Notes:
My apologies, I am so bummed this is so late. In my fantasy world I was able to finish this before Christmas, but then life got in the way. Life got in the way of writing time, especially when I returned to work. Then I was not happy with this chapter, and it took longer than I was expecting to pull it all together. I hope you enjoy the ending I have written.
Best Christmas Ever
Chapter 18
Christmas Day
The two young women broke their kiss for oxygen, and Chloe sighed.
"I love you, Beca," Chloe breathed out. The words just came out in the moment, feeling so natural.
Yet the words hung there as Beca's eyes widened at Chloe's sentiment, and she pulled back in surprise. Her hands dropped to her side as she stepped out of Chloe's arms.
Upon seeing the look on Beca's face, and feeling her pull away, Chloe immediately regretted her rash choice of words. She couldn't believe she had just screwed up this perfect day. Her eyes showed her own dismay.
"You…," Beca whispered, "you love me?"
Having promised herself to be honest, Chloe answered, "Yes?" It was tentative and came out more as a question. After a second Chloe sighed and answered slightly more assuredly, "Yes… I do… I'm sorry…"
"Why?" Beca's voice is soft, hesitant, unsure of herself.
"Why what?" Chloe asked back in confusion.
"Why would you fall in love with me?"
This caused Chloe to scrunch her eyebrows. She didn't understand the question. Who wouldn't fall in love with Beca Mitchell? She's remarkable, she's gifted, she's gifted, she's dazzling, and beautiful in so many ways.
"How could I not?" Chloe answered with a question. "You're one of the most incredible, talented, warm, beautiful people it has ever been my pleasure to crash their shower."
This caused Beca to laugh involuntarily. Chloe smiled, having broken some of the tension, she reached out and took both of Beca's hands as she whispered, "Becs, I'm sorry if it was too fast, but I mean it, I've felt a pull towards you pretty much since I first saw you on the quad, and it's been growing with every moment I've been with you since. I love you and I will never apologize for my feelings." As she talked Chloe softly ran her thumb over Beca's knuckles.
As Chloe poured out her heart, Beca's eyes lifted from staring at the redhead's feet. Her eyes followed up Chloe's body, and stopped when she was staring into the redhead's brilliant blue eyes. When they were staring into each other's eyes, Chloe reached up and tucked a loose strand of brown hair behind the brunette's ear and gave her a soft smile.
"I…"
"I love you too," Beca rushed in, cutting Chloe off before she could say anything else.
Silence settled over the front step as the two women looked into each other's eyes expectantly waiting for something, anything, to happen. Chloe slowly leaned in towards Beca. Beca moved towards Chloe. If asked, neither woman would really be able to tell who leaned in first, they were both pulled together like magnets, unavoidably so. They could feel each other's breath on their faces. Beca just had to tilt her face up and they would be kissing. And then their lips melded together; Chloe's soft plump lips against Beca's equally soft full lips. Beca's hands reached up and rested on Chloe's waist as Chloe's hands wrapped around the back of Beca's neck.
The kiss was amazing, it didn't feel like fireworks, it didn't feel like some great thunderbolt from the sky. To both of them, it felt like they were coming home.
For Chloe, she had thought about this moment countless times. She'd daydreamed about it during classes, she'd fantasized about it during Bellas' practices, and she had woken from dreams about it. She'd hoped with all her might that this moment might one day happen. And now, here she was, kissing her newest friend. Her newest best friend. The girl she had fallen in love with somewhere during the last semester . The only person she's loved in this way, and she was beginning to believe the only person she would love until the day she died.
For Beca this was a revelation. She had only started to realize where she might fall on the sexual spectrum. She had only begun to recognize the feelings she had for the redhead. She had not allowed many as close to her as Chloe had become. Of course Chloe had pushed through her barriers with minimal effort, and Beca hadn't minded. Beca realized part of this is because she wasn't afraid that Chloe would hurt her, or leave her. There was a lot she still needed to learn and grow into, but she recognized she had a partner in that journey.
As the kiss intensified, Beca pulled Chloe impossibly closer, her hands roaming all over the latter's back. She wanted to feel the heat of the redhead against the firm press of her body. She wanted to feel Chloe, all of her, firmly pressed against her body. Then, and only then, would she be convinced that this wasn't a dream.
They were both so into the kiss that they didn't hear the front door open.
"Ahh-Beca, so good to see you," Charles announced his presence. Beca and Chloe jumped apart in surprise. "I was just about to put my shotgun away," Chloe's father continued.
"DADDY!" Chloe shouted. "That's NOT funny! And that's not a shotgun, it's Chad's old BB-gun!"
"What's going on out here?" Catherine came to the door to see what the ruckus was.
"I found these two lurking by the door," Charles chuckled.
"We were NOT lurking," Chloe defended.
"Oh? Then what were you doing, ChloBear?" Charles smirked.
"I was kissing my girlfriend after a perfect date; I'll have you know," Chloe said as she looped her arm around Beca's shoulders and pulled the petite woman tight against her.
"Oh honey, that's terrific, I'm so happy for you," Catherine gushed. "I take it that the date went well?"
"It was perfect," Chloe answered happily, though her face grew stern as she continued, "That is until Dad interrupted our good night kiss!"
"It was more of a make-out session, than a good night kiss," Chloe's father defended himself.
"Charles James Beale!" Catherine hissed as she smacked him in the chest.
"Ow! What?" Charles made a great show of rubbing his chest. "I was protecting the virtue of my baby girl!"
"Men!" Catherine sighed as she looked to the heavens. "Keep this up and you're sleeping with the dog." She then looked at the two girls and smiled her best proud mother's smile. "I'm so happy for you both. When you're ready to come in, have a cup of tea with me." With that, she closed the door, leaving Chloe and Beca alone again.
The two women just stared at the now closed door, then looked at each other. A heartbeat later they both burst into laughter.
