Thank you so much for all of your support last chapter!

*Note the new content warnings for this chapter; it isn't horribly graphic but it is a tough one.

Ritchellexx - I'm so glad that you're enjoying this fic! We have the first in-depth glimpse as to what happened with Beca over the last ten years in this chapter - and then further details as we progress. And wow! That's such a high compliment that you're re-reading YAMATW - thank you so much! Thanks so much for reading and for your support!

Guest (Feb.20) - Ahhh thank you so much you are too kind! So I do work with lots of kiddos of all different ages and I have some background studying child development but I am always so stressed about writing the right dialect and such so thank you so much! (And I love that Bella's your favorite) Thank you about the characterization praise too you are so sweet (and lots of Callie-Chloe interaction coming up!). I will be completely honest - I still have no idea what Beca will end up telling Callie about Theo. I've been doing a lot of chapter planning this week and I've spent so much time thinking about what she'll end up telling her. I am coming up on writing that chapter though so lol we'll see what the keyboard comes up with. Theo's relationship with the kids is explained a little bit in this chapter and will definitely be explored in later chapters. But you are correct in saying that Callie will not be able to hold out for much longer - and interesting you picture Callie having a meltdown (are you in my brain?) - keep an eye out for Ch.7 ;) As for the phone numbers I absolutely love that idea of Callie calling Theo - that would definitely be bad but the poor kid is so confused I could totally see that happening. Thanks so much for reading and for your support!

Wolvezzz - Thank you so much! Definitely getting sadder and will get even sadder before it gets better :'( I'm so glad you're loving the fic though. I agree 100%. There was a lot of pressure on Aubrey in that situation and it's totally human to crack, but her and Stacie also agreed to let Beca tell her. Beca will eventually come to the realization that none of what happened is her fault, but you are correct is saying that it will be a process and won't happen for a while, unfortunately :( Oh you are so right about Bella - and I love that she's quickly becoming a favorite! Bella will for sure play a bigger role later on :) Thanks so much for reading and for your support!

Icedragone - I really did just want to hug Chloe last chapter - just as much as I wanted to hug Beca. She was left in the dark and I agree that that would be so so tough with their relationship. It will be a long road before they're back together but they will get there I promise. Ah yes about Chloe with Henry and Callie! There will be plenty of interactions with Chloe and the kids! I hope that Beca realizes that Chloe needs to be around them too :( Thanks so much for reading and for your support!

Jody1990 - This chapter was for sure a hard one to write. It's definitely emotional, and I hope it reads well because it's written in a slightly different style than how the chapters are normally written. I hope it lives up to your expectations :) Thank you so much for reading and for your support!

Isaiah Flamez - Beca has returned to New York after leaving LA in the middle of the night to escape her abusive relationship with her husband, Theo. Aubrey and Stacie put Beca and her two kids - Callie and Henry - in an apartment to help them establish new lives in NY. They just had dinner for the first time with Chloe, who found out that Beca was in NY and that she was in an abusive relationship. This chapter picks up that same night. Thanks so much for your support!

NJCE - I hope school has calmed down by now and that you had a nice week! Chloe for sure knew that something was going on. Beca for sure can't lie to the kids for too much longer, but it will all come out one way or another - it's just whether or not Beca will be the one to control the info that comes out when it does. I wish Beca won't push them away either :'( Unfortunately, I feel like it might be a while before she fully lets them back into her life. But yes - lots of Chloe/Callie (and Callie/Bella) coming up, and the turtle will be gone eventually thank goodness. So glad that you're enjoying the fic! Thanks so much for reading and for your support!

CJ3 - Poor Beca for sure :( I'm so glad that you're enjoying the fic! The truth is coming out and will all be out eventually - Beca will find her happiness! The relationship between the kids will be a key point later on, so I'm glad that you're enjoying that, too! Thanks so much for reading and for your support!

Guest (Feb.23) - Oh my goodness you are so sweet thank you so much! I hope your week has been a little less stressful and you've been able to take some more time for yourself. Ugh yes awkward situations are so not my thing nope no thank you. Aubrey really was in a tough situation - I'm glad you felt that I portrayed her reactions appropriately. The kids will be okay in the end :) That's not to say that they won't go through some stuff in the meantime - but there is a happy ending for everyone (except for Theo. Ew). Yes the reunion is painful and unfortunately this chapter is just as painful :( but no you're so right about Theo! It's explained a little bit more in this chapter, and he'll be back soon - don't worry. I'm so glad you enjoyed the chapter! That scene at the dinner table was one of my least favorite things that I have ever written - I hated that they were all essentially strangers and that they were all hurting in different ways. I feel you on imagining what happened and not wanting to know at the same time - make sure you look at the Content Warning for this chapter if these topics are especially difficult for you! You're right that everything is new, and everyone is just trying their best and trying to adjust and for Beca, trying to completely change the way she has been living (and thinking) for the last ten years. Long road but happiness at the end :) The kidsss omg I'm so glad everyone is loving them! Bella places a particularly important part in the future and her and Callie will for sure get closer! Thank YOU so much for reading and for your support! I hope your week calmed down and I will see you next time!


