CHILD BRIDES
Prompt from Tumblr User Anonymous: Beca and Chloe were childhood best friends and got "married" when they were 7. Chloe's family moves away, and they lose touch. Beca never forgets her and always wears her "wedding ring" around her neck. Fast forward, they are both now 25, and Beca takes her dog to the vet. It turns out Chloe is the vet.
Beca was getting dressed to take her dog to the park. The last thing she needed to do was put on the necklace she's worn every single day since she was ten. Beca Mitchell hooked the chain around her neck, then moved her hands around to lift the ring that hung from it so she could look at it. It was a ritual she's done every morning since her "wife" moved away. Beca laughed as she remembered back to her "wedding day" eighteen years before.
Seven-year-old Beca and her friends were playing in Beca's backyard when her best friend, and fellow seven-year-old, Chloe Beale, asked her to marry her. Beca loved Chloe, so of course, she said yes.
"You're both girls," Bumper Allen said. "Girls can't marry girls."
"Yes, they can," Chloe said, stomping her foot with her hands on her hips. "We love each other, and when two people love each other, they get married."
"I'll be the minster," Stacie Conrad said.
"You can't be the minster," Bumper said. "Only boys are minsters."
"My mommy said that girls could do anything and be anything they want to be," Aubrey Posen said, pushing Bumper.
Bumper fell to the ground and started crying. Everyone laughed, and Bumper jumped up and ran home, calling for his mother.
"Beca needs a dress," Aubrey said. "And you both need a ring and flowers."
Beca scrunched her nose at having to wear a dress.
"I don't like dresses," she said.
"Please, Beca? Wear one for me," Chloe said, her big blue eyes staring at Beca.
"Fine," Beca said, rolling her eyes. "I'll wear a dress but only for you."
"Thanks, Beca," Chloe said and kissed Beca on the cheek.
Beca wiped her cheek with her hand. "Ew, don't kiss me."
"We have to kiss," Chloe said. "Everyone who gets married has to kiss."
Beca sighed. "Fine," she said. "But I'll only kiss you."
"I'm okay with that," Chloe said with a big smile.
"Okay," Aubrey said, clapping her hands. "Let's get this wedding started."
"Wait, we don't have any guests. And we don't have any rings or flowers," Stacie said.
"Wait," Beca said. "I have some rings. I'll be right back."
Beca ran off and went up to her room. She searched through her stuff and found two plastic holders with plastic rings in them that she got out of one of those gumball type machines. She pulled the holders apart and grabbed the two rings. She ran out of her room.
As she passed through the dining room, she grabbed the artificial flowers from the counter separating the dining room from the kitchen.
"Mom, I'm taking these for the wedding," Beca called out to her mother as she ran outside.
"That's fine," Mrs. Mitchell said, not paying attention. "Wait. Wedding?"
Mrs. Mitchell wiped her hands on a dishtowel and followed Beca outside.
"What's this about a wedding?" Mrs. Mitchell asked when she saw Beca's friends standing around.
"I have the rings," Beca said, holding them out for all to see.
"Beca?" Mrs. Mitchell said, getting Beca's attention. "Would you please tell me what's going on here?"
"Chloe and I are getting married," Beca responded.
"Oh," Mrs. Mitchell said. "Why was I not invited to my own daughter's wedding?"
"Sorry, mommy," Beca said, looking down at the ground.
Chloe walked over and hugged Beca. Beca looked up and smiled at her.
"We're sorry, Mrs. Mitchell," Chloe said. "We're still planning everything and hadn't gotten to our guest lists yet."
"I have the rings and the flowers," Beca said, holding them out for all to see.
"I'm the minster," Stacie said proudly.
"Minister," Mrs. Mitchell corrected. "The minister marries them."
"Oh," Stacie said. "I'm the min-is-ster."
"And since I'm Chloe's best friend," Aubrey said. "I'm the maid of honor."
"Who is my maid of honor?" Beca asked. "Chloe's my best friend."
"I can't be your maid of honor if I'm marrying you," Chloe said sadly.
"I'll be your maid of honor if you'd like," Mrs. Mitchell said.
"I like that," Beca said, smiling at her mother. "Thanks, mommy."
"You're welcome, sweetie. Now, shouldn't you be wearing a dress?" Mrs. Mitchell asked, smiling, knowing what Beca's reaction to wearing a dress would be.
