CRASH
Beca Mitchell was riding high on life. After her grandmother died, Beca was able to see and talk to her. And, the most significant high was knowing that her grandmother finally got to see her perform with her acapella group, The Barden BAs. She was also getting closer to her ex-best friend Chloe. Then someone from Chloe's past comes back into Chloe's life. And, Beca's not sure how to feel about that.
{This picks up from Week 3's prompt "Afterlife."}
The Saturday afternoon following the State Championships, Beca, Stacie, and Fat Amy walked into their favorite diner for a quick lunch together.
"Oh, sorry," Beca said, when she jerked open the door, causing someone to stumble out.
"It's okay," a familiar voice said as she let go of the door and it closed behind her.
"Oh, hey, Aubrey," Beca said. "Sorry, I didn't see you coming out."
"No worries," Aubrey said. "I've been meaning to congratulate you on winning State. Chloe hasn't stopped talking about how great you guys were."
"Thanks," Stacie and Fat Amy said.
"It was a great night," Beca said. "Everyone stepped up and did everything exactly right."
"Chloe was just telling me," Aubrey said, throwing her thumb over her shoulder to point inside the diner. "Again."
"Chloe's here?" Beca asked, looking inside.
"Yeah, she's here," Aubrey said. "She's on the left by the window."
Beca looked where Aubrey said and furrowed her brows. Chloe was there, but so was some guy, and they were looking rather cozy.
"Who's that with her?" Beca asked.
"That's Crash," Aubrey said.
"Crash? Is that his name?" Beca scoffed.
"It's a nickname his friends gave him," Aubrey said.
"Who is he to Chloe?" Stacie asked.
"Ex-boyfriend," Aubrey said. "He and Chloe dated last summer for about two months."
Beca furrowed her brow and looked over at Chloe and Crash, leaning toward each other as they talked. Beca sighed and looked down at the floor.
"He's hot, but he doesn't look like Chloe's type," Fat Amy said.
"And what is Chloe's type?" Beca asked.
"You know, guys like Tom, or Chicago. The clean-cut sports jock type. He looks like the bad boy type. All broody and tattooed. What is it about him that attracts her?" Beca and Stacie looked at Fat Amy. "What? I'm just curious."
"He reminds her of-" Aubrey stopped, and she looked at the girls; the girls stared back at her.
"Reminds her of what?" Stacie asked.
"Not what, who," Aubrey said.
"Okay, he reminds her of who?" Stacie corrected.
"Um, let's just say he reminds her of someone she had a huge crush on and leave it at that," Aubrey said. Beca looked at Aubrey with a raised eyebrow. Aubrey shook her head. "She told me as her best friend, and I've already caused a lot of trouble spilling a secret I shouldn't have. I've learned my lesson and will leave it for Chloe to tell you if she wants to."
Aubrey faced Beca and looked her in the eye. "Speaking of spilling secrets. Beca, I haven't really apologized for outing you. And I want you to know that I am sorry I did, and I'm also sorry for all the pain it caused you. I know you said you forgave me, but I hope you can forgive Chloe, too."
"I already have," Beca said. "We're working on renewing our friendship, and we're okay. At least I think we are." Beca couldn't help but glance over at Chloe and Crash again.
"I'm glad," Aubrey said. "I know she missed you like crazy and hated that we were so mean to you."
"Yeah, well," Beca said. "I didn't make it easy for her or you to be nice to me."
"Can we start over, too?" Aubrey asked. "Chloe's my best friend, and we'll probably be seeing each other a lot. I'd like to hang out with you and Chloe sometime if you'll let me."
"I'm good with that," Beca said. Aubrey started to walk away, and Beca stopped her. "Um, do you want to join us? I don't think anyone would mind."
"Yeah, Aubrey," Stacie said. "Join us. It'll be fun."
"I appreciate the invitation, but I have to get home," Aubrey said. "Congratulations again on the win."
"Thanks," the three girls said and entered the diner.
Beca stopped just inside the door and stared over at Chloe sitting with her ex-boyfriend. Chloe looked up and waved them over when she saw them. The guy turned and looked at them over his shoulder. He turned back and said something to Chloe and started to get up; Chloe grabbed his hand and shook her head. Crash sat back down.
Beca followed Stacie and Fat Amy over to the table.
"Hey, guys," Chloe said. "Join me, I mean, us. This is my friend, Crash. Crash this is Stacie Conrad, Fat Amy, and Beca Mitchell. They're members of the Barden BAs I was just telling you about."
"It's nice to meet you, girls," Crash said. "Congratulations on winning the championship."
"Thanks," Stacie said. "It's nice meeting you, too."
"Where have you been hiding this sexy piece of man candy, Chloe?" Fat Amy asked, causing Beca to scoff.