Chapter 6

Content Warning: Described physical abuse, abuse of a child, emotional abuse, alcoholism, threatening behavior, domestic violence situation, injuries from abuse, discussions about abusive relationships, manipulation, escaping a domestic violence relationship.

Beca sits down at the dinner table with her husband, the man not even glancing up from his phone as she does so. She remains silent, not moving any of her limbs, and becoming frozen in her chair.

"I should go get the kids."

She tries to stand, but it's like her feet are cemented to the floor. Theo lowers his voice to a growl beside her. "Don't move."

Beca's stomach plummets, her heart rate instantly quickening. She finds herself glancing in the direction of the staircase leading to where her kids are supposed to be upstairs playing with Karla.

After what feels like an eternity, Theo clicks his phone off, laying it on the table as he looks up at his wife. Her navy blue eyes are directed at the floor as they normally are. He hates it when she doesn't look at him. "Do you have anything you need to tell me?"

Slowly, Beca raises her head. His accent, which most people find endearing, cuts through Beca like a knife. "What?"

"You know what I'm talking about." He leans back in his chair staying stock-still and creating an even more menacing presence.

"I – I don't. I don't know what you mean."

He locks eyes with his wife. "Don't lie to me."

Beca's breath catches in her throat, heart hammering against her ribcage. "Theo, I don't know what you're talking about."

"Are you leaving me?"

Beca's chest tightens at Theo's words, the weight of his question hanging in the air around them. "N-No, I would never."

Theo doesn't seem convinced, the familiar flash of anger passing over his face. "You know I don't like it when you lie to me, Beca."

"I'm not. I'm not lying, I promise."

He stands slowly, carefully pushing himself out of the chair at the head of the table. His entire body is rigid, his hands flexing where they hang by his sides. "I don't believe you."

"Theo, I –"

"Mama!"

Both Beca and Theo turn in the direction of the voice, Callie coming into the dining room with a giant grin on her face. One look at her mother, though, and her carefree demeanor crumbles. "What's wrong?"

"Cal, go back upstairs."

Theo moves so he can place his hands on Callie's shoulders. The action makes Beca's stomach churn. "Callie, Mama is being very naughty."

Beca tries to sound as serious as possible, never once looking away from her daughter. "Theo, let her go back upstairs."

Callie tilts her head so she can see her father. "How come she's being naughty?"

Theo shrugs, "She lied to me, Callie. She's trying to take you away from me."

Callie's eyes fill with tears. "I don't want to leave you!" She turns to Beca, tears already starting to rush down her face. "Why are you being mean?!"

"Callie, I'm not –" Her plea catches in her throat. She reaches out to her daughter in an attempt to comfort her, but the young girl flinches away from her gesture. She cowers into her father's side, a smug smirk already stretching across his face.


Beca's body seizes under the tangled mess of blankets on the bed, her eyes flying open as her heart beats so hard that it threatens to escape her chest. She rolls over onto her back, her breaths coming out in strangled gasps as she tries to pull as much air into her lungs as possible. She brings her hand up over her forehead, her hair sweaty and fingers trembling.

It takes a moment of deep breathing and concentration, Beca trying her best to pull her awareness back to the New York apartment. This isn't even one of the worst nightmares that she tends to have (all of which - both fictional and memories of past events - have increased in frequency since she first contacted Aubrey), but there's something about the way Callie looked at her, the way she wouldn't let her mother hold her, that always sends Beca spiraling. It's all of her fears wrapped up in one: Theo, him catching them, and experiencing the anger and downright rejection of her kids.

Theo spent most of the time with his kids dictating what they could and couldn't do. He's a completely different father now than he was when Callie was first born - no longer looking to spend one-on-one time with them, and more so just looking for excuses to control their lives just like he controls Beca's. That being said, he spent enough time with them that Beca isn't sure the kids would ever choose her over him.

Staring into the darkness of the bedroom, Beca isn't even surprised that she has been graced with the presence of the nightmare tonight; it was a long day after all. Everything with Chloe and Aubrey and Stacie, along with Callie's continuous questioning about the whereabouts of Theo, truly wore her down (it probably doesn't help that she hasn't had a normal night's sleep in weeks).

When they got back from dinner, Beca practically forced Stacie out of the apartment, refusing to answer any more questions or to allow herself to be comforted by the leggy brunette in anyway. Once she left, she worked quickly to get the kids in bed so she could fall asleep as well. She tossed and turned for a while, listening to each sound that passed over the apartment, and wondering if that was the moment that Theo was going to show up at her door.

She still sees his face every time she closes her eyes and every time she turns a corner. It's like he's constantly watching her every move. She can feel his breath on the back of her neck if she stands in silence for too long and can smell his cologne in fleeting moments if she focuses too hard on her surroundings. She sees him in the faces of her kids; when Callie slumps down on the couch like he does after work, or when Henry rubs the sleep out of his eyes in the morning.

