25 Days of BeChloe Christmases - 2020
Day 23 - BFFs or Something More?
Author's Prompt: Beca and Chloe have been best friends since they were two years old. They are going into their Senior Year of High School, and things change. Beca is left out while Chloe is suddenly hanging with the cool kids. Will they remain BFFs? Or is this the end of Beca and Chloe?
Seventeen-year-old Beca Mitchell sat on the top step of her porch staring at the house three doors down on the other side of the street. She was impatiently waiting for her best friend, Chloe Beale, to arrive home from her grandparents, where she had spent the past three months.
Beca missed her best friend and couldn't wait to start their Senior Year together. Beca hoped this would be the year Chloe became more than just Beca's best friend. Beca has had a crush on Chloe for a while now, but Chloe didn't think Beca liked her the way she said she did. Beca is hoping to convince Chloe that her feelings are real.
During their time apart, Beca and Chloe had kept in constant contact on Skype and Facetime, but after a few weeks, Chloe had put a stop to those and insisted they call or text only. Beca was saddened that she couldn't see Chloe even on her phone or computer screen, but she would do anything that Chloe wanted.
Beca heard a noise and looked to see the Beales' car pulling into their driveway. Beca jumped off the steps and ran to her car. She practically squealed her tires as she pulled out of her driveway and made the short trip to Chloe's house. Chloe and her parents all looked over when Beca stopped the car in front of them.
Beca's jaw dropped when she caught sight of Chloe. The girl standing with her parents is not the same girl that left three months ago.
"Wow!" Beca muttered to herself before getting out of the car.
"Beca!" Chloe squealed as Beca rounded the front of the car and made her way over to Chloe.
Chloe grabbed Beca in a hug. "I missed you!"
"I missed you, too," Beca said, pulling back to look at Chloe. She smiled and said, "There's something different about you. Did you cut your hair?"
Chloe smiled and turned to show off her body. "Do I look amazing or what?"
"You always look amazing to me, Chlo," Beca said.
"Stop," Chloe said, blushing as she smacked Beca's arm. "You have to say that 'cause you're my best friend."
"Doesn't mean it's not true," Beca said.
"Come on," Chloe said, grabbing Beca's hand. "We need to catch up."
Chloe dragged Beca into the house and up to the stairs.
"We'll be in my room," Chloe yelled to her parents as she and Beca ran upstairs. "When did you get that car?"
"It's a super early birthday gift from my dad," Beca said. "More like a bribe, so I don't say anything to my mom about his cheating."
"Doesn't your mom know about his cheating?" Chloe asked.
"She does," Beca said, smiling. "But he doesn't know that, hence the car. Plus, this way, he doesn't have to waste time away from Sheila to drop me off at school every morning. He thinks he's slick, but my mom has been on to him for a while. I think they may be heading for a divorce."
"Oh, Beca," Chloe said. "I'm so sorry."
"You have nothing to be sorry for," Beca said. "Enough about me. Let's talk about you."
Chloe blushed slightly, and Beca made a big show of looking Chloe up and down, smiling as she did so.
"How did you lose the weight? You've tried every diet you could think of. What worked for you this time?"
"Well, you know I went to visit my grandparents," Chloe said. "What I didn't tell you was they bought a farm, and they only eat what they can grow. Plus, they're like twenty miles from the nearest pizza shop, Taco Bell, and ice cream shop. It was easy to lose weight when all your fat-inducing foods are nowhere to be found."
Chloe chuckled, as did Beca.
"I'm so proud of you, Chlo," Beca said, hugging Chloe. "So, does this mean no trip for our annual back-to-school banana splits?"
"Oh, we'll totes be getting ice cream," Chloe said, standing and holding out her hand to Beca. "I'll just be getting a single scoop cone instead of the banana split. I want a ride in your new car, so you drive."
"Fine by me," Beca said, leading Chloe out the door of her bedroom and down the stairs.
"Mom?" Chloe called out as they reached the front door.
"What's going on, Chloe?" Charlotte Beale asked as she came out of the kitchen.
"Beca and I are going to get ice cream," Chloe said.
