25 Days of BeChloe Christmases - 2020
Day 24 - A Special Gift (for a Special Someone)
Prompt from Tumblr User rejection-isn't-failure: The full prompt can be found at the end.
A/N: I know it's not quite what you asked for, but I hope you like what I did with it.
Beca entered the Bellas House to find she was the first to arrive. She took her suitcases up to her room and dug through the pockets of the larger one. She found what she was looking for and carried it with her down to the kitchen to get something to drink. She knows Jessica spent the summer at Barden, so there would be drinks and snacks.
Beca entered the kitchen and grabbed a water bottle from the refrigerator. She set the water and the small box she was carrying on the island in the middle of the kitchen. She looked around and thought about how she was starting her Junior Year of Barden because this was definitely not something Beca thought she would be doing. Her original plans were to put in one year and then move to LA to get into the music business. But here she was, yet again, returning to Barden as a Junior.
Beca would like to say she stayed to continue her education, but she'd be lying. As soon as she knew Chloe had failed Russian Lit and would be back at Barden for Beca's Sophomore Year, Beca changed her plans. And now that Chloe was entering her third Senior Year, Beca was back as well. At this rate, Beca would surely be graduating the following year (maybe with Chloe; fingers crossed).
Beca missed the girls, especially Chloe. She broke up with Jesse over the summer because she knew it wasn't fair to him to lead him on and pretend that she loved him when her heart belonged to someone else. Besides, she rationalized, they always were better as friends than they were as a couple. She knows breaking up was the right thing to do, and they did have a sort of good friend relationship. They would be much better friends if Jesse would accept the breakup and stop trying to win her back.
Beca opened her water and took a drink. She set the bottle back down on the counter and picked up the small box, and took out the necklace that was inside. She stood looking down at the necklace that had been in her family since her great-grandfather had given it to her great-grandmother on their wedding day. It was an antique and probably worth a lot of money, but it was sentimentally worth so much more. She hopes Chloe will like it. All she has to do is figure out how to give it to Chloe and tell her about the feelings Beca has for her. Feelings that are more than friend feelings. Feelings that she has never felt so strongly for anyone else, not even her ex-boyfriend, Jesse.
Beca was in love with Chloe and decided Christmas was a great time to tell Chloe and give her the necklace.
~ Day 24 of the 25 Days of BeChloe Christmases - 2020 ~
Beca was startled when Jessica came into the kitchen.
"What'cha got there, Beca?" Jessica asked, looking at the necklace in Beca's hand.
"It's nothing," Beca said.
"Doesn't look like nothing," Jessica said, looking a bit more closely. "It's beautiful. Where did you get it from?"
"My mom gave it to me," Beca said. "It was originally my great-grandmother's. My great-grandfather gave it to her on their wedding day. She gave it to my grandmother when she turned eighteen, and she gave it to my mother when she turned eighteen. My mom was in Europe when I turned eighteen, so she waited until I was able to see her. She gave it to me over the summer."
"That's so sweet," Jessica said. "I wish my mom had something of my grandmother's to give to me. It would be like she was with me every time I'd wear it."
"I'm supposed to save it and give it to my first daughter when she turns eighteen," Beca said. "But, I have other plans for it. Besides, this is something that should be worn and shown off, but it's not really something I'd wear."
"Then, why did you take it?" Jessica asked. "Couldn't you have left it with your mother?"
"Um, yeah, I guess," Beca said.
"But?" Jessica prodded.
"But what?" Beca countered.
"It sounded like you had something else to say," Jessica said, shrugging her shoulders.
Beca looked around until her gaze landed back on Jessica.
"Okay," Beca said. "Swear you won't tell anyone what I'm about to tell you. Do you swear?"
"I have no idea what I'm swearing to," Jessica said, chuckling lightly. "But, I swear I won't tell a soul whatever it is you're about to tell me."
"Good," Beca said, chewing her bottom lip. "Okay, so like I broke up with Jesse over the summer."
"What? Why?"
"I realized I didn't love him like he deserved. I'm in love with someone else."
"You mean, Chloe, right?"
"Yes," Beca said, eyes widening in surprise. "How did you know that?"
"Just a hunch," Jessica said. "I mean, we've all seen how you two are around each other. It was just a matter of time before you two got together."