"Not the way I saw our kiss ending," Beca admitted.
"I'm so sorry," Chloe said as she pulled the petite brunette into a hug. "You now see where Chad gets his so-called sense of humor."
"It's okay," Beca said and gave Chloe a quick kiss to Chloe's lips. A thought occurred to her. "I didn't know you had a dog."
"We don't," Chloe answered. A sadness tinged her eyes. "Our dog, Misty, passed away last year. I was pretty broken up about it. We buried her in the backyard."
"So basically your mom was threatening to bury your dad?" Beca burst out laughing.
"Yep," Chloe laughed.
"I really love your mom," Beca chuckled as she leaned in and planted another kiss on Chloe, who pulled the brunette back in when Beca started to pull away.
"I feel we didn't get to finish what we started," Chloe said against Beca's lips.
"We were rudely interrupted," Beca replied into the kiss. "Wait! Did you call me your girlfriend?"
Chloe bit her bottom lip, and sheepishly nodded. "Do you mind?"
"Well a girl does like to be asked," Beca smirked.
With a shy grin, and a deep breath, Chloe asked, "Beca Mitchell, will you be my girlfriend?"
"Hmmm-let me think about it," Beca smirked.
Chloe's pout can only be described as adorable. "Beca…" Even Chloe's whine is adorable.
The smirk became a smile, and Beca said in a soft voice, "I would be honored."
Their next kiss was better than the first.
-~Merry Pitchmas 2021~-
Chloe was the first to wake from her peaceful slumber. Her eyelids felt heavy when she opened them, the little sunlight that filtered in through her blinds filled her with a simple warmth. As her awareness grew, the first thing Chloe became aware of was the weight of an arm resting across her waist, and a warm body snuggled into her side.
She glanced down at the slender arm that was loosely, yet protectively, wrapped around her midsection. Her shirt had ridden up, so Beca's arm rested directly on her abdomen. A warm smile pulled at Chloe's lips and she happily sunk back further into the embrace of Beca's warm body.
Chloe closed her eyes in contentment, and let out a soft sigh. The brush of the petite brunette bare skin against her own was giving her much more pleasure than it really should. Inappropriately so if Chloe was going to be honest, but she wouldn't change it for anything.
She loved mornings like this, quiet and peaceful, just a hint of bird's song from outside. She also discovered a new love; waking up in the arms of the beautiful brunette girl that currently lay in bed with her. She loved it especially because with it came the promise of waking up in Beca's arms more often into the future.
Warm and cuddled in Chloe's bed, Beca awoke arm around the woman she loved. It made her so happy, happier than she had been in a long time. She looked up and caught Chloe looking back at her.
"Don't stare, creeper," she rasped.
"Can't help it, you're gorgeous," Chloe whispered back and leaned in to plant a chaste kiss on Beca's lips.
"Do that again," Beca said. Chloe smiled and leaned in for a deeper kiss.
"I could get used to this," Beca sighed as Chloe planted a series of soft kisses along her jawline, as Chloe nibbled her way to the brunette's ear.
Chloe hummed in response, as she kissed her earlobe, and it brought a warmth straight to the center of Beca's being."Yes, I could really get used to this," Beca rasped as Chloe pressed her lips to the side of her neck.
The redhead responded again with a hum of approval. She's delighted to feel the petite woman's pulse beneath her lips. It entices the redhead like nothing she's ever experienced.
Pulling back, Chloe rested her hand on Beca's collarbone as she situated herself so she could look down at her girlfriend "Good morning beautiful," she whispered.
"Merry Christmas," Beca responded with a grin.
Chloe's eyes widened larger than Beca's ever seen them. "Beca! It's Christmas!" The redhead had actually forgotten that it was Christmas morning, so intoxicated was she with having Beca as her girlfriend.
"I know that Beale," Beca smirked.
"Christmas Becs! Merry Christmas!"
The petite freshman can only smile at the childlike enthusiasm of the red haired beauty. She ran her hands up and down Chloe's arms as she stared up into her beautiful eyes. They continued to stare into the other's eyes, as Beca's hands continued to move. She brushed her palms over Chloe's ribs before laying her hands flat on the side of the redhead's waist.
"I love you," Beca whispered.
"I love you too," Chloe responded happily. The two just laid there quietly enjoying the moment and feeling the love. However the moment was broken when both their stomachs growled simultaneously. Beca looked up in mild surprise while Chloe ducked her head with a sheepish smile on her face.
"Guess it's time to get up, sleepyhead."
"Must I?" Beca whined. "It's warm and nice here.
"Yes it is, but still you must get up," Chloe answered cheerily.
"Why?"
"Because it's Christmas Becs," Chloe answered emphatically as though the answer was self-evident. To emphasize this, she repeated, "Christmas Becs!"
"You're so lucky you're beautiful," Beca groaned.
"I know," Chloe answered cheerfully.
Beca took a deep dramatic breath and exhaled as she slowly extricated herself from the sheets.
The redhead chuckled at the younger woman's antics and playfully kissed her cheek. "Trust me, you're going to love my Mom's famous blueberry-peach coffee cake."
"Now that sounds enticing," Beca grinned.
-~Merry Pitchmas 2021~-
"Oh, you're up!"
"Morning, ChloBear, morning BecBear!" Catherine practically shouted as the two women entered the kitchen.
"BecBear?" Beca whispered to Chloe.
"Go with it, it's kind of her thing," Chloe whispered back.
If Catherine noticed the two young women whispering she paid it no mind as she walked over and gave each of them a hug and a quick kiss on the forehead. In true Beale fashion she wished them, "Merry Christmas dears!"
Both Chloe and Beca responded, 'Merry Christmas!' in unison, which just caused the Beale matriarch to laugh.
"Are you two hungry?" Catherine asked as she moved to the stove, while she picked up a couple of plates from the counter.
Beca nodded enthusiastically, "Yes, very hungry."
