HEY YALL. Here's another chapter. First and foremost, thank you for showing the fic some love over the years. Yikes it shouldn't have taken this long. Second, as I was rereading, I'm so sorry for all the possibly triggering topics and no trigger warning. When I first started, I lacked knowledge about triggers and it wasn't until now that I was like...whoa buddy, trigger warning! I'm not sure if I can go back and edit but sheesh, I apologize if that set anyone off. I really pumped out this chapter, didn't really proofread too much so ignore my mistakes, for the most part they shouldn't be too bad but if they are, I'll proofread next time. Ok bye.

One week later…

"Thanks again for lunch, I really appreciate all you've done for me this past week and just. In general. You really showed me that you can be and are a stand up guy." Stacie smiled as she hooked her arm around James' more muscular one, slightly leaning her head against it as they walked out of the café.

"Of course, Stace. I've actually really enjoyed getting to know you through all of this. We got off to a bad start and we've been through a lot, but you know…" the male began as he paused and shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know maybe when you're ready we could try us out. No pressure, and if you're totally against it I understand but I'd be lying if I didn't say I was starting to develop some feelings for you."

Stacie was caught off guard and shocked to say the least by his confession and question. Initially she was put off by it solely for the fact that she couldn't even think about another person in that way with the way things had gone with Aubrey but at the same time, she would have to move on soon. Not to say that soon would be now and even within a week but it was something to consider. "Um..I don't know about that. You're nice, handsome and do we have fun together, but dating is nowhere near on my mind right now. And I don't know if I could ever date you..you know? Considering the past. But I don't know, I still have a lot of healing to do physically, emotionally, mentally, all of the "llys"." She stopped in her tracks and turned to face, him as she leaned up and kissed his cheek.

Little did she know that the interaction between the two was being watching someone and that someone was Aubrey Posen. Aubrey was on her way to talk to one of her old professors about work for next year when she spotted the leggy brunette. She could've spotted Stacie miles away by how well she knew her figure. And while he wanted to approach her even after not getting a text back or even speaking since they broke up, she chose not to and stayed hidden once she saw Stacie kiss his cheek. By looks of it, she presumed Stacie had moved on with James which hurt but there was nothing she could be upset about.

"No, I understand and that makes sense. I'm cool with just being friends." He smiled as he hugged her tightly after that. "I got class in ten, but I'll check up on you later ok?" James assured her as he walked away and headed off in the direction of his class.

Stacie nodded and continued down the path and walked back towards her dorm to meet Beca so the two of them could go hang out with Chloe as she needed her friends. On the way she caught view of a very familiar blonde. Despite Aubrey's best efforts to remain hidden, the two managed to make eye contact. Both came to a standstill, but no movements or even words were made to call the other towards. Stacie could feel her heart beating out of her chest and suddenly tears formed at the bottom of her eyes. She couldn't help but let them fall before quickly wiping them and walking away.

Seeing the tears in her eyes even from afar was killing Aubrey. She never intended to hurt Stacie and even though she took full responsibility for it, it didn't take her own pain away either. While she wanted to speak to her, it was clear that it wasn't time yet and she accepted that as she watched Stacie walk away. In the mean time she took out her phone and called up Chloe as she continued on her way. "Chlo…I think I made a mistake."

An hour later…

"And you're sure Aubrey won't be back for a while?" Beca asked as she spoke in a low tone to Chloe while the two of them were in the kitchen. "It took a lot to get Stacie to even come here so if it doesn't go well, we may never see her again."

Chloe grabbed the bowl of chips and virgin drink she made for Stacie as she turned to Beca. "Yes, I'm sure! Stop worrying! Bree's off doing school stuff." With that Chloe made her way back to the living room and handed the drink over to Stacie. "Virgin marg for the girl with the longest legs in the world. I would really kill for those."

"Oh babe relax, I like your short legs just the way they are. It's me that could use Stac's legs but we won't' get into that." Beca chimed in as she took a seat next to Stacie.

"You guys are too cute for my liking." Stacie chimed in as she took a sip from the drink that Chloe made for her. She still hadn't told them that she wasn't having the baby and now was the time that she was going to. "Can I actually get a shot of tequila? Or the whole bottle really because I could use it." Everyone was quiet for a while after Stacie's request. They thought she was joking and hoped the laughing would ensue but the look on Stacie's face said otherwise. "I have something to tell you guys…it's a long story..well not really, but basically my baby didn't make it. I found out last week that she was stillborn…so yeah. There's a lot of details but I really don't want to talk about it but yeah so tequila shots anyone?"

Chloe and Beca both had their mouths wide open before the clung to Stacie's side to comfort her which said a lot for Beca but she truly was feeling for her friend. "Stac…I am so sorry. You should've told us, we would've been there for you."