Beca was slack-jawed. She opened her mouth to say something but snapped it shut when she heard the front door open and Chloe's voice.
"Hello?" Chloe called from the front of the house. "Jessica, are you here?"
"I'm in the kitchen with Beca," Jessica yelled to Chloe.
"Beca's already here?" Chloe cried as she could be heard running toward the kitchen.
Beca quickly shoved the necklace into her pocket, smiling when she saw Chloe enter the kitchen.
"Hey, Chlo," Beca said.
Chloe slammed into Beca for a hug and nearly took them both to the ground.
"I missed you," Chloe said, resting her chin on Beca's shoulder.
"I missed you, too," Beca responded, hugging Chloe just a bit tighter.
Chloe pulled back and turned to Jessica; she pulled Jessica into a hug.
"I missed you, too, Jess."
"Same," Jessica said. "It's good to see you. You look good, Chloe."
"Thanks," Chloe said, releasing Jessica from the hug. "I spent a lot of time at the beach while I was home."
"I'm glad to see you both," Beca spoke up. "But I should go unpack. When Amy gets here, I won't have a moment's peace."
Beca walked out of the kitchen.
"Let's plan to go out for dinner," Chloe's voice followed after her.
"Will do," Beca called over her shoulder.
~ Day 24 of the 25 Days of BeChloe Christmases - 2020 ~
Beca was surprised at how easily she and the Bellas fell into a routine. They each held their own in keeping the Bellas Houses running smoothly. (Read: Chloe took charge of handing out duties and overseeing the day-to-day functions, while Beca handled the rehearsals.)
Beca was even more surprised that she didn't miss Jesse as much as she thought she would. They saw each other on campus every day, either going to class or coming from class, working at the radio station (Beca in the booth; Jesse stacking CDs), and at the countless parties, the Bellas and Trebles attended.
Beca had figured out the when regarding giving Chloe the necklace; all she had to do now figure out the how.
"Just wrap it and give it to her," Jessica suggested about two weeks before Christmas.
"I want it to be a surprise," Beca said. "I'm thinking of leaving it for her with a note signed by her secret admirer."
"That's so cute," Jessica said, grinning at the grimace on Beca's face.
"I don't want it to be cute," Beca said. "I want it to feel romantic."
"Make sure the note is sweet and expresses your love," Jessica said. "And tell her to meet you someplace so you can see her open it. Go there and watch; once she opens it, reveal yourself. That would be romantic as hell."
"I like that idea," Beca said. "I'll have her meet me at the diner where you work. That way, you can give her the gift and tell her someone asked you to deliver it to her table."
"I'm in," Jessica said. "I'll check the schedule and let you know what day would be good to do it."
"Okay," Beca said. "I'll work on the note to get her there. Thanks, Jessica."
~ Day 24 of the 25 Days of BeChloe Christmases - 2020 ~
A few days later, Beca was in Jessica's room. Jessica told Beca that she was working on December 23 and that would be the best day for the gift-giving surprise.
"That's perfect," Beca said. "Chloe doesn't leave for home until Christmas Eve. If she doesn't feel the same way, I'll have the entire break to get over it. If she does, I'll have something to look forward to when she gets back."
"I think you'll be sporting a big smile during the break," Jessica said, smiling.
"I haven't written the note yet," Beca said as she turned to leave Jessica's room. "I'll do that now, and then I'll leave it in the mailbox for her so she won't know it's from someone inside the house."
Beca left Jessica and immediately ran up to her room to work on the note.
"Chloe," Beca mumbled, sitting at her laptop with Google Docs opened in front of her. "No, that's lame," Beca muttered as she deleted the lone word. "My Dearest Chloe," she said as she typed. She continued typing, speaking the words out loud as she watched them come together on the screen.
"Signed your secret admirer," Beca said, finishing the note. She read through the note and whisper-yelled, "Perfect! Now print. And done!"
Beca didn't want Chloe to recognize her handwriting, so she used the printer to put Chloe's name on the envelope before placing the note inside. She sealed the envelope and stuck it in her computer bag to keep it hidden until she could put it in the mailbox.
Beca's chance came on Sunday night. It was just after Midnight as Beca made her way home from the radio station. As she approached the Bellas house, she thought this was the perfect time to slip Chloe's note into the mailbox. She dug through her bag and pulled out the envelope, placing it in the box before heading inside. She quietly closed and locked the door. She leaned her back against the door for a moment.
