STRONGER
Chapter 2

"Whoa," Chloe said. "I'm going to need to hear that story. Spill it!"

"Nope," Beca said. "That's not the game. So, tell me a secret of yours; something no one else knows."

"I can't tell you," Chloe said. "It involves someone you will meet, and we swore never to speak of it."

Beca sat up and looked at Chloe.

"Really?" Beca said, intrigued. "I am definitely going to have to find out what you're hiding."

Chloe just smiled at Beca; Beca took her glass and sipped some more wine.

"My turn to ask," Beca said. "When did you lose your virginity?"

"Boy or girl?" Chloe asked, sipping more wine.

"Um, both," Beca said.

"Guy, sixteen," Chloe said. "It was okay, but not very satisfying for me. The second time, with a different guy, was so much better. For the girl, I was seventeen. It was really good, and that's when I knew I liked men and women. My turn to ask; same question."

"I was fifteen for both," Beca said. "It was also gross. Well, at least with the guy it was."

"Okay, no fair," Chloe whined. "Now you have to tell me the story about the party."

"Um, no," Beca said, laughing. "I'm just going to tease you with it all night. Your turn to ask."

"I don't want to play anymore," Chloe said, covering a yawn. "I want to go to sleep."

"Okay," Beca said. "Do you have a blanket and pillow I can use?"

"Why?" Chloe asked. "You can sleep in the guest room. No, wait, that's where my mom stayed, and I don't feel like changing the sheets. You can sleep in Aubrey's room."

"I don't feel right doing that," Beca said. "I'll just sleep on the couch."

"Don't be silly," Chloe said, grabbing Beca by the hand and leading her toward the bedrooms.

"I need my bag," Beca said, turning to get her duffel bag she left by the door.

Beca got her bag and followed Chloe to Aubrey's room. She opened the door and stepped back so Beca could enter.

"Are you sure this is okay?" Beca asked as she stood in the middle of the room.

"Of course, I'm sure," Chloe said. "Goodnight, Beca."

"Okay," Beca said. "Goodnight, Chloe."

Chloe closed the door and went to her room. She opened the door slowly and flipped the light switch on before she looked around the room. She checked every inch of the room she could see from the door before she felt comfortable enough to enter. She let out a breath and got ready for bed. Chloe laid stiffly under the blankets and continually looked around the room. Her eyes glanced up at the window, and she stared at it for a few minutes. She slowly got out of bed and walked over to check to make sure it was locked. They were on the 8th floor, and there was no way anyone could get in, but she checked anyway. She got back into bed and lay there until she finally fell asleep.

Beca had changed into her sleep shorts and a tank before climbing into bed. She fell asleep fairly quickly. She had been asleep for a couple of hours when something woke her up. She sat up and listened but didn't hear anything. Her mouth was dry, so she got up and went into the hallway bathroom to get some water. She decided to brush her teeth because she had forgotten to do it before she went to bed. After taking care of everything, she left the bathroom and was startled by what sounded like a scream.

"Chloe?" Beca said and hurried to the girl's bedroom.

Beca knocked on the door, calling Chloe's name. She heard another muffled scream and rushed into the room. She found the light switch and flipped it on.

Chloe was in her bed, thrashing about like someone was attacking her. Beca ran over to the bed and tried to grab Chloe's arms. She managed to grab them both and pull Chloe to her.

"Chloe!" Beca shouted. "Wake up. You're okay. It's Beca. You're safe in your own bed. Just open your eyes. Can you do that for me? Just open your eyes."

Chloe struggled a little more, and then her eyes popped open. She was staring right into Beca's eyes.

"Hey," Beca said calmly. "You okay?"

Chloe swallowed, and tears fell from her eyes. She slowly nodded her head and stared down at the bed.

"I'm sorry," Chloe whispered.

"It's okay," Beca said, releasing her. "Do you want to talk about it?"

Chloe shook her head no. Beca let go of Chloe and got off the bed.

"Okay," Beca said. "If you change your mind, you know where to find me."

Beca started to leave the room.

"Wait!" Chloe said, reaching out for Beca. "Could you stay here with me? Please?"

