QUARANTINE
Beca invites Chloe to fly to New York for her grandmother's eightieth birthday. Just before leaving to return home, they find out that two of Beca's younger cousins have measles, and everyone at the party was exposed.
{This picks up from Week 1's prompt "Enemies."}
It's been two weeks since Chloe joined the Barden BAs, and she was perplexed by the text Beca sent out to the team. Chloe hurried to the Auditorium to catch Beca before rehearsal started.
"Beca, why is Friday's rehearsal canceled?" Chloe asked as soon as she saw Beca.
"I won't be in school," Beca said. "Plus, we've got the songs and the routine down. It will be good for everyone to get a break."
"The State Championship is in four weeks," Chloe said. "Aubrey always said we needed to practice up to the actual day so we could avoid any surprises."
"Not to be mean, but Aubrey is not the Captain, I am," Beca said. "We're more than ready, Chloe. We've worked our butts off, and we are going to bring home the State Championship again. I give you my word on that."
"I don't know, Beca," Chloe said. "Maybe I can lead rehearsal in your absence."
"No," Beca said emphatically. "I gave everyone the day off because they've earned it. I swear to God if I come back and find out you had a rehearsal, you are off the team. Got it?"
"Lighten up, Beca," Chloe said softly. "I get it. No rehearsal while you're gone."
Beca sighed and looked at Chloe. "I'm sorry, Chloe. It's just; I know what I'm doing. We've won the State Acapella Championship, and this team is ready to win it again. We have an excellent setlist and some kickass choreography thanks to you, Stacie, and CR. And we know it backward and forward. Take a breather. Enjoy a free afternoon and weekend."
"You're right," Chloe said. She bit her lip and looked at Beca. "Can I ask why you won't be at school on Friday?"
Beca thought about it for a moment before answering. "I'm going to my grandmother's birthday party in New York."
"It's Sophie's birthday?" Chloe squealed. "I always loved your Grandma Mitchell."
"Yeah," Beca said sadly. "She always loved you, too. She, uh, asks about you all the time."
"Really?" Chloe asked excitedly. Chloe's face fell almost immediately, and she looked sad when she asked, "What do you tell her? About why I'm not around."
"The first time I went up there, I told her you were busy," Beca said. "I know she didn't believe me, but she didn't question me either. The second time you weren't with me, I made up some lame excuse that I don't remember. After that, she stopped asking. But, she still asks me how you are almost every time I talk to her."
"Oh," Chloe said. She then got a sad look on her face. "I miss her. She always treated me like I was family."
Beca mumbled, "You were family," and was saved from saying anything more as the girls entered the Auditorium. Everyone was excited about having time off from rehearsal on Friday. They ran the routine a couple of times, and Beca was quite pleased.
Beca had noticed that Chloe had looked at her a few times with a sad smile. Beca thought that Chloe was remembering the times when they were still friends, and she went to New York with Beca to visit her grandmother during the summer.
Beca remembered those times fondly, and an idea popped into her head. She then had a war with herself on whether she should actually verbalize the idea or just forget about it.
"That was great, everyone," Chloe called out, bringing Beca back to the present. "Did you have anything else for us today, Beca?"
"Nope, we're good," Beca said, smiling. "Great job. Get out of here, you nerds."
The girls started saying their goodbyes and left. Chloe was on her way out when Beca called her back.
"What's up, Beca?" Chloe asked. "Did you change your mind about me leading rehearsal while you're gone?"
"Wha? No," Beca said and let out a sigh. She ran her hand through her hair. "Um, okay, so, here's the thing. I was thinking and, um, wondered if you could get permission to be out of classes on Friday?"
"Probably," Chloe said. "Why?"
"I was wondering if you might want to go to New York with me?" Beca said, looking down at her feet. "I mean, us. My dad and Sheila will be going, too. We'll be back on Sunday."
"Seriously?" Chloe asked, her heart beating faster. "You're not pranking me, are you?"
"No, I wouldn't do that," Beca said, looking up at Chloe with a frown. "If you don't want to go, just say so."
"No, no, I do," Chloe said. "I'd love to go, but I'm just a little confused by the offer. I, uh, I thought you weren't ready to be friends again."