"Okay," Charlotte said. "Don't stay out too late; you have school tomorrow."
"Don't worry, Mrs. B, I'll have her back by curfew," Beca said. "Can we bring you some ice cream?"
"Could you bring me a pint of Fudge Ripple?" Charlotte asked. "And a pint of Butter Pecan for Mr. Beale?"
"You got it," Beca said.
~~ Day 23 of the 25 Days of BeChloe Christmases - 2020 ~~
An hour later, Beca was back at the Beales' house without Chloe.
"Beca?" Charlotte said when she answered the door to find Beca standing there alone. "Where's Chloe?"
"She went to the movies with Chicago Walp and his entourage," Beca said. "Here, I brought the ice cream you wanted."
Beca handed Charlotte the bag with her ice cream and turned to walk away.
"Beca, wait!" Charlotte said, causing Beca to turn back to her.
"Yeah?"
"Please come in," Charlotte said. "Tell me what happened and why Chloe didn't come home with you. She didn't call to tell me she was going anywhere else."
"Chloe should be telling you this," Beca mumbled as she followed Charlotte into the kitchen anyway.
Beca stopped just inside the door of the kitchen and leaned her hip against the counter.
"So, tell me," Charlotte said. "Isn't Chicago one of the guys that used to call Chloe and you all kinds of names? And bullied you both endlessly the past couple of years?"
"Yes, he is," Beca said. "But, he's also one of the cool kids, and he came over and started flirting with Chloe, and she apparently liked it." Beca scoffed as she added, "He didn't even know who she was at first."
"What else happened?"
"He asked Chloe to go to the movies with them, and she said yes."
"Did they ask you to go, too?"
"No," Beca said, looking down at the floor. "I'm not one of the cool kids, so they didn't include me. And Chloe just left me sitting there without saying a word to me."
"I'm sure she'll come to talk to you tomorrow," Charlotte said. "She'll apologize, and everything will be back to normal."
"I don't think so," Beca said. "She's been inducted into the cool kids club, and I am definitely not a member, nor will I ever be. I should go; it's getting late, and school starts tomorrow. Have a goodnight, Mrs. B."
Beca quietly left the house.
Charlotte waited up for Chloe to return home. It was past eleven when she heard a noise at the door and opened it to find Chloe kissing some boy she assumed was Chicago.
"Oh," Chloe said, quickly stepping away from Chicago. "Mom, this is Chicago Walp. Chicago, this is my mom."
"It's nice to meet you, Mrs. Beale," Chicago said, with what he believed to be a charming smile.
"Mm-hmm," Charlotte said, obviously not impressed. "Chloe, it's past your curfew, and you have school tomorrow. Come inside."
"Mo-om!" Chloe whispered, her cheeks turning hot. "You're embarrassing me."
"I don't care," Charlotte said. "Get inside, now!"
Chloe ducked her head to hide her pink cheeks and stepped inside.
"I'll see you at school tomorrow, Chloe," Chicago said as Charlotte closed the door in his face.
"Mom," Chloe said. "That was rude!"
"Not as rude as leaving your best friend sitting alone while you went off with the guy who bullied you and her for the better part of the past three years," Charlotte said. "And we have a rule in this house that you call if you plan to be out past curfew. And we'll talk about that later. For now, tell me why I had to hear about your change of plans from Beca?"
"What did Beca tell you?" Chloe asked.
"Just that you were invited to go to the movies with that boy and his friends," Charlotte said. "And you left her sitting by herself when you went off with them. She didn't say anything, but I know she was hurt by it. You need to apologize to her tomorrow."
"I'll text her before I go to sleep," Chloe said quietly. "And, I'm sorry I didn't call to tell you where I was."
"Go to bed," Charlotte said, pulling Chloe into a hug. "I love you."
"I love you, too," Chloe said. "Goodnight, mom."
~~ Day 23 of the 25 Days of BeChloe Christmases - 2020 ~~
Chloe went to her room. She was feeling bad about ditching Beca and sent Beca a text.
Chloe (11:20 PM): I'm sorry about leaving you sitting alone. Will you still give me a ride to school in the morning?