Chloe looked at her, and Beca blushed. "He lives in Atlanta," Chloe said, watching Beca.
"Yeah," Crash said, looking at Chlo. "I consider Chloe the one that got away. She's something special."
Chloe blushed and looked down at the table. Beca took the opportunity to really look at Crash. He was cute, she guessed, and she knows she just met him, and she also knows she doesn't like him.
"So, what broke you two up?" Beca asked Crash. "Did you cheat on her?"
"Beca," Chloe admonished.
"It's okay, Chlo," Crash said quickly, covering Chloe's hand with his own. He turned to Beca. "No, I didn't cheat on her. I would never do that. Chloe broke up with me because she liked someone else. And as much as it pained me, I couldn't force her to be with me if she felt something for someone else. It's not my style."
"Hmmph," Beca said, causing Chloe to bite her lip to keep from laughing.
Chloe looked up to see Beca staring at her. Chloe smiled, and Beca looked away.
Chloe sat back and got lost in her thoughts, "Beca acts like she doesn't like Crash. But why wouldn't she like him? Is it because she's jealous that Crash and I dated? And, if she is jealous, does that mean she likes me?" Chloe smiled.
"Chloe," Stacie said, causing Chloe to look at her. "The waitress is waiting for you to order."
"Oh, sorry," Chloe said, shaking her head. "I was, uh, just thinking about what I wanted."
Chloe gave her order, and the waitress left the table.
~~ Crash ~~
"Where did you two meet?" Stacie asked. "I haven't seen you around Barden."
"Like Chloe said, I live in Atlanta," Crash said. "We met at a party there."
"Why are you in Barden now?" Fat Amy asked.
Beca tuned the conversation out and sat with her shoulders slumped, elbows on the table, frowning at her hands clasped together in front of her face. Chloe was smiling as she listened to Stacie and Fat Amy talk with Crash. She looked over to Beca, and her smile fell. Chloe reached across the table and took one of Beca's hands, pulling it away from her face.
"Hey, are you okay?" Chloe asked, her voice quiet so as not to bring attention to Beca being so quiet.
Beca pulled her hand away and sat up straight. She nodded, giving Chloe a half-smile. "I'm fine."
Chloe was a little hurt that Beca pulled her hand away, but let it go because she didn't want to cause a fuss and bring attention to Beca.
The group finished eating, and Beca, Chloe, Stacie, and Fat Amy stood to leave. Chloe had only gotten a few feet away when Crash called her name.
"Beca, can you wait for me?" Chloe asked. At Beca's nod, Chloe went back to where Crash stood to wait for her.
Beca looked back over her shoulder, her brows furrowed as she watched Chloe and Crash. She swallowed and faced forward when Chloe hugged Crash and kissed him on the cheek.
Beca watched the ground as she walked. Wondering why seeing Chloe with Crash bothered her so much. She nearly tripped over her own feet when Chloe was suddenly by her side, wrapping a hand around her arm.
"Careful there, Beca," Chloe said, tightening her grip to keep Beca from falling.
"So, uh, what did Crash want?" Beca asked.
"He asked me out," Chloe said. Beca stopped and looked back to find Crash watching them.
"What, um, what did you say?" Beca asked, turning her gaze back to Chloe.
"I told him no," Chloe said, pulling Beca to start walking again.
"Really?" Beca asked, surprised. "Why?"
"For the same reason, we broke up," Chloe said. "I still have feelings for someone else." Chloe smiled and stopped walking. "So, I was wondering if you could give me a ride home? My mom dropped me off, and Crash offered, but I think the ride home would be uncomfortable since I turned him down."
"Um, that makes sense," Beca said. "Sure, I can give you a ride."
"Thanks, Beca," Chloe said, kissing her cheek.
Beca blushed but couldn't help the dopey smile that was on her face.
~~ Crash ~~
At school the following Monday, the Barden BAs were enjoying lunch together when Aubrey came over to the table.
"Hey, Brey," Chloe said in greeting. "Care to join us?"
"Sure," Aubrey said, as Stacie moved over to give her space.
"Hey, Aubrey, we were talking about catching a movie on Friday night," Beca said. "If you're not busy, you're welcome to join us."
CR, Jessica, and Ashley all looked at Beca with raised eyebrows.
"Did you two bury the hatchet?" Jessica asked. "You know, since the incident?" Jessica used her fingers to make air quotes when she said the incident.
"Yeah," Beca said shrugging. "I'm over the incident, and we're going to be seeing each other a lot more since Chloe and I are friends again."
"In that case, Aubrey, you should come with us," Ashley said.
"I'm all for it," Chloe said, smiling.
"I'd love to go," Aubrey said. "Thanks, Beca."
Beca shrugged and bit into her sandwich.