"I'm not," Beca said. "Or maybe I am. I don't know. But, hearing you talk about my grandma made me realize how much she asks about you, so I thought it might be a nice surprise for her if you came, too. We always had fun when we visited"
"There's the softie Beca I remember," Chloe said, smiling. "I meant it when I said I'd love to go. I just have to check with my mom and let you know. I'll call or text you tonight after I talk to her."
"Okay," Beca said. "I'll talk to you later."
"Bye," Chloe said and started to walk away. She stopped and called back, "Beca?"
"Yeah?" Beca answered back, looking toward Chloe.
"Thanks for the invitation," Chloe said sincerely. "It means a lot to me."
Chloe looked as if she was going to say more, but instead, turned and left the Auditorium.
Beca watched Chloe leave. She started second-guessing herself and wasn't sure if the invitation was a good idea or a bad idea.
"I guess I'll find out," Beca mumbled before leaving as well.
~~ Quarantine ~~
Later that night, Beca received a text from Chloe saying her parents said she could go to New York. Beca smiled at that and realized she was excited that Chloe was going. It would be like old times. Old times back when they were still friends. This thought made her sad. But then she thought that maybe this was the beginning of a new friendship with Chloe. Something she realized she was not as opposed to as before. And the idea of being friends with Chloe again did not make her sad.
Beca's dad picked Chloe up on Friday morning on the way to the airport. Beca sat back with a smile as Chloe, her dad, and Sheila talked as if no time had passed since Chloe had been around.
Once in New York, Beca had Chloe stand off to the side out of sight when they arrived at Grandma Mitchell's. Beca's grandmother opened the door and squealed when she saw Beca. She pulled Beca into a hug.
"I've missed you, you little shit," Sophie Mitchell whispered in Beca's ear.
"I've missed you, too, you big shit," Beca whispered back, causing her grandmother to cackle in her ear.
"Don't worry about us, mom," Warren said with a smile.
"Oh, hush, you," Sophie said. "Get in here."
Sophie stepped aside and hugged Warren and Sheila as they came in. She looked back at Beca, who was still standing outside the door.
"What are you waiting for? An engraved invitation?"
"No, I have a surprise for you," Beca said, smiling as she glanced over at Chloe.
Sophie furrowed her brow and stepped outside to see what Beca was looking at. She squealed when she spotted Chloe.
"Chloe!"
"Surprise!" Chloe said.
"Come here," Sophie said as she pulled Chloe into a hug. "I'm so glad to see you."
"I'm glad to be here," Chloe said, a bit teary-eyed.
Sophie pulled back and looked at Chloe. "You've become even more beautiful since the last time I saw you."
Chloe blushed and said, "Thank you."
"Let's get inside," Sophie said, pulling Chloe behind her.
Beca watched as Chloe followed her grandmother into the house.
"Just like old times," Beca mumbled before following them inside.
Beca loved when the Mitchell family came together; especially to celebrate her grandmother. That night, most of the family showed up, even though the main party wasn't until the next day.
Beca moved around the house, talking to cousins, and aunts, and uncles, all the while keeping an eye on Chloe. She didn't know why. Even though it's been close to four years since Chloe had visited with Beca, Chloe managed to charm everyone she spoke with.
Beca finally relaxed and was enjoying playing with her cousin Amanda's baby daughter. The baby started crying, and Beca immediately handed her back to Amanda. Amanda laughed, and Beca went off to find Chloe.
Beca looked everywhere but couldn't find Chloe. She saw her father and asked him if he had seen Chloe.
"Yeah, she went off with your grandmother about twenty minutes ago," Warren told her.
"Why?" Beca asked.
"I don't know," Warren said.
Beca furrowed her brow and wondered what that was all about. She let out a sigh and grabbed a soda, taking it to sit out on the back porch swing.
Beca had been out there for about ten minutes when she heard someone come out. She looked up to see her grandmother making her way over to sit next to Beca.
"So, I just had a nice chat with Chloe," Sophie said as she sat.
"Yeah?" Beca said, swallowing and looking away.
"Why didn't you tell me the truth about why you two weren't friends anymore?"
"I didn't see the point. You like her, and the fact that I wasn't friends with her was because of me and my hurt feelings. There wasn't any reason for you to hate her, too."
"Did you tell your father what really happened between you two?"
