STRONGER
Chapter 4

"Mom, I'm home," Beca called out as she entered the house.

"In here," Sarah called out from the kitchen. Beca walked in to find her mother putting away some groceries. "I wasn't expecting you until dinner with Chloe."

"Her roommate, Aubrey, showed up early, so I thought I'd give them some time together," Beca said. "And, I thought I would make a nice Mexican dinner for us."

"Good," Sarah said. "I had the same idea, so I bought a bunch of stuff already. Check and see if we have everything you need."

"I know I want to make salsa," Beca said. "I can't decide if I want to have fajitas or enchiladas."

"Let's do fajitas," Sarah said. "We have all the ingredients to make chicken and beef."

"Works for me," Beca said.

~Stronger~ ~Stronger~ ~Stronger~

Beca and her mom were in the kitchen putting the final touches on dinner when there was a knock at the door. Beca smiled and said, "Chloe's here!" and ran to answer the door. Her mother laughed as she watched her daughter rush out of the kitchen.

"Hey," Beca said as she opened the door. "Welcome. Come on in."

"We brought dessert," Chloe said, handing it to Beca. "It's pumpkin cheesecake."

"My mom's favorite," Beca said. "Hey, Aubrey. I'm glad you could join us."

"Thanks for the invite," Aubrey said. "Chloe hasn't shut up about your culinary skills. It smells great."

Beca blushed slightly. "Come into the kitchen. Dinner is almost ready."

The three girls entered the kitchen. "Hey, mom, this is Aubrey Posen," Beca said. "Aubrey, this is my mom, Sarah Mitchell."

"It's nice to meet you, Mrs. Mitchell," Aubrey said.

"Please, call me Sarah," Sarah said. "And it's nice to meet you as well."

"Chloe and Aubrey brought dessert," Beca told her mom. "It's your favorite; pumpkin cheesecake."

"I do love pumpkin cheesecake," Sarah said. "Thank you, girls. How are you, Chloe?"

"I'm good, Sarah," Chloe said. "Can I help with anything?"

"No thanks," Beca said. "We're pretty much done. I just need to add the finishing touches."

"Everything smells amazing," Aubrey said, eyeing the salsa and chips on the counter. "May I?"

"Please, help yourself," Sarah said, pushing the bowls closer to Aubrey and Chloe.

Aubrey grabs a chip and dips it into the salsa. She takes a bite, and her eyes widen. "Oh, my gosh, this is delicious."

"Beca made it," Sarah said. "Oh, I almost forgot the guacamole." She went to the refrigerator and pulled out the guacamole, and placed it on the counter.

"I told you she was talented in the kitchen," Chloe said with a smile as she bit into a guacamole-covered chip. "Oh, my God. Brey, you have to taste this guacamole."

"Did you make this, too?" Aubrey asked Beca. At Beca's nod, Aubrey dipped a chip and tasted the guacamole. "Wow, this is really good. I can't wait to taste whatever else you made."

"We're having chicken and beef fajitas," Beca said. "With pico de gallo, Spanish rice, and corn on the cob with cilantro lime butter."

"Wow," was all Aubrey could say.

Beca finished cooking and set everything on the counter while Sarah got a few things out of the refrigerator. They started eating, and Beca found herself blushing throughout most of the meal from all the compliments Chloe and Aubrey kept giving her. She had to admit that some of the heat in her cheeks was also from the moaning sounds Chloe was making as she enjoyed the food. Beca kept stealing glances at the redhead and found herself engrossed in the way Chloe ate, spoke, just...was.

"I am so screwed," Beca thought to herself.

~Stronger~ ~Stronger~ ~Stronger~

Sarah and the girls were sitting in the living room after dinner, too full to have dessert quite yet.

"Beca, I have to admit," Aubrey said. "That was some of the best Mexican food I've ever had."

"Thank you," Beca said. "My mom taught me how to cook."

"I only taught her the basics," Sarah said. "She started finding recipes and making them on her own. I love getting in the kitchen with her. She's very creative once she has a recipe down."

Beca blushed and looked down at the floor.

"Well, I can't believe that someone who hates avocados can make guacamole like you made," Chloe said. "It is honestly the best guac I've ever had."