Beca looked back at Chloe and could see the fear and vulnerability in Chloe's eyes.

"Okay," Beca said. "I'll stay until you fall asleep."

"Thank you," Chloe said quietly.

"I'm just going to turn off the light first," Beca said. She turned off the light and made her way to the bed.

Beca climbed onto the bed and lay next to Chloe. Chloe laid back down and fixed the blankets over them. She moved closer to Beca and put her head on Beca's shoulder and an arm over her stomach. Beca lay rigid but finally relaxed when Chloe sighed and seemed to be falling asleep. Beca lay there for a few minutes to ensure the older girl was asleep before she tried to remove herself. She thought she could go back to her room, but as soon as she moved, Chloe grabbed onto her shirt and snuggled closer. Beca let out a breath and decided to just go with it. She tightened her hold on Chloe and kissed the top of her head. It wasn't long before she, too, fell asleep.

~Stronger~ ~Stronger~ ~Stronger~

Beca woke the next morning when she felt movement beside her. She tightened her hold around whoever it was and heard a soft sigh. She opened her eyes to find a field of red in her vision. She moved her head back and realized that sometime during the night, she and Chloe had moved in their sleep, and she was now the big spoon to Chloe's little spoon. Beca had to admit it was really nice holding Chloe like that.

Beca was trying to figure out how she could get out of bed without disturbing Chloe. She felt Chloe shift slightly and sigh as she snuggled back into Beca. While her mind was coming up with reasonable scenarios to move, Chloe's eyes suddenly flew open, and she jerked herself away from whoever was holding her. She wasn't aware of how close to the edge of the bed she was and fell off the bed and onto the floor. Before Beca could move, Chloe had jumped up and was looking around, panicked and breathing fast. Beca quickly jumped up and went to Chloe's side.

"It's okay, Chloe," Beca said, taking Chloe's hand and putting it on her chest. "Just slow down your breathing and breathe with me. Take a deep breath in and hold it. Now let it out slowly. Do it again. That's it."

Chloe did what Beca said and was breathing better in just a few seconds, although she stood there rigid and unmoving. Eyes seemingly unfocused.

"Chloe?" Beca said, lightly holding the girl's hand. "Are you okay?"

Chloe lifted her head and looked at Beca.

"I'm sorry," Chloe said softly. "I just, you, we. I got scared because I thought you were. I mean, I didn't know who was holding me."

"Yeah, sorry about that," Beca said, blushing profusely. "I guess we shifted in our sleep."

"No, that's okay," Chloe said. "It actually felt kind of nice until I freaked out. I'm really sorry about that."

"How about I make us a nice breakfast," Beca said. "You get changed, and I'll throw something together. Okay?"

"I thought you wanted to go for a run," Chloe said.

"I do," Beca said. "But, I don't like running on a full stomach. I can do it later. I don't want to leave you alone right now."

"Would you mind if I ran with you?" Chloe asked. "I like to run when I need to clear my head, you know?"

"Same for me," Beca said. "And, I don't mind if you want to tag along. I'll make us breakfast when we get back."

"Great," Chloe said.

The two girls changed and met back up a few minutes later. Beca couldn't help staring at the redhead. She was wearing black running shorts that just did cover her ass and really showed off her legs. She also wore a matching black tank top with a pink sports bra, fluorescent pink running shoes, and a black armband holding her phone. Her earbuds were hanging around her neck. Beca shook her head and looked away before Chloe could catch her staring.

"Ready?" Chloe asked.

"Yep," Beca said.

Chloe grabbed her keys and wallet and stuck them in her shorts. The two girls headed out. As they exited the building, Chloe stopped and looked at Beca.

"There are trails that lead to Barden and some that circle around the lake," Chloe told her. "Any preferences?"

"Um, how about one that leads to Barden?" Beca said. "In case I want to come over and don't want to drive."

"Okay," Chloe said. "Follow me."

Both girls put their earbuds in and headed off. Chloe led Beca to a trail, and they started running side by side. They reached the grounds of the campus in just a few minutes. They had been running for about thirty minutes, and Chloe had led Beca to the campus and around most of the outer trails.

