital."

"You won't need to testify," Ben said. "My, um, my lawyer worked out a plea deal where I'll plead guilty and be sentenced to 5 to 7 years in prison."

"Wow," Chloe muttered.

"Does mom know about this?" Beca asked.

"Not yet," Ben said. "I wanted to tell you first. I, uh, I also wanted to apologize to you. You're my daughter, and I should-" Ben stopped and cleared his throat. "I'm not going to lie, Beca. I still have a problem with homosexuality and you being gay, but you're my daughter, and I do love you and will support you no matter what. Chloe seems like a great girl, and I'm glad you found someone who loves you as much as she seems to."

"I do love her, Dr. Mitchell," Chloe said, looking at the man. "And I promise you; she will always know how I feel about her. I will never do anything to make her think otherwise."

Beca smiled at Chloe. "I love her, too, dad. And I plan to spend the rest of my life showing and telling her."

"I'm glad," Ben said. "And I am sorry for what I did, Beca. I know it's a lot to ask, but I'm hoping you'll let me be a part of your life. After I've served my time."

"I'll have to think about it," Beca responded honestly. "I understand a lot happened to you, and you were upset. But for you to take it out on me just because I'm gay? That's a bit hard to just get over. So just give me some time, and we'll see how it goes."

"That sounds fair," Ben said, nodding his head. "Thank you."

~Stronger~ ~Stronger~ ~Stronger~

The next morning, Charlotte came in with Chloe to visit Beca.

"Hey, Chloe," Beca said. "I wasn't expecting to see you until later."

"I'm going home tomorrow," Charlotte said. "And Chloe and I want to spend some time together before I leave."

"Don't you have classes tomorrow?" Beca asked, looking at Chloe.

"I do," Chloe said, shrugging. "My mom gave me permission to skip them."

"What?" Beca gasped and smiled. "I didn't realize you were such a rebel, Charlotte."

"Sorry, not sorry," Charlotte said, smiling as well. "I also wanted to see you before I left, so here we are."

"Um, I appreciate it," Beca said sincerely. "Thank you for being here. I know my mom appreciated having you around for all this."

"You're family," Charlotte said. "And we Beales will do anything for our family."

~Stronger~ ~Stronger~ ~Stronger~

About thirty minutes after Chloe and Charlotte left, Sarah entered Beca's room.

"Hey, mom," Beca said.

"So, um, your father told me about the plea deal," Sarah said.

"Oh, yeah, he told me yesterday," Beca said. "I'm glad he's taking responsibility for what he did."

Sarah furrowed her brows and asked, "Where's Chloe?"

"She took her mom back to her apartment. Charlotte's leaving tomorrow, and they wanted to spend time together before she left."

"Remind me to call Charlotte later," Sarah said. "I want to thank her-"

"Hey, short stuff," Fat Amy called out as she entered Beca's room.

Sarah chuckled as Beca glared at Amy and said, "Don't call me short stuff!"

"Sorry," Amy said, without remorse. "When are you getting out of here?"

"Hey, Beca," Jessica said as she and Ashley entered the room. "Hey, Mrs. Mitchell."

"Please, call me Sarah," Sarah said.

"Well, Sarah," Fat Amy said. "Is this one going home with you, or is she going to be shacking up with Big Red."

"Shacking up with who?" Sarah asked, looking at Beca.

"She means Chloe," Beca said. "Amy has a nickname for everyone. I think she does it because she can't remember our names."

Jessica and Ashley laughed.

"That hurts me, Beca," Fat Amy said. "I give you all nicknames out of love."

"So, when do you think you'll go home, Beca?" Jessica asked.

"Thursday," Beca responded.

"That's great news!" Ashley exclaimed.

"Yeah," Jessica said. "The Bellas aren't the same without you."

~Stronger~ ~Stronger~ ~Stronger~

Beca felt something wet running down her side and reached her hand back. There was blood on her hand when she brought it back around. She grimaced when she realized it was her blood. She then looked up to see Daniels standing in the doorway, holding his stomach with one hand and the knife with the other. He glared down at her and shouted, 'She's mine, and you can't have her!'"

"She was never yours and never will be!" Beca shouted back.

"I'm going to kill you and then show Chloe your lifeless body when she gets here," Daniels said, laughing maniacally as he moved toward Beca.

"No! I won't let you touch her!" Beca yelled just as the knife was coming down at her.

Beca sat straight up in bed, breathing heavily as tears ran down her cheeks. Her body was shaking as she looked around, fully expecting to see Roger Daniels standing over her.

"Fuck," Beca mumbled, running her hand through her hair and flopping back on her bed.