"Thank you," Beca said and smiled at the redhead.

"So, Aubrey," Sarah said. "What are your plans for after graduation?"

"I'm doing my pre-law here at Barden," Aubrey said. "I'm taking the LSAT in a couple of months and hope to get a high enough score to get into Harvard, Yale, Stanford, NYU, or Columbia."

"Wow," Sarah said. "That's quite impressive."

"Brey is super smart and is going to make a kickass lawyer," Chloe said.

"Are you looking to be a prosecutor or a defense attorney?" Beca asked. "Or something totally different?"

"Prosecutor," Aubrey said. "My dad is a DA, and I'd like to follow in his footsteps."

"I'm sure he's proud of you," Sarah said.

"He is," Aubrey said with a smile. "Although, he is hoping I'll move back home to North Carolina and follow in his footsteps and become District Attorney there."

"I'm guessing you have other aspirations?" Beca asked.

"I do," Aubrey said. "I'd really like to live in New York. Get an Assistant DA job and work my way up."

"Chloe, you said your major was education," Sarah said. "Do you want to teach elementary school or higher?"

"Well, I'm actually majoring in elementary education," Chloe said. "That way, I would be certified to teach up to like eighth grade. I do hope I can find a job teaching the lower grades like Kindergarten up to third grade. I don't think I want to teach preschool or anything above third grade. I want to get them young, so I can hopefully give them a head start on wanting to really learn."

"I think you'll make a great teacher," Beca said. "You're patient and kind, but also strong and no pushover."

"Thanks, Beca," Chloe said with a slight blush tinting her cheeks.

"And if none of that works," Beca said, holding back a smile. "Just use that pout on them. No one can deny you anything when you pull that baby out."

Aubrey let out a snort, and Chloe slapped her on the arm. "Sorry, Chloe, but she's got you pegged."

"Who's ready for dessert?" Sarah asked as she stood. "I've been dying to try it since you girls got here."

Everyone agreed they were ready for dessert, and Sarah went to the kitchen.

"I'm just going to see if I can help," Aubrey said. "Plus, I think I might want coffee."

"Coffee sounds good," Beca said and stood. "I'll ask my mom to make some."

"Sit," Aubrey said. "You did all the cooking. I'll help your mom and ask about the coffee."

Aubrey left and went to the kitchen. Chloe got up from the chair she was sitting in and sat next to Beca on the sofa.

"That dinner really was delicious, Beca," Chloe said. "Thanks for having Aubrey and me over."

"You're both welcome here anytime," Beca said. "I mean, I'll be living on campus, but any time I'm here, you're welcome. We have a pool, so maybe next time we can have a cookout and swim."

"I love that idea," Chloe said and kissed Beca on the cheek. "Thanks, Becs."

Beca blushed and touched her cheek where Chloe kissed her. It was only a kiss on the cheek, but it gave Beca butterflies in her stomach. She liked that she and Chloe were becoming friends, but now she wondered if maybe it could become more.

"Beca," Chloe said, shaking her arm.

"What?" Beca said. "I'm sorry."

"I called your name like three times," Chloe said with a teasing smile. "I didn't realize a kiss on the cheek from me would have that effect on you."

"You wish, Beale," Beca said as she felt her cheeks heating up. "I was just wondering if we had any whipped cream for the cheesecake. I can whip up some if we don't."

"Seriously?" Chloe said. "You can just whip up some whipped cream?"

"Yeah," Beca said with a shrug. "I told you there are no ends to my talents."

"Hey, can we hear some music?" Chloe asked.

"Sure," Beca said and stood. "Anything in particular you want to hear?"

"Surprise me," Chloe said.

"Okay," Beca replied. "I'll be right back. I need to get my laptop."

Beca rushed upstairs and grabbed her laptop, and hurried back downstairs. When she got back, Sarah and Aubrey were in the living room and passing out coffee and slices of cheesecake.

"Do we have whipped cream?" Beca asked.

"Of course," Sarah replied, holding up the can.

"Cool," Beca said. She placed her laptop on the tabletop and connected the speakers. She opened her laptop and pulled up a playlist, and hit start.

The music started, and Beca grabbed her coffee and fixed it how she liked it. She then took her cheesecake and added some whipped cream. She took a bite, and her eyes widened in amazement.