"No, and it was for the same reasons I didn't tell you. I told him that we had different interests, and we just drifted apart. It was an easy sell since we were starting High School." Beca sighed and looked down at her hands. "I think I couldn't tell anyone the truth because I was hoping that we would work things out and still be friends. But, she stayed by Aubrey's side after everything, and then too much time had passed, and there was no reason to say anything. We hated each other."
"She told me she never hated you. But, the fact that you hated her killed her every time you two traded barbs."
"I had a crush on her, grandma," Beca said quietly. "I think that's why it hurt me so bad. She was my best friend and broke my confidence. But, she was also the one who I thought was the love of my life at that time, and it killed me that she never tried to stop Aubrey from saying the things she did about me." Beca choked up a bit. "And she didn't stand up for me when the bullying started."
"Oh, sweetie," Sophie said, pulling Beca into a hug. "I'm sorry all that happened."
Beca leaned into her grandmother and let the tears fall. Tears she had been trying to keep inside for nearly four years. Tears she swore to never shed over Chloe Beale.
~~ Quarantine ~~
Beca was quieter than usual the rest of the night, and Chloe knew something was wrong but wasn't sure it was her place to ask Beca if she was okay, and it was killing her.
They both went to bed, but sleep didn't come easily for either one. They silently laid with their backs to each other until sleep finally overtook them.
Saturday morning, Beca's grandmother got the girls up and asked them to come downstairs right away.
"What's going on?" Beca asked, half awake.
"Your Uncle Matt is here and said he needs to talk to everyone," Sophie said.
Beca and Chloe followed Sophie, joining Warren and Sheila, where they stood in front of Matt Mitchell.
"Okay, um, it seems Tony and Liza have the measles," Matt said.
"What?" several voices asked.
"Yeah," Matt said. "Anyone who was here last night has been exposed. If you've had the measles before, you should be okay. I just have to inform everyone."
"Um, I've never had measles," Chloe said, getting everyone's attention.
"Really?" Beca asked. "Did you get vaccinated?"
"I, I don't know," Chloe said. "I'll have to check with my mom."
"If you didn't, we could get you vaccinated at their pediatrician's office," Matt said. "It needs to be done within 72 hours of exposure, though. So, you have until Monday; otherwise you'll have to be quarantined for 21 days to make sure you don't have them."
"Twenty-one days?" Chloe said nervously.
"Do you want me to call your mom for you?" Warren asked.
"No, thanks," Chloe said. "I'll do it. I left my phone upstairs."
Chloe turned and went upstairs. Beca watched her go.
"I'll go with her," Beca said before Chloe made it to the top of the stairs.
Beca caught up to Chloe just as she picked up her phone. Chloe looked over at her.
"I thought you could use some moral support," Beca said.
"Thanks," Chloe said and placed the call.
A few minutes later, Beca went downstairs.
"Chloe hasn't had the measles vaccine," Beca said. "She stayed upstairs because she's freaking out a little bit.
"I'll get her an appointment for Monday to get the vaccine," Matt said. "I'm sorry about this. We didn't know they had the measles until late last night."
"It's not your fault," Sophie said. "We'll take care of Chloe until she can get the vaccine. We need to make some calls and cancel the party."
"Why?" Matt asked.
"If Chloe has been exposed and hasn't had the measles or the vaccine," Grandma said. "She could be infectious. We've all had the measles or received the vaccine, so we'll be okay. It's best if we quarantine until she gets the vaccine."
"Sheila and I need to fly back to Barden tomorrow," Warren said. "We have to be at work on Monday."
"I'll stay here with Chloe until she gets the vaccine," Beca said. "We'll stay in my room until then."
"That's a good idea," Sophie said.
"Can we still have the party?" Warren asked. "I hate to ask, but if Chloe quarantines herself upstairs in Beca's room, everyone else should be okay, right?"
Matt was on the phone and raised a finger, indicating they should wait. He ended the call.
"Chloe can get her vaccine at Dr. Robbins' office on Monday, at eleven," Matt said. "She said if we wanted to have the party, we would have to clean everything down here thoroughly. And we'll have to make upstairs off-limits. If we do that, and Chloe remains in Beca's room, it should be okay to have a small gathering."
