Chapter 16: The Post-Graduate

Graduation was rapidly approaching and it was Aubrey's birthday. Beca had set her alarm for 7:00am, knowing that Aubrey woke up at 7:30am every day except Sunday. She reached for her phone and groaned to herself, wondering if it was worth it to get out of bad at such an ungodly hour. She worked up all her strength and made it downstairs.

She was almost done making breakfast (french toast, eggs, bacon, fruit). She was flipping the last piece of french toast when Chloe came out and sleepily rubbed her eyes.

"Am I having a stroke or are you awake before 9:00am... and making breakfast?" Chloe collapsed into a chair and watched Beca curiously.

"Just thought I'd make breakfast." Beca shrugged and took the small pot off the stove that was steaming milk. She carefully poured a cup of coffee and mixed the milk in, her attempt at a cappuccino. Chloe reached for a piece of bacon and received a slap from Beca.

"Not for you." Beca shook her head. Chloe was shocked, and tried not to be a little offended.

"Excuse me?"

"Don't mock me." Beca pointed her finger at Chloe as she put her carefully put together breakfast on a tray. Chloe crossed her heart with her fingers. "Its Aubrey's birthday, so I thought I'd make her favorite breakfast in bed. Especially since I didn't really get her a gift." She watched as Chloe's face morphed into the biggest grin. "Shut up." Beca picked up the tray before Chloe could make any comments. As she walked to their room, she could hear Chloe's 'awwwwwww.'

Beca opened the door carefully, as Aubrey was still asleep for a couple more minutes. She set the tray down and Aubrey's eyes shot open. Chloe had snuck behind Beca and watched as she leaned in the doorway.

"Beca, what are you doing?" Aubrey sat up.

"Happy birthday." Beca mumbled and waved her hand over the tray. ""Thought you'd enjoy breakfast in bed. Okay. Bye." She spun around before Aubrey could respond and shot Chloe a warning glare. Chloe shrugged at Aubrey who sat in shock, glancing back and forth between Chloe and the food.

"You are a SOFTIE!" Chloe quietly squealed as she returned to the kitchen.

"Say one more word and I won't make any breakfast for you." Beca shoved the spatula in Chloe's face. Chloe immediately backed away and made a zip motion across her lips. Aubrey appeared with her tray and sat beside Chloe.

"What are you doing, its supposed to be breakfast in bed?" Beca asked.

"Well, its my birthday. And I'd rather eat with my sisters." Aubrey smiled and took a sip of the cappucino. Chloe held her lips together but let out what sounded like a whimper as her eyes glistened. Beca felt the smile tugging at her lips when she turned around to continue making breakfast.

Later, Aubrey and Chloe were alone in the house while other bellas were at class. They were getting ready for their first Bella rehearsal for worlds. Aubrey had decided to start intense work on the set she had decided not to use at Nationals. She was confident in Beca's song choices and they had already gotten the basics down on their choreography. She was sitting at the kitchen counter scribbling furiously in her notebook, preparing for rehearsals when Chloe came in and set a water bottle next to her.

"I have something I wanted to run by you." Chloe stated hesitantly.

"Chlo, you know I love you, but the Worlds is NOT the place to experiment with our sound or dance moves." Aubrey didn't even look up from her notebook.

"Its not about Worlds. Its about...after Worlds."

"What do you mean?" Aubrey's hand paused and she looked hesitantly at Chloe.

"I know you're graduating and everything...but I'm just not ready to be a bella without you."

"Well I can't be a Bella if I'm not enrolled, Chlo." Aubrey's voice softened. She, herself, had also been dreading leaving the bellas and her best friend.

"What about...maybe...only if it made sense for your future, and if you actually wanted...but don't feel obligated or guilty…"

"Chloe! You are picking up the whole rambling thing Beca does!" Aubrey rubbed her temples.

"You could get your master's degree?" Chloe spit out with a sheepish shrug of her shoulders.

"My master's?" Aubrey said quietly, putting a hand to her chin to think. "That would...be beneficial if I wanted to take over my Uncle Chris's camp."

"And we could stay Bellas together." Chloe allowed her smile in anticipation, seeing Aubrey's brain working fast considering the possibility.

"Chloe Beale." Aubrey left her trance, seeming to have come to a decision. "I think that might be the best advice you've ever given me."

"So you'll do it? Stay at Barden, and keep leading the bellas?" Chloe clasped her hands together.

"I think we should run it by the other bellas first. I don't want them to think I'm stealing their thunder or anything." Aubrey's smile faded as she returned to her notebook.

"We'll ask them at rehearsals. I have no doubt they'll be on board." Chloe clapped her hands rapidly below her chin, unable to contain her excitement.

Aubrey and Chloe walked into the auditorium to the rest of the bellas already gathered and Beca standing at the front. When she saw Aubrey and Chloe she flipped the whiteboard over and stood awkwardly as the rest of the Bellas squirmed in their chairs.

"What's going on?" Aubrey said quietly.