Granted, it's been less than a week since they've been in the city, but Beca can't help but wonder if she'll ever escape the feeling of Theo's seemingly ever-looming presence.

It took a lot for Beca to call Aubrey. Besides the ten years of separation, it was about a little over a month after Karla had noticed Beca holding her side a little too much after a particularly rough night with Theo.

That night, the one leading to the first time that Karla would outwardly question the stability of Beca's relationship with her husband, Theo had gotten back from some sort of party for work completely hammered, making him mad about anything and everything under the sun. Beca had been expecting it; it almost always happens when he goes to a work function without her there to monitor his alcohol intake (or when he drinks too much after dinner; or if Beca says something that angers him; or if the kids are acting especially kid-like that day; or if Beca so much as breathes the wrong way). She put the kids to bed early with headphones pressed to their ears and playing the soothing 'Sleep' playlist that she's been playing for them since they were babies. She had tried to sleep the best she could until she heard the door slam open and shut, followed by his drunken stumbling around looking for another drink from their own liquor cabinet. It took about thirty minutes of her laying in their bed, stiff as a board in anticipation, before he came into the bedroom.

It was almost instantaneous; the way he laid his eyes on her, had seen the woman he married, before thousands of reasons to hate and berate her blossomed in his mind. What she hadn't been expecting, was how violent he would actually become. Besides the obscene insults and abusive remarks that fell from his lips as easily as they always do, his fists and knee – and maybe even his foot – left her bloodied and bruised in their Los Angeles house.

Beca's not exactly sure how long it went on for. It wasn't until four in the morning, though, with Theo finally being passed out on the bed for a substantial amount of time, did Beca feel comfortable enough to move from her position on the floor, and bring herself into the bathroom to clean herself up.

Her abdomen had been marred with red and purple bruises; cuts imbedded in the blemishes. She remembers forcing herself into the shower, hoping that the water would bring her some form of relief, but only brought more pain instead, as she gripped the wall and watched the water circling the drain, become tinged with blood.

Her work schedule at that point still mainly consisted of pre-production meetings for her fifth album, so Beca was able to spend a lot of time at home with the kids, which she was grateful for on any other day - let alone that one. That being said, it killed her that she wasn't able to lift Henry from his bed that morning, and killed her even more that she could barely return Callie's good-morning hug. She hid her tears from the kids all morning, getting breakfast ready, and holding her breath until Theo stumbled down the stairs.

Of course, he acted normal. He always acted normal following a night of rage. He greeted the kids with hugs and kisses, tickling them and fooling around as they tried to stay focused on their morning cartoons. Then, already dressed in his suit that's reserved for more business-oriented meetings, he went over to where Beca was standing at the stove, and wrapped his arm around her, pulling the brunette into his side without a care for cautiousness or gentleness, even when her breath hitched in pain. He dropped a kiss onto her head, stole a piece of bacon from the plate on the side, and then pressed his lips roughly against hers, telling her that he would see her that night, and that he hopes she has a good day.

The whole interaction made Beca's stomach churn, but the thing was: this is her life. The almost predictable exchanges, the way she just sits there and takes it. It's what Beca had - has - grown used to, and she hated herself for years – and continues to hate herself – for allowing herself to do so.

That morning, when Karla showed up at the house, Beca was almost ready to completely fall apart. The ibuprofen that she took was nowhere near touching the pain she felt, and chasing around a toddler full of energy and while trying to get a seven-year-old ready was proving to be a lot more difficult than usual.

Karla came into the house as normal. She had placed her bag on the dining room table where she always worked with Callie and had gone up the stairs leading to where she could hear voices drifting from one of the many bedrooms (though she never knew the Mitchell-Wright family to host any guests). When she finally found the kids and their mom, they were in Henry's bedroom on the floor with the toddler. Beca and Callie were taking turns passing a small soccer ball to the boy, who proceeded to kick it into the toy goal on the other end of the room.

To many, it would have seemed like a typical morning. To Karla, she immediately noticed a difference in Beca. The way her smile didn't quite reach her eyes – which it always does when she's with her kids. The way her breathing was shallow as if it hurt to breathe. They exchanged pleasantries, and Karla sat on the floor to join them, but the worry in the pit of the older woman's stomach never subsided.

Karla had been with the family for close to three years. She was originally hired as Callie's homeschool teacher when she was set to start preschool, but her position quickly developed into one of a nanny position (which Beca refused to admit due to the fact that she swore she would never pay someone to take care of her kids for her). Yet, especially with Beca's celebrity, Karla was the one who took Callie out and about. She brought her to the store, to the park, and to the occasional playgroup so that the little girl could be socialized with other children. From Karla's perspective, both Beca and Theo were very adamant about keeping their kids out of the spotlight, which Karla understood to some degree, but also frequently questioned the true reasoning behind the decision. When Beca became pregnant with Henry, she started helping out more around the house, and eventually, Beca came to depend on her support.