"I just need to wait a few more days," Beca thought before she quietly made her way to her room and went to bed.
~ Day 24 of the 25 Days of BeChloe Christmases - 2020 ~
Beca was awakened on Monday morning (not late enough to suit her) by the sound of loud laughter and talking coming from Chloe and some of the Bellas. She pulled herself out of bed and made her way downstairs, following the noise to the kitchen. She found Chloe, Stacie, Ashley, and Cynthia Rose around the counter, eating and drinking coffee.
"Oh, hey, Beca," Ashley said.
"Did we wake you?" Stacie asked.
"Yes, but I'm actually glad you did," Beca said. "I have a class in an hour. I just need some coffee to get myself going."
By the time she finished the statement, Chloe was placing a cup of coffee in her hands.
"God, I love you," Beca said, inhaling the heavenly brew.
"Are you talking to Chloe or the coffee?" Cynthia Rose asked with a laugh.
"The coffee," Chloe and Beca respond simultaneously.
"You know me so well," Beca told Chloe with a smirk. "Thanks for the coffee. I need to shower and get ready for class. Thankfully, I only have two this week, and then comes Winter Break. I'll see you girls later."
Beca walked out, waving at the girls.
"Did anyone check the mail over the weekend?" Stacie asked. "I'm expecting a card from my grandmother. She always sends me a check for Christmas, and I still have few gifts to buy before I go home."
"I'll check it now," Chloe said and made her way out of the kitchen.
Chloe came back a few minutes later with her hands full of mail.
"Here you go, Stacie," Chloe said, handing over three envelopes. She checked the other envelopes and started handing them out. "Cynthia Rose, Ashley, and, oh, this one's mine."
Chloe set the rest of the mail on the counter and looked at the envelope; she turned it over in her hands, furrowing her brow.
"What's wrong, Chloe?" Stacie asked.
"This wasn't mailed," Chloe said. "It has my name on it but no address. Someone must have put it in the box."
"Ooo," Ashley said. "How mysterious. Open it up, and let's see who it's from."
Chloe opened the envelope and pulled out the note. She read it and smiled.
"Well?" CR prodded.
"It appears I have a secret admirer," Chloe said, smiling as she folded the note and put it back in the envelope. "They want me to meet them for dinner at the diner just off campus on Friday."
"Isn't that the diner Jessica works at?" Stacie asked.
"Yep," Chloe responded.
"I know Jessica's scheduled to work that night, too," Ashley said. "She can give us a blow-by-blow update on Chloe's date with her secret admirer."
"That's good," Stacie said. "Jess can keep an eye on things in case this admirer turns out to be some sort of creep."
"I hadn't thought of that," Chloe said. "I just thought that maybe it was someone I already knew."
"I'd feel safer if someone was with you," Cynthia Rose said. "Or at least close by to keep an eye on things."
"I'm with Cynthia on this," Ashley said.
Stacie agreed, and Chloe nodded her head. "I think you're right," she said. "I can talk to Jessica, and we'll come up with a sign so if I'm uncomfortable, she can come over, and I'll have an easy out."
~ Day 24 of the 25 Days of BeChloe Christmases - 2020 ~
It was Thursday, and Beca was anxious. Chloe's secret admirer and date were all the Bellas could talk about.
Beca quietly knocked on Jessica's door before entering.
"How are you holding up?" Jessica asked when Beca entered her room.
"I'm actually glad I have my last final today," Beca responded. "It will keep my mind off of tomorrow. I just hope Chloe's not disappointed when I show up at the diner."
"Don't worry," Jessica said. "I'll be there for both of you. And unless Chloe uses the safe word, you should be okay."
Jessica laughed at the wide-eyed incredulous look Beca gave her.
"Do you think she'll use the safe word when she sees that I'm the person she's meeting?"
"Stop worrying," Jessica laughed. "I'm one-hundred percent sure you have nothing to be concerned about."
"Thanks," Beca said, letting out a heavy breath. "I hope you're right."
"I am," Jessica said. "When you get back from your test, I'll help you figure out what to wear if you want."