"I'll stay upstairs with Chloe if you want to have your party," Beca said, looking at her grandmother.
"Let's start making some calls," Sophie said. "Let folks know about the measles and that we're canceling the party. We'll just have immediate family. That would be us, Matt and Carrie, and your Uncles Joe and Sam, and their wives. I'll suggest they get a babysitter for the kids just to be safe."
"That sounds like a plan," Warren said.
"I'm going to go tell Chloe what's going on," Beca said, making her way towards the stairs.
~~ Quarantine ~~
Beca stood outside the bedroom door and hesitated before knocking lightly.
"Yeah?" Chloe's voice called from inside.
"Hey," Beca said, entering the room.
Beca proceeded to tell Chloe everything that had been discussed about the party and Chloe remaining upstairs during the party.
"I hate to miss the party," Chloe said. "But I'd rather be safe than sorry."
"I'll stay up here with you," Beca said. "And I promise to go down and get us some cake."
"You don't have to stay with me, Beca," Chloe said.
"I want to," Beca said. "I feel like it's my fault. If I hadn't asked you to come, you wouldn't be in this predicament."
"It's not your fault," Chloe said. "If I had been vaccinated, I wouldn't be in this predicament either. It's nobody's fault."
"Why weren't you vaccinated?" Beca asked. "Are your parents anti-vaccination?"
"No," Chloe said. "My mother thought I'd had all my shots, but when she looked at my shots record, the one for measles was blank. I'm surprised I haven't caught it before now."
Beca sat without saying anything. After a moment or two, she broke the silence.
"Are you hungry?" Beca asked. "I could get us some lunch."
"That would be nice," Chloe said.
"Okay, I'll be back shortly," Beca said.
~~ Quarantine ~~
Beca and Chloe spent the party in Beca's room. They watched movies, played games, and Beca went and got them cake when they heard everyone singing Happy Birthday.
Sophie came to check on Chloe once the guests were gone. She knocked lightly and opened the door. She smiled when she saw Beca and Chloe cuddled up together on Beca's bed, sleeping soundly.
Sophie quietly closed the door and made her way to her room.
The next morning, Beca came down to say goodbye to her dad and Sheila.
"Chloe said to tell you guys thanks for letting her come with us," Beca said as she hugged her dad.
"She could have come down," Sheila said. "We're all immune."
"I know," Beca said. "I think Chloe is nervous about having the measles. She's also scared that if she does, she might infect someone."
"I couldn't get you two a reservation home until Wednesday," Warren told Beca. "I've already contacted Chloe's folks to let them know."
"Thanks, Dad," Beca said. "Can you call the school and let them know we'll be out until Thursday?"
"Charlotte and I already discussed that," Warren said. "We'll take care of it."
"Okay," Beca said.
"Oh, I almost forgot," Warren said. "Charlotte said she'd pick you up at the airport on Wednesday."
A horn could be heard honking from outside.
"That's our cab," Sheila said. "We should go."
"Right," Warren said, grabbing their suitcases.
"Have a safe trip," Beca said. "Let us know when you make it home."
"Will do," Warren said. "Happy birthday, again, Mom. Talk to you soon."
"Thank you," Sophie said.
Warren and Sheila finally left, and Beca and her grandmother both sighed.
"I'm going to fix breakfast," Sophie said. "Tell Chloe to come down to eat. It's just us now, so she'll be okay."
"I will," Beca said. "Thanks, Grandma."
Beca ran upstairs to find Chloe lying on the bed, holding her phone on her stomach. She looked over when Beca came into the room.
"Hey," Beca said. "Grandma's making breakfast and said for you to come down to eat."
"I don't know-"
"Stop," Beca said, holding up her hand. "It's just the three of us now, so you don't have to worry about infecting anyone."
"Oh, okay," Chloe said. "I'll be down in a few minutes. My mom texted, and I want to call her."
"Okay," Beca said. "Don't take too long."
"I won't," Chloe said.
Beca left Chloe alone, and Chloe picked up her phone. She found the contact she was looking for and pressed send.
"Hello?" a voice said on the other end of the phone.
"Hey, mom," Chloe said.
Beca entered the kitchen and asked if she could help.
"I've got everything under control," Sophie said. "You can get the bread and make some toast if you want."
