The one before the last.
Here we are at the last two chapters of this story. Thanks for joining me in another crazy ride. I love this series so much.
So I guess the quick recap is…
From strangers to housemates to friends with benefits to dating to strangers again to dating again and to housemates again.
CHAPTER 12
For the past few weeks, Chloe and Beca have been driving back and forth on their own, bringing in their own things from their respective places to their new house. None of the media has caught wind of them buying a house and moving in together… yet.
On one of the days where Chloe was working, Beca picked Nate up from school and decided to surprise him and tell him the news.
"Where are we going Mom?"
"I wanted to show you something."
Nate looks at Beca and can see her smirking. There was something exciting at the same time very suspicious about all of this because this wasn't their usual route home. Nate could tell his mom was in a superb mood, singing along to the radio whether she was aware of it or not and smiling to herself a lot.
"Whose house is this?" Nate asked as soon as they pulled into the driveway.
Beca pulls on the hand brake and turned to Nate. "You know how we've been talking about moving…"
Nate's eyes grew wide. "No way. That's our house?"
"Ours with Doctor Chloe…" Beca was trying to gauge Nate's reaction. She was nervous until she saw the slow crinkle around his eyes.
"Really? And Jamie too?"
"Jamie from time to time but Doctor Chloe will be living with us. That's okay right?"
"More than okay." Nate was getting giddy. Nate stepped out of the car first and Beca walked over to his side. "Is she okay with it?"
"Of course she is. She's actually the one who found this place."
"Really?" Beca nods to answer Nate's question. "When are we moving?" Nate asked still looking up at the house.
"Like this weekend soon. But I've decided to keep our apartment too. Just in case."
"This weekend, already? Why didn't you tell me?"
"I wanted to surprise you. You're okay right?" Beca kneels down in front of Nate and looked at him straight in the eye while fixing his hair.
"Yes mom. I'm really happy about this." Nate was smiling at the thought but then frowned again. "But wait. In case of what?"
"Actually I take that back. I just can't let go of the apartment for now. No other reason."
"I've always wondered what it was like to live in a house." Nate said.
"Me too Bud."
"Can we go inside?" Nate continued to stare at the house but didn't move.
Beca had to laugh and playfully hit his shoulder to grab his attention. "Come on. I'll give you a quick tour." She said offering her hand. Nate happily took it and they walked into their new home together.
Beca was glad when she saw a few more boxes that she knew were more of Chloe's things. "It's really happening." Beca said to herself.
Chloe gave her notice to end her contract with the accommodation provided by the hospital and she was going to be coming home here starting this weekend. They both were.
Beca was showing Nate around and his eyes would light up at every nook and corner every time. Beca was happy that he was happy. They were still in the middle of moving in so Beca had to describe to Nate what it would eventually look like.
Beca's favourite addition so far was the photo stuck to their fridge. It was their first family photo as Beca would call it from the album release party. Chloe must've put it up the last time she was here. Nate saw it too and smiled. Beca wondered if he also imagined their fridge being filled with pictures of them in no time.
Nate then followed Beca up to the second floor. When they were up the stairs, Beca pointed to the master's bedroom and told him that she was going to share that with Chloe.
"But all these other rooms." She points out. "They're not yet taken and are all available. Pick which room you want to be yours and visualize how you want it then we're going to IKEA."
"Wait. We're going to IKEA right now?"
"Yeah."
Nate furrowed his eyebrows. "But what about Doctor Chloe? And Jamie?"
"We can go again with them another time. What? Don't you want to have a little one on one with me?"
Nate squinted his eyes at Beca then smiled. "So any room?"
"Any room." Beca confirmed.
The official move in weekend finally came. Chloe just finished her shift and she was halfway to her old house when she realised she was moving in with Beca today for good; to their new home where Beca and Nate were already waiting for her.
There's always a moment in every stage of a relationship, Chloe thinks. Like the moment you fall in love. She doesn't necessarily know when it was for Beca exactly and if she's really honest she's not entirely sure when it was for her as well. But right now as she was parking her car in their garage, she knew this was a new phase in their relationship and that another one of those moments was coming.
For Chloe it's now. "This is our moment. This is our moment. This is our moment." She kept repeating this to herself in the rearview mirror over and over before she steps out of the car.
She enters their home, which was still mostly boxes by the hallway; they have a lot of unpacking to do and walks straight down the hall to the kitchen where she could hear Beca.
Beca was wearing a shirt and sweatpants, while heating up food. She had her back at Chloe and was slightly bopping her head and swaying her hips to the music she put on. Chloe slowly saw their next phase come to life.