Beca lay still for a few minutes before sitting up again. She grabbed her phone from the bedside table; her hands were shaking so badly that she almost dropped it. She opened the recent text she had received from Chloe and typed a message.

[Beca 1:07 am] R u ok?

It was less than a minute later when her phone rang. Beca answered, but before she could say anything, she heard Chloe immediately asking if she were okay.

"Yeah, I'm okay," Beca said. "I, uh, I had a bad dream. And I just, um. I just needed to make sure you were okay. Are you?"

"I'm fine," Chloe said, yawning. "I promise. Want to talk about it?"

"I'm sorry I woke you," Beca whispered. "Go back to sleep."

"I won't be able to until I know you're okay," Chloe said, settling her back against the headboard. "Tell me about your dream."

"It's dumb," Beca said.

"Tell me anyway," Chloe said.

Beca sighed and looked around. Chloe waited quietly on the other end of the phone, knowing Beca would start talking when she was ready.

"I was dreaming about the day, um, the day Daniels attacked me."

"And?"

"And I didn't make it," Beca whispered as a tear ran down her face. "I was so scared because I knew if I didn't make it, he was coming after you next."

"Oh, baby," Chloe whispered. "You're still here, and so am I. Roger Daniels is dead and can't hurt or bother either of us again."

"I know," Beca said. "But, it reminded me of everything about that day. I didn't say anything before because I didn't want to go to jail, but I only thought about how I wanted him dead. I wanted him dead, Chloe, so I kept fighting to make sure that he didn't make it out of there alive."

At this point, Beca is sobbing. Chloe felt for Beca and wanted to be with her. She grabbed her clothes, tucked her phone between her neck and shoulder, and started dressing.

"I'm coming to the hospital," Chloe said.

"No," Beca said, her voice catching. "Don't, um, don't do that. It's late-"

"I don't care," Chloe said. "I need to make sure you're okay before I can even think about going back to sleep."

Beca sobbed and sniffled into the phone.

"I'm on my way," Chloe said, ending the call.

Twenty minutes later, Chloe ran into the hospital. She was stopped by a nurse just as she reached Beca's room.

"Can I help you?" the nurse asked, moving in front of Chloe to block her way. "Visiting hours are over."

"Um, I need to see Beca," Chloe said, trying to see into Beca's room. "She called and is upset because of a bad dream. I need to make sure she's okay."

"Let her go in, Tracy," said a nurse Chloe recognized as one Beca had in the ICU. "Beca is the girl that fought off this woman's stalker. Dr. Anderson has given Beca's mother and her girlfriend here permission to visit whenever Beca wanted or needed them to. I believe he made a note on her chart about it."

"Oh," nurse Tracy said, stepping aside to allow Chloe to pass. "I'm sorry, miss. Please go on in."

"Thank you," Chloe said and quietly slipped into Beca's room.

Her heart broke when she saw Beca sitting up, staring at the wall with tears streaming down her face.

"I'm here," Chloe whispered as she hurried over and sat on the edge of the bed.

Beca threw herself into Chloe's arms. Chloe held Beca and whispered soothing words in her ear.

After a minute or two, Beca sniffled and pulled back from Chloe.

"I'm sorry," Beca mumbled. "You didn't have to come."

"Hey, look at me," Chloe whispered. Beca looked at her. "I love you and am here for you no matter what. Don't ever forget that."

"I won't forget," Beca whispered, sniffling again. "And I love you, too."

~Stronger~ ~Stronger~ ~Stronger~

Later that morning, Sarah walked into Beca's room to find Beca wrapped up in Chloe's arms, sleeping soundly. Hearing Sarah enter the room, Chloe gently eased out of Beca's arms and went over to the woman. She stood next to Sarah with her arms crossed.

"Is she okay?" Sarah asked quietly. "Did something happen?"

"I think she's okay now," Chloe replied just as quietly. "She texted me about one this morning asking if I was okay. It worried me, so I called, and she was sobbing over a bad dream, so I came to make sure she was okay."

"Did she tell you about the dream?" Sarah asked.

"Yes," Chloe said, looking down at the floor. "It had to do with Roger Daniels attacking her. Only, in her dream, she, um, she didn't survive."

"Oh," Sarah said, looking over at Beca.

"As she spoke of it, she got more upset because, during the attack, she said all she could think about was how she wanted him dead," Chloe said. "Because if she didn't kill him, he would have come after me next."

Chloe wiped a tear from her eye and pushed a lock of hair behind her ear.

Sarah rubbed Chloe's back. "As much as I hate to say it, she's not wrong. I truly believe his death was the only outcome that will keep you safe."