"Sure," Beca said and got the bread. "I'll wait a bit until you're almost done before I make the toast."
Beca and her grandmother worked together to put together a breakfast of eggs, bacon, fried potatoes, and toast. When it was almost done, Bece went upstairs to get Chloe.
Beca was just about to open the bedroom door when she heard Chloe speaking loudly.
"I can't do that, Brey," Chloe could be heard saying. "She'll hate me for sure if I tell her that!"
Beca doesn't know what Aubrey was saying, but heard Chloe's voice respond, only in a much softer tone.
Beca moved away from the door, backing up to the stairs. She wondered if Chloe was talking about her. And, if so, what couldn't she tell Beca that would make her hate Chloe?
"Beca?" Grandmother Mitchell's called from downstairs.
"Be right down," Beca said and hurried back over to the bedroom door.
Beca gave a quick knock before opening it and poking her head inside. "Chloe?"
Chloe guiltily turned her head toward Beca.
"I'll call you back...mom," Chloe said hurriedly and ended the call. "What's up, Beca?"
"Um, breakfast is ready," Beca said.
"Thanks," Chloe said and walked over to the door.
Beca allowed Chloe to exit first and followed, wondering why Chloe didn't want her to know she was talking to Aubrey.
~~ Quarantine ~~
After breakfast, Beca and Chloe stayed downstairs with Sophie. Beca was glad that Chloe and her grandmother were too busy talking to notice she had pretty much checked out.
"Beca?" Sophie said, getting Beca's attention.
"I'm sorry," Beca said, shaking her head. "What?"
"Chloe has called your name like five times," Sophie said. "Are you okay?"
"Um, yeah," Beca said, not looking at Chloe. "I'm fine. Sorry."
"That's okay," Chloe said. "I was asking if you were hungry. Grandma M was thinking of making sandwiches."
"Oh, um, no thanks," Beca said. "I'm still full from breakfast."
"Okay," Sophie said. "I'll be back in a bit."
Beca and Chloe both watched as Sophie left them alone in the living room. Chloe turned to look at Beca.
"Did you want to watch TV or something?" Chloe asked.
Beca just looked at Chloe. Beca had to ask Chloe about what she overheard earlier. It was probably a mistake, but she couldn't keep the words from falling out of her mouth.
"Why did you pretend you were talking to your mom when I came to get you for breakfast earlier?"
"What?"
"I heard you talking to Aubrey before I knocked," Beca said. "But as soon as I opened the door, you said I'll have to call you back, mom, before ending the call."
"Beca, I-" Chloe said, stopping to clear her throat. "You must have misheard."
"No, I didn't," Beca said. "I heard you say I can't do that, Brey. She'll hate me for sure if I tell her that! Who were you talking about? Was it me? What can't you tell me?"
"That conversation was private," Chloe said. "And whatever was said is between Brey and me."
Beca's jaw clenched as her brain took in what Chloe said.
"Got it," Beca said, biting her lip and nodding her head. "It's a secret between you and your best friend. And we can't have you spilling a secret that's between you and your best friend now, can we?"
"Beca," Chloe said. "It's not-"
Beca stood and started walking away. "I'm going to see if Grandma needs any help."
Chloe let out a frustrated "Dammit!" as tears came to her eyes.
~~ Quarantine ~~
Later that night, Beca left Chloe in her room and went to sleep in the guest room. Chloe laid alone in bed, wiping tears as they fell down her face, pooling on the pillow beneath her head.
Beca wasn't faring any better in the guest room. She spent the entire night, tossing and turning, before finally falling asleep from sheer exhaustion.
Beca felt as if she had just fallen asleep when her grandmother came into the room.
"Imagine my surprise when I went to get you girls up and only found Chloe in your room," Sophie said, sitting on the side of the bed looking at Beca. "Want to talk about it?"
"No," Beca said, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. "I just want to go home. And I would, except I promised that I would stay with Chloe while she was quarantined, or whatever."
"What happened?" Sophie asked.
"I couldn't keep my big mouth shut," Beca said. "And now we're back to square one."
"It can't be that bad, Beca," Sophie said. "Talk to her. And listen when she talks. Communication is the key to any relationship, whether it's friends or something more."