"Moooommmmm," Beca whined. "I was hoping they forgot about that part."
"You promised you'd wear a dress for me, Beca," Chloe said, pouting.
"Fiiiinnnne," Beca said. "I'll wear a stupid dress."
"You don't really want to marry me," Chloe said and started crying.
"Beca, you made Chloe cry," Aubrey said. "Say you're sorry right now!"
"I'm sorry, Chloe," Beca said and hugged her redheaded friend. "Don't cry. I'll keep my promise and wear a dress. My mom can help me pick one out. That's what moms are supposed to do when their daughter gets married. Right, mom?"
"That's right, Beca," Mrs. Mitchell said, reaching out to Beca. "Let's go find you a pretty dress that matches Chloe's pretty dress."
Beca took her mother's hand and went into the house to change.
"Woof! Woof!" Beca was brought out of her memories when her dog, Snoopy (so named because he's a beagle and Peanuts is Beca's favorite comic), barked to get her attention.
"Okay, okay," Beca said, reaching down to rub Snoopy behind the ears. "Let's go to the park."
Snoopy barked and started running around as Beca walked out of her bedroom and down the stairs to grab Snoopy's leash. She held the leash in her hand and looked down at an excited dog.
"Sit," Beca commanded, and Snoopy sat.
As soon as Beca knelt to put the leash on, Snoopy was back up, practically bouncing in his excitement.
"Settle down," Beca said and grabbed Snoopy's collar. She finally managed to hook the leash, and Snoopy ran for the door, dragging Beca with him.
Snoopy stopped at the door and sat, waiting impatiently for Beca. Beca took the 'doggie bag' from the hook and opened the door. Once the door was open, Snoopy once again rushed out, practically tripping over his own paws.
Beca laughed and tightened her hold on the leash to stop him. Snoopy sat and looked up at Beca.
"Come on, dude," Beca said. "You know the rules. If you don't settle down, no park today. Got it?"
Snoopy barked once, and Beca nodded, saying, "Good. Now let's go."
Snoopy dutifully walked alongside Beca as they made their way through the neighborhood. A few neighbors waved and greeted Beca as they walked.
"Oh, Beca," Mrs. Kennedy, one of Beca's neighbors, called out. "I'm glad I caught you. I made some lemon bars, and since they're your favorite, I thought you might like to stop on your way back and take some home with you."
"Absolutely," Beca said, smiling. "Thank you, Mrs. Kennedy."
"Oh, you're so welcome, Beca," Mrs. Kennedy said. "It's good to know someone will eat them, so I don't."
Snoopy barked and pulled at the leash. "I'd better go," Beca said. "I'll be sure and stop by on my way back. Thanks again for thinking of me."
"Of course," Mrs. Kennedy said as Beca and Snoopy continued their walk.
Beca and Snoopy arrived at the park, and Beca removed his leash. Snoopy took off, running towards some other dogs. The dogs greeted Snoopy like someone greeting an old friend.
They had been at the park for about an hour when Snoopy came running over to Beca, panting. Beca pulled a small dish from her 'doggie bag' and a bottle of water. Once Snoopy's thirst was satisfied, she replaced Everything and snapped the leash on Snoopy. The walk home was a bit more subdued since Snoopy had tired himself out.
The two stopped at Mrs. Kennedy's and got the lemon bars Mrs. Kennedy had promised Beca. After thanking her profusely, Beca and Snoopy continued their walk home.
~~ Child Brides ~~
Once home, Beca gave Snoopy some water and a few treats. She sat at her kitchen counter and opened the container of lemon bars, inhaling the citrusy scent and letting out an audible "Ah" before biting into one.
Beca dropped a piece of her lemon bar on her chest. When she reached up to wipe it off, she ran her hand over the necklace, causing the ring to slide down the chain. She picked up the ring to look at it, and just as she had earlier that morning, her mind drifted back to when she got the ring.
"I now announce you, wife and wife," Stacie said. "You can kiss now."
Chloe leaned in and kissed Beca on the cheek. Beca then kissed Chloe on the cheek, and everyone started clapping.
"I have cupcakes inside," Mrs. Mitchell said. "They can be your wedding cake."
"Yay!" the kids all cheered.
Beca smiled at the memory and slid the ring back and forth on the chain. She sighed and wondered what Chloe was doing now.
Beca's phone rang, and she smiled when she saw who was calling.