"I know," Chloe said. "I just hate that it's because of me she's having to go through all this."

"You're not to blame for any of. . . this," Sarah said, waving her hand around the hospital room.

"A part of me thinks what you're saying is true," Chloe said, sighing as she continued to look down at the floor. "But another part of me thinks that you're wrong."

"You know what I think?" Sarah asked. Chloe looked up, shaking her head. "I think you both should talk to someone to help get you over these feelings of guilt you have."

"Chloe?" Beca called out, looking around.

Chloe and Sarah hurried over to Beca's bed.

"I'm here, baby," Chloe said as she sat on the edge of the bed.

"I'm here, too," Sarah said, causing Beca to look at her. "How are you feeling?"

"Tired," Beca said. "But I am feeling better since Chloe showed up."

Sarah smiled. "Do you want to talk about your dream?"

"You told her about that?" Beca asked, looking at Chloe.

"She's your mother, Beca," Chloe explained. "I had to tell her."

"Beca," Sarah said, getting her attention. "I told Chloe, so now I'll tell you. I think you both need to talk to someone about all that's happened. If not, you'll have to find a way to quit beating yourselves up over something that you had no control over."

"I think she's right, babe," Chloe said. "I feel so guilty about you being put into the situation where you had to fight off my stalker. You almost died, Beca."

"But I didn't," Beca said, taking Chloe's hand.

"I know," Chloe said. "But I still feel like it's all my fault that you almost-."

Chloe stopped and let out a shaky breath.

"I've got an idea," Beca said, cupping Chloe's cheek. "How about we both talk to someone and figure out how to get past our guilt and everything associated with all this?"

"I think that's an excellent idea," Sarah said. "I can ask the doctor for some therapist recommendations and make an appointment for you. For both of you, if you want, Chloe."

"Okay," Chloe said, sniffling. "I'd like that."

Chloe's phone rang, and she looked at the caller ID.

"Shoot," Chloe said, standing as she answered the call. "Hey, mom."

"Chloe, where are you?" Charlotte asked. "I need to get to the airport."

"I'm on my way," Chloe said, rushing out of the room. "I'll be there in twenty minutes."

Beca and Sarah watched Chloe leave.

"What the hell was that about?" Beca asked, looking at her mother. Sarah shrugged and shook her head.

"Sorry," Chloe said, rushing back into the room. "I have to go. I left without telling my mom I was coming up here." Chloe ran over and kissed Beca. "I'll be back after I take my mom to the airport."

"Okay," Beca said. "Go. And be careful!"

Chloe then ran out of the room. Beca and Sarah smiled and shook their heads.

~Stronger~ ~Stronger~ ~Stronger~

The next day, Sarah picked Beca up from the hospital. Beca was glad to be leaving finally but had some trepidation about going back to the house where her attack occurred.

Her mind flashed scenes from the attack like a vacation slideshow; only there was no laughing and smiling happening. As each scene flashed in her mind, Beca would flinch and frown.

Beca knew her mother could tell something was up with her as she continued to glance over at Beca. Beca would smile a small smile at her and try to think of happier things like Chloe and getting back to some normalcy.

Sarah parked at the curb in front of the house. As soon as the car was turned off, Chloe was there, opening the car door for Beca.

"Welcome home, babe," Chloe said as she pulled Beca into a hug.

"Thanks," Beca mumbled against Chloe's shoulder.

Chloe pulled back and looked at her. "Are you okay?"

"I'm just tired," Beca said. "I think I'm going to lie down for a while."

"Um," Chloe said, looking from Beca to Sarah. "That might have to wait for a bit."

"Why?" Beca asked.

"Welcome home, Beca!" the Bellas screamed from the porch.

"That's why," Chloe said as Beca looked over her shoulder.

Beca smiled and took Chloe's hand. She led Chloe to the steps and up to the porch to join the girls. They grabbed both girls into a group hug.

"You guys are too much," Beca said, pulling back from the hug.

"We couldn't let our conquering hero come home without a celebration," Stacie said.

"Where's Aubrey?" Beca asked, looking around.

"She's in the kitchen," Sarah said.

Another image of the attack flashed through Beca's mind when she heard the word kitchen.

"Come on," Chloe said, opening the front door. "Let's get inside and get this party started."

The Bellas cheered, and Beca let herself be pushed into the house. As soon as they were inside, Chloe headed toward the kitchen.

"Brey's putting the finishing touches on lunch," Chloe said as the girls all made their way into the kitchen. "We're having a Mexican feast."