Beca found herself keeping pace with Chloe but noticed that Chloe would occasionally speed up. Beca easily caught up with her. Beca realized Chloe was probably speeding up when a fast song was playing on her phone. Beca laughed to herself and smiled. She didn't notice Chloe was looking at her until she grabbed Beca's arm to stop her.

"What's got you all smiley?" Chloe asked, taking her earbuds out.

"What?" Beca asked as she also took her earbuds out.

"I said," Chloe said. "What's got you all smiley? Care to share with the class?"

Beca let out a small laugh as she used her shirt to wipe her face. Chloe took the opportunity to check out Beca's abs.

"Hmmm, not bad," Chloe hummed to herself.

"I noticed that sometimes you'd pick up the pace," Beca said. "I just now realized it's because the song you were listening to was probably a faster or more upbeat song."

"Oh, sorry," Chloe said with a laugh. "I kind of do that without thinking."

"It's okay," Beca said. "It's not like I can't keep up."

"Is that a challenge?" Chloe asked with a grin. "Because I can go faster."

"I think I can hold my own against you," Beca said with a toothy grin.

"Really," Chloe said. "Wanna race?"

"Are you sure you want to do that?" Beca said with a raised brow.

"Oh, I'm sure I'm going to kick your ass," Chloe said with a challenging smirk.

"You're on," Beca said. "But, let's make it interesting."

"I'm listening," Chloe said.

"Loser has to buy dinner," Beca said. "Not just takeout, but a real dinner in a real sit-down restaurant."

"You're on," Chloe said. "And, be prepared because I have expensive tests."

"The rules are simple," Beca said. "First one to make it back to the front door of your building wins. I'll even let you count to three to start us off."

"Ready?" Chloe asked.

Beca turned to face the direction she needed to run. She smirked at Chloe and raised an eyebrow.

"1-2-3, go!" Chloe said.

Beca and Chloe both took off. Beca put her earbuds in as she ran and managed to keep pace with Chloe. The lead went back and forth, and they came to the edge of the parking lot with Beca slightly in the lead. She suddenly heard what sounded like someone falling, and looked over her shoulder to see Chloe lying on the ground. She pulled her earbuds out and ran back to Chloe.

"Are you okay?" she asked as she skidded to a stop and dropped to one knee by Chloe.

Chloe sat up and suddenly pushed Beca over as she jumped up and started running, laughing as she ran.

"You're so easy, Mitchell," she yelled over her shoulder.

By the time Beca came to her senses and got up, Chloe was halfway across the parking lot. Beca managed to get close but still lost as Chloe made it to the front door about 2 feet in front of her.

"You so cheated," Beca said, gasping for breath when she reached Chloe.

Chloe just laughed and opened the door to enter the building. She hit the elevator button as Beca came up beside her.

"You. Are. A. Cheater," Beca said, poking Chloe's shoulder with each word.

"Not a cheater," Chloe said. "I really did trip. I just used your concern for my well-being to my advantage."

"There will be a rematch," Beca said as they entered the elevator.

"Any time, Mitchell," Chloe said with a laugh.

~Stronger~ ~Stronger~ ~Stronger~

Later that day, Beca and Chloe are sitting out on the balcony. Chloe was reading chapters that she needed for her first day of class while Beca had her headphones on as she worked on a song mix on her laptop. Chloe threw her reading glasses on top of the pages and rubbed her eyes. Beca saw this and watched Chloe through hooded lids. Chloe stretched her arms over her head, and Beca couldn't help but glance at the exposed skin of Chloe's abs when her shirt was pulled up by the movement.

Beca moved her eyes back to her computer screen. She felt the hint of a blush on her cheeks, and a small smile came to her face. She needed to be careful because it would be so easy to fall for Chloe. She suddenly noticed Chloe waving at her, and she turned down the volume and removed her headphones.

"Can I help you?" Beca asked, looking at Chloe.

"I'm getting hungry," Chloe said, smiling. "And you owe me dinner."

"Well, you did say you had expensive tastes," Beca said. "So, where did you want to go?"