But more so, Karla (and Beca) came to a mutual agreement that this was more than an employer-employee relationship. They quickly grew to be friends.

That being said, over the three years that Karla worked for Beca, she became acutely aware of the behaviors of Callie and Henry's parents. How Beca tensed whenever Theo was around, and constantly hovered whenever he was spending time with his kids. How Beca practically dreaded going into the studio, even though Karla knew how passionate she was about music. How, on the nights where Karla was being paid extra to watch the kids while their parents went out to parties, clubs, and other social events for work, Beca always hugged them a little harder and brushed off every compliment of her appearance with a snort or a small, almost ashamed, smile. She noticed every time Beca jumped at the creak of the floorboard or stiffened if one of her kids came up behind her in an attempt to surprise her. She noticed how Beca didn't have any friends that weren't related to work, and almost all of the ones she did have, Karla had never seen them communicate or hang out outside of the studio. She very rarely heard the brunette talk about her life prior to moving to LA (and those few times she did, Theo was never around), and there weren't any pictures of friends or family that aren't the kids' grandparents in the house.

When she stayed over for dinner, she noticed how Beca never had anything but water, while her husband drank scotch after scotch, Beca always seeming to be watching the glass empty and then become refilled all night.

She noticed how there was an occasional bruise on her visible skin before she would cover it with a long-sleeved shirt or a higher-necked top, and how she would sometimes come out of her and Theo's bedroom with tears in her eyes, hastily wiping them away with hopes that no one saw.

Karla broached the topic on a few occasions, but every question of concern was met by a nonchalant answer laced with denial. Beca always assured her that she was fine – and though there were definitely signs that contradicted those statements, Karla had never seen any indications that the kids were in harm's way or that they knew about what was going on – so Karla left it alone.

She left it alone until that morning, when Beca could barely move. Until that morning when every time there was a slight lull in activity, she let her guard down and her navy blue orbs filled with tears.

Beca specifically remembers how calm Karla was when she asked her. Henry was taking a nap and Callie was watching a movie in the living room. She was working in her office, listening to some demos for her new album and responding to various emails, when Karla crept into the room after knocking lightly on the door. Beca was dressed as professionally as she always was – even on the days where Beca didn't have any work to do, Karla had never seen her in sweats or comfier clothes.

Beca had slowly turned around in her chair as Karla closed the door behind her, taking a hesitant seat on the couch. It was sort of an unspoken rule that when Beca was working in the office, she shouldn't really be disturbed, but the look on Karla's face made Beca fall silent with confusion. She looked deep into the older woman's hazel eyes, her soft gray hair pulled up in a low bun, with a few whisps coming free and falling around her face.

And she listened as the woman that had become the closest thing that Beca had to an actual friend, asked her if Theo was hurting her.

There was no beating around the bush; there was no asking if she was okay or if there was something going on. Karla had sat on that couch, hands clasped on her lap, and looked right into the thirty-five-year-old's dark blue orbs and said, "Beca, you and I have known each other for a long time now. I've grown to love your kids like my own, and you all have become a part of my family. But sweetheart, I know that something isn't right, and hasn't been right, for as long as I've known you. So, I want to ask you, mother to mother, if Theo has been hurting you."

Beca had sat there in silence, not really sure what to say. It was the first time anyone had asked her flat out if there was something going on. The topic had been danced around by a variety of employees at the record label over the past decade (as well as one rather persistent assistant that Theo eventually ended up firing), but no one had ever specifically asked her. But with Karla right there, asking the way she did - there were only two answers: yes or no. There was no possibility of changing the conversation, there was no way she could brush off the question with a joke or a noncommittal response. Karla had presented her with a situation in which she could either admit that the life she has been living for the past ten years has been her own personal form of hell, or, she could lie. She could lie to one of the only people that she actually cared about in this city. She could lie to the one person that she knew she could depend on, after cutting off contact with the other people that stood by her for six-plus years.

And Beca couldn't do that.

Whether it be because she was still highly emotional from the night before or that the weight of the last ten years came crashing down on her, Beca couldn't bring herself to lie to Karla. So, she simply nodded, knowing that if she were to open her mouth, it would be sobs that came out instead of coherent words.

She nodded, and Karla didn't move. She hardly blinked at the admission. She kept her voice calm as she asked, "How long?"

It was then that Beca started to crumble. Her lip quivered as she covered her face with her hand, her wedding ring catching the light of the desk lamp. She shook her head, not really having an answer for her. Because, in all honesty, she didn't know when it had started getting bad. She didn't know when Theo's controlling nature turned violent. He had always been the one to make the decisions in their relationship – both romantic and professional. He called the shots on the projects, he made all of the decisions in the studio. He decided what she wore, how she acted, when she went on tour. He controlled both of their incomes and held the fact that she really couldn't do anything – and wouldn't have anything or be anything – without him, over Beca's head.

But really, even now, she still struggles to pinpoint when that controlling nature turned into consistently becoming physically aggressive.