"Oh, my God, Chloe," Beca said. "This is really good."

"It really is," Sarah said.

"Thank you," Chloe said with a pleased smile.

"Who is this singing?" Aubrey asked. "I recognize the song but can't place the singer."

"It's Beca," Sarah said.

Chloe and Aubrey both looked at Beca just as she was bringing a bite of cheesecake to her mouth. She stopped before putting the bite into her mouth. "What?"

"This is you?" Chloe asked; Beca nodded. "You sound amazing."

"You definitely have to try out for the Bellas," Aubrey said.

"Chloe already beat you to it," Beca said. "I told her I'd be there."

"Wait," Aubrey said and leaned forward to listen. "Is this Titanium and Bulletproof mixed together? And you're singing both parts?"

"Yeah," Beca said. "It's kind of what I do."

"Beca's been making these mixes since she was like ten," Sarah said. "The only thing she wanted for Christmas that year was a mixing program. Since then, she's gotten a lot better and a bit more sophisticated."

"Wow," is all Chloe said.

"With your voice and the audition song," Aubrey said. "I don't think you'll have to worry too much about whether you make it into the Bellas."

"Audition song?" Beca asked.

"Oh, yeah, I forgot to mention that part," Chloe said. "You must have Kelly Clarkson's song Since U Been Gone prepared for auditions."

"Oh, um, okay," Beca said. "I think I can handle that."

The girls go back to eating their cheesecake and drinking their coffee. When they were done, they had heard about six of Beca's mixes, and Aubrey and Chloe were even more impressed.

Sarah looked at Beca and smiled; Beca knew what that smile meant.

"Mom, no."

"Come on, Beca," Sarah said. "I'm sure they'll love it."

"What are you talking about?" Aubrey asked.

"It's nothing," Beca said, looking down at the floor.

"It's not nothing," Sarah said. "You just have to see it. Please, Beca? For me?"

"Please, Beca," Chloe said and pulled out her pout.

"Oh, God," Beca said. "I so hate you both right now."

"But you're going to do it, right?" Aubrey said with a laugh.

"Yeah, I'm going to do it," Beca said.

"I'll get the cup," Sarah said and jumped up and ran into the kitchen. She returned carrying a plastic yellow cup and handed it to Beca.

Beca took the cup and stopped the music on her computer. She kneeled in front of the coffee table and placed the cup upside down in front of her. Chloe, Aubrey, and Sarah were all sitting forward, watching.

Beca clapped her hands and used the cup to tap out a beat.

I got my ticket for the long way 'round
Two bottle 'a whiskey for the way
And I sure would like some sweet company
And I'm leaving tomorrow, wha-do-ya say?

When I'm gone
When I'm gone
You're gonna miss me when I'm gone
You're gonna miss me by my hair
You're gonna miss me everywhere, oh
You're gonna miss me when I'm gone

I've got my ticket for the long way 'round
The one with the prettiest of views
It's got mountains, it's got rivers, it's got sights to give you shivers
But it sure would be prettier with you

When I'm gone
When I'm gone
You're gonna miss me when I'm gone
You're gonna miss me by my walk
You're gonna miss me by my talk, oh
You're gonna miss me when I'm gone

Beca slammed the cup down and looked around to see two awe-filled faces and a proud smile on her mother's face. Beca shook her head and laughed.

"Beca," Chloe said. "That was. . . amazing."

"It's no big deal," Beca said. "I learned the cup thing off a YouTube video, and the song fit so well with it, I left it the way it was."

"It's still amazing," Chloe said and gave her shoulder a little shove. "Learn to take a compliment."

"Thank you for showing us, Beca," Aubrey said. "And I hate to break up the party, but we need to get home. We have the Activities Fair tomorrow and need to get ready for it."

"Brey's right," Chloe said as they both stood. "Thank you both for having us. We had a really nice time."

After promising Chloe that she'd stop by the Bellas booth at the Activities Fair, Beca walked the two girls to the door. Chloe grabbed her in a hug and thanked her again. Once they were gone, Beca went to the living room to help her mom clean up.