Beca was still awake, listening to music when she saw Chloe had texted her.
Beca (11:25 PM): I'll pick you up at 7:40; don't be late.
Chloe (11:27 PM): Awes! Goodnight and I'll see you in the morning.
Chloe snuggled under the covers with a smile on her face. It wasn't long before she fell asleep, dreaming of the kiss she shared with Chicago.
The next morning, Beca awoke to her alarm and got ready for the first day of Senior Year. She re-read Chloe's apology for last night as she grabbed her keys and backpack. Beca hurried down the stairs and went to the kitchen to grab some toast before heading out to pick up Chloe.
"Good morning, my scrappy little Senior," Sarah Mitchell said as she entered the kitchen.
"Morning, mom," Beca responded as she bit into her toast. "Where's dad?"
"I don't know," Sarah said, shrugging her shoulders."He probably spent the night with his girlfriend."
"Why do you still put up with that shit?"
"Watch your language, young lady."
"I'm sorry," Beca said. "Please don't tell me you're staying with him just because of me. Kick him out. You'd be better off without him. We'd both be better off without him."
"I've already talked to a lawyer," Sarah said, looking at Beca. "I'm just trying to get some things situated before I take the plunge."
"I'll stand by whatever you decide," Beca said, standing to hug her mother. "Just let me know when you make your final decision, okay?"
"I will," Sarah said. "I promise."
"Okay," Beca said. "I have to go. I'm giving Chloe a ride to school."
"Have a good day," Sarah said as Beca headed for the door. "And drive safe."
"Always," Beca called back over her shoulder as she walked out the door.
Chloe started apologizing to Beca as soon as she got into Beca's car.
"Stop it, Chlo," Beca finally said. "I get it. You got swept up in the fact that the cool kids wanted to be with you."
"That's not it at all," Chloe said, pouting at Beca.
"It's not?" Beca countered. "Then what exactly was it if not that?"
"I, um," Chloe stammered. "It, uh-"
"It's exactly like I said it was," Beca said. "To be honest, I would have probably gone with them, too. But I would have invited you along instead of walking away and leaving you sitting there all by yourself. It really hurt when you just left me sitting there alone, Chlo."
"I'm really sorry about that, Beca," Chloe said earnestly.
"I know you are," Beca said. "Doesn't make it hurt any less."
"I promise I'll make it up to you," Chloe said. "I know, we'll do laser tag for your birthday, my treat. Just the two of us. How does that sound?"
"Well, look at that," Beca said with a grin. "I'm feeling a lot less hurt now."
Chloe giggled as Beca pulled into the school parking lot. Beca found a space, and the two friends grabbed their stuff and got out of the car.
"What are you doing after school?" Beca asked.
"Chloe!"
Beca and Chloe both jerked their heads around to see who called out to Chloe. Chloe smiled at seeing Chicago coming toward them. Beca frowned and slammed her car door closed.
"I thought I could walk you to your homeroom," Chicago said when he reached Chloe.
Beca didn't want to be a third wheel to Chicago walking Chloe to class, so she walked off as soon as she heard Chloe tell Chicago she'd love to have him walk her.
"See you at lunch, Becs," Chloe said, looking around expecting to see Beca. "Beca? Where'd she go?"
"She's right there," Chicago said as he pointed toward the school's entrance.
Beca entered the school without looking back at Chloe; she hurried to her homeroom, so she didn't have to see Chicago and Chloe together.
~~ Day 23 of the 25 Days of BeChloe Christmases - 2020 ~~
Beca didn't see Chloe again until the third period. She was surprised when Chloe walked in with Aubrey and Stacie, two of the cool kids, but sat next to her.
"How are your classes so far, Beca?" Chloe asked as she sat.
"Okay, I guess," Beca said. "How were yours?"
"They were pretty good," Chloe responded with a smile. "Chicago is in both and sat next to me. I forgot to tell you; he kissed me when he took me home last night."
"Congratulations," Beca replied. "Good for you."
"What were you going to ask me earlier?"
"I was wondering if you were free after school," Beca said. "I really wanted to talk to you about something."