"Yeah, Stac. Despite what happened between you and Aubrey…. You're still my friend and I would've been there for you. I'm so sorry." Chloe cooed as she hugged Stacie tightly and rested her head on her shoulder. Stacie truly appreciated her friends wanting to be there for her, but it was best she did it alone and now that it was done she could move on and move forward. Within that moment Beca had got up and retrieved the bottle of tequila that Stacie requested and came back with it.

"Well…you want shots? You got it, Stac. Brand new bottle and I think we can finish it." She smiled as she popped the top off and handed it off.

Releasing Chloe from the hug, Stacie took the bottle and raised it in the air. "Cheers to…I'm not sure but cheers bitches!" With that she took a long swig of the alcohol and from their the night had begun.

Midnight that same night…

All three girls were passed out on the couches of Aubrey and Chloe's apartment. Cause of sleep? Tequila. And it was probably for the best. The apartment was a mess but in lieu of Stacie's news and her recent break up, nothing was off limits. Sounds of the front door opening filled the quiet place and soon Aubrey walked in. She was startled to see the three girls there, mostly because Stacie was among them. She didn't want to make any noise, but she was starving so she put her things down and quietly went to the kitchen.

Chloe however was too light of a sleeper not to notice that someone had come in. She was careful not to wake the others as she walked into the kitchen and greeted her best friend. "Hey Bree, you're home late. Sorry about the mess, I'm totally going to clean up..you know, tomorrow when the room stops spinning."

"Its okay Chlo, I'm just making a quick sandwich. You should've told me Stacie was still here I would've stayed somewhere else." The blonde added as she went the fridge to grab some ingredients.

"I didn't think we'd all pass out like we did but its fine. I take it that means you haven't gotten her to talk to you yet? She's kinda going through a lot right now so just give her some time."

Aubrey shook her head, recalling the events she saw earlier. "You sure? She seemed perfectly fine with James earlier. Their little family is coming together nicely."

"Uh…actually." Chloe began but she wasn't sure if it was her place to tell Aubrey. Granted with the way things were with Stacie and her, she'd probably never find out so she just went ahead and told her. "Stacie's not pregnant anymore… she lost the baby. So she really needs us, her friends and Barden family right now more than ever."

Aubrey's heart sank to her stomach once again for the second time that day and again it was because of Stacie. "She what? Oh my God…my poor baby. She doesn't deserve this." She spewed out unknowingly and didn't even realize her choice of words. She was suddenly hit with a influx of emotions as tears filled her eyes. Mostly because she knew how much this had to have been hurting Stacie and she couldn't even be there to comfort her. "I can't believe this…this all my fault. I broke her stressed her for weeks without communication and then I broke her heart? Its my fault."

"Bree, no. Its not your fault. Something like this could never be your fault." Chloe said as she clung to her best friend and hugged her tightly. "Stacie doesn't blame you and I don't either. This is not your fault, ok?" Pulling away, she wiped her friends tears and then looked at her. "But you do know you just referred to her as your baby right? Not to mention that cryptic message you left me earlier saying you made a mistake. So spill, you still love her don't you? I knew it. I know you Posen." Chloe stated as a matter of fact.

Aubrey continued to wipe the excess tears off her face as he best friend questioned her feelings and choice of words. "What? No..I,..I saw her earlier with James and they seemed couple-y" she stumbled over her words. "I just know Stacie and she's the sweetest, most loving and selfless person I know. She doesn't just make you smile she makes your tongue feel like a seven-year-old girl and your lips feel like the ropes that are about to double dutch you into popularity. She doesn't just make love to you, she makes you take off all of your insecurities, leave your pride on the pillows and ask you to have your way with her or make God reconsider his policy on things like racism and sexism and poverty because they know that that is making love. She's the reason you can sleep at night. She compliments your whole existence." After the short monologue, it became very clear to her that she hadn't been very honest with her family, her friends, Stacie but most importantly her self about her feelings and who she was. "She compliments my whole existence. I still love her, and I never stopped. She was the best thing to ever happen to me and I ruined it. All because I couldn't stand up to my father." She stated as another tear fell down her face.

"Bree...if she makes you feel like that, you need to fight for her! I've never seen you this way about anyone. She's hurt but I know she still loves you and it's going to take a lot, but you have to fight. At least try. If she doesn't give you another chance, then you can walk away saying you gave it your all but you can't say ALL that about her and not try. I'll help you too."

Sighing softly, she knew Chloe had a point, but Aubrey didn't think Stacie would ever talk to her again. "I don't know Chlo, I really hurt her, and I wouldn't even blame her for not wanting to see or talk to me ever again. But if you think I should try, then I will. I love her too much not to. To hell with my father, I'm not going to live by his rules anymore." Aubrey stated as she looked at her best friend with confidence. "But first things first, let's get some sleep. Just text me when its safe to come out, I don't want to startle her or make it weird you know?"

"Totes Bree! I can't wait for operation get Stacie back to be a go!" the chipper red head whisper shouted as she walked out of the kitchen.