"That's kind of her natural state," Chloe giggled.
"Hush you," Beca made what was supposed to be a serious scowl, but really came across as a cute pout.
"Don't you pay her any mind, BecBear. It's good you have an appetite, because we got eggs and bacon already made, we're going to have fresh cut fruit, and…" Catherine went to the oven, and with a flourish said, "my Christmas blueberry-peach coffee cake."
Catherine announced all of this with a twinkle in her eyes, which Beca recognized from Chloe. It was easy to see where Chloe got her eyes.
"I've heard it's famous," Beca grinned. She couldn't help it. There was something about being around the Beale's that just brought it out of her; especially Chloe and her mother.
"Don't know about famous, but the family seems to enjoy it," Catherine replied, though there was a pride in her features.
"Is that the Christmas blueberry-peach coffee cake I smell?" Lizzy asked as she entered carrying Colton. "I love the Christmas blueberry-peach coffee cake."
"See Becs," Chloe grinned as
As Lizzy brought Colton over to his grandmother, so they could share a good morning hug, she winked at Beca and said, "It's truly divine, Beca. I look forward to this breakfast for months."
Once Catherine had told Colton 'Merry Christmas' in the most adorable baby voice, Lizzy leaned in and gave her mother-in-law a hug "Merry Christmas, Mom. Thank you for breakfast."
"Merry Christmas," Catherine replied. She looked at the three younger women in the kitchen with such pride."I'm so glad to have all my daughters here for Christmas." She positively beamed at each young woman.
When Beca realized she was included in this grouping, she smiled sheepishly. To deflect any awkwardness, she motioned towards the cupboards. "How can I help?"
"Could you three set the table?" Catherine asked. "I would like both the main plates, and dessert plates. Also we should f
"Sure Mom," Chloe answered, as Beca and Lizzy nodded.
At this moment Charlie came in, so Lizzy handed Colton to him, then began to collect the cutlery. Chad followed him, and Catherine assigned him the job of cutting fruit.
"Is that safe?" Charles asked his wife as he planted a kiss on her cheek.
"I'm sure he's safe this time," she chuckled.
"That was one time," Chad protested.
Chase entered the kitchen as his parents chuckled at his older brother's pouting. Catherine quickly assigned him the task of shuttling food to the dining table, and while he did sigh audibly, he did as asked.
Seeing that the girls had set the table, Catherine asked, "How's the fruit coming, Chad?"
The tall redhead gestured to the bowl of diced strawberries and pineapple. "I think I managed."
"And without any injuries this time," Charles teased, chuckling at his son's offended face.
"Seriously, that was one time," Chad protested. This brought more laughter from the entire family. Beca looked at Chloe, but she told her that she would explain it later.
"Did you sleep well?" Catherine asked Charles, as she placed a steaming cup of coffee in front of him. He nodded before he took a sip carefully. It's just how he likes it.
"Perfect as always honey," He said as he leaned down and planted a quick kiss.
Watching the interaction as she grabbed juice glasses, Beca realized how much she missed seeing that kind of family interaction. She felt two arms wrap around her waist, and Chloe's soft lips on her cheeks. For Beca it was the perfect reminder that maybe this would be a part of her life going forward.
The redhead took hold of Beca's hand and led her over to her parent's hi-fi system, and pressed the on-button. "Please pick the music," she asked Beca as she handed over her iPhone. "I always love your selections."
"Some instrumental Christmas music, if you wouldn't mind, BecBear?" Catherine asked kindly.
"BecBear?!" Chad guffawed.
"Hush you Cuddle-Bear," Catherine chastised.
"We all swore never to use that name again," Chad sputtered.
Catherine merely hummed in response.
Beca smirked at the interaction she waited until the speakers chirped to show they were connected to Chloe's iPhone, then opened the music app to select a playlist. She saw what she thought would be perfect and tapped her selection. The first notes of a song sounded through the speakers, and Beca fiddled with the volume till it was the perfect background sound.
"Ahh-Beca, perfect, one of my favorites," observed Catherine as she took her seat at one end of the table. "I've always loved Celtic music," she sighed happily.
Chloe gave Beca a proud smile then led her back to the table, where they could sit next to each other.
Now that everyone was seated, Catherine took a moment and just looked at her growing family around the table. She was thankful to have all of her children here for Christmas, and now two had significant others she was happy to call daughters. Then there was her first grandchild. It all filled her with a proud warmth. She then looked down the table at her husband, Charles, who still after their decades of knowing each other and their many years of marriage had the power to make her stop and just look at him as she had when she first laid eyes on him.
He caught her eyes and nodded knowingly. He then stood and took his glass. He had had Chase give everyone a flute of mimosas, save for Colton who had a sippy-cup of orange juice, so everyone could toast. "Before we dig into this delicious smelling breakfast, my beautiful bride has provided, I wanted to say a few things. We," he indicated Catherine, "are so happy to have you all home with us. It will be bittersweet when Chase leaves next fall for MIT, but we are always reassured by the fact that you all know you are welcome home whenever you need." He seemed to focus on Beca, "All of you." He then raised his flute glass. "So please raise your glasses with me to toast the chef," he nodded towards Catherine, "and to family, one and all of you. Merry Christmas."
'Merry Christmas' everyone echoed back as the room was filled with glasses being tapped against one another.
"Thank you everyone, now dig in before it gets cold," Catherine said.
With that encouragement, everyone started to fill their plates. Beca could only chuckle at the three brothers as they attacked the food like they were ravenous. Chloe caught the chuckle and gave her girlfriend a look that said, 'I told you so', and then laughed along.
Plates were quickly filled, and breakfast began to be eaten, and the room was filled with quiet conversations as the family interacted while eating. It was so very familial.
"I'm kind of surprised you all have breakfast before opening gifts," Beca commented as she took another bite of the delicious coffee cake.