"Bellas, I have a proposition for you." Chloe started, not realizing the odd body language. "I talked to Aubrey earlier and we discussed the possibility of her staying with the Bellas. She would remain enrolled, but she would just be getting her masters degree. Then we could still have all of our bellas together for an even better shot at being repeat national champions. But we wanted to run it by the group first. What do you guys think?" Chloe couldn't help but grin as she looked eagerly for her fellow bellas to agree immediately.

"Man…" Beca groaned and turned her back. Chloe's smile disappeared as she shot Beca a look.

"Beca?" She asked cautiously.

"Well...its just…"

"What the hell? I thought you two had put aside your differences. I mean, you made her a special breakfast THIS morning for her birthday. Why would you want her to leave the bellas now?" Chloe took a few steps toward Beca with her hands on her hips.

"No, no, its not like that." Beca raised her hands and glanced back and forth between Aubrey and Chloe. "It's just...you kinda ruined my...our surprise."

"What surprise?" Aubrey glanced around the room in curiosity.

"Well, I had spent the past few days reading the bella by-laws. Yes, there's actually a written document and its insane. And I even checked with the dean to make sure it was legal to stay with the group in post-graduate studies. And we were going to ask you today if you'd stay." Beca let out a sigh and flipped the white board over and it read: 'Aubrey, will you be our aca-bitch leader next year?'

Chloe and Aubrey's mouths fell open. And Chloe gave Beca her look that said she was coming in for a hug.

"Group hug, bellasssss!" She wrapped her arms around Beca as she squirmed and shouted her weak protests as all the bellas joined in.

"Hey, but what about Jen and Heather? They're graduating too." CR asked when they all pulled apart.

"Oh, we can easily replace them at auditions. I'm not sure why they were even here to begin with." Chloe waved her hand dismissively as she squeezed Beca for a second side hug.

Beca was packing her suitcase, deciding what was acceptable to be left behind in the bella house for the summer. Chloe stood in her doorway, watching her until her presence was noticed.

"Jeez, Beale!" Beca nearly jumped out of her skin when she saw Chloe standing in her doorway watching her. "Stalk, much?"

"Just seeing how observant you were. Clearly not very much. Need help?" Chloe stepped over and absentmindedly refolded some of the clothes Beca had tossed in her suitcase.

"Nah. I'm trying to leave as much stuff here so I don't have to check extra bags. Man, its crazy freshman year is already over!"

"It sure flew by. I can't believe I'm going to be a senior next year." Chloe shook her head.

"I don't think I'll be able to be a Bella when you graduate." Beca felt a wave of sadness thinking of Chloe graduating.

"Oh, Becs." Chloe said her name in the most patronizing tone she could muster. "You know I'm not going anywhere. There's lots of loopholes to stay a Bella."

"So you're just going to be a Bella forever?"

"No, just as long as you are." Chloe shrugged. Beca swallowed, feeling her cheeks blush. She thought back to when he dad threatened to cut her off if she didn't try college. And boy, she had tried this year. He had even reminded her of the offer he gave her at the beginning of the year to move her to LA if she just gave an honest effort, and was shocked when Beca turned him down. 'College isn't so bad. I think I might give it at least another year.' She had said. What she couldn't admit was that a certain redhead had made it completely impossible for Beca to even consider leaving.

"I'm going to miss you this summer." Beca mumbled as she zipped up her bag that carried her mixing equipment.

"We're going to see each other plenty, though. We have your DJ contest next month, then World's, and before we know it school will be starting again." Chloe sighed and sat on the edge of the bed. "But I'm going to miss you too…"

"Miami is going to rock, though. I can't wait. We're going to own that city."

"I wish the bellas could come and watch you, too."

"Eh, they'd make me nervous."

"But I don't?" Chloe couldn't help but smirk.

"Nah. You calm me down actually." Beca shrugged as she rummaged through some drawers. Chloe felt her heart skip a beat, feeling honored that she was the only bella Beca wanted there to cheer her on.

"Well, we have one last party before we all go our separate ways. Aubrey's graduation party. So, make sure you have everything set to go, because if you have a hangover tomorrow its going to be a long flight home." Chloe chuckled to herself, knowing most of the bellas would probably wake up with hangovers if Amy had any say in the situation.

"Got it, mom!" Beca gave a sarcastic salute as she carefully loaded the rest of her music equipment in their respective carriers.

Later that night, guests had started showing up, but only those who had been approved by Aubrey. Amy had already acted as a bouncer and ushered a few people away, avoiding a fight or scene at their last party of the year. Tonight was about fun, and the two blondes made sure that no one showed up to spoil it.

Some people were hanging out inside, chatting with some music in the background while the majority of the party was outside by the pool. Beca had set up her music station near the fence, far enough from the drink station and pool to protect it from damage. There was dancing, laughing, and drinking; everyone was having a blast.

Acting as DJ, Beca bobbed her head as she spun a new track for the party-goers. Knowing, how Fat Amy loved this song and had her own choreographed dance moves, she couldn't wait till Amy realized it was playing. She grinned when Fat Amy shouted "Oh yeahhhh!" and pushed some people out of the way for a dance solo.