"I'm sorry, Beca, but I already made plans with Chicago," Chloe said. "He offered to take me home, and we're going to study. Can we talk at lunch?"
"You know what?" Beca said, turning to face the front of the room. "Never mind, I'm good."
"Becs?" Chloe questioned, looking at Beca.
"Okay, class, settle down," their History teacher said from the front of the room.
Beca would not look at Chloe. Chloe sighed and faced the teacher.
~~ Day 23 of the 25 Days of BeChloe Christmases - 2020 ~~
It was nearing the end of November, and Beca felt like a terrible friend. She tried to keep her friendship with Chloe going, but Chloe was always doing "something with Chicago" or Aubrey or Stacie. Chloe had become entrenched with the cool kids, leaving her not-so-cool friend behind.
Beca was hurt; she thought she and Chloe had something special. For a while, Beca felt like they would be a couple. Now, they were barely talking and only saw each other in school. Beca hated how much she missed Chloe.
It was nearing Christmas, and Beca's birthday was coming up. The day before Christmas break started, Beca got excited because it looked as if Chloe hadn't forgotten about her best friend after all. Beca had woken to a text from Chloe about her birthday on the twenty-third. Beca responded that she was looking forward to seeing Chloe outside of school and kicking her ass at laser tag. They made arrangements to meet at the Sports Complex on Beca's birthday.
Beca and Chloe didn't speak or text again until Beca's birthday; Chloe was still doing other things with her new friends. Beca continued to hang out with her friends, Fat Amy, Jessica, and Ashley.
Beca's birthday rolled around, and Beca texted Chloe to see if she wanted Beca to pick her up.
Chloe [9:15 AM]: That's okay, Beca. Chicago is driving me.
Beca [9:16 AM: What? You're bringing a date?
Chloe [9:20 AM]: Not a date. Just a few friends who wanted to do laser tag.
Beca [9:21 AM]: Fiends? Like who?
Chloe [9:26 AM]: Just Chicago, Stacie, Aubrey, Tom, and Bumper.
Beca [9:33 AM]: They're not my friends.
Beca threw her phone down and immediately heard her text notification go off.
Chloe [9:35 AM]: Don't be like that, Beca. It will be fun, you'll see.
Beca [9:37 AM]: No thanks. Enjoy YOUR friends. I'll celebrate with MY friends elsewhere.
Chloe [9:40 AM]: But we made plans months ago.
Beca [9:41]: That was when you were my friend.
Chloe [9:42]: I'm still your friend, right?
Chloe [9:45 AM]: Beca? Answer me!
Chloe [9:50 AM]: Beca? Come on. Please, don't be like this.
Chloe [10:00 AM]: Chicago's here and I have to go. Please meet us at the laser tag center. I'll see you there, okay?
"Not gonna happen," Beca muttered as she read the last text from Chloe.
~~ Day 23 of the 25 Days of BeChloe Christmases - 2020 ~~
"Beca!" Sarah called upstairs. "Amy and Jessica are here."
"I thought you were going to do laser tag with Chloe for your birthday," Fat Amy said when Beca joined them.
"She's going with her new friends," Beca said. "They're not my friends, so I decided to spend my birthday with my real friends."
"Are we going to play laser tag?" Jessica asked. "That would be fun."
"I don't want to go where Chloe is," Beca said, pouting. "That was supposed to be our thing for my birthday. Just the two of us."
"Let's go to a movie," Amy suggested.
"That actually sounds like a good idea," Beca said.
Beca drove them to the Mall, and Jessica and Amy treated Beca to lunch before the movie. Beca had a nice time and returned home to find her parents sitting in the living room. Two suitcases were sitting by the door. Beca looked at them and then looked to her parents.
"What's going on?" Beca asked.
"Come sit down, Beca," Sarah said.
"Just tell me," Beca said, remaining by the door.
"I'm leaving," Warren said. "Your mother and I are divorcing. I'm sorry, Beca."
Beca opened the door and grabbed both suitcases. She took them outside and set them on the porch. She came back inside and yelled, "Goodbye, dad!" and ran upstairs.