"You have that one to blame for that," Chad said as he pointed at Chloe with a fork.
"It is not my fault," defended Chloe.
"Why's that?" Beca asked, intrigued.
"Because once she was old enough to understand the concept of Santa and opening presents on Christmas morning, Chloe would wake up earlier and earlier," supplied Charlie.
"It started out okay," Catherine said. "When she was three, she woke the house at 7:30."
"But then at four, she woke everyone at 7:00," Charles said.
"Well that's not too bad," Beca observed.
"Thanks Becs," Chloe whispered to Beca.
"But at five she woke everyone at 6:30," Chad said, "and at six it was 6:00."
"Okay that's getting a bit early," Beca admitted.
"Becs!" Chloe gasped.
"At seven she woke us at 5:00," Catherine sighed. "That's when we instituted the opening of presents after our Christmas breakfast."
"And we set Christmas breakfast time as 9:00 a.m.," Charles added with a fatherly smile.
"I just was excited to open presents," Chloe pouted.
"Was excited?" Beca teased.
"You're supposed to be on my side," Chloe pouted to Beca. She looked so adorable with her lips in a pout, and her eyes went full puppy dog.
"Oh no," Chad wagged his finger at his little sister. "No pulling her into your dark side with your witchy-ways."
"I do NOT have witchy-ways," Chloe huffed at her brother.
"You do have an almost supernatural ability to make me do things," Beca pointed out between bites of her breakfast. She froze with her fork halfway to her mouth as she realized what she had just said aloud.
"Becs!" Chloe gasped.
"I love you," Beca said apologetically, her eyes round with apology and a bit of fear.
Chloe looked at her through stern eyes. "You're lucky I love you."
The rest of the table burst out into laughter. Chad said for all to hear, "Well you are definitely going to fit into this family." More chuckles came from around the table.
Again the table fell into easy conversation as seconds were had, and everyone had their fill. Compliments abounded, which Catherine accepted with grace. As the meal continued, Charles went to make Lizzy tea, and offered to get coffee or tea for the rest of the family. Beca eagerly took him up on a second cup of coffee, while Chloe went for tea with lemon.
As coffees and teas were passed out, the breakfast took an even more casual feel as the family were just enjoying the relaxed nature of the morning. No one was in any haste to leave, so they all continued to sit around the table, with mugs of coffee and tea, and chatted the hour away. Conversations were easy, as Beca discussed music with Lizzy, she could hear Chloe discussing Bruin's hockey with Charlie, who was a major hockey fan. The easy nature of it all again was a revelation for Beca, as it was just so different from any family gathering she had ever experienced. It was even more jarring how easily she fit in and had been accepted.
She liked it.
"Well I think we should adjourn to the family room and open presents," Chloe's father suggested as he finished his coffee. He had waited till most also seemed to be finishing.
"Wait! I'm still eating," Chase said, as he helped himself to another slice of the coffee cake.
"That's your fourth slice," Chad pointed out.
Chase looked at his brother as if he was thoroughly confused by his statement. "So?"
"I actually forgot Chase was at the table," Beca whispered. "He's so quiet."
"Yeah," Chloe nodded. "He pretty much comes in and Hoovers up three times the amount of food as anyone else, and then leaves. Drives Mom crazy."
Both women chuckled as they departed the table and began to help Catherine clear the table.
-~Merry Pitchmas 2021~-
"So how do we do this?" Beca asked Chloe. They were both sitting near the fireplace, staring at the beautiful Christmas tree they had decorated a few days before. Leaning softly into her gorgeous girlfriend, Beca felt really comfortable. Chloe's familiar scent was just so calming. Beca wished this moment could go on forever.
Chloe sat down next to Beca, before answering the brunette's question. "We will start with you as our guest, and will go around clockwise."
"Chase as the youngest passes out the gifts," Chad added.
"I can't wait till Colt is old enough to pass this task onto," Chase grumbled.
"I'll do it," Beca volunteered; surprising even herself.
"You don't have to Beca, you're our guest," Catherine assured the young woman.
"I actually would really like to," Beca replied. "I haven't had the opportunity to do it since I was a little girl, and I never had such a large group of family to pass it out to."
"Are you sure, Becs?" Chloe asked.
"Yeah, I am. It's not a big deal," Beca replied, trying to play it off. Chloe gave her a hug and a quick kiss to the cheek.
"It's all yours then," Chase said.
Suddenly placed in the center of attention, Beca made her way over to the tree, which was now thoroughly surrounded by presents. Over the course of the last few days, everyone had added to the ever growing pile. Beca had added her presents just after midnight the night before. She had been able to find at least one present for everyone, which she was quite proud of. Chloe had helped her wrap all of the presents, so she recognized one of the gifts sitting on top of the pile. It would be a good one to start the gift giving, so she picked it up, and carried it over to Colton, who was currently sitting on Lizzy's lap.
The little redhead giggled as Beca approached with the gift wrapped object. "Here you go little guy," Beca said as she carefully handed the wrapped package to Colton, making sure Lizzy also had a hand on it. "This is actually from me."
His mother Lizzy helped keep the package on his lap as she asked her son, "Can we say thank you to your Aunt Beca?" Colton giggled something that might have been a thank you as he held onto a tiny fist full of paper. "Thanks Beca," Lizzy said kindly to the brunette, who was solely focused on the tiny person who seemed . Do you need help opening it? Yes that's right, take the paper and rip, yes that's a good boy."
Colton was a bit hesitant, he may have said 'thank you' but it came out as a bit of a giggle more than anything. He didn't know what to do at first with the shiny red wrapping paper, but once his mother showed him he could rip it, he was quite excited to rip more. In seconds he had revealed the plush fox Beca had given him. His face lit up even more, and with a squeal of delight he hugged it against his cheek immediately.
The moment was captured by Catherine who had her camera out. She looked at the digital screen to check the image and was so happy with the picture, because it perfectly captured Colton and the stuffed animal, with both Lizzy and Beca on each side of him, looking at him with such love.