Chloe was reunited with her best friends when they spent a weekend in Las Vegas for Jessica's bachelorette. Beca couldn't make it and she beat herself up so much for it despite Chloe repeatedly telling her it was okay. Beca promised her that she was going to make it to the wedding no matter what.
Chloe flew into Las Vegas with Aubrey and met the other girls at their hotel where they were staying for the weekend.
Chloe was sharing a room with Aubrey. While Aubrey was in the shower as they prepared for their night out, there was a knock on their door.
Chloe looked through the peep hole and opened the door with a smile.
"I believe this is for you." Liv gives Chloe a package from her parents.
"Oh my gosh. Thank you so much." Chloe hugs her friend and invited Liv in.
"Is it what I think it is?" Liv asked while watching Chloe delicately inspect the box and its contents.
Chloe nods to confirm. "I'm ready Liv. I think we're ready."
"Oh Chlo. You deserve everything. I'm so happy for you two. Me and Mel are going to have to visit you in LA soon."
"A very much overdue visit may I add. How are you and Mel anyway? Is married life all that it's supposed to be?"
"And more." Liv added.
"I'm going to secure this in my luggage before I go crazy tonight and be right back. I might grab a bottle of wine. I'll grab you a glass too."
"No that's okay. I'm not drinking this weekend."
Chloe raised her eyebrows at that. "What do you mean you're not drinking? Are you sick or something?"
"If you call another human being growing inside of you sick then yes I am."
Chloe's jaw literally dropped and she was speechless for a second. Liv was just laughing at her. Then Chloe's eyes dropped down to her belly where Liv simultaneously put her hand over.
"Oh my god. Congratulations!" Chloe said stepping forward to hug one of her oldest friends. "I'm so happy for you two."
This wasn't the most ideal moment but Chloe was like in a trance. She drops her bag quietly and walks to where Beca was. All of a sudden the frantic beating of Chloe's heart drowns the music out. She takes a deep breath and stops about a meter away from Beca.
Beca first spots Chloe in her peripheral and she wasn't sure why she was just standing there. Beca's not sure if she could see Chloe about to go down on one knee but she panics anyway. Beca turned around and freaked out to find Chloe just as surprised as her.
She dropped the wooden spoon she was stirring with and stared at Chloe who froze when Beca turned to her. "What are you doing just standing there?"
Chloe tried her best to act as if she was not just caught about to propose. "What do you mean?"
"Whatever you're thinking. Stop. Don't do anything. Don't say anything."
Chloe stood straighter and rolled her shoulders. "Are you okay? You sound like a crazy person, Bec. Is this what I'll be coming home to now?" Chloe hides her disappointment. She knew it wasn't the right time yet here she was thinking that they were in control of their own fate this time around. Apparently not.
"I didn't mean to snap at you like that. It's nothing sorry. I'm being a little too dramatic. Welcome home." Beca then leans into Chloe for a kiss. "I've been wanting to say that all day."
"You know I've been looking forward coming home to you."
Beca then starts laughing to herself. "Sorry I'm being weird. I hope it doesn't ruin anything. It's just that for a second there I thought you were proposing. Crazy right?"
"I wonder what gave it away." Chloe laughed with Beca and was trying to be sarcastic to hide the fact that she's really nervous but Beca in her own panic missed it.
"Funny story actually." Beca laughs nervously again. Chloe waited. She still wasn't in on the joke. "I found the ring in your drawers."
"You did?"
"Yeah I didn't mean to I'm sorry. I was looking for my lucky socks and I found the box first. I should have left it alone."
"Is that why you're being jumpy and extra weird all day today?"
"Was I that obvious?"
"Was I?"
"Wait." There it was again, the panic and Chloe heard it loud and clear. Nope. This was definitely not the moment.
"Relax Bec. It's not even mine. I'm sorry. I'm actually safekeeping it for Chicago. He didn't want Aubrey to find it."
"Oh." Beca breathed out a huge sigh of relief. "That's great!"
"Yeah, you know how Aubrey is. Don't tell her though. He wants me to hold on to it until he can decide when and how to do it. I'm trying to help him out."
"Of course. Secret's safe with me."
"Should I be worried about your reaction though?" Chloe tried to pass it off as just teasing Beca.
"No no, it's just you know, we just moved in and we haven't even settled in. I was just genuinely caught off guard when I saw it and you know it's been on my mind the whole day and shit."
"Right. Sorry if this is all too fast."
"No. It's not. It's not like that at all. I like this pace." Beca leans into kiss Chloe again. "I can't wait to start making memories in this house with you. It's just that –"
"Mom?" Nate was calling her from the second floor. "Mom? Can you help me with something for a second?"
Beca looks at Chloe apologetically for the interruption. Chloe shakes her head and kisses Beca quickly. "Go. It's okay."