As the lyrics to "Baby Got Back" started Fat Amy was making everyone cheer and shout for her as she performed her routine which involved a lot of self-groping and slapping her own butt. Beca couldn't help but laugh, clap, and raise her hand to encourage Fat Amy to keep it up. Amy backed herself up into a poor skinny frat boy who was caught in the wrong place at the wrong time and the terror in his eyes was an image that would always bring a laugh to the Bellas. Benji and Jesse even jumped in to make an Amy sandwich. The three of them gained many laughs and probably a few bad dreams for many of the party goers. Beca could barely contain her laughter.

Beca was an expert at picking song after song, keeping the dancing and laughter going without a hint of slowing down. She saw her phone light up next to her laptop and saw she got a text from Chloe.

Chloe: Come join the party!

Beca: dude, I AM the party, can you not see me?

Chloe: you know what I mean :P

Beca: but I'm in the zone

Chloe: but I want to dance with you :/

Beca: I'll save one for you ;)

Chloe: well hurry up!

Beca picked Stacie's favorite song "Lose Control" by Ciara and she let it play as she left her station, making sure the laptop was locked. As she made her way over to the pool Stacie snatched her arm and shouted, "Dude this my jam! You're the best!" She started dancing up on Beca, obviously quite a few drinks in. Beca just laughed and danced back as best she could, not quite keeping up. Chloe was on the other side of the pool and felt the jealousy creeping up when she saw how close Stacie was to Beca. She knew it was a ridiculous jealousy, but she couldn't help it anyway. She made her way through the crowd and grabbed Stacie's arm.

"Mind if I cut in?" She nearly shouted at Stacie with the music so loud. Stacie grinned knowingly between Chloe and Beca.

"You got it, Red." She gave a wink as she sought out a new dance partner. Chloe grinned and immediately took Stacie's place, although not quite as close to Beca's body. Beca instinctively put her hand on Chloe's waist as they moved to the beat. Chloe smiled wider as she shook her head back and forth, making her red locks brush by Beca's face.

When the song ended, "Apple Bottom Jeans" was next on Beca's playlist. Chloe's eyes got wide and smiled. She and Beca pointed at each other when the echo "boots with the fur" played. They kept dancing together until Chloe raised her hands at the party guests.

"Guys! Everybody in the pool!"

"Chloe, no!" Beca was giggling, trying to stop her friend from removing the shirt over her tank top.

"Everybody in the pool!" Chloe shouted as she took a leap before Beca could grab her. She landed with a splash. The dancing stopped momentarily before everyone shouted in celebration of the pool dive before continuing their dancing.

"You're such a weirdo!" Beca shouted at her, trying to control her laughter.

"Worth it!" Chloe shrugged. "Whoooooo!"

The party continued late into the night/early morning. It was the best bella party of the year by far and everyone fell asleep happy. There were no fights, tears, or drama. A few of the bellas slept in the living room. Aubrey had managed to sneak Howie into her room, leaving Chloe to need to find a new place to sleep.

Chloe stumbled up the stairs, and tried not to fall as she opened Beca's door.

"Pssstt!" She poked Beca, who had only just collapsed on her own bed.

"Whaaaattt…" Beca pretended to be annoyed by the redhead.

"Aubrey has a guest, I need a place to sleep." Chloe whispered loudly as she nudged Beca to scoot over.

"Fine, I'll be your cuddle buddy." Beca grinned and scooted back against the wall.

"You're offering to be my cuddle buddy?" Chloe giggled as she slipped into the bed.

"Well, its the least I can do since you're giving me a ride to the airport tomorrow." Beca 's eyes were closed as she put her arm around Chloe when she got under the covers.

"Way worth it." Chloe smiled to herself as she scooted closer to Beca and rested her hand on top of the brunette's. They were passed out within seconds.

The drive to the airport was painful. Chloe and Beca both wore sunglasses and sipped on their venti starbucks drinks. They drank way too much and didn't get to sleep till three in the morning. Beca was definitely regretting her choice of a 9:00am flight. Chloe pulled up to an empty spot in the drop off area. She put the car in park and stepped out with Beca.

"Text me when you land, okay?" She put her sunglasses on top of her head and she squinted at Beca.

"Will do." Beca got all her bags out of the trunk and figured out how to carry them all inside.

"I'm going to miss you." Chloe looked down.

"I'll miss you more. My family is full of psychos."

"That explains so much!" Chloe smirked.

"Oh shut it." Beca rolled her eyes.

"Hey." Chloe reached her hand out, making Beca pause in her attempt to get all her luggage.

"What's up?" Beca put her sunglasses up too so she could see Chloe's eyes better.

"Love you, Becs. Can't wait to see you at the DJ competition." Chloe pulled her into a tight hug. She wished she could give her a kiss like she used to, but thought it might be weird now especially that they have gotten over the whole sleeping together thing.

"Love you too, Chlo. I'll see you in Miami, we're going to own that town." Beca grinned back as she leaned in to give her a hug too. She struggled getting all her luggage together.

"Don't get in any fights, Mitchell!" Chloe waved as Beca started walking towards the doors.

"I make no promises, Beale!" Beca sent her a salute as she went inside. Chloe stood there smiling for a moment before getting back in the car so she didn't get any angry honks.