It struck Beca that Lizzy had called her 'Aunt Beca', which might have freaked her out in the past, but now left her feeling warm and… accepted? She liked it, whatever the case.
"Okay, let's pass out more of the presents," Chad called out.
"See," Chloe pointed out, "I'm not the only one who gets antsy for opening gifts.
"Okay then," Beca said, "let's remix this then." She eagerly began to sort through the wrapped presents that were piled under the tree, making sure she found gifts for all, while still handing them out to everyone quickly.
-~Merry Pitchmas 2021~-
"This is beautiful," Beca gasped, spreading her present out on her lap. She had just opened Chloe's gift for her and was blown away. The petite brunette had avoided selecting presents for herself, and instead focused on passing out gifts to the family. It hadn't taken Chloe very long to notice this, and she had made sure to give Beca one of her presents at the next opportunity. Reluctantly Beca had accepted the gift, and opened it quickly. When she lifted the lid her breath had caught as the necklace was revealed.
She recognized the necklace immediately from the art co-op she and Chloe had visited yesterday. It was one of a couple she had been considering for Chloe. The redhead must have seen her admiring the necklace and decided to get it for her.
It wasn't any ordinary necklace. The jewels laced around the necklace were a sea-storm blue that matched Beca's eyes perfectly. They were manufactured jewels, but they were exquisitely made, and looked quite real. There had been a near identical necklace next to this one in the display, but the jewels on that necklace had matched the blue of Chloe's eyes.
Now Beca really wished she had bought it for Chloe.
"Do you like it?" Chloe asked, bringing Beca out of her reverie. The redhead's eyes were shiny and hopeful, and Beca saw all the telltales of the redhead's exuberance ready to come rushing out.
"I love it," she breathed as she looked up into Chloe's beautiful blue eyes.
"I'm glad you love it," Chloe breathed out in relief. "They reminded me of your eyes, and I wanted to give you something as beautiful as you are."
"CHEESY!" Chad fake sneezed.
Both women turned as one and stuck their tongues out at him in unison. They both broke into giggles as they realized what had just happened.
"You guys are a little bit gross, you know? Chase teased.
"Hush you all, it's sweet," countered Catherine and Lizzy simultaneously.
Beca and Chloe didn't care, they had each other.
-~Merry Pitchmas 2021~-
Later after most of the gifts had been passed out and opened, Beca gave Chloe the gift she had bought for her at the art co-op. Over the past hour she had grown nervous about the gift, wondering if it was good enough. Yesterday the petite freshman had thought it was perfect, but since then they had become a couple, and then Chloe had given her that beautiful necklace. How could the necklace compare to that necklace?
As the younger woman fretted over her choice of gifts, Chloe had opened the wrapping paper in that delicate, precise method she favored. Intrigued at what she found, the young redhead had pulled the snow globe from the box. It was immediately apparent to the redhead why it had caught Beca's attention. If Chloe had spotted it first, she's pretty sure she would have bought it for the freshman. The beautifully hand-painted figures were perfect.
"Oh Beca," Chloe breathed out. "It's…"
"I wanted to get something nice for you Chloe," the brunette rushed out. "Something you would like for Christmases to come. That would always remind you of this Christmas," Beca explained quickly. She gestured towards the figures in the globe. They were two girls kneeling next to a snowman they were in the process of making. On closer examination it became apparent that one of the figures was a red haired girl, and the other was a brunette little girl.
"Look," Beca continued as she took the globe and flipped it over. "This one even plays music." She wound up the key on the bottom, then flipped it back as the music started playing. It was an instrumental version of 'It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year'.
Chloe just stared at the globe, her eyes were wide as saucers as she took in the beautiful handcrafted snow globe.
Beca had wanted to give Chloe something special for Christmas. Something sweet, something fun, something that would make Chloe's eyes light up and want to hug Beca tight. Now however, Beca was questioning her gift. Sitting in the Beale family room during their Christmas gift opening, she was worried she had given a lackluster gift which she had bought at the last minute. This was especially true when compared to the necklace Chloe had given her.
"I'm sorry," Beca whispered.
This brought Chloe's attention off the globe. "Why are you apologizing?" She was truly confused by Beca's apology.
"I wanted to give you something truly special to thank you for all of this," Beca said as she waved her hand to indicate the family and the house.
"Beca," Chloe whispered as she took Beca's hands. "I love this present. You managed to find a snow globe, with a red haired girl making a snowman with a brunette girl. It's always going to remind me of one of the many memories we've made these past few days."
"That's what I wanted…" Beca started.
"Then trust yourself," Chloe gave the brunette a quick tender kiss. "You have a warm generous heart, your gifts reflect it." Beca smiled at these words, though she quickly began to blush when she realized all the Beale's were watching them from their spots in the family room. Yet she also realized there wasn't any mockery or jeering; instead she only saw warm familial smiles.
"Chase, can you hand me those three boxes there, and that last smaller one?" Catherine asked, breaking the silence that had descended upon the room. When her youngest had handed over the final presents that had been under the tree, Catherine turned to her daughter and her girlfriend. "I think now's the perfect time to give you these." She handed one to Beca, then the second to Chloe. "Please open them together," Catherine asked.
Beca and Chloe exchanged looks, but shrugged and did as they were asked. Beca ripped her present open with savage abandon, while Chloe carefully delicately peeled the tape away on hers. Remarkably they revealed their presents at the same time. Each found themselves holding a framed eight by twelve framed picture. The pictures were similar, but slightly different. Both were of the two women working together to build their snow-woman. One thing each picture shared was the two women were looking at the other with evident love in their eyes, and bright smiles on their faces.
The pictures were both perfect. Each a single moment of pure joy, captured forever, and now theirs to keep.
"Mom, I love it," Chloe said, without taking her eyes off the picture she was holding. "Thank you, thanks so much."