That's not to say that she doesn't remember the first time he hit her. In fact, she still remembers it clear as day. It was many years ago at the time of Karla's question; Callie was small, probably a little older than one-year. Beca didn't want to go on tour so soon, she wasn't really feeling the drive to perform, and she and Theo had gotten into an argument about it. She felt the sting of where his hand had come in contact with her cheek before she realized what had happened. She told him, she told him while they stood inches apart, that if ever he did that again she would leave him.

And he laughed.

He actually stood there and laughed at Beca while she held her cheek, and reminded her that without him, she wouldn't have a career. She wouldn't have a family. She wouldn't have her daughter, whom she loved more than anything in the entire world. She wouldn't have a house to live in or a bank account to support her. It had been years since she had called any of the Bellas; it had been years since she cut off all contact with them after months of manipulation on Theo's part.

And what hurt Beca the most, was that he was right. She allowed herself to get stuck in this inescapable hole, and she was going to pay the price for it.

At Beca's heartbroken silence, Karla had moved to kneel in front of the younger woman, taking her free hand in hers. She kept her volume low, both in fear of scaring the brunette away, and while being cognizant of the fact that her daughter was just in the other room. She was fully aware of the tremble in the woman's fingers, the way her breath was coming out in short hiccups as she tried her best to stop crying. "Beca," she had told her, "You don't have to stay here. I can help you and the kids get out. We can go to the police; we can get a restraining order. We can get you three to safety."

For a second, Beca had been tempted. A vision of a perfect life with her and the kids, away from LA, away from everything, flooded her mind. She could see herself smiling again; she could see herself returning to the spunky and sarcastic woman that she had once been. She could see her kids running around in the backyard of a house in Atlanta or maybe back in New York. She could see them being carefree, and Beca not having to worry about whether or not their father would come home early that night. She could start fresh; have a new beginning.

But Beca shook her head. She thanked Karla and told her that everything was under control. She had told her that she could handle it, and that the kids were safe and that's all that mattered. They loved their father after all, and she's sure that leaving him would ultimately destroy them.

Four weeks later, Theo hit Callie for the first time.

It had been over something stupid, just like it always was. He was stressed out because they were supposed to start recording Beca's new album within the next few days, but something had happened with the equipment at the studio. Callie was asking him to go outside and play with her, like any seven-year-old that hadn't seen their dad all day, would. Beca was in the kitchen getting dinner ready and hadn't heard her getting whiny. She had walked around the corner to ask him, like she always did lest he get mad about that, if he wanted a drink, when she saw that same familiar flash of anger cross his expression, and his palm come down from where it was poised on his keyboard, across Callie's cheek.

Time had seemed to freeze around them, with Callie looking at her father with pure terror, tears quickly starting to fill her eyes. Theo had sat there, not really sure himself what had just happened, while Beca's whole world seemed to collapse down around her. She sprang into action as soon as the first whimper emerged from Callie's trembling lips, instantly running to her side and lifting the seven-year-old onto her hip. Theo had attempted to grab onto Beca's hand, but she ripped it away with a force unlike anything either of them had seen come from Beca before, glaring at him over her shoulder as her daughter sobbed into the crook of her neck.

She spent the entire night in Callie's bedroom, camping out with both her and Henry as they ate pizza straight from the box, and for once, Theo didn't bother them. Beca read them book after book, fooling around with the two of them as she tried to keep Callie distracted. They eventually fell asleep, curled up together on Callie's bed, and in the morning, nothing was said about the night before.

Callie woke up and was as happy as she normally is, her expression void of any residual effects of the trauma. When they went downstairs, Theo had greeted her as normal, surprising her after a slight hesitance on Callie's part, with a new book and a new stuffed animal, which he claimed he got her "just because." Beca, who hardly took two steps away from the kids all morning, barely acknowledged him. Her stomach churned every single time she even caught a glimpse of his face, and she only breathed easily once the front door closed behind him.

As soon as Karla got to the house, Beca pulled her back into the office they had talked in a few weeks prior. If the older woman was surprised, she didn't say anything. Instead, she listened as Beca told her what had happened. For the next hour, Karla, with Beca's reluctance diminishing, took pictures of the brunette's old and new injuries, before they formulated the beginning steps of the plan that would eventually get her and the kids out of the house.

It would have to wait for three weeks - they decided that relatively quickly. They would have to wait until Theo would be in Europe for two weeks, working with one of the label's up and coming artists - one that he wouldn't be able to abandon overseas just because Beca wasn't answering her phone. Karla would give them two extra days once they were in New York, letting Theo know that Beca and kids came down with a stomach bug and couldn't talk.

They both knew it wouldn't last forever, but it would get them away.

That is, as long as they had a place to get away to.

That afternoon, she spoke to Aubrey for the first time in ten years to ask for help.


Still trembling from the aftermath of her nightmare, Beca pushes herself out of her bed at the memories. She wraps her arms around her own torso, relishing in the slight comfort that the self-soothing embrace gives her. The brunette pads quietly out of her room and across the hall to where her kids hopefully remain sleeping, unaware of any of the evils of this world.