"I love you. I'll be back down."
The moment Beca disappeared up the stairs. Chloe pulled out the box in her pocket and sighed. Her brows were furrowed and she bit her lips. It just didn't make sense to her. So Beca doesn't want to get married yet? Does she even want to at all? She quickly put the ring box back in her messenger bag. She can't believe she almost did that. Beca was right and she was very wrong.
Meanwhile for Beca, the second she was up the stairs, she was chuckling to herself. She had to calm down a bit. This whole moving in thing was making her so excited and it's putting her emotions all over the place. The truth was she didn't want Chloe to propose because Chloe already found their home and if ever they were going to be engaged, Beca wanted to be the one to propose to Chloe; not the other way around.
The only thing stopping her is the ring hasn't arrived yet. "Where is that damn ring?" Beca made a mental note to track it later.
She found Nate in his room in the middle of packing. Once Beca was finished helping Nate, she went back downstairs with Nate following closely behind her.
"Got everything Bud?"
"Yup. I'm ready." Nate said this as he reached for his mom's outstretched hand.
"Hey Chlo, I'm dropping Nate off Jesse's place for the week. I won't be long."
"Oh it's Jesse's weekend?"
"Yeah, I'm just dropping him off."
"You want to come?" Nate asked Chloe.
Beca was trying to read Chloe. She knew Chloe was coming off a long shift from work. "You don't have to. You must be tired, coming home from work and all."
Chloe was about to decline but she remembered her talk with the boys the other night and she couldn't say no to how Nathaniel was looking up at her eagerly. "No no, I'm okay. I'd love to. Let's go."
Nate's smile was worth it as he reached for Chloe's hand and the three of them walked out to Beca's car together.
Star Exclusive!
WHERE IS BECHLOE? It has been a hot minute since our favourite couple or so we wish them to be a couple has been seen together anywhere around LA. We're gonna have to seek help from our online community to keep an eye out for us. It all boils down to two things: either they're really good at hiding or we're all really bad in finding.
NEW PROJECT ALERT. Beca Mitchell has been very busy and in demand. Rumours are Indie Music Group has been meeting with Anne-Marie and Ed Sheeran for a collaboration album, Emilia Heart is going on tour and Chloe x Halle are signing up with IMG for their debut album! Could this be why bechloe has been MIA?
SCOOP ALERT. Before the haters think bechloe is a sham, word on the street is that Beca Mitchell's penthouse apartment is on the market. What is that? Are those wedding bells we hear ringing? Stay tuned!
After dropping off Nate, the car ride back home was quieter. It wasn't awkward but neither of them addressed the elephant in the room or in this case the car. When Chloe yawned for the nth time, Beca reached for her hand.
"Have you even slept yet? I told you, you didn't have to come with."
"I wanted to. It's a short drive anyway." Chloe said accompanied by another yawn. "How was your day?"
Beca could only laugh. "Yeah it was good. I was in the office in the morning then went home to unpack some more. Stacie also showed me this morning that there is another article. Have you seen it?"
"Nah. Was it the usual or anything that we should talk about?"
Beca thought about it. Her and Chloe as individuals and together have been hitting the headlines recently. She considered it but accepted that they couldn't discuss each and every news article that were written about them.
Beca shook her head eventually. "You know what as long as neither of us are bothered, it's not worth it."
Chloe nods. "I agree. Let's stick to that."
"Oh by the way. I've been meaning to tell you our bed frame hasn't arrived."
"Guess it's going to be on the floor for us then."
"Will that be okay?"
"Yeah I don't mind that and I also know you're not above sex on the floor." Chloe let her comment simmer and watched Beca as she slowly processed it.
"How the fuck did you just say that so casually."
Chloe could see Beca shuddering and glancing over to her side while driving. "Why are you so tense babe?"
Beca always finds herself stuttering when Chloe uses that tone with her. "Always such a tease."
"Don't worry after I catch up on some sleep I'm going to ease all that tension for you."
Beca laughs a nervous laugh and she doesn't know why. She was expecting Chloe to laugh along with her but she didn't. Instead she closed her eyes and leaned to the side.
"Wait seriously now. What do you mean?"
Chloe only hummed her response.
"Damn it Chlo. Don't sleep on me now."
"Shh."
Beca and Chloe only just moved in a couple of weeks when they had to leave for New York to attend Jessica's wedding. Due to their conflicting schedules, they had to book separate flights with Chloe leaving before Beca.
Chloe was at the airport late Thursday evening with Aubrey and Chicago. They were flying out first since Beca was still finishing up some stuff with work so she was flying out the next morning.
"Bec remember, rehearsal dinner is tomorrow at 5:30pm." Chloe was talking to Beca on the phone while they waited for their call for boarding.