"I'm a college student on a limited budget," Chloe said with a shrug. "Any place that's not the campus dining hall is expensive enough for me."

"Do you like Mexican food?" Beca asked.

"I love Mexican food," Chloe said.

"Cool," Beca told her with a smile. "I know just the place."

"Please tell me you're not taking me to Taco Bell," Chloe said. "That is definitely not a step up from the campus dining hall."

"Do not disrespect the Bell," Beca said with a glare. "And, no, we're not going there."

Beca and Chloe decided to freshen up and change before heading out. Beca sees Chloe stop at her bedroom door and look inside before she enters. Beca wondered what that was all about.

The girls change and go down to Beca's car. Beca drove them to a small Mexican restaurant on the other side of Barden's campus.

"I've driven by here hundreds of times and never noticed this place," Chloe said as they got out of the car.

"This is one of my mom's favorite places," Beca said as they walked to the entrance.

They got to the door, and Beca opened it and waved Chloe through. Beca asked for a table for two when she heard her name being called.

"It's my mom," Beca said, looking over. "Great. She's here with my dad."

"I would suggest we leave," Chloe said. "But, we've already been seen."

Beca sighed and walked over to the table her parents were sitting.

"Hey, mom," Beca said, hugging the woman. "Dad."

"Beca," Ben Mitchell said. "Are you here on a date?"

"No," Beca said. "That's Chloe. The friend I'm staying with."

"Why don't you and Chloe join us?" Sarah said. "We haven't ordered yet."

Beca looked at her and couldn't think of a reason not to join them.

"Let me check with Chloe to make sure it's okay," Beca said.

Beca walked back over to Chloe. The hostess is ready to seat them when Beca asks her to hold on for a second.

"My mom asked us to join them," Beca said. "We don't have to if you're not comfortable."

"Your mom is nice," Chloe said. "And, you'll be there. I don't see why we can't join them if you want."

Beca turned to the hostess and let her know the change of plans. The hostess directed them to her parents' booth and gave them each a menu. Her mother had moved to the other side of the booth to sit next to her husband. Beca slid in first, putting her across from her father, leaving Chloe to sit across from Beca's mom.

"Chloe," Beca said. "You remember my mom. And this is my dad, Ben Mitchell."

"Nice to see you again, Mrs. Mitchell," Chloe said. "And, it's nice to meet you, Mr. Mitchell."

"Please call me Sarah," Sarah told Chloe.

"Nice to meet you," Ben said. "So, are you two dating now?"

"Dad," Beca hissed. "I already told you we're not on a date. If you must know, I lost a bet and whoever lost had to buy dinner."

"So, Chloe," Sarah said, trying to keep Beca and her dad from arguing. "Has Beca cooked for you yet? She's pretty good in the kitchen."

"Um, yes," Chloe said, looking up from her menu. "She made fettuccine alfredo last night."

"With chicken," Beca added with a grin.

"Right," Chloe said with a laugh. "With chicken."

"Ben, dear," Sarah said. "Are you going to get your usual quesadillas?"

"Of course," Ben said. "Shall we get some guacamole for the table? You like that, right, Beca?"

"I'm not a big fan of guacamole, dad," Beca responded.

"Since when?" Ben asked.

"Since always," Beca said. "I don't like avocados. And since guacamole is made from avocados, I don't like guacamole."

"What?" Ben asked as if this was new information to him. "You don't like it because I suggested it? Or is it because your girlfriend doesn't like it?"

"I already told you," Beca said through clenched teeth. "We're just friends."

Chloe put her hand on Beca's leg to calm her down. Sarah looked at her husband.

"Ben!" Sarah said, whispering loudly. "You said you wouldn't start anything. Beca has never liked avocados, so don't pretend like it's news to you. And, she's told you three times now that Chloe is a friend."

"Whatever," Ben said and tossed down his menu as he picked up his beer and took a large drink from it.

"I'm sorry," Sarah mouthed to Beca.

"What looks good to you, Chloe?" Beca asked, squeezing Chloe's hand.

"Everything looks good," Chloe said quietly. "What do you recommend?"