She silently creeps into their bedroom, squinting in the darkness of the room as she first approaches Henry's bed. He's lying on his stomach like he normally is, his thumb tucked slightly into his mouth. Beca can't help but smile at the sight, bending down and pressing a light kiss into his curls. She pulls the covers back up over his shoulders, making sure that his alligator is tucked safely within the crook of his arm, before turning to Callie.

Unlike her son, Callie is curled in a tight ball on her side, her back facing the door. The blankets are exactly where Beca put them when she tucked her in hours earlier. She's wrapped around the teddy bear that Beca's father got her when she was a baby, and her hair is still damp on her pillow from her shower. She does the same thing that she did to Henry, dropping a kiss onto her forehead, and then retreating back into the hallway.

Despite her hopes, Beca's sure that Theo will come looking for them at some point. But right now, she and the kids are safe.

And that's all that matters.


A half an hour away, laying in the guest bedroom of Aubrey and Stacie's house, Chloe stares up at her ceiling. She's been laying here for hours, her mind swimming with the events of tonight.

The revelations.

The shed tears.

The fact that her best friend has been in an abusive relationship for ten years, and not only did Chloe not push hard enough to find her during those years, but Beca hadn't been comfortable enough to call her, herself.

It's all been so much, and Chloe sobbed for over an hour after Beca and her kids left without eating a single piece of the cake she had promised Callie. Aubrey held her as she imagined Beca being stuck in a house with the man that was supposed to make all of her hopes and dreams come true. The man that all of the Bellas had met and spent time with while in Europe; the man that no one even thought there could be something suspicious about.

And what had Chloe done when she found all this out? She broke down. She forced Beca to talk about it before she was ready. She spent more time trying to get information than she did trying to comfort the woman that has held onto her heart for so long.

Seeing Beca there, standing in the kitchen that she's spent so much time in over the last five years, was such a different experience than seeing her in the grocery store. At the grocery store, Chloe had just been shocked. Shocked that Beca Mitchell was standing in front of her. Shocked that she had two kids with her. The shock itself had propelled her forward into the conversation, desperate to talk to her, even if it was just for a minute, just to make sure she wasn't dreaming it.

Then, when she saw her in Aubrey and Stacie's kitchen, she'd be lying if she said she didn't feel at least a little bit of anger. Aubrey really hadn't told her that much at the office the other day, and both of her friends had been evading her questions since then. So, yes, Chloe was angry at the fact that Beca Mitchell hadn't died and she had just been ignoring all of her countless texts and calls and emails. She was angry that her best friend seemingly didn't care enough to keep up their relationship long-distance as they had promised each other so many times that they would. Then for her to just stand there with a simple 'Hey Chloe,' really made her blood boil. There was no explanation. No apology. And the worst part was, neither Stacie nor Aubrey seemed anywhere near as frustrated as Chloe was feeling.

But, as she kept talking to Beca, those feelings of anger quickly dissipated, because Chloe could blatantly see that there was something wrong with the brunette. It didn't matter that they hadn't seen each other in ten years or not. There was no spark in Beca's personality. There was no humor, there was no passion. She wasn't even looking in Chloe's direction and that right there was a dead giveaway for the redhead. She's always prided herself on the fact that she was one of the only people that ever got to see the real Beca Mitchell. She knows that Beca can't lie to her, because Beca herself has told her that. So, the fact that Beca was so reluctant to look into her eyes, combined with all of the differences in her personality, truly made a ball of worry appear in the pit of her stomach.

When Aubrey finally told her what was going on, her world came crashing down. She couldn't believe herself for being so blind.

Then, just like that, Beca was gone. Before she even got a chance to talk to her. And by talk, Chloe means really talk. Like they used to when Beca was stressed about work or was having a particularly rough day thoughts-wise, or freaking out because her father was giving her a hard time about classes or about whatever else he could nit-pick. How they used to talk when Chloe was having a major breakdown and just needed to get something off her chest. How they used to just be, because Beca and Chloe could just do that. They could simply listen to each other and know what the right thing to say was. They worked. They always have, and while Chloe once questioned if they always would, she knows for sure that now, they will, without a doubt.

Chloe pushes herself out of the bed with a groan. She's spent countless nights here, and it's become her second bedroom. Her second home. Most of the time, it's just because spending the night and heading back into the city in the morning is far easier than actually going back at night after she may or may not have had a little too much to drink. Tonight, though, it was simply because she was far too emotional to travel by herself.

As if agreeing with her thought, a sharp throbbing passes through her head, most likely due to dehydration. The redhead makes her way quietly down the hallway; past her niece's room, past her best friends' room, before climbing down the stairs to the first floor. She starts to head to the kitchen in search of a glass of water, but as she passes the slider door leading to the backyard, she catches a glimpse of a familiar blonde sitting on the back steps.