"Yeah Mrs B," Beca was also completely focused on the picture in her hands. "This is such an amazing picture of us."
"Merry Christmas, dears," Catherine smiled at them happily. She then handed a similar present to Chad. "I have this for you."
A bit surprised, Chad took the gift. He ripped it open to reveal another framed photo. "MOM!" Chad hissed in exasperation. Beca peeked at the picture in Chad's hands and burst out laughing.
"What is it, son?" Charles asked.
"Nothing…" Chad started.
"Let's see it," Chloe suggested.
"Yes, share it honey," Catherine said overly sweetly.
"Nope," Chad shook his head, and held the picture frame to his chest.
Soon everyone was teasing and heckling Chad to show the picture. Reluctantly Chad gave in after some serious cajoling. The room burst into laughter as the picture was revealed. It was of Chloe on top of Chad in the snow, clearly giving him a thumping.
"I just thought you would love to have a memory of such a royal smackdown your younger sister gave you," Catherine said through her laughter.
"Hardy-har-har," Chad responded with a fake laugh. "Laugh it up everyone."
"Oh we will," replied Charlie.
"As often as possible," Chloe added.
The family began to get up, to disperse with their presents when Catherine spoke up, "There's one more. It's from the whole family, though Chloe doesn't know about this."
Everyone stopped and looked towards the Beale matriarch. She handed Beca a small slim box adorned with a red ribbon.
Beca accepted the box as she said, "You didn't have to, you already gave me so much."
Catherine smiled as she replied, "Well, this is for the future, so maybe look at it as your first present of next year."
There was no wrapping paper, just the bow, so Beca just had to lift the lid of the white box. The petite brunette looked over to Chloe, who just shrugged and nodded towards the box. With a deep breath, Beca lifted the lid and looked inside. There was only a single item resting in the shallow box.
A ticket.
A ticket with Beca's name.
A round trip ticket with no dates.
"Umm-what? Sorry, but…"
"It's a ticket from the family, for you. So you can join us next year. So you understand for better or worse, you are part of the Beale family, and are always welcome here," Catherine explained.
Beca looked up at Chloe's mother with shock. She wasn't sure how she should react. She looked at Catherine, and for the first time saw a touch of hesitation. In that moment Beca realized Catherine had offered something, but was unsure how she would take it; that she was worried Beca would find it too forward.
Beca looked over to Chloe who gave her a warm smile that Beca was beginning to recognize as one saved only for her. She then looked around the family, all sitting around Chloe and her on the couches and the chairs around the family room. Everyone had warm smiles directed at her. Everyone looked so fondly and welcoming to her. Everyone was showing their approval for Catherine's words. As she looked around, tears began to trail down her face, and Beca began to grow choked up.
Without thinking Beca wrapped her arms around Catherine and hugged the older woman for all she was worth. Save for a soft grunt of surprise, Catherine accepted the hug and returned it with equal measure. She whispered encouragements to the younger woman, letting her know how much she's loved, which only encouraged Beca to hug tighter.
Suddenly Chloe joined the hug, and Beca's arm automatically shifted to allow Chloe in, so Beca was now hugging both Chloe and Catherine. Catherine smiled at her daughter, and planted a light kiss to both Chloe's and Beca's heads.
"Beale family hug!" Announced Chad. Suddenly Beca was engulfed in a group hug. Typically she would rarely take part in a hug, let alone taking part in a group hug, yet this time she was comfortable and accepting, there was no place she would rather be.
-~Merry Pitchmas 2021~-
Later that afternoon, Beca had fallen asleep on the couch. Chloe had used the time for one last task.
It was a risk, but there was one last thing Chloe wanted to do to make sure Beca had the best Christmas ever.
Chloe knelt gently stroked Beca's brown hair from where she was kneeling beside the sleeping girl.
Beca grabbed the phone out of her pocket, and checked the caller I.D. She froze when she saw who it was.
It was her dad.
""It's your choice, but I think you should answer it," Chloe advised.
Beca looked at her phone once more, before finally she sighed deeply and hit the answer . "Hi Dad."
"Beca?" He sounded surprised and Beca couldn't blame him for that.
He was met with silence, Beca wasn't sure what to say. She almost wanted to end the call but Chloe was giving her a reassuring look. Her father's pleading voice asked tentatively: "Beca? Are you there?"
The petite freshman continued to stare into her girlfriend's beautiful blue eyes as she took a deep breath and exhaled sharply. Then in a small voice said, "Yeah, dad. I'm here."
"Hi," he said with relief.
"Hey," Beca answered politely and hesitated. She didn't know what to say next. What should she say? It didn't feel right to be the first to speak.
Luckily her father stepped up. In a soft voice he said, 'I don't know how to rebuild the trust between you and me. At this moment, I can only say, 'I'm sorry'."
Beca's eyes widened in surprise. She might've thought she had heard things if Chloe hadn't been right there, placing a comforting hand on top of hers. She rubbed her eyes with her free hand as she mumbled, "I don't know what to say, Dad. I'm a bit surprised."
"And for that, I'm sorry, Beca," her father answered. "I acted badly on the last call…"
"You think?" Beca blurted out before she could stop herself from saying it out loud.
"I deserve that…" sighed Warren.
"Then why?" Beca countered. She was feeling a swirl of conflicting emotions.
"I was surprised to learn you wouldn't be joining Sheila and I for Christmas. I realized after the call I had been expecting you, and was planning to use the opportunity to reconnect with you. Later I realized I was really mad at you for denying me that opportunity, and that was why I lashed out. I'm really sorry for that."
"Umm-wow-umm-I don't know what to say. Umm-why?"
"Why?" Warren asked, not sure what he was being asked.
"Yeah, uhh-why? Why did you realize you were angry with me?"