"Beca!" Sarah yelled after her. She turned to Warren. "Just leave, Warren. I'm sure Sheila is waiting for you."
Warren didn't say anything; he just turned and walked out the door, picking up his suitcases as he went.
Sarah let out a heavy sigh and went upstairs to Beca. She entered Beca's room to find Beca lying on her bed, staring at the ceiling.
"Some birthday, huh?" Beca said as her mother sat on the side of the bed. "I lost my best friend and my father all in one day. Happy fucking Birthday to me."
"I'm sorry," Sarah said. "I tried to get your father to wait until after Christmas, but he wanted to spend Christmas with Sheila."
"I'm sorry, too," Beca said.
"On a happier note, I invited the Beales over for a birthday dinner and cake," Sarah said. "I hope that was okay."
"That's fine," Beca said. "It will be good to see Mr. and Mrs. Beale."
"What about Chloe?" Sarah asked. "It will be good to see her here again."
"Don't count on her being here," Beca mumbled. "I'm sure she's still busy with her new friends."
"I'm sorry she won't be here," Sarah said. "I miss having her around."
"It is what it is," Beca said with a shrug.
"Come on," Sarah said, standing and holding her hand out to Beca. "You can help me with dinner."
"But it's my birthday," Beca whined.
"You're eighteen and considered by most to be an adult now," Sarah said. "Start acting like one."
"You're not supposed to be mean to me on my birthday," Beca said, pouting as she followed her mother to the kitchen.
~~ Day 23 of the 25 Days of BeChloe Christmases - 2020 ~~
Beca, her mother, and Mrs. Beale were sitting at the dinner table. Beca pushed her food around on her plate without really eating anything. She was still hurt over Chloe inviting her new friends to Beca's birthday get-together when it was supposed to be just the two of them.
"Carl is sorry he couldn't make it to dinner," Charlotte said. "He has his bowling league tonight. He asked me to wish you a happy birthday for him. And I'm sorry Chloe didn't make it; she's out with Chicago again. I swear I wish she'd dump that boy. He's just too into himself. And he is as fake as the day is long. I don't know what Chloe sees in him."
"He's her first boyfriend," Sarah said. "I know I went gaga over my first 'adult' boyfriend. His name was Gary. I met Warren and broke up with Gary because I thought Warren was a better catch. Look how that turned out; I ended up with a cheater who left me for his mistress. And she's older than I am!"
Beca couldn't help but smile at that. "Dad doesn't deserve you, mom."
Sarah leaned over and kissed Beca on the temple. "He doesn't deserve either one of us, sweetie."
"I always hoped Beca and Chloe would become something," Charlotte said, causing Beca to blush.
"So, did I," Sarah said. "I know Beca would have been happy about that."
"Mom!" Beca said, blushing more.
"I think you should go for it, Beca," Charlotte said. "I know you'd treat her better than Chicago has."
Beca started to say something more when her phone vibrated with a text. She glanced at her phone and was surprised to see it was from Chloe. She ignored it and looked at her mother.
"What kind of cake did you make me?"
"Your favorite," Sarah said. "German chocolate."
"I do love German choc-"
Beca's phone buzzed again with another text from Chloe. Beca furrowed her brow.
"Is something wrong?" Charlotte asked.
"You know that old saying, speak of the devil?" Beca asked. At Charlotte's nod, Beca added, "It's Chloe. She asked me to call her."
"Maybe she wants to make amends," Sarah said. "You should see what she has to say."
"I don't think I'm ready to talk to her yet," Beca said.
"I can't blame you for that," Charlotte said.
Beca's phone rang, startling Beca and causing her to drop the phone; Sarah picked it up.
"It's Chloe," Sarah said, looking at the caller ID.
"I'll answer it if you'd like," Charlotte said.
"That's okay," Beca said, taking the phone from her mother and answering the call. "What do you want, Chloe?"
"Be-Beca, I need your help," Chloe said, causing Beca to sit up straight in her chair. "Please?"
"Chloe, what's wrong?"
"I know you're angry with me, but could you come pick me up?"
"What happened? Are you okay?"
"Is Chloe okay?" Charlotte asked.