"I will be there. I promise. I won't be late for my flight."
"I know. But get some sleep alright and remember New York is three hours ahead."
"How could I forget Chlo?" Beca said remembering their times when they were doing the whole long distance thing. Beca could hear the announcement through the speakers.
"That's us. I'll message you when we land. See you soon Bec. Love you."
"I love you too Chlo."
STAR Exclusive!
BUSINESS OR PLEASURE? Beca Mitchell was spotted at LAX early this morning. We can confirm she arrived alone and walked in alone. Where is she going? There are pictures circulating online of Doctor Chloe spotted in New York but it was hard to tell if they were old photos of her or recent ones. Like always, stay tuned.
Beca arrived at JFK around 4pm that Friday and thanks to the article, there were a few people waiting outside of arrivals for her. She kept her head down and walked straight out with security where a car was waiting for her to drive her straight to the Hamptons.
She was excited to be back at the Hamptons with Chloe. Despite the paparazzi and the fans swarming her, she couldn't hide the smirk as she thought this weekend was the perfect time to pop the question.
"Beca! What's happening here in New York?!"
"Why are you alone? Where's the rest of your team? Where's Doctor Chloe?"
"Are you here for work? Beca, are you here for work?"
"Who are you meeting?"
"We love you! Welcome to New York Beca!"
Beca waved to the fans and ignored all the paparazzi. She couldn't stop for anyone because admittedly she was in a rush and she was running a little late already.
Chloe doesn't have to look at the empty seat beside her for long. The rehearsal dinner didn't start on time and by the time it was about to start, Beca was already walking through the doors.
Beca looked around as soon as she was through the entrance. She knew it was an intimate gathering but there were four round tables for the bride and groom's family and friends. She was given a glass of champagne as she was being led to where Chloe's table was. She could feel everyone's eyes on her but not for long. They weren't here for her. Beca quickly scanned the room and raised her glass to Jessica who was smiling at her already.
As soon as she locked eyes with Chloe, she didn't bother looking away and walked straight to where she was. She could see an empty seat next to Chloe. Her seat.
"Hi." Beca leans in to kiss Chloe on the cheek quickly before sitting down.
"Nice jumpsuit babe."
"Sorry I'm late."
"Nope you're just in time. How was your flight?"
"Yeah very good."
Beca then quickly said hi to everyone around their table. They were all of Chloe's best friends and their partners. They couldn't properly catch up as they heard glass clinking from the other table calling for toasts to start.
Chloe's hands were on Beca's lap most of the time, which did not go unnoticed by Beca. She loved the feeling of Chloe's hand there. She also noticed how Chloe gave it a slight squeeze everytime someone said something sweet or cheesy.
She leaned into Chloe in the middle of one of the toasts and whispered. "You look great by the way."
Chloe in response to Beca scrunched her nose and squeezed her leg twice. For the first time today Beca was able to breathe. She was just glad to be here and be present with Chloe. Beca may be exaggerating a little but she definitely felt that if she missed this weekend, it would put a strain in their relationship.
Beca usually had a bad habit of looking around the room to see if anyone was watching them or trying to take a picture. She was usually distracted and worried about these things but tonight is the first time in a long time where she was fully enjoying being out with Chloe.
Everyone called it an early night for the wedding tomorrow and went their separate ways after the rehearsal dinner. Beca didn't know how tired she was until she laid down on the bed. She was out cold by the time Chloe was ready for bed.
Chloe, being one of the bridesmaids, was part of the wedding entourage and had to leave earlier than Beca. She vaguely remembers Chloe kissing her before she left to get ready for the wedding that morning. When her third and final alarm came on Beca almost jumped out of bed in panic.
"Fuck. How long have I been sleeping?" Beca rubbed her eyes on her way to the shower.
She made sure that she would be at the venue at least before 9am. She saw a lot of bustling outside the chapel when she arrived. She was hoping to get a glimpse of Chloe but she couldn't find her so she decided to quietly slip inside and find a seat. She also didn't want to stand outside for long.
Once inside, Beca looked around and smiled at all the familiar faces from the night before. About six rows from the altar, she saw Liv's wife, Mel, and decided to sit next to her. They were briefly introduced last night and didn't really get to talk to each other.
"Would you mind if I sit with you?"
"No please. It would be my pleasure."
Small talk is not Beca's strong suit. Being around Chloe's people always made her nervous. But with Mel, it felt like they were sort of on the same boat. She wouldn't call them outsiders but more like the latest additions to the group.
When they heard the organ playing, Beca instantly turned to look at the doors. She literally held her breath when she saw Chloe. She was the first one out. Chloe was also looking for Beca in the crowd as she walked down the aisle slowly. She finally spotted Beca already looking at her and threw a wink her way.