"Well I had started to realize it pretty much as soon as the call had ended. More became clearer as I talked with Sheila. Then more happened after your friend called…"
"My friend called?"
"Yes, your friend Chloe, she reached out to me," Warren answered. "She was a student in two of my courses, and I remembered her. She was as forthright on our call as she was in my classes. She has an innate ability to make quite compelling arguments."
The redhead looked sheepish at this moment. She mouthed an 'I'm sorry' towards her girlfriend. Beca shook it off, and mouthed, 'It's okay'.
Out loud Beca quipped, "She does, doesn't she?"
Chloe smiled apologetically.
"Beca honey," her father started. "Please let me make it up to you. I want to be there for you. That's the real reason I wanted you to come to Barden. I may not deserve to be your father but I want to be there for you. Please," Warren pleaded.
Beca felt tears welling up in her eyes.
"Please," her father repeated quietly.
"You broke my heart when you left, Dad," Beca said, growing emotions evident in her voice. She had never voiced her true feelings about what happened. "I don't care who you thought was to blame. I just know how much it hurt me. You left and I didn't know if there was something wrong with me." Tears were falling down Beca's cheeks and she tightened her grip on her phone until her knuckles were white.
At this moment Chloe was regretting her actions. She had wanted this to be a healing moment for both father and daughter. Listening to her girlfriend's words, Chloe realized she hadn't known the extent of her pain.
"There were so many nights when I was just tossing around in my bed and thinking of the reasons behind you leaving us," Beca explained and she could feel her anger growing stronger as she kept explaining her feelings. She started to pace about. "Then when Mom got sick, I was sure you would come back, if only to support us…"
"I was…" her father trailed off.
"You were what?" the petite brunette huffed out, as she paced back and forth.
"I was ashamed," Warren admitted.
Chloe followed Beca's movements with her eyes, wondering if she should step in, or say something.
"Well I was scared. Mom and I needed you, and all I could think was I wasn't the daughter you wanted. That I hadn't been smart enough for you. I was scared that I had been such a disappointment you couldn't be there for Mom. I was scared of being unlovable…"
"You were never unlovable…" He paused and took a deep breath. "Sweetheart, I'm so sorry for everything. I'm so sorry for what I did to you and your mother," her father said remorsefully. "I didn't know at first, and then when I found out, I could only think about how I failed the two of you, and it grew easier to just avoid the situation. I truly expected her to pull through…"
"But she didn't," Beca's voice took on a hint of vehemence.
"No, and I truly regret not being there for the both of you," Warren said solemnly. "I am going to live with that regret for the rest of my life." He took another deep breath and continued, "Which is why I don't want another regret."
His daughter held the phone in one hand, and reached out to her girlfriend with the other. Chloe immediately took her hand and brought it to her lips and kissed Beca's knuckles. The brunette didn't know how to respond, and so remained silent.
"Beca, it may be hard to believe, but I do love you. And I want you to be happy. Which is why I'm glad your friend reached out to me. Told me to get over myself, and put you and your feelings first, and call you."
She couldn't respond with anything, so her father took another deep breath and pressed on, "I called you to ask whether our daughter-father relationship might be mended. I understand that while I want you to trust me, you can't… Not yet anyway."
"Too much has happened," Beca explained as she closed her eyes. She really wasn't sure where to take this.
"And I broke your trust," he jumped in. "So now you're wondering if it's worth making an effort with me?"
"Yeah," Beca sighed as she pushed her hair out of her face. "Pretty much."
"Look Beca," Warren started, "I can't promise I won't make more mistakes, but I can promise to try to be better. To not jump to conclusions, to not judge your career dreams, and to listen better."
"Dad…" she murmured softly.
"How about this," Beca's father cut in again. "You enjoy the rest of your trip. We can talk on the phone on New Years, and then when you get back, maybe we can meet for coffee," he said with determination.
Beca listened to her father's words carefully and for a moment she was speechless. She looked Chloe in the eyes, and silently asked what she should do. With a hopeful smile, Chloe silently supported her girlfriend, and squeezed her hand to convey that message. Beca wanted to trust her dad; now knowing she had not only Chloe but her entire family behind her, she felt safer taking the leap.
"Yeah, that sounds like a plan," Beca conceded, her chest feeling a bit lighter as she said it. "Let's talk on New Year's Day, and then we can then schedule a coffee date."
"Oh-thanks Beca," Warren said, a hint of surprise in his voice. "I will let you go, but, let me wish you a Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas, Dad," Beca responded automatically.
"Take care Beca, and talk to you soon."
"Talk to you soon, Dad." Beca hit the disconnect on her phone, and looked up at Chloe.
The redhead was holding her lower lip between her teeth, as she stood with an apprehensive look. Chloe wasn't sure if she had overstepped. "Becs…"
The redhead was silenced by Beca throwing her arms around her girlfriend. "Thank you," Beca whispered into her girlfriend's neck.
"You're not mad at me?" Chloe asked quietly. She pulled back just enough so they were face to face. She put her hand on the younger woman's cheek and spoke softly, "I would understand if you were."
The petite woman shook her head, as she whispered, "No! How could I be? I-I-I understand why you did it, and maybe… maybe you gave me a chance to have a relationship with my Dad again."
"Oh thank goodness," Chloe sighed. "I was worried, especially when the call became heated. I knew his earlier call had really hurt you and I didn't want that to weigh on you."
"I love you Chloe Beale," Beca whispered.
"I love you Beca Mitchell," Chloe whispered back.
-~Merry Pitchm as 2021~-
It was a beautiful peaceful night as the family settled outside. The fire crackled in the fire pit, as Charles added kindling around the larger logs until the fire was really going. He then used the sharp end of the hot metal poker to push and prod against the stacked wood until the fire crackled and popped to vibrant life. The family all cheered and gave him a round of applause as he finished.
The renewed blaze slowly warmed the chilled air immediately around the fire pit, and cast a cozy candescent glow in the otherwise darkened backyard.