"I think someone has a bit of a crush," Sarah said.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Beca said, blushing. "I do not have a crush on Chloe. We are just friends."

"I wasn't talking about you," Sarah said with a smile and carried the tray into the kitchen.

"Wait," Beca said, following her with the coffee cups. "Who are you talking about? Aubrey? Do you think she has a crush on Chloe?"

"No, my beautiful, sweet, oblivious daughter," Sarah said cupping Beca's cheek. "I'm talking about Chloe having a bit of an infatuation with you."

Beca blushed and stared at her mother.

~Stronger~ ~Stronger~ ~Stronger~

Beca didn't sleep well that night. Her mind kept going over what her mother had said about Chloe having a crush on her. She got up early the next morning and got everything she needed, and headed for her dorm. She put away the last few things and went to the Activities Fair in search of Chloe and Aubrey. She couldn't help the smile that came to her face when she saw Chloe.

"Hey, Beca," Chloe said.

"Hey, Chloe," Beca said. "Hi, Aubrey. I'm here to officially sign up to audition for the Barden Bellas."

"You're already signed up," Chloe said with a grin. She held up a clipboard with a sign-up sheet on it. "I just need your dorm name and room number to complete it."

Beca took the clipboard and saw her name was the first on the list. She added the blank info and handed the clipboard back to Chloe.

"I wanted to thank you and your mom again for dinner last night," Aubrey said. "We really enjoyed it."

"I'm glad," Beca said. "So, I guess I'll see you at auditions."

Beca turned to walk away and stopped when Chloe grabbed her arm.

"Wait," Chloe said. "Wanna get coffee later? I should be done here around four o'clock. We could just meet at the coffee shop near your dorm."

"Sure," Beca said. "Just text me when you're on your way. I'll probably just be in my dorm pretending to read my class syllabuses."

Chloe smiled. "Okay, see you later."

"Bye, Aubrey," Beca said with a small wave.

Chloe watched Beca walk away with a smile on her face.

"You need to ask that girl out," Aubrey said, nudging Chloe.

"I'm thinking about it," Chloe mumbled. "I just don't want to mess up what we already have. She's become a really good friend in just a few days."

"I think she likes you, too," Aubrey told her. "She's a bit alternative for my tastes, but I can see she cares about you. I don't think you'll mess anything up. But, if you two do start going out, I don't want it to interfere with the Bellas. Our goal is to get the ICCAs, and we can't let anything distract us. Even new girlfriends."

Chloe didn't say anything but stood there thinking about what it would be like to actually date Beca Mitchell. The thought brought a huge smile to her face.

~Stronger~ ~Stronger~ ~Stronger~

Chloe texted Beca, and Beca made her way to the coffee shop. She arrived close to 4:30 and had to wait for Chloe. While sitting there, she started thinking about whether she should ask Chloe out. She thought about what her mom said about Chloe liking her and hoped she was right. She was deep in thought when she was suddenly brought out of it when someone grabbed her hand.

"Hey," Chloe said and released Beca's hand. "What had you so lost in thought?"

"I'm sorry," Beca said. "I was just thinking about all that's happened over the past few days."

The waitress came by, and they placed their orders. Beca looked at Chloe and smiled.

"What?" Chloe asked.

"Nothing," Beca said and shook her head. "I mean, it's not nothing. I was just thinking again about how we became friends so fast. I don't usually let people in quite so easily. But you somehow managed to get past the walls I've built up in just a few days."

"That's because I'm awesome," Chloe said with a wink.

"Yeah, I think it's your humbleness that attracted me most," Beca shot back with a laugh.

"Oh, you love it," Chloe said.

Beca laughed and sipped at her coffee. "So, did you get many girls to sign up to audition?"

"Just a few," Chloe said. "I had to convince Aubrey to sign-up a couple of them because they didn't fit her description of a true Bella."

"What is she looking for?" Beca asked.

"Eight hot girls with bikini-ready bodies," Chloe said. "Her words, not mine."

"Wow, um, okay," Beca said. "I'm surprised she wanted me to audition."

"She couldn't not want you to audition after hearing you sing," Chloe said. "Besides, you definitely fit Aubrey's description of an ideal Bella, so no worries there."

"Um," Beca said and blushed.