"Talking is what got me to where I am now," Beca said.
Sophie knew how stubborn Beca could be, so she didn't say anything more about it.
"Well, you and Chloe need to get ready," Sophie said. "Chloe has her appointment at eleven, so we need to leave about ten-fifteen."
Beca glanced at the clock and saw that it was already after nine.
"I need to shower first," Beca said. "I'll be down in about half an hour."
"Okay," Sophie said, patting Beca's leg as she stood.
~~ Quarantine ~~
Sophie sighed as they waited for Dr. Robbins to come into the examination room. Since there was a chance Chloe had measles, precautions were taken, and she was immediately placed in the exam room.
Sophie was sitting in the only chair available. Beca was leaning against the wall, staring down at the floor. And Chloe was sitting on the exam table, nervously bouncing her leg up and down.
Chloe cleared her throat and scooted back a bit more on the table. Beca looked up and saw how nervous Chloe was.
"You okay, Chlo?" Beca asked.
"Um, yeah," Chloe said. "Just a bit nervous."
"I don't think you need to be," Sophie said with a soft smile. "You aren't exhibiting any of the symptoms, and you're getting the vaccine within 72 hours of being exposed. This is all precautionary."
"I know," Chloe said, her leg bouncing even faster.
"Do you remember when you cut your forehead?" Beca suddenly asked. "We were about seven, and your mom was watching me. We were playing tag in your yard."
"Yeah," Chloe said with a smile. "You pushed me, and I fell and hit that big stone my mom had around her garden."
"I did not push you," Beca said, mouth agape. "You tripped over your own two feet."
"That's not how I remember it," Chloe said, laughing.
"You have a terrible memory," Beca said. "Anyway, your mom drove us to the hospital, and you were scared, laying on that bed waiting for the nurse to come put the stitches in. I asked you if you wanted me to hold your hand so you wouldn't be so scared."
"I remember," Chloe said quietly.
Beca smiled and held out her hand. "It's all yours if you need it."
Chloe's eyes looked up at Beca, only to see concern and kindness. Chloe took Beca's hand and smiled at her.
"Thank you," Chloe said.
Sophie smiled as she watched Beca and Chloe. There was a light knock on the door.
"Come in," Chloe called out as Beca moved to the side, keeping Chloe's hand in hers.
"Chloe Beale?" the doctor asked as she entered.
"Yes," Chloe said.
"I'm Dr. Robbins," the doctor said. "I have a few questions to ask before you get the vaccine. Okay?"
Chloe nodded, and Dr. Robbins looked down at the clipboard in her hand.
"Okay," Dr. Robbins said. "Your vitals look good. You don't have a fever, which is great. Do you have a sore throat?"
"No," Chloe responded.
"Have you noticed a rash anywhere on your body?"
"No."
"May I check your back?"
"Okay," Chloe said and let go of Beca's hand so she could pull her shirt up.
"Good, good," Dr. Robbins said. "You may put your shirt down."
Chloe put her shirt down and immediately reached for Beca's hand. Beca let her take it and gave her a light squeeze.
"Open your mouth, please," Dr. Robbins.
Chloe opened her mouth, and the doctor used a small penlight to check for tiny white spots, which were a sign of measles.
"All clear," Dr. Robbins said, placing her penlight in her pocket.
Dr. Robbins picked up her clipboard and made some notes on the chart and set it to the side. She picked up a syringe and removed the safety tip from the needle.
"Are you ready?" Dr. Robbins asked.
Chloe nodded and tightly gripped Beca's hand. Dr. Robbins rubbed an alcohol swab over Chloe's arm and injected the vaccine.
Chloe winced, and it was over.
"That should do it," Dr. Robbins said, placing the syringe into the 'hazardous' receptacle. "You don't have measles and should be immune now. But I would highly recommend that you visit your primary doctor once you get home and get another injection within 28 days."
"Thank you, doctor," Chloe said.
"You're welcome," Dr. Robbins said. "Did you have any questions?"
Chloe shook her head, and Dr. Robbins told her she was free to go. She handed Chloe some papers and left the room.
"I don't know about you two," Sophie said as she stood. "But I could use some lunch."
"Sounds good to me," Beca said.
Sophie walked out, followed by Beca and Chloe, who were still holding hands.