"My hero," Catherine said as she gave her husband a kiss, and passed him a steaming cup of Irish coffee.
Just another in a million little interactions that Beca's witnessed which show her the possibilities that love can offer when you find the right person. She felt her person move next to her, and with her the warmth that is Chloe Beale. Snuggling back into the redhead Beca felt her girlfriend adjust her position so she could wrap her arms around Beca. The sense of home growing in her chest.
Looking up the sky was a spectacular mix of dark and bright with a million stars glowing in the sky. The site was quiet, with the crackling of the fire the only sound to fill the silence of the cold winter air; everyone was just sitting and enjoying the moment. It all added to the feeling of being home.
Beca and Chloe were practically curled around each other as they gazed at the fire pit, watching the flames dance. Chloe had insisted, so they could keep each other warm; Beca had not objected.
"This is a tradition I could get used to," Beca sighed, as she watched the fire crackle. Beca couldn't remember a moment like this in her life. She wanted to stay like this forever. Wrapped in each other's arms. Listening to the sound of each other's heartbeat.
"Me too," Chloe whispered. "Weather permitting, this is how we end every Christmas day. Just family around the fire…"
"Enjoying s'mores and Irish coffees," Chad added.
"Or hot chocolates," Lizzy added.
"Or spiked hot chocolates," Chad countered.
"You have an affinity for adding booze to drinks," Beca pointed out.
Chad raised his mug as he replied, "It does add to the warmth."
"Thank you for building the fire tonight Dad," Chloe said. "I was so looking forward to it."
"Oh, it was no problem," replied her father. "I always enjoy this part of Christmas."
"I'm going to go get the makings for s'mores. Does anyone else want one?" Catherine asked.
"Of course!" was the simultaneous answer from everyone present.
"Chase, could you help me bring things?" Catherine asked.
"Sure Mom," Chase nodded as he rose from his place by the fire.
"I'll help bring more hot cocoa for everyone," Lizzy volunteered.
"And more Baileys?" Chad asked hopefully.
"And more Baileys," Lizzy agreed.
They were gone for about a couple minutes before coming back with a dozen sticks, each with a marshmallow already stuck on it. Chloe eagerly accepted one of the sticks with the marshmallow, while Beca accepted two mugs of hot chocolate. She shook her head when Chad offered the bottle of Baileys.
Catherine retook her seat next to her husband after passing out more warm drinks, and setting out the fixings for the s'mores. She again focused on her daughter and her girlfriend. Catherine was so happy they had realized their feelings for one another with minimal nudges.
She watched as Chloe methodically went about roasting her marshmallow, all the while accepting good natured teasing from Beca. Her daughter turned her marshmallow every so often, toasting it lightly on all sides. Beca matched her daughter, claiming she wanted the same golden brown.
To the side, Catherine saw Chad start roasting his own marshmallow. She knew though he would never show the patience the girls were showing. In short order he got tired of waiting and dropped his stick lower so his marshmallow caught fire. As always, he looked quite pleased with himself as he blew out the flame before sandwiching it between a pair of graham crackers and chocolate.
"Youth and impatience," Charles sighed. "They do go so well together."
"Youth nothing, he takes after you,"Catherine chided, "My Chlo and BecBear are doing it right."
Upon hearing his parents, Chad just rolled his eyes and ate his sweet chocolaty-snack, making a point of smacking his lips while he did. He had a second marshmallow started before Beca or Chloe were done with their first. Of course Chase was already on his third.
"Thank goodness for the girls," Catherine sighed, "my boys are barbarians."
"We love you too, Mom," Chad and Chase replied simultaneously.
Ignoring the banter between her brothers and parents, Chloe focused on perfecting her marshmallow. "There. Perfect," Chloe declared as she inspected it. She then went about the process of adding chocolate and graham crackers. Beca had also pulled her stick from the fire, and seemed pleased with her marshmallow, so the redhead passed over another stick of chocolate and two graham crackers. Together they made two perfect s'mores.
"This looks perfect," Beca said, as she brought it up to take a bite. She looked at Chloe and asked, "Together?"
"Together," Chloe agreed.
And together they bit into their sweet sandwiches. They were delicious and both polished off their own s'more in short order, each humming happily.
"That was completely adorable," observed Lizzy.
"What?" asked Chad as he devoured his third burnt s'more. "I've had three, while they've had one."
"You wouldn't understand," Catherine explained.
"Worth the wait," Chloe editorialized between bites.
"It's not quantity that counts," Beca explained, "it's the quality."
""Nah, quantity," Chad countered as he began to burn another marshmallow.
"Barbarians," Catherine lamented as everyone laughed.
As Beca finished her treat, she leaned back into Chloe, who joined her in leaning back and enjoyed the sight above. The stars were magnificent, covering the sky from horizon to horizon. Both in their own way just took in the idea of infinity as it spread out above them. Together they just basked in the presence of one another and enjoyed this moment.
"Chlo, you're amazing. You know that?" Beca whispered, while she continued looking up at the sky.
"So are you, Becs," Chloe whispered back as she smiled fondly at the younger woman while playing with her chocolate brown hair the whole time.
"You know Chlo, I'm really thankful for everything that you have done for me. For inviting me, for opening your home. For letting me tell you about my Mom. For talking to my Dad. For everything. All of it, is because of who you are; generous, kind, warm and loving. You made me feel so welcome and loved. You helped me realize, I can love and be loved. I need you to know how much I love and appreciate you."
"Becs…"
"Thank you for delivering the best Christmas ever," Beca finished, cutting off Chloe before she could say something like it was no big deal. It was for her.
"Thank you for agreeing Becs," Chloe said instead, as she hugged the younger woman closer. "My idea of a best Christmas is spending it with you."
-~The End~-
Notes:
Happy belated Pitchmas to everyone, and especially BeChloeIsLegit.
There will be an epilogue.