"You're so easy, Mitchell," Chloe said and laughed.

"Ha-ha," Beca said and laughed.

"Before I forget," Chloe said. "Since Aubrey and I both know you can sing, don't make any plans for the night after auditions."

"Why?" Beca asked. "What's happening then?"

"It's Hood Night when we have the ceremony to bring on the new Bellas," Chloe responded. "It's a Friday, and then we'll have our first Bellas practice on Saturday morning."

"Does that mean I can skip the auditions?" Beca asked.

"Nope," was all Chloe said.

~Stronger~ ~Stronger~ ~Stronger~

Thirty minutes later, Beca and Chloe were still sitting in the coffee shop when Chloe's phone pinged.

"Excuse me," Chloe said to Beca as she pulled out her phone. "Oh, shoot."

"What's wrong?"

"Brey's got a date tonight," Chloe said. "That means she won't be home until late."

Beca watched as Chloe became anxious. She knew how Chloe felt about going home to an empty apartment.

"I have an idea," Beca said. "I don't have anything to do this evening, so how about we hang out at your apartment? I can cook us something for dinner, and then I'll stay until Aubrey gets home. I'll even bring a change of clothes in case she doesn't come home until really late."

"I'd like that," Chloe said, feeling instantly relieved. "I'd like that a lot."

"Great," Beca said. "Can you take me to my mom's so I can get my car? That way, you won't have to drive me to my dorm when Aubrey gets home."

"Sure," Chloe said.

"Okay," Beca said. "What are you in the mood for? Do we need to get groceries?"

"Do you know how to make stuffed shells?" Chloe asked.

"I do."

"Great. I have all the stuff to make it, so we can go get your car if you're ready."

"Great. Let's go."

~Stronger~ ~Stronger~ ~Stronger~

"That was really good, Beca," Chloe said as they cleaned up after dinner. "I think I told you that I didn't have a favorite meal, but now I do."

"The stuffed shells were that good?"

"Oh, no," Chloe said. "No, I mean they were. What I meant was that any meal you cook is now my favorite."

Beca blushed and laughed.

"I just had an idea," Chloe said. "Let's grab our drinks and go into the living room."

"Okay," Beca said and grabbed her drink. Once they were sitting, Beca asked, "What's your idea?"

Chloe looked at Beca. "My birthday is just after Thanksgiving, and I was wondering if maybe you'd cook for me? You know, for my birthday."

"Um, sure," Beca said. "Hey, why don't we make it a dinner party? We can have it at my mom's and invite the new Bellas over. Get to know each other kind of thing. And, I'll cook whatever you want, and maybe I'll even make you a cake."

"Can we do it here?" Chloe asked. "I love your mom, but I'll want to have wine. And we're in college, so I know the other girls will probably want to have beer as well."

"Sure," Beca said. "I can work with that."

"Oh, and maybe after dinner we can go to a club," Chloe said, getting excited. "I love to dance."

"Oh, um, can we do that?" Beca asked. "I mean, will everyone be old enough to get into the clubs?"

"There's a really fun club just off campus," Chloe said. "They allow people under 21 in. They give you special wristbands so the bartenders know if you're legal to drink or not."

"Oh, well, that sounds good," Beca said. "I'm in."

Chloe held her glass up to Beca's, and they clinked them together before taking a sip.

~Stronger~ ~Stronger~ ~Stronger~

Beca and Chloe were laughing and chatting when Aubrey came home.

"Hey, Brey," Chloe said as the blonde entered the apartment.

"Hey," Aubrey said. "Oh, hi, Beca. I didn't know you were going to be here."

"Oh, yeah," Beca said. "I was with Chloe when she found out you were going to be out, so I offered to cook dinner for her."

"She made stuffed shells, and they were amazing."

"That's nice," Aubrey said. "I hope you saved the leftovers."

"I did," Chloe said.

Beca stood and stretched. "I better go. It is kind of late, and I'm sure you'll want to get the dirt on Aubrey's date."

"Why don't you stay?" Chloe asked. "It is late, and you did have two glasses of wine."

"She's right, Beca," Aubrey said. "I don't like the idea of you driving now."

"Well, I did bring an overnight bag," Beca said. "Just in case you didn't get home until really late. I just need to go down to the car and get it."