"I already know what I'm going to wear," Beca said. "But, I would like your opinion on it, if you don't mind?"
"Let me know when you're back," Jessica said. "And I'll come up to your room."
"I'll do that," Beca said. "I'd better go. I don't want to be late for class, or I'll automatically fail."
"Go!" Jessica said, rushing Beca out the door. "Good luck, and I'll see you later."
Later that day, Beca showed Jessica the outfit she had picked for her date with Chloe.
"I approve," Jessica said, whistling at Beca. "Very nice. Chloe will love it."
"Thanks," Beca said, smiling with relief. "I'm so nervous. I just hope I don't pull a Posen between now and our date."
Jessica chuckled and left Beca's room.
~ Day 24 of the 25 Days of BeChloe Christmases - 2020 ~
On Friday, Beca spent the better part of her day hiding out at her dad's. She was worried that if she stayed at the Bellas' House, she wouldn't be able to avoid Chloe and she didn't want to spoil the surprise.
Beca texted Jessica when she was leaving for the diner to make sure everything was still a go.
Jessica: Everything is all set here.
Beca: You have the necklace, right?
Jessica: Got it. Stop worrying and just get here.
Chloe arrived at the diner and looked around.
"Hey, Chloe," Jessica said.
"Chloe?" the hostess asked. "As in Chloe Beale?"
"Yeah," Chloe said. "That's me."
"Here," the hostess said, holding out a small wrapped package. "This was left for you."
"Do you know who left it?" Chloe asked.
"No, sorry," the hostess said. "It was here when I arrived. It had a note that said to give it Chloe Beale when she arrived."
"Thank you," Chloe said, holding the gift.
"I got this one, Sarah," Jessica told the hostess as she grabbed two menus. "Follow me, Chloe. I'll seat you."
"Thanks, Jess," Chloe said. "I'm so nervous."
"Don't be," Jessica said. "You look amazing. Your secret admirer won't know what hit her."
Jessica stumbled a bit and looked at Chloe, but Chloe didn't seem to notice Jessica's slip when she said 'her.'
"Here you go," Jessica said. "I'll also be your waitress. Can I get you something to drink?"
"I'll just have an iced tea, please," Chloe said as she sat down.
"I'll bring it right over," Jessica said and walked away.
Chloe looked down at the gift and decided to wait to open it. Jessica saw Beca waving at her from the back of the diner and went over to her.
"Did Chloe get the gift?"
"Yeah, she has it."
"Good."
"When are you going to go over to her?"
"I'm going to wait a few minutes and then go out there," Beca responded. "I can see her from here, but she can't see me."
"Okay," Jessica said. "I'd better go."
"Thanks again for all your help," Beca said before furrowing her brow and saying, "What the hell?"
"What's wrong?"
"Is that Tom?"
Jessica looked over to Chloe's table to see Tom standing there.
"Yes, it is."
"What's he doing here?"
"I'm visiting some of the guys," Tom told Chloe. "I've been wanting to see you. I'm glad you're here."
"Tom's my secret admirer?" Chloe thought, trying to hide her disappointment.
"Please join me," Chloe said not want to appear rude.
Tom sat and looked at Chloe.
"Are you going to open that?" Tom asked, pointing to the gift in Chloe's hand.
"I guess I should," Chloe said.
Chloe tore the paper off and opened the small box. She let out a small gasp.
"Oh, my God," Chloe said. "Tom it's beautiful. Thank you."
Tom had a confused looked on his face.
"When I got the note from a secret admirer," Chloe said. "I never dreamt it was you. This necklace is amazing. It looks like an antique; this must have cost you a fortune."
Tom looked blankly at Chloe, while his mind went on fast forward and he suddenly smiled.
"You're totally worth it, Chlo," Tom said, smiling. "I wanted you to know how much you mean to me. I've thought about you a lot over the past two years. I've missed you and I'm hoping this could be the start of something more."
"Um," Chloe stuttered.
"Here's your tea," Jessica said, placing the glass in front of Chloe. She turned to look at Tom. "Are you staying?"
"Tom's my secret admirer," Chloe told Jessica.
"What?!"
"Yeah," Chloe said. "Comes as quite a surprise to me, too."
"Artichoke!"
"What?" Chloe and Tom say simultaneously.
"Jessica?" Chloe asked.