Forgetting her plan to hydrate, Chloe carefully makes her way outside, hugging her torso in an attempt to keep warm in the chilly fall air. "Bree?"

Aubrey jumps slightly at the sound, turning around to face her visitor. Her eyes are puffy from the hour or two she's been out here crying. As if dinner with Beca hadn't been hard enough, she also got an earful from Stacie after they put Bella to bed. This night has just been a failure in every sense of the word. "Hi."

Chloe takes a few steps forward, joining her best friend on the step. She sits close enough so their knees are touching, but there's still a small distance separating them. Chloe doesn't even bother asking her if she's okay, because if how Chloe's feeling is any indication, Aubrey is not doing well either.

The redhead takes a deep breath, resting her chin on the space where her arms are folded on her bent knees. "I'm sorry I pushed you so hard today."

Aubrey sighs, sniffling slightly. "It's not your fault. We should've told you what was going on before she came over. It wasn't fair to you or to Beca to just throw you guys in a room together and expect everything to be fine."

Tears start to prick at the corner of Chloe's eyes once more. "I just can't believe it. And I don't get why she didn't just call us." Or just call Chloe.

"I've been talking to some victims' advocates that work with the DA, and they said that it's typical behavior for someone that's in an abusive relationship. That bastard had such a mental hold on her that she didn't feel like she could. Or maybe she couldn't because he physically wouldn't let her… either way, it makes me sick."

Chloe nods in agreement, trying not to think about the fact that Beca very well could've been prohibited from calling her. "And you said she hasn't really told you what happened?"

Aubrey straightens, stretching out her back and staring out into the yard. "Not really. I only talked to her three times before she flew out. She told me about the kids, she said that she needed to get them away from Theo but that he controls all of their money and everything, and that she needed help. We only talked for about twenty minutes each time; most of the planning happened between me and Karla."

"Who's Karla?"

Aubrey reaches up to scratch where her hair tie is holding her blonde locks in place. "Beca told me that she was the kids' homeschool teacher, but when I talked to Karla the first time, she told me that she was more of a nanny. Apparently, she's been working for Beca since Callie was young. She helped get Beca to the airport, worked on sending over all of the stuff for Callie's school, and passed information between the two of us because Beca was afraid Theo would catch her talking to me."

Chloe's stomach rolls again as she tries to comprehend everything that Aubrey is saying. This was all happening when she could've been helping. She tries to ignore the feeling of guilt building up inside of her, and asks instead, "So, two kids, huh? Who would've thought."

A snort escapes Aubrey's mouth. "I know, right? That was my first reaction, too. But, I mean, you saw her with them. They're clearly her whole world."

Chloe smiles to herself at the thought, remembering how Beca had visibly brightened when Henry was laughing or when Callie was talking to her. She is a natural, and the thought makes Chloe's heart swell. "I still can't believe she managed to have kids without anyone finding out."

"I actually asked her about that; I'm not sure if it's the whole story, but she said that she and Theo didn't want them growing up in the spotlight. Beca was pretty adamant about Callie going to school, though, so it very well could've just been another one of his games."

"She seems like a sweetheart."

"This was only the third time I've seen her, and she hasn't even come close to warming up to me like she did to you." Aubrey bumps Chloe with her shoulder, "Just like her Mama did."

Chloe meets Aubrey's green orbs in the darkness of the night, a sad smile tugging at her lips. "I really missed her, Bree."

"I know you did. And I can almost guarantee you that she missed you more than anything." The blonde sighs, "I think she's just feeling a lot of guilt right now. You saw her tonight; she clearly thinks that it was her fault."

"But it's obviously not."

"Chlo, you know better than everyone that Beca is one of the most strong-willed, most stubborn people out there. She's probably beating herself up over this like there's no tomorrow. She probably has been since it started."

Chloe hangs her head. Of course, she knows that; it's what makes her nervous. "I just don't want her to think that she's alone. I mean, I get not wanting people to know that she was coming out here, but now that she is, she's going to need all of the support that she can get."

Aubrey gives her a small smile, twisting her wedding band around the base of her finger for comfort. "And we're going to be there to give it to her. You, me, Stace… she has all three of us, and when she's ready, she'll have all of the other girls, too. She's not going to be alone. Not anymore."


3 Weeks Ago

Aubrey lets out a groan, leaning back in her chair as she reads her computer screen. This new case that she just picked up is not going to be an easy one. It makes her head hurt just looking at all of the hoops she's going to have to jump through to even have a chance of winning.

The shrill ringing of her office phone interrupts her from her momentary lapse of frustration. She barely looks at the device before picking up the receiver, holding it to her ear. "This is Aubrey Posen."

Brenda's voice fills the other end of the phone, just like Aubrey knew it would. "Mrs. Posen, there's a Beca Mitchell on the line for you."

Her secretary's words hit Aubrey like a ton of bricks. She hasn't heard that name in forever (well, from someone other than Chloe), especially when the context of the sentence suggests that she actually wants to talk to the blonde. She sits up straighter, clutching the phone like her lifeline, as she tries to come up with something to say.