"I don't know," Beca said, holding the phone away from her mouth. "She's crying and asked me to pick her up."
Beca got back on the phone. "Chloe? Where are you?"
"Makeout Point," Chloe said, and Beca rolled her eyes. "Chicago got mad because I wouldn't have sex with him. He kicked me out of his car and drove off, leaving me stranded."
"I'll kill him," Beca mumbled, standing from the table as Chloe continued talking.
Beca was halfway to the door before Chloe finished talking. "I'm on my way, Chlo," Beca told her. "Are you somewhere safe?"
"I th-think so," Chloe said. "Please hurry. It's dark and I'm scared."
"Beca!" Charlotte called out, causing Beca to turn toward her. "Is Chloe okay?"
"She's a little scared, but otherwise okay," Beca said. "Chicago left her stranded. I'll get her and bring her back here."
"Should I go with you?" Charlotte asked.
"No, ma'am," Beca said. "I'm sure she would have called you if she was in any real danger. I think she called me so we can talk about what happened between us."
"Okay," Charlotte said. "Be careful."
Beca rushed off and jumped into her car.
~~ Day 23 of the 25 Days of BeChloe Christmases - 2020 ~~
Beca made it to Makeout Point in less than ten minutes. She looked around and saw Chloe standing by a tree, so she drove over to her. Chloe jumped into the car and threw herself into Beca's arms. Beca wrapped her arms around Chloe and held her.
"Are you okay?" Beca asked.
"I am now," she said, her voice muffled against Beca's shoulder.
"Your mom is waiting for you at my house," Beca said. "Let's go."
"Okay," Chloe said and sniffled. "Thanks for coming to get me."
"I'd do anything for a friend who needed help, Chlo," Beca said as she started driving. "Do you want to tell me what happened?"
"It all started when I asked Chicago to take me home after we finished laser tag," Chloe said, tears falling down her cheeks.
Chloe was upset because Beca didn't meet up with her. She didn't blame Beca but still held out hope that she'd be there.
"We're going to get something to eat," Chicago said.
"I'm not hungry," Chloe said. "I just want to go home. I need to talk to Beca and apologize."
"Why are you even friends with her?" Chicago asked. "She's a loser. You're with me now, and I can't have my girlfriend hanging around some gay chick all the time."
"I'm not your girlfriend," Chloe said, looking past Chicago to where Aubrey and Stacie were coming up behind him. "Aubrey, would you take me home, please?
Chicago turned and glared at Aubrey.
"I'm sorry, Chloe," Aubrey said, seeing the look in Chicago's eyes. "I, uh, I can't. Stacie drove me."
"Stacie?"
"I have to get home, so I can't take you either," Stacie said, looking down at the ground.
"Come on, Chlo," Chicago said, smiling as he turned back to face Chloe. "Let's get something to eat, and then I promise I'll take you home."
Chloe thought about her options. It was a half-hour ride home (and a much longer walk), and she knew her parents were busy and couldn't come to get her. Realizing she didn't have any other choice, Chloe agreed.
After eating as fast as she could, Chloe and Chicago left the diner and drove off. A few minutes later, Chloe noticed they weren't going toward her house.
"Chicago?" Chloe said, looking over at him. "You promised you'd take me home after we ate."
"I have to make a quick stop first," Chicago said.
"I'd rather go straight home," Chloe said.
Chicago ignored Chloe and turned off the main road. It was at this point that Chloe realized where he was taking her. Her jaw dropped open as Chicago parked and turned off the car.
"Makeout Point?!" Chloe yelled. "Are you kidding me? I am not making out with you, Chicago."
"That's not exactly why I brought you here," Chicago said, leering at Chloe. "We've been dating for three months, and it's time for you to give it up."
"Give it up?" Chloe screeched. "I am not having sex with you, either!"
"You either give me what I want," Chicago said. "Or you can get out and find your own way home."
Chloe glared at Chicago as she unfastened her seatbelt and got out of the car. Chicago was screeching away before Chloe could close the car door.
Chloe stood and watched as Chicago drove off, leaving her stranded.