"Hey, Stace," Beca said.
"What are you doing on Friday night?" Stacie asked.
"Depends on why you're asking," Beca responded.
"Brey, Jesse, Bumper, and I are going to Fat Amy's Place for karaoke," Stacie said. "You need to come."
"I don't know, Stacie," Beca said. "You know when I'm working on an album; my time is not my own. I won't know until sometime this week if I can make it."
"I'll accept that," Stacie said. "Just try, okay? We haven't seen you in weeks, and we all miss you."
"I promise I'll try and make it," Beca said.
"Okay," Stacie said. "I'll talk to you later."
"Bye," Beca said and ended the call.
"What do you think, Snoopy?" Beca asked, looking down at the dog. "Should I go out to sing on Friday or stay at the studio and keep working on the album?"
Snoopy barked once and sat up with his paws on Beca's leg.
"You're right," Beca said. "Going out with my friends would be fun. I'll do it."
Beca stood and reached down to scratch behind Snoopy's ears. "You always know just what to say, don't you, boy?"
Snoopy leaned up to lick Beca's face, causing her to laugh.
~~ Child Brides ~~
The next day was exhausting for Beca. She got home late and took Snoopy out for a quick walk before finding something to throw in the microwave for her dinner.
Beca sat at the kitchen counter while waiting for her dinner to heat. She went through the mail and stopped when she found a postcard from her vet's office. It was a reminder about Snoopy's appointment for his annual checkup and shots.
"Looks like you're going to the vet on Friday," Beca said, looking down at Snoopy.
Beca set a reminder on her phone for the appointment. After eating, Beca took a shower and got dressed for bed. She shot a quick text to Stacie asking what time everyone was meeting at Fat Amy's on Friday. Stacie responded almost immediately, and Beca thanked her. She put her phone on the charger and settled into bed.
The rest of the week found Beca getting home late every night. Friday morning came, and Beca hurried to the studio. She only had a few hours to work since she took the afternoon off to take Snoopy for his vet appointment.
Beca rushed home to get Snoopy and was getting frustrated with him. She had to get a stool sample to take with her, and he was not cooperative.
"Finally," Beca said when Snoopy squatted to do his business.
As soon as Snoopy was done, Beca took a bag and scooped it up. She tied the bag in a knot and hurriedly put Snoopy in the carrying crate.
Beca entered the vet clinic and saw Jessica behind the desk.
"Good afternoon, Beca," Jessica said as she came around the desk and knelt in front of Snoopy. "Good afternoon to you, too, Snoopy."
Beca smiled and furrowed her brow when she saw a picture of a redhead on the wall next to the other vets.
"Jessica, who's that?" Beca asked, pointing out the picture.
"Oh, that's the new vet," Jessica said. "She just started this week."
"What's her name?" Beca asked. "She looks familiar."
"Dr. Beale," Jessica said.
Beca's face lit up as she asked. "Is her first name Chloe?"
"Yes, it is," Jessica said. "Do you know her?"
Beca smiled as her hand immediately went to the ring around her neck. "You could say that."
"Well, I'll let her know you're here," Jessica said. "She's scheduled to take care of Snoopy today."
"Thank you," Beca said.
Jessica went down the hall to Dr. Beale's office and let her know her next patient was there.
"Put him in Room 2," Dr. Beale said. "I'll be with him in five minutes."
"Got it," Jessica said and went back out to Beca. "Did you bring a sample?"
"Yes," Beca said and handed over the requested sample.
"Thank you," Jessica said. "You and Snoopy can follow me."
Beca led Snoopy down the hall and entered Room 2 behind Jessica.
"Dr. Beale will be with you shortly," Jessica said and left the room.
Beca was feeling a bit anxious. She hadn't seen Chloe since they were ten, and Chloe was getting into the car with her parents and moving away.
"Hi, I'm Dr. Beale," Chloe said as she walked in, looking down at a chart. "I see here that Snoopy is here for his annual check-"
Chloe stopped and furrowed her brow when she finally looked up. She stared at Beca for a moment. "Do I know you?"
Beca smiled and said. "Not only do you know me; you married me."
Chloe's eyes widened and looked down at the chart in her hand. "Oh, my God! Beca Mitchell? My Beca Mitchell?"
Beca smiled and nodded her head. Chloe squealed and threw her arms around Beca. "I can't believe it. I always hoped I'd find you, but it's been so long I kind of gave up hope."