Beca left the apartment and was back less than ten minutes later. Aubrey let her in when she knocked. Beca entered and set her bag by the door. She and Aubrey walked over to the sofa where Aubrey sat next to Chloe; Beca took the chair across from them.

"Chloe was just telling me about the plans for her birthday dinner party," Aubrey said. "Thank you for agreeing to do that for her."

"You only turn twenty-one once," Beca said with a shrug. "And the girl likes to eat. Preparing food for her was a no-brainer."

Aubrey chuckled at the "Hey!" Chloe threw out at Beca.

"I work hard to be able to eat well and still look like this," Chloe said, waving her hand around her body.

Beca blushed slightly and cleared her throat. "So, um, how was your date, Aubrey?"

"It was okay," Aubrey said. "He was nice, but I've got too much on my plate this year to really worry too much about a relationship."

"I respect that," Beca said. "But you still need to find some time to relax and blow off steam."

"Brey's the most focused person I know," Chloe said with a grin. "If it's not on her To-Do list, it's not happening."

"I know how to relax and have fun," Aubrey said. "I just know when it's time to buckle down and when it's time to let loose."

Beca yawned. "I'm sorry," she said. "It's been a long day. I think I'm going to turn in, if that's okay?"

"That's fine," Aubrey said. "Thanks for keeping Chloe company tonight."

"No thanks needed," Beca said. "Goodnight."

Chloe and Aubrey both threw out a 'goodnight' to Beca. Beca picked up her bag and headed for the guest room.

Once she was out of sight, Aubrey turned to Chloe. "So, did you ask her out?"

"No," Chloe said and sighed. "I'm torn. I really like her, and we have a great time together."

"But?" Aubrey prodded.

"But, she's become a really good friend," Chloe said. "I don't want to mess that up."

"Chloe, she likes you," Aubrey said. "And I don't mean as just a friend. I can see it in the way she looks at you and the way she talks about you. I know she's younger, but I think you two would be good together."

"What if she becomes a Bella?" Chloe asked. "Will you feel the same way?"

"We both know she's already made it into the Bellas," Aubrey said. "What's really going on with you? Are you thinking of going back to Tom?"

"What? No!" Chloe said. "I just feel like I'm going to mess things up if we become something more than friends."

"Come on, Chlo," Aubrey said. "What aren't you telling me?"

Chloe played with her fingers and avoided Aubrey's gaze. "I'm going to bed."

Aubrey watched Chloe get up and head toward her room. She sighed. Something was going on with Chloe, and Aubrey was a little hurt that Chloe hadn't confided in her.

~Stronger~ ~Stronger~ ~Stronger~

Beca was lying in the guest room, tossing and turning. She was tired, but she couldn't seem to get comfortable enough to fall asleep. She was surprised when her phone pinged with a text.

Chloe: Hey are you asleep?

Beca: No. Are you okay?

Chloe: Can you come to my room?

Beca: Be right there.

Beca put her phone back on the nightstand and got up. She knocked lightly on Chloe's bedroom door and entered when she heard Chloe tell her to come in. Chloe was sitting up in her bed with just the bedside lamp on.

"Everything okay?" Beca asked.

"I was wondering if you'd stay in here with me tonight," Chloe said.

"Oh," Beca said. "Um, okay. Sure."

Chloe smiled and patted the bed. Beca walked over and climbed under the covers. Chloe turned off the lamp and snuggled up next to Beca.

"Thanks for this," Chloe said as she got situated.

"No problem," Beca said. "I kind of like it. I was just tossing and turning in the guest room."

"Well, feel free to come snuggle with me any time," Chloe said.

"Duly noted," Beca said. "Goodnight, Chloe."

"Goodnight, Beca."

~Stronger~ ~Stronger~ ~Stronger~

Beca woke early the next morning and managed to get out of bed without waking Chloe. She made her way to the guest room and got ready for her day. Before she left, she wrote a note for Aubrey and Chloe, letting them know she had an early class and thanking them for letting her stay the night.

Chloe was disappointed when she woke to her alarm and Beca wasn't there. She sighed and got up to get ready for her day.

Song Used: Cups/When I'm Gone by Anna Kendrick