Just then, the waitress came to take Beca and Chloe's drink order.

"I'll have an iced tea, please," Chloe said.

"I'll have the same," Beca says. "Plus, could we get a bowl of queso and some more chips?"

"You got it," the waitress said, writing everything down. "I'll be right back with your drinks."

The waitress winked at Beca before she walked away. Her father sees this and makes a sound of disgust.

"Ben," Sarah said in a warning voice. "Don't."

"Don't what?" Ben snapped back at Sarah. "Stop acting like this lesbian phase she's going through is okay. It's not."

"Let's go," Beca said, pushing Chloe to let her out. Chloe stood, and Beca slid out to stand next to her.

"Sit down," Ben told Beca. "You're going to sit there and listen to me. This behavior is not acceptable, and I will no longer tolerate it."

Beca turned to her father with a tear running down her face.

"Screw you, Dad!" she spits out before she pushes past Chloe and rushes out the door; Chloe rushes after her.

"Beca!" Sarah called out.

"Get back here!" her father yelled, trying to get out of his seat.

Sarah Mitchell shoved her husband back in his seat and stood up.

"That's it," Sarah said. "I've had it with you. I want you and your stuff gone by the time I get home."

She ran after Beca and Chloe. Sarah caught up with the two girls at Beca's car. Beca was leaning her head against the top of the car, and Chloe was rubbing her back.

"Give me your keys," Sarah said as she reached them.

"What? Why?" Beca asked and turned to look at her mother.

"You are in no shape to drive, and I need a ride," Sarah said. "You don't mind if I hang out at your place for a while, do you, Chloe?"

"No, I don't mind," Chloe said. "And, I'll drive."

Beca wiped her eyes and handed Chloe the keys. She got into the backseat, and her mother climbed in beside her. Chloe got behind the wheel and started the car. Sarah grabbed Beca in a hug and held her while she cried. Chloe wiped a tear from her cheek and drove them to her apartment.

Once they reached Chloe's apartment, all three women were quiet as they rode the elevator to the 8th floor. Chloe opened the apartment door, and Beca immediately went out to the balcony. Sarah went to follow her and Chloe stopped her.

"May I?" Chloe asked.

Sarah nodded and sat down on the sofa where she could see Beca. Chloe went out and stood next to Beca at the balcony railing. She looked out over the view.

"Are you doing okay?" Chloe asked. "I know that's a pretty stupid question, but are you? Okay, I mean."

"Yeah," Beca said and wiped tears from her face. "I knew it was coming, but I didn't think it would be so public. I'm sorry you had to see that."

"Don't apologize," Chloe said. "I've had my fair share of ridicule when I came out as bi. People were like, 'make a choice,' 'you either like men or you like women.' Including my father. I'm not sure he really accepts it; I think he just ignores it. I haven't taken a girl home, so it's kind of become one of those things that no one speaks about. I have to say, though, that your dad sounded like he was gearing up for a much bigger tirade. I'm sorry for that."

"Me, too," Beca said with a small laugh. "At least my mom still loves me."

"She's pretty cool," Chloe said. "You're mom, and my mom are the same. They both love their daughters unconditionally." The two girls stood quietly for a few minutes before Chloe said, "I think your mom would feel better if you came back inside. We can order pizza or something and talk. Or just hang out."

Beca looked into the apartment and could see her mom watching her. She gave her mom a small smile.

"You're right," Beca said. "Let's go in and order pizza."

"You know I'm ordering the Hawaiian, right?" Chloe said with a big grin.

"That is just so gross," Beca said, crinkling up her nose.

"You okay?" Sarah asked as the two girls came into the living room.

"Yeah," Beca said and hugged her mom. "We're ordering pizza."

"Ooh," Sarah said as she pulled away from Beca. "Can we order a Hawaiian pizza? It has ham and pineapple. I had one not too long ago, and it was delicious."

"Ew," Beca said. "Not you, too."

"Am I missing something?" Sarah asks, looking between Beca and Chloe.

"Beca doesn't think fruit belongs on pizza," Chloe said with a laugh.

She pulled out her phone and looked at Beca.