She looked away from Chloe to watch Jessica walk down the aisle only to stare at Chloe again by the time Jessica made it to the altar.
She could feel Mel laughing beside her. Beca turned to her with a questioning look. Mel just smiled back at her and whispered. "I think you should put a ring on it."
Beca almost snorted. If only Mel knew that she's literally trying to do just that. Beca's response was cut off by the opening remarks of the officiant. Admittedly she was too distracted anyway, she wasn't even being subtle about staring at Chloe.
It's like Beca and Chloe were talking with their eyes every time they make eye contact. Chloe was already feeling emotional. There's just something about weddings that does it for her. She's been trying to not cry since this morning while they were preparing.
Beca mouthed the words "I love you" before she could stop herself in one of the many times they locked eyes. It was a new feeling for her since she's never this carefree in public. If Chloe was caught off guard by Beca, she doesn't show it.
They went like that through the whole program. It was hard to focus on the actual wedding now when all she could picture is their own and their future.
The reception was day drinking at it's finest. After a lot of dancing and crying, everybody eventually made it back to their own rooms. It was agreed to have farewell breakfast the next morning before going their separate ways.
"Chlo wake up."
"Babe what time is it?"
"Come on. You wouldn't wanna miss this."
"Have you even slept yet?" Chloe remembers very well they both fell asleep in each other's arms. "Breakfast isn't until 8." Chloe was mumbling in her sleep while turning on her back.
"Please. For me?"
Chloe tried to ignore Beca. She could feel her sitting next to her on the bed. "Please? Chlo? Are you awake?"
Chloe finally accepted that Beca was not going to let her go back to sleep, turned back to her. Chloe saw Beca smile and stood back up. "What's going on? This is so not you."
Beca watched Chloe drag herself out of bed. She didn't let go of her blanket and put it over her shoulders.
"Okay. I'm up. What do you want?"
She grabbed Chloe's face and kissed her on the forehead. "You are too cute. Come on this way."
When she saw Beca pulling her out to the balcony, she caught on on what they were about to do.
"Are we actually."
"Yup." Beca cut her off. "Sorry it took a while."
"Yeah only about ten years late but I'll take it."
Beca rolled her eyes at that. They sat side by side on the bench and Chloe pulled the blanket over both of them. They were both quiet now and took in the view. They both watched in silence the sun slowly rising lighting up their surroundings and signaling a new day.
"We finally got to watch the sunrise together." Chloe sighed.
"Yeah we finally did."
They were quiet again and it was Beca who spoke after a while.
"I don't think I ever got to ask you why you liked sunrises more than sunsets?"
Chloe smiled even though Beca wasn't looking. "Because the sunrise reminds me that sometimes what we think is the ending is actually a start of something new and something more beautiful." Chloe says without looking away from the view.
Beca, who was now looking at Chloe, cleared her throat before speaking. "Remember the morning before my parents' renewal of vows all those years ago?"
Chloe remembers. She looks at Beca with a soft smile. "Hmm?"
Beca wrapped her arms around Chloe and kissed her on the cheek before resting her head on her shoulder. "I remember just being so happy. Just having breakfast with you under the sun and the shower after. It's one of my favourite memories. I didn't think I could be happier. But fuck I'm so happy right now, you have no idea."
"I might have some idea." Chloe said as she wrapped an arm around Beca's shoulders. Beca then repositions herself and rests her head on Chloe's chest.
"It scares me so much that I might do something stupid and ruin this, cause this what we have now, this is good. And I don't know about you but I really feel we are at such a great place."
Chloe suddenly turned to look at Beca when she heard the slightest sound of a sniffle. "Bec are you crying?"
"Tears of joy I promise."
"I understand. Weddings make me emotional too." Chloe wiped away the tears on Beca's face with her other hand.
"Wait. I wasn't finish. Let me just try to compose myself."
"No rush babe."
Beca took a deep breath and exhaled. Chloe just waited. She cleared her throat before talking again. "I know you're scared or at least you were scared that I would let go when it's hard or walk away when it hurts but I'll show you that I'll be doing the exact opposite. I'll hold on to you tighter this time and I know they say never say never, but I'm never walking out on this again. You're not going to be able to get rid of me. Ever. Unless you know that's what you want or something, I don't know."
Chloe knew Beca was rambling and she let her. She supposed this was how weddings affected Beca and she got that.
Beca was still so bummed about not making it to Jessica's Bachelorette party in Las Vegas with Chloe. Chloe assured her several times that it was okay. Beca was with her parents and Nate on their usual Sunday get together. In the middle of lunch, Beca thought it was the perfect time to break the news.