Rage boils in the pit of her stomach. How dare she call her after all these years? After everything that she's put the Bellas through. After everything that she put Chloe through. She has every right to just ignore the phone call; ignore it and tell Brenda to tell Beca to take her phone call and shove it. And honestly, she would really love to do that. But there's a bigger part of her that would like to give the brunette a piece of her mind.

"Mrs. Posen?"

"Yeah, Brenda, you can put her through. Thank you."

There's a brief click as Aubrey waits with bated breath, tapping her perfectly manicured nails on her desk, seeing red as she stares out into her office.

"Aubrey?"

Aubrey's eyes narrow as soon as she hears the familiar voice. "You've got a lot of nerve just calling like this." Beca remains silent, only adding fuel to Aubrey's fire. "Typically, I would ask how you are, but, considering no one has heard from you in over ten years, I really couldn't care less. What do you want?"

Back in Los Angeles, sitting in the front seat of her car with Karla's phone pressed against her ear, tears spring free from Beca's eyes. She knew it would be a long shot, calling Aubrey like this, and while she was expecting some animosity from the blonde, she's starting to regret even thinking about dialing the number.

Beca's reluctance to answer makes Aubrey's blood boil. She's not one to like people wasting her time, especially when said person practically destroyed her best friend. "Beca, I'm like two seconds away from hanging up. Either say something or go crawl back under whatever rock you came from."

Beca's hands shake as she wipes a few fallen tears from her cheeks. She just needs to say it. Just like she and Karla talked about. She just needs to force herself to say the words; to ask the question. Whether it'll be met with acceptance or a refusal to believe her, Beca isn't sure, but she needs to actually tell Aubrey what's going on if she wants to get an answer. Yet, right now, she's as intimidated by the blonde's anger as she was when she first met her at Barden. This time, though, instead of having a snarky response lined up, Beca is practically scared into silence.

"Okay, well, it was great talking to you so –"

"—Wait, Aubrey!"

The exclamation puts a momentary pause on Aubrey's frustration. There's something about the way Beca sounds that makes her stop from ending the call. "What?" Aubrey listens as the woman audibly takes a deep breath, the sound of which makes Aubrey's heart beat a little faster. "Beca?"

"Aubrey, I –" the brunette's voice cracks, her emotions overpowering her for what feels like the fiftieth time today. She takes a deep breath, desperately trying to hide the fact that she's crying. "I need help."

Aubrey's impatient movements stop, her entire body freezing at the statement. Her mind goes completely blank as Beca's words echo in her head. "What?"

Before she can stop herself, Beca allows the reason that she's calling, to tumble from her lips. "I-I need help. Getting out of LA. I need to get away from Theo."

Aubrey straightens even more than she already is, a wave of nausea passing over her at Beca's admission. Her anger disappears, now fully being replaced by blatant fear at the brunette's voice. She knows that Beca married her music executive years ago, it had been posted on her social media and Chloe showed up at her house in an absolute mess. But Aubrey doesn't want to believe that what Beca is saying, is really what she means. "Beca, what are you talking about?"

"I need to get away from Theo, but I don't have any way to. He controls all of our money; he doesn't let me do anything without telling him… I need to get out of LA, Aubrey. Soon. He's going to Europe in three weeks and –"

"Woah, Beca slow down. Are you safe right now? Do you need me to call the cops?"

Beca scoffs, tears still rolling down her cheeks. Her chest is tightening, her breathing becoming labored. She knew it wouldn't be easy, admitting this for the second time in less than six hours, but Aubrey's questions really aren't helping. "I'm in the car. He's at work. I-I can't talk long but I really… I need your help."

As fast as it had become blank moments earlier, Aubrey's mind is suddenly racing with thousands of thoughts – based on Beca's limited information – about what needs to happen to get Beca to a place where she is safe. "Okay. Beca, we're going to figure this out, I promise. I'll get you a plane ticket to New York and –"

"Three."

"What?"

"I need three plane tickets. I have two kids."

Aubrey's jaw drops slightly, but she knows that now is neither the time nor the place to discuss it. "O-okay, three plane tickets. We'll get you out of that house. You'll be safe here, Beca. I promise."


A tough chapter, but a necessary one. I hope it lived up to your expectations. Next up: Callie's first day of school, Chloe and Stacie get a chance to talk, and, um... something else happens.

Quick writing update!

- I worked a lot on chapter planning this past week!

- Domestic violence laws and child custody laws are complicated oh my goodness. I'm hoping it will stay as realistic as possible, but alas, I am not a lawyer, so fingers crossed it works.

- This looks like it'll be between 25-30 chapters! Part 1 will be Chapters 1-15, and Part 2 will be Chapters 16-the epilogue. Lots of drama in store, lots of hurt/comfort, but there is happiness at the end of it all.

Thank you so so much for all of your support! I am looking forward to reading any thoughts that you want to share!

The next chapter will be up on Tuesday! See you then :)