Beca held up the necklace showing Chloe the ring. "I never forgot about you. I wear this every single day and swore I'd never take it off until I found you again. I've missed you."
"I've missed you, too," Chloe said. "You were the best friend I ever had."
Snoopy barked, bringing Beca and Chloe's attention to him.
"Oh," Chloe said. "I should check him out. Maybe when we're done, we can get a coffee or something. Catch up on what's been happening since we last saw each other."
"I'd like that," Beca said.
Jessica came back into the room. "Here are the test results from the stool sample, doctor. Everything looks good."
"Thank you, Jessica," Chloe said. "Can you get his weight and other measurements, please?"
"Of course," Jessica said.
Beca picked Snoopy up and placed him on the scale. Jessica noted the weight, and other measurements, on the chart. She noticed that Beca and Chloe continued to stare at each other.
"Snoopy is ready for you, doctor," Jessica said, causing Chloe to blush and look at her.
"Thanks," Chloe said. "Now, let's get this checkup done."
Chloe examined Snoopy, checking his ears, his coat, his teeth, etc. "Everything looks good. He's healthy, has a good disposition. Is there anything you want to ask? Anything you're concerned about?"
"None that I can think of," Beca said. She thought for a moment and said, "I just thought of something I wanted to ask?"
"What is it?" Chloe asked, looking at Beca.
"What are you doing tonight?"
"Are you asking me out?"
"Oh, sorry," Beca said, blushing. "I, uh, I'm meeting up with some old friends, and I know they would love to see you. I thought, if you weren't busy, you'd like to join us. Never mind. I'm sure you've got a date or something else going on. Forget I said anything."
"Oh, too bad," Chloe said, smiling at Beca's awkwardness. "What old friends are you meeting?"
"Stacie, Jesse, Aubrey, and Bumper," Beca said. "And what did you mean too bad?"
"I meant it was too bad you weren't asking me out," Chloe said, looking Beca up and down.
"Really?" Beca asked. At Chloe's nod, Beca said, "I'd like to rephrase my question. Chloe, would you like to go out with me tonight to meet our old friends?"
"I'd love to," Chloe said.
~~ Child Brides ~~
Later that night, Beca was nervous when she went to pick Chloe up for their "date." She knocked on Chloe's door and jumped back when it was opened quickly.
"Hey," Chloe said, smiling at Beca.
"Hey," Beca said. "Are you ready to go?"
"Yes," Chloe said, stepping out and closing the door behind her.
Beca opened the door for Chloe and then got behind the wheel. She pulled off and made her way to Fat Amy's.
"I'm kind of nervous," Chloe said, looking at Beca from the passenger seat.
"Why?" Beca questioned. "Because it's been so long since you've seen everyone?"
"No," Chloe said. "Because I've dreamt of finding you and asking you out since I moved away."
Beca was quiet for a moment before asking, "When did you move back?"
"About two months ago," Chloe said. "I finished Veterinary School and sent out applications to several veterinary clinics. I got the call from the Barden Clinic and accepted right away."
"I've thought about you every day," Beca said. She reached up to pull her necklace out and held it toward Chloe. "I put this on the day you moved away, and I wear it every single day."
Chloe smiled and showed off her necklace with a ring on it. "I've kept it all this time. I don't wear it every day, but when I feel nostalgic, I pull it out and wear it as I remember back to when we were kids. They were some of the best days of my life."
Beca pulled into the parking lot of Fat Amy's and parked. She turned to Chloe.
"I know this is going to sound creepy," Beca said. "But I think I fell in love with you when we were seven. I, um, I haven't found anyone that makes me feel the way you did."
Chloe smiled as she took off her seatbelt and shifted closer to Beca. She slowly leaned in, and Beca met her halfway. The kiss was chaste, and only lasted a few seconds; both women pulled back with smiles on their faces.
"We should go in," Beca said.
~~ Child Brides ~~
"Where's Beca?" Jesse asked as he set the tray of drinks on the table.
"She'll be here," Stacie said, grabbing a drink. "She said she might be a little late."
"There she is," Aubrey said, pointing toward the door.
"Who's that with her?" Bumper asked.
"I don't know," Stacie said. "But, she looks familiar."
"Did Beca get herself a girlfriend and not tell us?" Aubrey asked.
"No," Stacie said. "She definitely would have told us."