Beca cleared her throat. "I have an announcement to make." She couldn't stop the cracking in her voice.
The chattering stopped and Linda even dropped her cutlery. "Is everything okay Rebeca?"
She gives her mom a questioning look before shaking her head. "No yes of course."
"If this is about your new house, Nate's already filled us in on that." Linda added. "And we are thrilled for you."
"Sorry mom." Nate said.
"No it's okay Bud. It wasn't a secret. And no it's not about the house but while we're on this topic, you should definitely come over one weekend or something."
"We would love that. So if it's not about the house, what's it about?" Ben said.
Beca looked around to her parents and had a sheepish grin. She doesn't know why she's blushing at the thought. "I'm going to ask Chloe to marry me."
It was Nate who reacted first. "Mom that's awesome!"
"I'm just waiting for the ring to arrive and figure out the perfect time to propose." Beca was getting emotional just by saying those words out loud. Beca then blinked a few times. She was never much of a crier but as it turns out, when it comes to Chloe she was.
Linda reached over the table and put a hand over Beca's. "Dear I know once upon a time our views were very different but please believe it in your heart when we say we're both happy and proud of you. I hope you know that. I don't even know where to begin."
"Mom. It's okay. You've been apologizing for years." Beca squeezed back. "I don't hold any more grudges. I've forgiven you guys a long time ago."
Linda wiped her own tears. "So the proposal. Tell us. How can we help?"
Beca was brought back to the present with Chloe when she heard her phone ringing. She tried to ignore it and gathered her thoughts.
"Bec? Your phone's ringing."
"Ignore it. Let's just enjoy this moment a little while longer."
The ringing finally stopped and Beca was able to relax into Chloe again. "As I was saying…" She sighed. "Fuck where was I?"
Chloe was giggling beside her. "Weddings have the same effect on me too and just so you know, I'm not so scared anymore now."
Beca was looking directly at Chloe now who was still looking out at the view. Beca found the sight absolutely breathtaking and couldn't take her eyes away from Chloe.
"You know Chlo when." Her phone ringing once more again interrupted Beca. She pulled back from Chloe in frustration. "Goddammit."
"It's okay. Go ahead and answer it. It might be important. I'm not going anywhere."
Beca could only groan as she stepped out of their bubble and walked back into the room. She looked around and found her phone on the bedside table.
"This better be fuckin' good Stacie cause I swear to god."
"You're still at the Hamptons with Chloe?"
"Yes. Why?"
"Okay. And you're driving back soon right?."
"Why? Stacie please just get to it. I was in the middle of something."
"Sorry not sorry?"
"Stace."
"Okay sorry. It's Ed Sheeran. He wants you to be his special guest tonight. He's performing at the Radio City Music Hall!"
"What?!"
"Yup. He wants to know if you want to do rehearsals before or after lunch?"
"Wait. You said yes to this?"
"I haven't confirmed anything with his team but Becs we're not going to say no to this, are we?"
"No no. But wait. I'm with Chloe."
"So?"
"I'm not leaving her."
"Then take her with you. I can get her a pass too then I can keep her company."
"What do you mean keep her company?"
"I'm coming. I'm actually on my way to the airport right now. You might need back up."
"Really? But I haven't even said yes."
"Well like I said, we're not saying no either."
Beca pinched the bridge of her nose. "Right right okay. Wait let me think. Tell him after lunch works better for me. What time are you arriving?"
"Around about 3:30 in the afternoon I think. Alright I'll see you soon then. I'll text you the details. Say hi to Chloe for me."
With that, Stacie ended their call. Beca couldn't believe that just happened. "What the fuck did I just agree to."
"Everything okay?" Chloe was leaning on the sliding doors. "Sorry I didn't mean to eavesdrop."
"No that's okay. Everything's good. That was Stacie. She's coming to New York."
"Oh? Did something happen?"
"How do you feel about watching a concert tonight?"
They finally made it to Chloe's parents house. It's been the same house that they had all those years ago. They stopped outside the door and rang the bell.
It was Jim who opened it. "You're here. It's so lovely to see you both." Jim hugged Chloe and Beca.
The moment they stepped inside, they joined James in the patio at the back. Jim then grabs both their hands and said. "Let's see them then."
Chloe froze and glared at her Dad. Beca was just confused; almost as confused as Jim. He almost paled when he saw their bare fingers; no rings.
He recovered quickly though and squeezed both their hands. "Wedding photos. Jessica's. I'm sure everyone looked lovely." He squeezed again before letting go and sat next to James. "Show us. We've been waiting since yesterday."
"I kept telling him to be patient. He's been going on about it all day yesterday. I'm sure there are plenty of photos." James added.