"What kind do you want, Miss Pizza Snob?" Chloe asked Beca.

"Pepperoni for me," Beca said. "And, I am not a pizza snob. Just wouldn't desecrate the sanctity of a pizza by putting fruit on it."

The three women were sitting around chatting about nothing when Sarah's phone started ringing. She looked down at the caller ID and frowned.

"What do you want, Ben?" Sarah said, answering the phone.

"What time will you be home?" Ben asked. "We need to talk about Beca."

"I told you to be gone by the time I got there," Sarah said. "I meant it. I'll be home in an hour or so, and you and your stuff had better be gone."

"You can't mean that," Ben said.

"I do mean it," Sarah said. "If you are still there when I get home, I will call some of my Barden police friends and have you thrown out."

"You're kicking me out because of Beca?" Ben asked. "We need to get her in a facility that will help her see that the life she has chosen is sinful."

"Sinful?" Sarah says with a laugh. "Isn't adultery a sin? Because I know all about your so-called study sessions with your TA."

"That's. Um, I," Ben stuttered.

"Be gone when I get home," Sarah said. "Or else."

Sarah ended the call and threw her phone on the table

"Dad's cheating on you?" Beca gasped. "Why didn't you tell me about this?"

"I'm sorry you had to find out this way," Sarah said. "It's been happening for a while. And, as cliched as it may sound, I only stayed with him because of you. You already had a tenuous relationship with him, and I didn't want you hating him. I thought if we stayed together, I'd be able to help fix your relationship as well as his and mine. But, after tonight, it's obvious he isn't going to change his mind. I'm done with his cheating ways and the way he treats you. I'll talk to my lawyer and start the divorce proceedings." Her mother looked like she was going to cry. "I'm sorry, honey."

Beca pulled her mother into a hug. Both were crying and hadn't noticed that Chloe had gone into the kitchen to give them some privacy.

"What does this mean for me attending Barden?" Beca asked. "I get free tuition because dad's a professor."

"Don't worry about that," Sarah said. "I'll make it a stipulation in the divorce agreement. He'll agree to anything I want, or I'll make sure everyone knows about his cheating."

"After we have our pizza, do you want me to take you home?" Beca asked. "In case he's still there. I don't want you to be alone with him."

"That would be lovely," Sarah said.

"I'll see if Chloe wants to ride with us," Beca said. "She doesn't like to be alone in the apartment, especially at night."

"I know, and it's okay," Sarah said.

Beca walked into the kitchen to find Chloe putting away some glasses.

"Hey," Beca said. "After we eat, I'm going to take my mom home and thought you might like to ride along. I know you don't like staying here by yourself."

"Thank you," Chloe said. "I'd like to go if it wouldn't be any trouble."

"It's no trouble," Beca said.

The three women enjoyed the time they spent together whilst eating. Beca made a face whenever her mom or Chloe took a bit of pineapple from their pizza.

Sarah was feeling pretty good about everything and told Beca so. Beca drove Sarah home and was glad to see that her father wasn't there. She and Chloe walked her mom inside to make sure he was actually gone. Her mother found the house key her father left on the table by the door.

"I guess he got the hint," Beca told her mother. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," Sarah said. "I actually feel free for the first time in years. How about you two come over for dinner tomorrow night? To make up for all the drama from today."

"Sounds good," Beca said. "Chloe?"

"I'd like that," Chloe said. "I'll bring dessert. I make a killer cheesecake."

"Great," Sarah said. "Be here around six o'clock."

"Oh, can I invite my friend Aubrey?" Chloe asked. "She should arrive sometime before six."

"Sure," Sarah said. "I'd love to meet her."

"I guess we should get going," Beca said and hugged her mother. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"Love you," Sarah said, hugging Beca back.

"Love you, too," Beca said. "I'll spend tomorrow night here and fully move into my dorm on Monday."

"Thank you, sweetie," Sarah said. "I'd like that."

Beca and Chloe left to go back to the apartment. The ride was quiet, and Beca was lost in thought.

A/N: Thanks again to anotherbechloeshipper for being my beta. I've already said it once, but it bears repeating: she's awesome!