Pre Lock down
Beca Mitchell was getting restless. The news of the pandemic was scary enough, but now the virus was spreading faster and faster through the country. Every day it came closer and closer, with everyday more and more restrictions from the government.
As the captain of the Bellas, she realized her responsibilities. It was her duty to keep them alive and as safe as possible. The university could be closing every day.
What would they have to do when that happened? She didn't know. No one knew what was going to happen, so there was no one she could go to for help.
This virus was something no one ever experienced and that thought scared her. She wasn't an overly enthusiastic person like Chloe, but she didn't want to die either. Or seeing her friends die to this terrifying virus. And with the death rate going higher and higher each day, it was a reality that it could happen to one of them. And the email she received from the dean of studen affairs, didn't make it easier for her.
From today all practices and performances were canceled. The dean had given out a set of guidelines they had to follow.
It was her duty to inform the girls and keep them in line. She never signed up for so much responsibility yet this was her new task from now on.
She needed to gather them for an emergency meeting to tell them about the new guidelines, but before that, she needed to have a word with Chloe.
"Can we talk for a moment?" she asked the redhead.
"Sure" Chloe responded.
"What's wrong?" Chloe asked as soon they were alone.
"I received this email from the dean. From today there are new guidelines we have to follow. All practices and performances are canceled. We have to stay inside as much as possible. If there are any girls who want to go home, they have to go as soon as possible. Except for Flo and Fat Amy. Australia and Guatemala have been in a complete lock down. And I have to hand over the keys of the auditorium to the dean at the end of the week so they can sanitize it" Beca said somber.
"I expected this although not so soon. That's why I asked Aubrey to come here and stay with us for as long as this situation is going on. She'll arrives here in a few hours" the redhead replied.
"You did what! Chlo seriously, a lock down with Aca Nazi? Are you trying to kill me?"
"Bec, there's a worldwide pandemic going on. If we're stuck in the Bellas house for undetermined time, we're going to need her. She is a pro in organizing. And you're a great captain, but your never going to be able to control us all. You're sometimes struggling to keep us all focused during practice. I know you don't want to hear this, but this is serious. We need her. If there's somebody who can keep us focused and calm, it's Aubrey " the redhead said softly.
Beca knew her girlfriend was right. Being stucked with Aubrey wasn't something she hadn't thought about, but Chloe had a valid point. Aubrey had always been better at keeping them organized and in line than her.
"You're right" she agreed after a moment of silence.
"Bec, I know you're scared. That's okay. I'm scared too, but together we're going to make it" the redhead said with a big smile.
"I hope you are right" Beca said not really convinced.
"Of course, I am. Now I will get the girls together, so you can bring them up to date" Chloe said as she walked away.
The Bellas had never seen their captain so serious as today. The atmosphere was calm yet thick as they were waiting for what was about to be told. They all had a feeling what this was about.
"Okay, so you heard all about the virus that's spreading around the world" Beca began.
A collective nod of agreement was her answer.
"As you all know, it won't take long before Barden will be closed for undetermined time. Regarding to this I received an email from the dean of student affairs with some guidelines" she continued.
"First of all, from now on all practices are canceled. If there are any items one of you need that are still in the auditorium, you can tell me what you want and I will collect them. I'm the only one who has permission to go in there. But decide it quickly because I have to handover the keys, so they can sanitize the auditorium."
"Second, since we live here together we can stay together, but from now we're not allowed to have guests, boyfriends or friends over. We have to stay inside as much as possible. That means social distancing so don't sneak out to meet someone outside" she continued looking directly at Stacie and Fat Amy.
"And third, students who still have to go to work because they are essential, are required to stay together in a separate room to prevent the virus from spreading" she said as she looked at Chloe, Stacie, Jessica and Flo.
None of them had ever thought about how much of an impact the worldwide pandemic would affect them. They weren't prepared for this and after their meeting, they were all in a state of shock.
"Girls, I know it's hard. The world as we know changed quickly, but don't panic. If you want to go home for safety reasons you're free to go. I suggest, if you do, do it quickly as the entire country will go into a complete lock down in about a week. Except for Flo and Fat Amy. You're countries are in a complete lock down, so you can't fly home" Chloe said gently.
"I want to stay here. The thought of staying in lock down with my family is to much" Cynthia Rose immediately said.
After a short moment they decided that they all would stay.
"I hoped you would say that. We're in this together and only together we can beat this. We're not alone as we have each other. And Aubrey will soon arrive here so we have all the help we need" Chloe said happy.
"It's going to be a tough time, but together we will do this. If you have any questions or concerns please come to me so we can talk about it" Beca said as she ended the meeting.
After the girls left, the reality of her own words began to sink in. It was going to be an interesting time that she was sure of. Eleven girls stuck in one house for undetermined time was going to be a challenge. But somehow she knew they would come stronger out of this.