Chloe was the first to react and was scrolling through her phone for pictures. "You guys I'm pretty sure someone would've posted these already."
"You know we don't go online often." Jim said grabbing Chloe's phone.
Chloe's parents kept gushing about everyone and Chloe wasn't sure if Beca knew they were overcompensating for the near slip up. Beca hid it well if she did.
The rest of their lunch went smoothly. There was no mention of any proposals or getting married despite the topic being on Jessica's wedding or the fact that it was Chloe who caught the bouquet. They moved back inside after having their lunch. Beca took Chloe to the side before settling in.
"Hey Chlo, it's almost 2, I'm going to have to go soon. You can just follow later if you want so you can spend more time with your folks. The concert doesn't start 'til 8pm anyway."
"Wait. Why do you have to go so early then?"
"Ed wants to meet." Beca said.
Chloe raised her eyebrows. "Wait a minute. You haven't told me everything have you? Are you performing with him tonight?"
"I'm not confirming nor denying anything."
"Oh my god. You totally are! Why didn't you tell me?"
Beca shrugged. "I wanted to surprise you."
"Okay. The surprise isn't totally ruined. You can stop pouting. I'll let you go ahead and rehearse. I'll stay back and leave later."
Beca smiles at that. "As much as I hate being away from you even just for a second. I really did want to surprise you."
"I'm gonna love it no matter what."
"I love you. I'll see you later, okay? You better not miss it."
"I'll be there. I love you too."
"Now remember, I might not be on my phone. If you need anything, contact Stacie." Beca said on her way out the door.
"I got it Bec. Go ahead."
Beca walks back to Chloe and kisses her again. "Sorry I just had to."
"Why are you sorry? You don't hear me complaining."
Beca rolled her eyes. "Alright, I'll see you."
Chloe watched Beca get in the car and drive off. She only closed the door once the car turned the corner. The moment she did, Chloe's parents appeared out of nowhere.
"What happened? I'm so sorry Chlobear I thought you already asked her."
"I was going to but I don't think she's ready."
"What does that mean?"
"It means she's not ready. She said we just moved in and everything."
Chloe's parents couldn't help but as questions at the same time. They were both in disbelief.
"Did she say that?" James asked. "What were her exact words?"
While Jim asked. "When you proposed, that's what she said?"
"Well sort of. I haven't actually gotten to the actual proposal. She beat me to it. She panicked when she thought I was just about to propose and I was really going to and I know Beca. I saw it in her eyes. It was panic. So I panicked too and I knew I had to lie. She caught me in the act. So that's what I did. I said I wasn't going to. Then she said she found the ring so I had to lie again that it wasn't even mine."
"Chloe slow down. You're not making much sense right now honey. Deep breaths." Jim had both his hands on Chloe's shoulders to help her calm down. He looked over to James who just nodded and walked towards their kitchen.
Chloe tried. She inhaled and exhaled a couple of times. James was back with tea for Chloe. She grabbed the mug as she was huddled in between her parents.
"Maybe she just doesn't want to get married. I mean I'm fine with that. Married or not we will be together anyway and that is what's most important."
"Let's say it's true that Beca's just not ready, there's really no need to be stressed out about this, right? What's the rush?" James tried to comfort Chloe.
Chloe just nodded.
Jim held her hand. "Okay. Now tell us again what happened."
Beca received a text from Chloe that she was running late so she couldn't go see her backstage before her performance.
Beca could hear the cheers and the screams from outside her dressing room. She wasn't going to deny she was getting nervous. A knock got her whole body to perk up.
"Come in." She calls out to whoever was knocking.
She hid the disappointment in her face when it was just one of the staff. "Twenty minutes Ms. Mitchell."
"Thank you."
He nodded before closing the door, leaving Beca on her own again. Beca looked at herself in the mirror and closed her eyes. She tried to focus on her breathing.
She didn't hear someone entering her room. "I hope I'm not disturbing anything." Beca heard a familiar voice behind her.
She doesn't bother opening her eyes to respond. "Welcome to New York Stace."
"Sorry I didn't come see you right away. I have a delivery for you."
Beca opened her eyes with her eyebrows already raised. She saw Stacie was holding up flowers.
"She made it. She's going to be on the fourth row to your right. I'm sure you'll find her right away."
Beca grabbed the bouquet of flowers and inhaled. She ignored Stacie and smiled down at the note that came with it.
Stacie nudged her on the shoulder. "Come on Becs. You can't be that mad at me for waking you up so early this morning. I mean look at where we are."
"It's not that. We were already up."
"Oh. Were you in the middle of fuc—"
"No! We were watching the sunrise."
"What cheesy shit is that? It's like you're asking her to marry you or something."