"I need to talk to you, Chloe," Jessica said. "Tom, would you excuse us for a moment?"
"Sure," Tom said. "Now that I know Chloe wants to be with me, too, I'm not going anywhere."
Chloe gave Tom a small smile as she stood to follow Jessica. Jessica led Chloe toward the back of the diner; Beca stayed hidden and listened.
"What's going on, Jessica?" Chloe asked. "I thought I was supposed to use the safe word. Why'd you use it?"
"Tom's not your secret admirer," Jessica said.
"Yes, he is," Chloe said.
"Chloe," Jessica said. "Trust me. I know who your secret admirer is and it's not Tom."
"Then why did he say he was?"
"I don't know."
"If it's not Tom, who is my real secret admirer?"
"I can't tell you," Jessica said. "I promised I'd let her tell you."
"Her?"
"Yes, her."
Beca stepped out and Chloe looked over at her.
"Beca?" Chloe said. "What are you doing-? It's you? You're my secret admirer?"
"I'm sorry," Beca said, looking down at the ground.
Jessica quietly turned and walked away, leaving the two alone to talk.
"Why are you sorry?" Chloe asked.
"I saw the way you were looking at Tom when you thought it was him," Beca said. "I hate to say this but I'm going to need that necklace back. It was my great-grandmother's."
"And you were giving it to me?"
"It's very special to me," Beca said. "And so are you. I thought you would think this was romantic. I should have known you would rather it be Tom."
"So, what you wrote in that note," Chloe said. "Was it true?"
"Yes, everything I said is, was true," Beca said. "I've been falling in love with you for two years. I broke up with Jesse because I wasn't being fair to him. I didn't want to stay with him, knowing I didn't love him like I love you."
"You really love me?"
"I do."
"Chloe?" Tom asked as he came to stand next to her. "Everything okay here?"
"Why did you lie to me, Tom?"
"What?"
"You knew you weren't my secret admirer," Chloe said. "Why did you act like you were?"
"I took a chance," Tom said, sheepishly. "I figured the way you were talking that you had no idea who it was. I thought I could talk you into leaving with me before your real secret admirer showed up."
"You were wrong," Chloe said, looking at Beca. "My real secret admirer was here the whole time. And she's the one I want to be with."
Beca's head shot up to see Chloe smiling at her.
"I kind of figured you were into each other," Tom said. "I saw the way you two looked at each other in the shower. And you never stopped talking about her after that. I hope she makes you happy, Chloe."
"She will," Chloe said, her eyes never leaving Beca. "She does."
Beca couldn't hold back any longer. She grabbed Chloe and pulled her toward her, smashing their lips together.
Chloe put her arms around Beca's neck and pulled her closer, deepening the kiss. Tom stood by awkwardly and finally walked away when he became uncomfortable.
Beca and Chloe broke the kiss when they heard someone clearing their throat. They both looked over to see Jessica watching them.
"Here," Jessica said, handing the necklace to Chloe. "I believe this belongs to you."
"Merry Christmas, Chloe," Beca said, holding out her hand. "May I put it on you?"
"Yes, please," Chloe said, pulling her hair off her neck.
Beca reached around Chloe's neck and clasped the necklace. Chloe dropped her hair down and turned to face Beca.
"You're beautiful," Beca whispered, causing Chloe to blush. "And the necklace looks great on you."
"I can't believe you're giving me a family heirloom," Chloe said, somewhat awestruck.
"I hope you know it comes with a lifetime commitment," Beca said with a smirk.
"I'm counting on it," Chloe said, as she pulled Beca in for another kiss.
"Yes!" Jessica said, causing Beca and Chloe to look over at her. "I got it on video."
Beca raised an eyebrow toward her.
"What?" Jessica asked. "The Bellas will kill me if I go home without it."
Beca and Chloe both chuckled and went back to their kiss.
Full prompt from Tumblr User rejection-isnt-failure: "I actually have a tiny request if that's okay? Something very similar, either Beca or Chloe receiving such a meaningful antique, and then whomever they're dating, ie, Chloe's ex-boy toy Tom or Jesse (Beca's recent ex wanting her back) taking credit for it and Beca/Chloe feeling disappointed that it didn't come from who they thought it did. They find out the real person through Tom/Jesse's slip-up."