Beca's face paled, and she pulled Chloe to a stop. She took in a few deep breaths and let them out. She started shaking and gripped Chloe's hand tighter.

"Are you okay?" Chloe asked, looking at Beca.

"I, uh, I don't know," Beca whimpered, hiding her face in Chloe's shoulder. "I don't think I can go in there."

"That's okay," Chloe said, hugging Beca to her. "You don't have to. I'll fix you a plate and bring it out here for you, okay?"

"Okay," Beca said.

Chloe led Beca over to the couch and made sure she was comfortable.

"What would you like to drink?"

"Iced tea if we have it."

"We do," Chloe said.

She quickly kissed Beca and went into the kitchen.

"Where's Beca?" Aubrey asked when Chloe came in alone.

"She, uh, she didn't want to come in here," Chloe said. "I'm going to make her a plate, and we'll eat in the living room."

"That makes sense," Jessica said.

"We should have thought of that," Ashley added.

"Let's all eat in the living room," Stacie suggested. "If that's alright with you, Sarah."

"I think that's a great idea," Sarah said.

The girls picked up their plates and made their way to the living room. Chloe picked up a plate and stood looking at the frood.

Sarah noticed Chloe looking from the food to the kitchen door.

"I'll make a plate for Beca," Sarah said. "You get yours and go join Beca and the girls."

"Thank you," Chloe said and quickly made her plate.

Jessica was coming in just as Chloe was leaving the kitchen.

"Chloe?" Jessica said, stopping Chloe. "I'm getting drinks. What would you and Beca like?"

"Iced tea, please," Chloe said.

Chloe then hurried out of the kitchen and made her way over to Beca.

"You're mom's making your plate," Chloe said as she sat next to Beca.

Beca took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "My mom told me on the way home that she made an appointment for me to see a therapist."

"I know," Chloe said. "I have one, too."

"That's good," Beca said, pushing a lock of hair behind her ear. "I think the first thing I'll have to work on is being able to go into the kitchen without having a panic attack."

"Oh," Chloe said, looking toward the kitchen as Jessica and Sarah walked out. "I hadn't thought about how you'd feel coming back here. You know, if you want, you can-"

"Here you go, ladies," Jessica said as she set their drinks on the coffee table.

Sarah set Beca's plate on the table as well.

"Thank you," Beca said to both women.

Everyone started eating and complimenting Aubrey on the food.

"Thank Sarah," Aubrey said. "She made everything. All I did was help Chloe keep an eye on it while Sarah went to the hospital to get Beca."

After everyone thanked Sarah for such a good meal, she excused herself and went into the kitchen.

"I'll be right back," Chloe told Beca before following Sarah into the kitchen.

"Did you need something, Chloe?" Sarah asked.

"Um, sort of," Chloe said. "Beca said something about having the therapist work on getting her over the fear of coming into the kitchen, and I was wondering if you'd be okay with her staying with me for a little while? At least until she's actually talked to the therapist."

"Hmm," Sarah hummed as she thought about it. "I trust you to take care of her as well as I would, so I'm okay with it if she is."

"Great!" Chloe exclaimed. "I'll ask her about it after everyone leaves."

Sarah chuckled as Chloe literally skipped out of the kitchen.

~Stronger~ ~Stronger~ ~Stronger~

Later that day, everyone had left the Mitchells' house except Aubrey and Chloe. The two Bellas' Captains were having a private conversation. A conversation that Aubrey started, much to Chloe's surprise.

Their conversation ended, and Aubrey turned to Beca.

"Beca?" Aubrey said, causing Beca to turn to her. "Chloe and I were talking, and we would like to invite you to stay with us for a bit. Do you think that's something you'd like to do?"

"Yeah, Beca," Chloe said. "Stay with us. At least until you can work out some of your anxiety about being here."

Beca looked at her mom. "Mom? Is it okay with you if I stay with Chloe? And, um, Aubrey?"

"I think it's an excellent idea," Sarah said. "And you should take them up on it."

"Okay, then," Beca said. "Thank you both for doing that for me."

"Come on," Chloe said, grabbing Beca's hand. "I'll help you pack some of your stuff."

Chloe led Beca up the stairs. Sarah watched them leave and then looked over at Aubrey.

"I'll be happy to help with any expenses while Beca is staying with you," Sarah said.

"Thank you," Aubrey said, smiling. "But I have a feeling that once those two are living together, Beca may never move back here."

Sarah smiled. "I have a feeling you might be right."

A/N: That's the last regular chapter. I plan to have an Epilogue set a few years down the road, but that won't happen until after Spookfest 2022. Thanks for reading!