"What are you going to see?" Aubrey asked.
"We haven't decided yet," Stacie said.
"I want to see a romantic comedy," Chloe said.
Beca sniggered and said, "Big surprise there, Beale."
Chloe slapped Beca's arm, saying, "Watch it, Mitchell. Or I'll find a horror movie for us to see."
The smile fell from Beca's face. "You wouldn't dare. You know I hate them."
"Try me," Chloe retorted.
"Don't like the scary stuff, Beca?" Ashley asked.
"No, I just don't like scary movies that are not scary," Beca said. "It's usually just a bunch of jump scares and stupid girls with big boobs bouncing around on the screen. I'd rather sit through a boring, predictable rom-com."
"With you being gay and all, I thought you'd like to watch the big boobs bouncing around on the screen," Fat Amy said, causing the other girls to laugh.
"I'm not saying that doesn't have its merits," Beca said with a grin. "But I know that as soon as those boobs go bouncing across the screen, she's dead."
"So, then what shall we go see?" Chloe asked.
"I don't see anything good worth seeing," Stacie said, looking at her phone. "Maybe we should get together at Beca's and watch movies on Netflix or something."
"Why my house?" Beca asked.
"You're the only one with a big-screen TV," Stacie said. "We could make it a sleepover."
"She's right, Beca," Chloe said. "Your house is the best choice. Plus, we used to have sleepovers all the time. It'll be like old times."
Beca sighed and looked around at all the expectant faces. "Fine. I'll ask my dad tonight."
"Yes!" Fat Amy yelled, gaining half the cafeteria's attention.
"It will just be for us, the Barden BAs," Beca said quickly. "And Aubrey. No one else, Amy."
"Why do you get to invite Aubrey, and we can't invite someone?" Fat Amy whined.
"Because one, it's my house," Beca said. "And two, we already invited her to the movies. It wouldn't be very nice to exclude her just because we changed where we're watching a movie."
"Thank you, Beca," Chloe said, smiling.
"Yes, thank you, Beca," Aubrey said.
~~ Crash ~~
After lunch, Beca and Stacie were walking to their next class together.
"You sure have changed your tune with Chloe and Aubrey," Stacie told Beca. "The way you guys sniped at each other all the time, I thought you'd be mad at them forever.'
"I got tired," Beca said. "Being mean to them was exhausting. Plus, I, um." Beca stopped and looked around before continuing. "I like Chloe."
"You mean as in like like?" Stacie asked.
"Yeah," Beca said. "But, you can't say anything to anyone, okay?"
"I won't," Stacie said. Stacie thought for a minute and then asked, "Did you like Chloe when you were in eighth grade, and she told Aubrey your secret?"
"Yeah," Beca said and looked to the ground. "She's the one who made me realize I liked girls."
"So, you've liked her all this time?" Stacie asked.
"Yes," Beca said. "I didn't realize how much until I saw her with that Crash guy."
"You were jealous," Stacie stated.
"Yes," Beca replied. "I didn't know why at first, but then it hit me that I still had feelings for her."
"Are you going to tell her?" Stacie asked.
"I don't know," Beca said. "I mean, we just became friends again, and I don't want to mess that up."
"You have to tell her," Stacie said. "I think you'll be surprised by her response."
"What? You think Chloe likes me?" Beca asked, shaking her head. "I don't think so."
"I think so," Stacie said. "I see the way she looks at you when you're not looking. It's a lot like how you look at her when you think she's not looking."
Beca stood there, staring at Stacie, but didn't say anything.
"I have to get to class," Stacie said as the bell rang. "Tell Chloe before she decides Crash is worth her time again."
Later that night, Beca received the okay to have the sleepover. She texted all the girls to let them know.
"Make me a list of snacks, and I'll pick them up when I go to the store on Thursday," Sheila told Beca.
"Okay," Beca said. "I'll ask the girls what they want. We'll also probably order pizza for delivery."
"I'll pay for it," Warren said. "My contribution for you girls winning the State Acapella Championship."
"Thanks, Dad," Beca said. "I'll let the girls know."
~~ Crash ~~
At lunch the next day, the conversation was on the sleepover. Emily joined the girls.
"I'm really excited about the sleepover," Emily said. "When did you decide to do that?"
"Yesterday at lunch," Beca said and looked around the table. "I need to give Sheila a list of snacks, so let me know what you want by the end of school on Wednesday. And my dad said he'd treat us to pizza."
"Wow!" Aubrey said. "That's very nice of him."
"We should each bring something," Stacie said. "I mean, your dad is letting us have it at your house, he shouldn't have to pay for all our food and snacks."
"He doesn't mind," Beca said. "He offered."
"How about we bring the snacks we like," Emily suggested. "Then all we'll need is pizza and drinks."