When Stacie saw Beca's face. "Oh my god you were."
"I'm only going to say this to make you feel bad but I was about to but I didn't get to it."
Stacie threw herself to Beca wrapped her in a hug. "Oh my god! That's amazing. I'm so happy for you!"
"Watch the hair and make up. Didn't you hear what I just said? I didn't get to it."
Stacie ignored her comments. "Can I see the ring? Do you have it with you? Oh my god, are you proposing after the concert then?"
"I don't know yet Stace." Beca sighs as she reached for the ring on her neck to show Stacie. "I just want to be ready to seize the moment anytime anywhere."
"It's beautiful Becs. You do know Chloe's going to say yes no matter what?"
"I know but I still want it to be perfect. And earlier was perfect if only someone didn't end up interrupting the moment."
"For the record, I'm sorry and I do feel bad about it now."
Beca smiled at Stacie for the first time. "Good."
Their conversation was cut short by another knock at the door. "Ms. Mitchell you're on in 5."
Chloe was getting antsy in her seat. She underestimated New York traffic and was late. She missed the opening and it seems that Ed Sheeran is on his third or fourth song. It's not like she wasn't an Ed Sheeran fan, which she is but she really wanted to see Beca.
Chloe cheered along with everyone else when Ed finished another song. He grabbed the mic and put it in a stand while he put his guitar over his head. He strums a few chords before he starts to talk into the microphone.
"I don't know if you've heard but we have a special guest tonight. Our next guest is a good friend of mine and when I heard that she was in New York this weekend I knew I had to reach out. She mostly works behind the scenes and as you know Anne-Marie and me will be working on our next album and that we have both decided to sign with Indie Music Group."
Ed Sheeran paused to allow the crowd to scream.
"I am honoured to be performing alongside her. Please join me in welcoming to the stage, Beca Mitchell!"
Beca walked out from the side of the stage and walked towards Ed Sheeran. She gave him a kiss and they embraced. One of the staff, put a microphone stand in front of Beca. She adjusts it straightaway.
"Good evening everyone. I hope you don't mind me crashing this party." The crowd cheered again.
"Nonsense." Ed answers back. "You ready?"
Beca nodded. "Never. Let's do it."
"This song's called 'Perfect'. Sing along if you know it."
As soon as Ed started plucking at his guitar to the intro of the song, Beca looked around to the audience and easily found Chloe who was already looking up at her with her phone up. Beca couldn't stop her eyes from rolling when she saw it but at the same time she couldn't hide her toothy grin. She tried to bite her lip to stop herself from laughing at the way Chloe was cheering for her.
When Ed started to sing, Beca would make eye contact with him from time to time and mouthed the words while waiting for her part. She didn't know which exact line hit her but all of a sudden she was feeling overwhelmed with emotions again. She started to unconsciously blink back the tears and looked down. She made a tiny sniffle before looking up at Ed again but before he could sing the last line, she was already looking at Chloe and mouthed the words to her.
When you said you looked a mess, I whispered underneath my breath but you heard it, darling, you look perfect tonight.
Ed sang the last line of the chorus and started walking to the other side of the stage while doing some adlibs with his guitar. Beca was standing at her side of the stage tapping her foot and snapping her fingers. Ed was walking back towards her now and that was her cue. She looked at Chloe as she started. Beca couldn't see it properly but Chloe was already crying.
Well I found a woman, stronger than anyone I know
She shares my dreams, I hope that someday I'll share her home
I found a love, to carry more than just my secrets
To carry love, to carry children of our own
We are still kids, but we're so in love
Fighting against all odds
I know we'll be alright this time
Darling, just hold my hand
Be my girl, I'll be your man
I see my future in your eyes
Beca couldn't take her eyes away from Chloe's and she could feel the first drop of her tears coming. She wiped them away quickly as she grabbed her microphone from the stand and harmonized with Ed through to the rest of the song.
They embraced again towards the end. It was a much longer embrace and Beca couldn't really hear properly what Ed was saying to her with the loud cheers coming from the crowd. They let go of each other and faced the audience again for a final bow.
"Beca Mitchell everyone."
"Thanks again for having me. This has been such a great pleasure."
"I'll see you soon my friend." Ed said while Beca was waving to the crowd as she walked off stage. She took one last look at Chloe but she couldn't find her. She had a feeling she knew where Chloe was as she rushed back stage.
"I'm proud of you Becs." Stacie shouts at Beca as she almost runs past her.
"Thanks Stace." Beca calls out to her. She was in a hurry to get to her dressing room and was almost out of breath when she opened the door abruptly.
Chloe jumped when the door suddenly opened and didn't have time to react when Beca was already in her space and pulling her in for a kiss.