"I didn't know what else to do," Chloe said, wiping at her tears. "I knew my dad was out, and my mom was going to be at your house, so I called you. I'm just glad you answered because I really didn't want a lecture from her; she's never liked Chicago."
"I can't say as I blame her for that," Beca said.
Beca didn't say anything more as she pulled her car into the driveway; Charlotte and Sarah had been watching for them and ran out to the car. The girls got out, and Charlotte grabbed Chloe into a hug. Chloe let out a sob and buried her head in her mother's shoulder.
"Are you okay, sweetie?" Charlotte asked.
"I'm okay, mom," Chloe whispered.
"Why don't we go inside?" Sarah said. "We can have Beca's cake and end this night on a bit of a high note."
"Can we, mom?" Chloe asked. "I really want to celebrate Beca's birthday."
"Thank you, Sarah," Charlotte said. "We'd love to stay for a bit."
~~ Day 23 of the 25 Days of BeChloe Christmases - 2020 ~~
After they were done eating cake, Chloe turned to Beca.
"Beca, can I talk to you? In private."
"Why don't you take Chloe up to your room so you can talk," Sarah said. "Charlotte and I will visit for a bit."
"Sure," Beca said. "Come on, Chloe, we can talk in my room."
Chloe stood and followed Beca out of the kitchen and up to her room. Beca stood near her dresser and looked at Chloe.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Beca asked.
"I'm fine," Chloe said. Seeing the skeptical look on Beca's face. "Really. I am. Okay?"
"Okay," Beca mumbled.
"I'm sorry," Chloe blurted out. "I'm sorry for becoming one of them. I'm sorry I let them take over my life. I'm sorry I hurt you."
Chloe was in tears, and Beca stood looking at her.
"I'm just so sorry about everything that's happened in the past few months," Chloe said. "Can you ever forgive me? I miss you; I miss us."
Beca reached out and pulled Chloe into a hug. Chloe fell into the hug and buried her face in Beca's shoulder.
"I love you, Chloe," Beca said. "Of course, I can forgive you. Plus, we're best friends for life, remember?"
Chloe let out a small sob. "I'm so glad to hear you say that."
"So, um, your mom said something interesting at dinner tonight," Beca said. "Something I'd like to explore when you're ready. I mean, if you want to."
"What did she say?"
"She said she had hoped that we would become something more than friends."
"I can't believe she told you about my crush on you!"
"I swear she didn't say anything about a crush. Apparently, she thinks I'd take good care of you."
"Wait! You said it was something you'd like to explore?" Chloe asked. "You mean you like me as more than a friend?"
"Yes," Beca said. "I've always liked you, Chloe. You just never believed me when I told you."
"I, um, I didn't think you could like someone like me," Chloe said.
"Someone like you?" Beca asked, looking at Chloe. "You mean, the sweetest, kindest person I've ever met? How could I not like you?"
"But, I was fat and not attractive," Chloe said, not believing Beca.
"You were always pretty to me, Chlo," Beca said. "And you deserve to be with someone who treats you right no matter what. I'd like to be that someone if you'll have me."
Chloe smiled as the tears were falling down her face. "I would definitely like that."
"Good," Beca said. "We'll talk later and make plans for our first date. Okay?"
"Okay," Chloe said. "Can I kiss you before we go back downstairs?"
Beca responded by leaning in and kissing Chloe.
"Wow," Chloe said, pulling out of the kiss with a smile. "I could get used to that. I can't wait to tell my mom about us."
Beca smiled and took Chloe's hand. She led them downstairs to find Sarah and Charlotte hurriedly rushing to sit on the sofa.
"Were you eavesdropping?" Beca asked, looking at the two women.
"No," Charlotte said. "But, I'm so happy for you both. And, I guess this means you and Sarah will be spending Christmas with us?"
"It does," Beca said, smiling at Chloe. "It most definitely does."
"It is tradition," Chloe said, reaching over to pull Beca into a kiss.
"Happy birthday, Beca," Chloe whispered.
"And Merry Christmas to you," Beca whispered back.
A/N: I know it's kind of long, but the words kept coming (sorry, not sorry). Thanks for sticking with me to the end.