"That's a good idea," Chloe said. "What do you think, Beca?"
"That does sound like a good idea," Beca said. "Thanks, Emily."
"No problem," Emily said. "So, what time should we be at your house on Friday, and do we need to bring sleeping bags or something?"
"Everyone should be there around six," Beca said. "And bringing a sleeping bag isn't a bad idea. And pillows. We have some but probably not enough for everyone."
~~ Crash ~~
Chloe and Aubrey left the cafeteria together to walk to their next class.
"Beca's stepping up with this being friends again," Aubrey commented.
"Yeah," Chloe said. "It's nice to be a part of her world again."
"So, are you going to tell her you like her?"Aubrey asked.
"We're back to a good place," Chloe said, chewing her lip. "I don't want to do anything that will mess that up."
"She likes you," Aubrey said. "I don't think you'll mess anything up."
"I know she says she forgives me for breaking her confidence," Chloe said. "But I don't feel like she trusts me yet."
"Chloe, she left you in charge of her precious Barden BAs when she was in New York," Aubrey said. "She trusts you."
"But, what if I tell her and she doesn't feel the same way?" Chloe said. "I wish I could have been as brave as she was back in eighth grade. Then this wouldn't even be an issue."
"Chloe, I've seen the way she looks at you and acts around you," Aubrey said. "She likes you. You need to tell her before someone else comes along and snatches her up."
"Maybe I'll tell her at the sleepover," Chloe said.
"I think that would be a great idea," Aubrey said.
~~ Crash ~~
Friday was finally here, and the girls were settled in the basement, discussing what movie to watch. Chloe was sitting next to Beca, and Beca could sense some nervousness coming from her.
"Are you okay?" Beca asked, leaning her head toward Chloe, so only Chloe could hear her.
"Yeah, I'm, uh, I'm fine," Chloe said.
"Okay," Beca said and got quiet for a moment. "I was wondering if we could talk later. Just the two of us."
Chloe's head shot up, and she looked at Beca. "Um, sure," Chloe said. "Is everything okay?"
"Yeah," Beca said quickly. "Everything's fine."
"Okay," Chloe said and settled back to watch the movie.
Chloe became fidgety and finally whispered to Beca, "Can we talk now? I'm kind of scared of what you want to talk about."
A brief smile came to Beca's lips. "I'm kind of scared, too."
"What?" Chloe asked.
"I'm kind of scared to talk to you," Beca said. "Things could really change between us."
"That's it," Chloe said, grabbing Beca's hand and pulling her up. "We're talking now."
"Shhh," a few voices called out.
Chloe ignored everyone and pulled Beca upstairs and out the back door. Beca stopped and changed direction. She pulled Chloe over to the porch swing and sat; Chloe sat as well.
"Before I say anything else," Beca said, turning her head to look at Chloe. "I have a question."
"Okay," Chloe said. "Ask me."
"This person you have feelings for," Beca said. "Are they serious feelings?"
Chloe swallowed and said, "Yes, they are."
"That's what I was afraid of," Beca said and stood to walk away.
Chloe grabbed Beca's arm.
"That's it?" Chloe asked. "That's what you wanted to talk about?"
"Your answer made anything else I had to say pointless," Beca said.
"Why?" Chloe asked. "What else did you have to say?"
Beca let out a sigh and looked at Chloe. "If you had said that your feelings were just a crush and nothing serious, I was going to ask you if you might-" Beca lowered her head and her voice as she continued, "...want to go out with me."
"What was that?" Chloe asked, not sure she heard Beca right.
Beca let out a frustrated sigh. "I like you, and I was going to ask if you wanted to go out with me."
Chloe's eyes widened. "Yes."
"What?" Beca asked.
"Yes, I want to go out with you," Chloe said, smiling and taking Beca's hands in hers. "You're the one I have feelings for, Beca. I have for a while."
"Why didn't you ever say anything?" Beca asked.
"I realized that I liked you about the time you started hating me," Chloe said with tears in her eyes. "I don't blame you for that. I hated me, too."
"Come here," Beca said, pulling Chloe into a hug. Chloe wrapped her arms around Beca and laid her head on Beca's shoulder.
Beca and Chloe stood holding each other for a few minutes when they were startled by someone clearing their throat.
"Sorry," Aubrey said. "The girls wanted snacks."
Beca looked through the kitchen window to see the girls staring back at her with smiles on their faces. Stacie gave Beca a thumbs up. Beca laughed and looked at Chloe.
"We'll talk about that date later, okay?"
Chloe smiled and nodded. "Definitely."
Beca took Chloe's hand and led her back inside.
Sorry for leaving it here, but I don't know what the next prompt is going to be, so I had to leave it the end open to be able to continue the story. At least there is some light at the end of the tunnel for my favorite couple.