"Hey, guys," Beca said as she and Chloe reached the table.
The group looked at Beca and then at Chloe.
"Oh," Beca said, pulling Chloe closer. "You guys remember my wife, Chloe, right?"
Beca laughed when she saw everyone's jaw drop.
"Oh, my God!" Aubrey squealed. "Chloe Beale?"
"Guilty," Chloe said with a smile. "It's good to see you, Aubrey. It's good to see all of you."
Everyone started talking at once.
"Beca, how did you find her?"
"It's so good to see you again, Chloe!"
"Wow! You look hot!"
"Bumper!"
"Sorry, but she does," Bumper said, shrugging.
"Don't make me get Fat Amy," Stacie said.
Chloe was flustered at all that was going on around her.
"I need a drink," Chloe mumbled.
Beca heard her. "I'll get it. What would you like?"
"Beer's fine," Chloe said.
"Chloe, come sit," Aubrey said, shifting over to make room.
"I'll be right back," Beca said and turned to go to the bar.
Chloe sat, and Aubrey gave her a quick side hug.
"It's so good to see you," Aubrey said. "How did Beca find you?"
"I'm a vet," Chloe said. "And Beca brought Snoopy in for a checkup. I just moved back about two months ago when I got the job at the vet clinic."
"Wow," Stacie said. "The old gang is back together. I feel like I'm seven years old again."
"So, Chloe," Jesse said. "Are you married?"
Chloe laughed and said, "I have been since I was seven."
The others laughed as well.
"Seriously, though," Jesse said. "Do you have a boyfriend?"
"Not very subtle, Jesse," Stacie said.
"What?" Jesse asked. "I'm just curious."
"Sorry, Jesse," Chloe said, watching Beca as she walked toward the table. "I'm kind of already taken. Not because I have a boyfriend, but because if I play my cards right, I will have a girlfriend by the time I leave here."
Stacie and Aubrey laughed at the look on Jesse's face.
"What did I miss?" Beca asked.
"Not much," Bumper said with a chuckle. "Chloe just shot Jesse down and laid claim on being your girlfriend before the night is over."
"Really?" Beca asked, looking at Chloe. Chloe blushed, and Beca added, "I am more than okay with that."
~~ Child Brides ~~
Six months later, Beca stood outside the back door of her mother's house and looked over her mother's shoulder as she held up a picture from eighteen years before.
"It looks just like your first wedding," Mrs. Mitchell said.
"Thanks for letting us do this here," Beca said, pulling her mother into a hug. "And thanks for being my maid of honor...again."
"We're ready to start," Aubrey said as she rushed inside.
"I guess this is it," Beca said.
Jesse started the music, and Beca and her mother walked down the 'aisle' to stand in front of Stacie. Beca turned back to watch as first Aubrey, and then Chloe came out. Beca's breath hitched when she saw Chloe; she looked so beautiful.
Chloe reached Beca and turned to face her. Stacie smiled as she started the ceremony.
"On this very day, eighteen years ago," Stacie said. "A small group of us stood in these very spots and watched as these two were joined in holy matrimony."
"I seem to recall you saying we were being joined in holy macaroni," Beca said, causing the small group of guests to laugh.
"Whatever," Stacie said, smiling. "Anyway, today, we are gathered together to watch as the two give themself to each other again. So, it's not so much a wedding, but a renewal of vows they made to each other all those years ago. And, I have been ordained by the County Clerk to perform the ceremony to make it legit this time."
Stacie opened the book she had been holding and looked at Beca and Chloe.
"Dearly beloved," Stacie said as she began the ceremony.
Beca and Chloe repeated their vows and exchanged rings.
"I now pronounce you married," Stacie said. "You may now kiss your bride."
Beca and Chloe kissed, and the guests clapped. When the kiss concluded, they turned to face their guests.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Stacie said. "I am very proud to introduce Mrs. Beca and Chloe Mitchell."
Chloe's parents grabbed her in a hug and pulled Beca in with her. Mrs. Mitchell did the same to the newly married couple.
A little while later, Beca and Chloe were standing in Beca's mother's kitchen, taking a quiet moment for themselves.
"I love you, my Beca Mitchell," Chloe said, leaning her forehead against Beca's.
"I love you, my Chloe Mitchell," Beca said, lifting her head slightly to kiss Chloe. "I'm so glad I found you again."
"I'm glad you did, too."